Friars Hill Stables

The staff at Friars Hill Stables are a jolly bunch! As Christmas approaches the fairy lights get put up and the Christmas tree and decorations don the stables to keep in with the season. Owner, Alison Brown, also gets into the festive mood by sporting a selection of festive headgear ranging from Santa bobble hats to spiral elf hats complete with mistletoe.

Friars Hill have implemented a few new safety restrictions to help keep everyone visiting safe including a one-way system, hand sanitizer stations, limited number of spectators and the wearing of face coverings for all staff and riders (although riders can remove their face coverings once they are mounted onto their horse or pony and adjustments to the tack made).  On top of this there is plenty of fresh air circulating to blow away those cobwebs!

If you haven’t already experienced riding or Friars Hill the staff say, “We feel that we provide a cheerful and friendly environment for our locals to get involved in horses and riding. We offer lessons or hacking, group or private for those wishing to ride from the age of four years to 99.

"Riding is great exercise, it’s great for mental health, some of our clients tell us that just getting away from it all, for an hour a week and riding is the best therapy ever.  We have many local clients, and it is wonderful to see them each week and watch them progress and achieve, we do get holidaymakers coming along but the mainstay of our business here are our locals.”

If you are still seeking that elusive Christmas present for a friend or relative who loves horses, ponies or riding then Friars Hill have gift vouchers available to purchase for any amount or activity as well as Friars Hill Stables Gilet’s which comes in many sizes and a variety of colours.

Have a look on their website www.friarshillridingstables.co.uk for more information or to give them a call on: 01751 432 758.

Daisy Garden Centre

Gazette & Herald:

Also nominated this week was Daisy Garden Centre. Stocking Christmas trees, wreaths, Christmas lights, festive gifts, planters and bulb packs amongst well cared for plants and shrubs, seasonal bedding plants, food and nutrition for the birds and wildlife amongst many other things there is something for everyone to help give your home that extra special touch this Christmas.

During the early days of the pandemic the staff joined together to supply and deliver food and staple items to those who were isolating and housebound and they continue to help a few households who are still being careful due to health concerns, as well as continuing their great support for Ryedale Hedgehog Rescue.

As well as this, their food section is extensive and supporting local too – they stock cakes from Baldersons in Thornton-le-Dale, items from Station Bakery in Slingsby, meat and pies from Nesfield and Piercy in Norton and Groovy Moo Ice cream in Malton, with milk and fresh fruit and vegetables daily. They can deliver larger items locally or a little further afield for a small delivery fee.

Gazette & Herald:

There is still a one-way system in place, mask wearing is mandatory again, hand sanitising and giving space where possible all to give a fantastic and safe shopping experience this winter.

Popping in to Daisy Garden Centre is a great way to deck out your home, fill the fridge or sort out your garden whilst always supporting local. All of their offerings and contact information can be found on www.daisygardencentre.co.uk

Essential Beauty

Gazette & Herald:

Festive cheer is alive and well at Essential Beauty as all the staff love Christmas!  But it isn’t just Christmas time that is important to them, Nikki from Essential beauty said: “Our clients come all year round to feel relaxed, pampered and nurtured by our excellent team of therapists.

"At Christmas its especially important, at a time when everyone is dashing about thinking about others, it is rewarding to give people a treat and make it all about them.”

Gazette & Herald:

Once inside you will be given a warm welcome, offered delicious mulled wine and coffee along with Stollen, mince pies and chocolates all adding to that experience to give it an extra special touch.  There is the opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping too, with gift vouchers and luxury skincare and make-up kits.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic it has been their mission to be as safe as possible whilst still making everyone feel warm and welcomed. Essential Beauty now work with a locked door and appointment only policy, so people feel reassured that contact it minimal. Staff do regular rapid flow tests and screen clients with pre questionnaires. This is all done via email in the comfort of their home before they come so you can be reassured you are well protected.Gazette & Herald:

Bringing a Christmas warmth and wonderland feel to Kirkbymoorside you can’t miss their most spectacular window display this year and they are encouraging everyone to shop and support local as much as possible this Christmas.

“We need local people to support local business, they are the hub of the community, we employ local people and build relationships with our customers which span years. Local businesses in Ryedale are what keep these towns alive with an amazing community spirit. It’s great to know you are shopping with people who genuinely care and have a passion for what they do.”

If you would like further information on any products or services or would like to make an appointment and treat yourself this Christmas visit their website: www.essentialhb.co.uk

We would also like to give a mention to the following Kirkbymoorside businesses which make Ryedale such a unique place to visit and shop: Love My Hair, Bella Bambino, Something Special, Scrumptious Deli and the Home Decorating Centre.

Gazette & Herald: