A MASSIVE well done to The Railway Pub in Skipton for braving what must have been one of the town's wettest gala days ever. Four generations of landlady Carol Boothman's family took part in the gala procession, which this year had the theme 'movies'. Carol and her team, including her mum, Pamela; sister, Anne; niece Rachael; two daughters Helen and Sarah, and grandchild Jessica, came up with Wild West theme for their float. Decked out as a Western Saloon, Carol and her team line danced along the procession while blasting out country music classics.

Carol tells me: “We enjoyed every minute of the procession. The crowds might have been soggy from the rain but they were still supportive of all of the floats and participants.” Representing the Railway’s team of staff was Becca Pennock with her daughter Ivy and Emily who were put in charge of throwing sweets to the children lining the parade route. Becca, who works behind the bar and is 'master of ceremonies' for the pub quiz said it was great to see so many people. “It was lovely to be able to spend the day with family and friends, and to see so many of our customers along the procession. We got some big cheers from our regulars and spotted many smiling faces along the road who come into the restaurant or bar.”

Carol added it was important for her that the pub was involved in the community.“We’ve always tried to be part of the community as most of our staff live in and around Skipton as well as working here. Whether it’s the fortnightly pub quiz, hosting charity nights and networking events, or taking part in the gala procession, we enjoy spending time with the community.” Well done to The Railway, and we look forward to seeing you again next year at the gala, which hopefully, will be a better day, weather wise.

ON the subject of Skipton Gala, the Mayor, Peter Madeley, got something of a ribbing, so he tells me as he made his way to the gala field in the procession of cars, floats and walking groups. "People kept shouting 'where are the diamonds?" he tells me, referring to the recent loss of a number of jewels from the pendant badge of the mayoral chains.

THERE was an excellent turn out at the recent fundraising garden party at the home in Threshfield of solicitor, John Spencer, (pictured) who also happens to be something of a rugby union superstar. John is a former England captain, former manager of the British and Irish Lions, and also a past president of the RFU. John and his wife, Amanda, opened up their home to raise money for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, and very grateful the Wharfedale Support Group was too. A number of rugby fans took the opportunity to attend and to meet John, who was busy handing out strawberry teas. Long standing member, June Robinson, tells me: "We'd like to thank John and Amanda and everyone who came along and supported the garden party, and also to Morrisons for supplying the strawberries, it was a wonderful event which raised £1,700."

THANKS to John Tomlinson for this picture, a real Craven curiosity - the entrance to a railway tunnel. I wonder how many people will have seen it. He tells me: "This is the entrance to the railway tunnel under the A56 just outside Thornton-in-Craven. The line went from the Thornton Limestone Quarry to the Skipton to Colne railway line. Many people will have driven over the tunnel without knowing they had done so. The quarry probably ceased working in the 1930s. The line went into a series of sidings and this space can still be seen on the south side of the A56 as a patch of waste land." How very interesting.

SKIPTON Lawn Tennis Club is planning some rather exciting changes - but 50 years ago, it was enjoying the opening of its new pavilion. At the opening ceremony at Sandylands, four Yorkshire county players turned up to give a demonstration of the sport. The opening was carried out by Mrs Coulthurst, of Gargrave House, and the development could not have been possible without the Coulthurst Trust. Membership of the club at the time was about 100, including around 50 junior members. Mrs Coulthurst unveiled a plaque giving a date of the opening.

ALSO 50 years ago, an element of glamour was introduced to the annual Rolls Royce Gala at Barnoldswick. 19 girls sought the title of Gala Queen, with 19 year old Lynda Hutchinson, getting first place and Marion Keating runner up.

A HUNDRED years ago, in June, 1919, the Craven Herald reported on people from the area honoured in the King's Birthday Honours. George V was on the throne at the time, and like all monarchs before and after him, celebrated his official birthday on June 8. Colonel RS Tempest, son of Major Tempest, of Broughton Hall, was honoured for distinguished services in connection with military operations in France and Flanders.

ALSO reported 100 years ago was the buying at auction of Paget Hall farm, near Gargrave, by the County Small Holders Committee. It was probable that five or six small holdings were to be created from the farm, all with separate houses and buildings. On the remainder of the land, from the village to Eshton Hall, it was expected that half acre to acre holdings would be created, again with houses. Occupants of the houses were to be agricultural workers and would be expected to work the land part-time. The remainder of their time would be taken up producing market garden produce for the rich West Yorkshire market.

THE Craven Herald also reported in June, 1919, of the wedding of former editor of The Times, Geoffrey Dawson. Mr Dawson, of Langcliffe Hall, Settle, was the eldest son of the late Col George Robinson, of Skipton. He was to marry Cecelia, the younger daughter of Sir Arthur and Lady Lawley, of London, at St Margaret's Church, Westminster.

ON the subject of Gargrave, recently spotted in an old copy of the Gargrave and Coniston Cold parish magazine, by a colleague at the village dentist, was an item on an Easter service at the parish church, which read: "This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs ...to come forward and lay an egg on the altar."

ITS now 100 days until the start of the UCI Road World Championships; when top athletes and fans from around the globe will head to Yorkshire - and Craven - for cycling’s equivalent of the World Cup.

Around 1,400 of the world's top cyclists from at least 80 different countries will be taking part in the event, which will be centred in Harrogate.

Each national team will be bringing with it dozens of support staff, adding to the many fans expected in the region. An additional 5,000 amateur cyclists are expected to take part in the race’s sportive through the Yorkshire Dales.

The countdown to the start of the championships was heralded by the ceremonial handing over of UCI Road World Championship flags (pictured) at Kiplin Hall. The hall sits halfway between Richmond and Northallerton – both of which will host a start point during the nine days of racing.

The flags were handed over to the leaders of North Yorkshire County Council and Hambleton and Richmondshire District Councils by Andy Hindley, the Chief Executive of Yorkshire 2019 - a subsidiary of UK Sport which was set up to deliver the race.

“Traditionally the World Road Championships covers a repeat circuit along the same 25km route, but we’ve chosen to spread the race across Yorkshire," said Mr Hindley.

“Starting in a different location every day will bring with it logistical challenges, but it will bring with it phenomenal exposure to an audience of 250 million viewers and will really showcase the county."

It will be the first time Great Britain has hosted the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) race since 1982.