September 2024 : simplebooklet.com

Welcome to Leyburn Life - the only local magazine with an ensured delivery Leyburn Life magazine was first printed in 1973 and thanks to the advertisers and a dedicated team of volunteers, has been an important means of communication for residents and businesses in Leyburn and Bellerby for over 50 years! In March 2018 the magazine was updated to this quality full colour magazine throughout and the carbon footprint reduced. IT CAN BE RECYCLED. The complete magazine is included on the website leyburnlife.co.uk and available to download. Hundreds of people read the magazine online not only from the UK, but worldwide and often contact the Editor, trying to trace ancestors who lived locally and for information about Leyburn as a holiday destination.In addition to regular features, the magazine includes details of forthcoming events, thank you’s and items for sale. The deadline for ALL items is 15th of the month prior to the month of publication. To avoid any errors, information over 20 words in length must be e-mailed. Shorter items can be put into an envelope, marked on the outside with details of content and left with Hewson’s newsagents, Market Place, Leyburn. GOOD FAITH: All articles and adverts are received in good faith, the Editor cannot be held legally responsible for any omissions in articles, listings or adverts, or for any inconvenience caused thereby. COPYRIGHT: Photographs and features are subject to copyright. Contact the Editor regarding permission if you wish to reproduce anything at all.

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CONTENTSADVERTISERS Auctioneers Tennants 16 Books Sonia Lawson RA 16 Carpets & Flooring nh ﬂooring 14Design & Printing Tradewinds 16 Events & Cinema LACC 20 Tennants 16 Electrical Repairs & Sales Bartlett Electricals 8 Florists & Gifts Lamberts 4 Food & Drink Campbells 8 Funeral Directors Sanderson & Co. 10 Foot Health Meg Squires 2 Garages T & J.Lambert 6 Gardening PM-Trees Care 6 Health Healing Collective 2 Painting & Decorating Lamberts 4 J.T. & A.J. Plumpton 2 Sanderson & Co. 10 Plumbing & Heating Lee Davison 2 P.H.Machin 4 Phil Spensley 6 Restaurant & Take-Away Saffron OBC Timber Buildings Castle Buildings 10 Travel Agent Robert Sturdy 2 Veterinary Services Wensleydale Vets 2 Wensleydale Railway 22 Printing of this magazine is dependant on revenue from advertising. Please support the advertisers.EDITORIAL Clubs, Groups and Societies 24,25 From the Editor 3 Environmental Corner 21 Leyburn Band report 19 Leyburn Primary School report 11 Leyburn Town Council report 12,13 Library information 14 Forthcoming Meetings 5,7 North Yorks. Police report 9 Religious Services 23 Ruminator - Books & More 17 Wensleydale School report 15 1

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From the EditorEmail: editor@leyburnlife.co.uk Website: leyburnlife.co.uk3LETTERS TO THE EDITOR An appeal from Donovan Leaman. In the late 1990s, I discovered a solitary, outstanding, wild 'Yellow-berried Rowan' growing by the A66, just inside the perimeter security fence of the Artillery firing ranges at Warcop. Without troubling Security, I climbed the fence to help myself to some graftwood which eventually produced about a dozen saplings which were sold VERY cheaply (!) to raise funds for St Matthew's Church. Very foolishly, I failed to record any details of the lucky buyers. The tree's official title is Sorbus aucuparia 'Golden Matthew ', and after about 25 years, the sapling that I planted in the Church Garden is a Specimen Tree, 18ft high with a girth of more than 15inches. This tree has excited the attention of Rowantree experts who would now like to trial my selection officially, beginning with grafting in Spring 2025. Any readers of Leyburn Life who think that they may have a 'Golden Matthew ' in the garden are welcome to contact me. NB: The front cover photo taken by Donovan on (8/8/2024) is of the St Matthew's Church Specimen Tree, to be seen in the N-West corner of the car park. Dear editor, I refer to the article printed in Leyburn Life issue for July, 2024, regarding the informal consultation on claimed public footpaths Moor Road to Richmond Road. I point out that Woodburn Drive is a private Road and has signs at both ends stating there is no public access to this section. People who are using this route are committing civil trespass. There is and never has been a public footpath on Woodburn Drive. It would be appreciated if people respected this fact. I doubt very much if such people would appreciate it if their front gardens were tramped across by numerous walkers. Both I and other residents have, over the years, pointed out to walkers of all forms that they are trespassing and to desist. Generally polite exchanges have been the result but occasionally we have been met with aggression, including being told it is not a private road. Facts should be checked, including the definition of use and time periods involved. Please print this letter in the next issue of Leyburn Life for the information of all residents of and visitors to Leyburn. Yours faithfully, Anne Newstead. Resident of Woodburn Drive DEADLINE DATES The ‘Let’s Talk Rubbish’ consultation deadline is 16th September. If you do not want to have three large wheelie bins on the pavement outside your property and have nowhere to store them between collections, you need to fill in the form on the NYCouncil website. www.northyorks.gov.uk/LetsTalk Why NYC didn’t think forms should have been mailed to us, delivered by a NY Councillor or even the “bin men” last time they collected our bins, is a mystery. Not everyone has internet access but every ratepayer has a point of view. The deadline for non-regular features in Leyburn Life is always Noon on 15th of the month prior to the month of publication. This is to ensure the magazine is printed and distributed by 1st of each month. Some events have not been included in this issue as they arrived too late and were very lengthy. Editorial space is limited and it is not always possible to include any “posters”, which take up a full page and in certain cases incur a fee as commercial advertising. Pleaseask first before emailing them. ITEMS FOR SALE WING BACK FIRESIDE ARMCHAIR, FABRIC COVERING, WOODEN LEGS, GOOD CONDITION. £90.00. The chair has a fire label attached to comply with regulations. WALNUT CABRIOLE LEG COFFEE TABLE. £65.00. TEL: 01969 622358 or 07811 971173 (Leyburn).

