Neighbourhood news from around Craven

Church news: On Sunday, Holy Communion will be celebrated at Austwick at 9.30am and there will be an Evensong at Eldroth at 7pm. On Wednesday, there will be a Holy Communion for Ash Wednesday at Austwick Church at 10.30am followed, at 7.30pm, by a Holy Communion at Eldroth Church.

Village Show: Austwick Village Show will be held on Saturday, August 1. A full schedule will be available in June /July but to get you thinking, themes for some classes have already been chosen. For the artist photographic class, there will be a single photograph depicting movement, the painting class has a seaside theme and the drawing class is “an interior”. There will also be an opportunity to enter photos, drawings and paintings on subjects of your own choice. For the crafters, there will be a bag, box or bowl, an item of décor and an item of felt work which can include embellishment.

Barnoldswick Rotary Club: How the sponsored became a sponsor was told to Barnoldswick and Earby Rotarians and guests. The club had contributed towards volunteer Sophie Greenwood’s five-week trip to assist in school work in Uganda last summer. Third-year college student Sophie, of Barnoldswick, was among 40 volunteers, and one result was that she decided to sponsor the education of Ugandan girl Linnet for £100 a year. She chose hygiene for her first lesson in classes, which could have up to 30 children of varying ages up to 16. She told of the poverty in the country where people lived on one dollar a day. In getting-to-know-you activities, Sophie took part in water rafting, a terrifying bungee jump and weekend trips including viewing “amazing” animals and getting close to a family of gorillas. The visit left her feeling more independent and appreciative of a different culture and gave her something to reflect on for the rest of her life.

Probus Club: Fifty Probus members were entertained by Gordon and Anne Sharp from Spellbound. They showed three short films. The first was of Wensleydale, which started in Hawes and also took in Bainbridge, Keld and Hardraw where Andrea Hungerford gave a fine art demonstration. The second film was of a cruise from Southampton to Stavanger in Norway on board the Oceania. It included a sail up the fjords, with terrific views of steep snow-covered mountains. The final film was of the two Lancaster planes flying over the local area to commemorate Sir Winston Churchill. John Dodd closed the meeting by asking the members to show their appreciation to Gordon and Anne for an excellent show.

Bolton Abbey Priory Church: The services on Sunday are 8am Communion (said), 10.30am Sung Eucharist and 4.30pm Evening Prayer. Each Wednesday, there is a communion service at 10am. All services are BCP. Ash Wednesday is next week and there will be Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes at the Priory at 10am and 7pm.

Concert series: The concert series schedule is now available. If you would like one, please ring 01756 710586.

Bradley Liz Zieboll, 01535 636369 School news: The school is asking for donations of books in good condition. The children will be designing a bookplate for the inside of each book saying who donated it, as a way of saying thank you. The school is collecting Active Kids vouchers, which can be placed in the box in the entrance hall by the playground. Classes four and five were joint winners of Walk to School last week, with 92 per cent of pupils either walking or parking and striding to school. There will be a Friends/Parents meeting on Tuesday, February 24, from 6pm to 7.30pm - please come along and find out how you can get involved in supporting the school.

Burnsall Ed Williams, 01756 720335 Challenge final: The final of the Inter Village University Challenge 2015 took place on Friday in the Red Lion. A large audience watched a thrilling encounter which was dominated by Burnsall. Their captain, Robert Stockdale, was in outstanding form and with contributions from the other team members, Burnsall proved too strong for a highly rated team from Skyreholme. This victory completes a hat trick of wins for Burnsall. Although no proper records are kept, it is thought the winning score of 335 could be a record. Skyreholme to their credit scored a respectable 140.

Burton-in-Lonsdale Jean Thornber, 015242 63033 Parish council: North Yorkshire County Council has informed the parish council it will be conducting a public consultation starting on April 1, concerning its street lighting energy reduction programme. This will be for the street lights on Brooklands, Greta Heath and Manor Close. The remaining lights in the village are run by the parish council and are not included in this consultation. The meeting was informed that the central government grant to North Yorkshire County Council has been cut by £21 million for the financial year 2015-16; this will, without doubt, impact on front-line service provision. The meeting heard residents’ comments about the recently felled Corsican pine on the Riverside Land. The council explained a report had been received in August 2014, confirming the tree was dying from the top downward and was likely to shed branches without warning. In view of its location, the council regretfully decided to have the tree felled in the interests of public safety. Further recommended tree work is to be reviewed. The next parish council meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 26, in the village hall.

