Buckden Parish Community Web-site

The parish of Buckden lies on the Dales Way, at the northern end of Wharfedale and consists of the village itself, nestling under the impressive bulk of Buckden Pike, as well as the hamlets of Cray, Hubberholme, Raisgill, Yockenthwaite, Deepdale, Beckermonds, Oughtershaw and Greenfield. Set in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, Buckden is a popular destination for walkers and holidaymakers, with excellent walking and many delightful places to eat, drink and stay!

There is a thriving local community with many events taking place throughout the year. The principal commercial activities are farming and tourism with many businesses catering for the visitor, as well as for local residents. 

This web-site has been created under the leadership of the Parish Council to provide a source of information about the village and the area, for both visitors and local residents.

Buckden Gala is taking place on Saturday 15th June from 12.30pm onwards. Events will include the annual sheep show, two Championship fell races, children's fun races, dog show, live music, hot and cold food, and the usual assortment of craft, book, plant, and cake stalls, tombola and grand prize draw etc. An exciting new feature this year will be a dog scurry organised by Langstroth Gun Dogs. Book the date in your diary now for a guaranteed fun
day out! Visit www.buckdengala.co.uk for regular updates and news of additional features. As usual donations towards the raffle, tombola, cake, book and plant stall will be gratefully received!

Festival of the Fleece is to be held in St Michael and All Angels' Church over the weekend of June 28th - 30th. On Friday, June 28th the preview evening of displays, with punch and nibbles as well as entertainment, will start at 7.30pm. Tickets for this evening, costing £6, are available now from Judith Adejumo (760480) or Jayne Sayer (760463). On Saturday and Sunday the church will be open to view between 1Oam and 4.30pm, with a service of thanksgiving at 6pm on Sunday, June 30th.

Morning Coffee and Afternoon Teas at Buckden School Room on August 26th (Bank Holiday Monday) in aid of Hubberholme Church Funds. Come and browse, chat, and find a bargain as we will be selling good quality donated household items such as ornaments, pictures, glass ware and china, books and small, manageable furniture. As you are spring cleaning, moving, or de-cluttering, think of this event and contact Megan (760399) with anything you think would be appropriate.

Also, a reminder that there will be National Trust presentation and slide show also on Wednesday 8 May at 7pm in Buckden Village Institute.– Cassie Williams, Peter Katic and Peter Welch from the National Trust will be giving a presentation on their roles and work here in Upper Wharfedale and their plans for the future.  This will be followed by a Jacob’s Join supper to give you the chance to talk to them afterwards.  Everyone welcome.

Buckden Walkers Wednesday Evening Stroll  1st May 2013. This walk is focussed on the Fox & Hounds at West Burton.The 2-mile walk was marginal for shoes when trialled, but boots may be advisable if it is not dry for several days before (localised mud). Dogs are welcome – usual proviso re leads applies at times. Meet outside the Buck for departure no later than 6.30pm or ready for walking at the Fox by 6.50. Non walkers can meet at the pub at 8.00. Click here for menu. Please let Stella & Robin know of meal choices by 7.00 on Tuesday night so that order can be placed. For further information, please contact Robin or Stella on (01756) 761320. Added info.: Sunset 20:40; Dusk 21:21  …. But we hope to eat at 20:20

On Friday 12 April the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire Julia Mulligan will be holding a surgery to hear your views and issues relating to policing in North Yorkshire, at the Skipton Youth and Community Centre in Skipton, from 3pm until 5pm. If you would like to book an appointment with Julia or for further information about other surgeries, please telephone 01765 641839 or email pccsurgeries@northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk

National Trust presentation and slide show – Cassie Williams, Peter Katic and Peter Welch from the National Trust will be giving a presentation on their roles and work here in Upper Wharfedale and their plans for the future, on Wednesday 8 May at 7pm in Buckden Village Institute.  This will be followed by a Jacob’s Join supper to give you the chance to talk to them afterwards.  Everyone welcome.

Buckden Village Institute AGM – the AGM will be held in the village Institute on Friday 26 April at 6.30pm. All residents of Buckden Parish are welcome to attend. Please join us at this meeting to share your opinions on how the village hall and its activities could be improved.

