FREE Summer 2016
ANTIQUES
|
FOOD
|
Posh Picnics FABULOUS ALFRESCO FEASTS
INTERIORS |
WILDLIFE
|
GARDENING
Blooming Lovely EVERY GARDEN NEEDS DELPHINIUMS
The Good Life
THE CHANGING FACE OF FARMING
Out and About
EXPLORING THE DALES THIS SUMMER
e: .uk sit co eb ns. r w he ou kitc sit eVi shir rk yo
SUPPLIERS OF BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS COUNTY KITCHENS (Leyburn) Ltd
Showroom: Belle Vue Offices, Market Place, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 5AW Open: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Please ask for our complimentary brochure, Telephone: 01969 624274 Dales Life | Summer 2016 |
2
WELCOME from the editor
t’s lovely to have long, sunny days back with us again, but here at Dales Life we’ve been far too busy to make the most of the warm weather. Our new South Dales edition, covering the Skipton and Ilkley areas, is now officially up and running, and it has been all hands on deck in the office! If you’re wondering where to pick up our new title – or the North Dales edition for that matter – check out our website, daleslife.com, to find a convenient distribution point near you. If there’s one question that I get asked more than any other when I’m out and about in the Dales, it’s how on earth we manage to give away such a high quality magazine for free. The answer, of course, is that we’re funded entirely by advertising, so it’s our advertisers who deserve the credit for making Dales Life the quality publication it is today. So if you enjoy reading the magazine, don’t forget to support Dales businesses – and remember always to mention Dales Life when you respond to their advertisements!
Sue Gillman Editor GUARANTEED DELIVERY Take out a subscription and never miss another issue! Visit daleslife.com
NOT HAD DALES LIFE THROUGH YOUR LETTERBOX? See page 124 to find out where you can pick up a copy for free.
MORE THAN JUST A MAGAZINE Read our latest issue — and enjoy exclusive extras — online at daleslife.com.
Dales Life | Summer 2016 |
3
The home of the world’s finest fireplaces BEAUTIFULLY STYLISH WOOD BURNING AND MULTI-FUEL STOVES, GAS & ELECTRIC FIRES, FIREPLACE SURROUNDS & ACCESSORIES ALL OVER 5 ROOMS AT OUR SPECIALIST SHOWROOM IN NORTHALLERTON
235 HIGH STREET, NORTHALLERTON, DL7 8LU WWW.YORKSHIREFIREPLACES.CO.UK 01609 779866 FULL INSTALLATION SERVICE AVAILABLE
4
| Dales Life | Summer 2016
9 38
44
18
Contents Summer 2016
9
IFE STYLE L Inspiring ideas for your home and garden.
16 H AY DAYS A traditional hay meadow in full bloom is a glorious sight. 18 D IVINE DELPHINIUMS They’re big, they’re beautiful and their brilliant blues simply can’t be beaten, says Adam Appleyard. 26 FLYING VISITS On sunny summer days the Dales countryside is teeming with butterflies, Elena Greenway reports. 38 A DAY IN THE LIFE Behind the scenes with Dales farmer Neil Heseltine. 44 F LAVOURS OF SUMMER Simply delicious food to enjoy on lazy summer days.
11
50 POSH PICNICS Food tastes so much better outdoors, try this fabulous al-fresco feast. 59 FOOD FILE Food news, events and the best of local produce. 63 D RINKS NOTEBOOK Glorious rosé, local cider and a summer cocktail.
cover image © Sussie Bell
Dales Life 90 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1LT. 01904 629295 01904 279499 www.daleslife.com
Dales Life | Summer 2016 |
5
100
68
Contents
79
Summer 2016
68 S EASON’S BEST Fresh tomatoes are very much the taste of summer, now is the time to savour them. 72 T HE DISCERNING DINER Claudia Blake visits The White Swan, Gilling West. 76 D ALES DAYS OUT Great ideas for making the most of summer. 86 D ALES DIARY A guide to local events compiled by Liz Hanson.
100 DALES LIFE LOVES A collection of gorgeous goodies for summertime.
103 HEALTH AND BEAUTY Our pick of the latest products and treatments. 104 BAGS OF TALENT We meet up and coming artisan weaver Geri Copsey of Fibre and Hide. 109 PRIZE LOT This month’s auction room highlights.
110 FLASH DIVE Professor Chris Baines celebrates the remarkable comeback of the peregrine falcon. 128 TO DINE FOR Great places to eat in the Yorkshire Dales. 6
| Dales Life | Summer 2016
76 Editor Deputy Editor Production Advertising Art Editors Proofreader Proprietor Subscriptions
Sue Gillman Brian Pike Claudia Blake Sue Gillman Michaela Reeves Stef Suchomski Chris Bayles Alison Farrell Sue Gillman Paula McLaughlin
Contributors Prof. Chris Baines, Brian Pike, Ian Henry, RHS Images, Stephen Garnett Elena Greenway, Amanda Cook, Adam Appleyard, The National Trust.
t. 01904 629295, 01904 279499 m. 07970 739 119 e. sue@daleslife.com www.daleslife.com Dales Life 90 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1LT.
Dales Life | Summer 2016 |
7
9 NEW COLOURS FOR 2016
STOCKIST: Thirsk Decorating Centre (Rydenor Ltd.) The Old Sorting Office, Newsham Road, Thirsk,YO7 1PU 01845 440668
DOVETAIL INTERIORS FURNITURE HOME ACCESSORIES GIFTS
17 Market Place, Bedale, DL8 1ED 01677 426464 www.dovetailinteriors.com
8
| Dales Life | Summer 2016
Inspiring ideas for your home and garden Decorative hand-painted large heart lantern, from kensingtondesign.com
Ambersham outdoor furniture set by Garden Trading Company and available from Love Thy Interiors, 01845 527123 Duck egg blue enamel tray by Sophie Conran available in other colours from Dovetail Interiors, Bedale, 01677 426464
Quirky decorative hen garden ornament, makes a colourful addition to your garden, from theorchardhomeandgifts.com
Picnic basket available from Mainsgill Farm Shop, Richmond, 01325 718860
Reclaimed teak outdoor garden bench, available at Love Thy Interiors, Thirsk, 01845 527123
Dales Life | Summer 2016 |
9
Love Thy Interiors Exciting new collections for Summer
Our store in Thirsk is the perfect place to find that special gift. We have a unique collection of homeware, soft furnishings, furniture, lighting and collectable pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
Visit our stylish new store, now open in 14 Little Stonegate, York Open 7 days a week plus bank holidays.
11 Kirkgate Thirsk YO71PQ
www.lovethyinteriors.co.uk 01845 527123 • 14 Little Stonegate, York 01904 658711
The Fettling Fairies Amazing furniture refinished with a touch of magic Visit our website to see how we use our magic to breathe new life into
Dressers ♦ Drawer Chests Wardrobes ♦ Dressing Tables Farmhouse Tables and Chairs and much more. We can also wave our magic wands over your own cherished furniture or items we have sourced for you.
www.thefettlingfairies.co.uk Viewing by appointment at Moulton, Richmond 01748 478748 enquiries@thefettlingfairies.co.uk 10 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Inspiring ideas for your home
Delightful rabbit cake decoration, designed and handmade by Halinka at halinkafairies.com
Explore the gorgeous floral fabrics from Sanderson’s Painter’s Garden collection, milnersofleyburn.co.uk Sunny yellow casserole dish from Le Creuset’s Vida Brazil collection. Available at Dawson’s Department Store, Skipton, 01756 792121
Chest of drawers, refurbished and hand-painted with vibrant summer flowers by The Fettling Fairies, thefettlingfairies.com
This Spike the Hedgehog fine china mug will brighten even the dullest day. Available at Dovetail Interiors, Bedale, 01677 426464
Wild garlic te a towel by G eorgia Wilkinson, av aila Interiors, Beda ble at Dovetail le, 01677 42 6464
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 11
B e a r C o t tag e I n t e r i o r s
Rustic Country Style Design
Bespoke design service ranging from a single cushion cover to a complete home design package
Curtains & Blinds, Fabric, Furniture, New Interiors and Gifts The Cattle Market, Market Place, Hawes, DL8 3RD Tel 01969 666077
www.bearcottageinteriors.co.uk
We specialise in the finest bespoke solid wood, and hand painted kitchens. All lovingly hand-made in our own workshop.
Turning your dreams into reality 12 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
GROVE HOUSE Unit 1 Concept Park | Thirsk Ind.Est. Thirsk | North Yorkshire | YO7 3NH T: 01845 523562 E: info@grovehousefurniture.co.uk www.grovehousefurniture.co.uk
Inspiring ideas for your home and garden
Embroidered cushion in linen fabric mix by Clarke and Clarke from Dovetail Interiors, Bedale, 01677 426464
Summer house painted in various shades of Gauze by Little Greene and available from Thirsk Decorating Centre, 01845 440668
Alarm clock in dreamy pink by Newgate available at newgateclocks.com
Striking blue spot jug by Aston Pottery, from a range at Vixendale Gifts, Ripon, vixendalegifts.co.uk
Dancing Capercaillie footstool by Voyage, available at Bear Cottage Interiors, Hawes, 01969 666077
Hand-poured soya candle in English Rose at harleyandlola.co.uk Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 13
MAKERS OF BESPOKE KITCHENS AND BEDROOM FURNITURE
T 01609 775383 W DEANSBURYKITCHENS.CO.UK E INFO@DEANSBURYKITCHENS.CO.UK
Lauren Carr Soft Furnishings
I specialise in creating beautiful curtains, roman blinds, soft furnishings and offer a free home consultation to discuss your individual requirements. I can advise on fabrics, styles and accessories whatever your budget or style. As well as making soft furnishings from new, I can bring back to life old curtains by making changes creating cushions, trimmings and blinds. Contact Lauren for further details on:
07840 942565 oremail laurenssoftfurnishings@outlook.com 14 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Transform your exterior with clever colour... A new coat of paint will instantly enhance the look of your home. The best colour will depend on the style of your house, and we have made it easier than ever for you to find your perfect colour We stock the Dulux Tailor Made Collection which offers over 1200 colours that can be mixed in any finish you want. Exterior finishes available in Exterior Gloss and Satin and Masonry Paint
SANDERSON & CO
INTERIOR DECORATING SUPPLIERS
High Street, Leyburn Tel: 01969 623143
We will take your property from one room to a whole house and fully prepare it for sale
get ready to sell
OUR SERVICE: Full appraisal of the work needed Help to source local tradesmen Interior design solutions Project management of the whole job‌ always taking into account your budget
Visit letsgetreadytosell.co.uk Call 0751 5555 690 Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 15
hay days
A traditional hay meadow in full bloom is a truly glorious sight, and here in the Dales we have some of UK’s last few remaining examples. Search online for ‘Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust meadow walk guides’ for information on some of our finest
16 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 17
18 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
divine delphiniums They’re big, they’re beautiful and their brilliant blues simply can’t be beaten. Every garden needs delphiniums, says Adam Appleyard
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 19
NO TRADITIONAL ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDEN is complete without generous drifts of delphiniums – ultramarine, indigo, mauve or white – to add colour and height to the borders. Few other perennials can match delphiniums for sheer physical presence, and if you’re a fan of vibrant blues and blue-purples you’ll be hardpressed to find another family of plants that offers such a wide choice of sumptuous summer shades. OPENING PAGES, LEFT Close up of delphiniums RIGHT Delphinium Magic Fountains THIS PAGE, LEFT Delphinium ‘ Atlantis’ TOP LEFT Delphinium ‘Can Can’ TOP RIGHT Delphinium ‘Lillian Basset’ OPPOSITE Delphinium trial OVERLEAF Early morning sun backlighting delphiniums Images © RHS and GAP
20 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
A TALL ORDER? Delphiniums were a favourite plant in Victorian times, but fell out of favour in the middle years of the last century, acquiring a reputation for being old-fashioned and difficult to manage. Nowadays, though, they’re very much back in vogue. And whilst it’s true that you can’t simply cross your fingers and leave delphiniums to their own devices, it’s well worth spending that extra hour or two catering to their little foibles. They will reward you with tall, elegant spires of summer colour and provide an excellent source of long-lasting cut flowers. Make sure you do your research before buying, and decide which varieties of delphinium are best for your garden. The ‘Pacific’ group of hybrids can grow into majestic plants two metres or more tall, and will create a truly jaw-dropping show. By the same token, though, they’re easily toppled, so if your site is a windswept one you may well want to opt for shorter, more branching plants from the ‘Belladonna’ group. If you’re in doubt as to what’s what, ask for advice at your local nursery. Once you’ve sourced your plants, taking your time to prepare the ground will pay dividends.
Delphinium Decisions There are hundreds of different kinds of delphinium to choose between, but here’s a selection of tried and tested varieties that you should be able to source fairly easily.
Delphinium ‘Blue Nile’ A classic delphinium, this stately cultivar grows up to 1.5m high and produces generous spikes of gorgeous sky-blue, white-eyed, semi-double flowers.
Delphinium ‘Langdon’s Blue Lagoon’ With much the same colour scheme as ‘Blue Nile’, this one is a real back-of-the-border stunner – in ideal conditions it will soar to heights of 2.5m or so. Just make sure you give it a sheltered site and plenty of support.
Delphinium ‘Can-Can’ A tallish delphinium (up to 1.5m) with showy, pale violet, pom-pom-like flowers carried in elegant, tapering spikes.
Delphinium ‘Lilian Bassett’ Take a break from blues and violets with this 1.5mhigh beauty whose pure white, semi-double flower petals contrast beautifully with their dark brown centres. For a taller (up to 2.5m) white-flowered delphinium try Delphinium ‘Olive Poppleton’.
Delphinium ‘Atlantis’ A medium-sized delphinium that won’t grow higher than 1m, ‘Atlantis’ bears neat spikes of single, dark blue-purple blooms – just right for anyone with a more modest space to fill.
Delphinium grandiflorum ‘Blue Butterfly’ If you want a tiny, compact delphinium – so small that it doesn’t need staking – this bijou beauty fits the bill perfectly. It grows to around 35cm tall and will produce delicate, gentian blue flowers, subtly tinted with violet.
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 21
Delphiniums like chalky, alkaline conditions, so if your soil tends towards the acidic you’ll need to apply calcium carbonate, preferably well in advance. They are also hungry plants, so dig in plenty of organic matter such as well-rotted garden compost or blood, fish and bone. And although delphiniums demand generous watering throughout the growing season (without it they’re prone to powdery mildew), nothing upsets them more than damp, waterlogged winter conditions. If your soil is heavy, dig in plenty of grit to help it drain more freely.
PLENTY AT STAKE Whether you opt for tall delphiniums or shorter ones, all bar the dwarf varieties need some form of support to prevent the top-heavy flowering stalks getting damaged. Don’t wait until they start shooting skywards; have your supporting structure in place well before it is needed. One of the best and least visually intrusive ways to protect your delphiniums from unseasonal gusts is to set twiggy sticks (a useful byproduct of pruning trees and woody shrubs) firmly into the ground all around them. Once the delphiniums put on a spurt of growth, your sticks will be barely noticeable but will still give your plants plenty of support. 22 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Delphiniums don’t have an especially long flowering season, but with a bit of luck you can nudge them into putting up a second flush of flower stems in late summer or early autumn once the first set has gone over. Simply cut the flower stems back hard when they are spent, then mulch and feed your plants generously. Don’t think you can let down your guard once the flowering is done, though, because it’s never too early to think about next year’s delphiniums. Young delphinium shoots make a tasty snack for hibernating slugs that emerge from the soil in spring, and early autumn is an ideal time to apply a biological control such as Nemaslug. Alternatively, wait until early spring and use an eco-friendly repellent to keep those greedy molluscs at bay. Please don’t use poisons, though, because they will harm hard-pressed garden birds like thrushes. Delphiniums are perfectly hardy and don’t need any special protection over winter. Once they start growing again in spring you can easily increase your stock by dividing large clumps or taking cuttings. A word of warning: Delphiniums belong to the buttercup family of plants (Ranunculaceae), and like many of their cousins they are somewhat toxic. They will give you a nasty stomach ache if ingested, so make sure pets and children don’t take a sneaky nibble!
MILNERS of Leyburn E S T. 1 8 8 3
STYLE FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME CARPETS
❖
RUGS
❖
CURTAINS
❖
BLINDS
❖
UPHOLSTERY
❖
BEDDING
❖
LADIES FASHION & ACCESSORIES
6 Market Place, Leyburn DL8 5BJ | 01969 622208 | sales@milnersofleyburn.co.uk www.milnersofleyburn.co.uk Dales Life | Summer 2016
| 23
T I M B E R
• Oak Beams • Doors • Decking • Sawn Timber • Machined Timber • Skirting • Architrave • Flooring • Cladding 24 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
TIMBER SOLUTIONS
Call us or visit our showroom for advice on how we can help you with your project. GREEN LANE, MELMERBY RIPON HG4 5JB
01765 640564
sales@duffieldtimber.com www.duffieldtimber.com
FLOOR TILES & FLAGS CLEANED AND SEALED Kitchens • Conservatories • Halls
JOHN LORD
01748 811452 • 07961 460020 john@steamcleanseal.co.uk
Sophisticated Style Stylish indoor or outdoor furniture with fixed water repellent upholstery made in Marina Plus fabric, no more need for storing cushions out of the rain.
For more information phone Colin Blanchard on 01677 470238 or 07764 279815 ocean-designs.co.uk
Thirsk Road (A168) Northallerton North Yorkshire DL6 3SB Open: Monday to Saturday: 10am - 6pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm
t: 01609 780475 e: info@aquaticfinatic.co.uk w: www.aquaticfinatic.com Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 25
flying visits On sunny summer days the Dales countryside is teeming with beautiful butterflies. Elena Greenway explains what to look out for IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 25,000 DIFFERENT species of insects can be found in the British Isles. Butterflies, with a mere 59 species, account for just a tiny fraction of this number. Thanks, though, to their delicate beauty and peaceable nature, butterflies are far and away our most popular insect residents. Peacocks, Tortoiseshells and Red Admirals are frequent visitors to our flower borders, and Cabbage Whites are equally frequent (though perhaps not quite so welcome) visitors to the vegetable patch. But take a stroll in the meadows, or up along the winding stone lanes and trackways onto the moors, and you’ll find an entirely different set of less familiar, but equally spectacular, winged wonders.
