URE LIFE

Social, hobby, and community clubs in North Yorkshire offer a wide range of activities for all ages and interests. From walking groups and craft clubs to local sports teams and volunteering networks, these clubs bring people together to connect, learn, and have fun. Whether you’re looking to join a book club in Ripon, a gardening group in Thirsk, or a lunch club in Bedale, there’s something for everyone. Community clubs promote wellbeing, reduce isolation, and support local events. Discover social and hobby clubs near Knaresborough, Easingwold, Masham, and Leyburn – perfect for meeting new people and getting involved in your local community.

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Baby Rhyme Time, Knaresborough

Baby rhyme time sessions are held every Friday from 2.15 pm to 2.45 pm at Knaresborough Library. The sessions are free with no booking required. Contact the library for more information.

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Boroughbridge and District Angling Club

Fishing within an over 4-mile stretch of the River Ure. Adult (18+) £50.00 per year, Concessions £20.00, Intermediate (16 to 18) £25.00, Juniors(12 to 16) and under 12 FOC. Contact the Secretary for more information on 07713980625.

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Boroughbridge and District Historical Society

Founded in 1994 to encourage and develop interest in the heritage of the area, the friendly society holds an archive of photographs and related material from Boroughbridge and surrounding villages and many members are actively involved in researching the history of the local area. Not all members are budding historians and archaeologists – many people participate in the society’s events out of a general interest. Our monthly speakers are selected to ensure that over time there is ‘something for everyone’ with talks on local, national, international, social, economic and political themes. Always welcoming new members, the club can be contacted through their website or Facebook page.

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Boroughbridge Bowls Club

A club for people of all ages and gender to meet to enjoy the sport of lawn green bowling. Members can play every day throughout Spring and Summer from 1.00 pm until dusk. The club caters for all levels of players from the learner to the more experienced. Contact 07852 348500 for more information.

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Boroughbridge Social Club

A general social club with meetings and events held at 14 Fishergate, Boroughbridge, York, North Yorkshire, YO51 9AL. Contact 01423 322178 for more information.

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Boroughbridge Striders Walking Group

An informal walking group that focuses on walks in the 12-20 miles range, mainly in the local area. Contact johnhelliwell604@gmail.com for more information.

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Children’s Church (Mustard Seeds), Ripon

A group for 0-6 year olds and their families that involves singing, storytelling, and crafts. Meetings are held in Ripon Cathedral Library after the first hymn on Sundays. Contact Ripon Cathedral for more information.

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Coffee and Conversation, Ripon

Every Friday morning, 10:30 am to 11:30 am, Ripon Library hosts a free coffee and conversation session. No pre-booking required – just drop in and say hello. Contact Ripon Library for further details.

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Cook and Eat Social, Knaresborough

Knaresborough Community Centre host a weekly get together event on Tuesdays, 11.00 am to 1.00 pm, during term time. Meet new people as you cook together, then either eat together or take it home. The weekly menu is made up from donated food, with the aim to help reduce isolation, increase confidence in social skills, build skills around budgeting, planning and making meals, and of course, reduce waste. Contact Knaresborough Community Centre for more details.

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Country Women’s Association, Boroughbridge Section

We offer a full programme of interesting speakers along with lots of fun and friendship. Our annual subscription is just £24 plus £2 each month which includes refreshments and a raffle. We meet on the 2^nd Thursday of each month in the Jubilee Room above the library at 2.00 pm and are always welcoming new members. For more information contact Doreen on 01423 322213. 

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Craft, Knit and Natter Group, Ripon

Ripon Library hosts a ‘craft and chat’ group every Tuesday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to bring their knitting, crochet or needlecraft and join the friendly conversation. Contact Ripon Library for more information.

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Easingwold and District Art Society (EDAS)

A visual arts society that promotes interest and participation in visual arts, painting and drawing, with exhibitions held at the Galtres Centre. Contact EDAS for more information.

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Easingwold and District U3A

Meet, make friends and try something new, whilst helping to share knowledge, skills, interests and experience. Listen to talks, attend one-off events, or explore the local countryside with the Easingwold U3A Walking and Explorers group. Contact via their website for more details.

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Green Hammerton Social Club

A general social club with meetings and events held at Boroughbridge Road, Green Hammerton, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 8AE. Contact 01423 330572 for further details.