The Queens Arms in Litton are hiring! Full-time and part-time vacancies for staff in the kitchen, front of house and housekeeping. For more information please contact Emily at The Queens Arms – email: info@queensarmslitton.co.uk, tel: 01756 770096, web: http://queensarmslitton.co.uk/jobs/ or call in.

The Jay Walkers are coming back to Kettlewell  Village Hall If you enjoyed ‘Ladies’  Day’ and ’39 Steps’ you will want to see the latest Jay Walkers production -  Alan Ayckbourn’s   ‘Time of my Life’  for one night only on Friday 3rd May at 7.30 To book tickets costing £7 contact Pat Charlton  on 01756 760302 or email boxoffice@thejaywalkers.co.uk

Easter Lilies at Hubberholme Church  The Church Wardens would like to thank all who sponsored the lilies and therefore made the displays possible.  In addition, they wish to express their grateful thanks and appreciation for all the hard work and resulting wonderful arrangements created by The Team of ladies – yet again!  A special mention must be made of Philip (aged 5) and Lily (aged 7) who created the Easter garden around the base of the font. Click here to view the flowers

Wild Workshops in Langstrothdale In association with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Nethergill Farm near Oughtershaw is holding a series of Wild Workshops from April to July. On Saturday 20th April from 10am to 4pm experts from the Yorkshire Dales River Trust will lead a River Workshop, revealing secrets from the river bed and the art of willow bundling. £25 per person, including tea and coffee, a sandwich lunch and home-baked cakes. More details at www.nethergill.co.uk/field-centre/courses and by calling Nethergill Farm on 01756 761126

YDNPA Chiefs to speak at Buckden Village Institute  On Monday 8^th April David Butterworth - Chief Executive  & Gary Smith – Community & Conservation Director of Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority will be speaking at Buckden Parish Institute on how the Park will help to make the Upper Dale a better place to live, work & play. They will also be explaining how they aim to maintain the sustainability of the environment of Upper Wharfedale. This will be a short address followed by questions and hopefully some answers. Please come to this important meeting and have your say about the future of the dale.

Buckden Parish Council Electors Meeting – 11^th March 2013, 8.00 p.m. Mrs Sharon Hudson CDC will be present to advise what CDC will be doing in the lead up and during the Tour de France around Buckden. Review of Council’s business during 2012/13.All Parishioners cordially invited.

Click here to see photo of prolific fraudster Mark Chapman who stays in hotels and bed&breakfast accommodation throughout the country.  If sighted please contact North Yorkshire Police.  

Following several recent thefts from churches within North Yorkshire and other counties, please click here & also here to view photographs of two males suspected of being involved. 

North Yorkshire Police and Crime Plan  Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, has published a draft Police and Crime Plan. Julia is now asking the public for their views, so she can amend the Plan before final publication at the end of March. To read the plan and make a response please visit www.crimeplan.org.uk

Kettlewell Film Night - April The film is  "The Help"  6^th April (originally advertised as showing on 30^th March)@ 7.30pm.  Tickets are £4 and can be purchased from Caroline Hatton on 760378 or Kettlewell Village Store.  This is the last film of the season and local support is much appreciated as this will help secure future funding for film nights to continue in September.

The official Tour Media Brochure is also now available - click here to download. Don't forget that Buckden's own Tour de France website is at www.granddepart.co.uk 

St Patrick’s Night - Buckden Village Institute For the first time we are holding a St Patricks Night in Buckden - Saturday 16^th March, 7.00 for 7.30 p.m. Tickets are £12 and include a three course ‘Irish’ meal, entertainment, games and much, much more. Tickets are selling out fast so please order your tickets now from Peter at tickets@buckden.org or telephone on 01756 760882. Fancy Dress Optional – prize awarded for best costume.

New Year Caption Competition - Many thanks to all of you who submitted an entry in the New year Caption Comp. The winning entry was from Richard whose caption for the picture below was "So you think I should check with Margaret before I buy that lycra suit do you"?  