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PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS SERVING LEYBURN & THE DALES All aspects of plumbing and heating including Boiler & central heating installations Full bathroom & wet rooms Specialists in disabled wet room adaptations Power ﬂushing of central heating systems Unvented hot water cylinders Air & ground source heat pumps Underﬂoor heating systems Ofﬁce: 01748 833316 E-mail: audrey.machin@btinternet.comLambert’s DECORATORS & PAINT SUPPLIES8 Commercial Square, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 5BP Tel: 01969 623371 Lambertsflorist@yahoo.co.uk www.lamberts-leyburn.com Tel: 01969 623371 Mob: 07855 310480 lambertsdecorators@gmail.com Lambert’s FLORISTS & GIFTS4 Advertising your business in this space and on our website costs less than £9.00 a week and is seen by readers, locally and visitors from all over the UK and beyond. Contact the Editor for details. The business who stops advertising to save moneyis like the person who stops a clock to save time

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5The September meeting of Leyburn Ladies Probus is a trip to Watershed Mill at Settle on Thursday 5th September, leaving from the market place at 10am, returning via Wensleydale Creamery. Visitors/guests welcome. For more information please contact Christine on 01677 424314. Wensleydale Ladies meeting is on 17th September at 7.30pm in Leyburn Methodist Hall, when Julie Clarke will give a demonstration on cookery. Leyburn Ladies Lunch Club will meet on Thursday 19th September at The Garden Rooms, Tennants. The speaker is Neil Mechie, Middleham Racehorse Trainer and Vet. He will give an insight into the life and many interests of a vet, racehorse trainer and farmer. With a young family and insatiable enthusiasm for work and life there is rarely a moments rest. Hear how he tries to do things in a sustainable and scientific manner with a view to protecting the environment, profession and sport of horseracing. Please contact our Secretary, Gina Robert’s, geroberts@btinternet.com if you are interested in joining the Lunch Club or attending as a guest to try us out. Members & friends of Leyburn Methodist Church will present a Variety Concert, of words & music, on Saturday September 21st, at 7.30. All are very welcome. Refreshments to follow. Leyburn and District u3a Northern Dales Night Skies: On Friday 20 September Paul Clark will take us on a nocturnal journey from Mallerstang to Marske under the beautiful skies of the Yorkshire Dales International Dark Sky Reserve. We will visit many well and lesser known Dales locations through the eyes of this local night scape photographer. Paul's lifelong interest in astronomy has flourished since moving to the light pollution-free skies of Swaledale 9 years ago. His night scape images and videos are widely published in local and national media. Everyone is welcome to attend this Leyburn and District u3a meeting. Doors open at 10.00 for 10.30 at Leyburn Arts and Community Centre. Annual membership is £12 or £20 for two people at the same address, For details contact Sue Mellish 01748 850471 susiemellish@g.mail.com Leyburn Medical Practice Patient Participation Group’s AGM will be held on Wednesday 25th Sept. at 6:30pm in Reception at LMP - all patients are welcome. The AGM will include a presentation from Dr Bridget Laybourne on the implications of the current British Medical Association’s GP contract campaign and one from Lynn Iveson, advanced clinical practitioner for older people. ‘Leyburn Bonfire and Fireworks Wensleydale Round Table are seeking potential businesses or any personal sponsorship to help fund the annual bonfire and fireworks display this year on 5th November 2024. We are looking for headline sponsors to come forward,who would be willing to contribute to the fireworks display. For your sponsorship you will have your business or name in lights on our Facebook page and get a huge mention over the tannoy on the night of the bonfire and fireworks. Also you would be helping continue a long local tradition. The event attracts hundreds of on lookers and is very much looked forward to every year. For more information please contact Dave Morton,secretary of Wensleydale Round Table on 07748 637435 or Stephen Longstaff, chairman on 07817 613026. Clubs, Groups and Societies Forthcoming Events in Leyburn

