Blog Archives
(BELATED) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WALKING BUS
Another story that nearly missed the blogging bus – though we did get a picture in the D&S it wasn’t the main one. Not surprising, really, as it was a very long picture with a lot of children in it. Nearly the whole school, in fact, joined the ‘bus’ – the last in Wensleydale – to celebrate its fourth birthday in April. Organiser Carolyn Teasdale says: “It’s free, it’s green, they children see a lot of interesting things on the way and they arrive at school much more alert than if they’d come by car.”
When Carolyn first asked about establishing a walking bus in 2008 she was told they had just missed out on getting a £2,000 local authority grant. “It was just as well: those who got a grant to pay for people to accompany the children had to stop once the cuts came and the grant money ran out. We didn’t need any money because we do it ourselves on a voluntary basis. I think that’s probably why we’re the only one left in the dale,” she added. Click on any of the pictures to enlarge . . .
SUNSHINE, SUNSHINE: PIERS’ LATEST ONE-MAN SHOW
Piers at work in his studio
The Herriot Gallery in Hawes has a proud tradition of show-casing the work of leadings Dales’ artists, not least among them our own Piers Browne. There’s always a good collection of Piers’ work to be found there, and now this gem of a gallery in the centre of Hawes is staging a major one-man exhibition of stunning new works by Piers, called Sunshine, Sunshine. It’s on until 27 November so lots of opportunity to see this collection of oils and etchings. The Herriot Gallery houses a constantly changing selection of paintings and other artwork within the Herriot building. Full details about the gallery are available on The Herriot Gallery’s own website, where you can also find full details of Piers’ show.
Herriot’s also comprises Herriot’s Guest House and Herriot’s Kitchen. The Kitchen is housed within the gallery and has a selection of lovely home-cooked food and hot drinks so you can browse the exhibition and then contemplate over lunch or elevenses which of Piers’ works you want to buy.
Contact Piers about any aspect of his work at
Heugh, Nappa Scar,
Askrigg, North Leyburn,
North Yorkshire DL8 3JY
Tel: (01969) 650 434
email piersbrowne@btinternet.com
NOT MUCH SUN BUT PLENTY OF FUN
Keepers of the cakes - Tricia and Jackie resist temptation
It’s hard to keep up with everything that’s been happening in this so-called silly season – the time when not much is supposed to happen in a sleepy rural village like Askrigg. Sleepy? Not really a word we associate with this busy spot on the Wensleydale map. Lots has been going on in July and August: concerts, festivals, a parish party and a family fun day to name just a few. And there’s more to come: watch this space for news and pictures of the duck race – later today – the produce show at Askrigg village hall (tomorrow) and the lovely flower festival at Stalling Busk during the weekend. We didn’t manage to capture it all on camera but if you have any pictures, and even a small write-up, please email them to betsy@bottomchapel.co.uk. In the meantime we’re starting to plan the next issue of Oswald’s Outlook. It will be published on Tuesday 27 September and final copy deadline is Tuesday 20. Meanwhile here are a few pictures of the parish party.
The slippery slope to fun and games
Fleeces and cable-knits were the order of the day
"Now, if we all keep calm I'm sure the vicar won't do anything silly."
THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS
Teamwork - and great service from Keith and Lisa
Little by little we’re getting details of all the shops and services in the village onto the website. We’ve still a long way to go but the latest is our treasured local shop. Like every other service we have to remember that we must use it – or lose it. The shop is a vital part of our community. Not only for the fantastic range which Keith and Lisa stock – everything from wine to boot polish, from the very best bread flours to the freshest fruit and vegetables (not easy in a rural area) – but for that elusive feel-good factor that such a place engenders. When visitors to Askrigg see a well-stocked store they know they’re in a living village, not a holiday hideaway which is deserted in the winter. Even in the depths of one of the worst winters for many years, Keith and Lisa ensured that the supplies kept coming, and the shop and cafe stayed open for business. Read all about it here.
WALKING, TALKING, CUPCAKES AND COMPANY
It was the perfect Dales day – just enough sunshine, not too hot (is it ever?), great company, fabulous views. Oh yes, and a cream tea. Elizabeth’s badly-sprained ankle meant she couldn’t join us on the annual parish walk, sadly, but needless to say it didn’t stop her feeding us all with her delicious home-made cakes at Piers’ house.
Ever the perfect host, Piers had laid on a generous supply of Pimms, cold drinks, and strawberries and cream at his home in Heugh, just above Nappa, which affords what must surely be one of the best views in Yorkshire, and earlier we’d also had a refreshment stop at Woodhall where Julie Fawcett did the honours. So thanks to Julie and to Piers for their kind hospitality. Much appreciated by one and all.
From the youngest – baby Clari in her sling – to the oldest (probably me), from those who’d spent their whole lives in the village, to several newcomers and even some visitors from New Zealand, the walk was enjoyed by one and all. I’ll post the names as soon as I’ve got them all.
You can find more pictures on the Askrigg Church Facebook page. Just log on here http://www.facebook.com to see them all. Here’s a selection . . .
WHO SHALL HAVE A FISHY . . . ?
Gone fishin' . . . well, paddling at least
WE live in such a perfect corner of the world that it seemed only right to celebrate the story of Jesus and the fisherman at Semerwater. Ann and Elizabeth did what they do best; that is engaging the children, telling of Jesus and his miracles and sharing out good food!
As we were learning about teamwork that afternoon, the children worked together during a ‘fish hunt’ on the shores of the lake, whilst the trout slowly cooked to perfection over an open fire. The tasty morsels of fish and focacia bread went down a treat as the children and adults took in the spectacular location.
It was chilly, and rather drafty, but we had a window of an hour or so between showers – as Elizabeth said, “we’re blessed”. As we packed up and headed home, light rain set in again and a rainbow appeared – a perfect end to a perfect outing.
HEATHER HODGSON
Cold hands - warm hearts
Learning by the lake
