WE get some interesting things sent through the post accompanying press releases to the offices of the Craven Herald in Skipton, which we now share with colleagues on the Ilkley Gazette and Wharfedale Observer, and the Keighley News. Some of the more unusual items have included a rubber rat, courtesy of the York Dungeon, York, and a money tree, or to use its proper name, Crassula, from Skipton Building Society. In fact, despite it coming through the post, my money tree has thrived over the years and is probably ten times the size it once was.

However, prize for the oddest of press release related items has to be a broken hub-cab that arrived in the post this week. And not just one, but three, for each of the weekly papers. The hub caps, which arrived in pizza -like boxes, were all broken and part of a campaign aimed at highlighting the ‘national pothole crisis’. Sender, EZ Street Asphalt UK claimed the hubcaps were a ‘genuine dead hub-cap’ that came directly from the side of a UK road and were a ‘victim of the national pothole crisis’. Each hub-cap came with its own sad story, mine, allegedly from Surrey, told the story of a pensioner who had been on his way to the village post office to buy stamps. “Usually, he can drive around the potholes with ease, but this time, oncoming traffic wouldn’t allow it. He had to take the pothole. Me in the road, blocking traffic and waiting for the motor club. This isn’t the kind of thing a pensioner needs” said the press release which claimed: ‘This tragic loss ad related damage could have been avoided”.

EZ Street Asphalt warned us unsuspecting reporters to handle the hub-caps with care, because they may be a bit ‘grubby’, which of course was too late for two of us; before claiming it had a pothole repair that is ‘guaranteed permanent’, and reducing the cost of traditional asphalt repair by about a half.

THE delightful St Leonard’s Church, Chapel le dale, is always worth a visit. Situated not far from both Ingleborough and Whernside, it is also situated just off the busy road on the way to the Ribblehead Viaduct, although the hordes heading for the viaduct mostly seem unaware of the treasure they are missing. The church itself is believed to date back to the 16th century, while in the churchyard are the unmarked graves of around 200 people who died, either by accident or illness, during the building of Ribblehead Viaduct and Blea Moor tunnel.

This picture, taken by Ged Benn of Settle shows the replica plaque in the church in memory of those who lost their lives. The original is in the National Railway Museum in York.

IF you are looking for a reason to take part in a running event this year, Martin House Hospice at Boston Spa has a number of places for people wanting to help it raise funds at some of the more high profile events in the year. From 10ks to full marathons, it says it has the right challenge for everyone who enjoys running. The hospice cares for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across West, North and East Yorkshire, as well as supporting their families.

Families may come to Martin House for many years, and its care includes respite stays, emergency stays and end of life care, along with bereavement support.

The hospice has places at the Jane Tomlinson Run for All events, including Leeds and York 10Ks, Leeds Half Marathon and the Yorkshire Marathon. It also has places in the Simplyhealth Great North Run.

Sara Cracknell, events fundraiser at Martin House, said: “Whatever your level, we have the perfect run for you, whether you’re thinking of taking part in your first road race or are a seasoned runner.

Runners (pictured right) who sign up to support Martin House each receive a fundraising pack to help them reach their sponsorship target, along with a Martin House running top. The Martin House team will also be on hand at runs with a hospitality tent for participants.

To find out more about the running places on offer, contact events@martinhouse.org.uk or visit :martinhouse.org.uk/our-events.

CUSTOMERS of Thomas the Baker, which has a shop in Skipton High Street, have helped the business raise £11,000 over the last year for the charity Kidney Research UK. - which also marks the firm reaching a milestone £100,000 total donation to charity over the last 10 years.

Customers and staff of the bakers, which has 30 stores across Yorkshire and the North East, have raised the funds through initiatives and by the selling of carrier bags. The firm’s chosen charities have included the Alzheimer’s Society, Marie Curie, British Heart Foundation, Help for Heroes, Macmillan Cancer Support, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

COMMUNITY groups and charities in Craven are being invited to apply for funding through the Tesco Bags of Help scheme.

Applications are officially open for 2020, with more than £6 million to be shared across England throughout 2020 - and anyone can nominate groups and charities benefitting communities.

Three groups will be awarded grant amounts of £2,000, £1,000 or £500 every three months.

The scheme sees money raised from the sale of reusable Bags for Life in Tesco stores across the country used to fund local projects.

And customers decide where the money goes, casting their votes for shortlisted charities using blue tokens handed out in stores.

The scheme runs in partnership with community charity Groundwork. Graham Duxbury, its chief executive, says: “We encourage community groups to apply for Bags of Help funding to help improve places and spaces in local communities. We are pleased to be able to be a part of the journey and provide support and encouragement to help local communities thrive.”

Find out more at: tesco.com/bagsofhelp

THE Age UK charity shop in Swadford Street, Skipton, is appealing to people to start the new year by donating their unwanted Christmas presents to both help older people and reduce waste.

Antonia Cutillo, shop manager said; “It can be difficult knowing what do to with gifts that will never be used, however instead of just chucking them away or storing them away somewhere where they will never see the light of day, we’re encouraging people to donate them. Not only will your donation help us raise much-needed funds to support older people, but you will also be freeing up space in your home.”

ANOTHER charity, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is on the hunt for people who have done something inspiring related to beating heart disease.

It is launching its 2020 Heart Hero Awards and asking for people to nominate their heart hero. The awards recognise the different ways people are helping beat heartbreak from heart and circulatory disease. This could be through fundraising, volunteering or helping patients and their families.

This year there are three categories: Healthcare Hero, Young Heart Hero and the Inspiration Award.

Nominations are open until Saturday February 29. The winners will be announced at a special gala awards dinner that will take place in London in September.

To submit a nomination, visit: bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/in-your-area/heart-hero-awards/nomination-form