October 16, 2024

Digital Inclusion – Free Support

Thanks to funding through North Yorkshire Council as a result of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Mashamshire Community Office are now able to offer free support and guidance for any local person, group or business that would benefit.

We are able to support anyone, from people who would like an introduction to online shopping, social media, ordering prescriptions online etc. to more technical queries about connectivity, how to build a website and how social media can work.

Please get in touch with MCO on 01765 680200 or email info@visitmasham.com, in the first instance and we can arrange an appointment or guide you to a local drop in session.

October 7, 2024

New to Masham? Get the lowdown on what makes Masham tick…

Congratulations on your recent move! On behalf of Mashamshire Community Office (MCO) we want to extend you a warm welcome. Our small, but thriving community, has more going on than many expect. You may already know all this, but if not, it might help you feel at home to have the inside track on Masham life.

Introducing Mashamshire Community Office (MCO)

We are a small independent charity, based in the Old Police House (opposite the Masham GP Surgery and just down from the Town Hall).  We’ve been a “hub” at the heart of this special community for over 20 years. In fact, the “can-do” spirit of Masham won through last year, when community and businesses came together to save us from being homeless, by raising the money to purchase our building. MCO’s building is now a permanent asset for Masham. We can confidently continue to provide information and support to residents, businesses, and visitors.

So, do make us your first port of call for…

• Local information, maps and community notice boards
• Tourist information and leaflets
• Masham Community Library – on the first floor via an accessible lift
• Wellbeing Social Walks – Weekly Strollers: Fri at 10am followed by tea and biscuits at the Town Hall; Monthly Striders: 1^st Tue of the month at 10am, for a longer, brisker walk
• Town Hall Room Bookings and Ticket Sales for events
• Business networking information and promotion
• Computers, printing and copying services
• Help with blue badges and bus passes
• Other form filling or help with technology
• Jigsaw library and second-hand books
• Local art and crafts for sale in our Flock Gallery
• Citizens Advice face-to-face clinics (1^st Thu of the month by appointment)
• MIND mental health hub (every Thu by appointment)
• Acorns Preschool (access from the back of our building)
• Masham Parish Council Clerk 2pm-6pm Mon and Wed
• Local volunteering opportunities – whatever skills or time you have to give

Our team of staff and volunteers have plenty of local knowledge and connections.  So, if you need help with anything, call or drop in to see us.  If we can’t help, we can usually put you in touch with someone who can.

Staying in the Loop!

MCO helps keep our community up to date with local news and information via:

• Masham Directory – info-packed, updated annually and delivered door to door
• Our weekly e-news – sign up for local news at: www.visitmasham.com/signup
• visitmasham.com – our website for both visitors and locals.  Find local trades, shops, activities and local community groups, plus “What’s On” for local events
• Mashamshire Community is our Facebook page aimed at locals
• Visit Masham is our Facebook page aimed at visitors, but useful for everyone (share with family and friends as they plan their next trip to visit you!)
• You can also connect with us on Instagram @VisitMasham

Other helpful sources of news and discussion are the Masham Parish Council Facebook page and the Masham Buzz Facebook Group

Local Government – Who Does What?

Masham Parish Council

Masham Parish Council is a statutory body of elected local councillors who meet monthly to work on behalf of Masham. They organise Masham Market, are consulted on planning decisions, provide parking and electric charging points in the Marketplace, maintain several local amenities, and sponsor various local initiatives. They employ a Parish Clerk to provide administrative support who is based at MCO. Their budget comes principally from market income and honesty parking donations and Councillors are unpaid, so it benefits us all to shop and support the market.

The Council meets on 1^st Mon of the month at Masham Town Hall. All meetings are open to members of the public to attend. The agenda and minutes are available from MCO.

Find out who your Parish Councillor is on their website: mashamparishcouncil.com and follow the Masham Parish Council Facebook page.

