KIRKBYMOORSIDE History Group (KHG) is hosting a Heritage Day this weekend to celebrate the town’s rich past.

The day will include various historical talks, walks, exhibitions and displays, as well as the launch of two new books - With God’s Permission - Ryedale’s Forgotten Link with the Whaling Industry and The Boon Hill Brigade – Kirkbymoorside and the Royal Observer Corps.

Louise Mudd, from the KHG, said for the first book they had been working with Gordon Clitheroe from the Beck Isle Museum in Pickering to rediscover the link between Ryedale and the whaling industry. The KHG purchased a collection of handwritten letters back in 2015 between a Pickering businessman, John Piper, and his sea captain and agents around the country.

“Gordon had already researched the Piper family back in 1976 as part of a study programme led by John Rushton, local historian and lecturer.

“By combining forces, Gordon was able to give the group a basis on which to develop a book.”

The second book, The Boon Hill Brigade – Kirkbymoorside and the Royal Observer Corps, captures some of the memories and stories associated with the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) posts at Boon Hill, near Fadmoor.

Louise said: “Kirkbymoorside is fortunate in being one of the few places which retains both its Second World War post alongside the 1960s underground bunker, designed to act as an early warning post in the event of a nuclear strike.”

The Kirkbymoorside Heritage day will take place on Saturday, from 9.30am to 7.30pm, in the Methodist Chapel. There will also be a tombola, auction and refreshments, along with displays of materials from the Adela Shaw Hospital and the town through the ages. Entry is £1 and free for under 12s.

For details, phone Louise Mudd on 01751 432064 or go to kmshistory.btck.co.uk