Clapham Rory-Joe Daniels, 015242 51135 Coffee morning: The coffee morning advertised for February 19 at Clapham Village Hall was written in error, and the event will not be taking place. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Valentine’s party: Don’t forget the Miss out the Middle Course Party at Clapham Village Hall on Saturday - Valentine’s Day. Starting at 7.30pm, the evening will consist of starters, puddings and Valentine-themed fun. The event is a Jacob’s Join so please let Sue Mann know if you can donate a starter or pudding on Clapham 51792. Please bring your own drinks and glasses. Tickets are available from Sue or Liz Mason on Clapham 51319.

Clapham Shop: Clapham Shop is on course to reopen this spring as a community-owned business. Much work has been going on over the past few months inside the building, recruiting paid staff and volunteers, applying for a Post Office and alcohol licences, along with setting up suppliers and orders. Interviews for the shop manager post took place on January 31 and a successful meeting for people interested in volunteering with the shop had an attendance of 40 people. As a result, a code of conduct is being drawn up for the shop. Planning permission for a new shop front has been obtained and the main changes are that each of the large single panes have been replaced by six smaller ones and the original double doors which had been discovered in the attic are to be reinstated. A decision on the Post Office licence is still awaited but if accepted it is likely to be several weeks after the shop opens before the Post Office installs its equipment and trains the staff and volunteers. It is then hoped to provide Post Office services whenever the shop is open. Initial opening hours are likely to be from 8am to 5pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8am to 1pm on Tuesdays and 8am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. This will, of course, depend on the level of volunteer support.

Church news: The next parish walk will take place next Saturday, February 21, and will be led by the vicar, Ian Greenhalgh. Meet outside Austwick Church at 9.30am and all are welcome. Anyone interested in being confirmed should speak to the vicar, as a confirmation service will be held in Clapham Church on Sunday, April 12. St James’ Church is beginning to look more like its usual self as the corrugated iron and scaffolding begin to come down. The work has taken longer than originally anticipated, with unexpected things being uncovered and extra costs incurred. The vast majority of the work is now done, although because of poor weather in January, the builders will need to return to finish off a few bits. This month, the church will be mopped and cleaned and on Saturday, February 28, between 10am and noon there will be an open morning with refreshments for a chance to see what has been done. It is hoped to display “before and after” photographs. The first service will be held on Sunday, March 1, at 11am. There will be service of Re-dedication and Thanksgiving on Sunday, April 12, when the congregation will be joined by the Rt Rev James Bell, the Bishop of Ripon.

Coniston Cold St Peter’s: On Sunday, Evensong will commence at 4pm. On Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, there will be a Jacob’s Join meal from 7pm at St Andrew’s Church, Gargrave, and the following day, Ash Wednesday, there will be an Ashing service from 7pm at St Andrew’s.

Cononley Joan Nicholson, 01535 630872 St John’s: On Sunday, St John’s Church will hold a Morning Prayer at 11am, conducted by Mr Varley. The service for Ash Wednesday will be at St Peter’s Church, Cross Hills, at 7.30pm.

Cowling Companions: Cowling Companions will meet at Cowling Village Hall on Wednesday at 2pm. There will be a slide show by Kettlewell man Geoff Queen entitled Wild West Wanderings, a journey in the Rockies and Alaska. Admission is £2.50, which includes homemade refreshments. Everyone is welcome.

Earby David Hartley, 01282 842617 Churches Together: Churches Together will hold its annual general meeting next Thursday, February 19, at the New Road Community Centre, commencing with a meal at 6.30pm. The speaker will be the chief executive of Pendleside Hospice and a presentation will mark Hilda Jopson’s long service as treasurer. Joint Lenten meetings begin at Mount Zion Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 24, with refreshments at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. The churches are taking turns to present reflective material from the Lent course, Praise Him. The first session is entitled Gratitude. Everyone is welcome. The monthly ministers’ meeting will be held at 1.30pm tomorrow in the lounge of the New Road Community Centre.

Earby Gardeners: The society reminds everyone that the 28th spring bulb show will take place from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, March 21, at New Road Community Centre. Soup and sandwiches will be available and anyone wishing to enter bulbs, plants, cut flowers or photographs can obtain a schedule from Dorothy Bullock on 01282 842134. The society hopes to attract new exhibitors and spectators, who can view the colourful exhibits and have lunch.

