08
Sept 2024
Harrogate district parishes prepare to celebrate Yorkshire Churches Day
Parishes across the Harrogate district will once more be welcoming non-congregation members to discover the history and heritage of their buildings, for Yorkshire Churches Day (YCD).
The event is taking place on Saturday, September 14, with the aim to encourage people to explore local churches, even if they have never stepped foot inside one before.
YCD is organised by the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust, in partnership with the Heritage Open Days festival, which will be running from September 6 - 15.
This year, the theme is 'routes, networks and connections', which has inspired collaboration between participating churches, creating trails that link the historical venues in the area.
Five churches in the Boroughbridge parish have organised a walk and a treasure hunt on September 14, between 10.30am-12.30pm.
The route starts at St James’s in Boroughbridge, and visits St. Andrew’s in Aldborough, St. Mary’s in Dunsforth, St. John’s in Minskip, finishing at St. Mary’s in Roecliffe.
Limited parking is available at the start of the trail, which can be completed on foot, by bike or by car. Refreshments and treasure hunt clues are available in every church until 4pm.
Tom Ramsden, chairman of the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust, explained:
This is the most exciting day in the year for Yorkshire’s churches. It is a day for them to throw open their doors, showcase their beauty and their treasures and invite in all and sundry to be amazed.
This is a day when all those who might never set foot inside a church for the rest of the year can come and learn about their heritage, see the extraordinary craftsmanship of past generations and feel their peace and quiet. Visit at least one church today, you will not be disappointed.
St Andrew’s, Aldborough (Image: supplied)
For seasoned walkers, there's also the St. Aelred Pilgrim’s Trail, organised by Upper Ryedale parish council.
A so-called 'gathering walk', the 12-mile route starts at All Saints Church in Hawnby, and passes through Old Byland, Scawton, and Cold Kirby, collecting partipants from each church.
The trail culminates with a service in Rievaulx Abbey, followed by a celebration event in the Abbey cafe.
Individual churches across the district will also be hosting talks, tours and coffee mornings as part of YCD.
Yorkshire Churches Day venues in the district
- West Park United Reformed Church, West Park, Harrogate, HG1 1BL.
- Our Lady Immaculate and St. Robert's Church, Robert Street, Harrogate, HG1 1HP.
- St. Michael and St. Lawrence Church, Fewston, Harrogate, HG3 1SU.
- St. Peter's Cambridge Road, Harrogate, HG1 1PB.
- All Saints Church, Church Lane, Kirby Hill, Boroughbridge, YO51 9DX.
- St. Andrew's Church, Low Road, Aldborough, Boroughbridge, York, YO51 9ER.
- St. Mary's Church, Mary Lane, Lower Dunsforth, York, YO26 9RZ.
- St. Mary's Church, Roecliffe, York, YO51 9LY.
- St. John's, Berrygate Lane, Sharow, 57 Whitcliffe Lane, Ripon, HG4 5BJ.
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