North Yorkshire Police is investigating a burglary at a rural post office in Nidderdale.
Thieves entered the Dales Stores Post Office in Birstwith at nine minutes past midnight on Friday (August 5).
The suspects smashed two panes of glass on the front door and stole cash and a large amount of stamps with a high value.
A North Yorkshire Police statement added:
“Officers are asking members of the public to get in touch if they have any information, saw anything suspicious or can identify the person recorded on CCTV.
“In particular, offices are asking local residents if they have any CCTV or dash cam footage of vehicles in the area at the time of the burglary.
“Anyone with any information is asked to email leah.fitzsimons@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC 950 Fitzsimons.
“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference number 12220137553 when passing on information.”
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Firefighters called to blaze at factory in Birstwith
Firefighters were called to Birstwith this morning when a drying plant in a food factory went up in flames.
Crews from Ripon and Knaresborough went to Kerry Ingredients shortly before 7am this morning.
They used breathing apparatus and hose reel jets to tackle the fire.
A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
“There was damage to the drying equipment and pipework. The cause of the fire is not confirmed.”
Firefighters left the site by 9.18am.
Read more:
- Councillors have ‘major concerns’ about plans to reduce Harrogate fire engines
- Business group calls for more Harrogate town centre police
Birstwith and Weeton shows attract weekend crowds
Two of the Harrogate district’s premier village shows attracted sizeable crowds over the weekend.
Weeton Show drew its biggest attendance for 15 years on Sunday as early morning rain gave way to fine weather.
The event was one of the few country shows to defy covid last year and take place.
Here are some images from the day.
Read more:
- Village show season set to start in Harrogate district
- Historic Hampsthwaite village celebration set for return
Birstwith Show bounced back strongly with its first event in three years.
3SIXTY Bicycle Stunt Team (pictured below) were among the attractions at the Nidderdale event, which dates back to 1867.
Countryfile host and adventurer Helen Skelton was guest of honour at prep school Belmont Grosvenor’s annual Speech Day.
The Yorkshire-based mum-of-three inspired pupils from nursery to Year 6 with her tales from the Amazon to Antarctica.
Ms Skelton told pupils:
“Life is about challenges, and life is about taking risks. It doesn’t matter what other people think, what other people think you can and can’t do. You can be anything you want.
Co-educational prep school Belmont Grosvenor is based at Swarcliffe Hall in Birstwith.
Former Blue Peter presenter Ms Skelton, currently fronting Channel 5’s Summer on the Farm, described the school’s setting as “incredible” and praised its outdoor learning ethos.
She shared secrets from some of her most famous challenges, from kayaking the Amazon to becoming only the second woman to complete the Namibia Ultra Marathon.
“I’d never run for 10 minutes, never mind 80 miles in 23 hours. I set my GPS every five miles to zero, and I did another five miles and another five miles until I reached 80!” she said.
Read more:
- Nidderdale wellness retreat shares its harvest for healthy eating
- Harrogate Grammar School unveils new £1.3m building and garden
Acting Head Emma Shea told the Speech Day audience the school had recorded higher than national average results for all classes from year 2 to 6 in English and maths.
Ms Shea, who leaves BGS at the end of the academic year after 16 years, praised pupils for their hard work and, with the help of Ms Skelton, handed out prizes for a wide range of achievements from science and maths awards to the kindness and consideration cup.
Village show season set to start in Harrogate district
Get set for melting ice creams, home-grown marrows, dog shows and death-defying display teams… the village show season is about to begin.
After two covid-ruined years, these quintessentially British events are returning to the Harrogate district.
The Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally, which includes a Lancaster bomber fly past and dancing differs, takes place today and tomorrow.
The action comes thick and fast then. Here’s what’s happening.
July 24: Aldborough and Boroughbridge Agricultural Show
The show at Newby Hall celebrates its 107th anniversary this year.
It will feature Yorkshire produce, crafts and livestock as well as attractions and events ranging from dog, cattle and sheep showing classes to horse, pony and donkey events and hay making demonstrations.
There will be crafts, cream teas, heavy horses, baking, handicrafts, horticulture, flower arranging, photography and farm produce.
Aldborough and Boroughbridge Show.
The grand ring will host children’s races, terrier racing always and a dog show.
Catherine Park Peyton, chair of the show:
“Our show is one of the biggest community events in the area and we are very pleased to work in partnership with Newby Hall where the parkland provides the perfect backdrop for a country show.”
