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12-14 October: Pickering War Weekend 2012

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011 by RichFox
Waiting for the train at Pickering Station

Waiting for the train at Pickering Station

The War Weekend in the North York Moors, Pickering, Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby has been scheduled for 12, 13 and 14 October 2012.

An exceptionally popular event, 2012 will be the 20th year for the North York Moors Railway’s Wartime Weekend as visitors take a nostalgic trip back to 1940s wartime Britain.

Vintage Car Parade, Pickering

Vintage Car Parade, Pickering

Events will include:

  • a flag-raising ceremony to get proceedings under way, commemorating the many who died in service on the railways during the war
  • huge parade on the Saturday morning in the market place in Pickering
  • air raid at Pickering Station
  • 1940s musical shows and music
  • land army vintage tractor display
  • jive music and dancing
  • home front displays
  • French café in Le Visham (German-occupied Levisham)
  • Home Guard display, Anderson shelter display
Commemorating those who served on the Home Front

Commemorating those who served on the Home Front

The 2011 War Weekend drew record crowds to the North York Moors including hundreds of re-enactors from all over the UK and Europe (we spoke to a Polish chap from Stratford and a German re-enactor who’d come over from Düsseldorf for the weekend). And whilst Grosmont, Goathland and Pickering all put on brilliant shows and events, Levisham stole the show this year, tranformed into French Le Visham, a continental rural station under German occupation with a fabulous French café in an atmospheric marquee and a full-size replica flying V1 bomb.

For the 2012 War Weekend, if you’re looking for accommodation for the weekend, check out Pickering B&Bs, Whitby hotels and holiday cottages in the North York Moors on Hello Yorkshire.

In the meantime, here are a few pictures of the 2011 weekend to whet your appetite:

Preparing for a busy day

Youngsters preparing for a busy day

Soldiers block the road into the market square in Pickering

Soldiers block the road into the market square in Pickering

Re-enactors share a joke in Pickering

Re-enactors maintain a road block in Pickering

A spiv has his papers checked in Pickering

A spiv has his papers checked in Pickering

1940s shoes!

1940s shoes!

Pickering Vintage Car Parade gets under way

Pickering Vintage Car Parade gets under way

The vintage car parade attracted thousands of Pickering's market place

The vintage car parade attracted thousands to Pickering's market place

Austin Utility Van in the Pickering Vintage Car Parade

Austin Utility Van in the Pickering Vintage Car Parade

This little red cross dog attracted lots of attention

This little red cross dog attracted lots of attention

Home Guard patrol in Pickering Market Place

Home Guard despatch rider in Pickering Market Place

Thousands line the streets as the parade marches down Birdgate, Pickering

Thousands line the streets as the parade marches down Birdgate, Pickering

Parade snakes down Birdgate, Pickering

Parade snakes down Birdgate, Pickering

Re-enactors line the streets during the parade

Re-enactors line the streets during the parade

Re-enactors await the next train at Pickering Station

Re-enactors await the next train at Pickering Station

Sunshine beats down on Pickering Station

Sunshine beats down on Pickering Station

Checking the news from the front

Checking the news from the front

Young and old all chip in to help recreate the wartime feel

Young and old all chip in to help recreate the 1940s feel

11:30 Pickering to Whitby train arrives on time

11:30 Pickering to Whitby train arrives on time

View from the train window as passengers queue to board

View from the train window as passengers queue to board

Re-enactors chat on the platform

Re-enactors chat on the platform

Veteran passes famous 1940 Churchill poster

Veteran passes famous 1940 Churchill poster

Dancers from across the UK perform on Grosmont Station platform

Dancers from across the UK perform on Grosmont Station platform

Veteran enjoys the late autumn sunshine in Grosmont

Veteran enjoys the late autumn sunshine in Grosmont

Steam train prepares to pull out of Grosmont and on to Goathland

Steam train prepares to pull out of Grosmont and on to Goathland on a beautiful October afternoon

