June 2026 Newsletter

Feedback on Stone House Hotel Afternoon Tea, Tuesday 12th May
Stunning Location
We had some mixed reactions to the feedback on this Afternoon Tea when compared to the previous visit last year. We had a lovely room with everyone seated together and the drive to this fabulous location was beautiful. However, like so many hospitality venues at the moment, prices have increased and the Stone House is no exception. Having visited the Stone House now for two consecutive years perhaps an alternative location or a more modest cream tea might be a popular option among Members to consider for next year.

Update on Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wednesday 10th June

Art in the Great Outdoors.
Unfortunately this trip was cancelled due to lack of numbers which was a real shame as it is a great venue and was one of the locations selected to visit in last year’s survey.
Several Members had to give backword due to other commitments and Lisa, who was organising this trip, was unwell and unable to participate.
However, the day was not completely lost as Jo and Julia decided to make the most of it and enjoyed a very pleasant day out at Mount Grace Priory instead.

Update on Sunday Lunch at The Blue Lion, 12th July

Thumbs Up Already Given to Sunday Lunch Here!
We have 17 ladies signed up already for this lunch, including some ladies who normally are unable to attend weekday lunches, which is really great news.
Anyone still wanting to go to The Blue Lion, the clipboard will be available again at the June Meeting at The Chapel.
Lunch is booked for 12.30pm, leaving Middleham at 12.10pm. The cost is £27.60 per person (includes 20% discount), 2 courses – Mains and Dessert. 20% discount on drinks on the day. Payment in advance to WiM account by 29th June please.
Any queries regarding this lunch please contact Wendy who is organising this.
Update on Bruce Arms Lunch, Friday 14th August

Kim and Ruth went to the Bruce Arms on Saturday 6th June to have a look at the venue and check out what menu options would be available to us.
This is very much a gastro-pub, serving gastro-pub food at gastro-pub prices! The surroundings were lovely, the staff were very hospitable and the food we tried was good but, despite all the pluses, in view of the limited lunchtime menu options they were able to offer us and the cost involved it was felt that this was not the right venue for a WiM group lunch.
However do not despair, there will still be food on offer! We have an alternative venue, The Fox at West Witton. Clipboard will be available for this lunch at the June and July Meetings. Menu available in July as it changes regularly.

Feedback on Monthly Meeting Tuesday, 19th May – Ben from Curlew Dairy

Fabulous Cheese!
Lovely to see so many Members turn out for this Meeting.
There was a lovely atmosphere and we had great feedback about Ben who was such an interesting Speaker. He passed on so much information regarding Artisan cheesemaking, the history of Wensleydale cheese, and how Curlew Dairy is progressing. Fantastic to hear that a small, local business is doing so well.
The samples of the cheese produced at Curlew Dairy went down extremely well and as a result most people went home having made several purchases!
Also, many thanks to Julia Higgins who brought a free supply of surplus eggs from her chickens to the Meeting for Members to help themselves to. Thank you Julia.

Meeting in The Chapel, Tuesday 16th June (Courtesy of Lisa)
Tales From A Yorkshire Chapel – Methodism in Middleham

A big thank you to Lisa for allowing this Meeting to take place in her home.
There has been a lot of interest in attending this talk and as mentioned in the previous Newsletter, this Meeting is restricted to Members only.
Lisa has space to “squeeze” in a couple more Members if necessary so if anyone would still like to attend but has not put their names down, please contact Lisa in advance of the Meeting.
Lisa is kindly providing tea and coffee and there will be the usual £2 on the door and our usual raffle.

Any Other Business

WiM Grant Application
We are still awaiting the outcome of our recent Grant Application but should hopefully have a decision within the next couple of weeks. This decision will obviously have an impact on the cost of any trips where the hire of a coach is involved.
Walking Group
Julia organised the latest walk to Easby Abbey, which was enjoyed by everyone despite the rain, and rounded the walk off with a welcome coffee at The Station in Richmond.
The next walk will take place on Friday, 10th July. Time t.b.c.
Anyone interested in joining the Walking Group, please contact Jo Shorrocks to be added to the WhatsApp Group
Change of Speakers
Due to other commitments, we have a change of dates for two of our Speakers at future Meetings.
Richard Hague – Confessions of a TV Producer - will now speak at our July Meeting.
Richard Sanderson – Grave Expectations – The Lighter Side of Undertaking - will now speak at our September Meeting.
Change of October Event
Unfortunately, due to the layout of the premises, Realitea in Ripon would not be a suitable venue for a large group for Afternoon Tea.
With hospitality going through a hard time at the moment we would like to support a local business and also arrange an evening meal so that Members who are unable to attend weekday lunches have the opportunity to come and take part in the evening.
As an alternative venue for October we will arrange for a booking to be made at The Dante Arms in Middleham. The food is good, the prices reasonable and close to home for the majority. Date and time t.b.c.

Next WiM Meeting
Tuesday, 16th June 2026 at The Chapel (Lisa’s House) – 7pm.
Speaker: Marion Moverley – Methodism In Middleham.