Read more:
- Royal visit caps sell-out first day at Great Yorkshire Show
- Harrogate district prepares for heatwave as red weather warning issued
July 30: Birstwith Show
The village show in Nidderdale will be staged for the first time in three years.
The highlights include a bicycle display team, Pete White and his Suitcase Circus, dog agility classes, a pony show and a dog show.
First held in 1867, it is one of the mainstays of the show season.
July 31: Weeton Show
Weeton Show, which was created just after the Second World War, was one of the few to take place last year and was rewarded with a huge turnout.
This year’s event features Dangerous Steve in the main ring, terrier racing, vintage tractors and a farrier demonstration.
August 7: Tockwith Show
Tockwith Show will return for 2022 in August.
The show features plenty of agriculture and horticultural attractions. There is also a sheep show, a farmers market and working crafts.
Tockwith Show 2019 pic credit: Steve Ross
The show, which dates back to 1945, takes place on Cattal Moor Lane in Tockwith.
August 14: Ripley Show
The show, initially held in 1849, will be staged for the first time in three years.
Among this year’s attractions are Savage Skills, who are the UK’s leading freestyle mountain bike and BMX stunt team.
There are also jumping classes, fancy dress, vintage machines and dog classes which include dog agility, companion dog and friends show, terrier racing, gun dog retrieve and sheep dogs.
Ripley Show is traditionally held on the second Sunday in August at Ripley Castle Park.
It is organised by Ripley and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show Ltd, a member of the Yorkshire Federation of Show Societies.
September 19: Nidderdale Show
The Annual Nidderdale Show, held in the picturesque surrounds of Bewerley Park, Pateley Bridge, is one of the county’s foremost agricultural shows.
It regularly attracts crowds of 15,000 and traditionally marks the end of the agricultural show season.
National Open Gardens: Gardens taking part across the Harrogate district this summerThe temperatures have risen across the Harrogate district this week and that summer feeling has well and truly kicked in.
And what better time than to enjoy some of the stunning flora and fauna that our area has to offer.
There are lots of gorgeous gardens to explore over the next few months as part of the National Garden Scheme.
The initiative gives visitors unique access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens in the UK and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities. The scheme also promotes the physical and mental health benefits of gardens.
We have put together a list of the participating gardens in our district from now until August:
Birstwith Hall, Birstwith
When: Sunday, June 19, 2pm-5pm
Admission: Adults £5, children go free
About: A charming and varied four-acre garden nestling in a secluded Yorkshire dale.
A formal garden and ornamental orchard, as well as extensive lawns leading to a picturesque stream and a large pond. There is also a walled garden and Victorian greenhouse.
The gardens can also be visited by arrangement.
Yorke House and White Rose Cottage, Dacre Banks
When: Sunday, June 26, 11am-5pm
Admission: Adults £5, children go free
About: An award-winning English country garden in the heart of Nidderdale.
A series of distinct areas flowing through two acres of ornamental garden. There are also colour-themed borders, as well as a natural pond and stream with delightful waterside plantings. Secluded seating areas and attractive views.
The adjacent cottage has a recently developed garden designed for wheelchair access. There is a large collection of hostas and an orchard picnic area.
The gardens can also be visited by arrangement.
Prospect House, Burton Leonard
When: Friday, June 24, 1-.30am-2pm
Admission: Adults £35, children go free
Booking: A limited number of tickets have been made available for this special event. Tickets must be booked in advance here
About: Following a welcome by the owner, there will be talks on the development of the garden, the creation of a cutting garden and colour-themed borders plus demonstration of cut flower arrangements in the potting shed. Buffet lunch included.
Prospect House features a one-acre walled, landscaped garden with ornamental pond, pergola, large oval lawned area, cutting and vegetable beds.
There is a colour-themed herbaceous long border, ‘hot’ borders, and a physic bed. There is also mature hedging, trees and seasonal interest throughout. Additional new planting areas are being established.
A renovated outhouse has been converted into a potting area used for garden workshops.
The gardens can also be visited by arrangement.
Cobble Cottage, Whixley
When: Sunday, July 3,11pm-5pm
Admission: Adults £4, children go free
About: An imaginatively designed, constantly changing, small cottage garden full of decorative architectural plants and old family favourites.
There is an Interesting water garden, containers and use of natural materials. It also features a black and white courtyard garden and Japanese-style garden with growing willow screen.
The gardens can also be visited by arrangement.
Group openings – gardens that open on the same day
Grafton gardens, Marton-cum-Grafton
Well House.
When: Sunday, July 3,11am-5pm
Admission: Adults £6, children go free
About: These two gardens in adjacent rural villages are also connected by a public footpath.
