Airton

Quaker Services: Quakers in Airton have regular quiet meetings for worship every Sunday at 3pm, in the ancient Quaker Meeting House by the Green in Airton, on Calton Lane .All are welcome to this the earliest place of non-conformist worship dating from the 1600’s. Refreshments in the Barn follow each meeting. The Meeting House is open every day of the week for those who need a place of refreshment and peace in the midst of a turbulent world.

Drop-in Art Sessions: art, craft, and camaraderie drop in art sessions on Thursdays at the Quaker Meeting House Barn in Airton, open every Thursday, drop in any time between 10am and 2pm. Cost via donation. Materials provided, or bring your own. All welcome. For more information call 01729 900018.

Austwick

Church news: Services. Sunday 10th December - 9.30 am Holy Communion in Austwick; 7pm Newby Joint Clapham & Newby Carol Service. Thursday 14th December 2pm & 6pm Austwick School Nativity Service.

Field & Local History Society: Austwick Parish Hall Wednesday 13th December 7.30pm A talk entitled “The Fascinating World of Bees” by James Innerdale. Christmas themed refreshments available. Admission free to current members, £3 for guests.

Barnoldswick

Santa fun run: Sunday December 10, Santa Charity Fun Run starts at the West Craven Sports Centre at 11am. with Santa suits ready for entrants, young and old. A team of supervisors including Barnoldswick and Earby Rotarians will be on hand to look after safety and help with any queries. Last minute entrants can register through Sharon Hurst on Facebook. No entrants will be accepted on run day.

Bentham

Ewecross Historical Society: Dr Sophie Ambler gave a fascinating, illustrated talk about the ongoing research in the grounds of Lowther Castle, near Penrith, to members in Bentham Methodist church. She said that little is known about the early Lake District, as it was under control of the Scottish King until 1092 when it was conquered by William Rufus. She and her team, funded by the Castle Studies Trust, have been excavating a Ringwork Castle, north, downstream, of the present castle. Excavations showed how the mound was constructed with a base of large stones, followed by a layer of earth, then stones again, continuing until it reached a substantial height above the river Lowther, then a timber palisade was put up round the top. The remains of a timber hall have been found inside and a possible watch tower at one end. The gateway to the castle leads to a buried medieval village. Dr Ambler, working with the Lowther family, named from the river, studying their vast archives, and also army records has found that almost all the men in the north, of fighting age had to fight for Edward the first against the Scots. She also found that many farming families with their livestock from southern England were ‘planted’ in the area. The team are also studying St Michaels Church. The speaker concluded by saying that there is much more work to be done, and that it is possible that there could be an earlier church and village hidden in the ground, and other undiscovered Ringwork castles. She was welcomed and thanked by Mike Winstanley, chair. The next meeting on January 30 will be George Watson, telling stories with the Roman coin hoards of Morecambe Bay.

Bolton Abbey

Rector’s message: This Sunday is the second Sunday in Advent. Whilst we traditionally associate Advent with the coming of Christ child at Christmas, Advent also reminds us that we are also awaiting the second coming of Christ as well. The Church is always awaiting the consummation of time when Christ will come again to transform the whole of creation. But, as we are reminded in the New Testament, reading this Sunday, we do not know the time or the place so we must always be prepared. In that sense, the second coming of Christ is always imminent. Advent reminds us to prepare ourselves anew for this Second Coming but also to look for signs of God’s Kingdom breaking through in our present age. Ask yourself, what signs of God’s kingdom are present in our world today?

Carleton

Christmas Musical Concert: Saturday December 9 at 7.30pm in St Mary's Church. Carleton Ladies' Choir, Carleton Man's Shed Choir, Craven Accordion Orchestra, The Saxophone Quadrophonics, NDC Musical Theatre and more. Licensed bar. Admission Adults 5, Children £2. Tickets from the village shop and Coffee Pot.

Coniston Cold and Bell Busk

Church news: St Peter’s Church Coniston Cold: on Sunday December 10 there will be a service of BCP Holy Communion at 9.30am led by Revd Andrew Steer to which all are welcome. Our popular annual carol service with the Giggleswick & Settle Brass Band will be on Sunday 17th Dec at 6pm, followed by refreshments in the village hall. Church services are normally at 9.30am on the second and fourth Sunday of each month (BCP Holy Communion), and at 4pm on the first and third Sunday of each month (Compline Evensong). For any enquiries about weddings, baptisms, or funerals please contact Revd Andrew Steer on andrew.steer@leeds.anglican.org

Earby

Church news: All Saints’ Church. Thursday December 7 at 7.30pm Carol Service with Earby Brass Band, followed by coffee and mince pies. On Friday December 8 is the weekly prayers for the Community in the lounge at New Road Community Centre between 10am and 10.30am. On Sunday December 10 there is no service at All Saints’. We are joining with St Mary’s Church at Kelbrook for a joint Carol Service at 10.15am, led by Hugh Fielden. Refreshments afterwards.

