Town history goes on the board

Plans are under way, with a £25,000 heritage grant putting the project within sight of its £30,000 target.

Some schools are showing an interest, and, at the other end of the age spectrum, older people living in the town will be contacted and asked about their memories with a view to recording them.

Sites earmarked include The Holmes and Pudding Pie Hill, with up to 11 boards envisaged throughout the town. It is also hoped to produce postcards on a similar theme.

"The main thing is to spark community involvement," said Coun Janet Watson. "I think this is really, really good for Thirsk."

The idea was originally suggested by another town councillor, Jan Marshall, and it has been developed through the Market Town Initiative.

The aim is to have the boards be ready for the start of next year's tourist season.

As well as the two Thirsk councillors who have busy working behind the scenes, others involved are Sowerby parish councillor Steve Hoyland and Hambleton Council tourism officer David Shields.

A considerable amount of the preliminary work has been done by Thirsk Museum curator Cooper Harding.

Coun Watson said the aim was to enhance understanding of local heritage by residents and visitors, and the boards would also tie in with a guided heritage leaflet.

"We have had tremendous support so far and want to get as many people as possible involved and produce a leaflet for younger children, possibly including a quiz," she said.

Thirsk Town Council and Sowerby Parish Council are expected to make financial contributions.

An exhibition is planned, as are workshops run through Rural Arts, possibly later this year.

Members of the working group will give talks around the area, including an address to the Civic Society in the autumn.

Coun Watson said it was hoped the boards would encourage visitors to stay in the town longer than they might otherwise have done.

They would feature historical facts about the town and perhaps local superstitions and artwork.