Paddock House is on an elevated site with extensive views down a large sloping lawn to a wildlife pond. A plant lover’s garden where the house is encircled by a profusion of pots and extensive plant collections combining cottage gardening with the Mediterranean and Tropical. A curved terrace of Yorkshire stone and steps using gravel and wood sleepers leads to many seating areas culminating in a cutting garden and small greenhouse.
Well House, in Grafton, nestles under the hillside, with long views to the White Horse. This one-and-a-half acre garden was begun 40 years ago and is constantly changing. A traditional English cottage garden with herbaceous borders, climbing roses and ornamental shrubs with a variety of interesting species. Paths meander through the borders to an orchard with ducks. Refreshments are available at The Punch Bowl pub, a five-minute walk from Well House.
Dacre Banks and Summerbridge Gardens
Woodlands Cottage.
When: Sunday, July 10,12pm-5pm
Admission: Adults £10, children go free
About: Dacre Banks and Summerbridge Gardens are situated in the beautiful countryside of Nidderdale and designed to take advantage of the scenic Dales landscape.
The gardens are linked by attractive walks along the valley, but each may be accessed individually by car.
Low Hall has a romantic walled garden set on different levels around the historic C17 family home (not open) with herbaceous borders, shrubs, climbing roses and a tranquil water garden. The gardens can also be visited by arrangement.
Riverside House is an atmospheric waterside garden on many levels, supporting shade-loving plants and features a Victorian folly, fernery, courtyard and naturalistic riverside plantings. The gardens can also be visited by arrangement.
Woodlands Cottage is a garden of many rooms, with exquisite formal and informal plantings, and an attractive wildflower meadow which harmonises with mature woodland. The gardens can also be visited by arrangement.
Yorke House has extensive colour-themed borders and water features with beautiful waterside plantings. The newly developed garden at White Rose Cottage is specifically designed for wheelchair users. The gardens can also be visited by arrangement.
Read more:
- Top gardening tips from Harrogate horticulture experts
- The £2.25m eco-house for sale that ‘blends in’ to the Nidderdale countryside
The Priory, Nun Monkton
When: Thursday, July 7,11pm-5pm
Admission: Adults £6, children go free
About: A large country garden surrounding William and Mary house (not open), at the confluence of the River Nidd and River Ouse.
It features species trees, calm swathes of lawn, clipped yew, beech and box, formal rose garden and mixed borders.
There is a new area of soft perennial planting and informal parkland. There area also kitchen gardens with a greenhouse and swimming pool where teas will be served.
The Nun Monkton Ferryboat will be running a special service on this day, connecting Nun Monkton with Beningbrough and Moor Monkton, from the riverbank next to The Priory.
Markenfield Hall, Ripon
When: Tuesday, July 12, 2pm-3pm
Admission: Adults £5, children go free
Booking: By guided tour only (max 10 people). Tickets must be booked in advance here
About: The work of the hall’s owner Lady Deirdre Curteis and gardener Giles Gilbey.
Mature planting combines with newly designed areas, where walls with espaliered apricots and figs frame a mix of hardy perennials.
In 2018 the farmhouse border was replanted to eventually blend seamlessly with the hall’s main east border.
Goldsborough Hall, Goldsborough
When: Sunday, July 24, 11pm-5pm
Admission: Adults £5, children go free
About: An historic 12-acre garden and formal landscaped grounds in parkland setting around Grade II*, 17th-century house, which was the former residence of HRH Princess Mary, daughter of George V and Queen Mary.
Goldsborough Hall boasts Gertrude Jekyll inspired 120ft double herbaceous borders, a rose garden and a woodland walk.
There is a large restored kitchen garden and glasshouse which produces fruit and vegetables for the hall’s commercial kitchens.
Greencroft, Littlethorpe, Ripon
When: Sunday, August 7, 12pm-4pm
Admission: Adults £5, children go free
About: A half-acre informal country garden created by the owners. It features long herbaceous borders packed with colourful late summer perennials, annuals and exotics culminating in a circular garden with views through to large wildlife pond and surrounding countryside.
Special ornamental features include a gazebo, temple pavilions, formal pool, stone wall with mullions and gate to pergola and cascade water feature.
The gardens can also be visited by arrangement.
Platinum Jubilee Harrogate district: What’s On
This article is sponsored by Boundless Networks
The four-day celebration of the Queen’s 70-year-reign is underway.
We have compiled a What’s On diary of events for the Harrogate district across those four days. Please send us details of your event for the extended jubilee weekend holiday so we can add it in.
