Littlethorpe village
creating a community
News
Visits 55,086
As of 1st October 2026
The site reached the milestone of 50,000 visits in March 2025
Embedded Files
October 2026
Harvest at St. Michael's
A report and more photos of the harvest festival can be found on the 'St. Michael's' pages.
September 2026
Home to School Travel Policy Post Implementation Review Consultation
Jack's Journal
Today I got to attend an extremely important event about suicide prevention within sport. The Prince and Princess of Wales have launched the initiative ON YOUR SIDE as a toolkit for all levels of sport to be able to open the conversation and to address the uncomfortable topics. I’m honoured to represent my sport today and to also strive for better mental health and wellbeing for all athletes.
Jack Laugher
10th September
New Faces
Our parish council has two new faces - one already in place and one to come in November. Jack Buck has replaced Vhairi Luck as a councillor and Rob Bareham will take over the role of clerk from Keith Pettitt on 1st November. Welcome to Littlethorpe Parish Council.
Community Litter Pick
The parish council has arranged a litter pick for 17th October. Full details are available on the 'What's On, What's Gone' page. Please support this event; the more people who come to help, the quicker the job will be done.
Parish Council Minutes
The minutes of the parish council meeting, held on 3rd September, are available on the 'Parish Council' pages.
Autumnal Berries
Birds have a feast in store on this bush down Green Lane.
Stud Cottage Corner Strikes Again!
Another stuck lorry but, after several minutes, they did manage to get it round safely. Probably a Sat Nav problem again.
REMINDER -Social Media Training
CANCELLED due to illness
A new date will be arranged
This event has been postponed to Wednesday 2nd September at 6pm in the village Hall due to the work done on the hall and to suit our tutors Amelia and Fran
It is a follow up to their presentation “Promotion via Social Media” on the 4th June. Many of those – not least me -did not understand how to use social media and this training session is for those who want to learn how to use the different sorts
It would be useful to know how many are coming so an email to me would be great – on the night we will ask for a donation of £5 from everyone to give to our tutors.
Christopher Orme
christopher.orme@btinternet.com
August 2026
Jack's Journal
Congratulations to Jack and Lois on their engagement.
Information regarding the new parking payment machines across North Yorkshire
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality parking services, we are replacing parking ticket machines across North Yorkshire.
The existing machines have reached the end of their operational life and are becoming increasingly difficult and costly to maintain. The new machines will offer a more reliable, efficient and consistent payment solution, ensuring a better experience for customers while supporting the long-term sustainability of our parking service.
What’s changing?
Customers will no longer receive a ticket to display in their vehicle. Instead, they will:
Enter their vehicle registration number (VRN) on the payment machine
Select the length of stay required
Pay using cash or card or a parking app (where available)
Will customers notice anything different?
Aside from no longer receiving a printed ticket, customers should notice very little difference in how they pay for parking. Our installation team will carefully manage the transition to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth changeover at each location. Signage is also being updated to explain the new payment process, as well displaying parking tariffs and specific car park information.
Can I still pay with cash?
Yes. The new machines will continue to accept cash as well as card payments. Parking apps will also be available where currently provided.
Why are you removing paper tickets?
Moving to a ticketless system reduces maintenance requirements, improves reliability, cuts paper usage and provides a more efficient service for customers and the council.
How do I know my payment has been successful?
Once payment has been made, the machine will confirm that your parking session has been successfully registered against your vehicle registration number.
Are you using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)?
No, we are not using ANPR technology in our car parks. Our civil enforcement officers will be able to check parking sessions electronically using vehicle registration numbers, removing the need to check printed tickets.
How will parking be enforced without a ticket?
Our civil enforcement officers will use handheld devices to check whether a valid parking session has been purchased for a vehicle using its registration number.
When will this happen?
We have more than 400 ticket machines being replaced as part of this programme so it will take place in phases. Installation has been completed in the former Richmondshire, Selby, Ryedale and Craven areas, and we have now started in Hambleton, with Scarborough following in September/October and finally Harrogate in October/November.
Kind regards
James Sherwood
Communications Business Partner
North Yorkshire Council
The Flower Belt
We checked out The Flower Belt yesterday, the pick your own flower farm situated in Thwaites Lane at Bishop Monkton Crossroads on the A61 which opened recently. Well laid out, very organised, snacks & pizzas/drinks/picnic opportunities. Open every day 10am-5pm [weekends close 10pm] until 6th Sept. Beautiful meadow flowers and sunflowers. Do go!
Liz & Richard Tite
Parish Council Meeting
The agenda for the next parish council meeting, to be held on Thursday 3rd September, is now available on the 'Parish Council' pages.