Couple Lindy Hop on Grosmont Station

Couple Lindy Hop on Grosmont Station

Land girls share a story at Goathland Station

Land girls share a story at Goathland Station

Beautiful shire horse attracts plenty of attention

Beautiful shire horse attracts plenty of attention

Local youngsters enjoy the vintage vehicles on show

Local youngsters enjoy the vintage vehicles on show

Steam train heads towards Levisham

Steam train heads towards Levisham

Waffen-SS soldier in Le Visham

Waffen-SS soldier in Le Visham

Personnel from the Feldgendarmerie and the Wehrmacht patrol Le Visham

Personnel from the Feldgendarmerie and the Wehrmacht patrol Le Visham

Waffen-SS soldier in reflective mood

Waffen-SS soldier in reflective mood

SS motorbike and sidecar at Le Visham

SS motorbike and sidecar at Le Visham

Levisham Station's sign is replaced with occupied Le Visham

Levisham Station's sign is replaced with occupied Le Visham

German submariner re-enactor from Düsseldorf takes a breather at Le Visham

German submariner re-enactor from Düsseldorf takes a breather at Le Visham

Local girl accosted by German re-enactors

Local girl accosted by German re-enactors

 

…and here’re a handful of pictures from the 2007 NYMR War Weekend:

 

Sir Nigel Gresley pulls into Pickering Station

Sir Nigel Gresley pulls into Pickering Station

American serviceman with cute companion

American serviceman with cute companion

Re-enactor looks the part

Re-enactor looks the part

Getting prepared for an air raid

Getting prepared for an air raid

Commando alights at Grosmont

Commando alights at Grosmont

American waits to board the train at Grosmont

American waits to board the train at Grosmont

Beautiful vintage Merlin at Goathland Station

Beautiful vintage Merlin at Goathland Station

1940s-style boy aboard a train being pulled by the Sir Nigel Gresley

1940s-style boy aboard a train being pulled by the Sir Nigel Gresley

The end of a long weekend, time for a rest in Pickering

The end of a long weekend, time for a rest in Pickering

All photographs courtesy of Richard Fox.

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Posted in North Yorkshire Events, North Yorkshire Moors Events, Pickering Events, Visitor Reviews, Whitby Events, Yorkshire Coast & Wolds Events, Yorkshire Events | No Comments »

October-December 2011: Pantomimes, Ballets and Christmas & Festive Productions in North Yorkshire

Monday, October 10th, 2011 by chrisjones
Berwick Kaler & Martin Barrass in York Theatre Royal's panto, photo by Karl Andre Photography

Berwick Kaler & Martin Barrass in York Theatre Royal's panto, photo by Karl Andre Photography

North Yorkshire Pantos, Ballets & Christmas Productions 2011

There’s a festive abundance of pantos and entertainment throughout North Yorkshire in 2011 – we’ve pulled together a selection below organised in alphabetical order by city or town. If you’d like your Christmas production featured here, please contact Hello Yorkshire to have it added.

In the meantime, if you’re after shows in other areas of Yorkshire, please see here:

South Yorkshire Christmas pantomimes

East Yorkshire Christmas pantomimes

West Yorkshire Christmas pantomimes

 

Easingwold

Music to Delight

3 December 2011 - 7.30 pm

Parish Church of St John & All Saints, Church Hill, Easingwold, York YO61 3JU

Including A Christmas Cantata, Advent and Christmas Carols

Easingwold Singers: Conductor – Dr Roger Tebbet, Paula Harris – soprano

Tickets: adults £8.00, students & children £4.00

Available from Tempo Records, members of Easingwold Singers or on the door

Box office: 01347 823 728 or 07903 473 161

Includes seasonal punch and mince pie.

