Vacancy for Parish Councillor

There is a vacancy on the Bilsdale Midcable Parish Council.  If you would like to be considered, please apply in writing, by email or via the website, indicating the reasons for your application and your relevant skills and experience.  If you would like any further information please contact the clerk or any parish councillor.

Applications should be sent to:

Jane Gamble, Parish Clerk, Bilsdale Midcable Parish Council, Rievaulx House, Chop Gate TS9 7HY

Email:          clerk@bilsdale-pc.gov.uk

Website        http://www.bilsdale-pc.gov/contact-us

 

Applications should arrive before noon on Friday 27th February, 2026

 

North York Moors Dark Skies Festival

The North York Moors is one of only 25 locations in the world to be recognised for pristine, dark skies and is delighted to be showcasing its eleventh festival from 13th February to 1st March 2026.

Join them and the Yorkshire Dales National Park to celebrate the wonders of our skies and explore two incredible International Dark Sky Reserves in the peak of our stargazing season.

This year’s Dark Skies Festival brings back much loved favourites, alongside some exciting new additions.  They are opening an observatory at Danby Lodge National Park Centre and introducing an overseas event that could be the next big wellbeing trend.
Keep an eye on their social media and newsletters for the announcement.
Click here to see the full list of events

Shop online and raise money for Chop Gate Village Hall

Shop and raise FREE donations for Chop Gate Village Hall. An exciting and easy way for you to support Chop Gate Village Hall and it won’t cost you a single penny extra!

Here’s how it works: Every time you shop online whether it’s for groceries, gifts, clothes, or even booking a holiday 8,000+ retailers like Tesco, M&S, John Lewis, eBay, Argos, ASOS, Booking.com and many more will donate to us for FREE through easyfundraising! Yep, you heard that right raise money just by shopping like usual! It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s FREE just sign up here: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/cause/chop-gate-village-hall/ Thanks for your continued support!

Any queries about this information or about raising funds for Chop Gate Village Hall please get in touch with Sue Barker Tel No 07974 185222

North York Moors National Park looking for Adult Volunteers

The North York Moors National Park Outdoor Learning team are looking for adult volunteers to assist with their young volunteer groups, Explorers and Young Rangers. Both groups meet across the national park completing practical conservation tasks and taking part in fun educational activities relating to the habitat they are in.

Do you have enthusiasm for nature and want to inspire the future generations to become advocates for the natural world? We would appreciate help to guide children and young people to connect with nature while supporting group leaders to deliver safe and engaging sessions. As a positive role model you will be volunteering in a unique and rewarding setting.

Explorers (aged 4-11) a family day out with a difference. Meeting twice a month on a Sunday 10am to 2pm. Occasionally events are held on Saturdays and week days in school holidays.

Young Rangers (aged 11-17) a group of individuals spending time outdoors and learning new skills. Meeting once a month on a Saturday, 10am to 3pm.

If interested in this volunteering opportunity please contact the Volunteer team, volunteers@northyorkmoors.org.uk.

E-passes for York Minster

We have been sent digital passes to allow people living in our parishes to visit York Minster free of charge. Please contact Carol McGee kcstoney@sky.com if you would like one. If you are planning a visit to the Minster, you can now make a reservation in advance of your visit at https://yorkminster.org/

Return of Whitby bridge closures to improve safety this summer

The traffic-free scheme on Whitby Swing Bridge which has been praised for supporting tourism in the town is set to restart next month.  The closures will be re-introduced for the fifth year, after traffic congestion during peak tourism periods sparked safety concerns.

The bridge will be closed to traffic between 10.30am and 4pm daily during weekends in the school holidays as well as Bank Holidays and special events, with an exemption for buses.  The first closures will come into force for the Easter school holidays on the weekend of  5 and 6 April.

Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “The continued popularity of Whitby is a real show of strength for North Yorkshire’s tourist economy, but it’s vital we manage this in a safe way for all.  Closing Whitby Swing Bridge to traffic at the busiest times of the summer season has proven absolutely key and has generated positive feedback from local businesses.  Continuing the closures this year will once again ensure Whitby residents and visitors can enjoy the town safely.”

As well as school and bank holidays, the traffic-free measure will be in place for Goth weekends on 26 and 27 April, and 1 and 2 November.

 

 

Mobile Phone Coverage

The Parish Council has now been in contact with Vodafone, 3UK, EE and O2.  Vodafone and 3UK confirm a completion date for their mobile signal of Q3 2025 but this is subject to Cellnex completing their installation on time.  EE and O2 are currently investigating the situation and we will share their response once it is received.