Leyburn Blog
8 November 2008
Sad blow as estate agent closes
A palpable indication of how the housing recession is affecting the local economy has come with the closure of the Your Move estate agency office in Leyburn Market Place. A hammer blow for staff at any time - but coming so close to Christmas seems to make it even worse. The town centre is however an attractive place for businesses and one hopes that the vacated offices will soon be brought back to life.6 November 2008
A human dynamo with a passion for Yorkshire
A man with an impressive record of success in business is the new chief executive officer of Yorkshire Tourist Board. If Gary Verity, former Group MD of Prontaprint and Kall Kwik and former MD of Johnsons Cleaners UK, can replicate his private sector success in the public sector, it will be good news for Yorkshire. The economy of Leyburn of course relies heavily on what Gary refers to as 'the visitor economy' - tourism to you and me - and so any success he generates will be welcome here in the Yorkshire Dales. Like many successful CEOs, Gary has a certain charisma and he greatly impressed local business people when he attended a recent meeting of Leyburn and Mid-Wensleydale Business Association. He has a clear purpose to increase the number of visitors to Yorkshire - a welcome vision to anyone who understands the potential of tourism to stimulate economic growth. Gary (44) is a passionate Yorkshireman. He lives at Carlton in Coverdale and so is well aware of the vast untapped potential of the Yorkshire Dales. With so much doom and gloom around at the moment and with a recession beginning, I think that we can count ourselves lucky to have such a human dynamo as Gary at the helm of Yorkshire Tourist Board.28 October 2008
Rousing applause for final production
The Picture House in Leyburn has now sadly closed but it bowed out in style with rousing applause for the final production staged at the former Elite cinema. The play Murdered to Death, performed by Leyburn Amateur Dramatic Society, played to a packed house and the final curtain brought an end of a era for both the society and the town. Amateur dramatics enthusiasts started treading the boards at the Elite in the early 1960s and so it was a bitter sweet moment for society members at the end of the four-night production. LADS chairman Carrol Thomas, addressing the audience at the end of the final performance, said that the society would in future perform at Wensleydale School. There is no doubt that the closure of The Picture House after only a year is a blow to the town. But credit must be paid to the community effort behind the project. The people include those who formed first the steering group and then a company to lease the building from its owners. Also the many, many volunteers who worked tirelessly front of house and behind the scenes. It was worth a try and all those who helped deserve a round of applause. The company Leyburn Arts has said it will continue to champion the arts in the town - and so films and other productions will continue at other venues. 5 September 2008
Abba delivers the feel-good factor
Who said the musical was dead? The movie version of Mamma Mia, now showing at The Picture House, Leyburn, proves that song and dance on the big screen is still alive and kicking. A famous cast, including Pierce Brosnan, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Julie Walters, delivers the best feel-good movie since Bend It Like Beckham. Amazing direction, the fantastic music of Abba - and a host of brilliant performances make for an absolutely outstanding film. Go see it you can.2 September 2008
Don't mention the war - oh go on then
Despite memories of Basil Fawlty it was quite all right to mention the war in Leyburn at the weekend as the town was occupied by a host of World War II re-enactors. They came from far and wide for an event organised by Wensleydale Railway and supported by members of Leyburn and Mid-Wensleydale Business Association. Royals of Leyburn, Milners Department store, the Wobbly Dog shop and tea room with a view entered into the spirit by putting on fancy dress for the two-day festival. Some other traders decorated their premises and the town council put up bunting. All in all the re-enactors were very impressed with the reception they received in Leyburn - which means that they could be back next year for a bigger event. Well done to Wensleydale Railway and the business association for flying the flag so valiantly.26 August 2008
Curtains for The Picture House but arts project will continue
