Letters to the Editor

Vandalism is defined as the deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property. Mr Horner’s “venerable and much-loved” sign was in an appalling condition and virtually unreadable. So much for being loved and venerated!

In no way has it been destroyed and the only “damage” has made it once-more readable.

Many other signs in the village and, as your readers will know, in many parts of Craven are in very poor condition after years of neglect by the powers that be.

As to the choice of colour scheme, which I am reliably informed is azure on cream, I find this entirely in harmony with the locale. The sign is in sight of St Andrew’s Parish Church and reflects the blue and white Saltire of the Saint. Also, the location is on National Cycle Route 68 which has a white cycle on a blue background on its signs on the other side of the road.

Gargrave is not alone in adopting alternative colour schemes. Mr Horner should stop off at Saltaire. The old black-on-white signs are all being replaced by white-on-blue ones.

This scheme is endorsed by World Heritage and is funded entirely by public subscription. In fact, the good residents of Saltaire sponsor each sign for £98 and adopt their own one.

Maybe Gargrave should take a leaf out of their down-stream community’s book? Pending action by authority to rectify the situation, maybe it would be a “cunning plan” to make use of those half-full tins of paint lurking in the shed or attic?

“The Phantom”

Name and address supplied

• Editor’s note: We rarely publish anonymous letters, believing that people should stand up for their views, and normally only withhold a writer’s name and address if there is a risk to his or her safety if identified. “The Phantom”, whose name and address we know, claims to be the person who painted the sign and seems, for some reason, to think owning up may cause him (or her) a problem. We wouldn’t usually publish the letter… but we couldn’t resist it!
  
  

And now, on the same subject, and again against the Herald’s usual practice, here’s something else we rarely publish – a poem! The writer seems to know who “The Phantom” is, too. Please don’t send us any more poems – we don’t really have the space.

Phantom Dabber

Sir - In response to the letter from Mick Hamer last week concerning the sign. A short verse.

The Phantom Dabber of Gargrave Town They seek him here, they seek him there, Wherever a sign is in need of care, He touches them up, makes them over, So they can be read by every rover, Don’t persecute him he is your friend, He’ll do ‘Give Way’, ‘Church Lane”, or even ‘Dead End’.

So when you see his work no need to frown He’s the Phantom Dabber of Gargrave Town!

David Griffiths, Neville Road, Gargrave

‘Feeble wind-up’

Sir - With reference to Mr M Holden (Letters, June 10), regarding vandalism of street signs in Gargrave.

As usual with these sorts of instances there are several differing opinions. The members of the “Paint Aged Street Signs” organisation feel that repainting these signs is a clear indication of their love and affection for them.

Apparently there are two reasons why they will be painted in blue. Firstly, it is so the painter knows which signs have already been painted and, secondly, there is no black paint available.

Other people are of the opinion that this is a cheap publicity stunt initiated by the landlord and landlady of the Masons Arms. They have both denied this strongly, however they did add that anybody who wishes to see the signs will be very welcome to sample their various wines, beers and spirits as well as home-cooked food, all available at competitive prices!

Another group in favour of repainting the signs are the residents of River Place, Airebank Terrace, South Street and all other areas surrounding the Low Green area of the village.

They believe that repainting the Marton Road sign, to be swiftly followed by the Church Lane and Mark House Lane signs, will make it easier to direct the “so-called travellers” to the potential new sites for their next visit, planned for 2011.

I hope all mentioned above will have realised, by now, that this letter is a feeble attempt at a little humour to counteract the doom and gloom of the economy, not to mention England’s stuttering World Cup bid.

If you have not realised it is a wind-up then please be aware it is!

However, regarding the travellers, there is a potential for this to happen so make sure you attend the forthcoming village meeting.

Martyn Cox, Neville Crescent, Gargrave

Parking problems

Sir - I note with interest that Sgt Paul Evans is to look into the problem of parking by Home Loan Management workers on the Rockwood Estate.

I do hope it will be possible for him to enlarge his area of interest to include central Skipton.

For many years now central Skipton has grappled with the problem of workers parking their cars, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Unfortunately these people seem to be of the opinion that they are the only ones with cars.

Not only are residents and their visitors greatly inconvenienced but worst of all is the knowledge that emergency vehicles are unable to access many of the streets.

