What's On, What's Gone
Village Events
'What's On, What's Gone' gives details of events in the village along with updates and photos.
Some of these events are organised by Littlethorpe Entertainments Committee and have included BBQ's, themed evenings, quizzes, musical evenings, food & drink events, plays and celebrations of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee & VE Day. Others are organised by people from outside the village who choose to use our village hall.
Several gardens within the village also open each year for the National Garden Scheme and are always extremely popular.
Some examples of past events
Coronation celebration
NGS Open Gardens
Skelldale Singers' concert
Musical evening
60s Night
Theatre production
Garden party
Fundraising event
BBQ
Musical concert - Seth Weil, Kate Taylor Warren & Cassie Weil
Pub night
Carol singing
For information of more recent and future events, scroll down for month by month information.
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September 2024
Littlethorpe Manor Open Gardens
Littlethorpe Manor will be opening its gardens on 8th September as part of the National Garden Scheme.
There will be homemade refreshments (Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake – served in the marquee) provided and served by villagers and friends of Littlethorpe Village Hall and St. Michael & All Angels Church. 10% of takings will be donated to NGS with the rest providing much needed funds for the church and the village hall.
There will also be plants for sale.
A comment from last year was: “A beautiful garden and what a lovely friendly atmosphere there was in the marquee and what a selection of cakes.”
Opening Times: 1.30pm – 5.00pm. Entrance fee: Adults – £7.00 each with children getting in free.
May 2024
Ripon City Wetlands' Open Day
On Sunday 19th May there is an open day to celebrate 5 years of the Nature Reserve. All free, guided walks, teas, coffees, staff to talk to about the reserve and family activities.
If you have never visited this reserve on our doorstep, this is an excellent opportunity to do so.
Jonathan Leadley
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Bittern
Band Night
Saturday, 4th May, we have a group “COOLER KING” coming to play for us. Doors open at 7pm. Band will play from 8pm. They will play music from the 50/60’s onwards and will keep us entertained all evening (they have a Facebook page if you want to check them out). Some villagers went to see them recently in Ripon and were very impressed which is why we booked them.
We thought it would be a good idea to have a sharing supper so please bring a contribution to the buffet. As the Hall isn’t licenced, please also bring your own drinks.
Tickets are £10 each and are available from me now.
Chris Winterburn
603017 or 07968 089941
c.winterburn@sky.com
April 2024
Quiz Night
There is to be a Quiz on Saturday, 6th April starting at 7.30pm. No need to book - £2.00 entry on the door.
There is a maximum of six to a team but we can always find a team for you to join if you come on your own.
Please bring your own drinks and a contribution towards a communal supper. The combined effort means that we usually have a fantastic spread. There will also be a raffle.
There are goodies and a trophy for the winners and a consolation prize for the bottom team.
Please can the previous winners bring back the trophy.
Chris Winterburn
UPDATE - Another good evening with some regulars and yet more new faces, which was brilliant, along with the usual excellent supper. Steve Roberts was question master this time as Sandra was unavailable. There was a new winning team and a new booby prize winning team - congratulations to them all. Thank you to Liz Tite for providing the photos and captions. Read the comments on the 'Guestbook' page.
The Noisy Table
Communal Supper
Winners
Quiz Master and Assistant
Booby Prize Winners
March 2024
UPDATE - What a fantastic turnout for the village spring litter pick! Seventeen people helped in different ways - some regulars, some new faces. Not a huge amount of litter this time which is good news for the village and sausage butties afterwards. Thank you everyone.
From left to right: Peter Fleming, James, Vhairi and Findlay Luck, Christopher Orme, Chris Winterburn, Ian Price, Rob Allen, Xanthe Price, Helen Allen, Eleanor Sharp, Steve Turner, Rob Ankcorn and Suzanne Battram
UPDATE - A chilly night but the pizzas were as delicious as ever. Liz and Richard Tite were looking forward to theirs.
December 2023
“Songs for a Winter’s Night”
On Saturday 9th December, there is to be a concert in Littlethorpe Village Hall by the community choir “All Together Now”. They will entertain us with a mixture of songs, some with a festive theme, others not, and some which will encourage audience participation.
There will be 2 halves with an interval for a “Bring & Share” supper. Please bring a contribution to the supper along with your own drinks.
