A Craven Diary

THERE are good, decent and honest folk in Skipton and houseboat-dweller Phil Critchley still has his wallet to prove it. Phil had walked into the town centre from his boat, moored near the canal basin, on Tuesday when he realised the wallet had fallen out of his jacket pocket. He immediately set off for the Halifax’s High Street branch to cancel his cards, but decided to retrace his steps first on the off-chance he would find it. Phil, who has lived in Skipton for three years, said: “I got to about 50 yards from my boat on the towpath when I saw my wallet lodged in a fence – someone had clearly put it where I would be able to see it. There was only a fiver in it, but that was still there, along with all my cards. It shows there are some thoroughly nice people around. Obviously, I have no idea who found it but I’d like to give my heartfelt thanks to whoever it was – it was a lovely thing to do.”

BETS are on that there will be plenty of fun at Skipton Craven Rotary Club’s third charity fundraising race night on Saturday, September 26. The refectory at the town’s Ermysted Grammar School will host the Prix de l’Arc de Skipton. Previous events raised more than £5,000 and this year’s proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support and Rotary charities. Luc Daguzan from Skipton’s Les Bistro des Amis will provide catering and Wharfedale Brewery will run a bars. And I wager there is no better way to spend an evening. Tickets are £5 per person or £40 for a table for eight in the Grandstand, with the first race at 7.30pm. Dress is definitely French, with a prize for the best turned-out filly. For more information and tickets, contact Bob Marchant on 01729 830301.

WITH the summer holidays in full swing, many children across Craven are spending more time in the kitchen. But whether they’re lending a hand or simply seeking a snack, it’s important to make sure that they know the hazards of a hot hob. So as part of the Fire Kills campaign, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking parents and carers to make any kitchen activities a chance for kids to learn this summer. Group manager Peter Hudson, from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “From bake-offs to barbecues, There are lots of creative ways to teach kids about cooking fire safety this summer. And, it’s absolutely vital that they know what to do if the worst should happen. So alongside the melting, mixing and making, why not take the chance to pass on your fire safety knowhow? Test your smoke alarm as part of the activity. And remember, never leave a child alone with a hot hob, and help keep them safe by moving matches and saucepan handles out of their reach.” For more information on fire safety, please visit www.facebook.com/firekills.

THE charity WaterAid is working hard to ensure that by 2030, everyone, everywhere will have access to safe water, sanitation and lifesaving hygiene education. And the folk of Carleton have been doing their bit. Earlier this month, a fundraising event was held at the home of Sue Wrathmell, featuring strawberries and cream and homemade biscuits. WaterAid films were also screened, which prompted interesting discussions, and total of £200 was donated to the charity.

NEW volunteers are needed to help staff the visitor centre at Ribblehead on the famous Settle-Carlisle railway line. I’m told you do not need to be a train enthusiast to apply – although an overall knowledge of the Three Peaks area and the scenic railway would be helpful. If you are interested, email derekwalpole@btinternet.com.

THERE'S no doubt there’s always something interesting to see at agricultural shows – and a great opportunity to be initiated into a whole new world. My colleague, who covered Gargrave Show at the weekend, tells me she is always fascinated by the poultry tent and will spend some time going up and down the pens studying all the different types of bantams, hens and ducks. Then there’s the rows and rows of eggs, some decoratively placed on soft hay, and others fancily decorated, she tells me she spent some time looking at a particularly attractive egg, wondering what sort of beautiful hen could have produced such a thing of art, when she noticed the label saying ‘decorated eggs’. Over in the showjumping section, an impromptu dog agility class proved a great hit. With a bit of time on their hands between classes, organisers decided to make use of the show jumps and let the dogs have a go – it was so popular, it might be wise to bring it back again next year.

HERE'S a chance not to be missed – a wire sculpting course. It will take place at Manor House, Linton, tomorrow from 10am to 4pm. The course costs £50 and includes all materials and refreshments. To book, call 07770 727301.

A COLLEAGUE has had a bad couple of weeks on the roads. A couple of weeks ago, on her way back from a damp camping holiday in North Devon, her van must have been the slowest vehicle on the motorway, after she was overtaken by first one half of a substantial build it yourself home, and a short while later, by the other half. By all accounts, this was no run-of-the-mill static, but a luxury mock Tudor construction, complete with overhanging eaves, and taking up two lanes of the motorway. Then, last weekend, on her way to Clitheroe, a hearse pulled out in front of her along the busy A59, causing her to brake sharply. And, as she watched the hearse speed away, the accompanying stretch limo sped past her, keen to catch up with the hearse, which by then was in the process of overtaking another no doubt startled driver.

LANCASHIRE Police have come up with a novel way to help youngsters who have been involved road crashes either as a passenger or pedestrian. The young victims will be given trauma teddies to help them cope. PC Simon Grounds tells me: “It is particularly distressing when we see young children involved in road collisions. We find that children are often extremely scared and overwhelmed and don’t always understand what is happening. A collision can be a traumatic and life changing experience for anyone – let alone children. These teddy bears can help both comfort and calm children.” The 350 teddies were funded by the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety.