A PICTURE of an advert which appeared in the Craven Herald in 1967 announcing the formation of the road safety committee's Tufty Club in Skipton, brought back fond memories for Helen Moran, from Kildwick, who has sent in this picture of her Tufty badge.

"I can remember going as a young child to Tufty Club in the 1960's in Cross Hills where I grew up," she tells me. " I think it was to St Andrew's Church Hall on Station Road. I don't recall having a book but I'm proud to still have my Tufty Club Badge."

THERE was a moment of brevity in Craven District Council's planning meeting recently during a discussion on plans to build five new homes near Glusburn.

Cllr Chris Harbron, reacting to comments on how difficult it would be for parents to walk their children to school, made the pertinent observation that most people now drove their little-uns to school. In fact, he added, 'parents will drive to school and park on the headmaster's desk, if they had the opportunity.' The planning application was approved.

THE same planning committee meeting bade a fond farewell to one of its planning officers, Cathy Dakin, who is leaving Craven to take up a new post in Bradford. Committee chairman Alan Sutcliffe paid tribute to Ms Dakin, commenting Bradford's gain would be Craven's loss.

WHICH brings me on to the issue with electronic devices, the various noises they make, and meetings of the council. Without fail, the chairman of the council's planning committee - which always has the largest turnout of members of the public - will always remind everyone present to please turn off their phone, tablet, or whatever; and without fail at every meeting, there will be a buzzing, or worse, some blast of a 1980s pop song going off.

There will then be a general looking around while the source of the noise is hunted out followed by the guilty party trying desperately to switch it off, or find the silent button - usually accompanied by an embarrassed 'I don't know how to turn it off' or 'I thought I'd turned it off'.

MY walking colleague often comes across old tractors she tells me while out and about, and spotted this one in a field near Settle. My farming colleague here in the office believes it to be an International 434, which were produced for a short time, between 1966 and 1971, and interestingly, made only in Kentucky and in Bradford. This one, presumably, came from Bradford, and not America. He points out it is connected to a haymaking machine, but appears not to have been used for some time. What is interesting is how many of these old tractors seem to be left in fields, as if left to rot at the very spot where they stopped working. Quite romantic really. I'm told many of these tractors are now in demand, if not as complete restoration projects, but for use as parts.

SADLY, the very wet weather of recent weeks - and lets face it, the whole of the summer was a wash out - has meant Craven Country Ride, at Pot Haw Farm, Coniston Cold, has been forced to close earlier in the season than normal. David Coates, who runs the farm ride, thanks all the regular horse riders who head to Pot Haw Farm for miles of off road riding and jumping, and to all the new customers who discovered the ride this year. The ride will be closed now for the winter until the spring, next year, apart from two planned Christmas trail days, due to take place on December 3 and December 10. Meanwhile, all the ride fences will be gathered in and the farm's sheep will be allowed to graze areas where the ride has been - so its in good shape for the new season.

HOT on the heels of Skipton being named the happiest place to live in the country, Being Better, a private therapy practice based in the town's Newmarket Street, is running a couple of wellbeing workshops. Corinne Yeadon tells me looking after our emotional wellbeing will help Skipton stay at the top of the happiness tree. Two workshops are planned, on November 17 and on November 25 and will look at individual wellbeing, and explore physical and emotional indicators. "While this is useful to people wishing to improve their wellbeing, it may also appeal to people who have an interest in wellbeing or who wish to support people in their workplace," says Corinne. Workshops will take place from 10am to 1pm and will cost £15, including self help tools to take away, and light refreshments, to find out more, find Being Better on Facebook.

WHAT better than a homemade Christmas card, tree decoration or gift? The Skipton branch of the Embroiders' Guild is staging a workshop at Christchurch Hall, Skipton, on Saturday, November 11, from 11am to 3pm. People will be able to make either a festive sheep (pictured), a stitched card, or a Christmas tree. Everything needed will be provided, and it will cost just £3 per person, or £5 if you want to take a friend along. All are welcome, but children under 16 will have to be accompanied by an adult.

To find out more, contact Claire Ketteman on 07904 010430 or by email cketteman@aol.com