SKIPTON’S Mr Sport, Roger Ingham, has had a busy summer providing the commentary at many of the district’s shows. He has also been along to the annual awards ceremony of children’s cancer charity, Candlelighters, where he was shortlisted as ‘fundraiser of the year’. Although he did not get the top prize, he was one of just three in the shortlist.

Roger (pictured below with his award) who has raised more than £70,000 for Candlelighters through his ‘bucket and banter’ pub collections said it was a very humbling experience.

The ceremony, held at New Dock Hall, Leeds, was the fourth annual awards event and was attended by many who had lost a young member of their family through cancer.

“However If one child manages to come through it all then that in itself serves as inspiration to carry on trying to help the Candlelighters cause,” said Roger.

Established in 1976, Candlelighters is a charity formed and run by parents of children who have or have had cancer, ex-patients and the medical staff who treat them. Based in Leeds, Candlelighters provides essential services and support to children with cancer and their families.

Recently published is ‘Bentham Grammar School: The Final Years 1976-2002’ by William Stockdale. The book tells the story of our former local independent school from where an earlier one ‘The History of Bentham Grammar School 1726 – 1976’ left off.

The author taught at the school for over 30 years and was latterly its senior master. It is no surprise, therefore, to find this a detailed and sympathetic account of how this vibrant and successful school fell victim in the end to social and economic trends that caused the closure of a number of similar small schools.

Bentham Grammar School was in its time the second largest employer in Bentham, and many were dismayed when it suddenly announced its closure in 2002. This book provides answers to all the puzzled questions that were asked at the time. The author’s account of the considerable achievements academically, socially and culturally – especially in the area of sport, outdoor pursuits, drama and music – easily offsets his account of the sadness of its final year.

The book is a well-produced, sewn volume of 168 pages with just under 100 photographs and costs £12.00. Copies may be had from the publisher, Bentham Grammar School Association, c/o

W. Stockdale, 111, Slyne Road, Bolton-le-Sands, Carnforth, LA5 8AH or by e-mailing w.stockdale@btopenworld.com or by contacting Jack Warbrick on 015242 62031.