North Yorkshire Council

Until 2023 Masham came under Harrogate Borough Council for Planning, Housing, Refuse and Recycling and Environmental Health, with vital services like Education, Social Services, Highways, Libraries and Transport all coming under the brief of the County Council. In April 2023, Harrogate was one of the seven Councils in North Yorkshire to be abolished with all their functions taken over by the newly created “unitary authority” of North Yorkshire Council.  So now one local authority is responsible for all local services. Their HQ is County Hall in Northallerton.

Council decisions are made by elected Councillors and, in Masham we are represented by Mashamshire resident, Cllr Felicity Cunliffe-Lister whose email contact is: cllr.felicity.cunliffe-lister@northyorks.gov.uk.

Leisure and Things to Do

Masham Town Hall

Masham Town Hall stands, bold and beautiful just off the main Marketplace.  Gifted by the 2nd Lord Masham, it has nothing to do with the local authority. It is a registered charity run by volunteers. It is a great asset, offering meeting, event and performance space and a regular programme of events for locals and visitors to enjoy throughout the year. Its income is from room hire and ticket sales, so it relies on local support, plus funds raised from Masham Steam Rally, which are invaluable. Room bookings and ticket purchases can be made at MCO.

The Town Hall website is mashamtownhall.com

Masham Sports Association

A range of sporting clubs and activities are on offer from Masham Sports Association which is located in the Pavilion on the cricket pitch. All volunteer-run, there is something for everyone – football, cricket, tennis, bowls and boules. See the Directory or visitmasham.com for more info about the various clubs or contact the Chairperson, David Broadley: DavidJFBroadley@outlook.com. The venue is also available to hire by contacting Hayley Metcalfe on 07752 240939.

Other Activities – check The Directory or visitmasham.com

A wide range of other clubs and activities in and around Masham are also listed in the Directory, from Masham Snooker Club to Fearby Badminton; from Masham Golf Club to the Masham Knitting Group, from the WI to Brownies, Guides, Scouts and Little Lambs – all welcome new faces.

Masham churches

St Marys Church and Masham Methodist Church hold regular services and host a variety of inclusive community events and activities.

Other Facilities

Post Office

We sadly lost our permanent Post Office for now, but in the meantime The Post Office Van visits three times a week and parks right outside MCO.

• Mon:        11:40am-3:25pm
• Wed:       1:00pm-3:00pm
• Thu:         9:00am-11:00am

If you miss it, try West Tanfield or Bedale Post Offices

Public Transport

Bus services serving Masham are provided by DaleBus (bus stop opposite MCO)

• 159 – Richmond to Ripon (change at Ripon for Harrogate, York)
• 144 – Bedale to Masham (change at Bedale for Northallerton)

Local Train stations are Harrogate, Nothallerton, Thirsk

Taxi services are available (contact MCO for info)

Masham Events

There’s always something going on! From Family Fun Days and community get togethers celebrating national events like the Coronation, to unique events that bring visitors to town, like the annual Steam Engine & Fair Organ Rally in July, or Masham Sheep Fair in September. All are organised and run by volunteers to raise funds for local charities – all proceeds from the Steam Rally support the Town Hall; Masham Sheep Fair is free, but all parking proceeds go to Yorkshire Air Ambulance and other local charities. 

In this way the efforts of local people go back into local facilities, for the benefit of the whole Masham community.

Local Shopping & Socialising

For a small place we punch above our weight! We’re lucky to have two wonderful breweries, four pubs, a gin distillery and wine shop, a choice of exceptional cafes and a few “fine dining” options too! You can buy fashions, outdoor gear, pet food, decorating equipment, gifts, art and crafts; and who’d expect daily fresh fruit and veg and not one, but two, highly regarded butchers in a small town like Masham? The town also welcomes market stall holders every Wednesday and Saturday (and the 1^st Sunday of every month during the summer). We’re all so lucky to have these facilities AND in such a beautiful rural location. Please support them whenever you can – their survival relies on all of us.

