Mountain Bike Ride across the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.

On 27 September 2009 it is possible to experience the North Yorkshire Moors National Park with an expert.

The Moors Ranger, Simon Bassingale will be leading a 24 mile mainly off-road bike ride across the Moors. The route will include some challenging riding but if struggling some of the harder spots can be done on foot.

Participants must be over 16 years of age and must bring along their bike, helmet (vital), food and drink.

The meeting point is the western car park at Sutton Bank National Park Centre, at 10.00am on 27 September 2009.

To book a place call on 01439 772738

Cliffords Tower, York - King Henry's Table

On 26 & 27 September 2009, to coincide with the excellent York Food & Drink Festival, English Heritage is turning back the clock to Tudor times at Clifford’s Tower in York. They will recreate a royal breakfast for King Henry VIII, displaying the vast amounts of food and drink he would have consumed. They will also share the secrets of Tudor cookery.

For further details click here.

New Exhibition in the Turnstone Gallery, Sandsend, North Yorkshire

The Turnstone Gallery in Sandsend will be presenting the work of Andrea and Liz Bailey from 26 September until 01 November 2009 under the heading of Paint, Fleece and Clay.

Andrea Bailey finds riches for her work in the local landscape, her wild garden and collection of poultry. This is reflected in both her drawings and paintings, and more recently in her sculptures and wall hangings created in felt. Andrea is passionate about her work – and above all, for her it is fun!

Liz Bailey is an expert thrower of clay and strives for the perfect shape that combines function with beauty. She uses an earthenware body with overlapping layers of glaze, and images (often of birds or animals) are ‘etched’ into the glazed surface before firing. Liz has developed a range of domestic ware that is marked by its simplicity, quality and functionality.

To see some of their work and for further details about the exhibition and gallery click here.

Tapestries of Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire.

The National Trust are inviting people to join their Regional Conservator, Caroline Rendell, to look at the wonderful tapestries of Nunnington Hall in North Yorkshire. On 28 September 2009 Caroline will talk about the history and the care of the tapestries before asking the party to join her for lunch in the tearoom.

The event takes place 10.30 – 13.00 on 28 September. Booking is essential so please call on 01439 748283 to reserve a place.

Beer and Wine Tastings at the York Food and Drink Festival

As part of the excellent York Food and Drink Festival there are two ‘Trade Style tastings’ where you buy a ticket, pick up a glass at the door and then walk around the stands offering tasters of the many different drinks.

The Beer Fair is on Thursday 24th September at 7.30pm in the Evening Fountain Café, which incorporates the neighbouring Festival Real Ale tent featuring Daleside Brewery. Local brewers and suppliers, including, Wold Top, Richmond and Great Heck will be showcased alongside continental specialist such as La Place Verte.

The Wine Fair, Saturday 26th September, in York Guildhall has two sessions: from 12pm and again from 6pm. Over 14 stands will be offering tastings including local suppliers such as HC Wines, Premier Vintners and Concept Fine Wines.

Tickets can be booked now through the Festival ticket line on 01904 466687 at only £15.00.

For more information click here.

The National Trust ask for help at Robin Hood’s Bay.

The National Trust in association with the Marine Conservation Society are looking for volunteers to help collect the litter that gets washed ashore on to our beautiful beaches each year.

I am not sure we puppies are allowed on Robin Hoods Bay beach at this time of year but we will be sure to send Phil and Caroline on our behalf…….they can set about helping to clear the beach from the slipway to Boggle Hole.

Bring along your own gloves. The event takes place on 19 September 2009 from 10.30 – 12.00. For further details call Michele Taylor on 01947 885900

Go Batty with North Yorkshire Moors National Park

On 27 September you can join the experts at the Moors National Park Centre, Danby to learn how to make a Bat Box and learn about bat detectors before setting off on a guided bat walk.

The event is recommended for any one over the age of 5. The walk and bat box is £6 or just the walk is £2. Children walk for free. Don’t forget your torch.

To book a place on the event call on 01439 772738

Scarborough Jazz Festival 18-20 September 2009.

The cream of UK and American Jazz will descend on Scarborough Spa, North Yorkshire this coming weekend, 18 – 20 September 2009 for the Scarborough Jazz Festival.

American Jazz stars will include Kyle Eastwood, Steve Grossman, Ken Peplowski and Mike Janisch. Andy Panayi and Alan Barnes have been commissioned to compose ‘Jazz: The British Story’ which celebrates the quality and uniqueness of music in the UK.

Events take place all weekend with free concerts on the Friday afternoon.

For the complete programme click here.

Art Course at Castle Howard 19 September 2009.

The focus of this art course, the eighth of the year at Castle Howard, will be a study of Birds and Buildings.