To get everyone into the festive mood and add atmosphere, please wear your Christmas Jumper and/or other suitable festive attire.
There is NO CHARGE for entry but, because of fire regulations, there is a restriction on numbers. Therefore, you MUST have a pre-booked ticket. Tickets will be available from me from Monday 13th November on a 1st come, 1st served basis. We anticipate a lot of interest in this function so book early to ensure your place. There will be no entry on the door without a ticket.
As already mentioned, there is no charge for this concert, so we would strongly encourage you to support the choir’s charity for this year which is the Harrogate District Foodbank/Helping Local People in Crisis. There will be a raffle (some lovely prizes!) £1 per ticket. A generous donation would also be very welcome so make sure you have some cash with you!
Doors open at 7pm and the concert starts at 7.30pm prompt.
Chris Winterburn 07968 089941
c.winterburn@sky.com
UPDATE - What a fantastic night! Chris Kemp led the choir (which included Helen Myers, who used to live in the village, and Mandy Downes, who does) through a variety of Christmas songs with amazing energy involving the audience in three of them. Five year old Hayley joined mum in the choir and even 'helped' Chris conduct! When the singing ended, it was time for supper and what a spread there was. The evening finished with the drawing of the raffle and then an auction of a Christmas shirt modelled by John Downes. Hayley won it and immediately put it on!
The choir in full voice
Some of the fantastic raffle prizes
The audience getting involved
Hayley & Chris
A busy hall
Supper - what a spread!
Model Hayley
You are invited to attend the Book Launch of
‘Plainsong’
A collection of poetry by Trevor Vaughan
Friday, December 8th 2023
7pm for 7.30pm
Littlethorpe Village Hall
Wine, fruit juice, nibbles
*
‘Plainsong’ may be bought at the event, priced £10
or ordered to be dispatched by post at
2, Park Hill Cottages, Pottery Lane,
Littlethorpe, Ripon HG4 3LS
Email: trevor.vaughan3@outlook.com
Please add extra £2.50p for postage
Trevor Vaughan is a Church of England priest. Ordained in Coventry Cathedral in 1969, he has worked as a full-time priest in the Dioceses of Coventry, Blackburn and Bradford. With his wife Ann, he retired in 2006 to Ripon where he has continued to exercise a locum ministry to many rural parishes around the city.
After being widowed, he served for three years as priest in charge of St Michael & All Angels, Littlethorpe. He lives in the village and still officiates regularly at the church where he is sacristan.
He was cartoonist for the Blackburn Diocesan magazine and appeared on ‘Look North’ with his cartoons He has written an autobiography, “Nowt” [2010], “Parson’s Pie” [2012], an exploration of ‘church words’ and in 2016 “’Omilettes” a collection of sermons preached during his time at St Michael’s. Though he has dabbled in poetry since a boy, this anthology is his first serious endeavour.
He has had several poems published in national magazines This England and Evergreen and also in Northern Life.
UPDATE - The evening was a success and well attended. It began with drinks and nibbles with an opportunity for people to chat and Christopher Orme did a brilliant job keeping everyone's glasses topped up. Trevor gave an interesting talk interspersed with poems from his book - some serious, some 'daft', to use the word that Trevor used. Afterwards, there was the opportunity to buy a signed copy.
October 2023
SATURDAY
28th October
LITTLETHORPE VILLAGE HALL
QUIZ
MAX 6 IN A TEAM £2 PER PERSON
BRING PLATE OF FOOD FOR COMMUNAL SUPPER
BRING OWN DRINKS 7.30PM
UPDATE - Six teams battled it out at a fun evening and it was good to see a few new faces. The fact that the lighting in the village hall wasn't working properly didn't spoil the enjoyment of the evening - lots of laughter, a raffle and an excellent supper. Once again, the winning team was 'Not the Railway Children' but only by half a mark! Because it was so close, the decision was made that, for the first time ever, a second prize should be awarded. The winners won wine and chocolates, the runners-up got wine and the bottom placed team received tubes of Smarties. As always, many people stayed on afterwards to help clear away. Thank you.
See the comments on the 'Guestbook' page.