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7Local Clubs, Groups and Societies Forthcoming EventsSpennithorne and Harmby Village Show will be held on Saturday September 14th, in Harmby Village Hall. For further details tel. 01969 625633. Come and Sing with us - Swale Singers is a group of locals who enjoy singing classical music. We perform two concerts a year - a summer one at the Swaledale Festival and a winter one. We start autumn rehearsals on Sunday, Sept 8th at Reeth Memorial Hall working towards a performance in December of Elgar’s “The Spirit of England” and “Toward the Unknown Region” by Vaughan Williams. We are looking for new voices and would love you to join us. It might be classical music but we are not stuck-up, it is great fun and there are no auditions! We will meet in Reeth Memorial Hall, DL11 6QT, at 3 o’clock on Sunday afternoon, Sept 8th. Just turn up or if you want to know more contact the chairman Richard Wells on 07860 373624 or e-mail rmwellsew14@gmail.com. Coverdale WI meeting on 18th September – “Forgotten Heroes” a talk about the Canary Girls - the munitions workers of 2 WW’s – all other local WI members warmly invited. Meeting at Coverdale Memorial Hall, Carlton in Coverdale DL8 4AY – 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. Contact Kimberley - 01969 640487, if you are interested in becoming a member. Middleham and Dales Local History Group will meet on Wednesday 18th September, at 2.00pm in Harmby Village Hall. The Isobel Jenkins Lecture The Lure of Antiquity: North Yorkshire and the Grand Tour by Gail Falkingham. Prior to working at the NYCRO in Northallerton, where she has been a Record Assistant for the past 6 years, Gail had a career in field archaeology and was latterly County Archaeologist for North Yorkshire. Her love of the Grand Tour stems way back to her time at University when, as part of her undergraduate degree in Ancient History and Archaeology, she and two friends made a study tour around the south of France and Italy, visiting many of the same ancient sites as our archive travellers. Members, new members and visitors are always welcome, annual membership is £12 for 9 meetings and visitors can attend for £3 per meeting. For more information contact Tony Keates 01969 640436, dotandtonyk@btinternet.com Women in Middleham group are arranging a Coach trip to York on Tuesday 26th November. £15.00 per person. Pick up Middleham 8,.45am Top Cross or Leyburn bus shelter 9.00am. All welcome. Please ring Kim on 01969 326045 or email wims060917@gmail.com Penhill Ladies September meeting takes place on the 18th at 7.30pm at the Carperby Village Institute. The speaker will be David Johnson - "Cold Times, 30 years of travel in the Arctic" Since 1988, David Johnson has led or taken part in many expeditions to the polar regions, especially Greenland and Spitsbergen. His main interest is retracing historic polar journeys that took place during ‘the Heroic Age’ of exploration in the late 19th century. In 1999, he and Glenn Morris were the first 2 Britons to complete an unsupported crossing of the Greenland icecap. In 2001, he was a member of the Polestar team that made the first winter traverse of Spitsbergen. In 2006, David spent a month with a group of Innuit hunters, learning their skills before setting out to reach the North Geomagnetic Pole by dog sledge. David talks about the physical and mental difficulties of living in extreme cold and isolation, and what it is like to follow in the footsteps of famous explorers such as Fridjtof Nansen and Robert Peary. David is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a member of the Arctic Club and in 2023, was elected a member of the Explorers Club of New York. Non members are welcome at a cost of £5.00 a head.”

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Best Independent Rural RetailerServing the Dales in every way we can! Call in for a unique shopping experience, you may be surprised!4 Commercial Square, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 5BP Tel: 01969 622169 www.campbellsoeyburn.co.uk richard@campbellsoeyburn.co.uk Your family run Fine Food and Wine EmporiumCampbell’s of Leyburn• A range of own-label and every day groceries • Innovative products from start-ups and artisans • Succulent local meat from ‘Dales’ farmers • National and international delicacies on a rst-class delicatessen counter • An extensive choice of artisan and mainstream cheeses from around the world • A range of ready meals created by our butchers • An unrivalled selection of world-wide wines and spirits • Beer and spirits from craft breweries and distillers ……….and there is so much more in store. Our famous store on Leyburn Market Place has evolved over 150 years and 5 generations of Campbell’s to offer its own distinctive style of supermarket shoppingWe offer stress free access to a vast range of different products and mouth-watering surprises such as:8

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9NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE REPORT PHONE: 101(NON EMERGENCY) 999 (EMERGENCY ONLY)Monthly Police Report – July 4th – August 7th 2024. We do not report crimes whereby victims could be identified, for example, Domestic Violence or Harassment although these are included in the totals below. Leyburn Police Station covers the areas of Arkengarthdale, Swaledale, from Hudswell up to the County border. Wensleydale from the Hambleton to Cumbria borders, Coverdale and Bishopdale. Crimes of note; 21st July Burglary at Hawes Business Park, a vehicle and high value items stolen, 1x person arrested and vehicle recovered shortly after. 24th July Burglary in Leyburn area, a trailer, along with a quantity of tools and equipment were stolen. 29th July Burglary in Langthwaite area, where a garage was entered, an electric mountain bike and charger were stolen. 30th July Burglary in Hawes area, where a cement mixer was stolen from a barn renovation. 3rd August Burglary in Hawes area where a shed was entered, a Makita energizer/battery and an air rifle were stolen. 7th August Burglary in Langthwaite area, an outbuilding was entered, a quantity of tools, including, a grinder, drills and jigsaw were stolen. 10 - Road Traffic Collisions (minor). 2 – Road Traffic Collisions (serious). 26 – Suspicious Circumstances (door to door sellers/vehicles parked etc.) 7 – Road related offences (manner of driving/vehicles without tax and possible OPL). 24 – Abandoned Calls (pocket dials/misdials). 5 – Anti Social Behaviour (personal). 1 – ASB (environmental). 2 – ASB (nuisance). 8 – Highway Disruption (Animals/ Floods/Trees). 14 – Violence. 2 – Criminal Damage. 7 – Concern for Safety. 6 – Theft. 4 – Lost/Found Property. 2 - Fraud/Forgery (online/phone). In total, 173 calls were received reporting either the above or making general enquiries. The Neighbourhood Team will continue attending Town/Parish council meetings and Community drop ins/events where duties allow. PCSO 5232 Don Watson. PC 355 Heather Campbell PCSO 5777 Sharon Diamond. PCSO 5550 Tracie Taylor Page.