Farnhill and Kildwick

Graham Taylor – Correspondent@farnhill.co.uk

Church news: There will be a service of Morning Worship on Sunday (10th) starting at 11am at St Andrew's Church. There will also be a mid-week service of Holy Communion on Wednesday (13th), at 9.30am. St. Andrew’s is open to visitors on most days, when the building is not in use, from about 10am until about 2pm.

Christmas craft fairs: There will be a series of Christmas craft fairs held in Kildwick Parish Rooms on Sundays 10, 17, and 24 December, between 10am and 3pm.

Pilates: Classes for both beginners and improvers will take place at Farnhill Institute on Monday (11th) – with classes at 5pm, 6.15pm and 7:30pm. Numbers are limited, so please contact simon@saltairepilates.com or ring 07549 199670 for details and

enrolment.

Knit & Natter: The group will meet on Tuesday (12th), between 1.30pm and 3.30pm in the upstairs room at Farnhill Institute. People are invited to come along with their knitting, crochet or stitching, or just to have a chat. Tea, coffee and biscuits served. £2.

2024 calendar: The 2024 Kildwick and Farnhill Village Institute annual calendar is now on sale; price £10, including a posting envelope. Available from White Lion, Kildwick; Coffee & Crumbs; Crag & Coffee; and elsewhere in the village.

Gargrave

caroline@sandjsthompson.co.uk

Picnic supper dance: This will be held in the village hall on Friday evening, December 8. The live music will be provided by Lancashire musician Alan Cookson. Please bring along your own picnic supper. Tea and Coffee will be provided in the interval. A raffle will aid Village Hall funds. Admission is £6 per person. The music will commence at 7.30.p.m until 11.p.m.

Collectables and craft fair: The last of these fairs of the year will be held on Sunday December 10 in the Village Hall. This will be a bumper event as all stalls are booked so there will be a great selection of goods to purchase. The Craven Accordion group will be creating a festive atmosphere as they will be playing Christmas tunes to listen to as you browse or as you sit and enjoy the light refreshments which will be available until 3.p.m. Bethany will be in attendance outside the Hall with her Christmas flower and wreath stall and there will be calendars for sale in the Hall featuring photographs of in and around Gargrave with proceeds for Village Hall funds. Pocket booklets will be available which list all the Fairs taking place in 2024. Admission is just 50p. The event opens at 9.30.a.m until 3.30pm.

Church news: St Andrew’s Church: Services December 10: 8am Matins; 11am Sung Eucharist.Everyone is welcome at any of our services. If you just want a coffee and a chat then join us at 12. Sunday December 17: Carols by Candlelight at 4pm

Giggleswick

Church news: St. Alkelda’s Church: As we enter Advent life gets even busier than usual in our churches. Thank you to everyone who worked for and supported our Christmas Fair last Saturday, which was a very enjoyable and successful day. This week we welcome the pupils, staff and families of Giggleswick Preparatory School into church for their Christmas celebration. Sunday is a very special day, not only for St. Alkelda’s but for the Benefice of Castleberg (the parishes of Giggleswick, Rathmell and Settle). The new Bishop of Ripon, Rev. Anna Eltringham, will be with us for a united service of Holy Communion, at 10am, to ‘officially’ bless our coming together, with Rev. Julie Clarkson as our Vicar.

Grassington

Christmas Market: Saturday, December 9. Packed full of Christmassy stalls, here’s the perfect chance to buy your crafty or foodie Christmas presents. With live music from the Bradford Brass Band, Tony Bailey and Paul Harper, the Leeds Morris Dancers and our very own Town Cryer. Santa’s Grotto will be in the Pod at Grassington House 11am-1pm and 1.30pm – 3pm. £5. Booking is not required.

Second-hand Book and Jigsaw Sale: Saturday, December 9, 10am to 4pm at Grassington Hub.

Christmas Gift and Craft Fair: Grassington Town Hall Saturday, December 9,10am to 4pm. Over 25 craft stalls.