The Other Half of a Pair of Tites hard at work
This time it was Liz at St. Michael's Church. She is part of a rota of ladies who arrange flowers at the church weekly - this time gladioli and dahlias were the order of the day. Other arrangers are Kirstin Wood, Glynis Gittings, June Garbutt, Vivien Hare, Christin Thackray, Gina Daly, Nici Routledge, Margaret Plunkett and Ali Anderson. Due to these ladies, the church looks beautiful for every service.
Tour of Britain
Race route
The vast majority of the race route will be managed under rolling road closures (typically up to 30mins) and further information can be found on our website. However, there will be some fixed closures on the race route;
Greenhow Hill (Royal Oak Pub in Pateley Bridge to Greenhow Village) will be closed from 11am to 2pm (diversion route in place)
B6160 Bishopdale (Streethead Inn to Buckden) will be closed south bound from 12.30pm to 2.30pm (diversion route in place)
Greets Moss and Grinton Moor will be closed from 12.30pm to 3.30pm (diversion route in place)
Start (Helmsley)
Castlegate will be closed from 6am to 12noon
A170 will be open except from 10.45am to 11.15am when the race starts (rolling road closure)
B1257 will be open throughout (but when A170 has rolling closures there will be delays)
Part of the Cleveland Way Car Park (coach park and rear car park) will be closed from 6am to 12noon
Finish (Leyburn)
Wensleydale Railway are running services from Leeming Bar and Bedale to Leyburn for the race finish – details can be found on their Facebook page
Signed diversion routes will be in place for traffic in and around Leyburn (please allow extra time for your journey)
Additional visitor parking is available at;
The Wensleydale Show parking field on Bellerby Road (comfort.reporting.farmland)
Field next to Tennants on Harmby Road (sticks.reflector.elevator)
Field opposite Tennants on Harmby Road (slope.mulls.pranced)
Wensleydale Rugby Club on Wensley Road (sport.fetch.engulfing)
Information to residents
Please find attached the letter and leaflet that has been sent to residents along the race route. This information can also be found on the Tour of Britain website.
Richard's RCW Update
Butterflies at Ripon City Wetlands
What a year 2026 has been for butterflies. In late March we had the first signs that it was going to be a ‘painted lady invasion’ year as the pioneer migrants arrived from Africa. They peaked in May & June. How different to the information in older literature ( mine is 1975) when the first migrants arrived in June! The single new generation is now on the wing. Holly blues too have been prolific & now well into the 2nd generation. Disappointing numbers of peacock & small tortoiseshell & no wall browns again that mirrors their drastic decline by 90% in the last 40 years. But there are healthy numbers of meadow brown, ringlet, gatekeeper, speckled wood & small copper.
The stars at the moment are clouded yellow another migrant. Up to 8 have been seen on the entrance track in the ride opposite the gazebo, although I have seen singles down the riverside. Their food plants are the Leguminosae family clover & especially the vetches.
Clouded Yellow
Holly Blue
Painted Lady
All photos from Butterfly Conservation
Ripon Triathlon Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone in Littlethorpe for your patience, understanding and support during the Ripon Triathlon Festival.
We know that events like this can bring some disruption, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who worked with us to help make the day such a success.
It was fantastic to see so many athletes of all ages and abilities taking part, we had over 250 juniors competing on Saturday and nearly 1000 adults on Sunday - with many competing for the opportunity to qualify for the European Championships without having to travel far from home. Having an event of this calibre here in the North is something we can all be proud of, showcasing our area as a fantastic venue for sport and bringing competitors and visitors into our local community.
A real highlight of the weekend was welcoming Jonny Brownlee supporting the Junior events on Saturday, and Alistair Brownlee competing on Sunday - their presence inspired so many participants and spectators alike. Seeing world-class athletes supporting grassroots sport is a reminder of what these events are all about—encouraging people to challenge themselves, stay active, and achieve their goals.
Thank you once again to everyone in Littlethorpe for helping make the Ripon Triathlon Festival possible. Your understanding and community spirit are greatly appreciated, and we hope you share in the pride of seeing such a positive event take place on our doorstep.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.
Ripon Triathlon Club
St. Michael's Church Garden
Despite being on the corner at a T-junction, St. Michael's Church has a peaceful garden where anyone can spend a few quiet moments. They may be remembering loved ones in the Garden of Remembrance or just enjoying the flowers. This lovely space doesn't happen by chance; it is kept looking lovely by Richard Tite who was hard at work this morning (10th) pulling out weeds.
Vacancy for Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer for the Parish Council
Keith Pettitt has held this post for almost 10 years, on and off, and is now ready to stand down and is resigning. If you are interested in taking on this position and want more information about what it entails, Keith can be contacted on 079432 11041 and clerk@littlethorpe-pc.gov.uk
Jack's Journal
Jack has won a silver medal in the 1m springboard at the European Championships and his girlfriend, Lois Toulson, fared even better in the synchronised 10m platform competition winning gold with Maisie Bond. Jack and Anthony were so close to a medal in the 3m synchronised competition finishing 4th less than half a point behind the bronze medallists!