26 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 27
“ Peacocks, Tortoiseshells and Red Admirals are frequent visitors to our flower borders”
TIP OFF
OPENING PAGES Comma butterfly THIS PAGE, TOP Orange Tip butterfly ABOVE Speckled Wood butterfly OPPOSITE Gatekeeper butterfly OVERLEAF Painted Lady butterfly
28 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
One of the easiest butterflies to recognise is the Orange Tip. True to their name, male Orange Tips have forewings generously splashed with vibrant orange. Other than that, their wings are largely white – when seen from above, at least. The underwings are a different story, consisting of a mottled colour scheme that provides their owner with perfect camouflage when they snap their wings closed. Female Orange Tips are drabber, lacking the orange wing splashes. The Orange Tip can be found fluttering along hedgerows, especially those bordering on damp meadows.
Less common than the Orange Tip, but favouring similar habitats, is the Gatekeeper, a pert little brown and orange butterfly with a single dark spot on each forewing. Unlike most butterflies, it rests with its wings open rather than closed. The Gatekeeper is at the northern limit of its range here in North Yorkshire, but it is still regularly sighted. Gatekeeper caterpillars feed on various grasses. Also at the northern limit of its range, but currently expanding into Yorkshire and County Durham thanks to milder climatic conditions, is the handsome Marbled White, a large butterfly whose bold black-and-white patterning makes it unmistakeable. You’ll find the Marbled White in rough limestone grassland, where the adults are irresistibly drawn to wild marjoram, knapweed and thistles. Their caterpillars graze on the grasses typically found in unimproved pasture. Stay alert when you’re walking woodland margins or forest rides and you’ll probably soon spot the Speckled Wood butterfly. It’s a dapper little butterfly, whose wings are dark chocolate brown, jollied up with creamy specks and blotches. The males can often be seen defending their territory in woodland glades, rising up abruptly to chase off rivals. The females lay their eggs on couch grass and similar plants.
WINGING THE BLUES There are several tiny, gem-like, bright blue butterflies to be found in the British Isles. Unsurprisingly, the one you’ll most often meet is the Common Blue. It skims low above grassland dotted with the clovers and trefoils that its caterpillars depend on, and it can even colonise motorway verges and urban parks. Keep your eyes peeled, though, for the higher-flying Holly Blue, which you can find close to the plants on which it lays its eggs, namely holly (in spring) and ivy (in autumn). Churchyards, often well provided with both of these, are a good place to look. Although Southern England is generally richer in butterfly species, we do have our own Northern specialities. These include the Northern Brown Argus, found only in Northern England and Scotland. It is a neat, attractive butterfly, whose dark brown wings are fringed with white and decorated with rows of orange dots. The Northern Brown Argus is rare in the UK due to its exacting habitat requirements: sheltered, unimproved limestone grassland on which the common rock rose grows. The limestone pavements in and around the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Grass Wood nature reserve near Grassington are a good place to find it. Try visiting towards the end of June. Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 29
CATERPILLAR CAFÉ Nowadays many gardeners deliberately plant flowers and shrubs that provide bees and butterflies with plentiful sources of nectar. What’s less widely appreciated is that butterflies often need a quite different selection of plants for their caterpillars to feed on. Individual species can have very precise requirements, and the average garden certainly won’t cater to everyone’s tastes. If you want to do your bit to help, though, one of the best ways is simply to let a corner of your plot go wild. As you’ll see from the list below, many caterpillar-friendly plants are ‘weeds’, but a little untidiness is a small price to pay for a thriving butterfly population.
WHO EATS WHAT? Orange Tip, Green-veined White
Sweet Rocket (Hesperis matronalis), Honesty (Lunaria annua), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata).
Holly Blue
Holly (Ilex acquifolium), Ivy (Hedera helix).
Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral Common Nettle (Urtica dioica). The Comma butterfly, less common than the Speckled Wood, is another medium-sized butterfly fond of woodland edges. It is unique amongst British butterflies in having deeply and irregularly scalloped, ragged-looking wings. These are predominantly orange, with darker blotches. The underwings carry the distinctive white, comma-shaped mark from which it gets its name. Nettles are the favourite foodstuff of Comma butterfly caterpillars, who disguise themselves from predators by the clever ruse of looking virtually identical to bird droppings. On upland heaths where the bilberry grows, look out for the Green Hairstreak, immediately recognisable by its lustrous green underwings. Whilst the Green Hairstreak is widely distributed throughout Britain, populations tend to be small and isolated. It can be found in the hills above Ilkley and Settle, and also in the higher reaches of Swaledale. 30 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Comma
Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum).
Small Copper
Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), Sheep’s Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) and other docks (Rumex spp.). For more information about caterpillar-friendly plants – and plenty of fascinating information about butterflies and moths – visit www.butterfly-conservation.org
Finally it is worth remembering that not all the butterflies we see in the UK live here all year. The Painted Lady, one of the largest British butterflies, can’t survive our winters, but populations regularly migrate from Africa – and back again – sometimes in staggering numbers. Look out for these hardy long-distance travellers on their favourite food sources, thistles and knapweed.
Oak Flooring | Crucial Trading | Amtico | Karndean | Brintons and much more Unit 6 Borough Court, Borough Rd, Gallowfields Trading Estate, Richmond, DL10 4SX t 01748 822834 m 07789 996526 e nhflooring@btinternet.com w www.nhflooring.co.uk Telephone Nick Hodges to make an appointment
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 31
FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS
Bedding plants, Starter Plants, Seedlings and Plugs, Hanging Baskets, Planted Arrangements, Trees and Shrubs
Open Monday to Saturday 8am-4.30pm, Sunday 10am-4pm Ravensworth, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL11 7HA info@ravensworthnurseries.com | Fax: 01325 718953 | Tel: 01325 718370
We provide specialist landscaping services including: • Residential & Commercial Landscaping • Grounds Maintenance • Mini Digger Hire • Garden & Shed Design • Fencing • Turfing Our team of skilled landscapers and designers are on hand to assist with all garden maintenance needs. We have innovative ideas, expert knowledge and skilled designers
www.fhlandscaping.co.uk | info@fhlandscaping.co.uk Manfield, Darlington, DL2 2RD | t: 01325 731717 | m: 07967 305979 32 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
In for a Pond
SORTED If you’ve got a garden pond, now’s the time to give it a bit of TLC, and maybe think about introducing a selection of fish. And if you haven’t got a pond, what are you waiting for? A good place to get friendly advice on all aspects of pond making and pond maintenance – from oxygenation and filtration to keeping the dreaded blanketweed at bay – is Aquatic Finatic in Northallerton (aquaticfinatic.co.uk). Aquatic Finatic were regional runners-up in last year’s Practical Fishkeeping Retailer of the Year awards, so they obviously know their subject inside out. With a huge selection of pond plants and cold-water fish in stock you’ll find everything you need to create a truly first-class water feature.
garden notes Adam Appleyard’s
It’s amazing how quickly the interior of a greenhouse or potting shed can degenerate into an untidy jumble of odds and ends, so here’s a stylish way to bring a little bit of order into your horticultural life: a smart garden organiser designed by Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball. With nine neat little pots in a matching tray you’ll be able to lay your hands on what you need in a trice. Now in stock at Dovetail Interiors, Bedale, dovetailinteriors.com.
Best Fruit Forward
THE TREE MALLOW Seasonal Sensation
Standing well over a metre tall and bearing masses of bee-friendly pink flowers all summer long, the tree mallow makes a dramatic and eyecatching addition to a mixed border. There are several species of tree mallow, with Lavatera x clementii being one of the most popular varieties. It’s quick growing and semi-evergreen, so it won’t leave a huge hole in your planting scheme when autumn comes. You can find it – along with plenty of other pretty perennials – at Ravensworth Nurseries (ravensworthnurseries.com).
Honey-sweet greengages, eaten straight from the tree, are one of my favourite late summer treats. Greengages were bred from plums, but they have none of the sharpness of their ancestors, and they are usually yellow-green rather than plummy purple. ‘Oullins Golden Gage’ is a self-fertile gage that does well here in the North. You can buy it – along with plum, cherry, apple and pear trees galore, all grown on site – at Braithwaites Gardening Centre, Bedale (braithwaitesnursery.co.uk). Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 33
Sit it Out For those long, lazy days sitting in the sun, a decent set of light but durable garden furniture is an investment you won’t regret. This stylish set from top maker Hartman, hand-woven over sturdy aluminium frames, is bang on trend and super-comfy to boot. You can find a selection of Hartman garden furniture on display at Dawson’s department store in Skipton (dawsonsdepartmentstore.co.uk), or order it online from Dawson’s outdoor furniture site, gardenfurnitureworld.co.uk.
garden notes Adam Appleyard’s
Potted History
Picking the perfect planter is a fine balance: you want something that looks terrific, but which doesn’t make such a bold statement that it steals the thunder from your prize blooms. These elegant galvanised steel Chadlington planters from Love Thy Interiors in Thirsk (lovethyinteriors. co.uk) will quickly weather to a lovely muted metallic grey. Their patina, along with the retro detailing, gives them that ‘always been there’ look that adds a touch of classic charm to any patio.
SCREEN SAVER
HOT TOPIC Now the warm weather has arrived there’s something about the prospect of rustling up a meal outdoors that few of us can resist. But which kind of barbecue is best, charcoal or gas? Both sides of the debate have passionate advocates. Charcoal gives you that authentic, smoky, char-grilled taste, but can be slow to heat and messy. Gas barbies are fast and easy to control but they’re heavier and need more storage space. Ultimately it’s a personal choice, but for professional advice and a chance to explore the options in depth visit Woodbank Nurseries, Bingley (woodbanknurseries.com), who stock a wide selection of barbecues – both charcoal and gas – from top-quality brands including Weber and Outback. 34 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Growing a hedge from scratch can be a lengthy process – not ideal if you have pressing concerns about privacy or security. Wykeham Mature Plants (www. wykehammatureplants.co.uk) is a North Yorkshire company that specialises in instant landscape transformations, supplying larger trees and shrubs than you’d normally find elsewhere. They deliver nationwide, and even offer design and planting services, meaning you can be relaxing behind a mature hedge in a matter of hours rather than years.
Lowmill Landscapes PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING SPECIALISTS Lowmill Landscapes are hard landscaping contractors that specialise in all aspects of landscape work, including walling, paving, driveways, water features, fencing and groundworks. Our small team of qualified, experienced craftsmen provides an efficient and excellent service throughout the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas. Tel: 01677 450510 Mobile: 07710 747891 Email: admin@lowmill-landscapes.co.uk www.lowmill-landscapes.co.uk
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 35
JACOBEAN HOUSE
Country Seat of Founder of Maryland, USA
400 YEARS OF HISTORY ‘Fabulous house, gardens and afternoon tea was superb. One of the best. Thank you!’
2016 - Longer Opening Hours Gardens and Tea Room Sat – Wed until 26 October, 10am – 5pm
Hall Sat – Wed until 26 October 11am – 5pm
Kiplin Hall, nr. Scorton, Richmond, DL10 6AT 01748 818178
For events and more information: kiplinhall.co.uk 36 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
THORP PERROW
A fantastic day out for the whole family
Explore 100 acres of stunning woodland, run wild and free in our adventure play area or meet exotic birds and animals, no two visits to Thorp Perrow Arboretum are the same!
Find us on facebook or visit www.thorpperrow.com
THORP PERROW, BEDALE, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 2PS TEL: 01677 425323
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 37
A DAY IN THE LIFE
the hill
farmer Neil Heseltine farms Hill Top Farm in Malham, along with his partner Leigh Weston. Taking in 1,100 acres of stunning limestone scenery and rising to an altitude of 1,800 feet, Hill Top Farm is currently home to a breeding herd of 120 Belted Galloway cattle and around 200 Swaledale sheep Words by Brian Pike Images by Stephen Garnett 38 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
How do you spend an average day in summer? July, say? To be honest I don’t think there’s ever such a thing as an average day, but in July we’ve got two main priorities: getting the sheep sheared and haymaking. All our land is farmed under the DEFRA Higher Level Stewardship scheme, which is largely about increasing biodiversity. An important part of this is maintaining and improving traditional hay meadows, which have to be managed according to a very specific schedule. Both shearing and haymaking are weatherdependent. Since we might only get a week’s worth of good days, things can get a bit fraught
trying to juggle the two activities. Haymaking may seem like an idyllic prospect but in reality we’re usually up against it, working through until nine o’clock at night with one eye on the storms looming on the horizon. Presumably lambing season is even busier? That’s right. You’re up and out of bed as soon as you possibly can be, first light, and out round the flock. We’ll come in at six or seven in the evening, but there will always be problem sheep and lambs that need to be brought inside and tended during the night. So it’s a twelve- or thirteen-hour day, plus a bit at night on top of that.
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 39
40 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Why did you choose to farm Belted Galloway cattle? They’re a traditional, hardy breed that are a perfect fit for the conditions on our farm. Belted Galloways are very good at living on challenging terrain, and unlike Continental cattle they can stay outside and graze the hills all year round. Year-round grazing has important benefits in terms of improving biodiversity. We’ve been farming Belted Galloways for thirteen years now, and as time has gone by there have been definite environmental benefits. I’ve seen more hares than I have for years, and there’s a greater diversity of plants and herbs. The RSPB tells us we’ve created a much better habitat for groundnesting birds, and we’ve had barn owls nesting and rearing their young on the farm for the first time in years. And the beef? We’re very proud of it! We’re approved suppliers of the Pasture-Fed Livestock Association, so our cattle don’t eat grain. They subsist entirely by grazing our herbrich pastures. Why? Well for one thing it’s a more efficient, sustainable method of production. Why feed 10kg of grain to an animal to get 1kg of meat, when that same grain could be used to feed people instead? What’s more, pasture-fed meat is lower in saturated fat and higher in vitamins, and it always gets great feedback on taste tests! If you want to try it for yourself, we’ve just started selling it through our local farm shop, Town End Farm Shop in Airton.
How do you see the future of the farm? In many ways the ‘new’ things I’m doing now actually go back to techniques used by my father and grandfather when they started working the farm in the 1950s. In recent times most farmers have felt under pressure to increase stock numbers to maximise productivity, hence the need to feed cattle on grain. What we’ve been doing over the last few years is to go back in the opposite direction, reducing the number of stock to a level that’s appropriate to the land we farm, and letting the animals exhibit as much as possible of their natural behaviour. It’s the same story with the sheep as with the cattle. We’ve reduced them from 800 down to 200, and we might even go lower. And whereas there has been a general tendency to start lambing earlier and earlier in the year, feeding with supplements rather than relying solely on grass, we’ve been letting lambing time slip back a bit later. Almost six weeks later, in fact, to fit in with when the grass has grown sufficiently to sustain our flock. You’ve got a remarkably smart website for a Dales farmer. That’s all down to my partner, Leigh, who has developed a fantastic social media following for us: nearly 8,000 followers on Twitter, and even more on Instagram. We think it’s an important part of what we’re doing to develop a closer relationship with people who live in and visit the Dales, and to spread the message about what we believe to be a good way of farming. Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 41
What’s the most difficult part of your job? I think the hardest thing about being an upland farmer is the unrelenting nature of the job. There’s never a day when there’s nothing to do, and there’s nobody else to do it but you, so you really feel the pressure. Even when we’re away from the farm, we’re worrying about what’s going on there. It can be quite tough to cope with, psychologically. And what do you enjoy most? A few years ago I would have said it was knowing I had produced the best livestock I possibly could. And that’s still something I’m aiming at, of course. But what gives me most satisfaction nowadays, what’s important to us as a family, is finding the right balance, farming in a way that doesn’t have a detrimental effect on the environment. Whether or not our daughter will go into farming I’ve no idea, but it’s hugely important to me that this land is farmed – sustainably – for generations to come. 42 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
You can find out more about Neil and Hill Top Farm at hilltopmalham.co.uk. Leigh tweets as @hilltopfarmgirl and is hilltopfarmgirl on Instagram. For those who want to experience the farm at first hand, Hill Top has a Grade II listed cottage sleeping five and a bunkbarn sleeping up to 32.
Established in 1993, A.D. Calvert Architectural Stone Supplies Ltd are based in the heart of Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. The company comprises a large, modern and well maintained sandstone, granite and limestone processing plant, with a showroom demonstrating the skill of the master craftsmen and the complexities of the work undertaken.
Heads • Cills • Walling • Fireplaces • New Builds • Cladding • Landscaping • Garden Products Moulded Work • Laser Etching • Turned Work • Work Tops • Flooring • Multi-Fuel Stoves The Stoneyard | Wensley Road | Leyburn | North Yorkshire | DL8 5ED t: 01969 622296 | f: 01969 622314 | e: stone@calverts.co.uk | w: www.calverts.co.uk Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 43
44 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
flavours of
Summer Simply delicous food to enjoy on lazy sunny days
RUSTIC FARMHOUSE PÂTÉ
MAKES 4 X 450g JARS OF PÂTÉ: RECIPE CAN BE HALVED
To prepare the clarified butter, place the butter in a small saucepan and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until all the solids (the milk fats) rise to the top. Skim off and discard these solids. You know the butter is fully clarified when it loses its cloudiness and becomes clear. You’ll then be left with the pure golden butter fat, which will be great for preserving your pâté, as it will stop the surface oxidising when you pour it over the top. If not using immediately, your clarified butter will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 year.
PREPARATION: 30 MINUTES COOKING: 30 MINUTES
Meanwhile, to make the pâté, heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, thyme leaves, bay leaves and speck for 5 minutes, until the onion is transparent.
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Add the chicken livers and butter and cook gently for 15–20 minutes, until the livers are cooked through. Remove the bay leaves, then stir in the brandy and salt.
5 fresh bay leaves, plus extra to garnish
Transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the green peppercorns, adjust the seasoning, then spoon into four sterilised jars. Top each jar of pâté with a bay leaf and an extra thyme sprig or two, then cover with the clarified butter. Seal and store in the refrigerator, where the pâté will keep for several weeks. For your picnic, take a jar of pâté in a cooler bag, and enjoy with a crusty baguette and orange marmalade.
CLARIFIED BUTTER 250g unsalted butter
PÂTÉ 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 brown onions (about 300g) roughly chopped
2 thyme sprigs, leaves picked, plus extra sprigs for topping the pâté
250g speck or smoked bacon, roughly chopped 1kg free-range chicken livers, trimmed of any sinew 250g brandy 1 teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons green peppercorns
TO SERVE crusty sourdough baguette orange marmalade
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 45
ZUCCHINI, FETA & ASPARAGUS TART WITH CHIA PASTRY Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F Gas Mark 4).