Harrogate
Civic Celebration:
Part of the Stray will be transformed into Jubilee Square. It will include a large stage and a big screen for the bank holiday.
Thursday: The big screen will be showing the Trooping of the Colour, The Queen’s birthday parade and the RAF flypast. Harrogate Spa Town Ukes will be performing, along with the big school sing, Freddie Cleary and band, Undercovered.
Friday: There will be a jubilee dog show, the Harrogate mastermind quiz, and live music from Ben & George. The big screen will also be playing the Service of Thanksgiving from St Paul’s Cathedral.
Saturday: A wellbeing morning has been organised, along with a second Harrogate mastermind quiz. The big screen will stream The Derby at Epsom Downs and the platinum party at the palace.
Sunday: There will be a jubilee picnic with DJ Mark Green, and the big screen will be showing films Encanto and The Greatest Showman throughout the day.
The town centre will be adorned with 4km of bunting and there will be street entertainers performing across the four days.
Valley Gardens will host a free family festival, which will feature jugglers, magicians, choirs and fairground rides. For a full timetable of events in Valley Gardens click here.
Little Bird Artisan Market
Friday to Sunday: Little Bird Artisan Markets will be hosting an artisan market in Valley Gardens
The market holds stalls with an array of traders who sell baked goods, food, drink, arts, and crafts.
Palm Court Café Afternoon Tea
Friday and Saturday: Yorkshire Appetite have organised a guided walk and afternoon tea at 3pm.
The walk will include a short stroll through Harrogate central led by a local guide, keeping to the themes of the monarchy.
An afternoon tea will be held after in the Palm Court Café.
Tickets are £22.50 per person and can be booked here.
Cedar Court Hotel Tea Parties
Friday: Cedar Court Hotel is holding a Garden Tipi Jubilee Afternoon.
Priced at £16.00 per head the tea menu is extensive. For tickets book here.
Harrogate Street Parties
Currently, there are twelve officially planned street parties being held by the residents of Harrogate.
Rudding Park:
Thursday to Saturday: Deer House Family pub at Rudding Holiday Park will be hosting a series of events such as a Jubilee disco and tea party. For more information click here.
Harrogate Library:
Tuesday: Harrogate library is hosting the Twixt t’Covers regional event, where five special guests will discuss their favourite books from The Big Jubilee booklist. It will be livestreamed to audiences across the nation from 7:30pm to 9pm.
The 70 books, made up of 10 books from each decade of the Queen’s reign, will be available to borrow from Harrogate library.
Oatlands Community Centre:
Thursday: Oatlands Community Centre are hosting jubilee crafts for children from 10-12am. There will also be the chance to learn about Oatlands’ industrial heritage, view the centre’s ceramic mural design and sign up for a free clay workshop.
Live music at Harlow Carr:
RHS Garden Harlow Carr are hosting a series of live music performances on each afternoon of the bank holiday weekend. The groups playing are:
Thursday: Take 2 Big Band
Friday: New Horizons Dance Band
Saturday: Barnsley Brass
Sunday: Chris Irvin Concert Orchestra
Knaresborough
Knaresborough’s Platinum Jubilee Committee has planned a celebration and entertainment programme. Flags, bunting and shop window decorations are already up. There will be a children’s shop window trail around the town.
Thursday to Saturday: A community history display will be open in Knaresborough House from 10am to 4.30 pm daily. Admission is free.
Thursday: Knaresborough Flower Club will be decorating the Market Cross in the Market Place for the Platinum Jubilee.
At 9pm, along with more than 1,500 locations across the UK, the Mayor of Knaresborough will light a beacon on the castle top. All are welcome.
Friday: There will be a tea dance from 2pm to 4pm at the Knaresborough Community Centre, Stockwell Avenue. It is a free event, but people are asked to register their interest in attending. Tel. 01423 862702
Saturday: There will be an artisan market in the morning, followed by an afternoon garden party and performances at Knaresborough House. Musicians and entertainers are booked for the free garden event with people encouraged to dress up in 1950’s attire.
From 10-11 am, there will be a children’s flag-making workshop at Gracious Street Methodist Church. The event is free and there will be refreshments at the workshop.
At 11am there will be a flag procession from the Market Place led by the Town Crier to the grounds of Knaresborough House for the Jubilee Garden Party which opens at 12 Noon.
There will be a dog show. Entries are taken from 11am at the show ring. Entry £1 per class. Proceeds for Ukraine animal charities.