Volunteering

So much of the good stuff that happens in Masham is thanks to the many friends and neighbours that volunteer to help. If you want to get to know your community, connect with new people and contribute to this wonderful community, and you have a little time and energy to give, there are plenty of ways you can help. Please call in at MCO, and whether you’d like to help us at MCO, or prefer to get involved in other things, we can point you in the right direction.

We wish you all the best as you settle into your new home and enjoy all that Mashamshire has to offer. Please drop by MCO and just say hello!

MCO is an independent charity that works on behalf of Masham and surrounding villages to ensure our community is a lively, active, vibrant and supportive place to live, work and visit.

MCO AGM 2024

Mashamshire Community Office Annual General Meeting takes place on Tuesday 5th November at 1:00pm, in the Small Hall, in the Town Hall, Masham.

Find a copy of the following items below:

Agenda

Previous minutes

Copy of the 2023-2024 Accounts, Trustee Report and Treasurers Report.

June 10, 2024

Where to eat in Masham

We’re lucky to have a variety of eateries here in Mashamshire ranging for Michelin star dining experiences to more relaxed options including take away. There’s something different for every night of the week however places book up quick so we highly recommend you book in advance.

June 5, 2024

Celebrating Volunteers: Volunteers Week 2024

What smashing individuals we have in our community! Volunteers week this week means we’re shouting about all the brilliant things that go on in and around Masham thanks to the good will of people in our community. You’re all awesome!

MCO’s activities are thanks to 60 volunteers who help run the strollers walking group, our library, front desk services (from tourism info, wellbeing support and digital help to advocacy, signposting and connecting people), as well as behind the scenes communication and campaigns. Thanks to volunteers and our ongoing fundraising we can provide a home for Acorns Preschool at a reduced rate and MIND in Harrogate and Masham Parish Council can operate from our building too. Swinton Estate kindly hosted us this week to say thank you to our brilliant team of volunteers with tea and scones as we let them have the afternoon off!

It’s not just MCO volunteers that make our community such a fantastic place to be! So many individuals help neighbours, there are 80+ community groups that operate locally thanks to volunteers such as Litter Busters, Masham Foodshare, sports clubs, kids groups, young farmers, WIs, church activities, the Town and Village Halls, Parish Councils and major events reply on volunteers, attracting thousands of visitors each year such as the Steam Rally, Sheep Fair and Long Course Weekend…so much great stuff happens thanks to volunteers!

You all deserve a huge shout out. Thank you everyone, you make Mashamshire a better place to live, work and visit!

Our community has a fantastic sense of social responsibility and pride. Small places provide opportunities to create positive change through more direct connections – everybody is somebody and anything is possible.

Someone once told me, at a time of difficulty in their life, “I’m lucky, I have Masham”. I think that says it all. Everyone in our community has a name, a story and a voice. MCO as the heart and hub of our community (alongside so many others), connect, empower and support people to make positive change.

Want to get involved? Feel passionate about making something happen for you, your friends and loved ones? Come and talk to us and we will help you make it happen.

Tel: 01765 680200 / Email: info@visitmasham.com

May 22, 2024

Why do we need volunteers?

Our volunteers at Mashamshire Community Office are woven through the fabric of our charity in every way and at every level – their intricate knowledge of the local area, their vast and complex connections across the community. Their passion and commitment, drive MCO to deliver the best service we can for our community. Quite simply, they are integral to the culture of our charity and we couldn’t do what we do without them!

With just a small team of employed staff, our army of skilled and dedicated volunteers regularly contribute 8,500 hours a year helping us! Incredible!

Volunteering has huge benefits – helping others kindles happiness and here at Mashamshire Community Office we pride ourselves on offering supportive and flexible volunteering opportunities so that you can be part of the movement creating positive change in our community. We even have a bit of fun doing it!

