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> tPnate Change Seminar CD Yorkshire Dales Review Is it Time for a Fresh Look at the Future it ■ •rksliirr Dales No. 113 Winter 2011 Soeieh'^-''"^* for the Yorkshire Dales Field Barn?

Journal of the Yorkshire Dales Society Andy Singleton is a skilled Dales builder are scandalous examples of empty and changed after World War II. Instead of Editor: Fleur Speakman with the help of Bill Mitchell, Colin Speakman, and award-winning restorer of historic neglected buildings dotted around most the farmer visiting his animals housed Alan Watkinson, Anne Webster and Chris Wright buildings, co-author of Barns of the thriving towns, but before long in remote barns, it made sense K Yorkshire Dales (Great Nonhern Books). someone will come along with a plan economically to house the animals In this thought provoking article, he to redevelop, restore or convert. around the farmhouse. Mechanised questions iv/iet/ier or not National Park milking, feed storage and the Walking, Landscape, Health policies relating to the conversion of In the dales however, in a landscape introduction of the tractor meant that outlying derelict barns can always achieve protected, loved and enjoyed by all. it new farm buildings had to become At the very time when the medical profession are urging William Bird, an Oxfordshire GR started the concept of what the policies intend. The views seems acceptable to leave field barns much larger, leaving the smaller remote people to take more active exercise in iconic landscapes such health walks for his patients, and recommended regular expressed by Andy in this article are his empty and expect them to remain so barns empty. European farming policy as the Yorkshire Dales, for example by exploring the newly brisk walks, leading to the formation of the Way to Health own and do not necessarily reflect those for ever to enhance the view. fuelled by enormous amounts of created public access areas across the fells, or by discovering Initiative by Natural and the British Heart of the Yorkshire Dales Society. Unfortunately, although they are built taxpayers" cash lead farmers down a its great footpath heritage in the valleys, these access Foundation, now known as Walking for Health. Volunteer to last and have few moving parts particular road which distorted the opportunities could be under a particularly insidious threat. leaders are selected and trained by the WfH to lead free No public body, civic organization, requiring maintenance, they will not markets and changed farming practices Potentially massive cuts to the operational budgets of all our health walks from community places such as libraries and government or individual would be last forever. In fact recent surveys have forever. But these changes left most of National Parks will leave each National Park to make their CP surgeries. With over 600 Walking for Health schemes happy whilst several thousand decaying shown that 40% may be in urgent the beautiful stone barns dotted around own often reluctant decisions which may conflict with their across the UK and thousands of people walking every week and abandoned shops, factories, houses need of repair to reverse the inevitable the dales empty and neglected. Some long term goals or ideas of best practice. Sadly, many of the with such groups, the initiative has achieved recognition and decline, which begins with an odd had their doors enlarged to allow services the public most value in terms of visitor success. In 2008 Walk England was formed with help from or flats in a town or city slowly fell stone or slate slipping out and often tractors inside, many are still used management, interpretation, and the Park's wider the National Lottery and Department of Transport, to apart. It would be a national scandal, if educational role, could be most at risk. Yet the actual provide support to health, transport and environmental in every town you found street after leads to complete collapse. Many have today for farm storage, but well over savings that will be secured in terms of the need to appease professionals who were working to encourage walking. street of unused and crumbling already been lost. Why do we expect half of the estimated five thousand or international bond markets, are minute, compared with buildings. There are times when it farmers to look after buildings, which so in the dales are now redundant. huge areas of public expenditure elsewhere. Even these But walking in fine areas of countryside such as National happens to a particular area during a they are not permitted to convert to What is the solution? savings will almost certainly be counter-productive, Parks can have even greater value for physical and mental recession, or in isolated incidents of new uses? That might create a health and well being. This is something fully understood planning blight and urban decay. There precedent,' you often hear. Barns owe We could pay farmers to restore and Carl Lis, the highly-respected Chairman of the Yorkshire by the National Trust, who manage some key areas of land I their existence maintain them and keep them empty. Dales National Park Authority and recently appointed Chair in the Yorkshire Dales, in Upper and Langstrothda/e near the source of the . to age-old Not a sensible option, particularly of UKANPA. the organisation that represents all of the UK's Malhamdale. The Trust has started a new, six month Photo by Christopher Walker. National Parks, is greatly concerned about the damage these campaign called Outdoor Nation, a project to find out why farming when we, as a nation owe almost a cuts will do to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and its young people are losing touch with the outdoors, some methods; part trillion pounds: a sum still rising landscape and communities. Tough budget decisions will appearing to be "terrified of the countryside" as the Trust's of the alarmingly despite recent cuts. Or we inevitably affect both staffing and many specialist areas of Director General, Dame Fiona Reynolds, herself a life-long evolution in could perhaps return to traditional pre- the Park's work such as biodiversity, archaeology, walker, claimed. Youngsters in an inner city who are animal mechanised farming methods; milking educational work and footpath maintenance. Although perhaps more used to a greater choice of activities, lots