A bad news story for Leyburn in this week's local paper - The Picture House is to close after less than a year. The former Ritz Cinema was given a new lease of life as The Picture House thanks to a community initiative and has been showing films, exhibitions and live performances during 2008. The financial burden of leasing the building has been blamed for the decision to close - even though films were attracting an average audience of more than 50 people. However, all is not doom and gloom. Leyburn Arts, which runs The Picture House, is to investigate alternative venues and will continue to support the arts in Wensleydale. The project has attracted a strong body of volunteers and supporters who deserve a big pat on the back for their commitment and hard work. Leyburn Online will continue to support Leyburn Arts both financially and with publicity.10 August 2008
Ha-ppy, ha-ppy, happy daze
T-Rex, Slade, Sweet, Mud, Suzi Quattro. Memories of music as a lad growing up in the 1970s. The Tuesday night school disco. Huge shirt collars folded neatly over the jacket collar. Platform shoes! Don't blame me, blame Betterdaze - Leyburn's first juke box and record shop. I dare anyone to walk in and not to be transported back in time to the halcyon days of vinyl. Believe me, memories will come flooding back. The shop, located in the former Sweet Serendipity on the corner of High Street and the Market Place, specialises in LPs and singles from the 1950s to the 1990s, plus recent vinyl releases. It also provides juke boxes for parties. Tell them your favourite songs and they will fill the juke box for you - what a great idea. How about The Sex Pistols, The Stranglers and The Jam - my student days revisited. 3 August 2008
Brassed Off - 'a breathtaking dramatic triumph'
For the generations that can still recall the decline and fall of the coal mining industry – Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society’s production of Brassed Off in collaboration with Leyburn Band is a bittersweet trip down memory lane.Paul Allen’s adaptation of Mark Herman’s original screenplay for the 1995 film, which starred Ewan McGregor and Tara FitzGerald, brings to the stage a heart-rending account of a dying mining community, brilliantly conveyed with humour often bordering on the hilarious.
The year was 1992 when Michael Heseltine stood at the Despatch Box in the House of Commons and announced the rationalisation of the mines – or the final treacherous blow to communities already on their knees – with the carrot of big redundancy payments.
Under Warnock Kerr’s skilful direction using a minimalist set, the production delivers a powerful reminder of the human cost of that blow, which, incidentally, caused outrage and bewilderment even among Tories at the time.
The story interweaves incisive political and social commentary within a fairly straightforward plot. With a ballot pending on whether to fight the pit closure or to accept redundancy cheques, Grimley Colliery Band has its sights set on the finals of the National Brass Band Championships at The Royal Albert Hall.
Howard Firth and Stewart Kerr are outstandingly deadpan as the joined-at-the-hip mates Jim and Harry, whose dry wits provide some of the play’s biggest laughs, while Paul Howells brings an understated edge to proceedings as Phil, whose inner torment explodes as his world spins inexorably out of his control.
Chris Wellings and Alice Johnson provide the love interest and deliver the chemistry as Andy and Gloria, a generation removed from the dyed-in-the-wool Scargillites, whose life chances offer a glimmer of hope for life after the pit.
The tensions and contradictions within the community are never far from the surface and, Ruth Shaw as Sandra, Nicola Bryan as Rita and Amanda Heitler as Vera, the long-suffering wives, shine a light into the corners of hope and despair. “You fight for your mates and fight for your pit but you never fight for your family,” cries impoverished Sandra, while Vera dreams of what she might buy with a £23,000 redundancy bonanza.
Danny the band conductor, played with controlled passion and enormous presence by Doug Clayton, achieves contentment in his love of music, until his simmering anger at the disintegration of the community overflows in one of the most memorable moments of the production.
What the movie doesn’t have is a narrator in the person of nine-year-old Shane, delightfully played by Ben Cain conveying all the naiveté, innocence and perception of childhood.
The contribution of Leyburn Band and musical director George Lundberg really is fantastic, with thrilling music and seamless choreography achieving a breathtaking dramatic triumph.
The brilliance of Brassed Off is the way it achieves feelgood contentment in a story set against a background of political rancour and human desolation. It works essentially because it is just so funny – and in one way the downtrodden get to have the last laugh.
One of the most memorable productions I have seen in many years. Well done to the entire company and Leyburn Band.