Future of the National Park Consultation on two important documents that will shape the future of the Yorkshire Dales National Park closes on Friday next week (11^th Jan) so you still have time to participate. The draft version of the National Park Management Plan, sets out a vision and objectives for looking after the National Park for the next five years. To read and comment on the Draft National Park Management Plan click here. The Local Plan highlights the key planning areas for the future of the National Park – including visitor facilities, local businesses, infrastructure and design. To read and comment on the Local Plan Issues report click here. Your response to the consultation will help YDNP draft the final version of the National Park Management Plan and prioritise the Planning issues that to be addressed in the new Local Plan.

Fast Broadband Update As you may be aware there has been a delay in the roll out of Fast Broadband to the Upper Dale. The cause of this is the wireless repeater mast at Moor End farm Kettlewell. The final location of this mast was the third choice as first the National Trust and then Natural England ruled out the preferred locations. Having trialled the mast for some weeks, it is evident that this location does not have sufficient access to clean wind and sun to maintain the power necessary to provide a reliable service. These issues will be addressed at the beginning of January and providing the alterations prove satisfactory then the roll-out to the upper dale will be resumed. The good news is that the remote wireless mast above Buckden has worked continuously since the day it was commissioned so when  the issues are fixed at Moor End then the roll out can proceed all the way to Cam Houses

Christmas Quiz – Sunday 2^nd December  Usual details:  Village Institute; 7pm for 7:30 pm start; £2 entry, with proceeds to Yorkshire Air Ambulance Services. Also - date for the diary: New Year Quiz – Sunday 6^th January

Buckden New Year’s Day Walk Meet outside Buck Inn for departure by 11 a.m. Distance approx.. 2.5 miles Time 1.5 to 2 hours. Route over Redmire Farm land and through Deer Park.  (Dogs welcome) To be followed by soup, mulled wine and Stollen at the Lusted’s

White Lion Chinese & Mexican Caribbean Evenings Message from Val "I would like to thank everyone who supported our Chinese Evening at The White Lion on Sunday Night. We hope that everyone enjoyed the food and the ambiance; a great example of the community spirit that exists in the surrounding villages was evident. The evening was a huge success and a learning curve for us for the next one, this being the first of many themed nights we have planned we intend to host one every month, the next being on Sunday January 20^th Mexican Caribbean Evening. Click here for details. So as not to disappoint those who turned up without booking a table, it’s best to reserve your place now by ringing Val Or Mark on 01756 760262"

National Park Local Plan The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority are holding five ‘drop in sessions’ beginning next week, to enable residents, local businesses and local organisations to talk to them informally about planning issues.  Your views will help to formulate the new Local Plan, which will influence the type, scale and location of new development in the National Park over the next 15 years and replace the current Local Plan adopted in 2006.Alternatively your views can be e-mailed to  localplan@yorkshiredales.org  Click here for details of sessions. Click here for the consultation document summary.

Time to spread a little joy. Want to help?
Susan Briggs from The Dales Tourism Business Network is writing a new book, "The Yorkshire Dales Guide to Health and Happiness". She hopes it will help others to enjoy some of the pleasures that residents of the Dales take for granted.

• What sort of activities, places, people, events make you feel particularly happy in the Yorkshire Dales? 

• Where is that place where you sometimes stand, look and think, "I feel so lucky to be here"?

• What do you do that makes you feel, "wow"? 

• Where can people stay or visit that would make them feel happier and healthier - and why? 

If you know the answer to any of these questions, follow this link: www.dalestourism.com/be-happy.html for details about how you can help.

To register your interest, go to www.fastuwdale.net

Christmas Cards – Stephanie Roe will once again be delivering Christmas cards in Buckden, Hubberholme and Cray for her chosen charity which, this year, is Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association. Last year she raised over £100 and is hoping to make just as much this year. She will deliver your cards for just 10p per card, within 3 days of receipt, although for Hubberholme and Cray, it may take a little longer. Her services will be available up to the 22^nd of December and you can contact Stephanie on (01756) 761024, or e-mail her at debbie@beckcottage.com.

North Yorks Police Community Messaging Beware of the numerous scams circulating either via phone or email often from Asia or Africa and within the UK. The content of the conversation is usually very plausible with some details sounding correct and personal to the recipient but often a further request for personal banking details are required and a fee. The caller often states an order has been placed e.g. for unwanted phone calls or for advertising. As always please be advised NOT to pass any bank details over the phone or computer.

