A Craven Diary

OUR neighbours in the Ribble Valley are the second happiest in the country, it was revealed last week. Cllr Stuart Hirst, leader of the Ribble Valley Borough Council, was not surprised in the least. “These figures confirm what we already know, that Ribble Valley is a happy and safe place in which to live and work,” he said. “Although only a small rural authority, the council has an excellent record of success, enjoying a level of customer satisfaction that is the envy of neighbouring authorities, as well as healthy reserves and one of the lowest council tax rates in the country.” And he continued: “We are delighted with these figures and might have been first had it not been for the weather.” According to official statistics, Ribble Valley is the safest place in Lancashire and one of the safest in the UK, with around 28 crimes recorded annually for every 1,000 residents, which is significantly below the national average and the lowest in Lancashire. The borough is also one of the UK’s premier food destinations, a popular wedding destination and recently hosted Stage Two of the Aviva Tour of Britain, one of the country’s biggest sporting events. It is also often featured in our Daleslife walks section.

A BIG tidy up is due to get under way at the beautiful St Alkelda’s Church, Giggleswick, next Saturday, October 10. And the parish church is urging as many volunteers as possible to go along from 10am, armed with shears, secateurs, strimmers, rakes, scythes, sickles and other useful tools. The community gardening group hopes to develop parts of the grounds into wild flower areas by sowing seeds, but first the areas need to be cleared and long grass removed. It goes without saying that health and safety will be paramount and that young children should be closely supervised.

ORGANISERS of the Skipton Charities Gala have launched a search for deserving community groups and projects in the town. It is looking for potential beneficiaries from this year’s successful event, which had a Magna Carta theme. Applications for the funds should be emailed to secretary@skiptongala.org.uk, but, you had better be quick as the deadline is Monday.

IT'S not often an exhibition can be fitted into three suitcases, but I am told that was the case (excuse the pun) when the Folly at Settle put together its latest show. Textil/Juvel: Comtemporary Craft reveals of the rich craft heritage of West Sweden and showcases the work of seven leading makers of textiles and jewellery. And, all the pieces arrived in three suitcases, with the exhibition’s co-curator Katarina Karlsson. “It was a master class in packing,” said Folly administrator Glen Preston. “Katarina was delighted with the Folly as an exhibition space, a 21st century art exhibition in a 17th century building.” The exhibition, which has been described as stunning and thought-provoking, runs until November 1.

LAST month, the kind people of Yorkshire and the Humber donated more than 50,000 bags of unwanted stuff to their local British Heart Foundation (BHF) shop as part of the Bag It, Beat It campaign. Every bag donated will help fund life-saving heart research, helping more than seven million people continue the fight against heart disease. Samantha Mulgrew BHF area manager, tells me: “We’re so grateful to everyone in Yorkshire and the Humber who has donated so far. People often don’t realise that the books, shoes or dress they donate to or buy from their local BHF shop actually raises vital funds and helps pay for life saving research. Every week around 2,000 families lose a loved one to heart disease, but with continued support from local people, the BHF can fight harder to reduce this figure.” For more information, visit bhf.org.uk/bagit.

AUSTWICK has come up with its own answer to Downton Abbey, a sumptuous afternoon tea that would rival that of any stately home. There will be proper china, embroidered linen tablecloths, waitress service and a delicious spread, including delicate sandwiches, savoury puff pastries, bite-sized asparagus flan, mini meringues, black forest gâteau, apricot tartlet, mini Victoria sponge, pots of tea or coffee and the option of a glass of Prosecco. The only thing missing will be butler Mr Carson. Guests are invited to wear afternoon tea dresses, with hat and gloves, but the organisers say that walking boots and cagoules will be equally welcome. The event will take place at the parish hall on Saturday from 3.30pm to 6pm and all proceeds will go to towards the hall’s upkeep. Tickets cost £7.50 and are available from the Village Shop, or by phone from Sue Sharples on 015242 51375, Sue Dewhirst on 015242 51190 and Jo Wilson on 015242 51108.

VISITOR Gill Cowton from Grasmere never expected to see her purse again after she lost it on a trip through Ingleton. But, thanks to the investigative energy of Paul Tribeck, from Ingleton Youth Hostel, she has been reunited with her purse, near her home town. Paul checked through the purse for any personal details and got in touch with Gill’s hairdressers using her appointment card. She was able to collect the purse, intact, from Elterwater Hostel in Langdale, where Paul’s partner Charlie works. Gill says that after losing her purse she and her husband, Jeff, contacted local businesses and they were amazed by people’s helpfulness. “The kindness of local people in Ingleton has restored our faith in human nature,” added Jeff.

A CARE trust is urging people to get on board and give their views on its services. Staff from Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust are touring the area in a distinctive campervan. People are invited to have their say through an on-board video diary. Tracey Corner, the trust’s patient experience lead, tells me: “We know that people are very passionate about their local health services and they can really help us improve our provision for them and for others in the future. By listening to what people have to say we will get a better understanding of whether our services are meeting needs. We want people to feel that we put them at the centre of their care.” It will be at the Airedale Centre for Mental Health, in the grounds of Steeton’s Airedale Hospital, between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, on October 15.

THE newly-refurbished nave at St Andrew's, Kildwick, is expected to be brought back into use at the church's harvest festival next Sunday, October 11. The work has been carried out by Enoch Harrison & Sons Ltd, of Cononley, and has taken four weeks to complete. The service will start at 10am and will be followed by the auction of produce. Proceeds will go to Water Aid.