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Imagine and Play, Knaresborough

Imagine and Play is a fun session for under 5’s and their carers. Sessions are held on Tuesdays between 2:15 pm to 3.00 pm at Knaresborough Library. Contact the library for more information.

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Jigsaw Club, Boroughbridge Library

Meeting on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month from 2 pm – 4 pm. Cost is £2 per session with refreshments included. Pop in or book ahead. Contact Barbara on 07710 637632 for more information.

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Knaresborough Art Society

This group is for amateur artists to meet regularly for painting, drawing, demonstrations, workshops, friendly competitions, and DVD nights. The group meets most Tuesday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. at the Church Hall in the United Reform Church, Knaresborough. Visit the Knaresborough Art Society website for more details.

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Knaresborough Bowling Club (Crown Green Bowling)

Knaresborough Bowling Club (otherwise known as Knaresborough Crown Green Bowling Club or KBC) was established in 1936. The non-profit, amateur club is run voluntarily by members and hosts social and competitve lawn bowl matches. Contact via their website form for more details.

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Knaresborough Quilters

The group meets at Chain lane Community Hub every second Thursday for quilting and associated crafts. Everyone is very friendly and there is always someone who can help with your project. New members welcome to this seasonal group that breaks for the Summer holidays (July and August). Contact Knaresborough Quilters for more information.

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Knaresborough Widowed Community Group

This community group offers a free, safe and welcoming environment for widowed individuals to connect, share experiences, and provide mutual support. The group organises regular meetings, social events, and activities designed to foster companionship and help members navigate the challenges of widowhood. They also organise walks, Sunday lunches, trips to Harlow Carr, pub quizzes and DIY afternoons and are open to new ideas. The group meet every Thursday from 10:30 am onwards at a local cafe. Contact Knaresborough Connectors for more details.

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Knaresborough Working Men’s Club 

Knaresborough Working Men’s Club is a general social club that welcomes new members. It has a beautiful view of Knaresborough Viaduct and the River Nidd. Contact 01423 862067 for further details.

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Knit and Natter, Boroughbridge Library

Bring along your crafting project and meet like-minded people. There’s no need to book and there’s only a small charge. Club meets every Tuesday 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm.

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Lego Club, Boroughbridge Library

Come along and create some amazing Lego structures. Free of charge and no need to book. Happens every Saturday morning 1.00 am – 12.00 pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For ages 5+. Phone 01609 536629 or email contact@boroughbridgelibrary.org.uk for more information.

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Library Book Club, Boroughbridge Library

Meeting every first Wednesday of the month from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm, this club reads and discusses a monthly book. There is a small charge per session. Email contact@boroughbridgelibrary.org.uk for more information.

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Lions Clubs (Community & Charity)

Lions International is a global charity with local setions dedicated to giving their spare time for the benefit of the community. There are many local branches across the country which serve the community around them.

• The Boroughbridge Lions Club (charity no. 1189974) covers Boroughbridge, Green Hammerton, Disforth, Marton Cum Grafton, Roecliffe and the surrounding area. We’re a social bunch that host and help out at events, fundraise, and support local projects and schools. We meet monthly with attendance flexible and volunteers appreciated. Email bbrlions@hotmail.com for more information.
• The Easingwold District Lions Club have been at the heart of the Easingwold and surrounding villages community since 1978, serving the area. The club currently has around 20 members from all walks of life and backgrounds and with different individual skills. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm at the Galtres Centre. Contact them on Facebook for further details.
• The Knaresborough Lions Club are best known for their annual Knaresborough Bed Race event as well as their Knaresborough Beer Festival event. They meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 8.00 pm at the Working Men’s Club on Kirkgate.
• The Ripon District Lions Club have been serving the Ripon area for years. They meet on the third Thursday of every month at 8.00 pm at Ripon Bowling Club. Contact the branch for more details.
• The Thirsk, Northallerton & Bedale Branch supports worthy causes and charities in the local area as well as Lions charities internationally and nationally. Contact the branch for more details.