Bonfire Night – Monday 5 November  Bonfire on the green at 6pm.  Afterwards Kevin and Michelle have kindly agreed to host the Jacob’s Join supper at the Buck Inn.  Please bring your own food – but obviously drinks are to be bought at the bar!  Food can be left in the Buck between 6.00  & 6.30 p.m. Contribution for fireworks and any further  information contact Sandra 760246

Kettlewell School dairy dates - Harvest Festival Service at St. Marys Church, Kettlewell on Thursday 25^th October 2012 at 2.15pm.

Christmas Nativity Play on Monday 17^th December 2012 at 1.30pm and 6.30pm at Kettlewell Village Hall.

Kettlewell School Friends Fundraising:
Blue Bags will be delivered shortly to households.
100 Club Number renewals are due and new numbers are for sale.
The school is still collecting:
- Ink Cartridges
- Morrison's Vouchers
- Tesco Vouchers
- Nestle Box Tops
- Old batteries
Sara Barraclough is happy to collect and transport items.

Advertise Your Event on the Yorkshire Dales National Park Website The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority now have a facility for external providers of events in and around the National Park to advertise on their website. Events can be input using a handy and easy to use form, details of which are at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/add-an-event. As a bonus, any events added by the end of October will have the chance of being included in the events listings of the 2013 edition of the Visitor newspaper. The online search feature that will allow users of the website to find details of events won’t actually be launched until January 2013 so they only want events added to the site that are due to take place in 2013.

Buckden Walkers Sunday Walk 21^st October - a walk based upon the former Threshfield Quarry.Meet outside the Buck Inn for departure by 10:30 am. Car sharing. Dogs welcome, but bring a lead. We would like to make this event special by returning for a LATE LUNCH at the BUCK INN.  So come prepared for a coffee break en route. Maggie and Dick need to provide Kevin and Michelle with likely numbers - please contact Maggie on 761215 or email walkermaggie@yahoo.com Your support throughout the 2012 season has been wonderful ~ do try to come this time on a ‘local walk’ and the bonus of enjoying ‘local’ hospitality. Non-walkers will be most welcome to join us after the walk at the Buck Inn for the meal. 

Bonfire Night – Monday 5 November  Bonfire on the green at 6pm.  Afterwards Kevin and Michelle have kindly agreed to host the Jacob’s Join supper at the Buck Inn.  Please bring your own food – but obviously drinks are to be bought at the bar!  For more information contact Debbie 761024

Christmas Cards – Stephanie Roe will once again be delivering Christmas cards in Buckden, Hubberholme, and Cray for her chosen Charity. This year she has chosen to support Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue. Watch this space for details

1)     Kettlewell School - 100 Club – The Friends of Kettlewell School are now collecting for the 2012/13 raffle year.  If you would like to renew your number, or purchase additional numbers please post an envelope through the letter box of Chestnut Cottage, Buckden or Fern Cottage, Kettlewell.  Alternatively, pop into school and have a look around.  The door is always open and the children are always excited to see visitors.  One number is £5, two numbers are £10 and so on.  There will be four draws a year commencing shortly.  Please ensure you enclose the money and put your name and telephone number on the envelope.  As always, thank you for supporting our much loved community school.

1)     Scarecrow Festival - Message from Debbie Ambler (Scarecrow Representative for Kettlewell Primary School) "I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who gave up their precious time to help out on the stalls at this year’s Scarecrow Festival.  Without your help we would not be able to open the stalls every day.  This year was very successful, raising funds for Kettlewell Primary School, Kettlewell Church and Village Hall.   I hope I can count on your help to make 2013 just as successful! Thank you again."

Macmillan Coffee Morning Come and enjoy the company of friends and neighbours at The world’s biggest coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support. Friday 28^th September. Buckden School Room 10:00 to 12:30 - Cake Stall (offers of cakes etc. to Megan, 760399) - Scarf & Jewellery Exchange – please donate any scarves or jewellery which may be languishing at the bottom of a drawer - they might just become the finishing touch to someone else’s new outfit! - either bring them along or drop off to Susan (11 Dalegarth).