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10 SANDERSON & CO. “Decorating Supplies” DULUX COLOUR ADVICE CENTRE Scanner Colour Matching & Paint Mixing Stockist of Leading Brands including, Dulux, Crown, Leyland, Ronseal, Cuprinol Extensive Wallpaper Pattern Library Trade & Quantity Discounts Available High Street, Leyburn DL8 5AQ 01969 623143 Email: sandersonandcoleyburn@gmail.com Also CALOR & Camping Gaz stockist Mobile heaters and accessories Free local delivery SANDERSON & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS A complete and caring funeral service provided by an independent family business established in 1879. For personal and digniﬁed attention in time of need please contact Richard Sanderson Leyburn Business Park DL8 5QA Tel: 01969 623143 (24hrs) Mobile: 07710 652348 Email: sandersonandcoleyburn@gmail.com We offer Golden Charter Pre-payment Funeral Plans Please ask for further (written) details.

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7Report from Leyburn Town Council Meetings held in the Oak Room, Thornborough Hall from 7.00pm on Monday 19th August, 2024. 12PRESENT: All Councillors, Assistant Clerk Mrs C Hirst, NY Cllr Sedgwick and 7 Members of the public. PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS: A member of the public reported damage to the notice board on the market shelter and thanked Cllr Sedgewick for speaking to local businesses about accessibility of the pavements. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of lining in market place. A member of the public expressed concerns over the cancellation of the bus service to Ripon due to the closure of the A6108. The Chairman encouraged members of the public to convey concerns to NYC. Action: Clerk to write a letter of concern to NYC REPORTS: Leyburn Police Report (Appendix 1). Update from NYC Leyburn and District Community Support Organisation (Appendix 2). - A date and location for the meeting that David Poole would like is to be decided. It was agreed that the best time would be before aTown Council meeting. Reports from meetings attended by Councillor’s. – Cllr Laws attended a NYC meeting with the Economic Development Regeneration Department and advised that it may be possible to secure funding for some of the Town Council projects, she fed into that meeting some of the projects that have been discussed, such as signage, use of market square and creating opportunities for events. Cllr Laws also advised that the Department are looking at next phase of Welcome to Yorkshire. Cllr Sanderson was contacted by the developer of the HSBC regarding the changing of the windows as it had been looked upon unfavorably by the planning officer. A report was sent including photographs showing the condition of the building and windows and the planning department were more mindful to try for a positive outcome. Some of Cllrs attended opening of New Road at Metcalfes. Leyburn Town Plan Groups. Full report in Appendix. Action: clerk to check the funds left available. Action: Cllr Sanderson to contact Mr. Leathley regarding the roof tiles on the Golden Lion lane. Update from the Clerk on upcoming Events: Cllr Laws advised that an organising a Drop In session for local businesses to gather and discuss their ideas and wishes. This will be held on 9th September at 6.00pm, local businesses will be informed by post. PLANNING INFORMATION Ref: ZD24/00146/FULL Proposal: Permission to Replace Existing Wooden Windows with UPVC Location: 5 Manor Court (north) Moor Road Leyburn North Yorkshire DL8 5DD - GRANTED. Ref: ZD24/00218/FULL Proposal: Permission to Replace ExistingWooden Windows with UPVC Location: 5 Manor Court (north) Moor Road Leyburn North Yorkshire DL8 5DD - GRANTED. PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND DECISIONS: ZD24/00401/FULL | Full planning permission for agricultural building for housing cattle | Os Field No 0611 Wensley Road Leyburn North Yorkshire (richmondshire.gov.uk) No objections. ZD24/00389/CLP | Application for lawful development certificate for proposed demolition of existing extension and replacement with newmonopitch extension | 34 Woodside Leyburn North Yorkshire DL8 5DX (richmondshire.gov.uk) No objections. c. ZD24/00333/FULL | Change of use of building from agricultural to B2 (MOT testing Facility) | Washfold Farm Moor Road Leyburn North Yorkshire DL8 5JZ (richmondshire.gov.uk) No objections.CPT

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CPT Update – Report on progress received (Appendix) Land Agreement- The council resolved to sign the car parking lease with NYC for the CPT. Cleaning- Deferred awaiting further quotations. Emergency Contacts- Deferred pending further information. Extended Warranty- Deferred pending budget review. FORTHCOMING EVENTS: Remembrance Day 2024 – It was agreed Cllrs Laws, Sanderson, Carlisle and Barber-Taylor of will attend the volunteer training as well as one member of the public. Action – clerk to contact Community TM Ltd. KELBERDALE TOILETS: Vandalism - The pay doors are being forced and kicked until the door breaks, disrupting the local businesses. The cost to the Council to repair the doors is substantial and the Council agreed on the purchase of CTV cameras. Action – Cameras to be purchased and report to Community Police. COUNCIL OWNED LAND: The council resolved to have a meeting with key members of the local authorities to discuss how to proceed with the removal of the Open Spaces designation. Relining of Car Park – The council acknowledged the quote and need for relining of the market squares this will be included in the 25/26 budget. Action: clerk to obtain more quotes. Pavement/ land licenses- Application received from the Black Swan was approved with the condition that is will be for a yearly license. The Council reviewed and updated the license terms and conditions. Use of Shawl Playing Fields for the annual bonfire - Granted MARKET: Market Rules & Regulations – The Council reviewed and updated the regulations. Permanent trader application from BarEco- approved. PLAY AREAS: Consultation- The National Lottery are giving grant funding for up to £20K. A consultation with the local school to discuss equipment is needed before LTC apply for the grant. Annual Operational Inspections – The council resolved to use PlaySafety for the 2024 annual inspection and StreetScape from 2025. THORNBOROUGH HALL: Wedding Host Position – The current vacancy will advertised as a self employed position. For more information on the position contact the Town Council office. Boiler service – The Council resolved to appoint CBS services. FINANCE: Bank Reconciliation Statement dated 31st July 2024. - approved. Budget situation detailed in the current net position – noted. Payments list (Regular Payments made since last meeting) and receipts list. - Approved and Noted Invoices awaiting payment. - Approved S137 GRANTS: Leyburn Bonfire – The council resolved to grant £750 to the Wensleydale Round Table. DATE OF NEXT ORDINARY MEETING: Monday 16th September in the Oak Room, Thornborough Hall at 7.00 p.m. NB: Appendices can be seen on the Town Council noticeboard.13