The approximate times are 12pm Best Rescue, 12.45pm Prettiest Bitch, 1.30pm Most Handsome Male, 2.15pm Waggiest tail and 3pm Fancy Dress.
Visitors can bring their own picnics, but a range of food and drink stalls will be available.
In St John’s Church, a specially commissioned film from Yorkshire Archives, looking at the Queen’s reign in Yorkshire and the Northeast, will be on a rolling programme with free entry.
In the Knaresborough House gardens entertainment will be provided by, The Hummingbirds, Roundel Pop group, Meadowside School Choir, Knaresborough Youth Theatre, Studio 3 and a traditional Indian Dancer. Knaresborough Silver Band will provide a fitting end to the day with music from the Last Night of the Proms.
Sunday: Christians Together in Knaresborough invite everyone to a Jubilee Celebration Service of worship at 10.30am in St John’s Church. Share with all the churches in the town as they come together to give thanks to for the Queen’s reign.
Sunday afternoon is reserved for individually arranged street parties.
Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has announced a fancy dress competition. Get into the spirit of things with your best 1950’s outfits and you could win £50 (and some free publicity for your business or group if appropriate). Upload a photo of yourself or your team in your best 1950’s or Jubilee themed outfit. Use the hashtag #knaresboroughjubileedressup
See https://knaresboroughchamber.org for more details and terms.
Ripon
Ripon City centre will be adorned with banners knitted by Ripon Community Poppy Project.
Ripon’s Civic Celebrations
Thursday to Saturday: The focus of festivities will be on Market Square where there’ll be musical entertainment alongside free fairground rides. The entertainment will run from 11am -11.30pm
To accommodate the crowds, road closures will be in place on Market Place roads.
At 9pm on Saturday, the Platinum Jubilee Horn commissioned by the council will be used for the first time in the setting of the watch ceremony. All four of the city’s hornblowers will be on duty.
Ripon Cathedral service and tea party
Thursday: Ripon Cathedral, which is also celebrating its 1,350th anniversary year, will be the focus of North Yorkshire attention, as it hosts the civic service for the county between 11am-12pm.
Friday: Platinum Jubilee Tea Party 2-4pm for invited guests, who were born in each of the 70 years of the Queen’s reign.
Ripon’s new Platinum Jubilee Horn, will be unveiled to the public at 9pm on June 4
Children’s Entertainment in Spa Gardens
The focus on Sunday switches to Spa Park, where a day-long programme of family entertainment is being organised by Ripon Community Poppy Project.
Tractor Festival
Friday to Sunday: The UK’s largest tractor festival returns to Newby Hall, Ripon. After experiencing a break for two years, the festival will be extended to three days to cover the jubilee celebrations.
On average, the festival attracts around 12,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitions of vehicles.
The event will run from 10am-5pm over three days.
Food, drinks, arts and crafts will be available to make the day more inclusive to children and families that wish to come down. Tickets are available on the Newby Hall website.
Boroughbridge
Wednesday, June 1: Boroughbridge Community Library is taking part in the Big Jubilee Read, and will be hosting a story time for children. There will be two story times for the book The Queen’s Knickers, starting at 10:15am for children aged 0-5 and 11:30am for children aged 5-11. The event will also involve activities based on the book.
Friday: The Great Afternoon Tea for the jubilee takes place at Boroughbridge Football Club from 12pm to 6pm. An afternoon of fun and games will raise money for the charity Dementia Forward.
There will be a barbecue and bar, along with a bouncy castle, tug of war, face painting, beat the goalie competition, and a raffle. There will also be an afternoon tea for local care home residents.
Pateley Bridge
Civic Celebration
Friday: A jubilee garden party will take place from 12pm – 4pm at Pateley Bridge Masonic Hall, including food, drink, face painting and games. The event will raise money for the Yorkshire air ambulance.
Saturday: The main festivities in Pateley Bridge are focused on a big party in the town’s recreation ground from midday until 3pm and there will be a royal themed fancy dress competition, a cake competition and live music.
Sunday: A platinum jubilee afternoon tea will be held from 1pm-4pm at Pateley Bridge & Bewerley Memorial Hall with live music, a raffle and a kids “design a crown or corgi” competition. No need to book.
Masham
Civic Celebration
Masham Parish Council has organised four days of events for the town.
Thursday:
- 10am onwards five-a-side football knockout tournament begins, plus bowls, snooker, quoits and a tug-of-war between businesses and community groups.