More information available here: www.easingwold-singers.co.uk/concerts.htm

 

Tenorissimo – Three Tenors at Christmas

10 December 2011

Galtres Centre, Market Place, Easingwold York

Tickets: Adults £15.00, 16 & under £12.00

Box office: 01347 822 472

 

East Harlsey

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

20 December 2011

East Harlsey Village Hall, East Harlsey, Northallerton DL6 2DB

Tickets: adult £8.50, child £5.00

Box office: 01423 339 168

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Fewston

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

8 December 2011

Parochial Hall, Fewston, Harrogate HG3 1SU

Tickets: adult: £9.50, child £5

Box office: 01943 880 362

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Green Hammerton

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

23 December 2011

Village Hall, Harrogate Road, Green Hammerton, York YO26 8AE

Tickets: adult £9, child £5

Box office: 01423 339 168

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Harrogate

The Sleeping Beauty – La Classique

Moscow Ballet

13 October 2011

Royal Hall, Ripon Rd, Harrogate HG1 2RD

Tickets: various

Box office: 01423 500 500

www.royalhall.co.uk

 

Beauty & the Beast

25 November 2011 – 15 January 2012

Harrogate Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF

Times & Prices vary.

Box office: 01423 502 116

www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

 

Helmsley

A Pre-Christmas Feast – Christmas Stories

2 December 2011

Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley York YO62 5DW

Tickets: £8, students & under 25s £4, family £20 (2 over 25 + 2 under 25)

Box office: 01439 771 700

 

A Pre-Christmas Feast – Queen Mary’s School Chapel Choir

3 December 2011

Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley York YO62 5DW

Tickets: £10, friends & over 60s £9, students & under 25s £5

Box office: 01439 771 700

 

A Pre-Christmas Feast – Tour de Force Theatre presents A Child’s Christmas!

4 December 2011  – 2.30 pm

Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley York YO62 5DW

Tickets: £10, students & under 25s £5, family £25 (2 over 25 + 2 under 25)

Box office: 01439 771 700

 

A Pre-Christmas Feast – Christmas by the Fireside!

4 December 2011  – 7.30 pm

Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley York YO62 5DW

Tickets: £6

Box office: 01439 771 700

 

1812 Theatre Company presents Around the World in 80 Days

14 – 17 December 2011

Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley York YO62 5DW

Tickets: £10, friends & over 60s £9, students & under 25s £5

Box office: 01439 771 700

For further details on all of the above Helmsley productions, please see the Helmsley Arts Centre’s website here

 

Long Marston

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

1 December 2011

Long Marston Village Hall, Long Marston, York YO26 7LN

Tickets: adult: £8.50, child £5, family £20

Box office: 01904 738 527

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Northallerton

Advent Concert – Northern Voices

2 December 2011 – 7.30pm

Northallerton Methodist Church, High Street, Northallerton DL7 8EG

Tickets: £6 (in aid of church funds)

Available from: Greensleeves Music Shop, Central Arcade, Northallerton or Methodist Church Coffee Pot (Wed and Sat mornings)

T: 01609 774 060

www.northallertonmethodistchurch.org.uk

 

Northallerton Silver Band Christmas Concert

14 December 2011 – 7.30pm

Hambleton Forum, Bullamoor Road, Northallerton DL6 1LP

Tickets: £6

Greensleeves Music Shop, Central Arcade, Northallerton

T: 01609 777 272

With special guests “The Evergreen Singers”

 

Pickering

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

17 December 2011

Memorial Hall, Potter Hill, Pickering YO18 8AA

Tickets: adults £8, under 16s £5.00

Box office: 01751 472 847

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Reeth

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

16 December 2011

Reeth Memorial Hall, Arkengarthdale Road, Reeth, Richmond DL11 6QT

Tickets: adults £9, under 16s £4.50

Box office: 01748 884 759 or Reeth Post Office

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Richmond

Yule Riding

The Yorks Waits

3 December 2011 – 7 January 2012

Georgian Theatre Royal, Victoria Road, Richmond DL10 4DW

Tickets & times: various

Box office: 01748 825 252

 

The Adventures of Sinbad

8 December 2011 – 7 January 2012

Georgian Theatre Royal, Victoria Road, Richmond DL10 4DW

Tickets & times: various

Box office: 01748 825 252

Further information on the Richmond Christmas productions can be found here

 

Ripley

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

2 December 2011

Town Hall, Ripley, Harrogate HG3 3AX

Tickets: adult: £9, child £5, concessions £8

Box office: 01423 860 340, 01423 339 168

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Ripon

Christmas Music & Lights

Fountain’s Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon HG4 3DY

26 – 27 November 2011, 3.30pm – 5 pm

Tickets: normal admission charge

 

Christmas Story-Telling

Fountain’s Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon HG4 3DY

22 December 2011, 2 pm

Suitable for children aged 4-9

Tickets: normal admission charge, £1.50 per child.

