Winners reap their rewards

WINNERS of Richmondshire District Council's Best Kept Village and Town competition have been presented with trees to plant to commemorate their achievements. The winning entries were Whashton, in the under 200 population category; Ravensworth, in the 200 to 400 population category; Gilling with Hartforth and Sedbury, in the 400 to 1,000 population category; and Leyburn, in the 1,000-plus population category. The judging was organised by Richmond and Wensleydale Round Tables and took place last July and August. Twenty-four parishes and three towns entered. The district council chairman, Councillor Jane Metcalfe, who presented the awards, said: "I would like to congratulate all those towns and villages that took part in the competition. The standard of entries was very high, and I'm sure the results will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike." Entry forms for this year's competition will be sent out to parishes at the beginning of April.

SUPPER DANCE: A supper and dance, with music from the Mike Rose Band, will be held at the Wensleydale Pantry, Hawes, on Friday, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7.50 from the venue, which can be contacted on (01969) 667202. Proceeds go to Hawes Cricket Club.

SECRETARY NEEDED: The Highside Playing Fields Association, Kirkby Malzeard, is seeking a secretary. There is a small remuneration which can be paid annually. Contact Tony Sinfield on (01765) 650220 for more details.

LUNCH DATE: Richmond Ladies Luncheon Club will meet on Wednesday when the speaker will be Mark Newman, an archaeologist with the National Trust. He will discuss his role and responsibilities.

PARISH MEETING: The annual parish meeting in Richmond will be held at the Town Hall on Monday, March 25, at 6pm.

COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning will be held at Northallerton Town Hall on Wednesday, March 20, from 9.15am to 1pm, with tombola, cake stalls, bric-a-brac and books. Proceeds will go to the town's Alzheimer's Day Care Centre.

BRIDGE DRIVE: The Children's Society will hold a bridge drive at Northallerton Town Hall on Friday, at 7.15pm. Tickets are £5, including supper, and are available from Jenny Allison on (01609) 774485.

CAR BOOT SALE: The third indoor car boot sale of the season at East Thirsk Community Centre is on Sunday. Doors open to the public at 9am and the sale closes at noon. Sellers are invited to arrive from 8.30am. Tables can be hired from Anne-Marie Hall on (01845) 525574