A Craven Diary

THEY say there is no such thing as a free lunch, but Age UK North Yorkshire argues the complete opposite! It is hosting a healthy eating event, in conjunction with Fisher Medical Centre, at Forage on Skipton High Street, on Monday, from 9.45am to 1pm. Tracey Crewdson, project manager with Age UK North Yorkshire, tells me: “We are one of six Age UK’s in the country to be funded by our national office to carry out work examining the cause and effect of isolation and loneliness amongst older people. "It is becoming commonly known that loneliness has adverse effects on physical and mental health and, as we know, as we get older, we are more likely to be affected due to the loss of partners, changing lifestyle after retirement, and less contact with growing families. Our new project looks at supporting clients holistically – helping them identify for themselves what would help them in moving forward. That could be joining social groups, starting up a new hobby or even a business, or simply having the opportunity to get out more easily for day-to-day things such as shopping. Age UK is working on providing a range of services to help people over 50 which, in addition to social events, includes help with benefit checks, benefit applications, and signposting to support agencies.” The event at Forage is sponsored by the Tempest Charitable Trust and includes a cookery demonstration to show how easy it is to create tasty meals that don’t cost the earth. There will also be a talk by Peter Marshall, pharmacist with Boots at the town’s Fisher Medical, about his work and the new developments in delivery of prescriptions. The event is free, but places are limited and must be booked in advance by contacting Tracey on 07436 260355.

CRAVEN jazz legend Clare Teal is very much in demand these days. As well as presenting a Sunday night show on BBC Radio 2, she will be in singing at Holy Trinity Church, Ripon, tomorrow, as part of the Ripon International Festival, and will be headlining at Glusburn Fallfest on Saturday. And, last month, she performed and compered at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. She has come a long way.The former South Craven School pupil spent the first 18 years of her life in Kildwick and developed a fascination for old music by playing dusty 78rpm records she found in the attic. These days, she is described as one of the most sought after singers and broadcasters in the country.

ALL the atmosphere from The Last Night of the Proms will be enjoyed in Burton-in-Lonsdale Village Hall on Saturday. The musical extravaganza will be screened live from the Royal Albert Hall from 7pm and guests are invited to “dress to impress”. There will be a “posh” Jacob’s Join supper and a wine raffle. Admission is free, but I am told that donations towards village hall funds would be much appreciated.

BARNOLDSWICK Library received an unexpected and sudden increase in popularity 50 years ago after a member of the public complained about one of the books on its shelves. The book, that the man cared not to identify, was obscene and although he did not wish to see it removed entirely, he thought it more appropriate to be put out of the reach of children and impressionable young adults. He himself had read 40 pages of the book before throwing it to one side in disgust. The Craven Herald’s own West Craven correspondent was tasked with reading the book which he described as having a misleading cover, which might lead some to believe it was about foreign stamps. He went on to say it might well cause “concern, shock and even offence” to many and contained vulgar expressions and the same four-letter words as featured in Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Further, it contained references to the Roman Catholic faith, and its title suggested it might have something to do with the war. A week after it was reported in the Craven Herald, people were actually queuing to get in to the library, which experienced an increase in borrowings from 10,900 in a month, to 15,000. The matter was further discussed at Barnoldswick Council, with one councillor reporting on his visit to the library, during which he had seen five or six "pornographic" books. Councillors agreed further investigation was needed.

HEBDEN Sports 50 years ago was not dissimilar to this year – the weather was far from what we expect at this time of the year. In September, 1965, around 50 people turned out on a cold, blustery day for the 56th annual event, held in Powder House Field. And it was the “witty quips and commanding voice” of compere Jack Wilson, who kept the shivering crowd alive, reported the Craven Herald. Back then, entertainment included quoits, skittles and “throwing a ball in a bucket”, and a greasy pole game, involving two youngsters trying their best to knock the other off with a sack while sitting astride a greased pole. Winner of the fell race, for the fourth year running, was Norman Beck, of Skipton.

STAR and planet gazers are invited to enjoy a “Star Party” in Lothersdale on Wednesday. The event will be hosted by Raygill Lakes at 1 Raygill Cottage, starting at 7pm. It is being held in conjunction with Keighley Astronomical Society. There will be plenty of telescopes available for people who do not have their own, along with information on the best types of telescopes to buy. The event will also include colouring fun for youngsters, a presentation on the night sky as well as teas, coffees, burgers and other treats on offer from the cafe. For more details, call 07976 632989 or visit the Keighley Astronomical Society Facebook page.

MARIE Curie is looking for new volunteers to join its Skipton and District Fundraising Group and help to raise vital funds for nursing services in the area. Theresa Powell, chairman of the group, tells me: “We are looking from people from all walks of life who can volunteer their time to be in the group. "We urgently need more members to help us raise not only funds but also the profile of the charity in this area. Last year Marie Curie nurses provided 459 hours of care to patients in their own homes across the Craven district. "Every £20 raised covers an hour’s nursing care and people can volunteer to help in lots of ways. "As a member of the group, you could help us organise an event or look after some of the collecting tins in shops and pubs, help count money, do press releases, collect at supermarkets – the list is endless! On top of all that, it’s a great way to meet people and make new friends like I’ve done since taking on the role of chair for the group. We’d love people to come along, have a cuppa and find out more about what we do.” The next meeting of the group is on Wednesday, September 30, at 6.30pm at Dyneley House Barn on Newmarket Street, Skipton.