St Peter’s: The service at 10.30am on Sunday will be led by Rev David Edmondson and will include the sacrament of Holy Communion. From 1.30am on Monday, there will be a gentle exercise class followed by refreshments. All are welcome and the exercises can be done either standing or sitting. There is no set charge, but donations are welcome. From 7pm on Monday, there will be a games evening with refreshments for all ages. Come along to play pool, dominoes and cards and to have a good laugh. The next church buffet lunch will be on Shrove Tuesday next week between noon and 2pm. This will include pancakes. Contact David or Hazel on 01282 843064 if you intend to come.

Embsay with Eastby Andrew Wilson, 01756 790197 Embsay churches: On Sunday, the Methodist service at 10.30am will be led by the Rev Janet Clasper and will be a celebration of Communion. Every Tuesday morning in the Methodist Church Hall, visitors can enjoy a variety of table-top games and fellowship. All are welcome. St Mary’s Church will hold a Family Communion on Sunday at 9.30am, while, on Tuesday, there will be a Holy Communion at 10.30am and between 2pm and 4pm, the church will be open for tea, coffee and cakes. On Friday between 1.45pm and 3.15pm, Smiley Faces will take place in the church.

Parish council: The next meeting of the parish council will be held tonight at 7.30pm in the village hall. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting and register any complaints or concerns during the public participation portion of the meeting. The council is still looking for a new clerk and people willing to stand for election to the council in the forthcoming elections in May. Unless a quorate is elected the council’s functions will be taken over by Craven District Council.

Gardening Club: The club will meet in the village hall tomorrow at 7.30pm when the secretary, David Batchelor, will speak and show some of his photographs under the title A Seed Once Sown. All are welcome. Entry, which includes tea or coffee and biscuits at the end of the evening, is £3 for non-members and £1.50 for members.

Film Night: February’s Film Night will be on Wednesday at 7.30pm in Embsay Village Hall when The Love Punch will be screened. This is a romantic comedy starring Emma Thompson, Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Spall and Celia Imrie. A divorced couple join forces to track down the shady business man who has embezzled their retirement pension. With the help of some friends, they all find themselves caught up in a cat-and-mouse caper across Europe. Admission is £4, which includes tea and biscuits. Everyone is welcome.

Village hall committee: The next meeting of the village hall committee will be on Monday at 7pm in the committee room.

Police surgery: PCSO Ruth Pearson’s next village hall drop-in surgery will be next Thursday, February 19, between 6pm and 7pm.

Carpet bowls: Embsay-with-Eastby Carpet Bowls Club is looking for new members. The club meets in the village hall on Mondays and Fridays between 10.15am and 12.15pm. New comers will be made most welcome. No previous experience is necessary and all equipment is provided.

Bingo night: On Saturday. between 6.15pm and 9.15pm, Embsay Cricket Club will be holding a bingo night in the village hall with all proceeds going to the club. All are welcome.

Ballroom dancing: Betty and Jack’s ballroom dancing lessons continue tonight in the village hall between 5.30pm and 9.30pm. Newcomers are very welcome.

Farnhill and Kildwick Joyce Wood, 01535 635880 St Andrew’s Church: On Saturday, there will be a coffee morning from 10am to noon in the parish rooms in aid of Jigsaw Kids Ministry in Manila and the Church Mission Society. On Sunday, there will be a service of Holy Communion at 8.15am in the parish rooms and at 10am in the church. Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday when there will be a service of Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes at 9.30am in the parish rooms. At 7.30pm, the Cross Hills and District Fellowship of Churches will hold a service of Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes at St Peter’s Methodist Church, Cross Hills.

Village Pump: The Village Pump - the over 50s group - will meet in the lower hall at Farnhill Methodist Church on Wednesday from 2pm to 3.30pm.

Farnhill Methodists: The monthly coffee morning will be held on Saturday from 10am to 11.30am. Cakes, greetings cards, bric-a-brac, knitted items, books and clothes will be on sale.

Summer fair: Kildwick and Farnhill are hoping to build on the success of previous years by making the 2015 summer fair even better. To do this, the organisers need your help. The planning committee meets periodically from February to the day of the fair which, this year, will be held on June 27. If you are able to help in any way then please contact Chris Brigham on 01535 630523. Typical ways in which you could be of assistance are – making a few phone calls, collecting donated items and prizes, providing temporary storage and assisting with a stall for a couple of hours on the day. It really does not take a lot of commitment and could make a lot of difference.

