The Yorkshire Vet and a Michelin-starred chef have come together to support an updated book telling the story of a famous North Yorkshire landmark.
Peter Wright, star of the Channel five TV series, will host a book launch for Kilburn’s White Horse, which charts the history of its creation by villagers in 1857 and its care by subsequent generations.
Tommy Banks, chef at the Michelin-starred Black Swan restaurant at nearby Oldstead, has written the foreword to the book, in which he recounts his memories of accompanying his grandfather, Fred Banks, to maintain the horse.
With the largest surface area of any hill-figure in Britain, it has proved a highly popular but awkward creature to tend. The most challenging feature of the horse is that it is not cut into a naturally white chalk hillside like many of its more southerly cousins. Its sandy limestone brash base is unstable and needs constant whitening.
Tommy’s grandfather looked after the horse for more than 40 years, and his passion for it has been passed down through the generations. “In my younger days as a chef, when I took part in the TV series, the Great British Menu, I decided to create a dessert linked to the White Horse in memory of my grandfather,” said Tommy.
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“Called 'My Great Briton', it involved Douglas Fir, lots of dry ice and a recording of my grandfather speaking about the making of the White Horse. It was very challenging to make and emotionally charged, but it scored a ten!”
The book, which costs £9.99, is a third edition, based on original research by Fred Banks and John Thorpe. It has been revised by Sarah Banks, Philippa James and Graham Matthews, and will be launched by Peter Wright at the White Rose Book Cafe in Thirsk on Thursday, September 21.
“Through the TV series, The Yorkshire Vet, I have been in a privileged and unashamedly biased position to eulogise about the breath-taking beauty of North Yorkshire,” said Peter. “No place is more magnificent than the White Horse carved into the steep, south west aspect of the Hambleton Hills overlooking the picturesque village of Kilburn.
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“The book tells of the passion and tenacity of Yorkshire folk, particularly of Kilburn, who over the decades had the drive and determination, often against the ravages of nature, to maintain this iconic landmark, not only for the benefit of visitors but also locals alike, of which I am one. This book is a must buy for all those who cherish such sentiments.”
The launch event starts at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm). To reserve a free place email sales@whiterosebooks.co.uk or phone the bookshop on 01845 524353.
The launch of Kilburn’s White Horse will also mark the re-opening of Kilburn Institute, Kilburn’s village hall built in 1911, on September 22 and 23, following a £170,000 refurbishment. Kilburn Institute, a registered charity, is the publisher of the book and all profits from its sale will go towards the future upkeep of the building.
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