Retired professor takes stock for talk

Professor Martin Curzon researched pinfolds, which are places where stray livestock was impounded.

An ancient part of village and town life, pinfolds were first mentioned in the 12th century. Examples in the Yorkshire region include Hunton, near Richmond, and Raskelf, near Easingwold.

Prof Curzon, who is a member of Ripon Civic Society, will give the group's next talk on Thursday next week.

The retired professor of child dental health, who worked at Leeds University, has been renting a former pinfold at Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, as an allotment.

Civic society chairman David Winpenny said: "We are delighted that Martin is able to share his expertise with us, and to tell us about these often-overlooked but fascinating reminders of the past."

The meeting will take place at Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall in Victoria Grove in Ripon from 7.30pm. Tickets for non-members, who are welcome to attend, are priced at 2.