SERVES 6–8
On a lightly floured workbench, roll out the pastry to about 8 mm thick. Press into a 23cm (9 inch) loose-based fluted flan tin and trim the edges. Rest for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
PREPARATION 40 MINUTES COOKING 50 MINUTES
Line the tart shell with a sheet of baking paper, then fill with baking beads or uncooked rice or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the baking paper and beads, then bake for a further 10 minutes, or until the pastry is golden. Remove the tart shell from the oven; reduce the oven temperature to 150°C (300°F Gas Mark 2). While the pastry is blind baking, heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Sauté the leek over medium heat for 5–10 minutes, or until soft and fragrant. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Spread the cooled leek over the blind-baked tart shell. Squeeze as much water out of the grated zucchini as possible, then arrange on top of the leek. Sprinkle with the mint and chives. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the tart. Lay the asparagus spears on top, then sprinkle with the Gruyère and feta. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the filling is cooked in the centre and the pastry is golden. This tart is lovely served warm, but is wonderful cold as well — great to take to a picnic.
1 quantity sour cream pastry
2 leeks, pale part only, chopped 1 zucchini, about 150g, grated 2 tablespoons chopped mint 2 tablespoons chopped chives 6 free-range eggs 200ml thin (pouring/whipping) cream 1 teaspoon sea salt 1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 12 asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed 100g (1 cup) grated Gruyère cheese 100g (2⁄3 cup) crumbled feta cheese
SOUR CREAM PASTRY Chop the chilled butter into chunks, then place in a food processor with the flour and chia seeds. Pulse until the butter is the size of cherries. Add the sour cream and pulse again, until just incorporated. Turn out onto a cool, floured surface and form the dough into a rectangle. Cover and leave to rest in the fridge for 20 minutes. Roll out to the shape and thickness directed in your recipe, then press into your pie or tart tin. Trim the pastry edges, then rest in the fridge again for 30 minutes, before baking and filling according to your recipe instructions. TIP: The pastry can be wrapped up and frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw it in the fridge for a day or overnight before using.
46 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
MAKES 575g PASTRY PREPARATION 10 MINUTES + 50 minutes resting 150g chilled salted butter 300g 2 cups plain (all-purpose) flour, sifted, plus extra for dusting 3 tablespoons chia seeds 125g (1⁄2 cup) sour cream
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 47
LEMON CURD CHEESECAKE Grease the base of a 23cm (9 inch) spring-form cake tin. Line the base and side with baking paper.
MAKES 1 X 23cm (9 INCH) CAKE
Break the biscuits into bits and place in a food processor. Blend until smooth, and the consistency of sand, then tip into a bowl. Add the sugar, melted butter and water and mix until all the crumbs are damp with the butter, like wet sand. Using the back of a metal spoon, and a straight-sided glass, press the crumb mixture into the base of the tin. Place in the refrigerator to set for an hour or so. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F Gas Mark 2).
PREPARATION: 30 MINUTES + resting + overnight chilling
To make the filling, beat the cream cheese and sugar in a bowl, using an electric mixer, until soft and well combined. Add the sour cream and beat on slow speed to combine – don’t overbeat the mixture, or beat it too fast, as this will cause the cheesecake to rise during cooking, then crack as it is cooling down: always have the speed set to slow to medium. Add the eggs one at a time, beating in each one until incorporated. Add the lemon zest and juice and beat slowly for about a minute. Pour the mixture over the biscuit base. Bake for 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is a light golden colour, but still a bit wobbly in the middle. Leave to cool in the oven with the door ajar. Refrigerate for 12 hours, or overnight, until chilled. Just before serving, spread with most of the lemon curd. Decorate with big dollops of thick cream and candied lemon slices, if desired. Drizzle with the remaining lemon curd, dust with icing sugar and serve.
LEMON CURD
COOKING: 1 HOUR 150g digestive biscuits, or your favourite biscuits 75g (½ cup) caster sugar 75g unsalted butter, melted 2 teaspoons warm water ½ quantity lemon curd thick (double) cream, to serve (optional) candied lemon slices, to garnish (optional) sifted icing sugar, for dusting FOR THE FILLING 300g cream cheese, softened 180g caster sugar 300g sour cream 3 large free-range eggs zest and juice of 1 lemon
MAKES 1 X 500ml JAR
Put the butter and lemon zest in a heavy-based saucepan and place over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. When the butter has melted, add the egg yolk mixture and lemon juice, then whisk constantly over medium heat until the curd thickens. This will take about 10 minutes. Leave to cool, then ladle into a sterilised jar and seal. The curd will keep for at least 2 months in the fridge.
Recipes and photographs are from In The Kitchen by Simmone Logue, published in hardback by Murdoch Books and available from all good booksellers.
48 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
SERVES 12
PREPARATION: 10 MINUTES COOKING: 15 MINUTES 250g unsalted butter zest of 2 lemons, plus the juice of 3 lemons 3 large free-range egg yolks 190g caster sugar
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 49
50 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Posh Picnics Food seems to taste so much better in the great outdoors. Whether it’s a day at the races or a lazy day by the river, try this fabulous alfresco feast for something a little bit different
Mini tomato, olive and mozzarella tarts Sometimes the simplest combinations are the best, and this is true for these colourful tomato, olive and mozzarella tarts. Partially cooking the heirloom tomatoes brings out their flavour and texture.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C)/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Heat a little olive oil in a large frying pan, add the tomatoes and garlic and sauté for 4–5 minutes until the tomatoes are tender but not overcooked. Add the olives and season, then tip into a bowl and leave to cool.
olive oil, for frying
Heat a good layer of olive oil in the pan and fry the basil leaves for a few seconds until crisp and translucent, taking care as they will spit and splutter. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.
24 basil leaves
Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to 2mm thick. Using a 7cm diameter plain cookie cutter, stamp out 12 discs, re-rolling the trimmings as necessary.
6 mini mozzarella balls, halved
Grease 12 individual 6cm diameter tartlet tins or a 12-hole mini tart tin, line with the pastry discs and prick with a fork. Bake in the oven for 6–8 minutes until golden. Leave to cool in the tins for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
15–20 red and yellow cherry tomatoes, halved 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced 15 black olives, pitted and chopped 200g chilled shortcrust pastry plain flour, for dusting unsalted butter, for greasing salt and freshly ground black pepper
Makes 12 Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus cooling Cooking time: about 15 minutes
Fill the mini tart cases with the tomato and olive mixture, then top each with a mozzarella half and garnish with 2 crispy basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 51
Vanilla cured salmon on beetroot and caraway bread I like experimenting with ingredients and as a pastry chef vanilla is my favourite flavour. Trust me, the sweetness of the vanilla and the smoky taste of the salmon really work well together, and the bread is slightly exotic, with a hint of fabulous pink from the beetroot. Use very fresh salmon for this recipe as it will take a couple of days to cure. You can make the bread the day before you want to serve it.
2 tsp vanilla bean paste 300g skinless salmon fillet 250ml vodka 100g rock salt 70g muscovado sugar 1 tbsp mini capers, rinsed and chopped 1 tbsp chopped dill freshly ground black pepper ½ lemon, to serve FOR THE BEETROOT BREAD 250g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting ½ x 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast ½ tsp golden caster sugar 1 tsp caraway seeds 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for greasing 125ml warm water 70g cooked beetroot, puréed in a food processor
Makes 16 Preparation time: 25 minutes, plus marinating, curing and rising Cooking time: 20 minutes
52 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Rub the vanilla paste over the salmon fillet, then place in a deep non-reactive dish and pour over the vodka. Cover with clingfilm and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Meanwhile, using a pestle and mortar, grind the salt and sugar together. Set aside. Drain the marinade from the salmon, then rub the salt and sugar mixture into the salmon flesh. Cover with clingfilm and leave to cure in the refrigerator for 36–48 hours (the salt will extract the liquid from the fish). Make the bread the day before the salmon is ready to serve. Put the flour into the bowl of a freestanding mixer fitted with a dough hook, make a well in the centre and add the dried yeast, sugar, caraway seeds, salt and extra virgin olive oil. Pour in the 125ml water and the puréed beetroot and knead for 5 minutes. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and leave to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. Turn the dough out on to a floured surface and divide into 2 equal pieces, then roll each into a rectangle. Roll up into log shapes to fit the tins, tucking the ends under. Transfer to 2 500g greased loaf tins and leave to rise in a warm place for at least 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C)/425°F/Gas Mark 7. Bake the bread in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until it sounds slightly hollow when tapped on the base. Turn out on to a cooling rack and leave to cool completely. If baking the day before, store in an airtight container overnight. When ready to serve, rinse the cured salmon under cold running water and pat dry with kitchen paper. Using a sharp knife, slice the salmon thinly. Cut the beetroot bread into 16 slices and cut the crusts off. Top each with slices of salmon and sprinkle over a few capers. Season with black pepper and garnish with the dill. Squeeze over the lemon before serving.
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 53
Tequila king prawn sliders Bring a touch of Mexican fiesta to your picnic with these spicy king prawns that are marinated in a zesty and boozy salsa. These prawns taste super fresh and are best served in a soft fluffy bread roll.
2 tbsp olive oil 1 small red onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 20 raw peeled king prawns, with tails intact, deveined 3 tbsp tequila 1 tsp lime juice 10 small soft white mini rolls extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling salt and freshly ground black pepper
Makes 10 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: about 15 minutes
Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C)/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat until it shimmers, then add the onion and garlic, season with salt and cook for about 8–10 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the prawns and cook for about 3 minutes until they just turn pink. Remove the pan from the heat, add the tequila and scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits. Return to the heat and simmer until the smell of alcohol has cooked off and the prawns are cooked through. Remove from the heat, stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Meanwhile, cut the rolls in half horizontally and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil. Place the halves on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for about 5 minutes. Divide the prawns and all their juices among the roll bases, top with the lids and serve.
54 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 55
Spiced banana and walnut bundt cakes Bundt cakes have had a huge revival in recent years and the special cake tins that make their distinctive shape are a real work of art – many are also collector’s items. I really like these spiced banana bundt cakes – they are perfect for a picnic or afternoon tea and are super-yummy, as is the frosting. Remember, your bananas must be really ripe to get that great burst of flavour.
85g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 140g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting 115g golden caster sugar 1 large egg, beaten 2 ripe bananas, chopped pinch of salt ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp mixed spice ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 100g walnuts, roasted and chopped plus extra to decorate icing sugar, for dusting
FOR THE FROSTING 25g (1oz) unsalted butter, softened
Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C)/350°F/gas mark 4. Grease and flour a 12-hole mini bundt cake tray. In a large bowl, cream the butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg and bananas until smooth. Sift the flour, salt, spices and bicarbonate of soda together, then fold in. Stir in the walnuts. Spoon the mixture into the prepared moulds, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn out on to a cooling rack to cool completely. To make the frosting, beat all the ingredients together until fluffy and smooth. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a starshaped piping nozzle and top each cooled cake with a swirl of frosting. Sprinkle over a few chopped walnuts and lightly dust with icing sugar before serving.
70g (2½oz) cream cheese 70g (2½oz) golden icing sugar 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Makes 12 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: about 25 minutes
Recipes and photographs are from Eric Lanlard’s Afternoon Tea by Eric Lanlard and is published in hardback by Mitchell Beazley (£20). Photography by Kate Whitaker.
56 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 57
Summer at The White Bear Masham, North Yorkshire PUB
•
RESTAURANT
•
ROOMS
The White Bear is a five star inn situated in the pretty market town of Masham, in the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales. We serve delicious breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas and dinner. All prepared using the finest local produce. Stay in one of our delightful rooms and experience a real taste of the Dales.
01765 689 319 • thewhitebearhotel.co.uk 58 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Go the THE CREAM TEAM Whole Hog Two of North Yorkshire’s best-know artisan food makers, The Wensleydale Creamery and Brymor Ice Cream, have teamed up to create a unique new product: Yorkshire Wensleydale & Ginger Cheesecake ice cream. Made with milk from Brymor’s pedigree Guernsey herd, along with Yorkshire Wensleydale & Ginger cheese and a biscuit crumble, it’s an indulgent way to keep your cool when the mercury starts rising. Available from the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre in Hawes and Brymor Ice Cream Parlour, High Jervaulx.
FOOD notes
There’s something about a hog roast that turns any function into a really special occasion, particularly on a lovely warm summer’s evening. And it doesn’t have to be difficult to arrange either – in fact all you need is a single domestic electrical socket. Town End Farm Shop near Skipton (townendfarmshop.co.uk) will do the rest, roasting, carving and serving up mouthwatering Yorkshire pork on site, along with crisp crackling, locally baked bread, homemade apple sauce and stuffing, and your choice of homemade salads.
SOMETHING TO RELISH A spoonful of chutney can transform a simple plate of cheeses or cold meats into a feast, just as a spoonful of jam, jelly or curd can turn an afternoon scone into a memorable treat. Bracken Hill Fine Foods near York make all of these game-changing condiments, and have already scooped numerous awards in recognition of their exceptional quality. Check out their wares, plus lots more terrific Yorkshire produce, at The Local Pantry Shop and Café, Leathley near Pool, Otley (thelocalpantry.co.uk).
TOP TASTE
Combining piquant sharpness and rich creaminess, goat’s cheese is a perfect match for light, bright summer salads. It’s also ideal for those with a low tolerance for cow’s milk. Ribblesdale Cheese (based in Wensleydale, despite the name) is a small, award-winning artisan cheesemaker specialising in tasty, handmade, singleherd goat’s cheese. You can buy their cheeses – and lots of other local delicacies – at Campbells of Leyburn (campbellsofleyburn.co.uk Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 59
Reared on grass? First class! Grass-fed cattle have a natural diet, and the result is tastier meat that’s higher in vitamins and lower in saturated fat. The Mainsgill Farm heifers graze the gently rolling hills of Holmedale until they are around two years old. You can buy meat from the herd, matured on the bone for 28 days, at Mainsgill Farm shop (www.mainsgillfarm.co.uk) – and, of course, buying direct from the producer means you get a top-quality product for a very affordable price.
FOOD notes
Net Value Potted shrimps always seemed to be amongst the goodies on those magical Enid Blyton picnics, but you might be surprised to know that the tradition of potting shrimps – originally devised as a method for preserving the delicately flavoured crustaceans – is still going strong. If you fancy a nostalgic summertime treat you can buy Morecambe Bay shrimps, gently cooked in butter and a secret blend of spices, from Booths in Ripon and Ilkley (www.booths.co.uk).
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Frying High
Nowadays discerning consumers have wised up to the fact that cheap, mass-produced meat simply can’t compare with meat from conscientiously reared, outdoor-living, traditional breeds. Nowhere is this truer than with pork, as you’ll find out for yourself if you try some of the scrumptious Gloucester Old Spot pork from the butchery counter at Campbells of Leyburn (www. campbellsofleyburn.co.uk). It’s produced just a mile or two away in Thornton Watlass, and the flavour and texture are second to none. 60 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Bizzie Lizzie’s in Skipton (www.bizzielizzies.co.uk) are rightly proud of their signature awardwinning fish and chips. And they’re clearly keen to share the experience as widely as possible, because they’ve recently introduced a gluten-free version, fried in a dedicated part of the range to avoid contamination, so that diners with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance can tuck in without worrying about the consequences. Head for their Swadford Street branch to try it out. And while you’re there – whether or not you opt for gluten-free – why not wash it down with a fresh, fruity Prosecco, specially selected to complement Bizzie Lizzie’s fab fish and chips by local independent vintners The Wright Wine Company?
The Guzzling Gander provide specialist professionally staffed boutique-style bars for any occasion, Christmas parties, birthday parties, weddings, charity events, balls, cocktail parties, shoots, hunts, christenings, corporate events - or just because you need a bar! We will take the stress so you can enjoy your event. Contact us on 07736 386 674 theguzzlinggander.co.uk or find us on facebook.com/TheGuzzlingGander No event too big or small
THE QUEEN’S HEAD FINGHALL
ROOMS RESTAURANT BAR WEDDINGS PRIVATE PARTIES SPECIAL OCCASIONS Located in the picturesque village of Finghall and surrounded by spectacular countryside, The Queen’s Head is the perfect location to explore the beauty of the Dales. The Queen’s Head, Finghall 01677 450259 | enquiries@queensfinghall.co.uk | www.queensfinghall.co.uk Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 61
There’s nowhere quite like Homecare
Now an approved Laura Ashley bathroom retailer Homecare is one of the largest home improvement centres in the North East, a family run company established for over 40 years. Our vast showrooms display the very best in bathrooms, range cookers, fireplaces, woodburners and multifuel stoves. Our friendly team will help you find the ideal solution to suit your needs and budget. Whatever you are looking for you can rely on us to supply the leading brands at discounted prices and if you find the same product for less we’ll endeavour to match it.
Valley Street, Darlington DL1 1PY | 01325 352224 | www.homecaresupplies.co.uk
62 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
BOX CLEVER
It can be difficult buying a present for a wine-lover if you’re not entirely confident of your own judgement. The solution is to let the experts do the deciding for you, as they have with this trio of award-winning wines selected by Keelham Farm Shop in Skipton (keelhamfarmshop.co.uk). Their gift box, which costs just £27.50, contains a bottle of each of these corkers: Lunetta Prosecco Spumante, False Bay Chenin Blanc and The Charge Tempranillo Rioja. Now all you need to do is buy a card.
SPARKLING
SUMMER There’s something magical about watching the bubbles in a glass of champers dancing in the summer sunlight, and somehow when it’s a rosé the effect is even more enchanting. This Booths Champagne Brut Rosé NV is just the thing to try it out with. Light, bright and fruity – and, of course, full of beguiling little bubbles – you can currently buy it for a very affordable £24.99 from Booths supermarkets in Ripon and Ilkley (www.booths.co.uk).
DRINKS
notebook
Pressing concern
If you thought the West Country had a monopoly on the best cider, think again. At Thornborough Cider, based in Thornborough near Bedale, they’ve been making cider since 2010 – and winning plenty of prestigious awards for it too. Hand-pressed each autumn, their dry, sparkling tipple contains a carefully balanced blend of over fifty varieties of apple. Just right for quenching a summer thirst! You’ll find a list of Thornborough Cider suppliers at thornboroughcider.co.uk.
