Newsletter
News from Kathleen, Anne and Gillian
It's showtime!
August is fast approaching, the moorland heather is blooming and looking beautiful. It gives the moors a shimmering carpet of purple and makes the dale even more welcoming.
Reeth Show will be held on Wednesday 25th August. This year's main attraction is the Cheshire Dog Display Team with their varied canines from rescue services to TV doggy actors, not to be missed! To see what else is in store for you visit the Reeth Show website.
The 105th Muker Show is on Wednesday 1st September this year. Enjoy sheep dog trials, childrens and adult fell racing, crafts exhibitions, afternoon tea and much more.
A Day Out
Originally founded by Norse settlers, this traditional North Yorkshire village sits on the banks of the Straw Beck tributary that leads into the River Swale. It is predominantly a farming area, which is indicated in the meaning of its name. "Muker" is derived from the Norse, which translates as "the narrow acre", implying a small area of cultivated land. Today you can find small shops selling Swaledale Woollens and crafts, pubs and tea shops dotted around. Many visitors enjoy walks along the river and, for the more adventurous, up the Kisdon Hill towards Keld.
The Times Newspaper, 19th November 2009
Excerpt Rhymes of the Wool Marketing Board
'Avast, you scum! cried Captain Bligh
(Three months adrift) 'The shore is nigh!
He seizedhis log 'We owe salvation
To pluck - to fautless navigation -
To discipline - to lack of gin -
To wearing wool against the skin,
This last, a most essential rule;
There is no substitute for wool
When Ministers begin to grouse
At awkward questions in the House
When politicians face distress
At odd disclosures in the press
We look for stuff of fitting size
For pulling o'er our master's eyes
We then recall the golden rule:
There is no substitute for wool!
King Arthur's Knights sat sullen eyed,
'What ails thee all?' the Monarch cried.
Said one, 'It's this round table, sire,
The lads out here can't feel the fire'.
Quoth Quinevere, 'Poor faithful knights,
I'll knit them all a pair of tights'.
Moral was saved, which proves the rule;
There is no substitute for wool!