Bingo evening: Kildwick and Farnhill Institute will hold a bingo night next Friday, February 20, at 7pm. The price for entry is £5 per book of five games. Tea, coffee and squash will be provided or, if you prefer alcoholic drinks, you can bring your own.

History Group: The next meeting of Farnhill and Kildwick History Group will take place on Monday at 7pm at Kildwick and Farnhill Institute. There will be a talk about The Kildwick Rail Crash of 1875. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Gargrave Sally Jennings, 01756 748098 Ballroom dance: This month’s dance will take place tomorrow from 8pm in the village hall and will be hosted by Elizabeth Harrison. Entry is £6.50 and this will include a portion of hotpot and a mug of tea. Elizabeth is an award-winning performer with over 20 years’ experience. She is one of the very few organists to be an official musician for the Old Time Dance Society.

Coffee morning: A coffee morning will take place from 10am on Saturday in the village hall. All proceeds will be donated to the village hall.

St Andrew’s Church: On Sunday, a BCP Holy Communion will be held at 8am and will be followed at 10.45am by a Sung Eucharist. On Tuesday - Shrove Tuesday - there will be a Jacob’s Join meal in church at 7pm and the following day, Ash Wednesday, there will be an Ashing service at 7pm.

Half term classes: There will be none of the following events next week at the village hall due to the half term break: Stay and Play, Twins Group, Mini Movers and Tai Chi.

Giggleswick Gill O’Donnell, 01729 825639 Theatre events: On Monday, February 23, Paper Birds will stage its new show, Broke, at the Richard Whiteley Theatre. The show shares real life stories about poverty and debt in the UK and looks at both the subject of national debt and individual debt. On Thursday, February 26, the Gigg lectures series continues with a talk by Dr Paul Whittaker on the subject of Music to the Ear. Profoundly deaf since the age of eight, Dr Whittaker is an organist and pianist and, since 1988, has run a charity to help deaf people access music and the performing arts. On Friday, February 27, the theatre in conjunction with Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company will stage A Cartoon History of Here - an interactive cartoon and poetry performance with renowned broadcaster and poet Ian McMillan and acclaimed cartoonist Tony Husband. For ticket details, contact 01729 893180.

Gisburn Young Farmers: Members of Gisburn Young Farmers enjoyed an evening at Blackburn ice skating arena. Next week’s meeting will be a visit to AJ Long contractors. Congratulations go to all members who took part in a district quiz last week.

Whist and dominoes: The cold and foggy February weather didn’t deter people from attending the whist and dominoes drive at Gisburn Festival Hall on Saturday night. Twelve tables were in play and everyone enjoyed a good social evening with supper. Prizewinners were: dominoes - S Walker, A Sutcliffe, V Giles, R Knight, T Taylor, M Berry; whist, ladies - E Jackson, A Dinsdale, H Pickard; gents - MJ Davies, E Turner, W Mitchell. Whist and dominoes are played at Gisburn Festival Hall on the first Saturday of every month starting at 7.30pm. Entry is £3 including a light supper. New players are welcome.

Grassington Sheila Denby, 01756 752605 Friendship Club: Ed and Brenda Williams will be speakers at today’s meeting of Grassington Friendship Club. Their topic is Indo-China. Next Thursday, members will welcome Iris Claridge who will talk about The Falklands. Meetings are held in Church House from 2.15pm.

Parish council: Cllr Tony Lofthouse, chairman of the village lighting committee, reported on new regulations which could see public lights switched off from midnight to 5am. Some strategic ones would be exempt on the grounds of public safety. Two lamps on Barden Fell View are to be repaired or replaced. The next step in the community-led Neighbourhood Plan would be to hold a public meeting to consider priorities based on leaflets completed by residents last summer/ A date for the meeting will be advertised shortly. Cllr Andrew Colley reported on a disappointing vote by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority against the individual numbering of fingerposts on bridleways and public footpaths. Members thought the numbering could be incorporated into maps for ease of pinpointing isolated locations for tourists and walkers and so improve public safety. It was announced allotment rates would remain at £15 for the coming year.