Great Shakes Here’s a recipe from expert mixologists The Guzzling Gander for a cocktail that sums up summer in a single glass. You’ll enjoy it even more if you make it with mint and strawberries from your own back garden!
STRAWBERRY MOJITO Ingredients 1 shot Bacardi ½ shot fresh 1 shot fraise de bois lime juice 10 mint leaves ½ shot gomme soda 1 large strawberry, diced crushed ice Method Place mint leaves, diced strawberry, gomme and lime juice in the glass and muddle. Add Bacardi, fraise de boise and ice, then top with soda. Garnish with additional mint leaves and strawberry. Looking for an unusual gift to celebrate a birthday or special occasion? Ask The Guzzling Gander (theguzzlinggander.co.uk) about their individual cocktail masterclasses. Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 63
FOOD • WEDDINGS • ACCOMMODATION in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales
New to the dales is The Saddle Room Restaurant open every day . Experience sumptuous “Grand Honest Food Cooked to perfection”, served with hand-picked wine from our award-winning vaulted cellar in the warm, friendly atmosphere of these unique surroundings. Stay in our refurbished spacious cottages, suitable for both couples and families or our new Bed and Breakfast Rooms, adjacent to the restaurant and The Forbidden Corner. Our self-contained air conditioned function suite caters for 50 guests and up to 350 people in the exquisite grounds of Tupgill Park, making for memorable weddings and events. * New for 2016* Is our rustic Bell Barn.
Bar • Restaurant • Cellar • Accommodation COVERDALE, LEYBURN, NORTH YORKSHIRE DL8 4TJ T: 01969 640596 E: INFO@THESADDLEROOM.CO.UK WWW.THESADDLEROOM.CO.UK
Bookings now being taken for Easter
The perfect venue this summer
Open for brunch, lunches and afternoon teas
Coffee, Scones, Cakes, Afternoon Tea & Lunches Bookings for private parties (Day & Evening) Bespoke menus available Breakfast served daily 10am - 11.30am ❖ Sunday Lunch served till 4pm every sunday
Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5.00pm, Saturday 10am -6pm. Sunday 10am - 4pm. Bank holidays 11am - 4pm Bookings now available online
Birdforth, Easingwold YO61 4NW • 01845 501495
www.thecornercupboard.co.uk
64 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
THE BRUCE ARMS R E S TA U R A N T
PUB
ROOMS
STEAKS, SEAFOOD & FINE DINING An 18th Century Coaching Inn with real character Some of the finest food in Yorkshire Comfortable en-suite bedrooms Extensive gin, whisky and wine selection Cask ales and craft bottled beer PRIVATE DINING ROOM for up to 30 diners Early Evening and Sunday Lunch Fixed Price Menus
FIZZY FRIDAYS
Posh nibbles with every bottle of Prosecco or Champagne
NEW FOR THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS Open for Deli & Wine Bar Service, Sunday, Monday & Tuesday Evenings
Kitchen Open Wednesday Evening to Sunday Lunch
2 MAIN ST. WEST TANFIELD, HG4 5JJ 01677 470325 www.thebrucearms.com
THIRTEEN Relaxed dining in the Yorkshire Dales
Situated in the picturesque market town of Leyburn Thirteen offers good, honest food using the very best of locally sourced produce together with a great selection of superb wines. A great place to meet friends and family for a lazy lunch or a relaxed dinner.
For Reservations Telephone: 01969 622951 Email: table@thirteenatleyburn.co.uk www.thirteenatleyburn.co.uk
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 65
Stone House Hotel
Relax and unwind in our classic country house overlooking Wensleydale
Open daily for: Coffee & Fresh Baking Light lunches served 12-2pm Delicious Table D’Hôte Dinner Menu 6.30-8.30pm
Relax - Explore - Discover Sedbusk, near Hawes, Wensleydale 01969 667571 www.stonehousehotel.co.uk
Richard III is a traditional hotel in the picturesque town of Middleham Well known for our warm welcome and friendly service, we offer a varied menu from pub classics alongside a daily specials board using local produce. Relax and unwind in our cosy bar or snug in front of our roaring fires, or stay in one of our themed rooms. A private dining room is available for small parties or functions up to 24 people
66 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
WELCOME TO
Richard III Hotel, Middleham We are open all day and offer breakfast, morning coffee. lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Market Place, Middleham, DL8 4NP 01969 623240 | richard111hotel.com
Enjoy Roux Scholar Jonathan Harrison’s unique cuisine in the traditional surroundings of the Sandpiper Inn. Modern British food using only the finest local ingredients, beautifully prepared and presented. Fine wines, real ales and friendly service. Accommodation available. Market Place, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 5AT www.sandpiperinn.co.uk
FOR RESERVATIONS TELEPHONE 01969 622206
The White Swan
Gilling West - Pub & Inn Artisan. Local. Provenance
Our meat truly is farm to plate, specifically prepared for us by our artisan butcher. Slow grown, grass fed, Yorkshire beef and heritage breed pork. Sourced from the foothills of Brimham Rocks. What sets us apart are our steaks & burgers. Our flagship steak is The Flat Iron, we think it’s the best cut you can get. We are lucky to be able to serve other ‘rare cuts’, ones that our butcher specially prepares for us that you won’t find anywhere else. Our burgers are rough cut, handmade and cooked over fire. We also have a great range of inspired seafood dishes, sustainable of course. Like chargrilled yellowfin tuna Niçoise. The rest of our menu we tag as Yorkshire Tapas. Fun food for any occasion. Designed for sharing with friends and loved ones over a few drinks.
www.thewhiteswan.co
01748 825122
Terms & Condition apply call for details.
Local, Seasonal, Simple…Full of heart! Homemade crackling, local charcuterie & wild garlic pesto, black pudding & quail’s egg, Harissa lamb kofte and house salt & pepper squid!
Exclusive discount for Dales life readers! Quote DL10 when booking for a 10% discount on food Monday - Thursday. Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 67
Promoting local produce in association with The Wensleydale Creamery 68 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
SEASON’S BEST
Cherry
TOMATOES
Fresh tomatoes are very much the taste of summer. The British tomato season runs from June to October, and these are the months to savour them at their best. Tomatoes come in many different shapes and sizes, but it is cherry tomatoes that have the deepest and richest flavour. Cherry tomatoes that have been ripened on the vine are sweeter and tastier still. Fortunately for amateur gardeners, many varieties of cherry tomatoes grow as neat, compact bushes, making them an ideal choice for growing at home. In a favourable year you can achieve good results raising them outdoors in containers against a south-facing wall. However, given the recent run of windy, cool summers, the safest bet is to grow them in a greenhouse or conservatory. Tomatoes were introduced to England from South America in the late 16th century, although at first they were considered to be poisonous and inedible. This initial distrust of tomatoes wasn’t as unreasonable as it might seem; the tomato belongs to the same plant family as deadly nightshade, and tomato stems and leaves are indeed toxic.
Buying tomatoes Look for firm, smooth fruit with pert, fresh leafy tops.
Storing them Eat as soon as possible. Chilling dulls the flavour, so always store tomatoes at room temperature, never in the fridge. Preparation Remove the tops, wash and slice. Cut a small cross at the base of whole tomatoes and plunge briefly into boiling water to remove the skin if required. Cooking tips Splash with olive oil and roast whole for a succulent treat. Alternatively halve and briefly grill or fry. Health benefits Rich in lycopene, a powerful natural antioxidant that has been shown to help protect skin against harmful UV rays. Where to find cherry tomatoes Campbells of Leyburn Booths, Ripon and Ilkley Mainsgill Farm Shop, Richmond
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 69
Wensleydale and Cherry Tomato Tart INGREDIENTS 300g self-raising flour 80g Wensleydale Creamery Dales butter, chilled 150ml semi-skimmed milk 1 large egg 250g light cream cheese 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional) 150g Wensleydale cheese a generous handful of fresh chives 200g cherry tomatoes on the vine salt and freshly ground black pepper Basil leaves to garnish
Put the flour in a large bowl. Dice the butter, add it to the bowl and rub into the flour. Pour in the milk and stir everything together to make a soft, even dough. Knead the dough into a round and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Use it to line a 23cm fluted, loose-bottomed flan tin. Beat together the egg, cream cheese and (optionally) mustard. Grate the Wensleydale cheese, and use kitchen scissors to snip the chives into short lengths. Set aside two tablespoons of the Wensleydale cheese and a pinch or two of the chives. Incorporate the remainder into the egg and cream cheese mix. Season to taste.Spoon the mix into the flan case. Halve the tomatoes and arrange them on top, cut side uppermost. Scatter with the reserved grated Wensleydale. Bake the tart for at 180° C (350° F/ Gas Mark 4) for 40 minutes or until firm and golden brown. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped chives and garnish with basil leaves. ABOUT THE WENSLEYDALE CREAMERY The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes is famous the world over as the home of Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, which achieved European Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status in December 2013. This means that Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese is the only one actually made in Wensleydale itself – if it doesn’t say ‘Yorkshire Wensleydale’ it’s not from Wensleydale! For more information about The Wensleydale Creamery and their Visitor Centre – plus more inspirational cheese recipes – visit www.wensleydale.co.uk.
70 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Before
Too cold in winter? Too hot in summer? Transform your old conservatory into one of our new garden rooms
After From Harrogate to Hartlepool, Hawes to Helmsley, our many thousands of happy customers are looking out on the brighter side of life, improving their homes and enjoying the superb quality of our products and workmanship. Take advantage of greater energy savings, security and style. From contemporary to traditional, we offer a bespoke range of top quality window and conservatory designs and bespoke solutions in a colour and style to suit you. Talk to the experts – designed and fitted by specialists we can bring your ideas to life… We offer a no obligation design and quotation service, so contact us today and tell us about your plans – we’ll be delighted to hear from you.
Visit our showrooms at: Lifetime Home Improvements Plews Way, Leeming Bar Ind. Estate Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 9UL t: 01677 424381 w: www.lifetimeltd.com Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 71
the discerning
DINER
Claudia Blake visits The White Swan in Gilling West
72 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
ppearances can be deceptive. Nowadays Gilling West is a small, unassuming village near Scotch Corner. In the Dark Ages, though, Gilling was one of the most important places in the North, the stronghold of a warrior kingdom stretching from the Tees to the Humber. Gilling went on to become the seat of the fearsome Earls of Mercia, and the administrative hub of Gillingshire – until the Norman Conquest turned everything upside down. A huge new fortress was built at Richmond, Gillingshire was rebranded ‘Richmondshire’, and Gilling itself dwindled into cosy anonymity. Today, despite its modest size, Gilling has two flourishing pubs. Surviving in the hospitality trade in the 21st century requires a certain amount of thinking outside the box, and The White Swan, like Gilling itself, has more about it than you might suppose at first glance.
Squids In Behind its simple, whitewashed frontage, The White Swan achieves a polished, contemporary feel without losing sight of the country inn of yesteryear. Stone flags and a granite-topped bar make it a pleasant refuge on a hot day, and the cool, calm ambience is emphasised by muted grey walls and almond green half-panelling. Seating ranges from cosy tub chairs to the tall kind you perch on to snatch a coffee at King’s Cross when your train is late. On first inspection the menu appears not to include any starters, but it turns out they’re filed under the heading ‘Yorkshire Tapas’. Some of these tapas options mightn’t be the first thing that comes to mind as
Yorkshire food: fresh olives, grilled halloumi, baked Camembert. But there’s no shortage of tempting choices, and the idea’s a good one: select as few or as many as you like for a sociable, pick-and-mix feast. Or be a stick-in-the-mud and treat them as starters. Of the two tapas that particularly took our fancy, one was entitled ‘Ancient Recipe Black Pudding’. Heaven knows which particular Ancients devised it (possibly the fierce 7th century tribesmen who once called Gilling home), but they did a cracking job. Rich and full-flavoured, it had none of the clagginess black pudding is prone to. It was beautifully presented, too, with a quail’s egg, crackling and a rosy pink apple chutney bringing extra tastes, textures and colours to the table.
“…the folk in The White Swan’s kitchen know exactly what they’re doing, because this was the finest calamari I’ve had for ages” The ‘House Calamari’, our second tapas choice, was equally delightful. I have a love-hate relationship with squid – or, more accurately, with how people cook it. Treated sensitively, it can be sublime. Cook it carelessly and it’s nothing but horrid little chunks of tractor tyre. Luckily the folk in The White Swan’s kitchen know exactly what they’re doing, because this was the finest calamari I’ve had for ages, super-fresh and meltingly soft. It had a delicate, barely-there crispy coating and was served with garlic mayonnaise and an immaculately dressed salad. Bravo!
Grill Joy In terms of mains, a large proportion of the menu is accounted for by steaks and ‘connoisseur burgers’. Since Management are clearly passionate about their slow-matured, grass-fed beef it would have been churlish not to try it in some form or other – in our case the ‘Ultimate Burger’. With a burger there’s nowhere to hide, and attention to detail is crucial to success. Once again, though, the clever people backstage had nailed it. Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 73
The beef patty was everything you could wish for: succulent, well textured, judiciously seasoned and buzzing with mouthwatering char-grilled flavours. Team that with beguiling bacon, seductively melting smoked cheese, pert homemade sauces and a bun dusted with black onion seeds and you’ve got a burger that most definitely deserves to be honoured with the title ‘Ultimate’. Superb crispy chips too. Just one quibble: this masterpiece was presented on a small wooden board. Now let’s be honest, unless you’ve got the gape of a hippo and can swallow your burger in one gulp, bits will inevitably pop out in all directions. Plates were invented thousands of years ago, and have been valued by diners down through the centuries precisely because they include a convenient lip to stop food making a beeline for the floor. Boards do not. I rest my case. Compared to the towering heights (literally) of the burger, it’s hard to imagine how anything else could match up, but our other main, homemade fishcakes, tried their best. Crispcoated and manufactured with a satisfyingly generous ratio of fish to potato, they were served with a piquant dipping sauce. And, oh joy, on an elegant black plate. For dessert we sampled two diametrically opposed, but equally sumptuous puds. Sticky toffee pudding, of course, is a waistlineswelling pub classic, and The White Swan’s was a classic rendition: light but rich, with lashings of dreamy toffee sauce. Slightly more appropriate for summer, our other dessert choice was a champagne sorbet served in a martini glass with scads of bright, cheery little berries. Sophisticated, refreshing and (hopefully) comparatively low in calories. An elegant conclusion to a highly satisfactory evening. Gilling West may no longer rule the North, but there’s no question that it still carries plenty of clout when it comes to fine dining. For further information about The White Swan visit www.thewhiteswan.co or call 01748 825122.
What to expect
Country inn on a mission to showcase local artisan foods.
Ambience
Rustic refuge with an unexpected dash of winebar chic.
Service
Friendly, well-informed, genuinely enthusiastic.
The bottom line
Three courses cost us £26 each, excluding drinks.
Down the hatch
Good selection of wines by the glass, along with an eclectic selection of craft brews.
Hangers on?
Child friendly. Dog friendly.
Ideal for
Convivial night out. R&R after a gentle saunter in Holmedale.
Do your homework
Visit www.gillingwest.org.uk for a detailed history of Gilling and two guided walks. 74 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
STEP INTO SWALEDALE, STAY, RELAX, EXPLORE
Summer at The Burgoyne
Walks, wild flowers, waterfalls, castles, delicious food, fine wines, wonderful views, meadows, moors, market towns, restful, memorable, unique. On The Green, Reeth, North Yorkshire • 01748 884292 • enquiries@theburgoyne.co.uk • www.theburgoyne.co.uk
T H E G E O R G E AT WAT H The George at Wath is now under new ownership Our new restaurant Harrisons is the perfect place to enjoy food by award winning chef, Harrison Barraclough. We cater for weddings and all kinds of celebrations including private parties to corporate events. Our team provides great service, and fantastic food. Why not take a break from driving and stay in one of our comfortable rooms.
MAIN STREET, WATH, RIPON HG4 5EN 01765 641324 thegeorgeatwath.co.uk Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 75
dales days out Great ideas for making the most of summer
76 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
walk the walk Appletreewick
Discover river swims and ancient gorges, a Tibetan forest and a haunted gorge in this exciting hike from Daniel Start’s Wild Guide to the Lakes and Dales
WALK STATISTICS Distance 6 miles
Time 3.5 to 4 hours
Maps OS Explorer OL2 Yorkshire Dales: Southern and Western, or OS Landranger 98 and 99
Terrain Easy to moderate. Riverside paths and some woodland sections. Rocky in Trollers Gill. Exposed on the upper moorland section, so bring waterproofs in case of mist, rain or wind. Some sections run along minor lanes.
The River Wharfe is one of the most idyllic rivers in the Dales, and very popular for river swimming during the summer holidays. This walk follows riverside meadows and woods up to Parcevall Hall and mysterious Troller’s Gill. We return along moorland trackways to the excellent Craven Arms.
START Along the River Wharfe: wild swimming and meadows The Craven Arms is a truly eccentric pub, with some of the best food in the Dales (BD23 6DA, 01756 720 270). It is filled with curiosities and also has an atmospheric replica ‘cruck’ barn built with massive oak beams, heather thatch and horsehair lime. Park here and make sure you leave some time for food and ales, either before your walk or on your return. Turn right out of the pub and walk 200m along the lane to Mason’s riverside campsite. Look out for the range of yurts, airstreams and safari tents – they really know how to do glamping! Just before the Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 77
WALK THE WALK APPLETREEWICK entrance, a footpath on the left follows the wall down to the river. Turn left and join the Dales Way, heading downstream along the Wharfedale riverbank. The Dales Way is a 78-mile-long walk from Ilkley to Bowness, but today we will only join a mile of it. This is as perfect a stretch of river as any you will find in the Dales, or anywhere in England. In summer you will see many people wild swimming here. There are gentle rapids that children love to ride down on rubber rings, and a little way along is an island and a deeper pool. There’s a rope swing opposite too, though mind out for submerged rocks if you give it a go, especially as the water is so dark and peaty. There are hay meadows all along the riverbank, and you can stop anywhere to lie among buttercups and orchids. The path enters Haugh Woods and then bears away from the river to arrive on a little lane with a bridge over Fir Beck, a tributary.
+1.3 miles To Skyreholme
best of which is easily visible in a wall at 54.0569, -1.8832, ¾ mile east from the top end of the gill. After exploring, return and bear left on the main path, up to the disused lead mining area. A cleft in the hillside was excavated in the 1800s and a series of caverns and deep fissures is now visible. The one at the bottom is propped with steel arches – peer inside if you dare! A track winds up the hillside from here, emerging on the road after ½ mile. Turn left, follow the road to and around the left-hand bend to find a double gate and a bridleway on the right, a wide track stretching out over the moor.
