STAFF at the Yorkshire Building Society branch in Ripon have marked its first anniversary with an Alice in Wonderland themed party, dressing as characters from Lewis Carroll’s most famous work in honour of the time the author spent in the city. It is said the idea of Alice following a white rabbit down his hole came from the tunnel leading to Ripon Cathedral’s underground crypt.

MUSIC DATE: Organisers of an open-air pop and rock concert at Ripley Castle, near Ripon, say they are confident the event will attract up to 5,000 people. Music on the Meadows, on Saturday, June 21, will feature tribute bands Ultimate Madness and Queen B and a fireworks finale. For tickets, costing £25 for adults and £18 for concessions, call 020-3220-0123 or visit musiconthemeadows.com

CHARITY SALE: Parenting charity NCT will hold a sale of nearly new children’s clothes and equipment will be held at Thirsk Auction Mart tomorrow (Saturday, April 26), from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Entry costs £1.

HISTORY TALK: Thirkleby Local History Society will meet for a talk by Allan Green about the First World War on Thursday (May 1), at 7.30pm. Entry costs £2 for visitors. For details, call 01845-501375 or visit thirklebylocalhistory.wordpress.com