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14 LEYBURN LIBRARY SERVICES Monday & Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm Tuesday 10.00am - 6.00pm Saturday 10.00am - Noon Closed Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Public Computers Available whenever the library is open, no booking required. Technical advice available Tuesdays 12.30pm - 2.30pm, ring 01609 535971 or call in to book a slot. Storytime Stories and craft activities for 0-5 years. Alternate Saturdays 10.30am-11.15am, look at Library Facebook page to check! Book reservations Books can be reserved online via your library account, by telephoning 01609 535971 or at the library desk at Leyburn.t: 01748 822834 m: 07789 996526e: enquiries@nhooring.co.ukw: www.nhooring.co.uk56 Racecourse Road, Gallowelds Trading Estate, Richmond. DL10 4TFCarpets ● Wood Flooring ● Vinyls ● LVT ● Laminates ● Rugs ● AccessoriesThe Carpet & Flooring Specialist

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Design & Printing Tradewinds providing services to Leyburn and way beyond since June 1980. Tel: 01969 623670 or e-mail tradewindsdesignandprinting@gmail.com Professional design, digital and litho printing, from a business card to a book, is what we do best! Sonia Lawson was born into a creative and bohemian Wensleydale family; her mother, Muriel Metcalfe, and father, Fred Lawson, both being well-respected painters. She drew from an early age, securing a coveted place at the Royal College of Art in the mid-50s, from where she graduated with first class honours, went on to exhibit widely and was honoured to be elected as a Royal Academician in 1982 and is the only Academician ever to come from the Yorkshire Dales. This lavisly Illustrated 144 page colour Monograph. Author: Nicholas Usherwood is available on Amazon, at Tennant’s, Leyburn and all good bookstores. To learn more about Sonia and her work see www.sonialawson.co.uk Passions and Alarms16

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‘The Liars’ Club’ by Mary Karr is a modern classic. First published in 1995 it became a sensation, considered to have changed the way autobiographical novels were viewed. Mary tells us the story of growing up with her elder sister Leica ( pronounced Lisa) in a Texan industrial town in the 1960s. Her parents are strong characters: her mother pursuing art and literature while her father works hard and plays hard. Both are scarred by their relationship with alcohol, yet there is a true love in the family dynamics, which lends great power and emotion to the glaring spotlight that Mary turns on the people who both hurt and care for her. All is depicted with evocative language and a humour as vast and unforgiving as the Texan landscape with its poisonous cotton mouth snakes and oil tanks that remind her of alien eggs. The two sisters parody their parents rows, the elder imitating her mother: “There’s no hope, there’s no hope”, she’d say with a Gloria Swanson melodrama, her wrist flung back to her forehead like it had been stapled there.’ The writing is beautiful and cutting, as when Mary reflects on the neighbours closing their curtains to ignore her mother’s breakdown: “I feel them all releasing us into the deep drop of whatever is about to happen.” The town exists because of the oil refinery where her father works. He is a gruff, straight talking man who cares for his family, and can use his fists if needed but it is in the ‘liars’ club’ where Mary sees another side to her father. He meets with his buddies to drink, play cards and swap tales. He tells the best stories, and has a gift: he can pitch a story with the right pauses and reflections so the whole audience suspends belief and can ‘see’ the playing out of the drama, despite it sounding ludicrous implausible if told by another. The magic power of words to make a dark place seem rosy while at the liars’ club, is juxtaposed with the family and community who keep secrets that leave so much unsaid. It is a strange paradox and one which threads through the book as Mary learns truth can be enshrined in lies. Her mother also has a way with words, coining the phrase “ ‘crisis vultures’ : Somebody else’s troubles just thrilled them to death”. Maybe as readers we can be accused of that, but Mary adds her book is truly a love letter to her ‘less than perfect clan’. When dealing with lies, the fictional novel ‘Yellow Face’ by Rebecca F.Kuang certainly has its quota. The premise is interesting: the story of how one failing white author purloins a manuscript from a young author of Chinese origin and passes the book off as her own. It explores cultural misappropriation, but after a while I felt it became laboured, so I forgot to bother whether the lie was revealed or not. The book is much hyped but perhaps it was a mistake to read it in the long shadow cast by the incredible novel ‘The Liars’ Club’, which uses words with scalpel-like precision. As Mary Karr says of her father “he had this gift: he knew how to be believed”. Since reading this autobiography, I’m a believer too.17Truth or Dare? Review by Ruminator