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Living Room Club, Knaresborough

At the Living Room Club, we believe in fostering a warm, welcoming environment where people of all ages can come together, share experiences, and support one another. We offer a variety of community projects, from social events and wellness activities to creative workshops, all designed to inspire and enrich our local community. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, develop new skills, or simply relax in good company, the Living Room Club is your home away from home. Our classes are free. Contact them via their Facebook or Meetup page.

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Make Time For Music, Boroughbridge

On Thursdays during term-time we have a music themed preschool group at St James’ Church, Boroughbridge. This runs from 9.30 am – 10.00 am with tea and coffee served afterwards. No need to book. Donations welcome.

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Masham Lunch Club

Held weekly on Fridays at the Lightfoot Rooms, White Bear, Masham at 11.45 – 1.00 pm, this social club for people over 65 years who are on their own. It costs £10 for a nourishing, two-course lunch in a friendly, sociable environment. For more information, contact 01765 689068.

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Masham Photographic Club

The club was founded in September 2004 by a group of local enthusiasts who wished to learn more about photography generally and encourage the exchange of ideas on a friendly and informal basis. They meet at 7.30pm in the Small Hall (downstairs in Masham Town Hall) every first and third Tuesday of the month from September to June. They run a varied programme of external speakers and a monthly themed competition, as well as two exhibitions a year at Masham Parish church. Visitors are always welcome. Contact joinmpc@gmail.com for more details.

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Masham Snooker Club

Masham Snooker Club have been playing billiards and snooker in their rooms since 1871, and believe themselves to be the oldest established snooker club in England. They play in the Markington & District Rural Billiards & Snooker League and the club hosts an annual knockout competition for all members to take part in. They have three full-size 12ft tables and a bar. Their open-door policy allows any member with a key and key code to enter and play as it suits them. Contact 07591 399078‬ for more details.

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Masham Strollers 

This weekly walking group provides short and accessible wellbeing walks around Masham at 10.00 am on Fridays, outside the Community Office. Each walk is free, cricular, mostly over easy ground, and lasts around 40 minutes. Tea, coffee and biscuits over a chat in Masham Town Hall at the end of the walk is kindly sponsored by Morrisons, Ripon. If you would like to join a walk you will receive a very warm welcome, just turn up at 10.00 am for a 10.10 am start. For further information, please contact us at Mashamshire Community Hub.

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Messy Church Art Club, Boroughbridge

This free creative art session happens every third Sunday of each month at 4.00 pm, excluding July and August. It is hosted at St James’ Church, Boroughbridge. Anyone is welcome to attend. Most of the creative art and crafts activities are aimed at children and young people 0-13 years but we always make sure there is something for teenagers and adults too. Free to attend and no need to book.

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Reading Hacks Club, Knaresborough

Join the Reading Hacks and inspire others to enjoy literacy through planning events and activities. The group is for 13 to 18 year olds and is a Reading Agency project. Sessions are weekly on Wednesdays between 3.45 pm and 4.45 pm. Contact Knaresborough Library for more information.

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Relaxed Storytime, Knaresborough

A children’s relaxed storytime is held every Friday from 10.30 am to 11.00 am at Knaresborough Library. The sessions are free with no need to book. Contact the library for more information.

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Ripon Bowling Club 

A private mixed members club for 18+ years with regular bingo and social events, as well as Sky Sports, pool and snooker for both casual play and team play. The club is open Wednesday to Sunday every week. Contact 01765 602971 for more details.

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Ripon and District Social Club

A general social club with meetings and events held at Allhallowgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1LQ. Contact 01764 604237 for more information.

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Ripon Motor Boat Club 

Established back in 1931, the RMBC is now one of the largest inland waterway private boat clubs in England. Offers a warm welcome, affordable family boating, and social evets throughout the year. Contact 01765 601751 for further details.

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Ripon Piscatorial Association

Established in 1904, R.P.A is one of Yorkshire’s oldest and most prolific angling clubs in the country. The club offers over 8 miles of River Ure fishing including deep water and streams sections, exclusive access to the prolific specimen carp venue, Ripon Racecourse, mixed species venue at Ure Bank Pond, the entirety of Ripon Canal and two miles of the River Laver. Find out more by visiting their website.

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Ripon Sailing Club 

Whether you are a seasoned club racer or a complete novice, a warm welcome awaits you at Ripon SC – a family friendly club for sailing enthusiasts. Sailing is held at Farnham, Knaresborough. Contact 01423 865467 for further information.

