SKIPTON’S Greatwood school enjoyed a day out at Chester Zoo. A school spokesman tells me five buses were needed to take the children and staff. “ The children had a fantastic time as this is the first time some of them they have been to a zoo or seen some of these animals in real life. Year two’s topic is Ocean and seas, so this fit in really well. we learnt about the natural habitats of the animals. We even got to see some of their babies.” Particular favourites were bats and meercats. One pupil (Pictured) was able to try out an orang-utang hammock.

SCHOOLS, community groups, businesses, landowners and farmers are being encouraged to think big and get creative to showcase Craven to the world with huge pieces of land art to celebrate this year’s Tour de Yorkshire.

Entries are now open for the fourth Tour de Yorkshire land art competition, which recognises the efforts of those who create the many brilliant art works which are seen lining the route of the cycle race each year.

They are now seen as a key part of the race with images of the many dramatic creations beamed around the world to millions of viewers as the peloton winds its way through the county’s spectacular scenery.

And once again, people are being encouraged to attract the cameras by turning fields, hills, market squares, roofs or even car parks into unique pieces that celebrate their communities.

The competition has been going since 2016, with last year’s winner “Confetti Land Art” at Wentworth Woodhouse (pictured)

The race, which this year takes place from May 2 to May 5, will come through Craven on the final stage, from Halifax to Leeds.

Sir Gary Verity DL, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said:“The people of Yorkshire do us proud each year with the effort they make with their land art and last year their hard work was shown off to 12.5 million tv viewers around the world.

“I always say the Tour de Yorkshire is so much more than a bike race and this a perfect example of how it can bring people together to celebrate their communities. I can’t wait to see the creations entered into this year’s competition”

A shortlist of the best entries will be drawn up by a panel of judges after which there will be a public vote. To enter, visit: letour.yorkshire.com/landart

DRYSTONE walls are very much the over-riding norm for field boundaries in these parts - but there are some farmers and landowners - so I’m told by a farming colleague - who go in for hedgelaying. Another colleague who hails from the south tells me hedgelaying is the norm in the villages where she comes from.

It is a fascinating thing to watch, and there will be a chance to see experts at the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership hosted finale of the Lancashire and Westmorland Grand Prix Hedgelaying Competition, on Saturday, March 2 at Cockshotts Farm in Sabden. The competition, organised by the Lancashire and Westmorland Hedgelaying Association, is run as a series of seven competitions throughout the hedgelaying season, which runs from the beginning of October to the end of March. Each competitor lays between six and 10 yards within a five hour period on each competition day. At each event the competitors acquire points for neatness, quality of cuts, the use of stakes, straightness of the hedge and adherence to the Lancashire and Westmorland style. At the end of the seven competitions the points are accumulated to crown an overall champion for each of the five classes: championship, open, starter, novice and junior.

People are welcome to go along and help celebrate the traditional craft at Cockshotts Farm from 9am to 3pm, and see the hedgelaying competitors in action.

There will also be a chance to find out about hedgerows, and their importance to wildlife, and even have a go at both hedgelaying, and drystone walling.

Refreshments will be available in the church hall all day. Parking is not available on site, however there are car parks in the village which is a short walk away. Visitors are welcome to drop in at any time.

IN last week’s Diary, I referred to a report in the Craven Herald of 50 years ago on Pendle Hill, and how it was being used by skiers. So, it was interesting to see how the nearby Pendle Ski Club was where World Cup silver medallist, Dave Ryding, learnt how to ski. Dave, who spends most of his time in Austria, returned to his old club to be interviewed by BBC sports correspondent, Andy Swiss about learning to sky on a dry ski slope.

The skier, who equalled his and his country’s best alpine World Cup result by finishing second in the parallel slalom in January, is this week competing in the Alpine World Ski Championships in Are, Sweden.

THE inside of Ripon Cathedral (pictured) is to be filled with son et lumiere - or sound and light - as part of a series of events designed to commemorate 50 years since a man first stood on the moon.

Projections of the solar system will fill the building accompanied by a rendition of Holst’s The Planets on the cathedral’s Lewis Organ on March 15.

The cathedral’s ancient interior will be used as the canvas for a series of film projections inspired by ‘time and space’ set to a soundtrack of choral pieces sung by the cathedral’s lay clerks, readings, organ music and soundscapes.

The cathedral’s curate, Rev Caitlin Carmichael-Davies said: “Medieval church builders knew exactly how to use light and space to create buildings which continue to inspire today. The cathedral’s nave is one of the widest in the country and provides wonderful acoustics and a stunning backdrop for the experience.

“We’ll be bringing 21st century technology, intermingled with timeless readings and music, to show the building to its best advantage and create a unique spectacle within these ancient walls - I can’t wait to see it all unfold.”

The Son et Lumiere starts at 7.30pm on March 15. Tickets are £10 from the cathedral shop. Open bar from 7pm.

Ripon Cathedral is also hosting a planetarium on Saturday (February 23) as part of Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s Dark Skies Festival. This will feature 360 degree technology and an immersive digital walk-through of the International Space Station with Tim Peake.

THIS year is the 50th anniversary of the long distance footpath, the Dales Way (pictured). The first ever walk took place on March 23, 1969, when 130 people left Ilkley to walk to Burnsall. Chris Grogan, of Friends of the Dales, says: “We would love to hear from anyone who was on that walk, especially if they have photos to share or tales to tell. We are planning to re-enact the walk on Saturday August 3 led by Colin Speakman who led that very first walk. Also to have an exhibition in the Manor House, Ilkley.” Anyone with any memories, can email: info@dalesway.org or by post c/o Friends of the Dales, Canal Wharf, Gargrave BD23 3PN.

READER, Brian Stott has been out and about with his camera and has taken this picture of Highfield Terrace in Skipton. He says: “It is in stone on the wall of Highfield House Hotel. The hotel owners have it appears installed “ensuite” in their rooms since the sign was put there when the property was built and the outlets have partially covered it. The street called Highfield Terrace is now known as Craven Street and some people may also call it Cavendish Street, but that ends by The Railway Pub and Craven Hotel. In fact, Tesco Skipton’s address is Craven Street.”