IT'S true to say that everyone in Langcliffe knows Dick Middleton (pictured) who was born in the village just more than 90 years ago.

Dick, who was a caretaker at Langcliffe Village Institute and lived in the Institute house for 44 years, was hoping to get 90 cards to mark his recent big birthday. In fact, the Herald's Langcliffe correspondent Helen Jarvis tells me, the number of cards significantly exceeded that figure! Much of the village turned out for Dick's party at - where else? - the Institute and much enjoyment was had by all. Helen says: "There was a glorious party, organised by Shirley and James, attended by family and friends from Langcliffe and beyond. Barbara, also 90, a childhood friend, celebrated with Dick. Dick hoped to get 90 cards on his 90th birthday and this number was exceeded, much to his delight. Rather than bringing presents people donated to a fund to buy something for the Institute’s snooker room in Dick’s name. A fabulous £435 was raised."

A fitting tribute indeed to a village stalwart. Many happy returns Dick!

OVER in Settle, Charles Tyrer, of Settle Stories, tells me he is keen to find out about a whale that apparently visited the town after the war. As part of the seventh Settle Stories festival in April, a 50ft inflatable whale (pictured) will be brought into the Market Place. Festival goers will be able to enter the belly of the whale, where the Circo Rum Ba Ba Theatre Company will give free 30-minute shows. Charles tells me he has now been contacted by a man who was born in Settle. "He'd seen that we're bringing a 50ft inflatable whale to the Market Place and wanted to tell me that just after the war he remembers a real-life whale in the marketplace - 'an astonishing sight for children of the dales'. I've contacted the Museum of North Craven Life at The Folly to see if they know any more or have any pictures, " he says, but wonders if anyone else can recall the whale, and ideally, who might have a picture. Charles tells me he has discovered that a whale called Jonah did in fact tour the North of the country in the 1950s. The 70 ton Finback whale was one of three caught near Norway. It was preserved in formaldehyde and placed in a custom-built refrigerated 76ft long lorry before touring around the country. Apparently, it smelt awful. Anyone able to help with their own memories, can contact Charles by email at charles@settlestories.org.uk. Tickets for the festival are available online at: settlestories.org.uk, which includes heavily discounted gold, silver and bronze ticket deals.

ITS not long now before the Tour de Yorkshire cycle races once again visit our area - and Skipton MP Julian Smith has met with the chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, Sir Gary Verity (pictured) to discuss progress. "I was delighted to be able to meet up with Gary Verity," said Mr Smith. " He has played and continues to play a vital role in ensuring our region gets the recognition it deserves. I very much look forward to welcoming the Tour de Yorkshire to the Skipton and Ripon area again."

MEANWHILE, Welcome to Yorkshire is looking for 'tour makers' to help make the event run smoothly when it takes place, from May 3 to May 6. Tour makers (pictured) are needed to line the entire route, providing a warm welcome to the millions of cycling fans expected to turn up. They also offer a point of contact for people wanting logistical information and ensure the event passes off as smoothly and safely as possible. And with the men’s race being expanded from three stages to four, and the women’s race doubling in size from one day to two, organisers have no less than 1,800 spaces up for grabs. If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a Tour Maker, you will need to register your interest at letouryorkshire.com/tourmakers before Friday February 23. Details will then be provided on the five training sessions being held across the county. Sessions give Tour Makers all the information they need about the event, tutoring on their specific roles, and an introduction to crowd management. Official Tour Maker uniforms will also be provided at all sessions.

I AM delighted to say that my colleague, Victoria, has managed to find a new home for a lovely little cat she took in, but was unable to keep hold of, because of her own two cats. Teddy (pictured in his new home) has now landed on his feet - quite literally, after we ran an appeal looking for a new 'forever home' for him. Victoria tells me his new owner, from Silsden, adores him, and he has settled in wonderfully - as we can see from the picture.

THERE was general approval at a meeting of Craven District Council to discuss the setting of the budget, when the leader, Cllr Richard Foster, congratulated all the officers for balancing the books, and summed up with the words: "Craven is not going down the swanny just yet'. Very frankly put.

THE same meeting heard Ingleton councillor, David Ireton, comment about all the rubbish along the verges on either side of the A65 between Coniston Cold and Gargrave, describing their state as 'quite appalling'. Something ought to be done now, he pointed out, before the grass started growing, and the rubbish disappeared into the undergrowth. He was reassured that clearing of the verges would take place shortly.