31 July 2008
Steaming back to wartime Britain
The Wensleydale Railway is bringing steam back to Leyburn during August - so another pat on the back. The whiff of steam last year proved a great pick-me-up after one of the wettest early summers in living memory. This summer has hardly been a vintage one thus far and so let's hope the sound of a steam locomotive does the trick a second time. The railway is also behind another enterprise for Leyburn this summer. It has teamed up with a number of second world war re-enactment groups and the whole of the railway line from Leeming Bar to Redmire is become the backdrop for a wartime festival on 30 and 31 of August. Apparently there will be contingents of US, British and German 'soldiers' on the streets of Bedale and Leyburn, and also vehicles from the period. These wartime festivals are usually well presented and so if you are planning a visit to Leyburn you might be as well to book well in advance for that particular weekend.13 June 2008
The Picture House needs our support
I've just read this week's D&S and an article on page three says that the future of The Picture House in Leyburn is in the balance. If more people don't support the new arts centre more frequently - it might not survive. That is the gist of the story. It would be a sad day if The Picture House closed, especially after the huge effort by local people to get it open in the first place. It is a marvellous facility for Leyburn and Wensleydale - but it's the old story, if you don't use it, you'll lose it. So go see a film, visit an art exhibition, or just pop down stairs and have a drink in Flicks Cafe Bar. If you can afford to, give a donation. Every penny will help. Here's hoping The Picture House can pull through. And I'm off to Flicks Cafe Bar tonight.10 June 2008
MPs who don't know the difference between right and wrong
I don't usually ruminate about politics in this blog but listening to Shadow Chancellor George Osborne on the radio the other day made my blood boil. He was on BBC Radio 4's Today programme to defend Tory Party chairman Caroline Spelman for using public cash to pay the family nanny. Stomach churning or what? For many of us, of whatever political persuasion, it is this shameless denial of wrong-doing that most angers us, while they appear completely oblivious to their own loss of dignity. 21 May 2008
Onwards and upwards for Hull City
So it's well done to Hull City and local lad Andrew Dawson after their thrilling victory over Bristol City in the play-off final at Wembley. It was a nail-biter of a finish with Bristol City pushing hard for an equaliser right up to the closing seconds. But the 1-0 win gave plenty of scope for celebrations in Leyburn that night. Well done The Tigers and the best of luck in the Premiership next season.18 May 2008
Well done The Reds - now come on The Tigers
There was a time when I would have been glued to the TV for an FA Cup final. But these days I’m not much interested in football. All the hype and the constant inane chat is something I can do without. However, two things have lately revived my curiosity. Firstly, my old home team Nottingham Forest have clinched promotion to the Championship (that’s the old Division Two to me and you). Secondly, Hull City are in the play-offs for promotion to the Premiership. Now, not only is my father-in-law from Hull but Leyburn has a special interest in Hull because Leyburn lad Andrew Dawson plays for them. The play-off final is at Wembley this coming Saturday and, along with the whole of Wensleydale, I will be rooting for Andrew. If Hull pull off a victory, it sets up the tantalising prospect of Andrew playing next season against his brother Michael, who plays for Spurs and is one of the Premiership's best defenders. I’ve since learned that the two brothers were once with Nottingham Forest – now how spooky is that.10 May 2008
The sun's still shining - I'll drink to that
Five days on and the sun is still shining, people are sitting outside the town's pubs and cafes refreshing themselves with cups of tea or pints of locally-brewed beer. Black Sheep and Theakstons beers are both brewed in nearby Masham and so real ale fans are well catered for in Leyburn. Wander down the hill into the village of Wensley and you can sample Wensleydale ales in The Three Horseshoes. These beers have won several prizes from the Campaign for Real Ale. If you want to see beer being brewed, both the Black Sheep and Theakstons breweries in Masham do brewery tours and these are very popular with visitors to Wensleydale. 5 May 2008
Hints of summer at long last
It's Bank Holiday Monday and the sun is struggling to get out - but it's better than yesterday's rain. Sunshine is promised for tomorrow and the week looks like warming up. Hints of summer - but whatever happened to spring. Work prevents me from attending the food and drink festival but reports from visitors indicate it's a crowd pleaser once again - it is just such a fantastic event for Leyburn and the Dales in general. The town has definitely been busier this weekend - with every bed taken. Not only visitors to the festival but walkers and sightseers. Some discovering Leyburn for the first time, and others returning for a second, third or umpteenth time. A great place to live and work - and a fantastic place to visit. 1 May 2008
Words of support
Just for the record and in fairness, my anonymous haranguer (see 30 April) emailed me to apologise and offer words of support for Leyburn Online.30 April 2008
The old jokes are the best
My father once told me that there are two types of people in this world, those with tattoos and those who get punched by people with tattoos. As a child I thought it was a great joke and regaled it to friends at every opportunity. It was only when I was older that I understood the metaphor in the adage. Substitute the words ill will for tattoos and the hidden meaning at last becomes clear. I was reminded by this recently upon receiving an offensive email by a person whom, not surprisingly wished to remain anonymous. With the amount of spam spinning around the stratosphere these days, the last thing you want is an insulting email from a complete stranger. However, I'm reminded once again of wise words from my father: "There are times when you will need broad shoulders and a thick skin lad." Ah yes, thick skin, sound advice indeed. As for tattoos, I hear they have become quite fashionable once again. 28 April 2008
