Littlethorpe village
creating a community
News
Visits 50,434
As of 1st April 2025
Embedded Files
April 2025
Annual Parish Meeting
The minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting, held on 9th April, are now available on the 'Parish Council' pages.
Lost Bunny
Found a bunny! We have left her on this hedge on Littlethorpe Lane.
Amy Robson
Easter Day Service
Photos of the Easter Day service at St. Michael's are now available to view on the 'Services, events & news' page under St. Michael's.
Village Hall Committee Annual General Meeting
The Village Hall Committee will be holding its AGM in the village hall on Thursday 29th May at 5pm so put it in your diary. Anyone interested in joining the committee will be very welcome.
What's On, What's Gone
Reports and photos of two recent events (Peter Caton talk and Cooler King) are now available on the 'What's On, What's Gone' page.
Drum2Fitness
Sara Trewitt runs this class in the village hall and, after giving a demonstration at the annual parish meeting, has sent the following information about the class:
Uplifting music 🎶, fun Cardio routines! Lovely bunch of people. You don't need to have rhythm, you just need to be able to enjoy yourself.... If you're looking for an exercise class with a difference come and give it a go.
Cardio Drumming has proven health benefits.
It improves Cardiovascular Health, Cognitive thought, Hypertension, Chronic Pain, Arthritis, reduces Stress & Anxiety, Fatigue, Boost Immune System, it also assists with weight loss & improves confidence.
Richard's RCW Update
During this spell of dry sunny weather a few summer migrants have arrived but in dribs & drabs. Chiffchaff are plentiful but just one or two willow warblers, blackcap & an early sedge warbler. 2 sand martins a month ago have not been followed by a deluge & now only one or two swallow & no house martin. Black-tailed godwit & redshank have passed through & a pair of avocet & little ringed plover remain perhaps to breed. Over 350 whooper swan ‘overnighted’ in March & the splendid starling, whose murmurations many enjoyed with sometimes well over 150000, departed to the continent late February. The ‘bird’ at the moment is a booming bittern possibly 2 (is there a female with them?) & a female marsh harrier has been hanging around maybe waiting for a male & breed locally. Most of the early butterflies have appeared & male brimstone & orange tip are the current stars. We now await chattering reed warbler & if we are lucky grasshopper warbler & then the ‘May’ falcon hobby. All winter Cetti’s warbler have entertained with their explosive song with now at least 3 & the ‘squealing pig’ call of the skulking water rail comes from the brown reeds soon to turn green.
Bittern
(Original watercolour by Richard Tite)
Little Ringed Plover
(RSPB)
Orange Tip Butterfly
(Butterfly Conservation)
Annual Parish Meeting
A report and photos of the Annual Parish Meeting can be found on the 'Other News' page under 'Parish Council'.
Letter from North Yorkshire Council - Changes to your collection day
If you read the letter you received from North Yorkshire Council, dated 28th March, you will have been very confused by the dates given. The council has admitted that there is a 'typo' but their website will not update until 21st April!
The dates for April should read as follows:
Wednesday 23rd April - Rubbish
Thursday 24th April - Garden waste
Wednesday 30th April - Recycling
Fancy taking up a new hobby?
Bishop Monkton Bowling Club is looking for new members. Use the link below to visit their website for any information you may need.
REMINDER - 'Cooler King' are back!
'Cooler King' will be returning to the village hall on Saturday 12th April for another evening of 60's music and dancing. Full details can be found on the 'What's On, What's Gone' page.
A Talk by International Documentary Photographer Peter Caton
Annual Parish Meeting
The agenda for the Annual Parish Meeting, to be held on Wednesday 9th April, is now available on the 'Parish Council' pages. This is not a parish council meeting but a meeting for the village to celebrate what goes on in Littlethorpe so please come along and support it.
Digital Stakeholders Pack
Following on from my recent report, and in response to concerns about the impact of the switch to VOIP for those who live in areas that do not have mobile connectivity, I am attaching a stakeholder factsheet from BT that sets out the process, and the support available.
Please note there are hybrid phones and battery back up units that are available free of charge to those who are vulnerable.
If any residents think they might need additional help they should contact the BT customer services team. They can do this by phone (0800 800 150) or online (https://www.bt.com/help/here-for-you).
I'd be grateful if you could circulate this. Please let me know if anyone needs further assistance with this.
