It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
With College dressed perfectly for Christmas, we’ve enjoyed some fabulous festive fun as we’ve wound down ready for a well-earned rest.
Rudolph’s Run
On Sunday 21 December, Craven College will join with over 200 other festively decorated tractors and farm vehicles to participate in this year’s Rudolph Run. The annual run is an illuminated tractor procession starting from Otley and making its way through Addingham, Steeton, Silsden, Sutton, Kildwick, Bradley and ending its journey on Skipton High Street.
The College vehicles, decorated and driven by Tom Midgely and Susannah Morrish were part of the procession watched through the district by thousands of spectators, whilst raising funds for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. If you’d like to make a donation, you can do so here.
Tom Midgley said, “We support the tractor run because we support the two local charities – Manorlands and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance – and the farming community. The department has already raised money in March by selling trees. This year over 200 tractors are booked on, and we hope to beat last year’s total of over £42,000.”
Tea by the Tree
Our construction department was once again turned into a festive wonderland with the addition of a perfect Christmas Grotto! A perfectly constructed and decorated fireplace and chimney and a beautifully set table provided the setting for the annual Tea by the Tree.
Guests enjoyed a delicious array of festive treats and drinks, served on the finest China and the chance to catch up with friends and colleagues away from the office before writing their own Christmas message on their place setting.
A big thank you to Kevin Wilcock and the team for arranging this lovely treat!
Miniature Crazy Golf
Three teams of students created wonderful pieces displaying the heritage and future of Craven College to be showcased at our 200th Anniversary End of Year Event. The projects were so impressive, tutor Kevin Wilcock made some small amendments, added a herd of dinosaurs, and created Jurassic Park mini golf for the students to enjoy in the run up to Christmas!
Christmas Music Medley
Performing Arts students wowed invited guests at our 200th Anniversary End of Year Event, opening the occasion with a perfect medley of favourite festive songs. The perfect way to get everyone into the Christmas spirit!
Festive Workshop at Evolve
Hospitality and Catering students enjoyed a hands-on workshop at Evolve, preparing perfectly for the festive season.
Students mixed, baked, and decorated a delightful array of seasonal biscuits, learning new skills while having plenty of fun along the way.
Celebrating the season, one tasty treat at a time!
Christmas Market
Foundation Learning students attended Skipton Market with a stall packed full of Christmas crafts, cards, and tasty treats, all made themselves!
All the items proved incredibly popular with gifts flying off the stall, and every penny raised was donated to the Craven Team at Homeless Link.
Santa Fun Run
On Sunday 30 November 2500 people, including Craven College staff members and their families, took part in the 16th Great Santa Fun Run.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Skipton in conjunction with Skipton Town Council, runners and walkers complete a 5km route around Skipton whilst raising money for the chosen charities.
Decorating for Christmas!
Painting and Decorating students brought the Christmas spirit to the department, by using their skills to create some Christmas themed art!
Cultural Fair
The Cultural Fair is a fantastic opportunity for students to celebrate and explore cultures from around the world. Led by the Student Union, the event gives students valuable experience in planning, marketing, organising, and delivering a large‑scale project.
Victoria Alderson, Enrichment Officer said, “Students from across the College (whether or not they are part of the Student Union) are encouraged to get involved by showcasing their heritage and personal interests. Many created beautifully presented stalls featuring traditional clothing, homemade foods, cultural games, and interactive art workshops.
The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, with highlights including a lively karaoke corner and performances from our talented Performing Arts students. The event truly fostered a strong sense of belonging, pride, and community as students came together to share and celebrate their cultures.”
The College will close on Thursday 18 December to the majority of its students and reopen on Monday 5 January 2025.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy 2026!