Here are just some of the things you could do as a volunteer with us:

• Train as a walk leader to guide and support people on one of our wellbeing walks or help us develop some new routes for those that want something a bit more challenging
• Help out in our community library
• Support us with our marketing and help us shout about the great work we do
• Share all your local knowledge with our visitors on the front desk, be that friendly face to our many regulars that pop in for a social catch up and learn about your local community, signposting people to the help and support that they need
• Do you have a strategic mind and the skills we need behind the scenes to help drive our charity forward?
• Join the team as a digital volunteer and help people access information they need to make informed decisions, improve their wellbeing, access to education, training and stay connected.

Anyone interested in finding out more about our wide variety of volunteering opportunities, please do get in touch at info@visitmasham.com or call 01765 680200.

Watch this video to hear why Michael volunteered with us.

February 26, 2024

Major Sporting Event to Masham: Long Course Weekend Yorkshire 29-31 August

We’re very excited to be hosting the 3 day Long Course Weekend sporting event again here in Masham – why not register to take part?! Swimmers, cyclists and runners of all abilities will take explore our beautiful countryside and all it has to offer this September.

Find out more here!

Masham residents’ 2024 FAQs here

“We are delighted to be hosting the latest Long Course Weekend in Masham. The town’s enthusiasm for hosting events is clearly evident and the passion and support the local community has shown us is second to none.”

“We also look forward to developing the legacy programme and working with the parish council to support local causes. The Long Course Weekend is built on local community partnerships to market a real Yorkshire experience to a global audience.”

Matthew Evans, chief executive of Global Long Course Weekend

Masham which sits on the outskirts of Nidderdale Area of Outstanding National Beauty, the Long Course Weekend is expected to bring athletes from across the globe to compete over 3 incredible days of world-class sport. With the unique LCW format, you can choose your challenge by selecting your preferred distances and disciplines for the weekend. You’ll have to do the longest distance in all three to get the coveted 4th medal though.

Friday kicks off with the Yorkshire Dales Swim, giving you the unique opportunity to swim in the stunning Grimwith Reservoir, deep in the Yorkshire Dales. Saturday will see cyclists start from Masham Market Square and take on the choice of 56 or 112 mile bike courses set in The Yorkshire Dales National Park in the Yorkshire Dales Sportive. Incorporating some of the sections in Tour de Yorkshire, Tour De France and UCI courses into our very own sportive course

Rounding up the weekend on Sunday, you have a range of distances from Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k to take in some of the spectacular surrounding countryside, returning to Masham where the massive crowds await you on the red carpet finish line.

Where to eat in Masham over the weekend

January 25, 2024

MASHAM – THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE!

(Well, our universe anyway….and it could be yours too this season)

Indulge yourself this summer, make Masham your staycation of choice and surround yourself with beautiful countryside and inspirational arts. Steeped in history and perched on the banks of the river Ure on the edge of the Dales and just a stones throw away from Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Masham offers stunning walks, unique shops, cafes, galleries, spa luxuries and exquisite restaurants.

Exercise your lungs in the open countryside forgetting how many steps you’re clocking up at Druids Temple (we have lovely walks for all abilities close by), then relax at Swinton Spa with a glass or two of bubbly before catching up with long lost friends over a delicious meal at Where There’s Smoke…and that’s just day one!

On day two, explore Masham itself…wake up to a flat white at Johnny Bagdad’s café, or grab a sausage sandwich at Bordar House Teas.  Explore the unique shops around the Market Place – we have some tempting art and craft galleries and shops. If you have a sweet tooth, how about old fashioned sweets from Bah Humbugs, exquisite chocolates from Joneva or treat yourself to a local Brymor Ice Cream? Stock up on trendy walking gear at Bentleys, before visiting us for Tourist Information where you’ll get walks, maps, advice and ideas on where to visit. Relax and review your options at one of our lovely pubs or sit in the Market Place with a takeaway sandwich and cake from the Lunchbox. If you have a taste for beer, you can’t beat an afternoon tour of Black Sheep or Theakston breweries, where you’ll discover why Masham boasts two world class breweries. But if beer’s not your thing, check out Corks & Cases for fine wines or a unique Gin Experience at the Spirit of Masham Distillery.

