WHEELS 2 WORK (to be used in the Craven area)

Wheels 2 Work is a moped leasing scheme, aimed at helping people overcome the initial problem of getting to work or training where no suitable alternative transport exists, as is usually the case in rural areas.

Candidates are provided with a moped for six months, after completing their Compulsory Basic Training (at no cost). Safety equipment is provided, including a hi-visibility vest, helmet, gloves and a Highway Code DVD, and also Insurance, tax, servicing and repairs.

Users make a monthly contribution towards running costs/tyre wear, currently £7.50 per week, increasing to £10 for 2009. Individuals are expected to have a plan as the six-month period ends, for example taking driving lessons for own car, or acquiring their own moped.

The pilot scheme was very successful and has shown there is considerable need to provide a vital “stepping stone” especially for young people in their first job.

The Trust’s £1,000 grant went towards equipment and training.

One participant uses his moped to get from Giggleswick to Wigglesworth and his apprenticeship as a builder. “Without the moped I wouldn’t have been able to take this job as there is no early bus service. I’m taking my driving test fairly soon but this has got me going until then.” Richard Lynn

TEMPLE ROW ART GROUP, Keighley

Members at the 1st ArtExhibition in 2009, admiring a pastel painting by another member.

This is a new group, started in 2008. The Temple Row Centre is fully accessible for people with disabilities. Some of the members of the group are physically disabled, and some have learning difficulties. There is a charge of £2 per person for each two hour session.

The group is run by volunteers who share their artistic knowledge in a sociable and supportive way. A variety of different mediums - pastels, watercolour, acrylic - are used.

The Group held their 1st Annual Art Exhibition in 2009 and they hope to go on field trips in the future.

The Craven Trust grant of £660 was used to purchase various equipment including a cupboard, easel, trimmer and laminator, useful for preserving pastel paintings.

“The Group started this year. We didn’t expect it to be as successful as it is. We have people join us who suffer depression and they find it relaxing. This is helping them back into the community, which is very important.” Sandra Gould (Chairperson)

DENHOLME NEW ALLOTMENTS

This organization, which is self-managed, was established in 2000. The aim is to provide plots and support and encourage allotment gardening. There are 23 plots, all fully tenanted, with a waiting list of 13. Ages range from the late 20s-70s, with most members in the 50s and 60s.

The Craven Trust grant of £339 went towards the purchase of a Mantis Tiller. The allotments are on heavy clay soil and the tiller will be particularly helpful to the older members, some of whom are a bit arthritic and have back trouble.

“It is making such a difference to our allotment work and we are very grateful. There are about 65 people involved on working the plots, and more who benefit as fresh produce is shared with family and friends.” Maggie Garratt (Secretary)

SLAIDBURN VILLAGE ARCHIVE

1909 photograph of Arthur & William Turner, clogmakers, bringing timber for clog soles.

The Archive started from a private collection donated by Donald and Jenny Bradley in 1995. It is housed in the Village Heritage Centre, which is run by Heritage Trust for the North West.

Slaidburn has retained many ancient features and is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The aim of the Archive is to collect, copy and preserve local social history of the Upper Hodder Valley and make it available to the public. Current research is focused on local lime kilns and dry stone walls. It is also intended to produce a Slaidburn Village history walk in the form of an A5 booklet with map, script, and photographs of points of interest.

Children from Slaidburn Primary School and local Young Farmers’ Clubs, as well as Slaidburn Women’s Institute and visitors from overseas consult the Archive.

The Trust’s grant of £1,000 contributed to a new printer to replace the unreliable 7-year-old printer.

“Rural deprivation and the breaking up of small hill farms are having a marked effect upon the culture of this once isolated community. There is much to be gathered before it is lost altogether. … it is hoped that this research will contribute towards a sense of place and belonging for our present community and become an important and valued resource for future generations.” Mrs Jenny Bradley