Family bingo: A family bingo night will be held at the town hall tomorrow. It begins at 6pm and admission is £4 for adults and £2 for children. It will be followed by cash bingo for the over 18s from 7.30pm. Admission is £5. All funds raised will go to the hall.

Gills Top: A weekly knit-natter session is held at Gills Top every Thursday from 10am. Everyone is welcome to take along their needlework and refreshments will be available. A donation is the only cost. Also watch out for the home’s Fish Fridays.

WAGS Group: The Grassington WAGS group will hold Redmist, a police detective session, in the coffee lounge of the Congregational Church tomorrow. It starts at 1pm and visitors are welcome from noon. Please bring your own packed lunch and enjoy the fellowship.

Coffee morning: Saturday’s coffee morning in Church House has been arranged by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. It will start at 10am.

Zumba class: Zumba classes are held in Church House on Fridays from 10am to 11am.

Panto fun: Grassington Pantoloons will present their annual pantomime, Red Riding Hoodie, in the town hall next Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21, and the following Friday and Saturday, February 27 and 28. Tickets are available from the Hub on 752222 and cost £7 (£5 for concessions) in advance or £8 (£5 concessions) on the door.

Hebden Victoria Benn, 01756 751795 Annual meeting: Hebden Village Institute will hold its annual general meeting in the institute on Monday at 7pm. Please note this is a change of date from the previously advertised day. Everyone is welcome and the committee would be delighted to see some new faces.

Hellifield Ken Leak, 01729 850845 60s night: Apologies for last week’s incorrect date for this event. The 60s night at the village institute will take place on Friday, March 13. The Swinging Sixties Event includes local singers and musicians, plus a quiz and raffle. Tickets are £7.50 (£5 for under 16s) and includes a buffet supper. Doors open at 7.15pm. Sixties dress is optional! This is a ‘bring your own bottle’ event. For tickets, ring 01729 851660 and watch for posters around the village.

200 Club: The February winners of the Institute 200 Club were: No 77, Lloyd Popay, £25; No 17, Carol W Moore, £10; and H Swinbank and J Wallbank, £5.

Treasure hunt: The gala committee is organising a treasure hunt on Saturday, February 28. It will be followed by a barbecue and family disco at the institute. The entry fee will be £5 per team. Contact Heather on 01729 850845 for details.

Book Club: The Book Club meets in the social club tonight from 8pm. The book for discussion will be Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant. The club welcomes new members.

Age Concern: The Age Concern Lunch Club will meet at the Boars Head, Long Preston, tomorrow. The meeting will be at 11.45am with lunch served at noon. New members are welcome. Please let Ellen know by the Wednesday morning prior to the meeting if you are attending the lunch. She can be contacted on 01729 850864.

Flower Club: The North Craven Flower Club will meet in the institute tonight from 7.30pm. The meeting theme will be Surprise, Surprise. New members are welcome.

Coffee morning: Saturday’s coffee morning in the institute will be a fundraiser for the church. It will start at 10am and will include raffle, cakes, refreshments and stalls.

Women’s Institute: The Hellifield WI will hold its annual general meeting and party in the village institute at 7.15pm next Thursday, February 19. The group has recently increased its membership, following a special flyer which has been distributed around the village. A wide ranging and varied programme of events is planned for the year ahead.

Ingleton Sue Brown 015242 41835 Parish council: At the start of the February Parish Council meeting, Lorraine Sullivan spoke to members on the defibrillator provision in Ingleton and the importance she felt that it had for the community. Tony Hudson spoke of his involvement with the patients’ representative council which aims to improve disabled access to Bentham and Ingleton surgeries. Various suggestions were discussed. An issue was raised regarding lack of publicity for the mobile Nat West Bank van and it was emphasised that it will be in the Square on Mondays from 11.45am until 12.15pm. The clerk reported that honesty boxes had now been installed in the public toilets.There was a discussion regarding the BMX track, the chairman reported that he had been informed that this would not go ahead until progress had been made on the extra care housing development which was not likely to go forward this year. The swimming pool’s annual general meeting will be held later this month.

Scottish dancing: Many new recruits to Scottish dancing joined members of the North West Craven Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in Ingleton to celebrate Burns Night. Chris Dewhurst and his band supplied the music and Peter Black addressed the haggis, which was later eaten along with a Jacob’s Join supper. Dances are learnt at evening classes and Sunday afternoon sessions throughout the area. There is to be a dancing workshop at Preston Patrick on Satursday, February 28, with a dance in the evening.

