DEAR me - different times indeed - 50 years ago, an advert appeared in the Craven Herald inviting topless girls, and boys, to a Christmas Eve party in Skipton. The ‘Topless Party’ was to be held at The Clifford Hall of the Black Horse Hotel and was to feature the ‘star group’ Terra-Nova. Girls, who turned up topless were to be allowed in for free, while any lads who turned up topless went in half-price.

However, not everything went to plan as the paper reported in early January. The licensee of the Black Horse at the time, a Bob Robinson, objected and the organiser, John Bennett, had to drop the idea.

The Herald reported that the party went down very well and that the teenagers who attended ‘no doubt had an enjoyable time’. Dancing was to ‘the latest records’, party hats and balloons were passed round and ‘free records and other gifts were handed out.’

The Herald added: “We have heard that one young man did arrive topless, and was, as promised, allowed in at half price. Obviously, he had not heard that the idea had been abandoned.”

On Boxing night, Mr Bennett organised a further dance, this time when dancing was to the music of The Magooos, stars of the BBC’s Radio One Club.

JUST before the country was put into the third national coronavirus lockdown, the BBC started its series of ‘Winter Walks’, and what an interesting diversion it has turned out to be - especially as some of the walks are in our area.

So, very nice to look at, even though, unless we are very close by, we can’t actually drive there for now.

The series was filmed mostly pre-lockdown by the presenters themselves using hand-held 360 degree cameras, so we get an all round, intimate view of each of the walks, along with some stunning aerial images.

The presenters include Reverend Richard Coles, Selina Scott, Lemn Sissay, Simon Armitage and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi.

Meeting locals and fellow walkers along the way, they each discover breathtaking views and forgotten histories, and offer personal insights on how they see the world around them, says the programme makers.

The aim is for audiences to ‘relax and unwind’ with the walks that offer ‘unique perspectives’ on majestic landscapes.

Broadcaster and author Selina Scott took us on a six mile walk from Thorpe to Appletreewick, a lot of it along the banks of the River Wharfe. Along the way, she chatted to a fisherman - and smelt his hands, spoke to a resident of the Fountaine Hospital almshouse at Linton, crossed over the Hebden Suspension Bridge and finished off at the Craven Arms at Appletreewick where the regulars gently teased her about ferret racing.

Really interesting was writer, poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay who walked through Dentdale. Starting high up on moorlands above Dent, he walked along old drovers’ roads, met a collector of tractors and a bagpiper, who worked at Sedbergh School.

After a challenging climb to England’s highest mainline train station, Dent, Lemn reflected that he must find time to walk and explore the countryside more.

And Baroness Sayeeda Warsi takes time out from political life to seek peace and calm in the Dales.

On her ramble through Wharfedale, the former government minister meets villagers in Kettlewell, a farmer prepping for lambing and a long-distance fell runner.

Sayeeda discovers an otherworldly hidden landscape. Filming herself and everything around her on a 360-degree camera, she wanders through beautiful countryside and finds inspiration along the way.

Aisling O’Connor, Head of TV Commissioning for BBC England said: “I’m very proud of Winter Walks. It showcases the fabulous landscape of the North of England and was ahead of its time, before everyone was out walking for their mental health and well-being. We need a series like this now, more than ever.

“They are perfect programmes to sit back, relax and unwind to. The crunch of the leaves underfoot, the sound of bird call and the contemplation of the presenters allows viewers to experience the outdoors in the comfort of their own homes. We are bringing glorious nature right into your front room.”

Watch Winter Walks on catch up on the BBC iPlayer.

IF like me you’ve been going through your drawers having a bit of a clear out and now have sacks of stuff with nowhere to put it all - fear not, the charity The British Heart Foundation has set up a system where people can send all their stuff through the post.

The charity - along with so many others - has closed its shops temporarily because of the coronavirus restrictions, resulting in a massive drop of income.

It is now however appealing to people to send unwanted items - including all those Christmas gifts you don’t want - through the post. All you have to do is go on its website, print off a free post label and take it to a collection point.

Allison Swaine Hughes, Retail Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “If you’re feeling charitable and want to declutter post-Christmas, you can regift any unwanted presents to the BHF and help support our vital work. By donating to us you will also help prevent quality items from going to waste and free up space around the house.”

To post your items head to: www.bhf.org.uk/postyourdonations

A FEW months ago, I was lucky enough to be invited along to a day learning about the fascinating geology of Ingleborough. It was based around Ingleborough Cave, and was indeed very interesting. Hot on the heels of that, a late Christmas present arrived this week - bought by husband and thought to have been lost in the post.

Fans of the hilarious Father Ted and the ‘small and far away’ scene where Ted explains perspective to Dougal, with a couple of plastic cows will understand. What was thought to be a small geology hammer, for me to carry around in my rucksack on walks out; turned out to be 13ins long, and looking to all intents and purposes, like the kind of weapon a Viking might carry on a raid.