TOUR GUIDE...

Last week, one of our neighbours asked us to accompany her on a trial run for a venture she is planning to enliven her retirement, and also the visitor experience in Thirsk.

She shepherded a group of us on a circular tour of the town centre, bringing to life the history of its development, going back to the Saxon origins, and pointing out the echoes of history, through the Norman castle, which shaped the western approach to the Market Place, our splendid Medieval church and the later episodes through the Plantagenets, Tudors and the Georgians.

It is all too easy to park up in a town centre, and head for the contemporary amenities, grab a sandwich or a cup of coffee, and miss the heritage that surrounds you.

Despite our recent hot spell, nobody, it has to be admitted, comes to North Yorkshire for the weather, what does, and keeps people engaged, is history and heritage.

Not all archaeology needs trowels and muddy trenches.

Townscapes can be read without digging, and that is what the tours are all about.

Tandy Taylor has lived in Sowerby for years, and in that time has accumulated a wealth of fascinating facts about our town.

We started in the Market Place, beside the clock, which once doubled as a drinking fountain.

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