'Amazing' turnout for Thornton-le-Beans history exhibition

The first Methodist congregation met in the village, near Northallerton, in the home of Jonathan Cook in 1813, and the original chapel building was erected in 1820. It was rebuilt in 1863 – as the carved stone over the door with its quirky misspelling of "Weslean" tells.

Planned celebrations for the official bi-centenary could not be held due to the Covid pandemic, but the village made up for lost time at the weekend with an exhibition featuring information about the old school, chapel history, and historic census lists.

The 200th anniversary exhibition at Thornton-le-Beans Methodist Church

Several of the exhibits were provided by Freda Chapman, who grew up at the Joiner's Shop in the village (now Hawnby House) and has played the chapel organ for more than 70 years, currently sharing duties with Sheila Baker.

Mrs Chapman, who was introduced to playing by Sunday School teacher Elizabeth Coates aged 11, described the turnout at the exhibition as amazing.

Reverend Ian Johnson said the event aimed to celebrate the life of the chapel within the village, and many people responded by offering up pictures and artefacts to go in display.

The exhibition also included information about village history, including pictures from the school, such as this one from 1938/39

"We were delighted to see so many people from the village and people who had an association with the chapel in years past," he said. "What was absolutely lovely was to see people who hadn't met up for a long time having a good chat. It was really all we would hope for, and more. People went away feeling really positive."

Visitors gave donations totalling more than £400 which will go to the Methodist relief and development fund's Haiti appeal. Rev Johnson thanked all those who donated.

Services are held at 2.30pm on the first and third Sunday of the month.