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Ripon Spa Croquet Club

Croquet is one of the finest outdoor sports. It is a friendly game combining ball skills as well as tactics, it’s relatively easy to understand, and it’s fun to play. The club is always pleased to receive new members, of any age or level of experience from beginner to advanced. Both association crochet and golf crochet are offered and both may be played as singles or doubles. Contact secretary@riponspacroquetclub.org for more information.

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Rotary International Club

Rotary Clubs provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. They problem solve and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

• Knaresborough Rotary Club meet weekly for friendship and service to our community on Mondays at 6.00 pm at Harrogate Golf Club. Team meetings are held on the first Monday of the month. For more information, contact secretary@knaresborough.rotary1040.org 
• The Rotary Club of Ripon is an active, busy club having a long, proud history, who support a wide range of local, national and international charities. They host events like their popular annual Ripon Rotary Bike Ride. They meet at the Ripon Rugby Club for lunch once a week from 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm and are always welcoming new members to their friendly club. Contact via their website for more details.
• Thirsk Rotary Club meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6.30 pm at The Angel Hotel, Topcliffe, to discuss community projects. New volunteers are always welcome. Contact secretary@thirsk.rotary1040.org for more information or to join an upcoming meeting.

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Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading charity providing financial, social emotional support to millions who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependants.

• The Bedale Branch meets at The Riverside Club, Bedale on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.00 pm. Contact bedale.secretary@rbl.community for further information.
• The Boroughbridge Branch was one of the first to be formed and meets on the first Monday of every month at the Crown Inn, Boroughbridge, at 7.30 pm. Membership is open to all. Contact the Secretary for more information on 01423 324372.
• The Easingwold Branch holds regular meetings. Email easingwold.secretary@rbl.community for further details.
• The Knaresborough Branch holds regular meetings. For ore information, email knaresborough.secretary@rbl.community
• The Mashamshire Branch holds regular meetings. More information can be acquired by contacting 07710 635990.
• The Ripon Branch meets on the first Friday of each month at 7.30pm at the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Club in Ripon. Membership is open to men and women of all ages, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not. We also encourage Youth Membership, which is free between the ages of 13 – 17 years.  Contact ripon.secretary@rbl.community for more information.
• The Thirsk Branch holds meetings at 21 Kirkgate, Thirsk, YO7 1PL.
  Telephone 01845 523184 for further details.

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Scrabble Club, Boroughbridge Library

Friendly, non-competitive games played every Thursday morning, 10.00 am – 12.00 pm. Free of charge and no need to book. All ages welcome. Email contact@boroughbridgelibrary.org.uk for more information.

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Simply Social Bridge Club, Boroughbridge

Come join us at The Coronation Hall in Boroughbridge on Fridays between 1.15 pm – 4.00 pm for some informal games of bridge. Everyone is welcome. Contact Barbara on 01423 323764 for more information.

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Story and Rhyme Time, Ripon

Ripon Library hosts ‘story and rhyme time’ sessions on Wednesdays from 10:30 am to 11.00 am and on Fridays from 10:30 am to 11.00 am during term-time. The free, drop-in sessions are aimed children 0-5 years and are delivered by a library volunteer. Contact Ripon Library for more information.

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Storytime at Bedale Library        

Storytime sessions for pre-school children (0-5 years) happens every Friday afternoon from 2.15 pm – 2.45 pm. Contact Bedale Library for more information.

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Storytime at Boroughbridge Library

Join us on Wednesday mornings 10.15 am – 10.45 am for interactive storytelling and singing. For all children aged under 5 and their carers. It’s free with no need to book. Contact Boroughbridge Library for more information.

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Storytime at Easingwold Library

Easingwold Library hosts a free preschool storytime session on Thursday mornings 10.15 am – 11.00 am. It caters for all children aged under 5 and their carers. No need to book. Contact Easingwold Library for more information.

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Storytime at Knaresborough Library

A storytime for children under five is held every Monday from 10:30 am to 11.00 am at Knaresborough Library. Attendance is free and no booking is required. Contact the library for further details.

