Carol singing hits a high note for charity

Flaxby carol singers were in full voice in the run up to Christmas and raised £320 before heading to the final village get-together of the year – a mince pies and mulled wine evening hosted by Jacqui and Mervin Straughan.

The singers' efforts bring the total amount of cash raised this year for Boston Spa's Martin House Children's Hospice to £600. The village summer garden party raised £280.

Anyone wanting to add to the village fund-raising can do so by contacting Buck White at Herons Keep.

23 December 2023

Flaxby in the twenty-first century

Flaxby is a North Yorkshire hamlet three miles east of Knaresborough in the Harrogate district. Until the twentieth century, it was a farming community comprising two farms from adjoining landholding estates, Allerton to the east, and Goldsborough to the west and south. It's now residential with a population of around 110.

Three royal cheers ... villagers celebrate
the King's coronation during their party,

It lies close to the A59, the main link between Knaresborough and York, which used to run through the village where there was a toll-gate, and a railway station with a level crossing. These are now gone, and the main road bypasses the hamlet on its way to and from the A1(M) to the east. Close to the old railway station are some modern vegetable-cleaning and egg-packing industrial buildings.

Flaxby is a close-knit community with a regular programme of activities throughout the year, and which can be found on this site. You'll also find details of local services and contributions from residents that delve deeper into the history of the area.

We're keen to hear from past Flaxby residents to build our knowledge, and we're especially interested in any old photographs. Get in touch if you can help.

Eco homes refused

Villagers have welcomed the news that North Yorkshire County Council has turned down a third application to build eco homes on a plot at York Road, Flaxby. 

The plans for four properties were submitted by developer Ben Holmes from Holmes Planning Ltd. However, a planning officer's report had recommended refusal on the grounds of harm to the countryside and loss of good agricultural land. The decision on Tuesday 12 December to reject the proposal was unanimous.

This is the third proposal from Holmes Planning Ltd in as many years. The two previous ones were turned down by the now abolished Harrogate Borough Council.

17 December 2023