Shoe shop rumour gets the boot
After previously tantalising you with rumours that a shoe shop might open in the town, following the closure of Well Heeled in the Market Place, I've now learned that this particular rumour has been booted into touch for the time being. However, I suspect that it won't be long before the remaining half of the former Well Heeled shop is taken. Shop space in Leyburn is much sought after. Let's hope so anyway. As for a shoe shop elsewhere in the town - well there's no harm in keeping fingers crossed.25 April 2008
Another warm welcome to the food and drink festival
It will soon be the first May Bank Holiday and that can mean only one thing in Leyburn, The Dales Festival of Food and Drink, incorporating The Yorkshire Dales Real Ale Festival. This annual event has become one of the premier food and drink festivals in the North of England - and is always worth a visit. Credit must be given to the people who give freely of their time to organise this brilliant event. And it's a big thank you on many different levels. Not only is the festival a fantastic piece of fun and entertainment, it fills the town with visitors which in turn oils the wheels of commerce for many businesses, including accommodation providers, pubs, restaurants and shops. All in all good news for the local economy. The festival is also a source of fund-raising for charity and, over the years, tens of thousands of pounds has been given to good causes. So, if you live in the area and are in two minds whether or not to attend again this year, think of the hard work that goes into it and remember the ways it benefits the town. Apart from all that, it doesn't really matter how many times you've been, a good time is guaranteed. See you there.23 April 2008
A cut above
While I remember, a quick welcome to the new barber in town, down Golden Lion Yard, just off the Market Place. While there seem to be salons galore in Leyburn, gentlemen's barbers are more scarce. So it's great to see a bit of enterprise. Very professional approach, sparkling premises and a whizz with a pair of scissors. Best of luck, I'm sure he will be very successful.20 April 2008
A tea room with a view
No, it's not an E M Forster novel but the name of a cafe on the Market Place. I understand it's the only watering hole in the town that has a view of rolling Wensleydale for visitors to enjoy. But don't take my word for it, visit it for yourself.19 April 2008
One door closes - another two open
The old saying 'one door closes and another one opens' is not quite enough for the latest shopping news from Leyburn. The recent closure of Well Heeled shoe shop facing onto the Market Place was a sad day but the premises has been converted into two shops and one has already opened by Westfields Farm Bakery which produces hand-made artisan bread, cakes, puddings and treats… with a
uniquely Mediterranean twist. It's a great bonus to have a bakery in the heart of the town. The other half of the old Well Heeled premises is still empty but there are rumours that it is to become a shoe shop once again. So, all in all, good news for shoppers and visitors to Leyburn.1 February 2008
Save our chemist's shop
A campaign to stop the doctors' practice at Brentwood in Leyburn from opening a pharmacy is gathering pace in the town. This is because a second chemist's shop would almost certainly make unviable the pharmacy in the Market Place. In a tourist town such as Leyburn, the right place for a chemist's shop is the town centre, not tucked away on a housing estate. The town centre would suffer from the closure of a much-appreciated shop, it would frustrate the many thousands of tourists who visit the town each year and I can't see it would serve the residents of Brentwood to have even more traffic congesting their neighbourhood. The town council is against it, the business association is against it, shoppers are against it. In fact it's difficult to find anyone in favour of it. Let's hope common sense triumphs and that the local primary care trust rejects the plan.28 January 2008
Great expectations for new bistro
Good news for those who think Leyburn could do with another restaurant - Penleys on the Market Place is opening as a bistro from Valentine's Day. It is better known as a coffee shop but the opening menu looks very good indeed - something for everyone. The place itself lends itself to a modern restaurant rather than another trip down memory lane. The guy that runs the place is a chef - and he has certainly improved the cuisine during coffee hours, so there are great expectations for the bistro. The town already has an Italian restaurant, an Indian restaurant and a gastropub, plus three other pubs that serve food, but there's always rooms for a smart player in the market, so let's hope that Penleys can make its mark.5 January 2008
Flicks - taking you to the movies
The new Leyburn arts centre - called The Picture House - has opened in the old Elite cinema, which means that films are back on the screen - much to the delight of locals and visitors to the town. Also, a cafe has opened, called Flicks, managed by two local women with a little bit of the entrepreneurial spirit. So it promises to be a good year for the arts in Leyburn. Good luck to all involved.11 December 2007
Happy New Year for bakery
Good news to report about Westfields Farm Bakery of Bellerby. They're expanding and, in January, are moving into premises in Leyburn, on the business park near the chocolate shop. They'll have a full-scale bakery, and a small shop too – just opposite Farmway, on Herriot Court. They are aiming to become an accredited organic bakery, and will continue to produce hand-made artisan bread, cakes, puddings and treats… with a uniquely Mediterranean twist. Good luck with the venture.
