Masham celebrated Yorkshire Day in true Peculier™ style this year – with festivities over two fun-filled days on 1st and 2nd August.

Friday saw St Mary’s Church transformed into a hub of activity, serving up Yorkshire fayre and a variety of children’s crafts and games. The teddy bear zip wire, in particular, was a real hit! Live entertainment was also provided by local Hand Bell Ringers, St. Mary’s Singers and Kirkby Malzeard Longsword Dancers.

Saturday brought even more fun, with a bustling market, garden games at the Methodist Chapel and a brilliant re-enactment of Masham’s historical “Court of the Peculier” – where ‘unruly locals’ were tried for crimes from a bygone year such as teaching without a licence, adultery, stealing a skull from the graveyard to encourage sleep and religious intolerance.

Fortunately, the stocks have long gone and the lockup key was nowhere to be found – so more lenient punishments were exacted on those found to be guilty. There was also a reindeer parade and the chance to milk Jameson’s cow which proved popular with young and old alike!

Meanwhile, Acorns Pre-School welcomed families to their Yorkshire Day Open Day & Fundraiser, raising an impressive £500 for their parent-led charity nursery along the way!

The weekend also featured two newly launched Peculier Masham History Tours – now running through August and September. And was rounded off with a special screening of Brassed Off at the Town Hall after a six-year hiatus of showing films there.

One attendee left the following review:

“Just like to say how much we enjoyed both Yorkshire Days! Thanks to all those who had put so much effort into the organisation especially for the younger children! Loved the Reindeers!

Special thanks to David who led the Peculier walking tour. Being relative newcomers to Masham, we feel much more integrated and knowledgeable about our local community. David was a very eloquent leader- well-informed, funny and able to answer questions. No waffle – lots of interesting info. Just the right length and the finish at a pub! We will remember what he had to say as we go about our daily business in Masham! A must for every Masham resident!”

Thanks to everyone who contributed, organised, baked, danced, dressed up and turned out to make it all happen. Here’s to next year – we hope it’s even bigger and better. And just as Peculier!

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