of husbandry and haymaking by hand, butchering footpaths are technically the responsibility of North bright lights and more contained built-up areas, are then which lead animals on the farm and selling the Yorkshire County and Cumbria Council as highway confronted with something dark, mysterious, and in their from hunter produce locally, thus returning farms to authorities, their role was taken over by the YDNPA in the eyes, alienating, "We are breeding a society that's less gathering to their intended use. There are now some 1970s, but with a grant from County confident about exploring, less confident about going to modern moves in that direction, but the Council. Not only is the Park's own budget to be cut, but places we haven't been to before," adds Fiona, Research mechanized demand for cheap food, suggests we the £50,000 annual contribution from NYCC is to be appears to show "a growing disconnection between people farming. The are not yet ready to return to expensive withdrawn. Poor footpath maintenance will in time add to and the natural environment," But this, according to the fact that they labour intensive farming methods. further deterioration of the surrounding area to quote Carl, Trust, could perhaps be taken as an opportunity for We could knock down all the barns, as walkers try to avoid the mud and sludge, and what was partnerships between voluntary bodies and local are now a valuable and clear them away and use the stone for once an attractive path over a popular fell can become a community groups to help provide greater access and green cherished part house building elsewhere. Perhaps real eyesore and cost far more to put right than continuous space. of a protected convert them into houses or holiday maintenance. Such projects prove how National Parks, far from being a landscape is a lets? Or find other commercial uses for Yet walking is an inexpensive, vital preventive medicine, "luxury" to be cut at the stroke of a politician's pen, are happy them. Since each barn is unique and which can save lives and the National Health Service vital to the physical and mental well being of the nation, coincidence, uniquely situated, they need to be millions. Medical opinion suggests even a short walk of 30 even ignoring the massive contribution they make to the but without a surveyed individually, and in minutes can help with depressive illnesses, perhaps also with rural economy through the tourism industry, now the practical use, consultation with national park adult obesity, while there appears to be some evidence that second biggest industry in North Yorkshire and a major they would planners, farmers, landowners and walking several miles a week can help to stave off diseases earner of overseas currency. Short term savings to National not be there other local interested parties, for most like Alzheimer s Long before the recent Walking for Health Park budgets will cost the nation dearly in the longer term. at all. a positive solution could be found. campaign, individual doctors who had treated patients in It is time Government, locally and nationally, got its real continental and UK spas, had been aware of the benefits of priorities right, Farming New technology, sustainable building short walks for their patients' convalescence. In 1995, Fleur and Colin Speakman methods methods and open minded thinking could secure the future of almost every be capable of producing the necessary structural integrity whilst solving the The creation of new affordable housing Beckermonds and travelled from there Derelict field barn in near problem of headroom beneath the truss one. This could be done with little cost power for heat and light whilst dealing is not considered enough of a priority. very early in the morning over the top the source of the River Wharfe. to the beleaguered British taxpayer. with fresh water and sewage. However, tie beams. Conversion for domestic use It is not surprising that there are of the dale and down through Gayle. Some may not be easily converted, yet they do deserve credit for trying to deal involves securing the structure, problems in the local economy, leading Hawes. Bainbridge and into Coverdale. Chnstoph Walker still form a vital part of the landscape, with the problem. We now know that sometimes underpinning the to an exodus of the young and influx of It was Bam on a wet and cold morning, and so could be retained and by including in a domestic barn foundations, damp proofing the walls the comfortably off retired. So often but I passed a surprising number of maintained as part of an overall scheme conversion, the very highest standards and carefully introducing new structural policy makes a nod in the right people out working on the fells, in the with tourism as the justification. The of insulation and power creation, by openings where possible without direction, but the planning process is villages and on the farms. These are the majority could and should in my view introducing ground source heat pumps, altering the appearance. It is of the often difficult and expensive, often people who make the dales what it is. be restored sensitively and become rainwater harvesting, triple glazing, bio utmost importance that the external beyond the reach of the average Their ancestors built the barns and the living buildings again. It would require mass heating, solar hydro and wind stonework and roof is restored carefully working man or woman. Plans which walls, and they work the land and a new way of thinking for all involved. power and storage batteries, it is by someone experienced in local reach submission have gone through maintain the landscape we all find so If we allow people to use them, they possible to create a home with an stonemasonry. If done correctly, it months of gestation and the process beautiful. Why should they not be will have an incentive to look after electrical power requirement of no should be almost impossible to notice has swallowed thousands of pounds allowed the opportunity to build or them. There are dozens of examples more than 2 kilowatt. Many of these where changes to the existing shell have spent on reports, surveys and buy affordable homes or use their where this has been done without measures can be sited discretely away been carried out. Gentrification of the investigations into the right of the stone buildings for other commercial damaging the