Box office: 01765 643 164

Further information about the Fountain’s Abbey Christmas productions can be found here

 

Sand Hutton

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

15 December 2011

Sand Hutton & Claxton Village Hall, Main Street, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LB

Tickets: adults £9.50, child £5

Box office: 01904 468 376

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Scarborough

The Snow Queen

13 November 2011

Futurist Theatre, Foreshore Road, Scarborough YO11 1NT

Tickets:  various prices

Box office: 01723 365 789 or 374 500

www.futuristtheatre.co.uk

 

Spotlight Christmas Show

25 November 2011, 7.30 pm

YMCA, St Thomas Street, Scarborough

Tickets: TBA

Box office: 01723 506 750

 

Jingle Rock

26 November 2011, 7.30 pm

YMCA, St Thomas Street, Scarborough

Tickets: TBA

Box office: 01723 506 750

 

Alice in a Winter Wonderland

2 + 3 December 2011

YMCA, St Thomas Street, Scarborough

Prices – Adults £8, concessions £7, family (2+2) £26

Box office: 01723 506 750

 

Festive Spectacular 2011

3 December 2011

Grand Hall, The Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD

Tickets: various prices

Box office: 01723 357 869

 

Rockin’ Carols

5 December 2011

YMCA, St Thomas Street, Scarborough

7.30 pm – all seats £4

Box office: 01723 506 750

 

Aladdin

8 December 2011 – 1 January 2012

The Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD

Tickets: various prices

Box office: 01723 357 869

 

Christmas Party Nights

9 + 16 + 17 December 2011

The Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD

Tickets: £29.95 per person

Box office: 01723 357 869

 

Christmas Dance Night with Ray Kirk

16 December 2011

The Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD

Tickets: £6.50

Box office: 01723 357 869

 

Magic Mike Christmas Special

24 December 2011 – 6 pm

Ocean Room, The Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD

Tickets: £8, concessions £7, family (4) £27, under 2s free

Box office: 01723 357 869

 

Peter Pan

26 December 2011 – 7 January 2012

YMCA, St Thomas Street, Scarborough

Prices – Adults £8, concessions £8, family (2+2) £30

Box office: 01723 506 750

Further information about the above Scarborough Christmas productions can be found on the following websites:

www.scarborough.ymca.org.uk/theatre-shows

www.scarboroughspa.co.uk

 

Sessay

Old Mother Hubbard

1 – 3 December 2011 – 7.30pm

Sessay Village Hall, Sessay, Thirsk YO7 3BE

 

Skipton

Aladdin & His Magic Lamp

23 & 24 December 2011

The Mart Theatre, Craven College, High Street, Skipton BD23

Tickets: £20 family, £7.50 adult, £5.00 child, Groups: buy 10 get 11th free

Box office: 01756 706 460

www.themarttheatre.org.uk

 

Stokesley

Christmas Masquerade Ball

Sat 26 November 2011 – 8pm to 1am

Stokesley Town Hall, High Street, Stokesley TS9 5DG

With the Middlesbrough Jazz & Blues Orchestra, Tfm Radio Charity Cash for Kids Auction, buffet supper, licenced bar, black tie.

Tickets: £38

T: 01642 711 036 or 01609 882 095

 