- 2pm Town Crier will read the proclamation
- 7.30pm A celebratory ring of church bells St Mary’s Church
- 9.40pm Lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee beacons – bugle call to fanfare
- 9.45pm Lighting of the beacon on Roomer Common
Friday:
- 1pm Parade of Floats led by Reeth Brass Band – leaving from I’Ansons Mill, circling Masham.
- 2pm Fancy Dress judging – prizes for ‘best’ 5years and under, 6years to 10years, up to 16years and adults on Masham Market Place
- 3pm BYO BBQ on the Square – bring your own food and BBQ with friends on the square (dedicated veggie & gluten free BBQs available), people advised to bring a chair, on Masham Market Place
- 7.30pm Band on the Square – local popular band ‘The Doubtful Bottle’ on Masham Market Place
- 10pm Fireworks – what every celebration needs at St Mary’s Church yard to be viewed from the Market Place
Saturday:
- 10am Children’s Royal Crafts – craft a crown with Rev Sian Lawton at St Mary’s Church
- 3pm Afternoon Tea – enjoy a tasty light bite with a glass of fizz before the choir concert at St Mary’s Church. Tickets are £10
- Jubilee Choir Concert – come and enjoy music from members of Masham Musical Society, Singing for Fun and St Mary’s Choir. Tickets are £5
- 7.30pm Jubilee Evening Concert
Sunday:
- 10am Royal Peal of Bells – honouring the Queen at St Mary’s Church 10.45am Service of Thanksgiving
- Midday The Great Get Together – bring your own food and share at this community luncheon, tables and chairs will be provided
For full details there’s more information on the Mashamshire Jubilee Programme website
Birstwith
Saturday and Sunday: The Birstwith Annual Village Show in Harrogate has planned separate events for both days
Saturday: A royal pig race will be held at the Station Hotel gardens in Birstwith. The event is family friendly and will start from 4:30pm running onwards.
Food and drink will be available with attendees having to bring cash for betting and food.
Sunday: BAVS have organised a village picnic to mark the Queen’s jubilee. Anyone is able to join, with participants required to bring their own picnic and drinks.
Dacre
A programme of events have been organised and Dacre, like Ripon, will be taking part in the beacon lighting ceremony on Thursday.
It will be lit at Dover Castle, up the path near Low Hall, by locally-based firefighters and attendees are asked to arrive by 9.30pm.
Songs will be sung, including the National Anthem.
Family fun day
Friday: A family fun day from noon until 4pm, will be held at the Max Pullan Playing Fields.
In addition to the live music and refreshments, there will be an egg and spoon race, coconut shy, bouncy castle, face-painting and tug-of-war competition.
Sunday: The playing fields will also be the venue for an open air thanksgiving service starting at 11am.
It will be followed by a traditional village street party between the village green and church hall, from noon until 4pm attendees are asked to bring a picnic.
Throughout the week there is also a ‘Royal Treasure Hunt’ within Dacre Banks, with check in for the event at the village store.
Kirkby Malzeard
Kirkby Malzeard Parish Council has organised a packed timetable of events across the four day bank holiday.
Thursday: A historical tour of the church has been organised, to begin at 3pm.
There will also be a jubilee bonfire lit at 9:45pm at Greygarth Monument, including a singalong where guests are encouraged to bring their own instruments.
Friday: An off-road social run will begin at 9am, lasting for 90 minutes and setting off from The Mechanics’ Institute.
Reeth Brass Band will be playing from 11am in Mowbray Crescent.
From 2pm, Laverton’s party will be hosted on the green, including live music and the option to bring your own food and drink.
The Mechanics’ Institute are holding a coronation music night, starting at 8pm.
Saturday: A Royal parade will begin at midday, where trailers and floats will lead the procession. The parade will start at the Market Cross, leading to the playing fields where the ‘Kirkby Queen’ will present a gift to every child taking part.
This will be followed by an afternoon of games, entertainment and a barbeque from 12:30pm.
At 1:30pm, the Kirkby Queen will plant an Elizabeth II rose in the jubilee garden.
The Mechanics Institute are ending the day with a royal quiz at 8pm.
Sunday: A street party will take place from 1.30pm– 4.30pm on Church Street. Guests can bring their own food, drinks and table decorations, and The Queen’s head will also be running a barbecue. At 1:30pm the children of Kirkby School will perform a maypole dance, there will be a royal teddy bear’s parade followed by a teddy bear’s picnic, and a dance and singalong to live music.
Spofforth
Spofforth with Stockeld Parish Council is one of the villages to be awarded funding from Harrogate Borough Council to be used for the jubilee.
Thursday: A children’s party will start at 2pm at the cricket club, including a helter skelter, a bouncy castle, hook a duck, a craft tent and a dunking stool. There will also be afternoon tea and a barbeque.