Folk fundraiser: This year’s Ingleton folk festival fundraising weekend will take place on Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28. On the Friday evening, from about 7pm, there will be an open session and Singaround in the Wheatsheaf Hotel, Main Street. All are welcome and there is no admission charge. On the Saturday, two Hiring Fairs will take place. The first one is from noon to 6pm in the Wheatsheaf Hotel and the second one is in the Ex-Servicemen’s Club from 7pm to Midnight. Again, there is free admission. Guests appearing at the Fairs include: FiddLyn Man Doris, The 3 Jayz, Peter Taylor, The Well Dressed Gentlemen, Jack Pybus, Didikai, Bandersnatch, Karin Grandal-Park and Rosie Clegg, The Ginjammers, Zeke Deighton, Brillig, Strings and Swings, Lowtown Blues, Celia Ketchell, Martin Francis and Paul Morris, Dogwatch, Amy Rose Atkinson, Bill Adair, Nick Brooker, Errol and Lesley Kirkpatrick, Dogwood Rose, and a host of unaccompanied singers. All are welcome.

Lawkland Young Farmers: Lawkland Young Farmers met at Eldroth Village Hall for a show meeting. Next week’s meeting is pancake tossing at Austwick Parish Hall at 7.30pm.

Rathmell Elaine Illingworth, 01729 840087 Young Farmers: Members of Rathmell Young Farmers met at Rathmell Primary School for an enjoyable evening of Ready Steady Cook making a sweet and savoury dish, with the food provided. Jessica Baines, Harris Dinsdale, Jonathan Booth and Harry Parsons won the savoury dish and Ella Caton and Tom Dean, the sweet dish. Congratulations go to James Bradley, Tom Dean, Edward Bradley and Jonathan Booth who won the junior ten-pin bowling at the Settle District competition. James also had the highest score and Tom was runner up.

Thursday Club: Next Thursday, February 19, members will meet at the Lion, Settle, and not the Black Horse, Hellifield, as previously stated. Members will share cars with lunch at noon for 12.30pm.

Settle Gill O’Donnell, 01729 825639 U3A talk: Isobel Stirk will give a talk about the Brontes to Settle District U3A today. It will take place in the town’s Victoria Hall, starting with coffee at 10am and the talk at 10.30am. Visitors are welcome for a £1 admission charge.

Kwezana link: Pupils at Settle have been sharing some of the facts they have discovered about penguins and Antarctica this week and explaining how the penguins’ camouflage works and how penguins have adapted to life in the region. They also compared facts about the penguins in Antarctica with the jackass penguins which are found in South Africa.

Women’s Institute: At the February meeting Susie Hart gave a moving and inspiring talk, illustrated by slides and film, about the craft workshops she set up in Tanzania to provide employment for disabled people who would otherwise be shunned, and about her current work in Harrogate. She was warmly thanked by Joy Calvert. The meeting at 2pm on Wednesday, March 4, is the AGM which will be followed by the much-anticipated entertainment from the drama group. There will also be a raffle. Please note that this meeting and those in April and May will be in the Catholic Church Hall.

Messy Church: This month’s messy church session will take place at St John’s Hall on Sunday at 3.30pm. There will be the opportunity for worship, activities and a hot meal.

Parish church: A warm welcome is offered at a number of events in Settle Parish Church this month. On Tuesday, Giggleswick and Settle Branch of the Mothers’ Union will be selling pancakes from 10am to 2pm. There will be a range of traditional and exotic fillings on offer and all proceeds will go to the Mothers’ Union Make a Mother’s Day project. This year’s annual snowdrop weekend will take place next Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22. Come along and view the carpet of snowdrops in the churchyard and enjoy cakes and cuppa in church. Doors will be open between 11am and 3pm and all proceeds will go to the Aspire and Renew appeal. Every Tuesday, the church serves tea and coffee from 10am with light lunches and homemade soups on sale from noon to 2pm. There is a free wi-fi zone in church and a friendly atmosphere. All proceeds from the lunches go to church funds.