landscape. Some from the host building leaving it surrounding landscape should be applicant to live and work where he purposes? examples can be found in the book. apparently untouched. Heating for four avoided at all costs. Porches. does. Andy Singleton Barns of the conservatories, * Further details: Yorkshire Dales*. garden paving I recently stayed with friends in www.greatnorthernbooks.co.uk by David Joy and and walls can do Andy Singleton. more to disturb the landscape Global warming than conversion and climate of the building YDS Climate Change Seminar - change is driving itself. new thinking in The Past, The Present, The Future ... construction Two years ago a methods and government On Saturday 9th October, at Grassington Town Hall, the shift from arable to pastoral farming, this could well have materials. It is now advisor persuaded Yorkshire Dales Society - with support from the National been caused by economic factors - for example rising wool Park Authority and the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust possible to create those in power at prices and consequent changes in land management. through the National Park's Sustainable Development Fund, off-grid, carbon the time that the neutral sustainable UK urgently held a conference on the impact of climate change on the Adrian Pickles, head of the Malham Tarn Field Studies Yorkshire Dales in front of a substantial audience. homes without required an Centre, reviewed evidence from the weather records at Introduced by our President Bill Mitchell, a series of despoiling the unbelievable Malham Tarn from 1959 to date. He concluded that there speakers described the pattern of climate change since the environment. Any three million new is consistent evidence, locally and nationally, that there has last Ice Age. and what may happen in the future. Interest necessary pylons, homes to be built been a sharp increase in temperature since about 1980, was high in a highly topical and well-attended event. overhead cables in the next twenty and that this can only be explained by human factors. and tarmac access years. If this had Tom Lord, a YDS Council member, local farmer and also a Robert White, from the National Park, indicated that the roads can be happened, a great lecturer at Lancaster University, set out the evidence of Park Authority is currently reviewing the potential impact of sensitively sited deal of the Green changes in the local climate obtained from archaeological climate change on arable agriculture, biomass energy and designed. In Belt, areas of investigations at Victoria Cave above Settle and described sources, solar energy, drainage and flooding. Coverdale one natural beauty the (awesome!) personality clashes between some of those Dorian Speakman, an expert on climate change, reviewed scheme hopes to and national involved. provide an affordable off-grid carbon or five radiators can be provided by a parks would have come under threat. the possible trends during the 21 st century. While there Wishart Mitchell from Durham University showed how the neutral home for a key worker without number of renewable energy solutions. Luckily the recession and the change of was considerable uncertainty as to exactly what will harming the landscape in any way. This It Is also possible to provide green government put paid to this scheme. In glaciers covering the Dales reached a maximum extent happen, he expected drier summers to lead to more is a proposal to restore a small derelict access tracks, use matching stonework the following year, thanks to the about 20,000 years ago and then retreated in a series of oxidation of peat and a greater risk of moorland fires: and stone barn, which has lam unused for reclaimed from demolition yards or financial crisis, in fact we built fewer stages, leaving behind the low rounded hills ('drumlins') so more intense rainfall to lead to greater erosion - all over fifty years, If successful, the make use of hand finishing in matching new homes than at any time since the characteristic of Ribblesdale and elsewhere. reducing the ability of peatlands to store carbon. building will appear from any vantage new stone: leaving a beautiful building war. Yet it is undeniable that there is Peter Wilson, of the University of Ulster, focused on one He foresaw both a longer growing season, and an extended point to be almost unchanged. Fielden looking little different from the original. huge pressure to find space for new particular phase of climate deterioration about 8.200 years tourist season, with an increased risk of both water Clegg Bradley, award winning London Many Barns in Wensleydale and housing. Whilst this national pressure is ago, when the limestone pavements of the Dales emerged. shortages and increased flooding, and a need to adapt architects, are attempting to create a Swaledale are too small and remote to very real, particularly in the south of He also made a rather chilling connection between climate buildings, drainage systems and agricultural practices. small temporary dwelling inside a field conveit easily into permanent homes, England, the housing shortage in the change and the collapse of historic civilizations. barn by constructing an eco pod' shell and even most of the larger lowland dales continues to be a specific The speakers concluded by joining together in a forum of within the walls of an otherwise barns are not quite tall enough to easily problem. The few available homes are Ian Whyte and Helen Shaw from the Lancaster Environment expeitise, fielding a number of peitinent and detailed untouched field barn near accommodate two full ceiling heights, simply too expensive for ordinary local Centre described their work looking at variations in livestock questions from the audience, bringing a most successful Appletreewick. They have yet to so it s often quite a challenge to fit in youngsters. It is virtually impossible for farming and grazing management from the 14th century occasion to a close. convince that their proposed service the upper floor. Carefully designed roof a manual worker to fund the purchase onwards. So far, the evidence is inconclusive. Although the trailer parked next to the building will trusses can retain their beauty and or construction of a home in the dales. start of a 'Little Ice Age' in the Middle Ages coincided with a Hugh Thornton Thank You Anne Arthur Raistrick

