RIPON Salvation Army is holding a Christmas fair on Saturday, December 14 at the Reach-Out Centre on Lead Lane Ripon. There will be stalls of different craft products including cards, quilts and handbags, a cake and produce stall, paintings by a local artist; guest charity stalls and others. Entrance is £1 which includes refreshments. The event runs from 10am to noon. Gifts for the bring-and-buy stall are also welcome.

FESTIVE CONCERT: Alverton Singers present their Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 8 at 7:30pm in All Saints Church, Northallerton. This year’s charity is the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Tickets can be obtained from Greensleeves music store in Northallerton, or at the door.

NEW COUNCILLOR: A new councillor has been elected to Ryedale District Council. Dinah Keal is now the Norton West ward councillor. A by-election was held yesterday (November 15) following the death of former Norton councillor Judith Denniss earlier this year. Coun Keal took the seat with 381 votes. The percentage turnout in the ward for the by-election was 23.3 per cent.

CANAL WALK: Northallerton Ramblers will be embarking on a walk around the Leeds/Liverpool Canal at Bingley on Thursday, November 22. Those taking part in the eight mile walk will meet at Crossflats station at 10am for a canal walk at via Saltaire, followed by a curry in Leeds. For further information ring Martin on 01609-881659.

HISTORY GROUP MEETING: The next meeting of Stokesley Local History Study Group is on Monday, November 19, in the Community Care meeting room above the library 1.30pm until 3pm. This is a general informal meeting and all are welcome. Further information about the group from the secretary 01642-711875