Heritage Trust: On Wednesday at 7.30pm in Settle Quaker Meeting House, the North Craven Heritage Trust will host “Town and Country” - an illustrated talk about a six-mile walk looking at the history of Settle and its countryside, published by the Royal Geographical Society in 2013. This will be delivered by Dr Tony Stephens. Looking ahead, on Tuesday, March 10, at 7.30pm at Langcliffe Village Institute, there will be a talk on mapping local disputes in Tudor and Stuart times entitled “To make a true and perfecte plotte”. The speaker will be Dr Bill Shannon. Visitors are welcome at both events. Admission is £2.

Film night: The Ribblesdale Area Moving Picture Show will conduct its next film showing at Victoria Hall on Wednesday, February 25, at 7.45pm. Admission is £5. The film is Avant L’hiver and is a French mystery story with English subtitles.

Lent course: This year’s Lent course of study, run by Churches Together in Settle and District, will commence on Wednesday, February 25, at Settle Parish Church and will follow Praise Him, the York Lent course. Meetings will take place every Wednesday and will run from 7.30pm to 9pm with refreshments available from 7.15pm. The theme for the first meeting is gratitude. Participants are requested to bring a Bible.

Victoria Hall: Friday, February 27, sees the return of Henry Priestman to Victoria Hall for a special gig to celebrate the launch of his Live DVD “Settle Down”, which was filmed on his last visit to the Victoria Hall in 2014. For details and tickets, contact 01729 825718.

Merry Go Round: Settle Rotary Club’s annual Merry Go Round meal will take place next Friday, February 20. The event will commence at 7pm in the dining hall at Giggleswick School before groups disperse to enjoy a three-course meal, with each course taking place at a different hostelry in the area. Tickets cost £18.50 and groups of up to eight can be accommodated. The funds raised will be shared between Victoria Hall, Settle Swimming Pool and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The hostelries taking part are The Boars Head, Falcon Manor, The Lion, The Gamecock, Ravenous, Talbot Arms, New Inn, The Royal Oak, The Hart’s Head and The Craven Arms. Tickets are available via Settle Rotary Club members or from David Blackburne on 01729 822445.

Craft workshops: Continuing from the January craft workshop, there will be a course on Art Journalling and creating paper for collages, next Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21. The course costs £45, including all materials. This Saturday, there will be a course on Batik work, which again costs £45. For details, contact Jaki on Jakibogg@tiscali.co.uk or ring 07738 090404.

Big breakfast: The next Big Breakfast event will take place next Saturday, February 21, at 8.30am in St Mary and St Michael Church Hall, Tillman Close. The speaker will be Joy Orwell who will talk about Threads of Hope, a Christian outreach to the Maasai, from the perspective of her own recent short-term mission trip to Kenya. To assist with the catering, participants are asked to book their places by next Thursday by ringing 01729 825285. Coffee and tea are available from 8.15am with the breakfast and talk over by 9.30am. The cost is £3 and all are welcome.

Music at Poppies: The second of this month’s musical events at Poppies Tea Room takes place on Saturday, February 28. This will be the debut of singer/songwriter Becky Mills. For details contact 07932 182293.

St John’s Church: Many thanks go to everyone who came along to the special service which featured the Huddersfield Community Gospel Choir. Special thanks go to all who assisted with the event and provided lunch for the choir and thanks to the choristers who performed wonderfully and led an exciting and enjoyable morning service.

Prayer day: This year’s Women’s World Day of Prayer service will be held on Friday, March 6. There will be a service at St John’s at 7.30pm. The theme will be praying for the Bahamas. All are welcome.

Silsden Linda Berry, 01535 654643 Soul night: The first Northern Soul Night at Silsden Sports Club will be held on Saturday featuring Jimmy Mack on the deck. There is expected to be huge interest in this DJ set from all over the North of England so get your tickets before it is too late. Pay in advance by calling 01535 656753 or get your tickets on the door. They cost £3 per person or £5 for a couple. The event will run from 8pm to late.

Camera Club: Silsden Camera Club held a meeting in St James’ Church Hall when A Battle with Keighley was held. This proved to be an excellent evening with an impartial judge awarding the honours to Keighley. The next meeting will be held in the church hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday, February 25, and will be a practical evening on Still Life. For further information, contact the secretary on 01535 653528.

Coffee morning: St James’ Church Mothers’ Union will hold a Valentine’s Day coffee morning on Saturday from 9.30am to 11.30am. It will include bacon butties, tombola, raffle and various stalls. All are welcome.