Anne Webster, who has been the home, working with her dedicated without having to rush back to the I had the enjoyable task, over several answers that rate very low for flooding, the colliery lasted a mere ten Society's full time Administrator since volunteers to ensure deadlines were all office to deal with urgent letters and e- years, of sub-editing articles that Arthur accuracy." years, suffering a loss of £30,000. June 2008, but has worked part time met, the magazines went out on time, malls, and, yes, enjoy some well Raistrick submitted to The Da/esman, Arthur had an unvarying routine, based for the Society since the beginning of and web sites were updated. earned relaxation. He who would later be dubbed Man of 1 carried camera and a notebook on my on the old maxim "early to bed, early 2007. retired at the end of December. the Millennium by the Yorkshire Dales last outing with Arthur on an autumn We shall all miss her attention to detail, Thank you Anne for all you have to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy Society wrote at length. I dared not day in 1984. A few of his friends were Anne came on board at a time of crisis, her sharp sense of humour and her contributed to the Society over the last and wise." He was never wealthy. His alter a single word and - to his visiting the site of a short-lived colliery soon after the YDS office moved from enthusiasm for the Dales which imbued four years, a legacy which will remain first impulse each morning was to play annoyance - 1 broke up his text to form at an elevation of 890-ft on Threshfield Otiey to Settle. Problems of staffing, ail her work for the Society. But with us for many years to come. But classical music - Bach, Mozart - on his shorter paragraphs. I was keen to let Moor. I recall Arthur standing at the equipment and software need someone retirement also means she will have we are hoping, after a little rest, Anne gramophone before settling down to more light into pages of solid type. edge of a man-made declivity. A sneaky of energy and experience to resolve, more time to actually enjoy the Dales will continue to join us at YDS events, work in a study that was about 10-ft wind ran a comb through his mass of and Anne, who had both run her own she so loves, to get out walking once and who knows, perhaps help just very Arthur mistrusted tape-recordings. On square, with a three-light window on white hair and secretarial business and was a former again with Molly her dog. to spend occasionally in the office she has so the south and a brick fireplace. Wilf Johnson (lek) talks to Arthur Raistrick when they met at the site ruffled his Town Clerk, came to the Society's help. weekend and holiday quality time with much made her own. Bookshelves and cupboards occupied of a colliery above Threshfield. Photo W R Mitchell archive. baggy suit of Within weeks she had helped to re- her children and her grandchildren the remaining wall space. If he felt the The more difficult economic Quaker grey. equip the office, set up new data bases need for privacy, or an escape from circumstances which Rhona Thornton He looked like and filing systems, and organised the draughts, he drew a curtain across the refers to elsewhere in the Review, have a prophet in office in a professional way so that void. sadly made it impossible for us to the wilderness. Council and Committee Members had replace Anne with a full time Arthur was a pioneer of what later all the support they needed. Arthur Administrator, so a new part time (2'/2 became known as industrial discussed the Anne also proved adept at organising a days per week) post has been created. archaeology. On one visit. I saw an colliery's short wide range of events, from Walks and The person appointed, by coincidence, array of old lead-mining photographs history with Talks to Conferences and Shows, and is also called Ann (without an "e"). She he had spread across his living room Griff she has been a familiar figure at is Ann Shadrake, from Skipton, while undertaking, on behalf of Hollingshead, Society events over the last four years. someone who also has many previous Beamish Open Air Museum, and with Frank Woodall, Despite her ill health last year which close links with the Dales, Ann will take the collaboration of Arthur Roberts, a Kathleen restricted her mobility. Anne put the over from January 4th and is looking large tome on the life and work of the visits to his home at Linton-in- Harrison and Wilf Johnson (the figure Society first by coming into the office forward to meeting YDS members. northern lead miner. Letters and Wharfedale. 1 had to resort to on the left in my photograph). The even when she could have stayed at Co/in Speakman booklets written by Arthur Raistrick shorthand notes. Tape-recordings, he colliery had been one of the less- during my Dalesman years have been claimed, were of little value and should rewarding ventures of the tycoon John lodged with the J B Priestley Library at be read with suspicion. "Questions are Delaney, A shaft was sunk to a depth of the University of Bradford, YDS - Adjusting our Membership Subscriptions in a New Era sprung on the victim and he has no 65 feet. A gravity, steam rope-hauled Members join the Yorkshire Dales Society to support its work Oyer half of our members pay the retired rate subscription, time for thought, but will use fleeting tramway connected it with limestone W R Mitchell in protecting the special area which constitutes the Yorkshire I feel that the time has come to do away with this category memories and spur-of-the-moment quarries far below. Being prone to Dales, both inside and outside the boundaries of the of membership. While 1 acknowledge that many older National Park, and not for "what they can get out" of their members do not have adequate pensions, others have membership. In this we differ from some other charities quite a high disposable income, being by that time in life which can offer substantial benefits to their members, for mortgage-free and their children now financially instance the National Trust. Many of their members may independent. Obituary: John Ward 1927-2010 perhaps be somewhat less interested in the Trust's work in It was sincere regret that we heard of the death in September 2010 of former YDS Council Member John Ward, aged protecting the landscape, than in using their membership to Council has therefore agreed to increase the retired rate of subscription over two years until it is the same as the 83, from a muscle wasting disease, John bom in Skipton, was educated at Ermysted's Grammar School and later read obtain free entry to a large number of fine properties. ordinary rate (current rates on back cover). The single and mathematics at Christ College. Cambridge, After war-service in the RAF, he became a senior civil servant in London, Nevertheless, the Society does offer a number of benefits couple retired rates will rise by £2 from April 2011. and by then Chairman of the Board for Graduate Entry to the Inland Revenue, On his retirement, he returned to Yorkshire, to members, for example, the quarterly Review and a a further £1 and £2 respectively in April 201 2, As a making his home in llkley with his wife Shirley, He became an active member of programme of walks and talks. However, the cost of the safeguard, pensioners who cannot afford to pay the few YDS, was elected to Council where his wise comments as a senior member of the Review takes a large proportion of the annual membership extra pounds can ask to remain on the current rate. Life YDS Council of Management were always welcome. He gave his time as a regular income, leaving considerably less to cover the cost of membership rates remain the same: for those over 60 it is volunteer at the YDS office in Addingham, before initiating the Society's quarterly running and staffing the office, £200 for a single person and £300 for a couple. Dales Digest which summarises and quotes key dales' issues, culled mainly from the \{ IS four years since the subscription was last reviewed, A We will all be affected by the recent national financial local and regional press, in an accessible format. His help to llkley U3A in its early number of other National Park societies have recently situation and measures that have to be taken. The Society years and his persuasive powers were also particularly appreciated. increased their subscriptions. The subscriptions now being will have to bear the cost of the increased VAT rate. It is charged in other Societies for single membership range never a good time to increase the subscription, but I hope John used his increased leisure to produce a very readable biography of his father from £27 to £ 1 0 and for a couple from £42 to £ I 5, so our that by protecting younger members who may be affected entitled Dales Blacksmith: Jack Ward of Skipton. together with some shorter pieces for subscription is set in about the middle of the range. It is by the cuts in jobs we can retain most of our membership Dalesman magazine and the YDS Review, Regular walks in the dales and skilled striking however that no other society has a reduced while raising more essential income for the Society. wood-carving were additional interests. Our sincere condolences go to Shirley his subscription for retired members (apart from a widow, his children, grandchildren and other family members. discretionary rate offered by the Dartmoor Society.) Rhona Thornton Treasurer The Coldstones Cut - The Historic Designed Landscapes on Nidderdale "Angel of the NorthII the Lancashire / Yorkshire border:

