THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE: Northallerton and District Local History Society will be hosting an illustrated talk on January 14 on the North Yorkshire origins of the thoroughbred racehorse. Thoroughbred racehorses have been bred and trained in North Yorkshire for more than 300 years. The talk will look at Nutwith Cote, a farm near Masham, which has ties with horse breeding dating back to the twelfth century and why the history society feels it has a claim to being the birthplace of thoroughbred horse breeding and training. The talk will be led by Michael Chaloner at 7pm at the Sacred Heart Church Hall on Thirsk Road, Northallerton. Admission for non-members is £2.50 and free for students and members.

CANAL WALK: Northallerton Ramblers will be visiting the Garforth area of Leeds on January 9. They will be walking five miles from Garforth Station to Woodlestone and then walking five miles to Leeds along the canal, where they will be stopping for lunch. For more details ring Barry on 01845-574883.