The course will be overseen by Ronald Falck. The course is suitable for all levels. The course is for leisure and enjoyment with a tutor available for advice when needed. Beginners will have a structured input at 11.00am to influence a direction of approach.

Artists can draw the buildings and confront perspective problems, then add colour and wash. Or work from stuffed birds in the studio in pastels, as drawings, or even paint them in any medium.

For further information or enquiries, please telephone the tutor: Ronald Falck on 01262 401334 (studio).

One of our favourite places…….Star Inn, Harome.

Well, when I say our favourite, it is actually Phil and Caroline’s favourite local place to eat. They don’t seem to do a menu for us puppies!

The Star Inn is located in the pretty village of Harome just outside of Helmsley, North Yorkshire. This Michelin stared pub restaurant is home to the chef Andrew Pern and his wife Jacquie.

The Star received its Michelin Star in 2002 and has been winning awards and accolades ever since. Deservedly so according to our resident foodies.

This year has seen the restaurant expanded and a wonderful kitchen garden with seating opened for summer dining.

If the restaurant is full it is possible to eat in the atmospheric pub, complete with roaring fire.

Andrew Pern takes the traditional and gives it a modern twist, not that we would know as there are certainly no doggie bags heading our way.

If you are coming to North Yorkshire a meal at the Star Inn is a must. You should book ahead. To book a table ring: 01439 770397

Fungus Forage with the experts in North Yorkshire,

The forests around us here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B & B, Stape, are full of interesting looking fungi in the autumn but our lack of knowledge has meant that, even us Labs who are known to eat everything, have avoided scoffing them but that may be about to change.

There are a couple of Fungas foraging events locally that we can join so we will know what tasty forest morsels to go for.


Grimston Moor in the Howardian Hills
On 26 September 2009 from 10.00 – 12.00 the North York Moors National Park Authority are inviting people to join them on Grimston Moor that allows you forage for mushrooms in the woods while also learning about the local geology.

For further details click here.


Dalby Forest:
On Sunday 4 October we could join the Forestry Commissions excellent wildlife rangers in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, to learn about the many types of fungi that grow in the forest. They have even said that us dogs are welcome, they obviously need our foraging expertise.

The meeting place is the Haygate and the event takes place from 14.00 – 16.00.

For further details click here.

Mount Grace Priory Have-A-Go Medieval Archery

On 19 and 20 September English Heritage at Mount Grace Priory invite visitors to discover the ancient and noble art of archery as 14th-century archers entertain you with thoroughly interesting display. Plus, there's an opportunity for the family to have-a-go at archery with the master archers - Arrowflight.

Art on Sutton Bank 13 -22 Sep 2009.

The North York Moors National Park Authority are presenting a collection of some of the best art and craft work in the region under the banner of Brigantia at the Bank. The work is created by a group of talented and versatile local artists.

The work will be displayed from 13 – 22 September 2009 at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre.

Everyone is paying homage to us beautiful Chickens in North Yorkshire.

There are a couple of events during September to appease those people not lucky enough to have gorgeous hens living in their gardens.
The courses give participants the opportunity to create chickens from willow and chicken wire.

I wonder if they need some models, the girls and I love a day out to strut our stuff?

Willow Chickens and Cockerels 11 September.
At the Moors National Park Centre, Danby, they are running a course from 10.30 - 16.00. Experts are on hand to show participants how to use willow to weave a bird, life-size or larger, to make an attractive feature and talking point for a garden which doesn't need to be locked in at night.
Participants are encouraged to bring a packed lunch or can visit the centre’s tea rooms.
To book a place on the course call on Tel: 01439 772738

Making Wire Chickens at Scampston 15 September.
On Tuesday 15th September 2009 the lovely people at Scampston Gardens near Malton,North Yorkshire, are running an exciting course where humans can learn to make beautiful wire chickens for their garden.

The expert tutor Susan Nichols will help her pupils turn a roll of galvanised chicken wire into a solid and sturdy sculpture, designed to look impressive and to last for years in your garden.

Participants must bring along heavy duty gardening gloves, a pair of needle-nosed pliers and either a heavy duty apron or a piece of canvas or leather to cover your lap.

The course runs from 09.45am-16.45pm. The day includes coffee on arrival, lunch and materials for one chicken.

For further details click here.

Earth, Fire and Water – Danby, North Yorkshire.

From 5 – 15 September 2009 the Moors National Park Centre, Danby is home to an exhibition titled Earth, Fire and Water.

Peter Hough presents an exhibition of ceramics and sculpture influenced by the landscape and wildlife of the North York Moors. Peter Leeming showcases his exhibition 'Haunted by Waters' - a photographic celebration of the River Derwent through the four seasons.

For further details call the centre on 01439 772738