Memorial Stone Unveiling
On November 25th 2021 the Society were invited to attend the unveiling of a memorial stone in Colburn, North Yorkshire. Located on the route of the Coast to Coast, Coburn is just two miles east of Richmond ('A Coast to Coast Walk' p113)
On November 25th 2021 the Society were invited to attend the unveiling of a memorial stone in Colburn, North Yorkshire. Located on the route of the Coast to Coast, Coburn is just two miles east of Richmond (‘A Coast to Coast Walk‘ p113). The local community organised a three-year campaign to draw attention to a historic horse race that took place in the village on November 25th 1856. Accordingly a copy of the poem ‘Colburn Races’ written by David Pickering in January 1857, has been placed under glass on a handsome plinth, by the side of the footpath.
Funds were raised through local raffles and social events. Thus 165 years to the day a ceremony was held to celebrate the unveiling including a blessing by the Rev Andrew Cromarty, vicar of local parish church, St.Cuthberts. The event was attended by local dignitaries, the people behind the project: Ian Carter and Peter Fowler and those involved with the transportation of the stone from a local quarry in Leyburn.
It is hoped that the memorial stone will become a focal point for people passing on various walks through the village including the Coast to Coast. Representatives of local walking group ‘Richmondshire Ramblers’ were also present at the unveiling. The Society’s Walk Organiser, Mark Abbott, attended on our behalf.
The memorial stone was unveiled by Mr Rupert Hildyard of Colburn Hall.
Following the unveiling the attendees enjoyed a hospitable buffet in the Hildyard Arms situated only a few yards
from the memorial.
