Lambing Time : April 2003

The lambing season seems to last much longer now, and I took the opportunity of visiting the farmstead of Bryony, who has been looking after sheep, cattle and their offspring for over 20 years. Bryony has an unmistakable air of energy and enthusiasm about her, which is quite contagious. Here is what she had to say about this time of year...

Dry Stone Walling : May 2003

I met Alan from work after a hard days graft and he took me to see a recent dry stone wall he had just finished. Alan came across as the sort of person that was not unlike the walls he built...solid, reliable, and straight as a die. Alan takes me through some of his 50 years experience, with a short lesson in dry stone walling...

Beekeeping : June 2003

Beekeeping is a fascinating hobby. I spoke to the local representative of the Airedale Beekeepers Association, Sue Chatfield, who kindly enlightened me on the mysterious world of this ancient and venerable craft. She was a hive of information...

Fly Fishing and Dressing : July 2003

Having met Stephen and his wife who run their own business, they asked me over to their week-end caravan on the edge of the river, close to the Dales Way. The art of both river fishing, and tying your own flies soon became fascinating and absorbing subjects that gave me food for thought. Stephen kindly talked me through what this sport means to him...

Copper Dragon Brewery : August 2003

Breweries have always held a fascination for me, apart from the obvious reasons. I went to have a look at the newly appointed Skipton Brewery which, although it only became operational in March this year, is already going from strength to strength...

Exotic Species : September 2003

It always amazes me just how attractive and colourful some animals can be. I suppose that's what draws people into keeping exotic animals. Certainly when photographing them I was awe struck by their strangeness, and in some instances, their potential dangerousness...

Corio Raptor : October 2003

Someone who knows all about Birds of Prey is Nick Henderson who runs the Corio Raptor Centre. This is a place of sanctuary for ill or mistreated, wild and beautiful birds. It is not open to members of the public, so I was privileged to meet them and learn something of the work done here...

Mother Bradley's Cookbook : November 2003

Now I don't do much baking these days, but I do know someone who never stops...so these Yorkshire recipes, kindly prepared by Mother Bradley, are not meant to be taken with a pinch of salt...they are authentic...and if you know of any more you think should be up here, feel free to send them in, so we can include them...

The Craven Guild of Lace Makers : December 2003

This friendly group meets each month in the Reading Room of the Rest Centre, Swadford Street, Skipton. I was kindly invited, and saw Liz Fryers and the Craven Lace Makers Guild during one of their soirees...

Cobblers : January 2004

A good hand stitched shoe is difficult to find, but a local craftsman who carries on this worthy tradition, is even harder to locate. I tracked down Nelson's Footwear Shop, established in 1847 ... but would they last?...

Wharfedale Brewery : February 2004

I think I should make it my mission in life to visit hallowed ground at least once a year, and so my pilgrimage this time was to the Wharfdale Brewery, tucked away between Rylstone and Hetton. I spoke to Adam Witek, who is Head Brewer there, and he kindly talked me through the brewing process in great detail...

Candlemaking : March 2004

Wensley is quite some way from Skipton, but it seems that the nearest traditional candlemaker is here. I met Mick and Jen White, and their daughter Rachel who have been using traditional methods of candlemaking since 1971...

Journalism : April 1 2004

They are a breed apart, ever after a good scoop...here's the sordid inside story on how they get their front page tabloid filled...

Dales Jam : May 2004

If you love jazz, and want to learn more...the place to go is the Linton Institute, on most Monday evenings...

Horses Health Farm : June 2004

Stuart and Gail Currie run the Northern Equine Therapy Centre in Rathmell, near Settle, North Yorkshire. They let me get hands on experience of their Health Farm facilities, ... but I declined a swim with the equines...

Deer Park Fountains Abbey : July 2004

Deer Warden, John Horrigan very kindly showed me around the estate. There are over 500 deer, and three different breeds. Red, Fallow and Sika...

The Rowley Collection : August 2004

During the past six months, the crew of SkiptonWeb, and Skipton Library, put their heads, hands and hearts together to produce an interactive website dedicated to the early photography of Skipton...

The Norber Erratics : September 2004

The Norber Erratics on Norber Moor in North Yorkshire, are slate and sandstone boulders sitting on natural white limestone clints. The effect is amazing, and well worth a visit. Try walking from the village of Austwick...

Windpower : October 2004

As controvertial as it is, we need alternative power. I went over to talk to the windmills and see if they hum too loudly. But then, I have an excuse.

Five Rise Locks : November 2004

An amazing engineering feat, this stretch of the canal was opened on 21st March 1774, and the first boat down the Five Rise Locks took 28 minutes. I decided to investigate after its recent refurbishment this year.

Dales Chippies : December 2004

There were two craftsmen, born around these parts that had a talent with wood. One was Thomas Chippendale, and the other was Mouseman Robert Thompson.

A Day at the Vets : January/March 2005

I went to see the local Veterinary's to get an idea of what goes on behind the scenes. Was it all romatic snake bites and furry bundles?

Animal Magic : April/June 2005

Craven District Council are offering residents and visitors the opportunity to view this amazing collection by Yorkshire based artist Karen Trower. I went along to see this lifelike menagerie.

Cupola Smelt Mill : July/September 2005

Grassington; although well known for it's great natural beauty and quaint village life, has a past. I searched the northern moors and found a mine of information.

Wensleydale Creamery : October/December 2005

I went to Wensleydale Creamery, to find out their history, and how this wonderful cheese is made. Here's the whey they do it.

Tarn Moor Memorial Woodland : January/March 2006

I asked Wendy Pratt who looks after this woodland burial ground to give me some information on what is fast becoming the most popular form of burial.

Sheep Shearing : April/June 2006

I was fortunate to get the chance to visit Manor Farm Thorlby when the sheep were needing shearing.

Dales Healers : July/Sepember 2006

I met up with Izzy Shaw who teaches Healing. She works in the Dales and beyond. Here's a brief rundown of what is on offer from her healing hands.

Sheepskin Produce : October/December 2006

Here in Clapham Richard Sexton helps me understand the process of the manufacturing and machinery used in the production of everything made from sheepskins, and how.

Naylors Brewery : January/March 2007

CragFace goes one bitter better, Brewery Crawling in Cross Hills. Bet you can't say that after a Jeriboam of ale.

Mint Cake Factory : April 2007

A privileged visit to the famous secret factory just the other side of Pendle.

Namaste : December 2007

A new fair trade establishment, Namaste has been trading fairly for over ten years. It has its premises on the Snaygill Estate and I went over to see what it had on offer.