The Coldstones Cut above Creenhow new initiatives, volunteers wanted village, in Nidderdale AONB is public The Co/dstones Cut, Circles Photo by Paul Harris. Lancashire County Council (LCC) and late Spring 2011 , if art on a monumental scale. Andrew Tnef^m at Dmklmg Green, on the Duchy-q ncasrer Sabin, internationally renowned for his Lancashire Gardens Trust (LGT) would HLF funding is estate. Photo by Ntgel Neil. sculptures, was commissioned to build like to attract volunteers from the agreed - will focus a sculpture which would act as a Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas exclusively on the viewing platform for the nearby to participate in two projects in the Forest of Rowland Coldstones Quarry. The sculpture, made adjacent Forest of Rowland AONB - Area of Outstanding of limestone blocks, has been erected one ongoing, and another awaiting Natural Beauty (and at 398 metres (1 375 feet) above sea Heritage Lottery Fund approval at time a c. 2 km "buffer" level. From the high viewing platforms, of writing. zone). The project intends to help the with orientation and interpretation In December 2008. a team of around a public to access, panels, there are panoramic views dozen LGT volunteers embarked on the enjoy, and across much of Nidderdale and across Historic Designed Landscapes of understand Historic to York Minster, the Yorkshire Wolds Lancashire: Phase 2 project CHDL') - an Designed Landscapes, and South Pennines. The castle-like LCC Environment Directorate initiative through researching transcribing farm and field-names from structure is 245 feet long and 1 6 feet to enhance a database of parks and and preparing online resources, walks 1830s tithe schedules, and earlier high, with the entrance through a gardens of all periods in the post-1974 and talks, and on-site signage. The HDL estate maps and deeds. The project walled "street", and the option to county, first compiled as a desk-based project has identified over 30 parks philologist/author is Dr John Insley of climb up on either side of the structure exercise funded by English Heritage in within the AONB, and earlier work by the University of Heidelberg. Landscape by an easy gradient to one of two 1998. The volunteers receive training in the Yorkshire Gardens Trust suggests Stories 2 hopes to access newly- spirals, or just view the quarry face many disciplines, including the use of that this total could easily be doubled extracted data, including place-names comfortably from the central area: it is documentary and aerial photographic by sites in the Yorkshire part of the relating to parks, pales (park boundary a highly dramatic statement which is sources, and meet regularly to study area, fences), deer leaps, vaccaries, and best appreciated actually on site and problem-solve. The 1998 report conneries (rabbit warrens). then again on the return journey. targeted sites of national significance 'Historic Designed Landscapes' Countrywide research into royal forests, for addition to the Register of Parks encompasses medieval deer parks and and their lay counterpart "chases', from All sculpture materials came from the related entities such ArtiVts-s-mPPessjon of the medieval vaccary at Sab their medieval origins to the mid- quarry itself, owned and operated by as vaccaries (dairy by"Jo,hh"il6dgV6n77: " nineteenth century, is being Hanson UK, who together with farms), post- coordinated by the Forests and Chases Nidderdale Plus Partnership, (a local medieval country of England and Wales project, based at voluntary community regeneration estate parks and St John's College. Oxford. agency), commissioned the work. their walled kitchen Financial support came from the gardens, villa If you would like to take part in the Aggreggate Levy Fund (paid by the landscapes, public Landscape Stories, and/or the HDL Project, quarry operators and ring-fenced for parks and allot please contact any of those named below. ments, institutional The Coldstones Cut. Sunset. Nigel R. J. Neil landscapes, planned Photo by Steve Colbourne. Neil Archaeological Services, communities. 5 Hillside, Lancaster. LAI lYH, Landscapes of 01524 844 728 or 07968 621 530 Remembrance, and [email protected] more recent private and Gardens of Special Historic Interest, gardens and 'hard landscaping'. Other Contacts In contrast, the 2008 HDL project seeks Landscape Stories 2: Cathy Hopley, The timing of the proposed Landscape to create Local Lists of regionally Development it Funding Officer, art and landscape projects). Arts some great landscape views. Visitors Stories 2 project offers the opportunity significant sites, for the district and Forest of Rowland AONB. The Stables, Council of England -Yorkshire, can make use of a small nearby car to cross-fertilise with a number of county Local Authorities. Project 4 Root Hill Estate Yard. Whitewell Yorkshire Forward, and the Yorkshire park at Toft Gate on the B6265 (Grid ongoing projects. One of these. The volunteers have visited and 'validated' Road, Dunsop Bridge, Clitheroe. LEADER Project among others. ref 644130), but the local network of Lancashire Place-Names Survey was around 300 sites county-wide, and are Lancashire BB7 BAY, well waymarked footpaths makes it an initiated in 2000 by the late Dr Mary now identifying omissions, and piloting 01200 448000. 07891 537835. There has already been much public ideal destination for a very enjoyable Higham, Its volunteers have very nearly methods of judging numerically Cathy. Hopley@lancash ire.gov,uk interest and it is possible to visit the walk, for example from Paieley Bridge completed extracting place-name "scoring" relative significance. Lancashire Gardens Trust: site quite easily and get a spectacular on the 24 bus route from Harrogate. evidence from Ordnance Survey maps Ms Susan Barker (Secretary), view of the last working quarry in the The proposed Landscape Stories, part 2 of the 1 840s for the whole of pre-1974 5, [email protected] Nidclerdale area, as well as enjoying Fleur Speakman project - which should commence in Lancashire, and are progressing with