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19 Watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris recently was reminiscent of the Durham Miners’ Gala. The carnival atmosphere was great but the weather was not. It was a special date for the Gala. This year marked the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike. Some people attending the Gala had also experienced that difficult time in person - some even wore their old mining gear. The repercussions of the strike still affect many to this day. All the bands did their best and put on a brave front. After all, Northern folk are famous for their resilience but it is nevertheless difficult to play in the pouring rain. However, Leyburn Band made it to the ITV local news that evening, playing “Three Lions” (Football’s Coming Home). Several bands chose to play this piece at the Gala, hoping that England might win the Euros the following day. Sadly, another disappointment. Such is life. We move on. As I write, we are busy rehearsing for the annual Wensleydale Agricultural Show and the West Witton Feast, always hugely enjoyable whatever the weather, as well as for other events later this year. Sorry to mention the C word so early but tickets for our extremely popular Christmas Concert are already available from Tennants. If you want a good seat, get your ticket now! Brilliant news: our latest CD entitled “Rapt’ure” is now available to purchase for £10 at any of our events or from our secretary. Just email her: juleshigham@yahoo.co.uk Enjoy! Sandy. Calling all music lovers! Can you read music at all? Do you play a musical instrument? Are you perhaps a lapsed player? You do not need to be a good player (though if you are, you will be much appreciated). The main thing is for you to be KEEN. We, The Wensleydale Orchestra, are a group of totally amateur but enthusiastic and friendly musicians whose number has sadly dwindled in recent years. We have a dedicated, encouraging and patient conductor and we all enjoy playing music together - classical and more modern. We would love some more players to join us next term in our new venue. We will be meeting on Monday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30 pm (including a break for refreshments) in Bellerby Village Hall. Our next term will run from 16th September to 2nd December 2024, with a two-week break for half term. Why not come along and see if it suits you? For more information please ring Fiona on 07870 746992 or email johnstonantonia92@gmail.com

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20 August, over already, now it is September and we are near to Autumn approaching - cannot believe it…August was a fairly quiet month for room hire as many groups have a Summer’s break but we are now looking forward to them all returning. During the Summer work on the Community Shed has continued at a r emarkable pace thanks to the dedicated volunteers. We shall shortly be issuing information on what is available in the Shed and how it will be used. The culmination of a lot of hard work and we are all quite excited! The Autumn draw will be held on Saturday 28th September. There are lots of very good prizes including a variety of hampers. Please remember to buy one - the fundraising goes towards our expensive summer activities such as the refurbishment of our old cold damp Toilet Block of which we are especially proud. A vast improvement for all our volunteers and users. The Staying Healthy, Independent and Connected project continues on the second Friday of the month, 10am - 12. Access for people who need advice, guidance and support from specialised providers. An informal drop-in, no need to book, come and enjoy a free tea/coffee whilst you talk. September's date is 13th. Cinema, music events & special screenings are on the website so have a look and see what you fancy. But to mention just some - early in September ( 1st & 3rd) are the two screenings of Andre Rieu's 2024 Maastricht Concert, The Power of Love. Set against the backdrop of the historic Vrijthof Square, there will be iconic film scores, beautiful waltzes, tear jerking ballads and unexpected chart hits, something for everyone! Other highlights coming are the return of the fabulous Edwina Hayes, Prima Facie with Jodie Comer and the anniversary production of Miss Saigon, . All ones not to be missed if you haven't seen them previously (or so good that you want to see them again!) LEYBURN ARTS & COMMUNITY CENTRERichmond Road, LEYBURN, DL8 5DLBookings & Info: 01969 624510 leyburnartscentre.comPlease book events in advance if possible. Call us Mon-Fri 1-4pmSUN 1 SEPT 2pm André Rieu’s 2024 Concert (Live Cinema) *£12TUE 3 SEPT 2pm André Rieu’s 2024 Concert *£12 / £10 (Tues club)TUE 3 SEPT 7pm Io Capitano (15) 2h 1 (Exploring Film)FRI 6 SEPT 6pm Amazing Grace (2018) (U) 1h 29THU 12 SEPT 7pm Prima Facie (National Theatre Live) *£15FRI 13 SEPT 6pm All of Us Strangers (15) 1h 45FRI 20 SEPT 6pm Fremont (12A) 1h 31SUN 22 SEPT 2pm Miss Saigon (25th Anniversary) (Live Cinema) *12FRI 27 SEPT 6pm Nobody Has to Know (12A) 1h 39O T H E R E V E N T S & N E W S (*Half price entry for our volunteers)SAT 28 SEPT 7:30pm Edwina Hayes (Live Music) *£12SAT 26 OCT 7:30pm Guy Fawkes’ Mother (Live Theatre) *£12C I N E M A (£6, or £5 for 60+ / U14. Unless otherwise stated)