+1.7 miles Over Appletreewick Pasture, down to Craven Arms It’s a lovely downhill mile along the track, under the great moorland sky. Bear right when you reach Height Lathe barn, then first left into a field to follow the footpath around the barn and on down between double stone walls and the ‘rakes’, a tree-lined sunken track that eventually arrives back at the Craven Arms after ¾ mile. Hartlington Pasture
Turn left up the lane to find a step stile in the wall on the right after 150m. Follow the wall to the left, then across the field to arrive at the static caravan park by the stream (½ mile). Pass to the left of this and up the well-made track to Howarth’s Farm and out onto the lane. Turn right onto the lane, continue through Skyreholme, and after ½ mile, at the T-junction, turn left towards Parcevall Hall. Dumpit Hill Moss
B6265
Kings Farm
+1.2 miles Through Tibet Wood, Parcevall Hall and Troller’s Gill 200m on, after the bend, the woodland on the left of the lane is known as Little Tibet, and was planted with firs, flowering cherries, hydrangeas and rhododendrons in the 1940s to resemble an oriental forest. It’s part of Parcevall Hall and gardens, just beyond, which was created by visionary plantsman and devout Catholic William Milner. The garden and Hartlington tea room are open between April and October, 10am Burnsall to 6pm (Tel 01756 720630, adult entry £7). Continue on the lane 50m, and just before the bridge over the beck there’s a footpath on the left. Follow this up along the stream. After ½ mile the main path splits. A diversion to the right leads up Troller’s Gill. This is an eerie narrow gorge, carved by glacial meltwater at the end of the last ice age, and is overhung by creepers and rock ledges. It is said to be haunted by Barghest, a spectral hound, and, of course, by trolls (the most hideous Scandinavian type, apparently). If you survive, you might also like to seek out some ancient Bronze Age rock art, the
+ 1.8 miles to END
Grimwith Fell
The Wild Guide to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales by Daniel Start is published by Wild Things Publishing at £15.99, and contains over 800 wild and hidden places to explore. River Dibb
Stone Gill Flat
Nussey House Farm
Cracked Castle
Dibble's Bridge Farm
Fancarl House
B6265
For more information or to order direct, go to www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/wildguide-lakes-dales
Nussey Green
Bents Lathe
278
Langerton Hill
South View Barn
Appletreewick Pasture
B
ur
ns
a ll
Ha
ne
rt l
La
i
ng
on R a ik
t
es
Sk
u ff
d
Barben Beck d
oa
R oa
R
Winding Flat Lathe
S ky
re h
ky
reh ol
m
e
La
ne
Turbot Gate Lathe
S
Skyreholme
The Craven Arms
Dowshill Laithe
Ha
Appletreewick
Hazler Laithe ne La z le r
Fir Beck
Intake Plantation
an
Sta ngs L
Drebley Top Laithe
78 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Middle Skyreholme
Ne w
B6160
e
Howgill Farm
o lm
e
Ba
nk
High Skyreholme
relax in the gardens at Kiplin Hall
Enjoy a lovely 18th century walled garden, take a lakeside ramble, or explore richly-planted woods What could be nicer on a summer’s afternoon than to take a lazy stroll amidst lush, colourful flower borders and neatly tended lawns, or to wander through cool, sun-dappled woodland? The gardens and grounds at Kiplin Hall, between Richmond and Northallerton, have been delighting visitors since 1620. You can explore the story of their changing fortunes in Kiplin’s newly opened Garden Museum – and then step outside to marvel at how Head Gardener Chris Baker and his team of hardworking volunteers have rescued them from indifference and neglect. At the heart of the grounds is the Walled Garden, a huge sheltered enclosure that once provided the Hall’s residents with cut flowers, fruit and vegetables. In recent years it fell out of use and was laid down entirely to grass. In 2010, though, Chris and his team started restoring the garden to its former glory, and it now once again provides gorgeous floral displays for the Hall, along with fresh fruit and veg that’s used to cook up delicious goodies for Kiplin’s award-winning tearoom. Whilst the Walled Garden is essentially a practical,
working space, other parts of the grounds are designed for sheer unalloyed sensory indulgence. The stylish new White Garden is, as the name suggests, designed around a planting scheme that revels in cool, elegant whites. With the elegant masonry of the Hall looming behind it, it makes a terrific backdrop for photos. Nestled against the Victorian Library Wing, Kiplin’s Rose Garden is a peaceful space showcasing deliciously sweet-smelling roses, with lavender bushes providing an additional aromatic punch. Meanwhile the Sensory Garden provides yet more beguiling scents – including camomile and thyme – along with the soothing soundscape of gently rustling ornamental grasses. For a contrast to the neatness and order of the formal gardens, head out along the mile-long Lakeside Walk to enjoy an abundance of wild flowers and take a closer look at some of the many birds that live or breed on Kiplin’s lake. Herons, swans, cormorants, tufted duck and great crested grebes are just a few of the many waterfowl to be seen there. Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 79
RELAX IN THE GARDENS AT KIPLIN HALL
For another change of scene, why not explore the Peninsula Wood? Whilst it might at first sight appear to be natural woodland, it was in fact planted with a rich understorey of interesting and unusual plants a century or two ago. The plants that have naturalised there include currants, snowberry, Solomon’s seal and the weird and wonderful butcher’s broom – a spiky, shade-loving plant, each of whose tiny flowers appears be growing from the central vein of a leathery little leaf. So if you thought Kiplin Hall was just an ‘indoor’ destination, think again. With plenty of places to picnic, and lots of free activities for kids – croquet, quoits, pond-dipping and a play ship for starters – the gardens and grounds make a splendid destination for a family outing in their own right, and will keep you busy in the open air for a good many happy hours. For full details of Kiplin’s opening days, times and prices visit www.kiplinhall.co.uk. 80 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Sunday lunch at The Saddleroom Sue Gillman picks some winners from the menu in a converted stables in Coverdale
MENU New season asparagus, Parmesan shavings, wild garlic pesto and a poached hen’s egg.
•
Waterford Farm roast sirloin of beef, with all the trimmings, carved at the table.
•
Coconut and Malibu panna cotta with a pineapple and papaya salad.
Before you even sit down to eat, you’ll notice that The Saddle Room has a lot going for it. It’s right next door to a major tourist attraction, The Forbidden Corner, in one of the most beautiful parts of the Dales. The surrounding scenery is simply breathtaking. Converted from a former racehorse stables, the interior contains plenty of reminders of its horsey past, including stalls and hayracks, and these have been pepped up with a variety of witty modern-day explorations of the racing theme. Since we last visited, The Saddle Room has appointed a new Head Chef: Darren Rowe, who formerly worked at The Langham in London. Darren arrived in August, along with his wife Ria, who is front of house. The team is young and friendly, and the service was relaxed, swift and not over-fussy. My husband Tony and I decided to share a starter, which was new-season asparagus, Parmesan shavings, wild garlic pesto and a poached hen’s egg. This was a mistake because he polished off most of it before I had even picked up my knife and fork. It was beautifully presented on modern white crockery, and of course you can’t beat English asparagus. It was cooked perfectly, and the poached egg was fresh and silky with a gooey golden yolk. My only complaint was that the portion of wild garlic pesto was far too small. For my main I chose the roast beef simply on the grounds that at The Saddle Room it is carved at the table, something you don’t often see in these parts. Tony decided to be greedy and have both the roast lamb and the beef. The trolley arrived, and the meat was carved with a theatrical flourish. The beef came with the biggest Yorkshire pud I have ever seen. The accompanying vegetables were cauliflower cheese, broccoli and green beans, with roast potatoes and a medley of mixed vegetables. The beef was the star of the show, full of flavour and just the right side of pink. The lamb was slightly overcooked, but then it’s not easy to get a roast right given that it carries on cooking when it’s out of the oven. I have never been one for potatoes, but The Saddle Room’s roast potatoes were so good that I seriously considered taking the leftovers home in a napkin. The main course and accompanying vegetables were served in huge portions, and we ended up so full we could only bring ourselves to order one pud between us. We chose coconut and Malibu panna cotta with a pineapple and papaya salad. It was the perfect texture and disappeared all too soon. Two courses cost £18, or you can opt for three courses for £22. The wines are very reasonably priced, and there’s an extensive choice of wine by the glass. The Saddle Room has a range of accommodation for diners who want to stay over, so even if you live locally you’ve got the option of exploring some of the well-stocked cellar’s many delights. For more information about The Saddle Room and its accommodation options visit www.thesaddleroom.co.uk
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 81
lose yourself in a fantastic folly The Forbidden Corner
Explore a labyrinth of mysterious tunnels, fairytale gardens and surreal surprises Part giant maze, part Alice-in-Wonderland fantasy, The Forbidden Corner bills itself as ‘the strangest place in the world’. It’s a bold claim, but one thing’s for sure: it’s very much a one-ofa-kind experience. By its very nature The Forbidden Corner is a difficult place to write about. Part of what makes it so exciting are the constant surprises, and to give away what those surprises are would be to spoil the fun. But if you enjoy illusions, visual jokes, mild jump-scares and the occasional unexpected drenching then you’ll definitely love it. The Forbidden Corner makes an ideal destination for a day out with the children (apart from highly strung toddlers), but don’t let the fact that you’re a grown-up without any kids in tow dissuade you from booking a ticket. Rest assured, it’s just as much fun for adults as for youngsters. And if you’re entertaining visitors from overseas, they’ll almost certainly be delighted by its quintessentially English humour and Harry-Potter-meets-medievalfantasy architecture. 82 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
The Forbidden Corner was dreamed up twenty or so years ago by diplomat Colin Armstrong CMG, OBE, who created it on the Tupgill Park estate as a private folly to entertain his family. Thrown open for a charity event, word about its quirky charms soon got out and its popularity snowballed. After resolving a potentially nasty run-in with the planning authorities, the complex was officially opened to the public at large in 1994. Since then The Forbidden Corner has continued to expand at a surprising rate, so if you haven’t visited since the early days you’ll be amazed at how much more elaborate it is nowadays. There’s currently a new phase of construction under way, although precisely what devious additions are in the pipeline is, as you might expect, all very hush-hush. The venture’s unique appeal has helped it garner a whole raft of awards, including ‘Best Folly of the 20th Century’, ‘Best Family Day Out’ and ‘Family Attraction of the Year 2013-14’. Most recently, it was hailed as ‘Best Large Visitor Attraction 2015’ at Welcome to Yorkshire’s prestigious White Rose Awards last November.
If you’re planning to visit, be prepared to get lost. A lot. Often the place you’ll be aiming to reach will be in plain sight, just the other side of a wall or on the wrong side of a one-way gate. And whether you’re deep underground or high up on a windy battlement, you’ll frequently find yourself at a dead end. Frustrating, yes, but in the nicest possible way. Not only will you need a keen sense of direction, you’ll also have to keep your eyes peeled, because there are amusing and interesting things to see simply everywhere you look. To encourage you to stay alert you’ll be given a list of highlights at reception; whether or not you can find them all is down to you. There are also 15 strategically placed brass coins, each
bearing a letter of the alphabet. Discover them all and you’re in with a chance of winning The Forbidden Corner’s monthly prize draw. With a four-acre site to explore, the hours slip by in no time. Fortunately there’s an award-winning café on site where you can recharge your batteries. Or, for something a little fancier, try the smart à la carte restaurant next door. Remember, though, that admission is by timed, pre-booked ticket only, so be sure to book well in advance at weekends and during holiday periods. You can buy your tickets online at www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk or by calling 01969 640638. Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 83
Bistro - Baa...r - Shepherded Tours - Sheepy Shop Our visitor centre is the ideal place for an interesting and alternative day out in the Yorkshire Dales. We are proud of our roots, our independence and our people but most importantly we are proud of our beer.
Paul Theakston - the Black Sheep To book call 01765 680100/101 or email sue.dempsey@blacksheep.co.uk
Learn more about our beers
Shop online
30th MASHAM
S H E E P FA I R 24th & 25th September 2016 During the weekend from 10.00 am SHEEP SHOW • SHEEPDOG DEMONSTRATIONS • SHEEP RACING SPINNING & WEAVING DEMONSTRATIONS OLD TIME CHILDREN'S FAIR • WOOL EVENT – WOOL STALLS & DEMOS MORRIS DANCERS • HANDBELL RINGERS • TOURS AROUND T&R THEAKSTON AND BLACK SHEEP BREWERIES • HARVEST FLOWER FESTIVAL • BISHOP BLAIZE PROCESSION & BANDS • HANDSPUN WOOL COMPETITION Further details and entry forms are available from MRS SUSAN CUNLIFFE-LISTER, High House, Swinton, Ripon HG4 4JH Tel: 01765 688417 or susan@burtonagnes.com or at Broadley's Insurance Office, Market Place, Masham
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO YORKSHIRE CHARITIES 84 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Extraordinary visual magic at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal 23 April — 30 October
Fountains Relief Mat Collishaw nationaltrust.org.uk/folly
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 85
SUMMER 2016
Dales Diary
KIPLIN HALL
KIPLIN HALL
near Scorton, Richmond near Scorton, Richmond 01748 818178 01748 818178 For admissionFor feesadmission and ticketfees prices andvisit ticket prices visit kiplinhall.co.uk kiplinhall.co.uk Art Through the Ages in an English Scottish Dancing Country House Sunday 10th July, 2pm-5pm Tuesday 28th June, 10.30am-12.30pm What sort of paintings would you have seen in an English country house in the past? How did they differ across the centuries in terms of style and content? Art historian Sandra Pollard introduces art from the 17th century in her informative lecture, linking it to the many paintings that hang at Kiplin Hall. Maximum 25 per talk.
Northallerton Caledonian Society members dance in the Gardens. Normal admission prices apply.
Twelfth Night
Canterbury Tales
Friday 1st July and Saturday 2nd July, 7.30pm, picnics from 6pm North Country Theatre celebrates 20 years in the business with Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identity, unrequited love and yellow stockings! Bring a picnic and be enthralled by the creativity and fun of our local professional theatre company.
Thursday 4th August, 7.30pm, gates open 6pm for picnics The Pantaloons’ cast of just five actors presents every one of Geoffrey Chaucer’s timeless tales in under two hours. Join the pilgrims for puppetry and poetry, music and magic, talking chickens and burnt bottoms. Fast-paced, physical and funny, the show is pure medieval mayhem for the whole family.
86 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
School’s Out for Summer Saturday 30th July to Wednesday 31st August Activities for children throughout the summer holidays – see website for details. Normal opening times and prices apply.
SUMMER 2016
FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL Near Ripon 01765 608888 For admission fees see Nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Folly Saturday 23rd April to Sunday 30th October, 11am-4pm Follow paths through the water garden to the Banqueting House and Temple of Piety to see visual magic of the most extraordinary kind by internationally renowned artist Mat Collishaw. For his first solo show in Yorkshire, Mat has created two striking new works to echo stories from the garden’s past, creating beautiful illusions designed to play with your senses. NB this work contains strobe lighting.
Landscapes and Gardens: A Capability Brown Embroiderers’ Guild Exhibition Friday 1st July to Wednesday 31st August, 10am-5.30pm Celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Capability Brown, the Embroiderers’ Guild has taken inspiration for their textiles from the beautiful gardens of England, including the stunning Studley Royal gardens with their breathtaking vista of Fountains Abbey.
Specialist Tour: Aislabie’s Aspirations, Rural Retreat or Political Statement? Friday 1st July, 11.30am-1pm Explore the hidden messages in Studley Royal Water Garden. Was Aislabie preoccupied with garden fashion, or seeking to return to political power? Meet at Porter’s Lodge.
Specialist Tour: Restoring the Masterpiece Friday 22nd July, 11.30am-1pm Join a guided tour to learn about the creative genius in this eighteenth century garden design, and discover how the team is restoring the garden to its former glory. Meet at Porter’s Lodge.
Water Garden Tour Friday 5th August, 11.30am-1pm Travel back in time to Studley Royal in the elegant Georgian era and hear how the creative genius of the Aislabie family produced this World Heritage Site garden. Meet at Porter’s Lodge.
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 87
SUMMER 2016
THORP PERROW ARBORETUM
YORKSHIRE DALES MILLENNIUM TRUST
Bedale, North Yorkshire 01677 425323 For admission fees and ticket prices see www.thorpperrow.com
015242 51002 For further details of events phone YDMT or visit www.ydmt.org
Sensational Summer at Thorp Perrow Daily, 10am-5pm Summer at Thorp Perrow is a delight for the senses. Enjoy a riot of colour and perfume from flowers throughout the Arboretum, and delight in the abundance of wildlife, including bees, butterflies and dragonflies. The tearoom serves a delicious seasonal menu, and the Birds of Prey and Mammal Centre entertains with regular flying displays. Kids can run wild and free in the adventure playground.
Summer Trail 8th July to 5th September, 10am-5pm Summery fun for the whole family. Follow the trail through the Arboretum and answer the questions as you go. Collect your prize when you finish.
Kids’ Activity Days 29th to 31st July, 11am-4pm 19th to 21st August, 11am-4pm Fresh air and fun, perfect for kids aged 4+. Join in at any time between 11am and 4pm, and don’t forget to wear wellies or boots.
Wildflower Meadow Walk at Askrigg Wednesday 22nd June, 10am A lovely easy walk of about 2.5 miles, including sections through some exceptional wildflower hay meadows. Led by our meadow restoration and wildflower expert. Optional pub lunch afterwards.
Creative Writing Walk, Clapham Wednesday 10th August, 2.00pm-5.30pm Discover how to use all your senses to observe the natural environment on a scenic stroll. Under the guidance of experienced local writer Jean Harrison we’ll then use the walk as inspiration for a creative writing workshop.
Flowers of the Dales Festival There are over 100 events taking place across the Yorkshire Dales between now and October in this annual Festival. Choose from wildflower walks, nature talks, art exhibitions, children’s craft sessions and much more. Download the full programme of events at www.ydmt.org/Festival2016 or contact YDMT to request a copy.
Evening Open-Air Concerts Bring a chair and a picnic!
Sting and the Police Tribute Band 16th July, 7.30pm Popular Harrogate band ‘The Rozzers’ perform many of Sting and The Police’s wellknown hits.