8 DalesBus Smashes All Records Daleswatch The Sunday and Bank Holiday DalesBus link Harrogate Scargill House, Wharfedale which is a key factor, is UK-wide. The PROPOSED SCHOOL CLOSURES AT network, now co-ordinated and Pateley Bridge and The Scargill Movement has submitted a issue therefore needs to be tackled on a ARNCLIFFE AND KETTLEWELL managed by the Yorkshire Dales Middlesmoor in planning application to refurbish/extend UK-wide basis. Primary schools are the heartbeat of Society's Dales &. Bowland CIC, has Upper Nidderdale. their development near Kettlewell, Dales' communities. When they close, achieved record levels of growth of increasing the number of bed spaces to The Yorkshire Dales Society has agreed part of the community dies forever. The what is increasingly recognised perhaps Fares are kept to a at least 210 bed spaces (from about to join a 'UK Landscape Alliance' with current proposals to close Arncliffe and as the best, fully integrated network of minimum with 140). Accommodation for visitors the John Muir Trust and other Kettlewell schools would have a devastating effect on the Upper bus services the Yorkshire Dales has ever senior concession would rise from about 90 to at least organisations including the Campaign enjoyed. Following massive increases in holders travelling 160 bed spaces. for National Parks, Friends of the Lake Wharfedale community. People with patronage in 2009/10. with an amazing free as are children District, and (hopefully) the Councils for families choose not to buy homes 56% growth in passenger journeys to accompanied by Whilst we believe that the kind of the Preservation of Rural England and where there are no schools, and this However massive financial cuts threaten over 20,000 in total, in 2010/11 there fare paying passengers. Details of all activities undertaken by the Scargill Rural Wales, to stress the importance of has a knock-on effect both on social to end this "green travel" success story has been further growth which if current Sunday and weekday bus services in the Movement are wholly appropriate landscape issues in developing the networks, and on the local economy. It from summer 2011 onwards, with trends continue will indicate a further southern Dales are in the excellent within the Dales, we do have some strategy for renewable energy. may not be possible to save Arncliffe, blanket proposals within North 25% or more growth above this figure Metro Winter DalesBus pocket timetable serious concerns about the present given that the number of pupils has Yorkshire to cut all Sunday and Bank to around 25,000 - a virtual doubling (copies can be sent to members on proposals, including the fact that the Barn Conversions fallen so low, but this simply means Holiday bus services, even very well of people using buses, with some buses request) or by logging onto description of the proposals is Barn conversions are an important issue that the role of Kettlewell becomes used services, despite the vital running at capacity, where elsewhere in www.dalesbus.org Surveys on misleading, that the actual number of within the Dales, and may become even even more important. County importance of tourism in rural North North Yorkshire numbers have been DalesBus in 2010 have shown that bed spaces proposed is unclear, that the more so in the near future. The YDS Councillors should not simply be Yorkshire. The D(StB CIC is working with static or even declined. around about a third of users are proposal for a new Sports Hall would Policy Committee has received a looking at the education budget, but partners at every level of local and motorists who are prepared to leave be contrary to existing planning briefing on some of the issues involved also at wider issues including the national Government to find a way of There is a good network of services their cars at home, but two thirds policies; and that the current Travel Plan from Andy Singleton, the builder who. additional costs of school transport, the ensuring that DalesBus survives and is between West Yorkshire and Upper without their own transport could not is inadequate, and runs the risk of together with YDS founder-member scope for adjusting school catchment even allowed to grow. We will keep YDS Wharfedale right through the winter otherwise have visited the National Park putting too much traffic on the narrow David Joy, co-authored 'Barns of the areas, and the wider implications for members informed. In the meantime and early spring months, with guided or Nidderdale AONB. Equally Kettlewell-Conistone road running past Yorkshire Dales', See Andy's article the community. They desperately need please make every effort to use our walks led by DalesBus Ramblers every interesting is the fact that on average the site. (pages 3-5). in this issue of the YDS to make sure that officers do some unique and friendly DalesBus network Sunday, Once a month, an additional DalesBus users spend £13 per head on Review. 'joined-up thinking' in looking at all this winter - you'll be amazed how Cravenlink service will run from York goods and services in the Dales, a major UK Landscape Alliance the options - and also engage in some much flexibility and freedom you can and Harrogate (connections from Leeds) contribution to the economy of the Research carried out by Scottish Natural Affordable Housing in the National serious discussions with local people. enjoy if you are walker by making use to Malham, and in between the popular Dales. Heritage has disclosed that between Park There have to be other options than of a bus. Nidderdale Rambler 825 service will 2002 and 2008, the extent of Scotland At their meeting on 30th November, closure; other options than the unaffected by any form of visual members of the National Park Authority numbers game. influence from roads and access tracks, are due to receive their officers' report The YDS has pledged its full support to WANTED - More Yorkshire Dales power lines, wind power developments on the consultation process carried out the people of Upper Wharfedale to and forestry declined from 41% to earlier in 2010 on their Draft Housing help retain at least one of these two Society Volunteers 31 %. The majority of this decline is due Development Plan. We shall be very vital focal points of their communities. to wind farm developments, which have interested to see what conclusions they The difficult economic times we are in can't be total bad tasks strong political support in Scotland. The have reached. Hugh Thornton, news. People in the Dales will need to revive a spirit of self • to help out at YDS events, including guided walks and subsidy regime for renewable energy. Chairman. YDS Policy Committee reliance, and the Yorkshire Dales Society, a voluntary, third- helping at summer shows sector body, can help in so many ways. • to help support local business activities in the Dales to strengthen green tourism opportunities But with the replacement of our full time with a part time • to help the Dales & Bowland CIC's pioneering green Administrator, the challenge for the YDS is to be able to tap transport network including important new research we into the energy and enthusiasm of our members, but above hope to be pioneering into rural travel needs all to attract new people, especially younger people not yet • to help develop the YDS's website and IT work, perhaps involved with the Society, to see the Society as a means of taking over as webmaster making a difference to their own and other peoples' lives, and to help Dales' communities at perhaps a difficult time. If you'd like to help, and to join our small and enthusiastic team based in our Settle office, prepared to work with the If you are one of those people who has retired but still has Cliff Beck, Thwaite, Swaledale. Society to start making a difference to what happens in the Photo by Steve Thorp. time and energy to use for a worthwhile cause, or whose Dales, and to peoples lives, we'd love to hear from you. career has come to a premature conclusion because of A vyaterfall on Cliff Beck, in Upper Swaledale, financial cuts or maybe you or a friend or relative have got Send us an e-mail (or write) in the first instances to about one mile before the water enters t!ie river that hard earned university degree but not yet found that [email protected] Tell us a bit about yourself and which of Swale at Miikor, This was taken on a DalesBtis jOb then perhaps becoming a Yorkshire Dales Society these areas or other areas you'd be interested in getting Ramblers' Walk and is one of the attractive YDS Volunteer could help you make a difference. involved in as a YDS Volunteer, We'll get in touch with you photo competition entries. and hopefully see how best we can work together. We need volunteers: • to help us 111 our Settle Office to complete key office