Cllr. Felicity Cunliffe-Lister
North Yorkshire Council
07592 114800
March 2025
Parish Council Meeting
The agenda for the parish council meeting, to be held on Friday 28th March, is now available on the 'Parish Council' page.
iCloud Storage Scam
Beware of these scam emails claiming that your iCloud storage is full. The emails lead to phishing websites that steal your Apple ID login details and other personal and financial information. A quick tap on the sender's address also instantly reveals the email is not from an Apple address.
You can report scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and malicious websites to the National Cyber Security Centre. If you’ve lost money or provided personal information as a result of a phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.
Andy Hugill
(North Yorkshire Police, Digital PCSO, North Yorkshire)
Thanks
The website has been contacted with a lovely message of thanks. Read it on the 'Guestbook' page.
Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting
There is to be an extraordinary parish council meeting on Wednesday 12th March which will be held in St. Michael's Church. The agenda for the meeting can be found on the 'Parish Council' pages.
Litter Pick
Report and more photos of the village's spring litter pick can be found on the 'What's On, What's Gone' page.
Dirty Thirty? Not any more!
Have you ever wondered how the signs on Littlethorpe Road at the entrance to our village stay so clean? Well here is your answer - Liz Tite complete with brush and bucket. Thank you, Liz.
Milestone
Our village website has reached a milestone - 50,000 visits! Thank you to everyone who has visited the site and, if anyone has anything of interest, please let me know by using the 'Contact the Editor' button at the top of the page or, if you have a photo to share, send to littlethorpe.northyorks@yahoo.co.uk
February 2025
Litter Pick
There is to be a Littlethorpe litter pick this Saturday 1st March. If you would like to help keep our village clean, please meet in the village hall car park at 10am. All equipment will be provided. There will be tea and sausage sandwiches waiting for you when you’ve finished. It usually takes less than an hour to complete.
Showtime
Update and photos of Showtime are now available on the 'What's On, What's Gone' page.
Reminder
"SHOWTIME - A MUSIC TRIBUTE EVENING"
On Saturday, 22nd February we are holding a charity night in Littlethorpe Village Hall in aid of St Michael’s Hospice.
This is to be a 'Live Musical Tribute Night' with a variety of songs from the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s performed by a local singer, Chris Crow.
As the hall isn’t licenced, please bring your own drinks (and glasses) and a contribution to a shared buffet.
As well as a raffle, there may be a little quiz about the songs being sung so make sure you have some cash with you and spend freely.
Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are £6 each available now from:
John Downes 07927 574722 or Mandy Downes 07512 814503 email mandy.downes54@gmail.com or
Chris Winterburn 07968 089941 email c.winterburn@sky.com
ALL MONEY RAISED IS GOING TO ST MICHAEL’S HOSPICE
We hope you will be able to attend and help raise money for a very worthwhile cause while enjoying a good evening's entertainment.
Murmurations
The starlings continue to put on a spectacular show but driving underneath them is not a good idea - one splattered car! (16th)
Marie Curie needs people in Ripon to volunteer for this year’s
Great Daffodil Appeal
There’s only one chance to give someone the best possible end of life, which is why Marie Curie is calling on the residents of Ripon to support its Great Daffodil Appeal this Spring by giving up a few hours of their time to distribute the charity’s iconic daffodil pins in exchange for a donation. Every five minutes, someone dies without the care they need. The Great Daffodil Appeal encourages everyone to wear their daffodil pins and donate to the end of life charity through this spring to help Marie Curie bring expert end of life care to more people.
The charity’s flagship fundraiser helps raise much needed funds so that Marie Curie Nurses and healthcare professionals can provide expert support and hospice care in the comfort of home. This year, collections will be held at
Morrisons supermarkets from 24 February to 9 March Boroughbridge & Ripon
8th March Ripon Street Collection
14th & 15th March Harrogate Waitrose
15TH March Harrogate Street collection
Marie Curie is dependent on public donations and last year supporters helped the charity provide direct care to almost 40,000 people across the UK via its hospices and through overnight nursing care in people’s own homes across Ripon and the Harrogate district Money raised also funds the charity’s free support line and webchat which is available to anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from and those close to them. It offers practical and emotional support on everything from managing symptoms, navigating care to financial information, including how to get help with energy bills, and bereavement support.
