A UNIQUE weekend of music, song, history and celebrations aims to offer something for everyone in Thirkleby, near Thirsk this summer.
Much-loved Yorkshire Vet, Peter Wright, a former Thirkleby resident and local vet for almost 40 years will be joining the Right Revd Paul Ferguson, Bishop of Whitby, on Friday, July 15 to begin the weekend. Peter’s family has a long association with the parish church in Great Thirkleby, All Saints, and the local community. During the evening, Peter will talk about his local family ties, while the Bishop will entertain by playing the church’s restored Denman organ. There will also be cheese and wine.
The following day, Saturday, July 16, there will be a walk and talk by local author and archaeologist, Dr Jane Grenville, a local history display with homemade cakes available in Great Thirkleby Parish Hall from 11am to 4pm, and then, in the evening, Dishforth Military Wives Choir will fill All Saints with song.
Thirkleby and Dishforth Military Wives Choir
Ruth Sladden, the choir’s music director, said the concert programme offers something for everyone: “From a Bette Midler classic to an Adele smash hit, from songs celebrating nature to songs which reflect the strong relationships forged within the wide network of Military Wives Choirs, such as the aptly named Stronger Together (the song which launched the choir network ten years ago) and Carry Me (written for the women overseas). The programme of music will include a nod or two to the beautiful red flower of remembrance, the poppy.”
PR lead, Philippa Graham added: “We are all looking forward to singing in All Saints, Thirkleby. It is close to us and to have the opportunity to support the church and its community is exciting. The intimacy of a small church will make it a wonderful occasion and provides us with another opportunity to support our communities.”
Tickets for the weekend events, organised by the new charity All Saints Together (AST) are on sale now. Funds raised will go towards helping to try and make sure All Saints remains for generations to come.
All Saints Church, Thirkleby
AST committee member, Gill Walmsley said: “Like many small rural churches, All Saints is facing rising costs and falling congregations. That’s the reality of it. However, rather than shake a tin, we wanted to celebrate what a remarkable, and unique place it is. Anyone who has seen All Saints will have been charmed by it, so we want to make sure it remains a special place for everyone. We hope that by opening our doors and hosting a weekend of exciting events that new people, returning visitors and those with present and past connections, can come together to experience the ambience and appreciate this lovely place we have right here on our doorsteps.”
Admission to the Friday night event is £15, with tickets for the Saturday concert costing £20. Both start at 7.30pm. For tickets, email allsaintstogetherthirkleby@gmail.com
On the Sunday there will be an animal blessing, family activities, barbecue, and traditional quoits on the Village Green for the local community.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here