One of the very first events to take place at The Station, Richmond's wildly popular multi-activity venue was called Spot on the Wall. The idea was simple: "You're an artist? So book a spot on our wall, and hang up one of your works. If it sells, replace it by another work - the spot is yours to use as you like, for six weeks."

Nearly 20 years later, Spot on the Wall still takes place every winter. It still attracts dozens of talented artists, and hundreds of visitors. And now there's a summer edition! As always, there'll be a fantastic range of talented artists and photographers and craftspeople. As always, every work on the mezzanine level of the beautiful old railway building is for sale. And, as always, any purchase can be wrapped up for you to take away immediately!

So drop in. Have a drink or a bite to eat at the Station Cafe/Bar, and then go browsing. Take away a memory of your visit - and maybe take away something in a frame!

Webmaster was strolling past the Bishop Blaize pub in Richmond yesterday, wool-gathering* as usual, when a thought struck him. Bishop Blaize was the patron saint of the wool trade, wasn't he? And that trade used to be huge in these northern dales, bringing the wealth that created Fountains Abbey, Rievaulx and countless other monasteries. "Don't we have", he wondered, "quite a few leaflets from wool-related businesses in the Information Centre?"

We do. And here they are, for those of you with an interest in fabrics:

• Flock, in Masham, specialises in textiles, felt, hand-dyed yarns and silk painting.
• Fleece, in Reeth, looks as if it may be a sister-company, with a similar offering.
• Swaledale Woollens, in Muker, at the top end of Swaledale, has long been famous for its hand-knitted and crocheted sweaters and other clothing.
• Andrea Hunter's Felt Studio, in Hardraw, near Hawes, has a stunning collection of the artist's works; you'll be amazed at the effects she achieves. (See image above.)
• Wensleydale Longwool, in Leyburn, has gorgeous knitting yarns and kits, as well as sheepskins, rugs and throws.

And when you've explored all those, and come away with bags full of trophies, why not relax with a drink in the Bishop Blaize, Richmond's oldest pub, and un-ravel your day? 


* Wool-gathering = day-dreaming

Our new Coast to Coast Passport is proving popular.

This easily carried booklet for Coast to Coast walkers offers useful info on stops along the way, plus dozens of valuable discounts on food, drink, walking boots, books - massages even... And when walkers make it to Robin Hood's Bay, having collected Passport stamps from our agents en route, they get a smart Completion Certificate by which to remember their adventure.

The Coast to Coast walking season is now well and truly under way, and we're being kept busy here in the Information Centre. Stamp, stamp, stamp!

The Passport is mainly sold in outlets at the start of the walk, but we also sell it in our shop in the Market Place. And... if you buy a copy here and have already walked half-way to Robin Hood's Bay, we'll retroactively stamp the places you've passed through!

The cover price of the Passport is £15, but from us, it'll be just £12 - and with the discounts you'll earn, you should have no problem getting your money back!

So is the Little Bird Artisan Market.

Always a popular presence in the Market Place. the Artisan Market attracts dozens of colourful stalls and hundreds of visitors, both regulars and 'just passing by-ers'. And it's no wonder. There'll be all kinds of locally crafted goods for you to browse and take home - they could include flower vases, art prints, scented candles, heather-infused beers from tiny breweries, cinder toffee and hot coffee, pork pies, chutneys and pickles (which we've learned to call 'tracklements'), wooden toys, hand-knitted sweaters, sticky buns and hefty sourdough loaves... You get the idea.

Sunday, 8 June, from 10:00. ​Bring a big bag!