Buckden Walkers Monday Walk Monday 3^rd September - A superb 5 mile circular walk linking Bainbridge, Worton and Askrigg.  A few ups and downs but generally very easy walking offering excellent views of Wensleydale and the impressive Mill Gill Force.  Meet outside the Buck Inn for (car sharing) departure at 10 am.  All welcome, including dogs. Quote from John Milne: “Start at B'bridge where free parking is more readily available - this decision has nothing to do with being able to get a very good, albeit expensive, pork pie from the local butcher for the picnic !!

Hubberholme Church Flea Market To those who organised and set up, to those who worked hard on the day and especially to those who supported by their presence and purchases, a very big ‘Thank you’.  All those efforts have brought in over £700 to date, with the prospect of more by subsequent eBay sales  

Celebration of the centenary of the opening of Buckden Village Institute The Institute Committee, in conjunction with Buckden Players, invite you to an Old Time Music Hall on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th September 2012 at 7.30.pm. The evening will be in cabaret format, with pie & peas supper and home-made desserts. There will be a variety of turns and performances by the cream of our local theatrical and musical talent. Compèred by Mr Richard  “Leonard Sachs”  Walker, highlights of the evening will include music from Miss Jade McClellan of Kettlewell, high drama from The Buckden Players, as well as Mr Christopher Akrigg from Cray and other speciality turns from near and far (mainly near). Mr John Cowpe will be performing on the pianoforte. Tickets for this once (well, twice actually) in a lifetime evening   priced at just  £10 for adults &  £5 for children - can be obtained from Peter or Anne on 01756 760882 or by emailing tickets@buckden.org   Book early, book often! Click here for poster. Edwardian costume optional!

Buckden Singers at Scarecrow Festival Following the success of their Anniversary & Summer Concerts the Buckden Singers have agreed to perform at the Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival singing a medley of songs they have made famous at their concerts. Conductor Anne Vetch said "it is very tiring standing on the rostrum from 9am to 6pm each day and it is new experience for us having the public join us during the performance for photographs!" Click here for picture

Saturday Night at The Movies in Upper Wharfedale - A welcome return to lighten up the dull winter nights with exciting new Block-Buster- award-winning films shown at Kettlewell Village Hall. Bring your own wine and nibbles sit back and enjoy.."The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" Saturday 22^nd September at 7.30pm. Book early to avoid disappointment! Tickets available from: Caroline @ Littlebeck 01756 760378 or Lizzie Sowden @Pennycroft 01756 760845 or Kettlewell Village Store.

Buckden Walkers Evening Stroll – Wednesday 11th July 2012  Meet at the  The Buck Inn, in time to pre-order your meal. Depart:  6:30pm. Circular walk, taking the ‘New Year’s Day’ route over Redmire Farm land.  Less than 2 miles in total. Easy up, gentle down.  Very scenic. Non Walkers: Meet at The Buck Inn, approx. 8:00 pm. Anyone keen to take their dog is asked to respect John’s request that dogs be kept on a lead at all times. For further information: Contact Keith /Linda 07866 565 758

Buckden Walkers Sunday Walk 15th July – the next stage in the Six Dales Trail.  Meet at the Buck Inn at 9.45am for a 10 am departure.  We will drive to just north of Roundhill Reservoir (via Middleham) and walk to Ellingstring – only 4.6 miles.  Bring a packed lunch.  For more information contact Debbie 761024 or debbie@beckcottage.com

Flea Market and Refreshments in aid of Hubberholme Church Funds will be held on August 27th (Bank Holiday Monday) at Buckden School Room between 10.00am and 4.00pm.  Come and browse (and buy!) at the Flea Market stalls and have a coffee and biscuits in the morning, or cream tea in the afternoon.  Come and chat and find a bargain.  Any articles to be sold can be left with Megan Lightfoot.  Please ring 760399 to arrange drop off of items you no longer need or want.