9 December 2007
Bolton Hall venue for Heartbeat
There are more TV types in the town. Following in the footsteps of the BBC filming in Milners department store (see below), accommodation providers are full with Yorkshire TV staff filming for an episode of Heartbeat. Although the popular show is based in the North Yorkshire Moors, rather than the Dales, one of the interiors is filmed in the grandeur of nearby Bolton Hall. I've not seen the programme since the guy from Eastenders was the star - Nick Berry was it - but glad to see it doing so well after all these years. There's nothing like a trip down memory lane.5 December 2007
Eleventh hour reprieve for cinema
Well, they've done it. The Elite steering committee has saved the former cinema from permanent closure and it is to open as an arts centre - as well as a cinema. Quite an achievement for a group of locals with a bit of imagination and not a little determination. It seems the committee succeeded to winning grants to secure a lease on the premises and win an eleventh hour reprieve. Whatever, those involved deserve a big pat on the back and the ongoing support of the community. There's talk of really putting the new arts centre on the map - which will do much to enhance the reputation of the town as a visitor destination.21 November 2007
Cafe gets a facelift
Sams, the friendly coffee shop on the Market Place has changed hands and has been given a lick of paint and new chairs and tables. The menu is still recognisable, with a few improvements but the standard of presentation has risen loads - down to the new owner who is a chef. The place is now called Penleys. Good luck to the new owners.18 November 2007
Wobbly Dog - take two
One or two changes to report with the town's shops. The teddy bear shop has closed - a shame because it was a bit quirky to have such a specialist shop in small town such as Leyburn. However, one door closes and another one opens. The premises have been taken by the owners of the Wobbly Dog curiosity shop and is to re-open soon as Wobbly Dog Kids, selling clothes, including Fair Trade garments and an assortment of other stuff for babies and children up to the age of ten. I've mentioned before that the Wobbly Dog folks have a bit of get up and go - and suspect that the new shop will prove a big success.22 October 2007
Lake District full - don't worry there's plenty of room over here
It's half-term week and I notice that there are more 'no vacancy' signs than usual at the town's accommodation providers. October and autumn signal the end of the busier tourist season in the Yorkshire Dales and the half-term break gives the area another lift before winter, although I tread carefully on this subject. Having just attended a tourism conference, I was surprised to hear a tourism official say that they didn't want to increase the number of tourists visiting the area. Sustainability is the new buzz word and so sustainable tourism is the new mantra. I don't think they've heard about this in the Lake District, our next-door neighbour. Apparently there were log- jams even on the footpaths at the weekend. There was a suggestion that a sign should be erected on the M6 advising tourists 'Lake District full - Yorkshire Dales empty'. Of course, the roads and footpaths of the Yorkshire Dales are largely uncrowded whatever the time of year. This is of course why many people choose to visit Leyburn and the Yorkshire Dales throughout the year. It looks like it's going to stay this way for some time to come.14 September 2007
Where would we be without out market traders?