10 11 Langstrothdale and Mallerstang Book Reviews

HERRIOTT: A VET'S LIFE BY WR information about life in the Dales in Yorkshire icon, the Yorkshire pudding, Frank Gordon's drawings feature dales in the central western reaches of the Yorkshire Dales. MITCHELL, forewords by the forties and fifties, and the ensuing also celebrated overseas. A short history Vockenthwa/te, Langstrothda/e Christopher Timothy and Jim Wight, changes in farming practice and complete with 18th and 19th century published by Great Northern Books growing mechanisation that helped to recipes, which tells us the pudding's September 16th 2010, at £1 5.99. make a life little easier for the farming actual origin is yet unknown, leads on 160 pages, hardback. community. [Bill tells of a custom of to information about how to cook the ISBN: 978 1 905080 77 9. To order a using of a penny (the older heavier pre- perfect Yorkshire pudding, with many signed copy phone 01724 735056 or decimalisation coin) which was placed useful tips, often contradicting each visit www.greatnorthernbooks.co.uk on the cream in the farm dairy to test other, but that is all part of the fun. whether it had set.] But it is abundantly There are enticing photographs to whet Two iconic Yorkshire personalities, who clear that the reality of a vet's life too the appetite and numerous recipe have received top accolades, come was often hard, unglamorous and variations for the most fastidious palate. together in a book which will delight all poorly paid. The snug-looking surgery, I can remember being asked once for famed from the TV series, was indeed the Yorkshire pudding recipe in the far from reality as Jim Wight makes Black Forest by a friendly farmer's wife. clear, where real-life conditions were She looked delighted afterwards and initially much more basic: use being told me they make a similar batter made of the family dining table and pudding and combine it with jam as a living quarters as a make-shift surgery. dessert. In fact there is also an older English recipe which used the pudding For anyone who enjoyed the original as a sweet course with the addition of I I i ^ I I \ I \ I ] James Herriott books, (nine in all), the jam. though purists will probably various TV series and the films, this shudder with horror at the fate of this generously illustrated hardback book very traditional and much-loved will give much pleasure, but also help savoury dish. to further enormous respect for the Fleur Speakman iiVJ people of the Dales, with their stoical endurance, wit. depth of religious feeling and tremendous personalities. AN EYE TO PERCEIVE by Derek James Herriott fans: Heniott. A Vet's Statham is available by post from the Life by WR Mitchell. Alf Wight (James F/eur Speakman North York Moors Association. 2 High Herriott was of course his fictional Street. Castleton. Whitby. North counterpart) wrote the celebrated books Yorkshire, Y021 2DA, price £6. Please about the Dales' vet and the various THE GREAT BOOK OF YORKSHIRE add £1 for postage and packing. Pendragon Castle. Mallerstang characters he came across, raising the PUDDING by Elaine Lemm, published profile and landscape of the Yorkshire by Great Northern Books at £7.99. Derek Statham was the first National Dales' to new heights at home and ISBN: 978 1 905080 80 9. To order Park Officer for the North York Moors many countries abroad (50 million phone 01274 735056 or visit National Park, for over 20 years, copies of his books were sold in 20 www.greatnorthernbooks.co.uk between 1974 and 1994; crucial years

V. countries), while our own Yorkshire when Parks were still struggling to find

■yy ^m0L- ^ t\ f / Dales Society's President, Bill Mitchell, This little book deals with another their independence, culminating, after

whose knowledge of all things Yorkshire — and as the author of nearly 200 books, Robin Hood's Bay. North Yorkshire Moors Naf/ona/ Park. Illustration for An Eye to Perceive. led to him topping a recent poll as the Yorkshire Dales National Park's greatest living cultural icon.

A forward by Christopher Timothy who " III!.-"' so memorably played James Herriott in the long-running TV series and so clearly enjoyed his role, and one by Alfs son Jim Wight who contributed a number of telling anecdotes and some splendid photographs, again gives us double value. Additional insights into Alf and his family, are contributed by Bill Mitchell who also broadens the appeal of the hook by adding much