Sutton on Derwent

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

3 December 2011

Village Hall, Main St, Sutton on Derwent, York YO41 4BN

Tickets: adult: £8.50, child £5

Box office: 01904 608 524

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Tockwith

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

11 December 2011

Tockwith Village Hall, Marston Road, Tockwith, York YO26 7QS

Tickets: adults £8.50, child £5, family (2+2) £20

Box office: 01423 339 168

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Weaverthorpe

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

6 December 2011

Weaverthorpe Village Hall, Malton YO17 8ET

Tickets: adult: £8.50, child £5

Box office: 01944 738 804

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Wetherby

Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park

21 October 2011 – 23 December 2011 from 10.00 to 20.30

24 December 2011 from 10.00 to 19.00

27 – 30 December 2011 from 10.00 to 20.30

31 December from 10.00 to 19.00

1 January 2012 from 14.00 to 20.30

2 to 8 January 2012 from 10.00 to 20.30

Stockeld Park, Wetherby LS22 4AN

Ice rink, enchanted forest with illuminated unicorns, angels aglow on the lake, Santa’s grotto, snowflake hedge maze, Nordic ski trail. Plus special events, choirs, Santa, Christmas panto (Jack & the Beanstalk), fireworks display, musical, and lots more – see here for full details and photos: Christmas Adventure Yorkshire

 

Whitby

Annie

7 – 10 December 2011

Whitby Pavilion Theatre, East Terrace Cresent, West Cliff, WhitbyYO21 3EN

Tickets: various

Box office: 01947 604 855

 

A Winter’s Tale

16 – 17 December 2011

Whitby Pavilion Theatre, East Terrace Cresent, West Cliff, WhitbyYO21 3EN

Tickets: £6

Box office: 01947 604 855

 

Santa’s Christmas Party

22 December 2011 – 2.30pm

Whitby Pavilion Theatre, East Terrace Cresent, West Cliff, WhitbyYO21 3EN

Tickets: adults £2.50, children £5 (children under 1, free)

Box office: 01947 604 855

Further information on the above Whitby Christmas productions can be found here

 

York

The Nutcracker

Vienna Festival Ballet

25 October 2011

Grand Opera House, 4 Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW

Prices and times vary.

Box office: 0844 871 3044

www.grandoperahouseyork.org.uk

 

Christmas Unwrapped

22 November 2011 – 8 January 2012

How York Minster prepares for and celebrates Christmas, and find out what the symbolism and practices behind the season really mean.

Undercroft Museum, York Minster, YorkEntrance: (normal admission charge) – £9

Opening times: Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm, Sun 12 noon to 5pm

 

Bach – Christmas Oratorio

3 December 2011 - 7.30 pm

York Musical Society Chorus and Orchestra

Nave of York Minster, York

 

York Minster Christmas Carol Concert 2011

9 December 2011 – 7.00

Nave of York Minster, York

 

Britten – A Ceremony of Carols

10 December 2011 – 7.30 pm

Chapter House, York Minster, York

For more information on all of York Minster’s events, visit York Minster’s website

 

Babes in the Wood

3 – 10  December 2011

The Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road. York YO91 1RT

Tickets: Adults £13, seniors & under-16s £10

Ticket hotline: 07927 026 071

www.rowntreeplayers.co.uk

 

Aladdin

9 December 2011 – 1 January 2012

Grand Opera House, 4 Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW

Prices and times vary.

Box office: 0844 871 3044

www.grandoperahouseyork.org.uk

 

The York Family Robinson

15 December 2011 – 4 February 2012

York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD

Performance times and prices vary.

Box office: 01904 623 568

www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

 

Christmas Cruse Carol Service with Gervase Phinn

16 December 2011

Central Methodist Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NQ

Tickets £10.50

T: 01937 834 702

E: york@cruse.org.uk

York Family Robinson, poster courtesy of York Theatre Royal

York Family Robinson, poster courtesy of York Theatre Royal

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Posted in Easingwold, Gigs, Concerts & Festivals, Harrogate Events, Helmsley Events, North Yorkshire Events, North Yorkshire Moors Events, Pickering Events, Reeth Events, Richmond Events, Ripon Events, Scarborough Events, Skipton Events, Thirsk Events, Whitby Events, York Events, Yorkshire Coast & Wolds Events, Yorkshire Dales Events, Yorkshire Events | No Comments »

20-22 May: Mountain Bike World Cup, Dalby Forest

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 by RichFox
Mountain Biking World Cup at Dalby Forest

Mountain Biking World Cup at Dalby Forest

Friday 20 May – Sunday 22 May

Mountain biking is really in vogue at the moment (and not just amongst the MAMILS*), so if it’s your thing, you simply must head to Pickering over the weekend of the 20-22 May to see the Mountain Bike World Cup.