Ladies Circle: The Ladies Circle which meets at the Methodist Church collected £100 for Skipton Street Angels during its December meeting. In January, David Grimshaw presented a film show entitled Spellbound in North Yorkshire which was greatly enjoyed. The February meeting had Mary Raine and Pat Moore giving a cake icing demonstration. Interesting and varied subjects are introduced each month to the group which is open to all, simply turn up at the next meeting and introduce yourself.

Skipton Holy Trinity: With St Valentine’s Day almost with us, romance is in the air at Holy Trinity. Wedding dresses, photographs and a wedding cake are on display in the church, thanks to the local Mothers’ Union. The display - to mark National Marriage Week - will continue until Tuesday and the church is open every day. Services on Sunday, the last before Lent, are 8am Holy Communion, 9.45am Parish Communion and 5pm Evensong. Morning prayer is said at 9am every weekday morning and, on Ash Wednesday, February 18, Holy Communion with Ashing will be held at 10.45am and also in the evening, with the choir, at 7.30pm. Please check the noticeboards on the church gates for weekday Evening Prayer, normally held at 3pm. The church café is open for refreshments, Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am to 3pm.

Fine Arts: The 2015 season of Skipton and Wharfedale Fine and Decorative Arts Society began with an illustrated talk entitled Charles Saatchi - A Modern Medici? Barry Venning, who is a lecturer in modern and contemporary art, described how Charles Saatchi began in advertising, and became famous when he was commissioned by Margaret Thatcher to promote the Conservative Party. Later by buying works of art by the Young British Artists (YBAs) when they were second year students, he helped them to get known and also was able to sell their works later for much higher sums. By buying from young artists, Charles Saatchi helped to influence the fashion or taste in art collecting. Illustrations of works by such artists as Damien Hurst, Tracy Emin, Anthony Gormley were shown. It was announced that the society would not be able to continue after June.

Oddfellows: On Saturday, Frank will host a special Valentine’s Music Quiz at the Three Links Club from 8pm. Visitors are welcome. The function room is available for hire. For more information, contact the secretary on 01756 798022.

Retired Men’s Forum: Ian Dewhirst amused forum members with his memories of life in the 1950s. His talk included food rationing, “quaint” advertisements and the song, How Much is That Doggie in the Window. Next week, Trevor Kent, from Embsay, will give his Memories of a Meter Reader.

Camera Club: The club’s photo essay competition - comprising up to eight pictures which tell a story - was well supported and the results were: 1 Russell Threadgold (territorial dispute), 125pts, 2 Gill Threadgold (life cycle of allium gigantium), 100pts, 3 (joint) Mike Breeze (Romania) and David Ward (weather), 90pts.

White Rose Club: Vocalist Sam Reece will entertain at the White Rose Club on Saturday - Valentine’s Night. He will be in action in the concert room from 8.30pm and there will be free admission. Also on offer will be bingo and a raffle.

Naval association: Last Tuesday, the Skipton and District Royal Naval Association met in the RAFA headquarters on Shortbank Road. Shipmate Sam Bottomley chaired the meeting and proposed the Loyal Toast. The treasurer gave a full report of the area meeting at Runcorn, which was attended by eight Skipton members. After business matters, shipmates enjoyed a session of “Swinging the Lamp” and were joined by RAFA members. The next meeting will be the AGM on Tuesday, March 3.

Sutton-in-Craven Tosside Monthly dance: The next monthly dance with Alan will take place in the community hall next Friday, February 20, starting at 8pm.

Upper Wharfedale Sheila Denby, 01756 752605 Cluster service: The Upper Wharfedale Cluster of Churches will hold an Ash Wednesday service at the Fountaine Chapel, Linton, next week. The service marks the start of Lent and will be a time of reflection.

Bridge Club: Kettlewell Bridge Club is closed during February and play will resume in the social room of the village hall on Tuesday, March 3, at 7pm. Any new members wishing to learn the game or brush up on their skills are asked to contact Bob Sayles on 01756 751787 or just attend on March 3 when teaching sessions will be held for everyone.

Lent lunch: St Michael’s Church, Linton, will host the first Christian Aid Lent Lunch this year in Church House, Grassington, on Wednesday from noon to 2pm. Please go along and enjoy homemade soup and a bread roll.

Wigglesworth Community centre: The meet and eat group and quiz are back on Wednesday. Tickets are on sale for the Old Herbacious play on Friday, March 6. The cost is £10 and there will be a bar available from 7pm.