ABBA Tribute Band 30th July, 7.30pm This fantastic tribute band will have you on your feet like a true Dancing Queen. Wow us with your best 70s costumes!
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 89
Passionate About Quality and Choice Campbells of Leyburn Your family run Fine Food and Wine Emporium ampbell’s independent family owned food C emporium has served the dales for over 140 years and continues to inspire artisan and local companies, to help pioneer new products and services to improve customer choice.
The shop is a first stop for many travellers to Leyburn to view the finest local rare breed meats, an extensive range of store cupboard ingredients, a well-stocked delicatessen and a varied selection of exotic fruits and vegetables. For those people bored with shopping in supermarkets, and the same limited options, Campbell’s exciting selection of local, artisan and continental cheeses from around the world, fill the whole aisle – and you are spoilt for choice! Whether it is local Yorkshire and English cheese which includes the famous Wensleydale cheese from Hawes Creamery or something from further afield, you won’t find a better cheese board selection locally. In our extended upstairs wine department you can discover some of the widest selection of over 1000 wines and more that 150 malt whiskies plus other spirits, sparkling wine and champagne, in the region! Our already successful Wine Club which hosts visiting growers and major brands invites you to take up free membership to hear about exclusive offers including tastings, previews and discounts. We look forward to seeing you in store soon.
4 Commercial Square, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 5BP Tel: 01969 622169 Email: richard@campbellsofleyburn.co.uk
www.campbellsofleyburn.co.uk
Commercial Square
Hawes A684
Bedale
Harmby Road
Wensleydale Railway
Campbells of Leyburn is situated in Commercial Square at the top end of the village near to the Bolton Arms pub.
Campbells of Leyburn
– serving the Dales community since 1868 – naturally
90 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
SUMMER 2016
DALES FESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINK
NEWBY HALL
Market Square, Leyburn For more information visit dalesfestivaloffood.org
near Ripon 01423 322583, option 3 For opening times and ticket prices visit newbyhall.com
Saturday 18th June and Sunday 19th June
Dollshouse Exhibition
The Dales Festival Of Food & Drink is back for 2016 with a whole new look! We’ve brought the festival back to its roots – Leyburn’s Market Square – with the support of The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes.
Permanent exhibition to Sunday 25th September, 11am-5.30pm
With over 80 exhibitors showcasing the very best food, drink, produce, arts and crafts, we are expecting a fantastic weekend with plenty for all the family to enjoy. And, best of all, it’s free! There are children’s activities at The Old School House, performances by local brass bands and other entertainers, and Thornborough Hall will be hosting a Crafts and Gift Fair. Park-and-ride and disabled parking available.
Gyles Brandreth’s Teddy Bear Collection
MASHAM SHEEP FAIR
An opportunity to experience the rich artistic culture of Zimbabwe.
Masham Market Square For full details visit mashamsheepfair.com Saturday 24th September and Sunday 25th September, from 10am
One of the finest collections of dollshouses and miniatures in the world, with nearly 70 houses of all shapes, sizes, styles and ages. Permanent exhibition to Sunday 25th September, 11am-5.30pm New for 2016, a collection of teddies lovingly amassed by Gyles and his wife Michele.
Matombo Zimbabwean Sculpture Exhibition Runs throughout June, July & August
Historic Vehicle Rally Sunday 17th July The largest classic car show in the North of England. One of our most popular events.
Two days of sheepy fun and entertainment in one of the finest market squares in England!
Fireworks Championships
There’s an action-packed programme on both the Saturday and the Sunday, with events including a sheep show, sheep racing, craft market, Bishop Blaize procession, fleece stalls, wool competition, sheepdog demonstrations, handbell ringers, Morris dancers, an art exhibition and tours of Theakstons and Black Sheep breweries, as well as an Old Time Children’s Fair. This year we are raising funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and other local charities
Four spectacular pyrotechnic displays, all precisely set to music.
Saturday 23rd July
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 91
SUMMER 2016
HARROGATE AUTUMN FLOWER SHOW
WENSLEYDALE AGRICULTURAL SHOW
Great Yorkshire Showground 01423 546157 For admission fees visit www. flowershow.org.uk
Leyburn Showground North Yorkshire For full details and to book tickets visit wensleydaleshow.org.uk
Friday 16th September to Sunday 18th September, 9.30am-5.30pm (4.30pm Sunday)
Saturday 27th August
Great gardens get started in the autumn, with plenty of planning and planting to be done ready for the new growing season. Harrogate Flower Show is the UK’s premier autumn gardening event, offering everything you need to create the perfect plot, plus spectacular displays, lots of live entertainment and thousands of beautiful autumn blooms. Stroll along the new Green Lane to admire the work of up-and-coming garden designers. Inspiration Street will also be back, with ideas on making the most of small garden spaces.
Wensleydale Agricultural Show is a traditional Dales show, located on the outskirts of Leyburn. The Show features an extensive range of competitive events for livestock including sheep, cattle, horses and poultry. There will be over 60 classes in poultry alone, ranging from large fowl to true bantams. There will also be horticultural and handicraft classes, a dry stone walling demonstration, displays of vintage cars and agricultural machinery and plenty of fun activities for the kids.
Also new for 2016 is a special feature exploring the dark side of the garden, from the weird and wonderful world of carnivorous plants to the sinister secrets of the pretty and poisonous. It also includes tips for creating an enchanted evening garden. The brand new Plant Pavilion will house spectacular displays from nearly 100 top plant nurseries, and the world-famous giant vegetable competition is all set to go. With a packed programme of gardening and cookery demonstrations, plus great garden shopping, crafts, gifts and specialist regional foods, it all adds up to a great day out for garden lovers.
PYRAMID GALLERY 43 Stonegate, York 01904 641187 For full details visit www.pyramidgallery.com Portraits by Steve Huison: A Year in Bay Friday 22nd July to Friday 2nd September Yorkshire-born actor and artist Steve Huison presents a series of portraits from Robin Hood’s Bay. Best known as an actor in productions such as The Full Monty and Coronation Street, Steve has put together an exhibition of illustrations of people he’s met since moving back to Yorkshire. Also showing will be ceramicist Jennie McCall, who will be exhibiting her Nest + Nurture collection, a range of ceramic and mixed media work along with delicate sculptural collections of nests, animal skulls, bones and feathers.
92 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 93
SUMMER 2016
EAST RIDDLESDEN HALL ROYAL ARMOURIES Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, MUSEUM BD20 5EL 01535 607075 For opening times and ticket prices visit nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall Hidden in the grounds surrounding East Riddlesden Hall, a 17th Century Manor house and onetime hive of farming activity spanning generations, are a wealth of unexpected places to explore and enjoy. The Herb Border, once the Manor’s medicine cabinet, is full of scent in summer, and the Wild Garden is a tranquil place to sit. The hay meadows that lead down to the River Aire offer opportunities to bring a picnic and enjoy a riverside walk, or you can enjoy some relaxed family time in the formal gardens. The house, staying true to its roots, is home to wonderful 17th Century textiles, furniture and ceramics. Meanwhile in the grounds you’ll find the Great Barn, one of the finest tithe barns in the North.
94 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Leeds For opening times and ticket prices visit www.royalarmouries.org Warrior Treasures: Saxon Gold from the Staffordshire Hoard Friday 27th May to Sunday 2nd October A special exhibition at the Royal Armouries showcasing around 100 spectacular items from the extraordinary Staffordshire Hoard. This is the first opportunity to view such a large number of items from this collection outside the West Midlands, and some of the objects have never been on show before. The exhibition focuses on fittings from weapons, telling the story of their discovery and providing a fascinating glimpse into Anglo-Saxon warrior culture. The fittings are intricately decorated with gold, silver and gems, and represent the finest Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship. The Staffordshire Hoard is one of the most outstanding Anglo-Saxon finds since the excavation of the Sutton Hoo ship-burial in Suffolk in 1939, and its secrets are still being uncovered through painstaking research and ongoing conservation.
Saxon Gold From The Staffordshire Hoard
Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds Friday 27 May – Sunday 2 Oct 2016
Free Admission #WarriorTreasures THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
www.warrior-treasures.uk
A special exhibition showcasing exquisite Saxon objects from the remarkable Staffordshire Hoard.
Image © Birmingham Museums Trust
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 95
HARROGATE AUTUMN FLOWER
SHOW
Britain’s premier autumn gardening event
16-18 SEPTEMBER 2016 GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOWGROUND
PERFECT DAY OUT FOR ALL GARDEN LOVERS •NEW Green Lane show gardens •Giant vegetable show •1000s of beautiful autumn blooms •Kitchen Garden Live •Cookery theatre and specialist foods •Unique crafts and gifts •Nearly 100 leading plant nurseries
Save £2.50*per ticket Book before Tuesday 6 September
flowershow.org.uk
01423 546157 *A booking administration charge applies per order
North of England Horticultural Society
Saturday 27th August Open 9.30am
The Showfield, Leyburn DL8 5JG www.wensleydaleshow.org.uk Car Parking: Free, Entrance: Adults £10 Children £5, Under 5s Free Family Ticket £25 (2 adults & up to 3 children) Many attractions including The Kangaroo Kid Quad Bike Stunt Show VISIT OUR FARM SHOP IN THE HEART OF THE DALES Here you can discover the pleasure of farm shopping and enjoy delicious food from the Yorkshire Dales. All our produce is fresh, local and full of flavour. We breed and rear our own meat here on the farm. You can also find seasonal fruit and vegetables, preserves, fish, cheese and so much more. Enjoy home made cakes in our tearoom and browse our craft area for a great range of crafts and gifts.
Airton | Skipton | North Yorkshire | BD23 4BE
t: 01729 830902
e: info@townendfarmshop.co.uk | w: www.townendfarmshop.co.uk 96 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
BEST OVERALL HEAVEN SALON 2015/2016
June & July offer Exclusive to Dales Life readers
LVL lashes is a revolutionary new treatment which adds length, volume and lift to your lashes, no extensions required. Results are immediate and the treatment is entirely painless. Enjoy beautiful lashes for six to eight weeks. 30 - 32 Malpas Road Northallerton, N. Yorkshire DL7 8TB 01609 258542 www.blinkbeauty.co.uk
Special offer to Dales Life readers £40 Patch test required 48 hours prior to treatment
High quality animal and countryside inspired gifts, made in Britain and sold in Ripon Alice Stewart
The best of British and International contemporary designer jewellery Enameller, jeweller and goldsmith Bespoke design service and commissions Jewellery gallery and in-house workshop Contemporary textiles and accessories Newsteads • High Street • Leyburn North Yorkshire • DL8 5AQ Winter Opening Hours, Monday 10-4, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10-5 T: 01969 368006 • info@emmasedman.co.uk emmasedman.co.uk
Find us in Wrens - home to Ripon’s independant traders Vixendale Gifts | Wrens | 20 Fishergate | Ripon HG4 1DX t: 07812 804428 | e: sales@vixendalegifts.co.uk
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 97
A world of experience PACKAGE HOLIDAYS • TAILOR-MADE ITINERARIES • CRUISES • RAIL FERRIES • FLIGHTS • FAMILY HOLIDAYS • CITY & UK BREAKS • HONEYMOONS SAFARIS • LONG-HAUL HOLIDAYS • AIRPORT HOTELS PARKING & LOUNGES • THEATRE TICKETS
Robert Sturdy, 10 Market Place, Leyburn, DL8 5BG 01969 623486 robert.sturdy@speartravels.net www.speartravels.net/leyburn Other Spear Travels branches in Boroughbridge, Northallerton, Skipton, Helmsley and Stokesley RETAlL AGENTS FOR ATOL HOLDERS - ABTA L8041
@DalesFoodFest
THE DALES FESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINK Leyburn Market Square
SATURDAY 18TH- SUNDAY 19TH JUNE 2016
FREE ENTRY www.dalesfestivaloffood.org
98 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY www.wensleydale.co.uk
…is one of England’s most recent follies The brainchild of Mr. C.R. Armstrong, C.M.G. OBE, it was originally built as a private folly but due to public demand was subsequently opened. A unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created in a four-acre garden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The temple of the underworld, the eye of the needle, a huge pyramid made of translucent glass, paths and passages that lead nowhere, extraordinary statues at every turn. There are decisions to make and tricks to avoid, a day out with a difference which will challenge and delight children of all ages. OPENING TIMES FOR 2016 EVERY DAY FROM 24 MARCH - 31 OCTOBER & then Sundays until Christmas. Mon - Sat 12 noon - 6pm. Sundays & Bank Holidays 10am - 6pm. Tupgill Park Estate, Coverham, Middleham, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4TJ
Visit the
ADMISSION IS BY PRE-BOOKED TICKETS ONLY To reserve your ticket please telephone
01969 640638
www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk
Corner C a
fé WITH ITS NEW MENU & freshly–m ade sa soups, barista ndwiches, co delicious AW ffees and ARD WINNIN G PIES & CAKE S
RELAX IN OUR RURAL WENSLEYDALE RETREAT AT WESTHOLME ESTATE
Tucked away on the banks of Bishopdale Beck, surrounded by lush rolling countryside, Westholme Estates is the perfect retreat for private parties, corporate events and celebrations. Kids can go wild meeting our animals in the park! Our contemporary lodges offer the perfect holiday location to experience the natural beauty of the Dales. Hendersons Bar and Restaurant, recently refurbished to the highest standards, is just a short stroll away, and new chef Dean White has just introduced an exciting new menu. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a delicious dinner or relax with a coffee while you plan your day’s adventures.
Westholme: at the heart of the Dales WESTHOLME ESTATE WESTHOLME ESTATE, AYSGARTH, LEYBURN, NORTH YORKSHIRE DL8 3SP 01969 663268 | paul.dixon@westholme-estate.co.uk | Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 99
Goldentini body oil and glaze nourishes the skin and leaves a lustrous summer sheen, templespa.com
Advanced cellular protector sun screen by Sensai, defends skin against UV rays and leaves no white residue, at sensai-cosmetics.com
Limited edition cream eye shadow in Sphinx by Tom Ford, at Harvey Nichols, Leeds
Romy leather bucket bag in smooth calf leather, by Sophia Webster at matches.com
Summer bronzing and blush compact by Clarins instantly brightens the complexion, at Clarins counters nationwide 100 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Floral embroidered bra in Capri Blue by Marie Jo at Fleur Lingerie, Skipton, 01756 700995
Multi-coloured pompom sandals with charm embellishments by Elina Linardaki, from Harvey Nichols, Leeds
18ct gold and diamond ring by Jaqueline Warrington at Emma Sedman, Leyburn 01969 368006
Lovely Day liquid gel bronzer for a natural sun-kissed look for the face, from templespa.com
Throat and bust-lifting essence with a soft light feel, instantly revitalises the dĂŠcolletage, from sensai-cosmetics.com
Apatite bead necklace with silver demoiselle by Anna De Ville, at Pyramid Gallery, York, 01904 641187
Stunning lace and embroidery dress by Anjuna, at beachcafe.com
Sparkling waterproof cream to powder eye shadow, from Clarins counters nationwide
Ankle wrap sandals in gold with mini stars by Loeffler Randall, at Harvey Nichols, Leeds
High Liner gel eye crayon in Top Seacret by Marc Jacobs, glides on and lasts all day, at harrods.com
Vicki mini cross-body bag in taupe by Chloe, at selfridges.com Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 101
Luxury Handbags Award winning textile designer Geri Copsey has recently launched Fibre and Hide, an independent online boutique that offers a stunning collection of handmade designer accessories. All our products are personally designed and handmade by Geri from her Yorkshire-based studio. Shop our Spring/Summer 2016 collection online now at www.fibreandhide.co.uk
studio@fibreandhide.com www.fibreandhide.co.uk 01943 884282
Gatsby’s hairdressing
Emma Snodgrass PHOTOGRAPHY
01677 426943
07808 813665
emmasnodgrass@ hotmail.co.uk
Summer Offer 20% discount to all new clients 9a Market Place, Bedale 102 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Creating personal landscapes, fusing both portraiture and landscape photography to bring stories alive. emmasnodgrass.zenfolio.com
Shine On
beauty file
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could wave goodbye to bad hair days and restore frazzled locks to their former glory? Olaplex is an exciting new treatment that has been developed to do just that, by rebuilding the strength, structure and integrity of your hair. It works by repairing the disulphide bonds within the hair structure, these being the elements of the hair that are broken down when we colour, heat or put our hair through chemical treatments. Try Olaplex for yourself, either mixed in with your hair colour or separately – I did, and I was amazed by the results. Find out more from Saks at Sedbury Hall, near Richmond. Call 01748 850101 and don’t miss the Dales Life exclusive offer on page 107.
by Liz Hanson
LIFT OFF! I’m not normally impressed by gadgets that work on the face because my skin is so sensitive, but as soon as I tried the Luna 2 facial cleansing brush I changed my mind. It’s easy to use: simply apply cleanser and move gently over your face and neck and let the low-frequency pulsations do their work. There are four different versions to cater for different skin types, including one for those of us with sensitive skin. Trust me, regular use will give you a healthy glow and remind you where your cheekbones used to be! Find out more at foreo.com.
Glowing for Gold
If the thought of fake tan sends a shiver down your spine, here’s a tanning product that’s distinctly different. Unlike most of its rivals, Vita Liberata is natural, certified organic, and free from alcohol, parabens and all those other questionable chemicals you wouldn’t want on your skin. It’s quick-drying and will leave you with a totally natural-looking tan. Blink Beauty in Northallerton (blinkbeauty.co.uk) is currently offering Dales Life readers a 10% discount on a full-body Vita Liberata treatment. Just mention the magazine when you call 01609 258542 to book your appointment. Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 103
We meet up-and-coming artisan weaver Geri Copsey of Fibre & Hide 104 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
any of Yorkshire’s great textile mills have fallen silent over the last century, but in recent years there has been a worldwide resurgence in demand for British fabrics, particularly at the luxury end of the market. Whilst she may not be one of the big players – yet – weaver Geri Copsey has the talent and vision that could one day take her far. Take one look at a selection of Geri’s gorgeous handwoven fabric and leather handbags and purses and it’s clear that here’s someone who’s prepared to follow her own star. Intriguingly different, they’re like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Their intricate geometrical patterns, subtle colour combinations and luscious textures give them a timeless appeal that’s a world apart from passing High Street fads. Born and bred in Yorkshire, Geri came from an artistic family background, and she was fascinated by drawing and painting from an early age. An art foundation course at Leeds gave her a taste of a wide variety of artistic disciplines, and it was here that she first found herself drawn to working with fabrics. Her growing interest in the subject led her on to a degree course at Falmouth University in Cornwall – a long way from home, perhaps, but one of the best places in the country to study textiles. She specialised in weaving and graduated in 2013. Shortly afterwards set up her own business, Fibre & Hide.