Lunch at The Buck Inn - The Buck started serving light snacks at lunchtime on Tuesday - the first meals served for almost two years. Thanks to Brian Taylor for this picture - he and Jennifer delayed their departure after their stay in Buckden "to be part of this significant moment". Well done to Kevin & Michelle.

If you know anyone who is looking for a job on either on the bar or in the kitchen we would be grateful if you could let them know we are in the process of recruiting. We are also looking to invest in a person who might like a career in hospitality - NVQ training in the first instance and then further education for the right person - we generally don't ask staff to work New Years Eve night due to family support"  

Please note that the Buck has a new telephone number: 01756 761401. Michelle & Kevin are starting doing a small snack menu from Tuesday at lunchtime only in the first instance.

Ted tells me that as far as he can remember it was raining that day as well.

Buckden Walker Monday Walk - Monday 4th June - Buckden to Starbotton and return, leaving via the Centenary path for Starbotton  and returning along the Dales Way. One strenuous section early on.  Altogether 5 miles at most. meet outside the Buck at 10.30 and bring a packed lunch. Details - Kathy

Old Time Music Hall - last Call for turns The programme for the Old Time Music Hall is being finalised this week. This is the last opportunity – Thursday 24th May  -  for anyone who wishes to participate to come forward. For details of dates, rehearsal times and parameters within which we are working, please see the previous notices advertising this. Please contact Pat Charlton 760302 or Anne Vetch 760882 for further information

Buckden Walkers 6 Dales Trail The the third stage of the 6 Dales Trail on 20 May is from the Water Tower on Greenhow Hill Road to Wath, just beyond Pateley Bridge.  This is  approximately 7 miles with no big climbs but one steepish decent.  There are several fields with long grass so if it has been raining it will be wet.  When surveyed there were a couple of muddy patches and a small area of bog, but enough to get wet if you do not have boots. Start from the Buck at 10.00 where car allocation will be determined. Anyone wishing to travel independently please let Stella & Robin know - probably start walking from the phone box opposite the pub around 11.15 after completing car shuffle. There is a posh hotel/restaurant at Wath (Sportsman? any info?) which has been reported as not very walker friendly, but there is an option to stroll another 0.9 mile towards Pately Bridge while the second phase of the car shuffle takes place.

West Winds Candle-Lit Barbecue Evening on Saturday 5 May 2012. This is the Saturday of the May Bank Holiday weekend -  just two weeks away. Places are limited and several have been booked already, so if you would like to come, please do make a reservation now. Full meaty or vegetarian grill, baked potatoes, mixed salads, hot spicy apple juice and the chance to toast twisters and marshmallows over the embers of our wood-fired barbecue -  bring your own favourite beer or wine. Click here for full details

Charity Barn Dance Gill and Garry Schofield hope you can join us for our charity summer barn dance, disco and supper, on Saturday June 9th at Heber farm. Proceeds in aid of Buckden village institute and local hospice care. Tickets £7.50 for adults and £3 for children available from Gill and Garry telephone 01756 760304 or email garry.schofield@btconnect 

The World Harmony Run is coming to Upper Wharfedale on Sunday 25th March. Join the run or come and watch - click here for details

"Beat the Clock" at the White Lion on Tuesday nights between 5.30 and 7.00 where the cost of the main course  will be the time on the clock: i.e.. order at 5.45 and the main courses will be £5.45. Click here for details

If anyone wants copies of the menus for guest houses please contact Carole at the White Lion and she will arrange for them to be delivered.

National Trust - Tree Planting - Raisgill If anyone would like to help Peter from the National Trust plant some trees up at Raisgill at 10.00 a.m. on  Saturday17th March, he would love to hear from you.  Everyone welcome, families too. Plant a few or plant a lot, it's up to you.  Just bring some outdoor clothes and a bite to eat.  There will be a short walk uphill to the planting site. If you think you might like to help, or want more information then please contact Peter on 01756 760283 or email peter.katic@nationaltrust.org.uk

Fast  Broadband for Wharfedale launched NYCC approved the Fast Broadband Scheme for Upper Wharfedale on 3rd February and the order for the high speed connection to the fast broadband network was placed on Friday 10th February. The fibre optic cable will be installed within three months & the infrastructure build for the wireless system will commence shortly.
For full details and a registration form, please go to www.fastuwdale.net Please register your interest in Fast Broadband even if you have responded to earlier emails.

