Rise in visitors to museum

Richmondshire Museum reported a 2.5 per cent increase in visitors this year, despite the foot-and-mouth crisis. A total of 4,646 people visited the museum, in Ryders Wynd, which helped it balance its books - although more cash is still needed to cover the cost of new exhibits. With the virus in the countryside closing Earls Orchard study centre, fewer school parties used the facilities, but the shortfall was made up through an increase in the number of ordinary visitors to the museum, which management have described as "an encouraging trend".

HALL IMPROVEMENTS: A working party has been set up to take forward the long-held plans for toilets, sports changing rooms and a museum in the garage at Bedale Hall, Bedale. The project could cost as much as £200,000, but it is expected that grants of up to 50 per cent of the cost could be available from various bodies.

FESTIVE FRIVOLITY: Acapella group, Artisan, return to the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond this evening with their off-beat Christmas show. A mix of old favourites and new songs are woven together with seasonal silliness, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost from £2, at the box office.

PUB DATES: Two Dales pubs welcome folk favourites, The Beggars Bowl over the next few weeks. A performance is planned at The King's Arms, in Reeth, from 8.30pm, next Saturday, with another at The Green Dragon at Hardraw, near Hawes, also at 8.30pm on Saturday, January 12.

Flower power: Volunteers are being sought to help with a flower festival on the theme of peace, which will be held at St Mary's Church, Appleton Wiske, on April 13 and 14.

Clock chimes: Thirsk Town Council has agreed to meet the full cost of repairs to the chimes of the war memorial clock on St Mary's Church.

Panto dates: Rehearsals are now in full swing for the pantomime by the Thirsk and Sowerby Players. Sleeping Beauty will be staged at the town hall from January 8 to 12.

Dance cash: The Thirsk branch of the charity Action Research raised £3,500 at its annual ball, held in the Angel Inn, Topcliffe.

Window winners: The festive window competition, run by Thirsk Chamber of Trade, has been won by White Rose Books for the second year running.