Standing Loom Only Geri weaves all the fabrics used in her bags and purses on a traditional hand loom. “The yarns I use are a cotton and wool mix,” she says. “I like to work with natural fibres, which give the finished fabric a lovely warm, tactile feel. I’m very keen to support Yorkshire industry, and I work with yarns supplied from Ilkley, just a mile or two down the road. The leather I use comes from Italian tanneries, because currently that’s the only way I can get hold of the colours and quality I need, but hopefully one day I’ll be able to source my leathers from the UK too.” Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 105
“ all my designs are named after Yorkshire towns and villages” “My favourite part of the work is the design stage. I just love playing with colours, and it’s with a selection of colours that the whole process starts. I’m a very meticulous person – a bit of a perfectionist, in fact – and working out how to use my chosen colours to create the different patterns involves quite a lot of mathematical thinking.” “Setting up the loom, on the other hand, is one of the less enjoyable parts of the process. It can take hours, it’s very easy to make a mistake, and you can’t really tell if everything’s OK until you’ve finished. It can be very frustrating if you don’t get it right first time because any errors take a long time to rectify! When the loom is eventually set up it will take me an hour or two to make the fabric for one of my larger bags, then maybe another half an hour to put together the bag itself. It’s a time-consuming process.” “Weaving is also a fairly physically demanding occupation. Some weavers sit and others stand, but I don’t like working sitting down so I end up standing for hours on end, which is obviously quite tiring. As well as that, of course, you end up with quite a few aches and pains in your arms and shoulders.” 106 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Cool and Collected “I produce a new collection every six months, so currently I’m just putting the finishing touches to my Autumn-Winter 2016 collection. In terms of colour, I’m going for neutrals and darker tones with a few bright accents.” “You can see something like this in my favourite piece from the Spring-Summer 2016 collection, the Burnsall fold-over clutch bag with a leather back. There’s an orange subtly incorporated into the weave, and it is picked up in the vibrant orange suede lining of the bag. The suede linings have proved to be very popular, and I’m going to be incorporating them into future lines. By the way, all my designs are named after Yorkshire towns and villages. Fortunately there are still plenty of them that I haven’t yet used, so I won’t be running out of names any time soon!” “As for the immediate future, I’m planning to expand my product range by adding in some mens’ accessories – wallets, washbags and belts, for example – and perhaps iPad covers and the like. And maybe I’ll start working with other fabrics, such as silks, which would be lovely in evening bags. But who knows? I’m still at a very early stage of my professional career, so I’ll just have to see where my inspiration takes me!” To find out more about Geri and her work visit fibreandhide.co.uk. Fibre & Hide products are currently in stock at Fenner in Grassington (fennerstore.co.uk) and Hawksby’s gallery in Howarth (hawksbys.co.uk).
To celebrate the launch of Olaplex hair treatment at Saks we have an exclusive offer for you.
Cut & Finish inCluding an Olaplex treatment FOr Only £40 with production of this advert available at the salons listed below.
Valid until 31st auGust 2016
SAKS HAIRdReSSING THe STABleS SedBuRy HAll SCOTCH CORNeR dl10 5lQ
SAKS HAIRdReSSING 2 MARKeT PlACe BARNARd CASTle COuNTy duRHAM dl12 8Nd
SAKS HAIRdReSSING 5 NewMARKeT ST., SKIPTON Bd23 2HX
SAKS HAIR & BeAuTy 84 SOuTH PARAde NORTHAlleRTON dl7 8SJ
T 01748 850 101
T 01833 637 020
T 01756 794 300
T 01609 770885
scotchcorner@sakshair.co.uk
barnardcastle@sakshair.co.uk
skipton@sakshair.co.uk
northallerton@sakshair.co.uk
Terms & Conditions apply. Mention advert at time of booking and bring to appointment, available at salons listed above on selected days with selected stylists. Cannot be used with any other offer/discount or exchanged for cash. Only one redemption per client. Subject to availability. No photocopies.
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 107
THE HOME OF BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS A family-run business with over 25 years of experience. We offer the best possible prices, the most superior quality bathrooms and generous discounts, whilst maintaing the highest level of after- sales care.
sales@bathrooms-direct.net www.bathrooms-direct.net 01677 425788 108 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
John H Gills Yard, 1 Leeming Lane, Leeming Bar DL7 9AB
AUCTION ROOM HIGHLIGHTS
Y
Prize Lot
ou simply can’t help but marvel at the sheer exuberance of this handsome The Lot ceramic tiger, with its vibrant colours and bold, confident modelling. With Royal Doulton pieces like this to his name, it’s no wonder the tiger’s designer, Charles Noke, is Flambé figurine widely credited with the revival of the fortunes of Royal Doulton during the early of a stalking tiger years of the twentieth century. Designer Noke started his working life as an apprentice at the Royal Worcester factory. His Charles Noke talents quickly became apparent, and in 1889 he was headhunted by Royal Doulton. He joined the firm as Art Director, a post he held until his retirement in 1936 at the grand Date old age of 78. Noke clearly had an unquenchable passion for his work, though, because Exact date not he carried on working at Doulton right up until his death in 1941. known, but “Noke was famous for his experimental glazes,” says Diane Sinnott, Decorative between 1932 Art & Modern Design Specialist at Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn. “The fiery red (when the model Flambé glaze used on this figurine was one of his most striking, and like many of was introduced) and his glazes it was influenced by Chinese ceramics. The Flambé glaze is technically 1941 (Noke’s death). very difficult to master, every piece turns out differently. The one we’re selling is an especially fine example.” Size As well as Flambé Ware, Noke devised several other rich and beautiful glazes 36cm long. including Doulton’s Chinese Jade, Chang and Crystalline ranges. But quite apart Auction estimate from technical innovations, Noke had a huge influence on the direction Doulton £200 to £300 was to take. Most importantly, perhaps, it was largely due to him that the company started producing figurines in the closing years of the nineteenth century. For sale at “As you can see, Noke was remarkably skilled at modelling,” says Diane. “This Tennants Auctioneers, tiger was designed in the 1930s, and the influence of Art Deco is evident in its Leyburn, as part of their smart, stylish lines and naturalistic modelling. Doulton continued making this Summer Fine Art Sale on particular figurine until fairly recently, so there are quite a few of them around. 22nd and 23rd July What makes this example particularly desirable, though, is the fact that it bears Noke’s signature on the underside of one of the paws. As a signed piece I’m Contact expecting it to fetch £200 to £300. Without the signature it would be worth only tennants.co.uk half that sum.” 01969 623780
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 109
ash dive
Professor Chris Baines celebrates the remarkable comeback of the world’s fastest living creature, the peregrine falcon 110 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Peregrine falcons can move at a truly astonishing speed. In level flight they have been clocked at up to 60mph, which is impressive enough in itself. But when these lethal hunters tuck in their wings and swoop on their unfortunate prey they can reach speeds of 200mph or more. The record to date – measured in North America – is a staggering 240mph. No small bird stands a chance against this fearsome aerial predator.
ROCK STARS Peregrine falcons number amongst the most widespread bird-of-prey species worldwide. They occur on every continent except for Antarctica, and although originally they evolved to nest on rocky cliff ledges, peregrines have shown themselves to be remarkably adaptable. In the UK they frequently nest in abandoned stone quarries. In recent years they have moved into our towns and cities, where they have adopted the cliff-like masonry of cathedrals, town halls and other large buildings. Medium-sized birds make up the great majority of a peregrine’s prey, and in the USA they are commonly known as ‘duck hawks’. Where they nest on sea cliffs they will feed on seabirds. In towns their prey of choice is usually pigeons and songbirds, although they are capable of catching birds as fast-flying as swifts and swallows. There are few more spectacular sights than that of a peregrine falcon swooping from a great height into a crowd of shore birds or a murmuration of starlings. The strike is almost invariably lethal; peregrines have a specially adapted hooked beak with a notch near the tip that they can use to sever their prey’s spinal column, instantly immobilising it.
The peregrine falcon’s ability to pluck a pigeon out of the air made the species a target for persecution in the recent past. When carrier pigeons were important conveyors of wartime intelligence, peregrines were regarded virtually as enemy agents, particularly along the Kent coast. After the war, in the days when pigeon lofts were a common feature of the landscape, pigeon fanciers identified peregrines as a major threat to their racing birds. And of course, like many predators, peregrines have been a target for generations of gamekeepers. However it was the widespread use of agricultural chemicals that led to the near-extinction of peregrines and several other British birds of prey. DDT and other postwar poisons entered the food chain, resulting in the thinning of the egg shells of species such as sparrowhawks, kestrels, buzzards and peregrines. This seriously affected their ability to breed, and their numbers crashed. By the end of the 1960s, 80% of the population had been lost and peregrine falcons were virtually extinct across most of England and Wales. Fortunately a few breeding pairs survived in the relatively chemical-free Celtic fringes of northern Scotland and the west of Wales. Once the worst of the agrochemicals had been banned, or more strictly controlled, affected wildlife began to recover. Our peregrine numbers have rallied, and according to current estimates we now have around 1,500 breeding pairs. Peregrines are very territorial birds, and as numbers have grown they have returned to all corners of the country, occupying an increasingly varied range of habitats. Nowadays they can even be seen hunting through the heavy traffic of busy city centres. Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 111
Where to watch Peregrines TALONED SHOW Peregrines mate for life. Those that reach maturity will generally live for five or six years, although occasionally they have been recorded surviving into their teens. The female is about one-third larger than the male, which is a common characteristic in birds of prey. Both sexes have blue-grey wings, dark brown backs and pale undersides barred with black stripes. Their white faces have a very distinctive black mask, and their lower legs and powerful talons are yellow. The female stands about 20 inches tall, and since peregrines have a compact and powerful body shape they are relatively easy to identify if you spot them in silhouette, perched on a tall building or cliff ledge. Mating takes place from late March through to early May, and courtship can involve some spectacular aerial displays. The nest is a very basic affair. Sometimes peregrines will use an abandoned crow’s or sea bird’s nest, but generally the three or four eggs are laid in little more than a scraped hollow. Both parents incubate the eggs, and after about a month the young birds hatch. They then grow extremely rapidly, being ready to fly about 40 days later. The family will stay together for at least two more months while the parents teach their offspring to hunt and to handle their prey in flight. In an era when there have been so many bad news conservation stories, the successful recovery of Britain’s peregrine falcons is an inspiring achievement. Most of us now have the opportunity of watching these spectacular hunters at work or caring for their nestlings. Every summer the RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts and other conservation charities set up peregrine observation points and webcams in numerous sites across the country. Many of these observation points are urban. 112 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Malham Cove, near Settle For more information visit twitter.com/ malhamperegrine.
York Minster, York For more information visit twitter.com/ yorkperegrines.
The sea cliffs at Bempton, near Filey The RSPB Bempton Cliffs Twitter feed is at twitter.com/Bempton_Cliffs.
Derby Cathedral, Derby Visit derbyperegrines.blogspot.co.uk to watch live on webcam.
Nottingham Trent University You can find a link to the University’s peregrine webcam at www.ntu.ac.uk/sustainability/. I have watched the peregrines that nest on Birmingham’s BT tower from the roof garden of the adjacent city library, for example. One of the best sites for enjoying peregrines in more natural surroundings, though, is in the Yorkshire Dales. Each year a loyal pair of peregrines raises its family from a nest on the spectacularly rugged limestone cliffs of Malham Cove. Here the birds are protected from the threat of egg thieves by staff and volunteers from the RSPB and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Since 2003, 200,000 visitors have been provided with a near-perfect view of these wonderful birds. If you want to see just how spectacular our native wildlife can be, make this the summer you watch a peregrine falcon. You definitely won’t be disappointed.
Personal Advice in an Impersonal World
Property & Rural Law
Estate Planning • Wills & Probate • Estate Administration • Powers of Attorney • Care Home Fees • Tax Planning • Estate Disputes
• Property Sales & Purchases • Landlord and Tenant Matters • Agricultural Land • Leases and Tenancies • Rights of Way • Sporting Rights & Purchases • Wind Farms
Family • Adoption • Separation • Divorce • Contact with Children or Grandchildren • Civil Partnership Dissolution
We provide legal advice and assistance using old-fashioned values in a friendly and modern way
McGarry & Co. S O L I C I T O R S
21 Galgate, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham DL12 BEQ 01833 600160
Market Place, Hawes, North Yorkshire DLB 3QS 01969 667000
7 Main Street, Sedbergh, Cumbria. LA10 5BN 01539 622340
office@mbmcgarry.co.uk • www.mbmcgarry.co.uk Authorised and regulated by The Solicitors Regulation Authority Number 606950
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 113
AUSTIN BROOKS I N T E R N AT I O N A L rt ge Pa han ble c la Ex vai A
La Residence De Chavirat
€250,000
La Residence De Chavirat is a traditional farmhouse dating back to around the 1800’s and is packed with original features. The property comprises: 4 double bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, 2 bathrooms as well as a swimming pool and is surrounded by beautiful, easy to manage gardens. There is oil fired central heating and open fires.
rt ge Pa han ble c la Ex vai A
Les Coussiras
€290,000
Les Coussiras is a tastefully converted traditional barn with attractive gardens and a private driveway. The comprehensive upgrades were complete in 2004 and the lovely property still retains period features such as exposed beams. The home comprises: 4 en-suite bedrooms over two floors, 2 spacious reception rooms and has its own pool, along with 2-3 hectares of adjoining land and a barn. When considering buying a property overseas, flying from a local airport is a major factor. With regular flights from Leeds Bradford to Limoges, travelling to Champagnac De Belair couldn’t be easier.
01904 227992 | sales@austinbrooks.co.uk | www.austinbrooks.co.uk
114 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Choose Marilyn Stowe and her Yorkshire team, part of the UK’s largest specialist Family Law firm Marilyn Stowe is the senior partner at Stowe Family Law leading her handpicked team of talented lawyers at the UK’s largest specialist family law firm. The firm specialises in all areas of family law, including divorce, children issues, finances, cohabitation disputes, grandparent’s rights, pre and post-nuptial Agreements. The firm has a Wills and Probate department which also deals with disputes over estates. Divorce / Finances / Child Arrangement Orders /Cohabitation Disputes / Tracing Hidden Assets / Marital Agreements Grandparents Rights / Wills / Probate
Marilyn Stowe: ‘First Class’ for family law.
“Regarded as one of the most formidable and sought-after divorce lawyers in the UK.”
The Legal 500
The Times If you need family law advice, early support can be essential. Stowe Family Law can help. For more information contact chantal.wilkinson@stowefamilylaw.co.uk or call 01423 532600 Harrogate Office Old Court House, Raglan Street, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 1LT 01423 532600 www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk
Leeds Office Portland House, 5 Portland Street, Leeds LS1 3DR 0113 224 0580
Wetherby Office Oakgate House, Market Place, Wetherby LS22 6LQ 01937 543904
www.marilynstowe.co.uk
Ilkley Office 68 The Grove, Ilkley LS29 9PA 01943 600788 Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 115
Traditionally made in Yorkshire
BESPOKE JOINERY E. info@bikerbespokejoinery.co.uk W. www.bikerbespokejoinery.co.uk
H A R R O G A T E 01423 847662 116 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Designers, Manufacturers and Installers of the Finest Quality Traditional & Contemporary Architectural Joinery. Achieving excellence in all aspects of bespoke joinery; from period internal joinery to the latest energy efficient external windows & doors made from sustainable timber.
L E Y B U R N 01969 623020
Y O R K 01904 819948
AUSTIN BROOKS
South View, Hunton
Guide Price: ÂŁ269,500
A delightful, comprehensively refurbished, double fronted, end cottage with two reception rooms, two double bedrooms, a newly installed kitchen, brand new bathroom suite and a newly installed CH system. There is a useful garage to the rear, ideal for a home office/studio. Viewing is essential.
Ivy Cottage, Carlton in Coverdale
Guide Price: ÂŁ295,000
Picturesque village location. Impressive double fronted traditional Dales Cottage with studio/annex adjoining. Formally 2 cottages nicely adapted to provide versatile accommodation on 2 floors. Full of character with original features. Hall, lounge, fitted kitchen/diner, 3rd bedroom/study, useful store room: 2 double bedrooms, each with either adjoining bathroom or shower room. Gardens to side and rear, useful annex or studio with spacious storage beneath. View by appointment.
01904 227992 | sales@austinbrooks.co.uk | www.austinbrooks.co.uk 1
| Dales Life | 2013
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 117
On the market
Our regular round-up of beautiful properties for sale in Yorkshire.
OIEO £295,000 Thornsgill Cottage, Askrigg A superb detached Dales cottage with 2/3 bedrooms. Currently used as a holiday cottage. EPC Rating D. Chain free. Viewing by appointment. Contact Robin Jessop Ltd. on 01969 622800 robinjessop.co.uk
£225,000 1 Wainscoat Place, Scruton, Northallerton A superb two double bedroom detached bungalow. Situated in a highly desirable village. Garage and gardens. In need of some minor updating. EPC Rating D. Chain free. Viewing by appointment. Contact Robin Jessop Ltd. on 01969 622800 robinjessop.co.uk
OIEO £350,000 The Old Post Office, Carlton In Coverdale A very substantial Dales house. Ideal home for a growing family. Garage and gardens. Currently used as a holiday cottage. EPC Rating F. Chain free. Viewing by appointment. Contact Robin Jessop Ltd. on 01969 622800 robinjessop.co.uk
£250,000 Sunnyside Cottage, Scorton, Richmond A beautiful three bedroom mid terraced property situated in a lovely village location overlooking the green. Delightful courtyard. Chain free. EPC Rating D. Viewing by appointment. Contact Robin Jessop Ltd. on 01969 622800 robinjessop.co.uk
£295,000 The Old Barn, Thoralby, Leyburn An outstanding detached traditional Dales barn with superb two bedroom accommodation. Potential for extension. Beautifully presented. Delightful gardens and grounds. Stunning location. EPC Rating D. Viewing by appointment. Contact Robin Jessop Ltd. on 01969 622800 robinjessop.co.uk
£200,000 The Old Byre, Bellerby, Leyburn A traditional two bedroom single storey barn conversion overlooking Bellerby church. Well presented. Gardens and useful garage. Stunning rural village location. Used as a private holiday cottage. EPC Rating D. Chain free. Viewing by appointment. Contact Robin Jessop Ltd. on 01969 622800 robinjessop.co.uk
118 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
C HA R T ER ED S UR V EY O RS • ESTATE AG ENTS • PROPE R T Y A UCT I O N E E R S • V A L UE R S • L A N D A G E N T S
Rake Farm | Glaisdale, Whitby
Lawn House | Low Row, Richmond
A Grade II listed farmhouse set in 23 acres of stunning countryside (further land available by separate negotiation). Stunning and immaculately presented 3 bedroom accommodation.Traditional range of farm buildings set in a beautiful courtyard. Views over the surrounding countryside. Chain free. Viewing by appointment.