By day three you will have inhaled enough of our creative Masham air that you will be ready to try your hand at glass tile making at one of Uredale Glass’s pop up classes.

There’s something for everyone right here in Masham – from creative activities, cycle hire, mountain biking, pony treks, golf, gardens to visit or something unique like a Trike Tour of the Dales and we haven’t even touched on the endless activities for kids…but lets keep this secret escape for you today.

Check out our accommodation listings to start planning a break that you deserve!

January 15, 2024

UK Shared Prosperity Fund Helps MCO

We’re delighted to announce that our application to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund¹ (UKSPF) was successful, helping us to purchase our home on 31st August 2023, the Old Police House here at the heart of Masham so that our charity can do more to support our rural community.

Over the past 22 years Mashamshire Community Office have delivered a wide range of services that benefit both residents and visitors to the area. The community office supports more than 80 community groups, over 100 businesses, responds to 10,000 visitor enquiries and more than 6,500 queries from residents annually. Our community library serves almost 3,500 visitors, we lead 50 wellbeing walks and provide trusted information to visitors and residents, keeping people supported and connected. Our building is also home to Acorns Preschool, Citizens Advice, MIND and Masham Parish Council who all need a safe space to provide face-to-face services.

Masham and the various surrounding villages and hamlets are situated a stones throw away from the beautifully scenic North Yorkshire Dales, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Although a picturesque landscape and inviting community, our rural location presents various challenges. Not least that homes are often unaffordable to young families, our aging population and limited public transport options create difficulties for people accessing health appointments, information and educational opportunities.

Our charity has been awarded £145,000 of UKSPF funding over two years. £115,000 of which will go towards capital (£60,000 towards the building purchase which completed on 31st August 2023 and £55,000 towards decarbonisation works; making the traditional 19th century building more energy efficient, environmentally friendly and cost effective to run). £30,000 of the funding will be invested in additional staffing to develop our own capacity to establish and progress priority projects that align with our aims and objectives. We also plan to improve our marketing and promotion of Masham and local businesses to improve the local economy. Some projects in the pipeline include:

• Engaging older and isolated people to connect, stay healthy and maintain their wellbeing
• Extending what we do to increase digital inclusion and confidence with technology
• Encouraging people to actively engage in volunteering opportunities
• Promoting collaboration, information and skills sharing between local groups
• Further exploration of ways to enable better access to transport solutions.

We would like to take this opportunity to not only acknowledge and thank North Yorkshire Council for the UKSPF funding, but to also say a huge thank you to our fantastic team of volunteers that contribute 8,000 hours annually to our charity, without whom we simply would not exist.

1. This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus ↩︎

December 17, 2023

MASHAM SHEEP FAIR 27th September and 28th September 2025

Masham’s annual weekend event to raise money for local charities including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, will take place once again on Saturday 27th September and Sunday 28th September 2025 as we welcomed visitors from far and wide to celebrate all things sheepy, and what a weekend it will be!

Masham Sheep fair is sponsored by local businesses and run by volunteers. This famous weekend event takes place in one of the finest Market Squares in England, raising much money for charity by filling the town with sheepy fun and entertainment all weekend. Events include an action packed programme on both Saturday and Sunday, with a Sheep Show, Sheep Racing, Craft Market, Bishop Blaize Procession, Fleece Stalls, Wool Competition, Sheepdog Demonstrations, Hand Bell Ringers, Morris Dancers, Art Exhibition and Tours of Theakstons & Black Sheep Breweries, as well as the Old Time Children’s Fair.
Photos of Sheep Fair weekends here.
All proceeds go to Yorkshire charities

For more information:

01262 490388 / 01765 688417 / 07850 048258
www.mashamsheepfair.com
susan@burtonagnes.com

Masham Market Square and locations around town