Appeal for mementoes to aid research

FINDING out how North Yorkshire communities shaped the landscape of the Hambleton and Howardian Hills will depend on local people’s memories.

Although scientists can explain how the Ice Age influenced the area they cannot measure the more subtle changes caused by advances in farming methods.

So the progress of the Lime and Ice Project, awarded 500,000 Lottery funding to delve into local culture and customs, is going to depend heavily on forgotten mementoes in people’s homes.

Project officer Jennifer Smith said: “We’d be grateful if people could have a rummage in their lofts and cupboards for any photos, postcards, newspapers, letters or anything else that would give us some information about changes to the landscape and villages as well as anything depicting cultural events such as festivals.”

A drop-in session to scan or photograph people’s finds has been arranged for Tuesday February 16 at the World of James Herriot museum in Thirsk between 11am to 4pm and from 6pm to 8pm. Anyone unable to make the session can call Jennifer Smith or Nick Lishman on 01439 770657 to discuss finds.