CYCLISTS across Craven are being urged to use peddle power to raise money for Cancer Research UK this September.

The charity is launching its Cancer Research UK Cycle 300 challenge (pictured below) which calls on men and women to clock up 300 miles on a bike throughout the month.

It is hoped cyclists will put own legs and bikes to the test to help hit the 300-mile mark. It might be getting a few miles in on a commute to work or weekend enthusiasts can plan epic 75-mile routes through rolling countryside, while gym bunnies can step up the spin classes to hit their target.

Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for North Yorkshire, said: “Cycle 300 is the perfect opportunity to combine all benefits of cycling, a physical challenge and the fantastic sense of achievement from raising money for a great cause, all at the same time.

“Cycle 300 is a great fundraising challenge because you can choose how, when and where to do it, so that it fits in with your lifestyle and commitments. We hope people will sign up and join the masses in their love of cycling while raising money.”

Taking on Cycle 300 is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of cycling and keeping active.

As well as helping to build fitness and burn excess calories, cycling regularly encourages a healthier heart, can improve mood, and can also protect against a range of diseases – including cancer. Depending on weight and effort, participants could burn roughly between 400 to 750 calories per hour of cycling.

Lisa continued: “One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Research is very expensive and the only way we can afford to fund it is with the help of our supporters. By taking part in Cancer Research UK Cycle 300, men and women can make a real difference in the fight against the disease.

“Everyone who participates in Cancer Research UK Cycle 300 will be supporting the efforts of doctors, nurses and scientists working on the front line against cancer.”

To sign up now for a free fundraising pack visit the website: cruk.org/cycle300

THERE was general nodding all round at a meeting of Craven planners recently when concerns were raised at the idea of a bistro being allowed to remain open at the outrageously late hour of 11.30pm.

Cllr Brian Shuttleworth said he may well be getting old and in need of his sleep, but he did feel such an hour was a bit late for the planned bistro at a caravan park in Bentham.

MANORLANDS Hospice is the latest charity to benefit from regular dances being held in Settle. The dances are held every month at the Catholic Church Hall. Money raised through the raffle is given to different charities. Pictured right receiving a cheque for £250 is Molly Ralphson, Community Fundraiser, in the centre, with from left: Stephanie Phillip, Jean Parsons, Barbara McLernon and Helen Reid. Molly said “It’s always lovely to meet people in our community who are thinking of those who are in need of the specialist care that Manorlands provides. We simply couldn’t operate our services without this support and we are all extremely grateful to everyone involved.”

Helen Reid, who attends the dances said “We meet once a month on a Saturday evening and support a different charity every two months. We always have a lovely evening so it’s a bonus that we can support worthy local causes in the process. We know how important the services are that Manorlands provides and so are really happy to help with fundraising for the hospice.”

The group are always looking for more dancers to come along and join them at their events - to join in contact Helen on 01729 824038.

WALKING in the countryside has come top of a list of places where people feel most happy. The survey, commissioned by Skipton Building Society, found country walks were where people felt most happy, followed by relaxing in the garden, listening to favourite music, and being on holiday in the sun.

Lisa Davis, Chief Human Resources Officer for Skipton Building Society, said: “While most people are happy with their lives in general, it’s natural for stress to build up.

“It’s really important to have somewhere you can escape to, be it physically or even mentally, to take your mind off the everyday and help you feel in a good place.

“And it’s refreshing to see the variety of things that people in Yorkshire do to improve their happiness, whether it’s being on the beach with a drink your hand, out for lunch, having afternoon tea with family or friends or simply walking the dog.”

ON the subject of the countryside, my walking colleague tells me she was out walking along the Ribble Way recently, and heading towards Sawley, when she spotted this gnome (pictured above) which had been left leaning against a tree, just next to the footpath. Funny place to leave a gnome, she left it undisturbed.

LONG Preston was in August, 1969, named ‘best kept village’ for the Yorkshire Dales. ‘Long Preston greatly impressed, as it was clear that the community’s effort was extended to all parts of the village’, said the report.

ALSO in August, 1969, was the announcement of a new cycle race for the Dales. Some 40 competitors took part in the race along a 31 mile course, from Burnsall to Bolton Abbey and Blubberhouses, returning to Burnsall via Greenhow Hill and Appletreewick.

IT was also the month when the last passenger train went from Skipton to Grassington. It was a two coach diesel unit, run by the Yorkshire Dales Railway Society. It had been 67 years that the first train of the Yorkshire Dales Railway Company ran on the route, on July 29, 1902, and travelling again in 1969, were two people who had travelled on the first train. They were Mr J C Scott, whose father, Mr J Scott, was the director of the Yorkshire Dales Railway Company, and Mrs J Ellis, of Grassington, whose husband was a porter at the station. About 130 people travelled on the last train, including rail enthusiasts from far and wide. They included 13 year old Peter Chilton, from Nottingham, who had travelled 4,150 miles on the railways. Also on the train were two boys from the Skipton area, Brian Mawson, and Timothy Parker, who had set up a record by travelling 6,238 miles on British Rail in a week. A Mr J S Murray, of the Huddersfield Broadcasting Association made a sound recording with commentary. The section of the line, between Swinden Limeworks, and Grassington Station, was to be dismantled, with the Swinden to Skipton section left in place for the daily carriage of freight.

A HUNDRED years ago, in August, 1919, peace celebrations were being held jointly, by the residents of Bell Busk and Coniston Cold, in the grounds of the hall. The weather was all that could be desired. The lake and surrounding woods were perfection. Tea was provided by ladies of both villages and afterwards, racing events took place. The two big races, 600 yards and 200 yards, being won by demobilised soldier, W Garnett. The last event was a tug of war between Coniston Cold and Bell Busk, which caused great excitement and was won by Coniston Cold. Prizes were presented by Miss M Tottie, and peace mugs were distributed to the children by Miss H Tottie. Carleton Brass Band played a selection of music, and also for dancing.