Today I got talking to a visitor to Leyburn who couldn't get over what a great market we have in the town. "It's brilliant, I wish we had one where we live." It's easy to take a market for granted but for this visitor is was worth the journey to Wensleydale just for it. Walking round the market is something I do every Friday and today I did so with a little bit more pride than usual. It's worth thinking and thanking our market traders, whose endeavours do so much to make the town attractive for locals and visitors alike. Where would we be without our fresh fish stall or our green grocers. Then there's the book stall, the stall selling household items, sweet stall and more. There are bargains to be had, as well as conversation and a bit of banter. The market place itself is a treasure for the town but it is the people who trade there and who shop there that really bring it to life.1 September 2007
Top team for tourism
There's an office in Leyburn that locals walk past daily but rarely enter but which tourists flock to - often to overflowing. I'm talking about the tourist information centre on Railway Street. This small office performs an important role for the local economy, providing visitors with information about accommodation providers, restaurants, shopping, places to visit and local footpaths and places of interest. The centre is open every day and has an enthusiastic team of staff who do a fantastic job for the town and Wensleydale in general. They well deserve a pat on the back. If you are a resident of Leyburn and haven't been in, it's well worth popping in - it's not just for tourists. You'll find books about the area, maps, walking guides and loads of leaflets about things to do and see. Another reminder of what a great place Leyburn is and why it attracts so many visitors from around the country and around the world.23 August 2007
Bread from heaven (well, Bellerby actually)
Having recently commented on the success of a new market stall selling freshly baked bread, there's been a further development with news of a new bakery in Bellerby a couple of miles from Leyburn. Westfields Farm Bakery provides home made bread, biscuits, puddings and cakes - with a Mediterranean twist - all using organic and/or locally-sourced ingredients. Currently these are baked to order but there are plans to introduce a bread round. Now that's what I call initiative. If their website is anything to go by - it should prove a successful venture. To place an order call 01969 625619 or visit
8 August 2007
Another day, another world
As I write, the sun is shining, the Market Place is buzzing with life and the sound of a steam train serves as a reminder of a bygone age. Seated outside public houses, tourists and locals tuck into their lunches, pint glasses are raised amid the chatter, and laughter rings across the cobble stones. I see the postie walking by, a group of ramblers making they way to the Shawl and an old Labrador waddling along behind its master. A sign heralds an art display at the parish church hall, Dave Hudspeth's carpet van drives past, and a mum steers her pushchair into the co-op. Another ordinary day in Wensleydale. 27 July 2007
Nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread
We are lucky in Leyburn to have such a good selection of shops but one thing that is missing is a bakery. No surprise than that a new market stall run by a bakery, should prove such a success. Without even time to go to the bottom of our stairs, there was a queue forming to sample the delights of fresh croissant, ciabatta, foccacia and brioche. Well done to the stallholders, who run their bakery in the popular North Yorkshire market town of Helmsley. With the success of their first outing to Leyburn, let's hope that they continue to make the trip from moor to dale every week. A great addition to the town's Friday market.12 July 2007
Fair traders with enthusiasm and new ideas
You might think that a newagent giving up selling papers and magazines would be a recipe for disaster but not so with the Wobbly Dog shop in Leyburn Market Place. If anything, the shop has been given a new lease of life - and it's good news for Leyburn, if you pardon the pun. Wobbly Dog owners Anne and Andrew are relatively new to the town, having arrived last year to run their new business - and they have brought with them the kind of enthusiasm and commercial acumen a tourist destination town badly needs. The shop has widened its appeal with an exciting range of Fair Trade clothing and accessories, lots more toys, the funniest range of birthday cards you are likely to see anywhere, sweets galore and a great deal more besides. A busy little enterprise, just what the town needed, great for locals and tourists alike.3 July 2007
Full steam ahead for Wensleydale Railway
Mention the word steam and railway enthusiasts can hardly contain their excitement. Thanks to Wensleydale Railway, steam lovers will be descending on Leyburn, as regular steam services will be returning through much of August. You've got to admit they have something to celebrate, although it's something not quite tangible, more a longing for a bygone age, a piece of nostalgia, a trip down memory lane. Whether you are a railway enthusiast or not, there are very few people who won't be heartened by the sound of a steam locomotive. Well done Wensleydale Railway for brightening up eveyone's summer.30 June 2007
'Allo, 'allo - the French brighten up a dull day