Gemma Hewitt, Marie Curie Senior Community Fundraiser for North of England said:
“We believe everyone across North Yorkshire deserves the best possible end of life care. The Great Daffodil Appeal, now in its 39th year, is an easy and fun way to join in and give back to our local community here in Ripon or wherever you may collect whilst also helping us continue to bring vital hospice care at home to more people. Volunteering is so rewarding; me and our friendly team of volunteers will be on hand to support you all the way. We’ll make sure you have everything you need – including the big yellow hat – and ensure you have the best possible volunteer experience! We are looking for new volunteers to form a fundraising group in Ripon– so please do get in touch. So why not be part of something amazing and volunteer to collect for the Great Daffodil Appeal this March. By giving up your time you’ll be helping Marie Curie continue to provide expert end of life care and support for people with any illness they are likely to die from. Whatever the illness, wherever you are, Marie Curie is with you to the end. "
To find out more about how you can help give people the expert care they need this March visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil or contact your local Senior Community Fundraiser, Gemma Hewitt on Gemma.Hewitt@mariecurie.org.uk call 07525392985
To support the Great Daffodil Appeal in 2025 you can also pick up an iconic daffodil pin in Morrisons, Superdrug, Savers and SPAR stores this March. For more information or to donate go to Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil
Garden waste licences now available
Residents can now pay for their licence for the 2025 garden waste season. A licence costs £49 for collections between March and early December. This provides a cost-effective way for residents to dispose of garden waste. The licence covers one 240-litre wheelie bin to be emptied fortnightly. Anyone who wishes to have more than one bin emptied will need to pay for a licence for each additional bin. Residents can also pay for a licence at any time throughout the season but are encouraged to do so before the start of the service in March as the cost will remain the same. Once paid, a licence pack should arrive within 14 days.
For more information about the garden waste service, including terms and conditions, and collection dates, please visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/garden-waste.
James Sherwood
Communications Business Partner (environment)
North Yorkshire Council
Epiphany Stable
This is the last view of the Epiphany stable at St. Michael's this year before it is removed until next year.
Can you help?
Please take a look at the recent message on the 'Guestbook' page to see if you can help David MacCuish.
Starling Murmuration
I think tonight's display was one of the best over the village. (1st)
January 2025
Bird Flu
Christine Curtis recently found a Greylag Goose behind her garage which was clearly in distress. As it may have been suffering from Bird Flu, Richard Tite has given the following advice if you find yourself in a similar situation.
Greylag Goose
Avian Influenza [Bird flu]
what to do if you suspect a sick or dead wild bird
Defra Responsibility
This is a Notifiable Disease currently affecting commercial poultry flocks and wild birds [birds of prey, swan, geese, duck or gull]
· Report any suspect case of a dead or sick wild bird to Defra on their online reporting form www.gov.uk or on their helpline 03459-335577 to follow the Defra guidelines. Birds may be collected and tested for bird flu.
· Ripon City Wetlands –Yorkshire Wildlife Trust are responsible for this site and need to know of any suspect cases after Defra have been notified
Contact YWT on 01904-659570 [office hours and an out of hours emergency number]
NB: Do not touch dead or sick birds
Currently enforced is a National Avian Influenza Prevention Zone that requires all bird keepers to house their birds and maintain stringent biosecurity standards to decrease the chances of their flocks coming into contact with infected wild birds.
Members of the public can help by reporting any sick or dead wild birds
Richard Tite
Starling Murmuration
The starling murmuration is worth seeing in Littlethorpe at the moment. Around 5000 starlings `fore-gathered` in the sycamore at Field Cottage on 13th Jan at around 4.20-4.30pm prior to flying to their overnight roost in Ripon Wetlands by the canal. Our sycamore was black and what a mess covered the greenhouse after they had left!
Their current numbers are estimated at around 15,000. . Don’t miss seeing this fantastic display against a pinkish evening sky.
Liz & Richard Tite
16th Jan
No Excuses!
The larger dog waste bin on Canal Lane means that no-one has any excuse for leaving dog waste lying around. PLEASE clear up after your dog.
Fun in the snow
Snowball fight? As Rachel from South View said, "You can't not, can you?" People were out jogging, walking dogs or just walking for enjoyment in a winter wonderland. (5th)
St. Michael's Church
The Canal
Nicholson's Lagoon
Charlie & Tiff, who live at Sunnyside on Pottery Lane, with a very excited 9 month old Maggie - her first time in snow
Dean's Wood
Dan, Rachel, Sam & Kitty, from South View, enjoying a snowball fight
Welcome to 2025
What a beautiful way to welcome in the new year - a double rainbow over St. Michael's Church.
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