MAYOR of Skipton, Councillor Peter Madeley, spread his wings a bit and travelled over to Threshfield - where they don’t have a mayor of their own - to carry out the official opening of a new, mobile cafe bar. Based in Threshfield, ‘Cafe Robso’ is the idea of Ben Mounsey and Kirsty Hall (pictured below with Cllr Madeley), who after taking redundancy from both their careers, renovated an old horse box and made it into a very nice mobile cafe bar. Now, it is nicely established in Threshfield where Cllr Madeley tells me it is aimed at all the walkers, cyclists, visitors, and the occasional Mayor, who visit the area. “Their labour of love is now open serving barista coffee and delicious cakes throughout the day,” he says, adding the versatile bespoke cafe bar is also available for hire for corporate and social events and weddings serving a wide selection of gins and cocktails.” Quite a dramatic change from its old life. You can also follow Cafe Robso on social media.

IT’S always worth a trip to Ripon Cathedral, and on Saturday, November 23, it will be hosting the annual Christmas Gift and Food Fair. With more than 100 traders selling seasonal goodies you’re sure to find that perfect present, say organisers. “The fair makes Christmas shopping thoroughly enjoyable, whilst supporting local, independent businesses from around Yorkshire.” Children will be able to drop in on Santa in his grotto, and there will be turkey sandwiches and mulled wine to keep you going, and all while listening to carol singing. Molly Lawson, fundraising events officer said: “The Christmas Fair is a fantastic community fundraising event; the cathedral comes alive with festive cheer, it is a real highlight in the events calendar and we are looking forward to welcoming many visitors again this year.”

A Park and Ride service, running from Wolseley Car Park on Boroughbridge Road will drop passengers directly outside the main entrance of the cathedral. The first bus will run at 10.30am, with the last bus at 3.00pm. This is a free service, but donations can be made on the bus, with proceeds going to the cathedral.

Doors open at 9.30am and close at 4.30pm. Entry £3 on the door, free for children under 12.

RESIDENTS of Neville House care home in Gargrave have been knitting poppies all year to create a display in remembrance of those who lost their lives in conflicts. The home also held a coffee morning, with all proceeds going to the Royal British Legion, pictured (right) from left are Mary Sutcliffe, Maureen Bugler and Margaret Applegarth. Well done ladies.

NOT long now until we can enjoy the very English tradition of posting pictures on social media of ‘dogs at polling stations’. This very handsome Border Collie, called George, was snapped by Jo Rhodes in Settle at a previous election. George belongs to Leon Dewhurst, Jo tells me, or maybe the other way round. Leon used to have a jewellery shop in Settle, but recently moved his workshops to Piece Hall in Halifax, where I hope he is thriving.

I WAS interested to read in the excellent Bentham News, which is free to residents, that surveillance cameras have been sited in Ingleton and in Bentham in an effort to catch out those irresponsible dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets. The article, by two members of Craven District Council, says that the cameras have been installed in a joint project between the parish councils and the district council’s cleaner neighbourhoods department. Both communities have been allocated two cameras each; they’ve been sited in known ‘troublesome areas’ and have continues the article a ‘motion’ detector, how very clever. These cameras are not only set off by ‘movement’, but also operate at night. The badly behaved dog owners of Bentham and Ingleton need to watch out.

IN the same edition of Bentham News, I see the invitation has gone out to makers of crafts, artists and bakers to sign up for the annual Christmas in the Mart, held in Bentham Auction Mart. Due to take place on Friday, December 13, and on Saturday, December 14 - so, just after the General Election on December 12, it aims to showcase some of the best creations from across the region. In addition to there being Christmas present ideas, there will also be festive treats and entertainment.

NOT long now until we can enjoy the very English tradition of posting pictures on social media of ‘dogs at polling stations’. This very handsome Border Collie, called George, (pictured above right) was snapped by Jo Rhodes in Settle at a previous election. George belongs to Leon Dewhurst, Jo tells me, or maybe the other way round. Leon used to have a jewellery shop in Settle, but recently moved his workshops to Piece Hall in Halifax, where I hope he is thriving - and George, of course.

50 YEARS ago, the Craven Herald of November 14, 1969, reported on the poor attendance at the annual general meeting of the Barnoldswick Chamber of Trade. The meeting was attended by three officials, five committee men, one other man and a Craven Herald and Pioneer reporter. A move to disband the chamber, which actually with 123 members was the highest it had ever had, was lost. Membership was higher than chamber of trades in Otley and in Ilkley, and almost as big as in Nelson and in Burnley, it was reported.

REMEMBRANCE Day services in Barnoldswick and in Earby suffered bad weather, in 1969 and attendances were the lowest for years. Mrs D Bennett, chairman of Barnoldswick Urban Council, led the town’s homage, and laid a wreath on behalf of all citizens at the Memorial Gardens, she was accompanied by very few of her colleagues.

100 YEARS ago, the Craven Herald of November 14, 1919, reported on the death at the age of 75 of the ‘bard of Sutton’ Robert ‘Bob’ Heaton. Mr Heaton, who was interred at Kildwick Church, was born at Gott Hill, Sutton. He worked at Airedale Mills, Kildwick, and every day crossed the picturesque bridge in front of the old ‘Lang Kirk o’ Craven’. He started writing verse aged 20, and was always influenced by nature. He didn’t attend school, apart from Sunday School, despite that, he loved to read, with the writings of John Ruskin a great source of pleasure.

OVER at Skipton Parish Church in 1919, the congregation was busy raising money needed to pay for the re-leading of a section of the church roof, and repair to the bells. A number of social functions had been arranged, including an ‘American Evening’ . Held at the the Otley Street schools, it was very successful, raising £80. Price of entry was a shilling, but if people wanted, they could bring some goods, which were then sold at one of the stalls. Fortune teller, Madame Zerabie, was very busy with a constant queue of people waiting to hear what the future held for them.

THE first anniversary of Armistice Day was observed in accordance with the King’s wishes. Shortly before 11am, the fire buzzer gave the preparatory signal, and the majority of mills and workshops ceased for the specified two minutes. At Christ Church , there was a n early service of Holy Communion, followed at 11am by a special service.