Safer Neighbourhoods Update From North Yorkshire Police There have been several reports of scrap metal thefts. At East Lane Embsay a trials bike and child's scooter were taken from a garden. At  Glusburn, 2 Drain covers. In Hellifield a Mangle grinder, 4 alloy wheels, a tumble drier and a mountain bike were taken from 2 separate gardens. One sighting of a blue transit van with a male in his late teens early 20's was reported. Please be aware of suspect vehicles and persons around the area and report any concerns to the police using the 101 telephone number.

Info wanted about Matthias Dixon and family Ron Kerrison has contacted us asking for information about Matthias Dixon who was born at Kidstones Farm in Bishopdale, lived with his wife and their first four children at the farm behind the pub at CRAY  between 1902 and (perhaps) 1911.  The 4 children were Mary (Molly)1902, Frances1903, Richard1905, William Johnson Dixon1907 and Edmund1908. Richard remembered the conker trees on his way to Buckden school, and the waterfalls. For some reason the parents split up before 1911 and his wife went to live in Bedale, However the 1911 census has her at the "Manor House" in Buckden for what must have been a short time. One of the children later lived for some years in the village - perhaps the 1960s?Can anybody add any more information to this outline? Why were they at the "Manor House"? If you have any information please email info@buckden.org

Indian Night – Saturday 25 February; an Indian themed night with authentic Indian cuisine will be held in Buckden Village Institute to raise money for Institute funds.  Arrangements are still ongoing but watch this space for further details.  Tickets may need to be limited to around 35, so contact Debbie Roe early to book your place to avoid disappointment (debbie@beckcottage.com or 761024).

Safer Neighbourhoods update - From Insp. Geoff Crocker Crime wise we have had a fairly steady time with crime matching last year and no significant increases despite last years weather suppressing the overall figures.
One area where we have been relatively untouched until late is the removal of metals and on Friday evening thieves broke into the tip on the A59 and stole 2 skips worth £5000 each and another one from Airedale Business Park also valued the same. This could only be stolen with the use of large plant either a bespoke Skip lorry or an HGV flat trailer. Also we have seen the removal of a broken dishwasher from a back yard. This shows that we still have the thieves driving around looking for opportunities and just at the moment metals are the best way of making quick money and in some cases it is very organised.
Please report anything suspicious to us we have taken 2 of the cops off normal patrol and they just follow up on any suspicious reports. This is paying off in regards to identification of villains and deterring them from coming back.

Upper Wharfedale Sustainability Working Group Buckden and Kettlewell-with-Starbotton Parish Councils and Kettlewell School Governing Body formed a working group late in 2011 to identify and develop proposals focused on increasing pupil numbers.

A range of ideas are being considered to propose to the Governors how the school might be celebrated and promoted to ensure parents consider Kettlewell Primary School for their children.

The group is also seeking to market the up dale communities as practical, viable and enviable places to live, work and bring up children.  This has been extended to include the communities of Littondale.

This is an open initiative – the working party are keen for you to support the need for an integrated approach to enhancing sustainability and are actively seeking ideas and involvement from you all. We will be communicating further as the initiative develops – in the meantime, if you would like more information or would like to get involved please email info@upperwharfedale.org

Buckden Community Responders -  are now being alerted to emergencies via a mobile phone and Vodaphone Sure Signal box, giving a mobile signal within about 30 metres of the box; if there are other people in the village using the same system it would be very helpful if they would register the Responders phone on their box, as an extra user, since this would mean that they would be able to pick up a signal other than in their own houses and gardens.  Adding the user is very simple. The number is 07760 998559 and the phone is registered in Anne Newman's name....and of course more volunteers are always needed! For more details please contact Anne

Re-Cycle it - Free to good home. Nice Inspirations calendar of nature scenes for 2012. Contact Steve or Lynn at West Winds.

Christmas Eve Carol Singing The carol singing around the village on Christmas Eve raised £170.87 for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Thank you to everyone who sang, provided refreshments or donated. Lynn Thornborrow