A community choir is preparing to lead a Victorian singalong as part of celebrations marking the 175th anniversary of a North Yorkshire church.
All Saints’ Church at Great Thirkleby will hold a weekend of events on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, with members of the public encouraged to join in the singing.
The programme will include well-known songs including Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, When the Saints Go Marching In, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor? and Beautiful Dreamer.
The celebrations will also feature an appearance by Yorkshire Vet star Peter Wright, who has strong family connections with the church.
Organiser Ann Stoney said: “This is just a great fun weekend that we hope will get people smiling and sharing the community spirit we have here.
“The songs are very well known and singing is so uplifting.
“We want everyone to know they can join in on the day, so come along for some old-fashioned fun.”
Saturday’s celebrations will begin at 2pm, when Peter Wright will talk about his childhood memories and how growing up in Thirkleby helped shape his attitude to life.
The vet has longstanding links to All Saints’, where his parents were married and he and his brother were christened. His grandfather was also churchwarden for 32 years.
His talk will be followed by a performance from local children’s choir Sessay Songbirds before the community choir leads the public singalong.
Organisers are also appealing for people with memories of All Saints’ to share them as part of the anniversary celebrations. Memories can be sent to Gill Walmsley at gillwalmsley@tiscali.co.uk or by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to 07969 571002.
The weekend continues at 2pm on Sunday with a service of thanksgiving.
This will be followed by a Victorian afternoon tea in the village hall and a raffle draw, with a top prize of £175 to reflect the church’s anniversary.
The events will take place at All Saints’ Church, Great Thirkleby.
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