Despite the drizzle, Leyburn took on something of a French air today with a European market selling French cheese, meat, bread and a variety of other good stuff. We may like to have the odd joke about our gallic cousins but when it comes to food and cuisine, the French certainly know a thing or two. Makes me wish I had paid more attention in French lessons all those years ago. Mange-tout, Mange-tout. Thanks a million Delboy!21 June 2007
A little bit of Ireland to be found in Wensleydale
The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes is but a short drive from Leyburn and its refrigerated shop is always worth a visit if you are passing. One curiosity. Having followed the creamery's campaign to have Wensleydale cheese given protected geographical status by the EU, it's funny seeing the creamery's own version of Mature Irish Cheddar on display among the wonderful Wensleydale varieties. Not a bad thing though, tastes delicious.18 June 2007
Walking a dog - not in that red coat, you don't
There's a bit of a hoo-ha over a daft decision by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to censor artwork displayed at its offices in Bainbridge. We're not talking scenes of gratuitous violence, it was all sparked off by a picture of two men walking dogs. One of the walkers was wearing a red coat, conjuring up images of fox hunting, which might cause offence. While they were at it, the authority decided that any images which could cause offence would also be banned, including any images depicting Christianity (you remember that, the religion that has shaped Western civilisation for two millennia). Will this mean that anyone wearing a red coat and walking a dog will be banned from the national park? That remains to be seen. If you are a visitor to Wensleydale reading this, please, please don't be put off. The vast majority of folk around here are as sane as you and me. It's just a few that appear to be a bit barmy. They shouldn't give you cause for concern, they're safely locked away in their own ivory towers.15 June 2007
Going, going, gone
One of Leyburn's most successful attractions is Tennants, a firm of auctioneers and valuers, that draws bargain hunters the length and breadth of Britain. Today, BBC's Bargain Hunt team were among the weekly turnout, so it was a case of lights, camera, action, as well as going, going, gone. If you've never attended an auction at Tennants, you must try and do so. You wonder where all the antiques come from, as lot after lot goes under the hammer. Lots go from as little as £10 - so it needn't be an expensive day out - so long as you don't get carried away. Tennants is a very friendly auction house and sales are conducted with great professionalism but also an informal ease that will make you want to go back for more.12 June 2007
New dentist arrives but queues continue
A new dentist has arrived at the Leyburn Dental Practice on Wensley Road following a retirement - but those of us who remember dentistry on the NHS shouldn't put the flags out just yet. The practice is a private practice and there remains a waiting list for private patients. While the state of dentistry on the NHS cannot be compared to the Iraq debacle or the pensions crisis, it's still another good reason for seeing the back of Tony Blair after ten long years.11 June 2007
To park all day for free or not - that is the question
One of the great benefits for visitors to Leyburn is the abundance of free parking. Currently there is unrestricted parking in the Market Place, which means free parking all day, whether or not you are shopping, walking or visiting a hotel or guest house in Leyburn. The option favoured by some is to have free disk parking, which would allow shoppers and visitors to park free for two hours. Better for trade and shoppers, while visitors staying in the town could continue to park for two hours in the morning and evening with free overnight parking. Longer daytime parkers would be encouraged to use the low-cost pay and display long-stay car park behind the Golden Lion Hotel. All seems fairly sensible. Problem is, apparently the Market Place is not actually designated as a carpark, and to make any changes would require an Act of Parliament. So, looks like things will stay the same for a considerable while to come.
10 June 2007
Saffron wins with hard work and great food
One of the newest additions to the town's eating establishments is the Saffron Indian Restaurant, which opened in the early part of the year. It's gone down a storm with locals and visitors alike. A great place to eat. Way above average. Fantastic service in modern dining room, no flock wallpaper in sight. And it's open every evening come rain or shine, until 11pm. Now that's what you call customer service, especially as the team that runs it travels from Bradford every day.
9 June 2007
Gallery opens but it's goodbye to book shop
The new Aardvark Gallery in Leyburn has shown what you can do with a small space with a little bit of style and sophistication. A great addition to the town for locals and tourists. The gallery has a decent exhibition of original paintings and prints to suit a number of tastes. Meanwhile, it's goodbye to the book shop, which has closed after a number of years. It will certainly be missed. So, one cultural landmark disappears and another arrives.
7 June 2007
Locals mourn loss of cinema
The planned closure of the Elite Cinema in Leyburn has not gone down with locals. A public meeting was held to discuss what could be done. A consortium was thought to be planning to buy the premises and give it a new lease of life as an arts venue but no more news on that at present. The current owners have pointed out that the opening of a new cinema in Richmond really signals the deathknell from a commercial point of view. Watch this space.