Winners - Not the Railway Children
Runners-up - The Potters
Last place - The 5 Fools
Sandra throwing light on the quiz questions - Liz Tite
'The Dog's Dinner' tea party
On 7th October, Littlethorpe Village Hall will host 'The Dog's Dinner' tea party in support of Marie Curie Ripon & District Fundraisers. Entries for the Dogs of Yorkshire calendar will have been voted for by the public and a shortlist of 50 will go through to the final selection at the tea party.
UPDATE - Three local pets `Ruby`, `Doug` and `Harry` made it to the shortlist following many `likes` on Facebook and were then subjected to public voting from supporters attending the Marie Curie Tea Party [aka the Dogs Dinner] in the Village Hall on 7th Oct. They were each awarded a smart hessian bag with treats and other goodies kindly donated by Bishopton Veterinary Gp. The `Top Dog` spot went to Theodora the basset who came with her own shameless self publicity `Vote Theodora` hanging around her neck. Mind you she does have her own Instagram account to bolster her fame. Local artist Charles van Blerk will now be challenged in carrying out her portrait as first prize. Veterinary nurse Steph Horn donated a doggy themed cake for the raffle, and children enjoyed the board games. Rob Ankcorn took charge of organising `Waggiest Tail,`` Most like its Owner` and `Fancy Dress` competitions -all the dogs entered the fun of the afternoon and there were no doggy disputes to sort separate. Parchment certificates were presented to the 9 lucky competitors. Around £600 was made together with a generous offer to help with the printing of the Marie Curie `Dogs of Yorkshire 2025 calendar when we will be `hounding` you for orders next year. Thank you all for your support.
Liz Tite for Ripon & District Marie Curie Fundraisers
'Give Chase his badge'
Hetty - winner 'Fancy Dress'
Liz Tite with the 'Doggie Cake'
Jacko - winner 'Most like owner'
Helen Green and Theodora
Harry
Ruby
Helen Myers and Doug
September 2023
Litter Pick
There will be a village litter pick on Saturday 30th September meeting in the village hall car park at 10am. The actual picking normally takes less than an hour and there will be tea and sausage butties upon completion.
UPDATE - Because of a clash with the harvest festival preparations at St. Michael's Church, only a few people were able to turn up for the litter pick. Jackie and Dave Laugher went directly to do Green Lane while others spread out around the village. Not much litter this time round which is good news. Thank you to all who turned out.
Ready for the off
Sausage butties afterwards
Littlethorpe Manor Gardens Open Day
Littlethorpe Manor will, once more, be opening its gardens on Sunday 10th September as part of the National Garden Scheme. Enjoy a wonderful afternoon in the colourful surroundings of Littlethorpe Manor. Ample car parking available.
There will be homemade refreshments (Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake – served in the marquee – £3.00 per head) provided and served by villagers and friends of Littlethorpe Village Hall and St. Michael's Church. 10% of takings will be donated to NGS with the rest providing much needed funds for the church and the village hall.
There will also be plants for sale.
Opening Times: 1.30pm – 5.00pm. Entrance fee: Adults – £7.00 each with children getting in free.
UPDATE - Approximately 600 people flooded through the gates with queues forming at the plant stall and tea tent almost immediately. Christin Thackray was thrilled with the day's success as were the visitors (see the comments on the 'Guestbook' page). The sale of teas raised £1,613.70, 10% of which will be donated to NGS with the remainder being shared equally between St. Michael's Church and Littlethorpe Village Hall. The final total raised on the day for NGS was £4,151. Many thanks to everyone who donated cakes and/or helped on the day.
Christin Thackray on the terrace overlooking the garden
Tea ladies at the ready.
Trevor & Barbara - tea payments collectors
Jan & Chris Laker returned to Littlethorpe all the way from Helmsley to help.
Music in the garden
Flower border
Queue to buy plants
Sue & David Lydall with Gordon & Janet Milner enjoying a rest in the shade.
Contemporary physic garden
Tea outside on the lawn.
Bridge view
August 2023
Greencroft Open Day
Greencroft on Pottery Lane, the home of Dave and Sally Walden, will open to the public on Sunday 6th August from noon until 4pm as part of the National Garden Scheme. Ample car parking available.
As always, homemade teas will be available which can be enjoyed on the lawn.
Admission: Adults £5 with children getting in free.