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21Environmental corner by Helen Robson Sadly, most of our summer’s visiting birds will have set off, or are about to set off, on their very long, challenging journeys to avoid the English winter. There have been many comments about the shortage of insect eating swallows, swifts and house martins this year. Perhaps, between now and next spring, we can all play our part in trying to encourage the insects so that we can bring back the bird populations to the numbers which used to arrive in the past. In last month’s Leyburn Life’s Town Council meeting report there was a paragraph giving details of a “Let’s Talk Rubbish” consultation, which will end on 16th September. Recycling is an important topic for all who care about the state of our planet. Most of us carefully place tins and plastic items into our green boxes , glass into the black box, paper into the blue bag and cardboard into a white sack. There could be changes ahead with the two boxes being replaced by a wheelie bin and another wheelie bin provided to replace the blue bag and white sack. Residents are invited to respond to the consultation by expressing their views on these possible changes. The link to the on-line form is included in last month’s Town Council report, but those who prefer a paper consultation form can obtain one from North Yorkshire’s “Rotters”, who will be attending Leyburn Market from 9.00am – 2.00pm on Friday 30th August. It is important that as many people as possible respond as a lot of residents are concerned about the storage of four wheelie bins rather than the current number of two, so do let North Yorkshire County Council know what you think. Many of our urban areas are trying to reduce the amount of pollution in the atmosphere by encouraging everyone to change their travelling habits. September is being advertised as “ Catch the Bus” month. Although the bus services in the Leyburn area are not as good as those in most towns and cities, we do risk losing the existing routes if we don’t use them. As well as helping to reduce the numbers of cars on the roads, bus passengers can often enjoy a sociable journey by supporting our rural buses, so this month, why not give them a try? Another event this month is “The World Car Free Day”, which is Sunday 22nd September. Unfortunately, most buses don’t run in this area on Sundays, but how about cycling, or walking for short journeys that day. The exercise will keep us fit and we might enjoy seeing more of the natural world than we would in a car.

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22Wensleydale Railway wins Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2024 Wensleydale Railway has been awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice award 2024. Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, visitor attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of attractions listed on Tripadvisor. Nick Keegan, Marketing and Fundraising Manager at Wensleydale Railway said: “As a volunteer-led, local community railway, we work extremely hard to ensure that our visitors have an enjoyable and great value day out with us. Our volunteers and staff regularly receive positive feedback from customers and it's fantastic to have their dedication recognised by this award. We are very proud of our team and thank our wonderful customers for choosing our railway and rating us as a top visitor attraction!” The railway is operating 5 days of trains per week during August and 4 days per week in September. It has a range of fun, heritage-focused children’s activities available during the school holidays and will hold its very first Industrial Diesel Weekend event on 24-26 August. Heritage Summer Children's Activities: https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/heritage-summer/ Industrial Diesel Weekend: https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/industrial-weekend-2/ Plan your visit today: https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/running-days/

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St. Matthew’s Church, Leyburn Every Sunday: Holy Communion - 10.45am (available on YouTube) 2nd Sunday: Evening Prayer - 6.00pm 3rd Sunday: Together for Worship - 6.00pm 5th Sunday: Joint Benefice Service Weekly Services Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Zoom Morning Prayer – 9.00am Tuesday and Friday: Evening Prayer – 5.00pm Wednesday: Midweek Communion – 10.00am followed by Coffee and Chat. St. John’s Church, Bellerby Every Sunday: Holy Communion – 9.00am 1st Sunday: Compline – 6.00pm 4th Sunday: Evening Prayer BCP – 6.00pm 5th Sunday: Joint Benefice Service Weekly Services Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Zoom Morning Prayer – 9.00am Thursday: Evening Prayer – 5.00pm Leyburn Methodist Church Services at 10.30am will be conducted by: 1st - Circuit welcome service for Rev. Jo Brown conducted by Rev. Richard Andrew 8th - To be locally arranged 15th - Rev. Jo Brown 21st - Harvest Variety Concert at 7.30pm 22nd - Harvest Festival - Mr. Scott Lunn 29th - Rev. Jo Brown R.C.Churches Leyburn and Richmond SUNDAY MASS Ss Peter & Paul, Leyburn - 9.00am Ss Joseph & Francis Xavier, Richmond Sunday 10.30am - Saturday 6.30pm Wensleydale Evangelical Church High Street, Leyburn Meets every Sunday at 11.00am & 6.00pm Pastor Noel Ramsey. All are welcome. Monday - LEGO® Club restarts on the 9th September @ 6 pm. All children come. Exploring the Bible through play. Friday 13th September - FACT Youth Group Reopens from 7 – 9 pm – This group is for those who are in year 7 and above. Sunday 22nd September @ 11 am & 6 pm Harvest Thanksgiving Services – The preacher will be Tony Hutter (Newcastle) We will be serving takeaway tea, coffee, and biscuits from our church steps on Friday 20th September. It’s all free. Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. (The Bible) Leyburn Quaker Meeting Friends Meeting House, 7 Grove Square, Leyburn, DL8 5AE Meetings for Worship 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays 10.30am - 11.15 am 2nd and 4th Wednesdays noon - 12.30pm For meetings at Bainbridge & Countersett and all Covid19 arrangements please see website under 'News' https://dalesquakers.org.uk The Faith Mission 1st Sunday of each month at 3.00pm in the Faith Mission Hall, Shawl Terrace, Leyburn. RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN LEYBURN Sunday unless stated otherwise 23