At 2:15pm a parade of the Kings and Queens of England will begin, where children can dress up as their favourite King or Queen from history.
At 9:45pm, Spofforth will join other communities across the district in lighting the jubilee beacon. This event will begin at 9pm in front of Spofforth Castle and will include music from Spofforth School Choir and saxophonist Millie Hope.
Friday: A tea party with prosecco, afternoon tea and music for Spofforth and Stockeld seniors has been organised in the Long Memorial Hall, starting at 3pm.
Royal party in the park
Saturday: A party in the park will begin at 7pm outside the castle, where people are encouraged to bring their own picnics. The evening will include face painting, circus entertainers, a 50s style band, and an Oompah band.
A disco and fireworks will bring the night to a close at 11:30pm.
Killinghall
Killinghall is putting on a jubilee celebration on Sunday at the village hall and the cricket club.
It will begin at midday with a packed timetable of activities, including a bouncy castle, a cricket match, a tug of war, and children’s races.
At 12:15pm a jubilee fancy dress parade is taking place, and at 3pm judging of the jubilee cake competition will begin. The day will be brought to a close with the live band Let Luce.
People are encouraged to bring their own picnics, and refreshments will also be available at the cricket club bar.
Winksley
Saturday: Woodhouse Caravan Park is holding a garden party at 3pm, including games, face painting, a cake sale, a quiz and a raffle at The Barn restaurant.
There will also be a party tea between 5pm-7pm and music entertainment into the evening. The profits made from the event will be donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Roecliffe and Westwick
Saturday: The parish council have organised a platinum jubilee lunch on the village green from midday.
Fewston and Blubberhouses
Thursday to Sunday: Fewston and Blubberhouses are holding a flower festival at Blubberhouses church, lasting all four days of the bank holiday. Refreshments will be served from 11am – 4pm each day, with live music on Saturday from 2pm – 3pm.
North Rigton
There is a red, white and blue trail to do around the village, starting from 22nd May, and a jubilee flagpole will be put up in the village garden.
Thursday: An evening garden party will be held from 7pm -10pm at Hill Top Farm, where guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks and meal.
They will also be lighting a beacon at 9:15pm, which can be viewed from the garden.
Sunday: A bring-your-own picnic has been organised, which will be held in the church grounds.
Topcliffe and Asenby
Thursday and Friday: The Angel at Topcliffe pub has organised a jubilee celebration between midday and 5pm. There will be a bouncy castle, a treasure hunt and games. The Cherry Tones will also be performing, with songs from across the seven decades of the Queen’s reign.
Saturday: The main event in Topcliffe and Asenby will be a party in the park on Saturday. The event will include an inflatable assault course, children’s games, a bowls competition, an ice cream van and live music. There is also the chance to pre-order afternoon tea. It starts at 2pm on the village playing field.
On Saturday afternoon, St Columba’s Church is offering guided tours, where the church tower will be open for people wishing to see the village’s jubilee decorations from above.
Sunday: St Columba’s Church has organised a Choral Evensong with the choir at 6:30pm.
Whixley
Saturday: From 7pm there will be an evening of entertainment at the village hall, with songs, dances and tales of the past.
Sunday: A jubilee picnic will start at midday, where events throughout the afternoon include a royal fancy dress parade for guests and their dogs, a dog show, sports day races and an inflatable assault course.
Hampsthwaite
Saturday: From 2pm the Memorial Hall will open, offering a hog roast and barbeque. There will also be a bouncy castle and live music from Spa Town Ukes and Still Crazy.
Sunday: The Memorial Hall will continue its celebrations on Sunday, opening again at 2pm until 5pm. There will be tea, cakes and sandwiches, as well as a raffle and screenings of film clips and newsreels.
Follifoot
Sunday: Follifoot parish council have organised a jubilee picnic on the village hall lawn. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnics and dress in red, white and blue or 1950s style fashion. There will be sports, music and a craft corner.
Great Ouseburn
Friday: Great Ouseburn village hall will hold a jubilee celebration all day, with a number of activities planned.
Guests are encouraged to dress in 1950s style outfits, and there will be a 1950s themed window trail around the village, as well as a Queen’s parade. Children’s crafts and games will take place, including dress making and crown creating. A jubilee lunch has also been organised where guests will need to bring their own food and reserve a table beforehand. There will be live music into the evening, and food available from Bistro Guy and Pool Bridge Farm Shop.
A commemorative mosaic plaque is also due to be unveiled on Friday.
