Saturday 4th July – Independence Day AND The Grapes Reopening!

Catharine and the team are working for your safe return to eating and drinking at The Grapes. Things will be a little different, so please read her message below:

IT’S ALL CHANGE!!
From Saturday 4th July we are moving the pub round the back. This enables us to provide more seating that is socially distanced and a safer environment for all our customers and staff. We would appreciate it if you would all respect the new government guidelines.
Entry will be via the gate at the side of the pub where you will be greeted and seated. We will be operating on a first come first serve basis so please note we will NOT be taking any bookings.
It will mean our food offering will be much simpler but we hope you will enjoy al fresco dining with us at The Grapes Inn and we are very much looking forward to welcoming you all back.

New opening times and reduced menu from 4 July Al fresco only!

Mon-Tues CLOSED; Wed-Thurs 5-9pm; Fri-Sat 12-9pm; Sun 12-6pm.

[NB. SUSPENDED 7 JULY, RESUMES 22 JULY (owing to changing LTA guidelines)]

Wednesday 1st July 2020, Slingsby Tennis Courts. Anytime between 6 and 9pm and every Wednesday during summer.

Have fun and meet new friends. All standards welcome. LTA guidelines regarding sanitisation will be in place.

Geoff Bishop 01653 628055

All Saints’ Church reopened on Wednesday 24 June. Kate Giles explains:

We are so pleased to announce that we have received approval from the Rector to re-open All Saints one day a week….and that day is Wednesday!
It has been very frustrating to have completed our major repairs to the church and installation of our new displays and archive cabinet only to be instructed to lock the doors due to COVID-19. We have really missed going into the church during lockdown, not just for services but also for a bit of peace and quiet, to mourn those we have lost and bring our thoughts and prayers into a place of great peace. I have really missed opening and closing the building, watching the sunrise in the glorious east window and at this time of year, set through the west window, casting its colour and light across the floor, against the steady heartbeat of the clock. 
Re-opening is only permitted according to some strict criteria…which we hope will change soon, but we would ask you to observe if you can for the moment. This involves using the hand sanitiser provided, following a one-way system and sitting in designated pews. We very much hope all this will pass very soon.
Please enjoy YOUR church…which is there for you, and which you have supported so generously over the years. We are so grateful for your patience and understanding, and so pleased to be opening the door again. 

with thanks and the warmest of welcomes, Kate

The Yorkshire Arboretum reopened on 8^th June, offering 120 acres of peace and tranquillity on the historic Castle Howard estate. With COVID-19 lockdown restrictions easing, the arboretum is a perfect place to escape to and experience outstanding natural beauty safely. With sweeping vistas, wildflower meadows and peace hidden glades to explore, the Yorkshire Arboretum offers visitors a taste of the natural world away from these uncertain and troubling times.

The arboretum has adapted to the necessity of restricting the spread of Covid-19 by introducing new visiting times and an online booking system, as well as a new reception cabin and a one-way flow system to ensure social distancing; sadly the Visitor Centre and Arboretum Café are still closed.  General admission is from 12-4pm daily; exclusive entry for arboretum members is 10am-12pm. Booking visits in advance is easy using the arboretum’s new online booking facility, which is available at: www.yorkshirearboretum.org/admission-booking

Yorkshire Arboretum Director, Dr John Grimshaw, said: “I am delighted to see the arboretum open and full of life again after the strange quiet of the past few months. It’s lovely to chat to returning visitors and members, and to hear how much they’re enjoying being here in such a safe and secure environment. Our vast lawns are perfect for picnicking with your family, and at the moment the wildflower meadows are at their peak, full of flowers including lots of wild orchids – or look for the huge numbers of tiny baby toads emerging from the lake. There’s something to inspire everyone here- and plenty of space to explore.”

CHANGING CHAIRS

After nine years, Professor Alastair Fitter CBE, FRS, has stood down as Chair of the Castle Howard Arboretum Trust at a recent board meeting held by Zoom. Following tributes and thanks for his dedicated service to the Trust Alastair was presented with a painting of an arboretum scene by artist-in-residence Meg Huby. Following an advertising and application process, the Trust has appointed Greville Worthington as new Chair. Until recently Greville was Chair of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, but he has a keen interest in trees, growing many maples and bamboos at his home near Catterick.