Open House is the name of the village coffee mornings and is held at Low Chapel every Wednesday from 10.30am to 12 noon (except over Christmas and New Year). Come and share refreshments and local news, all are welcome, locals and visitors alike. Admission and refreshments are free but donations are always welcome.
What happens at Open House?
Open House is a problem solving and networking group. We listen and laugh, and share both problems and good news. If you drop in and see us we will make you welcome – come and tell us your story!
If you are new to the village, this is a good way to connect; members will be able to signpost you to activities, religious groups, different social links, advice on village “ways” or help in whatever way we can – and you will be able to enjoy all of this with a cup of tea, or freshly brewed filter coffee, Fairtrade where possible, with cakes which are usually baked by members.
In addition to Open House there are 3 more projects that can help visitors to learn about the history of Ravenstonedale and to learn more about their ancestors.
Ravenstonedale Independent History Archive
Access to the Independent history database archive (scanned local historical documents) can be arranged either by visiting Open House on Wednesdays or by contacting Frank Chalmers on 07973112046 (frankrdale@yahoo.co.uk). We can search through the current database to see if the house/family/keyword data is listed and send you copies of documents if appropriate. So far we have been able to help approx 20 plus families from as far away as New Zealand, Australia, and USA. People often arrive with a family name, or place name and ask for any further information that helps to link up with their history. Ancestral homes, grave stones or landscape photos of where your forbears lived and what they saw can be arranged – the landscape has changed little and the village family names are often direct lines from the 1600s. The Bradberry Family is an original piece of research by Jeanette Egerton from New Zealand (download pdf). This is well researched and beautifully presented piece by Jeanette and was in small part - Assisted by FC – R’dale Independent History Archive a searchable database of local history for Ravenstonedale and the surrounding area. frankrdale@yahoo.co.uk.
Ravenstonedale Parish History Group
The Ravenstonedale Parish History Group meets in the Ravenstonedale Parish Community and Heritage Centre (formerly High Chapel) on Thursday afternoons from 2.00p.m. to 4.00p.m or by arrangement. The group can be contacted by email (history@ravenstonedale.org). The group also has local records available to view.
Ravenstonedale Parish Magazine (The Link)
Every issue of our monthly parish magazine, The Link, contains detailed information Ravenstonedale.. The online repository, accessed by following the link above, contains the latest issue and issues dating back to 2007.