Just before Christmas, we posted a pretty long list of local places where you can stay warm; you can still find it here.

Now Richmondshire District Council has produced a map of 'warm hubs', going as far afield as Hawes, Masham and Middleton Tyas. Here it is: Warm and Welcome Map. 

Use these two resources together and if you're finding it difficult to stay warm at home you're sure to find help and a friendly welcome in these locations.

Experienced English Heritage volunteer guides are leading guided tours of the fascinating ruins of Easby Abbey this Sunday (29 January) and on the last Sunday of every month. 

No need to book; just turn up at the entrance at 1pm. Be sure to wear suitable outdoor clothing and shoes. There are no facilities at Easby, and parking spaces are limited (or you could park at The Station and walk to Easby along the old railway track).

Details at english-heritage.org.uk.

This week's random trawl through What's On Richmond has pulled out a lovely sounding concert, by German woodwind star Tabea Debus and Mexican lutenist Sergio Bucheli. The evening is entitled 'Ear-worm'! It features music from the 14th to the 21st century, including a world premiere - how's that for wide-ranging?

​More details are at rsconcerts.org/concerts. The concert is in the warm and comfortable  Influence Church in Richmond, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are £16 at the door (£1 for full-time students).

(That fabulous instrument in the photo? It's a theorbo, probably the most extravagant type of lute, and that's not Sergio playing it. We don't know whether he will be using one on Wednesday, but we couldn't resist posting the pic anyway.)

There's good news. And there's not-so-good news...

Not-so-good news first: there are no public chargers in Richmond. Yet.

Good news: there will be soon, possibly by end-March, when the final connections are due to be made for four chargers in Nun's Close car park. Fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, you can find rapid and 'fast' chargers at the Tesco in Catterick Garrison (2 miles from Richmond) and at Scotch Corner (3 miles). More chargers and more info can be found through the Electric car charging item on our Useful links page.

Nothing beats a night at the theatre, opera or ballet in London: the picturesque ride to Darlo by car or bus; the happy match-goers on your swift and punctual train; the thrill of the crowds at King's Cross, and your swaying journey on the Underground; the satisfying cost of it all...

On reflection, why not just go to The Station in Richmond? There you can enjoy a relaxed dinner before the show, then watch the main event in all its wide-screen glory, before heading home to your own comfortable bed - and all for a small fraction of the cost.

The Station Cinema has regular screenings, both live and recorded, of performances from the National Theatre (Othello, The Crucible), the Royal Opera (The Barber of Seville, Turandot) and the Royal Ballet (Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella) at Covent Garden. You'll enjoy the best view of the action, the best artists in the world, and the best price. 

Book at the Station Cinema's website. It's a shame you'll miss that hen party in LNER's 'quiet' carriage, but hey. 

It's true! You can travel on any scheduled bus service in Richmondshire or Hambleton for a maximum price of £2 for an adult single fare.

This amazing bargain will last until the end of March. Effectively, the government is subsidising bus companies in order to give them custom during the quiet winter months. S take advantage now! Visit our Buses page to get some ideas and see a few timetables. Fancy a day out from Richmond to the cathedral city of Ripon (photo)? £2 each way! A trip to the Bowes Museum in Barney? Same again! 

If you're planning your half-term break, an Easter getaway or your summer hols, you've come to the right place. Click Accommodation in the main menu, and you'll find the best collection of places to stay in North Yorkshire, with everything from a cosy yurt to a luxurious self-catering property for 15 people. But don't delay, because these places fill up fast!

After months of refurbishment, and one or two delays, Richmond's wonderful swimming pool re-opens on Monday 9 January. Swim Academy, Aquababes, Aquafit, a few gentle lengths... Whatever your idea of swimming-pool fun, hoick out your cozzie and get down there!