May 2023
Friday 19th May at 7.30pm in Littlethorpe Village Hall
Katie Bell has written a one woman musical show staring a local girl, Annie Wallen from Bishop Monkton. Katie says, “It would be lovely for us to have your support as we start out on our journey as a new team before putting it on in the Frazer Theatre and Buxton Fringe festival”.
It’s a one woman musical called "It’s My Life" about the trials and tribulations of divorce, single parenthood and love. It’s one woman’s rollercoaster ride through life. It will be directed and produced by Katie.
There is no charge for the show - after seeing it, pay what you think it was worth!!!
As there is no bar in the hall, please feel free to bring your own tipple & snacks.
UPDATE - What a treat to have a performance like this in our village hall. The spoken words, lyrics and music were all written by Katie and Annie's powerful voice and acting skills were first-class. A very enjoyable evening. Thank you Katie and Annie.
Littlethorpe’s Coronation Celebrations - Sunday 7th May at 4pm
Because the Coronation is taking place in early May and the weather may not be kind, we have decided that the celebrations will take place INSIDE the village hall. In keeping with the wishes of the king to have a less extravagant affair, our celebrations are also going to be less extravagant. It will be “Coronation Tea and an Evening of Magic”.
For £20 you can book a table for up to 12 people or £10 for up to 6 people (including children). There will be a prize for the best decorated table and the hall will be open from 3pm for everyone to come in and decorate their own table. The hall will already be patriotically festooned in bunting etc. Please bring your own “Coronation Picnic Tea” and any drinks and glasses you may want for your table. We will provide a slice of cake and some fizz to toast the new king. We have also organised a magician, Rob Hutchinson, to come along and entertain us all – young and old alike.
Please come dressed in patriotic colours- it adds to the fun – be as outrageous as you like!
Tickets are available from Chris Winterburn, Holly Bank, Pottery Lane now until 19th March (unless they run out sooner).
Limited availability - Due to fire regulations
UPDATE - If you weren't there, you missed a real treat - music, fun, food, drink, singing, laughter and magic. Tables had been decorated and many people entered into the spirit of the afternoon/evening by wearing red, white and blue. The magician, Rob Hutchinson, was very well received, particularly by the children who were eager to help him! There was singing of traditional songs from Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales and also a toast to King Charles III was proposed by Trevor Vaughan. There was a wonderful cake in the form of the Union Flag. A big thank you must go to all the people who contributed in any way - too many to mention.
A packed village hall
Magician Rob Hutchinson
Sandra Roberts accompanied the singing
Rob & Richard singing or are they in pain?
Chris Winterburn's table
The coronation hat
Trevor Vaughan's family table
Trevor Vaughan proposed the toast
Richard Tite toasting the king
The celebration cake
Liz Tite serving cake
The winners of the 'Best Decorated Table' competition
Children with their balloons
March 2023
Litter Pick
There will be a village litter pick on Saturday 25th March. If you are able to help, please meet in the village hall car park at 10am. It usually takes an hour at the most and then there will be sausage sandwiches and a cup of tea/coffee to reward you for your efforts.
UPDATE - A dedicated and select group turned out to help with the litter pick (Dave and Jackie Laugher went directly to the Green Lane area) on a sunny but chilly morning. A cuppa and sausage butties were available back at the village hall afterwards.
Pub Night
Back by popular demand: On Saturday 11th March, from 7pm onwards, we will be holding another “Pub Night” at Littlethorpe Village Hall.
As before, this is like a trip to your local except that, as the Village Hall is not licenced to sell alcohol, you would have to bring your own drinks (and glasses) as you would to any Village Hall function.
To try and create the “Pub” effect, we will provide a small billiard table and table football plus there will be pub favourites like cards & dominos and darts available if you fancy a game.
No entertainment or catering is arranged but you could, if you like, order a takeaway or bring some supper with you. A few people did this last time.
This is the chance to get together with your friends & neighbours for a drink and a chat in a relaxed atmosphere.
Welcome back to the “Littlethorpe Arms!”
Chris Winterburn
603017 or07968 089941
UPDATE - Another great evening! New faces, new dartboard and new 4-legged friend (no surprise that Mandy Downes made a bee-line for her!). 11 week old Nell belongs to Rob and Sue Ankcorn and dropped in to see everybody. Due to illness, several regulars were unable to be there so missing lots of fun and laughter.