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24LEYBURN AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY Contact: Dawn Clarkson 07805 294336 LEYBURN BADMINTON CLUB Contact: Colin Thorpe (622471) LEYBURN BOWLING CLUB Contact: Philip Clark 07386 907392 LEYBURN BAND Contact: Jules Higham (622941) LEYBURN CYCLING Contact: Andy Downs 07940 212291 LEYBURN LADIES LUNCH CLUB Contact: geroberts@btinternet.com LEYBURN LADIES PROBUS Contact: Christine Byers 01677 424314 LEYBURN & DISTRICT PROBUS Contact: David Lawrenson davidlawrenson22@gmail.com LEYBURN TENNIS CLUB Contact: David Butterworth 07818 048755 LEYBURN & DISTRICT U3A Contact: Sue Mellish 01748 850471 BEDALE & DALES CROQUET CLUB Contact: Rob Brown (625306) email wardlebrown@gmail.com BELLERBY INDOOR BOWLERS CLUB Thurs: 7.00pm-9.30pm. Memorial Hall, Bellerby. BELLERBY BABY & TODDLER GROUP Contact: bellerbytots@gmail.com BELLERBY STUDY GROUP Contact: Chris Akrill 07983 300336 BELLERBY YOGA GROUP Contact: Kathy Chilton (623707) CIRCLE DANCING Contact: Sue Mellish 07517 380136 COVERDALE WOMENS INSTITUTE Contact Sara Badwin-Cole 01969 640550 CRAFTY LADIES OF LEYBURN Contact: Hazel Derby (623480) or Sue Medley 07803 650988 DALES LACEMAKERS Contact: Judy Knight 01677 450548 EAST WITTON MALE VOICE CHOIR Contact: Diana Hartley (650245) EAST WITTON & MIDDLEHAM BELLRINGERS Contact: Jonathan Couchman 07770 302653 RICHMOND & LEYBURN CREATIVE STITCHERS Contact: Carolyn Waterhouse 07454 536072 HARMBY & SPENNITHORNE CARPET BOWLS Contact: Paul 07787 505445 IRISH DANCING CLASSES Contact: Eileen Plater 07921 862586 JULIAN GROUP Contact: Wendy Bannon (623798) LEYBURN GOOD NEIGHBOURS Contact: 07717 670209 or 07444 804639 LINE DANCING Contact: alandoubleaa@msn.com MACULAR DEGENERATION GROUP Richmond Methodist Church 1.30pm-3.00pm, 1st Monday of the month. MIDDLEHAM TOWN TWINNERS ASSOC. Contact : Catherine Monaghan (623962) PENHILL LADIES Contact: Shelagh (663958) RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS Contact: Ann 01677 450429 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (Leyburn & District Branch) Contact: David Halliday (625436) THE KNIFTY KNITTERS Contact: Lyn (640206) THORNBOROUGH LODGE Contact: Terry Alsop (622576) URE WITH LEYBURN W.I. Contact: Jan Bell (625315) CLUBS, GROUPS & SOCIETIES

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25WENSLEYDALE BRIDGE CLUB Contact: Jean Sutherland 01748 834108 WENSLEYDALE CAMERA CLUB Contact: Digby Angus (623130) WENSLEYDALE FLOWER CLUB Contact: Anne Harrison (623381) WENSLEYDALE GIRL GUIDING Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. Contact: Jackie Helmsley (622746) WENSLEYDALE LADIES Contact: Pam Rhodes (625434) WENSLEYDALE ROTARY CLUB Contact: David Blakely (623624) WENSLEYDALE RUGBY CLUB Contact: Jim and Leith McRobert (624118) WENSLEYDALE SCOUTS AND BEAVERS Contact: Helen (624806) for Beavers. Contact: Jeremy 07970 987361 for Scouts YOREDALE ART CLUB Contact: mailto:chezw57@gmail.com YOREDALE NATURAL HISTORY SOC. Contact: Liz Barron (622536) CLUBS, GROUPS & SOCIETIES SERVICESTHORNBOROUGH HALL Moor Road, Leyburn DL8 5AB LEYBURN TOWN COUNCIL Clerks: Mrs C.Smith & Ms R.Hurst Tel. 01969 622561 Email: Clerk@leyburntowncouncil.gov.uk Mon to Fri : 9.15am to 12.15pm LEYBURN LIBRARY See page 17 NORTH YORkSHIRE COUNCIL County Hall, Racecourse Lane, Northallerton DL7 8AD Tel: 0300 131 2131 (NEW NUMBER) NYC HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE (Moor Road) April to September - 8.30am to 5.00pm (open every day except Wednesdays) October to March - 8.30am to 4.00pm LEYBURN MEDICAL PRACTICE Brentwood, Leyburn, DL8 5EP Tel: 01969 622391 DAY LEWIS PHARMACY, 7 Market Place, Leyburn, DL8 5BG Tel: 01969 622160 LEYBURN DENTAL PRACTICE Wensley Road, Leyburn, DL8 5BN Tel: 01969 622132 FRIARY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL 9 Queens Road, Richmond, DL10 4AJ Tel: 01642 944459 FRIARAGE HOSPITAL Bullamoor Road, Northallerton, DL6 1JG (01642) 850850 Tel: 01609 779911 JAMES COOk UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Marton Rd, Middlesbrough TS4 3BW Tel: 01642 850850 MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DARLINGTON Hollyhurst Road, DL3 6HX. Tel: 01325 380100

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sa ronffFULLY LICENSED INDIAN RESTAURANT BAR - TAKE-AWAY 16 MARKET PLACE, LEYBURN, NORTH YORKSHIRE DL8 5BG We are a premium Indian Restaurant offering an extensive menu providing authentic tastes and ﬂavours of Bangladeshi, Indian and Punjabi cooking. Vegan (V) and vegetarian-friendly menu. *Early Bird available every day until 6.45pm. 20%discount on food and drinks.* Wheelchair access and dog-friendly tables downstairs. See our website: www.saffronleyburn.co.uk Tel: 01969 625777 (Restaurant) See our website: www.saffronfoodtogo.co.uk Tel: 01969 625778 (mention Food to Go)Our best deal yet! Cash only - Take-away collection only. See our website: www.saffronlocal.co.uk Tel: 01969 625778 (mention Saffron Local) Check our websites for opening hours