A beautiful Grade II listed Georgian family house in a stunning rural location overlooking the River Swale. Spacious 3 bedroom accommodation with period features. Detached cottage with two bedrooms and further accommodation. Useful garage. Delightful 2 acres grass land. Chain free. EPC rating D. Viewing by appointment.
£750,000
£850,000
P ROPE R T I E S R E Q U I R E D TO S ATIS F Y DEMAND Contact Tim Gower
Three Chimneys | Borrowby, Thirsk
Low Birk Hat Farm | Baldersdale, Barnard Castle
A highly desirable period village residence with detached annex. First class Grade II listed family house with five bedrooms. Superb one bedroom annexe. Beautiful secluded gardens and grounds. Mature woodland. EPC rating E. Excellent rural village location close to local amenities. 4.74 Acres excellent pony paddock. Viewing by appointment.
A stunning small farm overlooking Blackton reservoir in a truly outstanding location. Spacious and well presented five bedroom family accommodation. Traditional range of farm buildings. Modern livestock building. Traditional field barn. 15 Acres grass land. EPC rating D. A rare opportunity. Viewing by appointment.
Offers in excess of £685,000
£590,000
Bedale 01677 425950
robinjessop.co.uk
Leyburn 01969 622800 Dales Life | Summer 2016 XX | Dales Life || 1191
On the market
Our regular round-up of beautiful properties for sale in Yorkshire.
£159,000 2 Elderberry Cottages, Booze A semi detached traditional cottage with superb views over Arkengarthdale. Requires modernisation. Entrance porch, lounge/dining room, kitchen, utility area, 2 bedrooms, bathroom/wc, shared parking, outside store, small garden, night storage heating, part double glazing. No forward chain. EER F24 Contact Norman F Brown on 01748 822473 normanfbrown.co.uk
£695,000 Spring Bank House, Elvington A most impressive home, circa 4000 sq ft, built by the current owners to a high standard throughout in the beautiful village of Elvington close to York. With 5 good-sized bedrooms, 4 bath/shower rooms and 3 spacious reception rooms this property really would make a fantastic family home. Contact Austin Brooks on 01904 227992 austinbrooks.co.uk
£174,950 Ashlar Cottage, Harmby Bank A well presented terraced cottage close to Leyburn with south facing views across Wensleydale. Entrance hall, lounge, kitchen/dining room, utility room, pantry, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom/wc, front and rear patio gardens, night storage heating, upvc double glazing. No forward chain. EER D58 Contact Norman F Brown on 01969 622194 normanfbrown.co.uk
£695,000 Tancred Wells, Raskelf A stunning, individually designed, modern, detached, 5 bedroom, family home situated in the lovely, rural village of Raskelf just 2 miles from the thriving market town of Easingwold and 15 miles North of the historic city of York. Contact Austin Brooks on 01904 227992 austinbrooks.co.uk
£189,500 Dial House, Gunnerside A Grade II listed terraced cottage of character within this popular Dales village. Lounge, kitchen/dining room, pantry, 2 bedrooms, bathroom/wc, attached store room, two storey outbuilding, south facing front garden, night storage heating. No forward chain. EER N/A Contact Norman F Brown on 01748 822473 normanfbrown.co.uk
£400,000-£600,000 Barn 1, 2 & 2a, Village Farm, Alne Village Farm is an exciting new development opportunity located in a quiet cul-de-sac in the centre of the historic village of Alne. This is a rare opportunity in Alne to purchase an attractive barn conversion, ready for occupation circa June 2016. Contact Austin Brooks on 01904 227992 austinbrooks.co.uk
120 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Images courtesy of chequeredchicken.co.uk
LAWYERS IN LOCATIONS YOU LOVE T: 0800 160 10 10 E: info@coles-law.co.uk W: www.coles-law.co.uk Offices also in… York, Thirsk, Yarm, Guisborough, Market Weighton & Beverley
NORMAN F. BROWN
PR NEW IC E
CH NO AI N PR NEW IC E
CH NO AI N
CH NO AI N
Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Lettings Selling and letting property since 1967
1 The Old Smithy,Tunstall
A spacious newly extended and renovated semi-detached cottage providing high quality accommodation in a village, convenient for Richmond, the Yorkshire Dales and the A1. Entrance hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom/wc, 4 bedrooms, en-suite shower room/wc, family bathroom/wc, double garage, parking, large garden, oil fired central heating. EER N/A £330,000 Richmond Office
The Kennels, Low Row
A privately situated unique quality detached stone built single storey cottage providing an ideal holiday retreat located on the edge of a dales village, a short stroll away from the village pub/restaurant, the Punch Bowl Inn. Lounge, kitchen/dining room, cloak cupboard, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom/wc, parking, low maintenance front garden. Night storage heating, double glazing. EER E52 £227,500 Richmond Office
Old Bank Cottage, Reeth
SPACIOUS WELL PRESENTED DALES COTTAGE. IDEAL HOLIDAY LET/HOME. Lounge, kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom/wc, store room with loft above, oil fired central heating, double glazing. Contents available by separate negotiation. EER D60 £199,950
Richmond Office
14 Queens Road, Richmond • 01748 822473 6 Bridge Street, Bedale • 01677 422282 25 Market Place, Leyburn • 01969 622194 Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 121
v
Buchanan Mitchell Ltd T: 01423 360055 E: info@buchananmitchell.com www.buchananmitchell.com 5 Foundry Yard, New Row, Boroughbridge, York YO51 9AX
3 The Mews, Church Street, Masham, North Yorkshire HG4 4DR Mid Terrace Mews House A rare opportunity to acquire this mid terrace Mews House, situated in the very heart of the thriving and picturesque market town of Masham. This well presented, bright and generously proportioned property has accommodation arranged over two floors and offers a generous open plan sitting/dining room, fully fitted kitchen with a range of floor and wall mounted units and utility cupboard. The timber staircase leads to the upper landing where there are three bedrooms and a shower room. The property benefits from double glazing and gas fired central heating throughout. To the rear is the south facing garden with mature shrubs, private parking space and single garage.
Guide Price £210,000 Entrance Hall Sitting Room Fully Fitted Kitchen Master Bedroom Two Further Bedrooms House Shower Room Garaging Private Parking Garden To Rear Of Property
A very different approach to buying and selling your home 122 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Oak House CONSTRUCTION Friendly, reliable builders with 30 years’ experience of providing high quality construction work
New builds Extensions Conversions General building work
Oak House Construction
Covering the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas 07875 161302 or 01969 622260 www.oakhouse-construction.co.uk info@oakhouse-construction.co.uk
Your local friendly chartered architects
Designing dreams
RBCARCHITECT Domestic and commercial architectural and planning services New build | Extensions | Conversions | Refurbishments
T: 01609 751668 E: hello@rbcarchitect.co.uk Evolution Business Centre, 6 County Business Park, Darlington Road, Northallerton DL6 2NQ
www.rbcarchitect.co.uk
To book space in the Autumn issue contact Sue Gillman Telephone: 01904 629295 Mobile: 07970 739119 email: sue@daleslife.com www.daleslife.com Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 123
Dales life_RBC Architect_14.indd 1
23/06/2014 17:57:01
es Dal re Yo r k shi
Ha we Re Ric et h s Ba m h Are youG an As i nb kr on ay rid ig l e older driver? M ge g L d id B dl e A R e l ys l eto W e e d y rb ga es m M t Bur rth W ire bu y BromSkee M n Tya id ton W ens rn pto by oult s l on es dl no t W ey Ne n K wt Pa H i eh itt on tr un rk Swa on Le ick ton by am Fl le W Br ee N ill om M th Fe Th o am o ws pt ar as o on by S rn h na ton B Refreshing Your Skills a pe W e m COLLECT at da Aind YOUR W la es er W ss l tFROM: b COPY ell e T an Gr Ri ewelt North field Th po horp Sta i rs i e nl n k ey Bi Ri s pl ho So ey p M Top we cli rb H on ffe y St k to a e If you have a licence to drive, and are fit to drive, keep driving! Try not to become over-dependent on your partner’s driving because as traffic conditions change it can be very hard to take up driving again after several years off. It’s better to stay in practice on the roads you frequently use. Refreshing your skills really can make all the difference to your confidence, building on your experience with driving tips, techniques and advice.
W ES KS T HI R
95 Alive are currently offering a free 1-hour refresher drive for drivers over 50 with an approved driving instructor. For more information email 95alive@northyorks.gov.uk, call 01609 798120, or visit our website www.roadwise.co.uk This offer is only available to North Yorkshire residents
124 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Booths of Ripon
Tennants of Leyburn Milners of Leyburn
The Co-Op, Masham
The Black Sheep, Masham
Wensleydale Creamery, Hawes Dovetail,vBedale
ele
n
Ea
The MulberryyBush, Hawes
sin
Brookes Farm Shop, Richmond
Ravensworth Nurseries, Richmond
gw
Mainsgill Farm Shop, East Layton New collection points will be added, please see website for further details.
www.daleslife.com 01904 629295
ol
d
WBCAD1005 SUMMER 2016
FOR A WONDERFUL LIFE Come and explore Nightingale Hall, your local Wellburn care home. We’re just in Richmond.
Visit us at: www.wellburncare.co.uk Or call Nightingale Hall on: 01289 330 942 head office on: 0191 229 3530
Bedale Dental Practice We offer one of the most competitive Dental Plans in the area only £11.42 Please see our Website or talk to one of our Receptionists for further information We offer free NHS treatment for all Children Come and join our Dental Practice We are dedicated to patient care and offer a wide variety of specialist dental services including implants and orthodontics Botox® also available 18 Sussex Street Bedale DL8 2AL Tel 01677 422865 www.bedaledentalpractice.co.uk Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 125
Do you have pain?
Back pain Headaches Neck pain Frozen shoulder Sports injuries Pregnancy issues Stress relief Osteopathy - Acupuncture - Massage www.bedaleosteopaths.co.uk
01677 425858
126 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
North East Ltd. We are a Leyburn-based agency offering high quality care services to our Clients. Our experienced team supports the various needs of vulnerable people to remain as independent as possible in their home. We provide hourly, day/night and live-in-care. Testimonial
’Exceedingly high quality ladies, honest, caring and totally trustworthy’ Premiere Care has been awarded by the CQC the highest possible rating on their last inspection in 2009 which confirms the quality of service that we supply. For an information pack please contact: Premiere Care (NE) Ltd Thornborough Hall, Leyburn DL8 5AB 01969 622 499 www.premiere-care.co.uk
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 127
128 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
TO DINE FOR Great places to eat and stay in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
THE SANDPIPER INN Chef Jonathan Harrison and his wife Janine have owned The Sandpiper Inn since 1999, during which time they have won numerous accolades for their unique take on modern British cooking. The Sandpiper’s cosy traditional bar serves local real ales, fine wines and an extensive range of whiskies. The stylish 40-seater restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday inclusive, and there are two tasteful boutique-style ensuite double bedrooms for overnight guests.
HENDERSONS BAR & RESTAURANT Set in the idyllic riverside surroundings of Westholme Estate in Bishopdale, Hendersons is a bright, stylish, relaxed bar and bistro-style restaurant with a contemporary feel. Our talented chef, Dean White, has created a mouthwatering seasonal menu using fresh local and seasonal produce. Dinner 5.30pm to 8.45pm every day except Tuesday. Sunday lunch 12–2.30pm.
T: 01969 663268 westholme-estate.co.uk
T: 01969 622206 sandpiperinn.co.uk
THE BURGOYNE HOTEL Overlooking Reeth village green, The Burgoyne Hotel is a luxurious home-from-home set in an elegant Georgian mansion. It has eight spacious and beautifully appointed rooms — the panoramic views from some of them have to be seen to be believed. There’s an emphasis on friendly service and fine food, with generous breakfasts and a fourcourse dinner menu focusing on fresh local produce sourced from the Dales and the Yorkshire coast.
THE GEORGE AT WATH The George at Wath is a lovely country pub three miles from Ripon with a warm welcoming atmosphere. All the food is freshly prepared using a variety of Yorkshire produce. Now under the new ownership of award winning chef Harrison Barraclough, you can enjoy delicious food in the new restaurant Harrisons. Why not take a break from driving and stay in one of our cosy rooms.
T: 01765 641324 thegeorgeatwath.co.uk
T: 01748 884292 theburgoyne.co.uk
THIRTEEN
STONE HOUSE HOTEL
Thirteen is a smart, comfy restaurant in the centre of Leyburn, owned and run by husband and wife team Michael and Sarah McBride. The menu is based around fresh, seasonal Yorkshire ingredients, offering beautifully presented modern British cooking with a Continental twist. Ideal for family celebrations; children’s menu available. Thirteen is open for lunches on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and for dinners on Monday nights and from Wednesday to Saturday inclusive. Space is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Stone House Hotel is an elegant country residence just a short drive from the bustling market town of Hawes. With its cosy bar, library-cum-billiard room and panelled Oak Room, Stone House is the perfect place to relax. Enjoy delicious, locally sourced traditional food from breakfast through to dinner, and choose from an extensive list of fine wines. There are three spacious, romantic fourposter suites, and five ground-floor conservatory bedrooms opening directly onto the lawns.
T: 01969 622951 thirteenatleyburn.co.uk
T: 01969 667571 stonehousehotel.co.uk
Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 129
THE WHITE BEAR
THE BLACK SHEEP BREWERY
The White Bear is situated in the beautiful market town of Masham. A team of talented chefs use locally sourced ingredients to create delicious, seasonal dishes. Enjoy your meal in the charming dining room or the traditional bar; open fires create a cosy atmosphere throughout. An extensive wine list complements the menu. Accommodation is available in fourteen individually designed rooms, all en-suite.
The Black Sheep Brewery Visitor Centre – situated in Masham, is the ideal place for a great day or evening out. You can take a tour of the Brewery, have a meal in the Bistro, and taste their award-winning beers at the ‘Baa…r’. You can also buy lots of goodies from the wellstocked Sheepy Shop. It offers a ‘ewe-nique’ venue for corporate entertaining, product launches, parties and weddings.
T: 01765 689319 thewhitebearhotel.co.uk
T: 01765 680101 blacksheepbrewery.com
THE BRUCE ARMS, WEST TANFIELD THE BRUCE ARMS, MASHAM A comfortable and characterful 18th century coaching inn, ideally situated in the picturesque village of West Tanfield, The Bruce Arms has a glorious sun terrace for summer evenings and comforting log fires in the winter. It serves a regularly changing menu of fine food with a local emphasis, and keeps an extensive selection of gins, whiskies, wines, cask ales and bottled craft beers.
T: 01677 470325 thebrucearms.com
The Bruce Arms sits just off Masham market square and boasts the best and largest beer garden in Masham, with views over the river and dale beyond. It’s a cosy little pub, with friendly staff and locals plus a real fire, real ales, real food and real chips! In the summer months, weather permitting, there’s live music in the beer garden.
T: 01765 689372 brucearmsmasham.com
THE CORNER CUPBOARD
The Richard III Hotel has been a warm and welcoming presence for locals and visitors alike for the past 300-odd years. Located in the town’s marketplace, it is in a superb position if you want to visit the castle or explore the local shops. It serves lovingly prepared home-cooked food and has a well-stocked bar, along with six lovely rooms.
The Corner Cupboard at Birdforth, near Easingwold, is a licensed day-time restaurant serving mouth-watering scones and tea cakes, light lunches and more substantial meals, all home-made using top-quality local produce. Peak lunch times can be busy, so advance booking is advisable. Having eaten your fill, there’s the added bonus of a charming shop carrying a beguiling selection of gifts, jewellery and home furnishings.
T:01969 623240 richard111hotel.com
T: 01845 501495 thecornercupboard.co.uk
THE RICHARD III HOTEL
THE SADDLE ROOM RESTAURANT THE QUEEN’S HEAD The Queen’s Head is a charming, characteristic & WINE CELLAR Situated right next door to The Forbidden Corner, The Saddle Room restaurant features several different dining areas, all offering locally sourced food cooked to perfection. Join us for the best breakfast in the Dales, or good honest bar food served from noon onwards. Walker- and dogfriendly, with modern, spacious cottages and brand new B&B rooms for cosy overnight stays.
T: 01969 640596 thesaddleroom.co.uk
country inn dating from the 1700s, set in the attractive village of Finghall, near Leyburn. It offers comfortable modern accommodation and a traditional, cosy bar. Owner and head chef Ian Vipond has devised a fresh, new menu for the restaurant, based around tasty local and seasonal produce. Traditional bar snacks are also available. With original oak beams and a dining room that looks out over the woods, The Queen’s Head combines great food with a genuinely warm welcome.
T: 01677 450259 queensfinghall.co.uk
130 | Dales Life | Summer 2016
Eccles Heddon LLP Solicitors
For your legal ease For help and legal advice call Bedale 01677 422422 Ripon 01765 601717 Thirsk 01845 522324 www.eccles-heddon.co.uk
Family Law (Divorce, Family & Children) Property Law (Residential & Commercial) Business Advice Employment Law Wills, Probate and Family Trusts Estate Planning Lasting Powers of Attorney Advising the Elderly Farming & Agriculture Dispute Resolution
FAMILY LAW CLINIC We also run a family law clinic once a week at our Bedale and Ripon offices. Please telephone Jane Midgley at Bedale or Liz Kidd at Ripon to book a FREE 30-minute consultation. Dales Life | Summer 2016 | 131
NEW KITCHEN AND BATHROOM RANGES NOW AVAILABLE APPOINTED STOCKIST FOR THE LAURA ASHLEY COLLECTIONN