It’s a superb opportunity to see some of the world’s top riders in action ahead of next year’s London 2012 Olympics.

Top British riders expect to compete include Liam Killeen and Annie Last.

It promises to be a weekend of top-class riding, with the UK leg of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Mountain Bike World Cup taking place on the Sunday at Dalby Forest, plus the free-to-watch Pro Sprint Eliminator (an urban street race) on the Friday in Pickering.

Celebrations at the Mountain Biking World Cup

Celebrations at the Mountain Biking World Cup

What’s more, the official Mountain Bike World Cup course is open to members of the public for the “Dalby Dare” on the Saturday. Family and friends can watch and cheer on participants as they ride under race conditions the 6km official World Cup course before tackling a further 14km of some of Dalby’s first-class trails.

For kids there is the Go Ride Racing on Sunday morning with young club riders racing a 1km track which incorporates the start and finish lines of the World Cup course. And children who have never competed before can take part in entry-level racing free of charge in the World Cup Village (in the Go-Ride Racing programme organised by British Cycling, or they can enter Dixons Dare).

And in addition to watching or taking part in the races, you will also have the opportunity to watch technical teams at work and bike demos whilst enjoying the atmosphere in the World Cup Village and mingling with the star riders at this top-class sporting event.

Tickets are available at the event and are £14 for adults for the World Cup racing, whilst there are discounts for children plus weekend/family passes available.

Further details can be found on the Mountain Biking World Cup website here.

And for Pickering accommodation for the weekend, check out some great Pickering bed and breakfast properties on Hello Yorkshire.

If you’d liked this, you might like to read about the possibility of the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire.

*MAMILS – middle-aged men in lycra!

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15-17 October 2010: Railway in Wartime weekend

Saturday, June 12th, 2010 by chrisjones

This is an incredibly popular event (and growing in popularity each year) organised primarily by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NMYR) and takes place in Pickering and the villages (Levisham, Goathland, and Grosmont) on the rail line to Whitby. Although originally based on the railway stations, it has, over the years, spread out across the towns and villages and involves a large proportion of the local population, as well as thousands of visitors (many in period costume) who come along to join in the many and varied events that take part over the weekend.

The basis of the Railway in Wartime Weekend is that Britain’s railways and the staff that ran them played a vital part in the Allied victory in World War 2. To celebrate this contribution to the war effort and to commemorate those staff who died in service the North Yorkshire Moors Railway set aside one weekend a year in which they turn the clock back to those days when fair Albion had its back again the wall. The NMYR decorates it stations in WW2 style, station names are covered up (spies are everywhere!) station windows are taped-up (to minimise flying glass), sandbags line entrances and exits (to absorb shrapnel), and propaganda posters adorn the walls (to boost morale and encourage everyone to do their duty). To complete the picture the Railway’s staff wear appropriate uniform for the duration.

Many of the local populace join in and also dress in period civvies or in the uniforms of our valiant armed forces, and there are dances (organised by ENSA*, naturally), parades and marches. Participants also have to be aware that air-raids can occur at any time and must be prepared to take precautions – so always wear your gas-mask!

If you visit any of the participating towns and villages, you’ll find lots of men and women in military uniforms – and you’ll need to be aware that you might be challenged by a German paratrooper (they have been known to invade Pickering before now). There are always displays of military equipment – from hand guns to tanks – flags, and insignia, etc.

And, of course, you can really get a feel for it all by boarding one of the steam trains that journey back and forth on the line that day.

The weekend serves many functions – it’s an excuse to dress up, it’s a chance to relive recent history (a time for grandparents to share their or their parents’ experiences of wartime Britain), it’s a commemoration (a wreath is laid in tribute to railway workers who died during wartime service, but it’s also huge fun and a treat for all the family.

*Not really, as ENSA – Entertainments National Service Association – no longer exists, but they are in the style of ENSA concerts and dances.

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New Steam Engine at NYMR

Saturday, May 15th, 2010 by RichFox
New engine signs for the NYMR

New engine signs for the NYMR

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has got into the spirit of the World Cup by making its own “summer signing” – a fabulous new steam engine – with the express intention of strengthening its front line of engines.

