SKIPTON SWIMMING CLUB

There are approximately 180 members between the ages of 5 to 20, half of which are in the grassroots level and are learning to swim or improving their swimming. 40 members swim in the ‘club squad’, achieving County times and competing successfully within the local area. A further 25 have competed at North Eastern Regional level, of which 5 are at National level.

The Club does not have enough ‘water time’ for the up-and-coming swimmers. So there is a need to obtain additional water time, and also access ‘long course’ training facilities. The nearest long course pool is Leeds, and it costs £150 per visit.

“We are currently maintaining swimmers that are ranked top in their age/event in the country.”

The Craven Trust’s £750 grant provided for five visits to the Leeds pool to help swimmers preparing for Regional Championships (the next level after the County level).

Two swimmers represented Skipton at the British Championships, the highest level domestic meet in the UK.

“The impact on the swimmers has been positive. Many of the children had to compete at Leeds and Sheffield with no prior experience of the pools, and by visiting them prior to competing has been invaluable to them.”

THE WOMEN’S HOLIDAY CENTRE
Horton in Ribblesdale

This Centre was started in 1979 following discussions between women working for Gingerbread, Women’s Aid, Social Services, CAB and Mental Health organisations.

The Centre provides holidays for women and children on low income who would not otherwise be able to afford a break. Charges are kept as low as possible and guests cook for themselves from a well-stocked larder. Visitors tend to be those experiencing high levels of stress, domestic violence and isolation.

“For 25 years we have been making a difference in the lives of thousands of women and children.”

The house offers a safe and friendly environment where women can relax, make connections and feel supported. Opportunities for creative play are provided for the children, including those with special needs. For some this is their first experience of the countryside.

The Centre also has guests who come for walking holidays, short breaks, etc, which creates a stimulating diversity in the house. They often pay at a higher rate, and so increase the Centre’s income.

The Craven Trust’s grant of £598 contributed to kitchen and household equipment.

“I would like to say thank you so much for all you have given us. The cooker alone has made such a difference!”

BURTON IN LONSDALE VILLAGE SHOP ASSOCIATION

In November 2004 the only shop in the village closed, causing great loss to the community and difficulties for many residents, particularly the elderly. With considerable community effort 190 local people formed an Industrial and Provident Association in order to buy the shop premises, aided by a grant from DEFRA.

The shop is now the vibrant hub of the community, staffed by a mixture of paid staff and voluntary workers.

The shop supports the local economy by selling local lamb, vegetables and cheese. A café has been opened for holiday makers and passing trade.

In order to keep fruit and vegetables fresh there was a need for a chiller cabinet, but the cost was prohibitive. The Craven Trust awarded a grant of £750 towards the cost.

“We thought we would sell less fruit and vegetables because there would be no wastage, but with the chiller cabinet we sell more!”

THE UPPER WHARFEDALE NATIONAL TRUST VOLUNTEER GROUP

After repairing many hundreds of metres of wall, path and riverbank conservation, fencing and hedging, this group of volunteers felt that a Buckden Garth next to the car park, would provide a useful meeting place and picnic area for the many school and college groups visiting Buckden, and also act as a shelter for those using the Dales Bus service.

The Craven Trust’s grant of £1,000 was the first grant to be received, and encouraged them to continue fundraising until over £25,000 was raised.

Buckden Garth was officially opened by Look North weatherman, Paul Hudson, who commented on the excellent standard of work

Inside the shelter are attractive permanent display boards providing information about the surrounding landscape.