Hellifield

Ken Leak stanier@aol.com

Wesley Centre: There will be a Drop-In Lunch today (December 7) from 12 noon. The Community Pantry will be held tomorrow, December 8, from 2 - 3 pm. The Sunday service will be from 2 pm. Lego Church will be on Monday from 10.30am. Strong and Steady Class will be on Monday the 11th from 3.30pm. Kettlebells are held on Wednesdays from 6pm until 8.30pm.

Coffee morning: There will be an Institute Coffee Morning on Saturday from 10am. With raffle and 200 Club.

Helisingers: The choir will meet for a practise tomorrow morning from 9.45 to 11am. Contact Sue Alderson on 01729 554149 for details about joining the choir.

North Craven flower club: The cub will hold its last meeting of the year tonight, December 7. Note that the meeting is taking place on the first Thursday of the month for this meeting only. From 7.30pm in the Institute. Guest demonstrator will be Elaine Bedford with a demonstration entitled ‘Christmas Reimagined’. In January the meeting times will change to the second Thursday of the month starting at 2pm. For more details please ring 01729 840331.

Hellifield House: Bingo will be held on Sunday, December 10 from 6.30pm. The next quiz night will be Wednesday December 13 from 8.15pm. The Children’s Party will be held on Sunday, December 17 from 2pm till 5pm. Slimming World is held on Mondays from 7pm - 9pm.

Messy Monkeys: Children’s activity group is held on Wednesdays at the Institute from 10.30am. Contact Amanda Belt on 07398 284126.

Chess: Sessions will be held on Wednesday 10th at the Black Horse from 7pm.

Carol singing: Hellifield Station Shed 24H café on Friday, December 15 at 5.30pm. The event is in conjunction with the Wesley Centre. Contact Pauline for details on 07931511652.

Line dancing: With Jane, tomorrow December 8 in the Institute from 1pm. To dance yourself to fitness contact Jane on 07971 656461. Please note there will be no session on December 15.

Horton-in-Ribblesdale

caroline@sandjsthompson.co.uk

Christmas Party: This will be taking place in the Village Hall on Friday evening, December 8. The festivities are organised by the Village Hall committee and commence at 7.p.m. Admission is £4 per person, please bring along food to share and a raffle prize.

Church news: A service of Holy Communion for the combined parishes of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Stainforth and Langcliffe will be held on Sunday, December 10 at 10.30am in St Peter’s church at Stainforth.

Kelbrook

Church news: St Mary’s Church. On Sunday December 10th we will be holding a Carol Service at 10.15am, where we will be joined by All Saints’ Church, Earby. This will be led by Hugh Fielden. Refreshments afterwards.

Kirkby Malham

Church News: on Sunday 10th December we have a service of Holy Communion at 10am, and the Kirkby-in-Malhamdale primary school Nativity and Christingle service at 5pm, to which all are welcome. Looking ahead, on Sunday, December 17 we have a traditional service of Carols by Candlelight at 5.30pm, a re-telling of the Christmas story in readings and song, which will finish in time for members of the congregation to go to Malham for outdoor carol singing. St Michael’s is open every day of the year from 9am to dusk. Facilities for visitors to make themselves a hot drink and information about the interesting history of our 15th Century church are available. We welcome enquiries about Weddings, Baptisms (Christenings), and Funerals; for more information please see our website https://www.kirkbymalhamchurch.org or contact Revd Sue on sue.mcwhinney@leeds.anglican.org

Long Preston

traceylambert@btconnect.com

Lights: Thank you to everyone who helped with putting up the Christmas lights around the village recently. Also thank you to everyone who attended the lights switch on. It’s great to see the village looking very festive.

Used Postage Stamps: These are still being donated to the local hedgehog charity. They can also be dropped off at the Methodist Church on a Sunday or Friday Morning or anytime at 3 Ribblesdale Estate.

Church News: On Sunday, December 10 the service at St Mary’s will be Morning Prayer with Rev James Rodley at 11am. There will also be the Christingle Service at 4pm. The service in the Methodist Church with Rev Tracey Darling also at 11am.

Welcome space: This continues in the Methodist Church on Mondays from 1pm. Enjoy a 2-course meal for only £3. Contact Annette on 01729 840096 to book your meal.

Little Footsteps playgroup: There will be no playgroup sessions until December 18 due to holidays. This session will be the Christmas Party.