Engine number 92214, a British Railways BR Standard Class 9F, has recently arrived and will be called into immediate action from today, Tuesday 15 June, running throughout the rest of the season until October across the North York Moors.

Designed for British Railways in the 1950s, the Class 9F was one of the most successful and powerful steam locomotives ever built in Britain,  and was nicknamed “the spaceship” due to its massive size. There were 251 of these engines built, the last one being engine number 92220 – “Evening Star” – which was built in Swindon in 1960.

As a popular engine with enthusiasts, the news is likely to draw more visitors to the railway throughout the summer.

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30 April-16 May: North Yorkshire Moors Railway Spring Steam Gala

Friday, April 2nd, 2010 by Hello Yorkshire
NYMR spring steam gala

See Sir Nigel Gresley and many other steam locomotives at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway spring steam gala

Dubbed ‘The Giant Gala of Giants’, this triple celebration is set to be the largest NYMR gala to date. Spread over 3 weekends (30th April-3rd May , 7-9th May and 15-16th May), North Yorkshire Moors Railway will be staging a variety of theme days and special events.

Highlights include demonstrations of bridge load testing on the newly opened Bridge 30, working freight trains and shunting demonstrations, and recreations of the holiday trains of the 1950s and 60s.

A great day out for all the family. Take a ride on a steam locomotive, enjoy the stunning scenery of the National Park, and explore the pretty villages and towns of the North Yorkshire Moors en route. There will be plenty of opportunities to get some great photos and see these fantistic machines in action.

Visiting engines will include King Edward I (6024), Bittern (60019), 1744, 44871, The Lancashire Fusilier (45407), and resident engines Eric Treacy (45428), 76079, 53809, 49395, 63395, 825, Repton (30926) and the famous Sir Nigel Gresley (60007).

Prices from Pickering:

Adult Child Concession Family (2 adults + up to 4 children)
To Grosmont £20 £10 £16 £41
To Whitby £25 £12.50 £20 £54
To Battersby £30 £15 £25 £64

£5 discount per ticket available for second visits during the Gala (excludes multi day rovers)

Why not rent a North Yorkshire Moors cottage and explore this beautiful part of Yorkshire, or take a short break in a North Yorkshire Moors B&B. You’ll find a wide range of accommodation in the North Yorkshire Moors for a weekend breaks, or longer stays.

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23-25 April: Worlds Best Dirty Weekend at Dalby Forest

Thursday, April 1st, 2010 by RichFox

If you’re into mountain bikes, Dalby Forest is the place to head for this weekend (and every weekend!).

Boasting some of the best mountain bike courses in Yorkshire, for beginners through to experts, it’s long been a popular place  for many of my cycling mates to head to.

But this weekend will be extra special as Dalby’s hosting the opening round of the UCI Mountain Bike Cross-Country World Cup – dubbed the ‘world’s best dirty weekend’.

Not only can you watch the men and women’s races, plus a junior race, but if you’ve the stomach for it, you can take part in the Dalby Dare and test the world cup course out for yourself.

Up-to-date news on the event can be found here and for accommodation in the area, check out Pickering hotels or North Yorkshire Moors guest houses

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27-28 March: North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Grand Bridge Re-opening Weekend

Thursday, March 4th, 2010 by RichFox

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has been in danger of closure in recent months, but thanks to the NYMR Bridge and Wheels Appeal, over £660,000 has been raised to save the railway.

Originally built to successfully stem the decline of the port of Whitby in the early 1830s, the NYMR now generates around £30m per annum for the local ecomony and is a very popular tourist attraction.

However, in order to keep the railway running, one of the NYMR’s bridges – Bridge 30 between Goathland and Grosmont – needed to be replaced. Unlike the other bridges which are made of stone, Bridge 30 was constructed from cast iron over 140 years ago. Having reached the end of its life, replacement during the close season was required so as to minimise the effect on the tourist season.

Work is now well under way, and at the end of March the bridge will be reopened. For more information about the event, visit the NYMR website at www.nymr.co.uk, and find North Yorkshire Moors accommodation here.

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