Thirkleby church to mark 175th anniversary with memory wall

All Saints Church in Thirkleby, known for its spire visible from the A19, is gathering memories from anyone who has marked special moments at the church—whether meeting a loved one, marrying, or saying goodbye.

All Saints Church in Thirkleby is celebrating its 175th anniversary (Image: Supplied)

A memory wall will feature shared stories and photographs as part of the September 19 to 20 anniversary celebrations.

Gill Walmsley, one of the volunteers organising the event, said: “A special church deserves a very special celebration and that’s what we plan for September but it’s the people who make the place.

“This church building has been an historic anchor to the community for 175 years and will have played an important part in many families’ lives, leaving precious memories.

Volunteers Gill Walmsley, left, and Ann Stoney look through one of the church’s many wedding registers and share memories of their own (Image: Supplied)

“We want to create a wall of memories of words and pictures, whatever people would like to share.

“If you said hello or goodbye to someone, or even ‘I do’.

“If this church is carried in your heart like it is in ours, then we would love to hear from you.”

The weekend will include a visit from Thirkleby-born TV personality Peter Wright of The Yorkshire Vet, a community choir performance, and a Victorian-themed afternoon tea.

Mr Wright will share stories from his early life in the village.

Performances will include the Sessay Songbirds, and the church will be decorated in Victorian style.

Ms Walmsley said: “We also invite you to celebrate with us.

“Come and hear from our very own Yorkshire Vet about his early life in the village, sing with our community choir, enjoy a Victorian afternoon tea or just take in this perfect corner of the world.

“We will be decorating All Saints with a Victorian theme too.”

Anyone wishing to contribute photos or memories, or who would like more details about the anniversary events, is asked to contact Ms Walmsley at gillwalmsley@tiscali.co.uk or call 07969 571002.