DOG lovers and fans of social media, will be wanting to follow the latest additions to the Craven Herald team. English Pointer, Bo, and whippet, Jet, are often pictured enjoying one of the featured walks in the paper. And following encouragement from some readers, they now have their own Twitter account Bo&Jet@walkscr

MANY of us will have spent last weekend keeping a count of the birds that appeared in our gardens as part of the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch. A colleague tells me in addition to the more mundane, sparrows, starlings, blackbirds and varieties of tits that she noted down, she was also able to include a barn owl. Although the owl was not strictly in her garden, it has become a regular visitor to a field just over the road where she lives. Most days, just before dusk, it appears, sweeping low over the field in the search of food. The barn owl has a surprisingly large wingspan, of more than three feet and its cream colouring makes it a fascinating sight.

SATURDAY is National Libraries Day - a perfect opportunity to highlight the library service and share the love of reading. North Yorkshire Libraries pride themselves on their strong community spirit and are keen to showcase what’s on offer. Everyone who visits one of its libraries in the lead-up to Saturday will be entered into a free prize draw to win a library hamper! There will be a draw at each participating library and existing members can also take part. Visitors are also being encouraged to take a "shelfie" photo in front of a library shelf, replacing their face with the character on a book cover or copy a pose from the book front. County Councillor Chris Metcalfe tells us: “People come to borrow books, of course, and we love recommending new titles to readers young and old. But there is so much more we do and National Libraries Day gives us a chance to shout about those services too! We are looking forward to meeting new friends and old as we launch our library membership drive. I love the shelfie idea as we’re always looking for ways to attract new audiences."

CHARITY Meningitis Now is challenging local individuals and groups to test their strength, stamina and determination and get muddy for a good cause. It has secured a number of places at Tough Mudder events across the country - including the one at Broughton in August - for those willing to take on the challenge. And those booking before February 15 will have their entry fee halved to just £25. "This is your chance to support the lifesaving and life-changing work of Meningitis Now in a fun-filled environment,” said the charity’s event organiser Rachel Oakley. “Whether you’re an individual, company or a sports club looking for a team-building opportunity, or a group of determined mums taking on a new challenge, this is the event for you.” Tough Mudder is an obstacle course designed to test physical strength and mental grit. For more information or to sign up, email Rachel on rachelo@meningitisnow.org, call 01453 769024 or visit the website at meningitisnow.org

THIS year, Skipton's Rendezvous Hotel is doing things differently for Mother’s Day! It thinks recognition should be given to grandmas so those who go along to the Mother’s Day Family Celebration Lunch on Sunday, March 6, will eat for free. The lunch will be served in the Baby Swan and canalside Conservatory restaurant between noon and 3pm and for the rest of the family, the cost is £20 for three courses and £17 for two courses, with children under 12 eating for half price. There will be live entertainment throughout the afternoon. For more details or to book a table, call Lindsay Mueller on 01756 700100.

YOUNG people today will hardly believe it and even "old'ns" will blink with incredulity. But it is true - not long ago, women were barred from some organisations just because of their gender. It was the case until 1986, just 30 years ago, at the The Royal British Legion Club in Newmarket Street, now the White Rose Club. Women were allowed through the hallowed main entrance just once a year - and that was only to buy the auctioned produce of the annual flower and vegetable show. It had been a men-only club until the 1970s when the rule was relaxed for this one event. Actually, it wasn't that strange and women - and men - had been campaigning nationally to get the arcane rules scrapped. To accommodate the influx of women members, the snooker room with two full size tables, was refurbished to create a lounge and one of the tables was given to the rest centre in Swadford Street. Sadly, the White Rose Club, first established almost 100 years ago as Skipton National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers Club Ltd, has recently closed a victim of rising overheads and wages.

WONDER how many people on their way to see Janet's Foss, Malham, have paused to press some money into this log? The tree is no longer upright, and is in two parts on the side of the woodland footpath leading to the waterfall.

BUSINESSMAN Sir Gary Verity has launched a search for Yorkshire Warriors – soldiers from God's Own County who have proudly served their country. The sheep farmer, who brought the Tour de France to the county, is leading a hunt for British Army veterans from across the region. Sir Gary is one of the patrons of The Yorkshire Regiment Association (YRA) – a newly formed organisation which hopes to bring hundreds of ex-servicemen together. He tells me: “The military, and especially The Yorkshire Regiment, play an important role in communities across the county. The launch of The Yorkshire Regiment Association will only strengthen these ties.” The regiment has a 300-year heritage – with roots going back to the North American wars and the Battle of Waterloo - and has existed in its current form since 2006. Now the regiment – which also holds the Freedom of Craven - wants to reconnect with its veterans to form an all-inclusive, regimental association. The Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Graham Binns, said: “It is right and fitting that as we approach our tenth anniversary, we take the opportunity to reconnect with all our veterans. We want to make sure that they can meet up and understand that their personal service in the regiment means something and has not been forgotten.”