12 13 the passing of the 1995 Environment demonstrates how an approach based Dales National Park Committee against Act. in the creation of independent on facts, not prejudice, can balance the their political masters in North Events 2011 National Park Authorities in England need for access with the need for Yorkshire County Council County Hall. and Wales. conservation. But he is outspoken But the issues Derek Statham raises are Join us on a wide variety of YDS events over winter and Saturday 2 April 2011 about how "weak, even naive" national relevant to all UK National Parks, most into eariy Spring. Enjoy the first lecture of the season by a Derek, now the President of our sister politicians bear a considerable degree especially the difficulties of ensuring well-known expert on bats, learn about the latest plans for WALK: INGLEBROUGH FROM THE NORTH National Park Society the North York of blame for the deterioration of the that national and local needs are met the Wensleydale railway and take a humorous look at the A full day's hill walk up an iconic mountain with Moors Association, was in a unique natural environment by not linking the in harmonious not conflicting ways, trials and tribulations of Wainwright's Coast-to Coast Walk, Steve Hastie, YDNPA Area Ranger/ Project position both to contribute to and system of agricultural subsidies and that short term political expedience is concluding with a longer ramble round the Ingleborough Manager Three Peaks. Walk will start and finish at closely observe the evolution of grants to environmentally friendly land not allowed to overrule long term National Parks in this critical stage of management and farming. But he and environmental goals. It is a tribute to area. Lecture admission for members £3, and non- Ribblehead, about 7 miles in distance - but 400 metres of ascent, including a very steep ascent their development. Of special interest his colleagues proved how it could be Derek and his colleagues that they have members £5 unless otherwise stated. and descent. Wear suitable clothing and footwear was how they dealt with some of the different by engaging local landowners succeeded so superbly well. The book's (boots essential), and carry wet weather gear, food major problems of land and visitor in a series of farm conservation title, as some YDS members might Saturday, 8 January 2011 management, for example with the schemes in the National Park that recognise, is a quotation from the poet and water. need to protect the North York Moors benefitted farmers and landowner William Wordsworth's 1835 edition of WALK: BELL BUSK AND BANK NEWTON, National Park's magnificent moorland financially, but also conserved a his Guide to the Lakes when he Walk Leader: Chris Wright 4 miles, easy walking Meet at Ribblehead Quarry entrance, 10.30am. Train d. Leeds 0849, Skipton 0926, Settle 0950, heritage from threats of agricultural unique environment. Such pioneering suggests that the Lake District should be throughout. improvement and footpath erosion, in schemes in the Moors attracted regarded as a "sort of national Meet outside Dalesman Cafe, Gargrave 10.30am, a. Horton in Ribblesdale 0958. Walk will finish at Ribblehead (Station/Station Inn) in time for return what we can now see were still widespread national and international property" that everyone "with an eye Train d. Leeds 0949. Skipton 0926 trains. Make a trip on the Settle-Carlisle part of pioneering years. This is documented in attention, and laid the foundations for to perceive, a heart to behold" should a. Gargrave 0932 his Memoirs. An Eye to Perceive current environmental management be able to appreciate and enjoy. For your day out and reduce your carbon footprint! which start from 1965 and conclude at and High Level Stewardship schemes. Lake District read also the North York LECTURE: BATS IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES Prof JD his retirement in 1 994. Moors and Yorkshire Dales - we now Altringham, leading national expert on Bats, This is a beautifully written book, well call them National Parks. adviser to Natural England DATE FOR DIARY - May 7th - a visit to a Grouse Moor in Arkengarthdale, with the possibility of seeing They were also years of huge illustrated, full of insights and Gargrave Village Hall, 2.15pm achievement. In his unassuming, but anecdotes such as the UDl declaration CS Black Grouse. Details in Spring Review. highly professional way, Derek in 1976, by members of Yorkshire Saturday February 5 2011 Apology WALK: LEYBURN SHAWL - a walk to a famous The Nidderdale Rambler becomes Wensleydale viewpoint As a result of severe weather, Ron & Vanessa Stone's Walk Leader: Chris Hartley approx 4 miles, Stalnforth walk and David Johnson's Ingleborough Lecture on December 4th had to be cancelled, but will moderate, slight ascent: Meet Leyburn Market a YDS Corporate Member be rearranged on a suitable date in Spring. See the Square, 10.30 am. Bus 73/157 d. Northallerton Spring YDS Review or the YDS website for details. Buck Inn 0838. For Wensleydale Railway times log A&.S Coaches, of Fellbeck. Pateley Bridge, has become the Middlesmoor on Sundays - sometimes referred to by locals onto www.wensleydalerailway.com newest Yorkshire Dales Corporate Member. A6lS stands for and regular DalesBus users as "Charlie's Bus" because of its Amanda and Steve Burton, who combine running a popular regular driver, local farmer Charlie Swale. Despite Yorkshire Dales Society Photo Competition - LECTURE: THE NEW WENSLEYDALE RAILWAY Ruth Nidderdale hill farm with a local bus and coach service, her busy life running a farm, a bus company and her Our most sincere thanks to our entrants for the YDS Annison, Wensleydale Railway pic. Ruth, a mainly school services in Upper Nidderdale. But A&.S also family, Amanda, a keen walker, also leads regular, well Photo Competition and to our judges. However, since founder member of the Yorkshire Dales Society, is operate the extremely popular Dalesbus 825 Nidderdale patronised walks in Upper Nidderdale for DalesBus there was such a low response to the competition, it a lifelong campaigner on green transport issues in Rambler bus between Harrogate, Pateley Bridge and Ramblers. was decided not make any awards on this occasion. Wensleydale and one of the moving spirits behind The Nidderdale Rambler will be running the Wensleydale Railway, Methodist Church Hall, once a month during the winter of Leyburn, 2.15pm, 2010. In addition, A&.S Coaches has a Kingsdale Farm, Kingsdale. Drawing by Frank Cordon. range of different sized minibuses and Saturday March 5 2011 coaches available to provide a tailor- made coach service to meet the special WALK: INTO ADDINGHAM'S COUNTRYSIDE, needs of walking clubs or groups, Walk Leader: Hugh Thornton, A 4 mile circular including small groups. Plans for 201 1 walk, moderate - some stiles. Meet outside -IF include a Wainwright s Coast to Coast Addingham Memorial Hall, 10.30am. Bus X84 Walk. (d. Leeds 0910) or 762 (d. Ikley 0957) Full details on www.ascoaches.co.uk or ring 01423 71 1252. LECTURE: AFTER WAINWRIGHT, A COAST TO COAST WALK In the footsteps of Wainwright, the celebrated fell walker, featuring the Geriatric Blunderers Club {or how to get lost without really Nidderdale Rambler bus at Brimham Rocks. trying) Bob Swallow and Bill Mitchell, Addingham Memorial Hall. 2.15pm.

14 15 --\.kk C?

Front Cover; Crass Woods in Snow. Yorkshire Dales Society: The Yorkshire Dales Society. The Town Hall. Cheapside. Back Cover: The Ghaistrills Strid. Grassington. Settle. BD24 9EJ. Teiephone/Answerphone 01729 825600. P/iotos by Colin Speakman. www.yds.orgMk See also - www.yorkshiredalesheritage.org.uk www.dalesandbowland.com

The Society is a Registered Charity No 515384. Printed by John Mason Printers. Park Avenue. Sh'pton.

Membership Subscription Rates Published by the Yorkshire Dales Society, Single Retired £12. Single Adah £15. Wews expressed in the YDS Review are not necessarily those of the Retired Couple £16, Family/Couple £20 Affiliated £26. Corporate - category A £26. category B £52. Yorkshire Dales Society. category C £100. Any contributions should be sent to the Editors at the Society's address opposite. Please sign your Gift Aid form if you haven't already done so.

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