Norwood
Sunday: Norwood social hall is hosting afternoon tea and family games to mark the jubilee weekend. The event will begin at 2pm, and will include an afternoon tea and picnic boxes for children, family games, a children’s craft corner and a children’s colouring competition.
Markington
Saturday: Markington village hall has organised a jubilee celebration that includes afternoon tea and live music. The event will be at 1pm – 4pm, with the singer beginning at 1:30pm. Tables can be booked via committee members.
Bishop Monkton
Bishop Monkton has a large variety of events for the jubilee weekend. Throughout the four day bank holiday, there will be a decorated house and garden trail through the village, and St John’s Church will be hosting a flower festival each day from 10am – 4pm.
Wednesday 1st June: A community concert with the theme ‘seven decades of song’ will take place in the village hall from 7:30pm.
Thursday: From 10am – 4pm there will be music from DJ Billy Miller, followed by live music at 4pm – 7pm from the seven-piece band Groove Council.
From 11am to 1pm there will be the ‘It’s a knockout’ sports competition on the playing fields, with tea and coffee also available in the village hall.
Children’s games will take place from midday on the playing fields, along with a magician.
There will also be a selection of refreshments available throughout the day on the playing fields, with bacon baps and a barbeque from 10am, and a bar from 2pm – 7pm.
Friday: At 9:45am there will be a coffee morning at St John’s Church.
The village hall will be screening two films, ‘The Village Likes to Party’ and ‘The Village Pubs’ from the local history group. There will be two viewings of each film at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.
From 10am the Methodist Church will hold a wedding dress and photos display. This will also be open on Saturday.
The Masons Arms is putting on an afternoon tea from midday until 3pm, which must be booked in advance.
Saturday: A hog roast with stalls, games and pig racing will begin at midday on Main Street.
In the school hall, there will be cream teas available, as well as the school’s jubilee exhibition, open from 12pm – 5pm.
From 7pm, the village hall has organised a ceilidh, with a cash bar on the night.
Sunday: At 10:30am, there is a join service from both the churches in Bishop Monkton in the school playground.
A fancy dress parade will take place from 2pm, where guests are invited to dress up to represent people and events from the Queen’s reign. This will be followed by a street party at 3pm on Main Street, then a prize giving at 4pm.
Monday 6th June: The parish council will present the children of Bishop Monkton primary school with commemorative mugs.
To bring the celebrations to a close, a time capsule will be created and buried at 10:30am in Jubilee Woods by the village hall.
Marton le Moor
The parish council have organised tea, cake and games on Devonshire green. The event will begin at 2pm and refreshments will be provided.
Watch today’s Birstwith Pig Race
A wacky village tradition made its comeback today as part of Birstwith’s jubilee activities.
The Birstwith Pig Race was held at the Station Hotel after being cancelled for the two previous years due to covid.
Today’s event saw battery-powered pigs with silly names race to the finish line to raise funds for Birstwith Show, to be held on July 30, and Birstwith in Bloom.
For each race, people could pay £5 to sponsor the race and £3 to own and name one of six pigs. However a casualty during the first race left it to Mr Snout, Chunky Cheeks, Stinky Pig, Miss Piggy and Peppa Pig to fight for first place.
Eventually, Mr Snout claimed the medal.
Watch the action as it unfolds:
Organiser Amy Howard said:
“It’s a great fundraiser and great fun for all the family. We haven’t had one for a few years due to the pandemic so the pigs needed a bit of an MOT and a bit of a dust off!”
Read more:
- JUBILEE LIVE: Saturday night partying in Harrogate and Ripon
- Pateley Bridge enjoys a party in the park
Mike White, a keen amateur photographer from Birstwith, sent us this image of a Mandarin duck he photographed on the River Nidd.
The waterbird was introduced to the UK from China and escaped captivity. A shy bird, it nests in trees. Male birds have elaborate plumage.
Mr White told us he had seen three pairs of the birds on the Nidd at Birstwith this year.
Send us your photographs of the Harrogate district to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
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Traffic and Travel Alert: Month-long roadworks begin near Birstwith this morning with a road closure on Darley Road
Northern Gas Networks is carrying out roadworks on a section of road north of Birstwith from today for the next month.
The works to repair and replace pipes begin today and are expected to finish on May 20.
A section of Darley Road, heading north out of Birstwith, is closed with drivers having to take a diversion along Back Road behind Menwith Hill.
Photograph: North Yorkshire County Council roadworks map
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- New Leeds Bradford flights link Harrogate district passengers with North America