Strong and Steady: (gentle exercises) continues at 1.30-2.30 in the Methodist Chapel. This is followed by coffee and chocolate biscuits. Only £4 a session. Free transport available.

Craft Club: Friday 10.30am - 12pm in the Methodist Chapel. Come and learn a new skill, meet new friends. Tea and coffee is provided.

Pilates: This continues in the Village Hall on a Tuesday 2.45-3.30pm.

Settle

Church news: Settle Parish Church: Sally-Anne Brown together with music students from Settle College provided a wonderful musical accompaniment at our monthly ‘First Saturday’ Bacon Butties morning, last Saturday. We are open again on Saturday, January 6. We looking forward to welcoming Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, who will be making her first visit to our new Castleberg Benefice on Sunday, December 10. Bishop Anna will be preaching at our 3 Parishes Joint Service of Holy Communion at St Alkelda’s, Giggleswick at 10am. Everyone is most welcome to join us. Stay for coffee afterwards and meet our new Bishop. There is no service at Holy Ascension on December 10

Carol Concert at Holy Ascension on Sunday 10 December at 4pm. There’ll be performances from local choirs including Settle Voices, Langcliffe Singers, St Alkelda’s choir, Octameron, to name but a few, plus children from our local primary schools. Members of Settle Orchestra will be playing too. Entrance is free. Seasonal refreshments will be on offer. There’ll be a retiring collection for Settle’s Pop Up Pantry/Food Bank.

St John’s Methodist Church will be holding its annual Soupacarol with soup, carols and Christmas readings and poems at 7pm on Monday, December 11. Admission free.

Stepping Stones: Group for families with children from 0 to 4 led by members of Giggleswick with Settle Mothers’ Union held in church on Thursday mornings (term time) is hosting a “Toy Bank” today, December 7and next Thursday, December. 14. Families, Cubs and Brownies have been collecting together toys and games, which are in good condition but have now been outgrown, for the “Toy Bank”. Pop along between 10am and 11.30am.

Climate Action: Action on Climate Emergency (ACE) Settle and area; Fair Trade stall, Saturday December 9, 10.30 am -12.30 pm Green Cafe at St John’s Methodist Church Hall. Church Street. Come and share your ideas for our 2024 activities and what help you can offer. Coffee, teas and mince pies available 10.30-12 Noon. Free. For more information email: acesettleandarea@gmail.com or go to the website, Facebook or X.

Skipton

Skipton and Craven History Society: The next talk is on Thursday, December 14 at 7.30 pm at the the Swadford Street Centre. ‘John Ruskin’ by Judith Barras. £3 entrance charge.

Friends of Craven Museum: Next meeting is on Tuesday, December 12, featuring a talk by Jane Houlton on “Richard Fountaine – the Man and the Almshouse”. This will start at 7.30pm in the Education Room of Skipton Town Hall. Entry via the Stage door on Museum Walk after 7.15pm Annual membership is £12, visitors £3 per meeting.

Retired Men’s Forum: Meeting on Tuesday, December 12 in the Soroptimist Rooms, in Otley Street. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available from 10am and at 10:30am Andrew Dickson will give a presentation on “Living in an Unpeace World”.

RBL Poppy Appeal: We ran four stalls over a two-week period and distributed 174 poppy boxes in Skipton and the surrounding villages. We thank those who were happy to take the boxes and to those who donated. We also thank Craven Court, Morrisons, Tesco and the Co-op in Cross Hills for allowing us to run the stalls. The amount raised in the Skipton Area is in excess of £34,000. Those who took poppy boxes will receive thank you cards and/or posters in the coming weeks. Your support will make a real difference to those in the Armed Forces community. If anyone has any feedback, please make contact using the following email address PAONEA12@outlook.com

RSPB Skipton group: The indoor meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 13 at the Baptist Church, Otley Street at 7.30pm. Our returning speaker will be David Tolliday, a wildlife photographer, who lives  in Cheshire.  He is an excellent and entertaining speaker and the appropriate topic for his presentation is "Wildlife in the Snow". Entrance fee £4, refreshments available.  

Thornton in Lonsdale

Church news: St Oswald’s Church has visiting vicars and speakers to take services commencing at 9.30am every Sunday during their interregnum. Special services up to Christmas Day: Sunday, December 10: Nine lessons and Carols at 4pm; Sunday, December 17 crib service at 4pm (Children invited to come dressed up as a nativity character). Christmas Day 9.30am: First Holy Communion of Christmas.