I note that Mr Tudgey (Letters, June 17) made the point that a tax disc gives one freedom to park on a public highway – a freedom available to all in every area.

Therefore, unfortunately, we have all to accept this inconvenience until such time as the council makes plans for a park-and-ride scheme, or limited street parking unless a resident or visiting a resident.

C Rawson, Park Street, Skipton

Thank you...1

Sir - On behalf of the organising committee of Skipton Festival of Transport we would like to express sincere thanks to everyone who played a part in making our fifth annual event a success.

Our main sponsors, Roger Newhouse of Roger Newhouse Volvo and Peter Watson of Skipton Self-drive, along with S & J Distribution and Craven District Council, ensured that we had a flying start to the event and for that we are extremely grateful.

The organisation of this type of event takes many hours of planning and to ensure a smooth and successful transition the co-operation of business, public body and interest groups is vital.

Special thanks must go to the ladies of Barclays Bank, to the volunteers who organised and staffed the charity stalls, to the Aire Valley Transport Group for once again providing a very popular and nostalgic classic bus service, to Event Fire Service for providing first aid cover and to Skipton Hire Centre for help with barriers.

Thanks also to the many businesses and individuals who provided tombola prizes – your contributions are greatly appreciated.

A very big thank-you also to the vehicle entrants from Craven Old Wheels, Dales Historic Vehicle Club and others, without whom the event could not take place.

We were also visited during the event by an Irish Motor Club who were on a tour of Yorkshire and their contribution to the show simply added to an already splendid turnout of vehicles.

Many thanks also go to the Whitby Lifeboat Trust for allowing us to use the Lifeboat William Riley of Birmingham and Leamington as the focal point of our show and once more to Event Fire Service for the transportation of the vessel from Whitby to Skipton and back.

If we have omitted to mention anyone then please accept our apologies and be assured that the appreciation is just as genuine.

Unlike last year the day was not blessed with good weather but neither the entrants nor the public were deterred and in spite of the rain we were able to provide each of our nominated charities, Manorlands, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Whitby Lifeboat, with worthy cheques once again.

Very well done to all concerned.

Jeremy R Trowsdale, Vice Chairman, Skipton Festival of Transport, Hurrs Road, Skipton

Thank you...2

Sir - I am writing on behalf of the Meningitis Trust to say thank you – and congratulations – to all the toddlers across the county who took part in a Toddle Waddle event for us, helping to raise thousands of pounds for our work.

Toddle Waddle is a sponsored waddle for the under-fives, which raises vital sponsorship, enabling us to continue helping all those affected by meningitis across the UK, as well as increasing life-saving awareness of the disease.

This year, we’ve seen toddlers take on mini assault courses, don fancy dress and waddle around parks, playing fields and country walks – all while having a quacking time.

Since the event began 11 years ago, Toddle Waddles have raised more than £2.6 million for our work. This money has made a huge difference to our work and we wouldn’t be able to continue our work without the thousands of toddlers who take part every year.

With over half of all reported cases of meningitis occurring in the under-fives, Toddle Waddle was created to engage with people who look after this age group; parents, grandparents, nursery teachers and childminders. Together, the event raises vital awareness of the disease and also much-needed funds for our work.

We are always looking for people to help with our work by getting involved in fundraising – whether it’s organising a toddle waddle, or taking on a once in a lifetime challenge, you can be assured that your efforts will make a huge difference to thousands of people across the UK who are living with the impact of the disease.

Visit our website for more information about what we do and how you can help, meningitis-trust.org.

Steve Williams, events organiser, Meningitis Trust, Bath Road, Stroud

Thank you...3

Sir - May I through your Letters Page, on behalf of myself and Cross Hills FC, say a huge thank-you to everybody who sponsored me in my recent skydive to raise money for the club. It was an incredible experience.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Steve and Sue Morgan at the King’s Arms, Sutton, for their continued support.

Barrie Pearce, Cross Hills FC, Hazel Grove, Sutton-in-Craven

Thank you...4

Sir - I would like to thank the lady who found my green jacket which I had left on a seat by the canal in Skipton on Saturday, June 12, Gala Day.

I have today received it safely, with the little brooch still attached which was of sentimental importance to me. I cannot believe how lucky I have been. Thank you so much.

Christine Penny, Scalby Village, Scarborough