BBC Sport
Greencroft Open Garden
A report, including photos, of Greencroft open garden can be found on the 'What's On, What's Gone' page
Ewe lead the way!
July 2026
Roundabout Article
Those of you who subscribe to the Roundabout magazine will have seen the very interesting 'Early Memories of Littlethorpe' articles in the August/September magazine. Please read the comment on the 'Guestbook' page.
Reminder
Don't forget the talk tomorrow at St. Michael's Church. It should be a very interesting and informative morning.
UPDATE: A full update can be found on the 'What's On, What's Gone' page.
Feed them and they will come!
Lots of villagers care about hedgehogs and do what they can to help them - are you one of those people? Feeding can really help these wonderful creatures but do your research first as there are things you should not feed them. We are regularly getting three in our garden at the moment - one very large, one smaller and a baby. Could it be Harry and his family?
Parish Council Minutes
The minutes of the parish council meeting, held on Thursday 9th July, are now available on the 'Parish Council' pages.
Ripon Triathlon
Olympic champions, Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, competed in the event this year - Alistair in the sprint race and Jonny in the standard distance. Competitors had to contend with 22/23deg heat so the water stations were a welcome relief with excellent marshalling encouraging them all the way.
Manning Canal Lane drinks station
L to R: Louise Appleton, Sofia, Lilianna & Philippa Di Silvestro
Alistair Brownlee leading the sprint race down Canal Lane
As requested, "Just pour it over my head!"
⚠️ THINK BEFORE YOU JUMP: OPEN WATER IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN YOU THINK ⚠️
Earlier this evening, we received reports of a group of teenagers jumping from a bridge into open water. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported, but the incident serves as an important reminder of the very real dangers associated with open water.
With the warmer weather continuing and the summer holidays fast approaching, we're encouraging everyone across our communities to stay safe around open water. Whether you're out walking, enjoying a picnic, paddleboarding, fishing or meeting friends, please remember that rivers, lakes, reservoirs, canals and other open water can be far more dangerous than they appear. Cold water shock, hidden hazards, strong currents and sudden changes in depth can quickly become life-threatening. We also strongly encourage parents and carers to speak with their children and young people about the dangers of open water before they head out with friends. A simple conversation about the risks and making safe choices could help prevent a tragedy.
Please help keep yourself and others safe by remembering:
• Only swim at designated, supervised swimming locations where possible.
• Never jump or dive into open water – you may not know what's beneath the surface.
• Never enter the water after consuming alcohol or drugs.
• Keep a close eye on children and encourage older children and young people to make safe choices around water.
• If someone gets into difficulty, don't enter the water to rescue them. Call 999 immediately, ask for the Fire and Rescue Service if inland, or the Coastguard if at the coast. If it is safe to do so, throw something that floats and encourage them to stay calm until help arrives.
We are incredibly fortunate to have beautiful rivers, reservoirs and open spaces across Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough and the surrounding villages. By looking out for one another and taking a few simple precautions, we can all help prevent avoidable tragedies this summer.
Please share this post with your family, friends and local community to help spread this important message and keep everyone safe this summer. Thank you for helping to keep our communities safe.
Ross Hudson
(North Yorkshire Police, PC, Harrogate Outer Safer Neighbourhood team)
Harry the hedgehog is released!
Harry, rescued and named by Dave Laugher, has been released back into the wild. Dave found him out and about during the day which is not a sign of a healthy hedgehog so he took him to Bishopton Vets and he was returned to Dave when well enough. He was subsequently released, as darkness fell, in a garden where hedgehogs visit every night to feed.
Littlethorpe Manor Open Garden
A report and more photos of the open garden at Littlethorpe Manor can be found on the 'What's On, What's Gone' Page.
Jack's Journal
Two more medals for Jack! Diving at the Bolzano Diving Meeting in Italy, he won the Men's 3m Springboard Bronze and Men's 3m Synchro Silver with Anthony Harding. Well done Jack - a very successful weekend.
bbc.com
Ripon Triathlon
Information about the Ripon Triathlon, due to take place on 12th July, can be accessed below.
June 2026
Jack's Journal
It is four years since Jack last competed on the 1 metre springboard but yesterday (4th) he came second behind Jordan Holden in the Aquatic GB Diving Championships in Sandwell, West Midlands. Two days later, Jack, with diving partner Anthony Holding, won gold in the 3 metre springboard which gained them entry into the European Championships being held in Paris in August.
Google Sites
Report abuse