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Women’s Institute

Bedale & Leyburn Area

• Aiskew WI meet on the second Monday of the month at 7.15 pm at Bedale Hall
• Bedale Belles WI meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at 1.30 pm at Bedale Hall
• Burneston & Carthorpe WI meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.15 pm at Carthorpe Community Hall
• Coverdale WI meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm at
  Coverdale Memorial Hall, Carlton
• Kirkby Fleetham WI meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.15 pm at Kirkby Fleetham Village Hall
• Newton Le Willows & Patrick Brompton WI meet on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm at Newton Le Willows Village Hall
• Spennithorne & Harmby WI meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.00 pm at Harmby Village Hall
• Thoralby & District WI meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm at Thoralby Village Hall
• Thornton Watlass WI meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm at Thornton Watlass Institute

Boroughbridge Area

• Aldborough, Boroughbridge & Dunsforth WI meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm at Aldborough Village Hall
• Arkendale WI meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm at Arkendale Memorial Hall
• Burton Leonard WI meet on the third Monday of the month at 7.30 pm at Burton Leonard Village Hall
• Bishop Monkton WI meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm at Bishop Monkton Village Hall
• Helperby WI meet on the first Thursday of the month at 2.00 pm at
  Helperby Village Hall
• Kirby Hill WI meet on the first Tuesday of every month at 7.30 pm in The Coronation Hall, Milby
• Marton Cum Grafton WI meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm at The Memorial Hall, Marton
• Roecliffe WI meeting on the second Monday of the month at 7.30 pm
• Skelton On Ure WI meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm
• Whixley WI meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.15 pm at
  Whixley Village Hall

Easingwold Area

• Alne WI meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm at Alne
  Village Hall
• Brandsby WI meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm at
  Cholmeley Hall
• Easingwold WI meet on the third Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm at the
  Galtres Centre
• Huby (York) WI meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.15 pm at
  Huby Methodist Church Hall
• Stillington & Farlington WI meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm at Stillington Village Hall
• Tholthorpe WI meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.00 pm at Tholthorpe Village Hall

Knaresborough Area

• Aspin Park WI meet on the first Thursday of the month at 7.45 pm at Knaresborough Cricket Club
• Bilton WI meet on the third Thursday of the month at 1.30 pm at Bilton Community Centre
• Castle Belles WI meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.00 pm at Knaresborough Conservative Club
• Forest Moor WI meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm at
  Calcutt Village Hall
• Goldsborough WI meet on teh first Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm at
  Goldsborough Cricket Club
• Kirk & Green Hammerton WI meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm at Kirk Hammerton Village Hall
• Scriven WI meet on the second Monday of the month at 2.00 pm at the
  Jubilee Room Park Grove Church
• Starbeck Afternoon WI meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 2.00 pm at The Library, Starbeck

Ripon & Masham Area

• Fearby & Healey WI meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm at Masham Town Hall
• Grewelthorpe WI meet on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm at
  Grewelthorpe Village Hall
• Kirkby Malzeard WI meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.15 pm at Mechanics Institute Village Hall
• Madhatters WI meet on the seconf Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm at
  Ripon Bowling Club
• Ripon Belles WI meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm at Alma House
• Ripon Centre WI meet on the second Monday of the month at 2.00 pm at Fountains Room at St Wilfrid’s Community Centre
• Sharow WI meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.00 pm at Sharow Village Hall
• West Tanfield WI meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.00 pm at Bruce Arms, West Tanfield

Thirsk Area

• Ainderby Steeple WI meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.15 pm at The Village Hall, Morton-on-Swale
• Birstwith WI meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm at Birstwith Church Hall
• Byland With Wass WI meet on the third Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm at Wass Village Hall
• Sessay WI meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 2.00 pm at
  Sessay Village Hall
• Sowerby WI meet on the second Monday of the month at 7.30 pm at Parochial Hall, Sowerby
• Thirsk and Carlton Miniott WI meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.00 pm at Thirsk Town Hall
• Thornton Le Beans WI meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm at Thornton Le Beans Village Hall

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Discover a wide range of social and hobby clubs near Ripon, Boroughbridge, Thirsk, Easingwold, Knaresborough, Bedale, Leyburn, and Masham that are ideal for meeting new people, learning new skills, and enjoying shared interests. North Yorkshire offers something for everyone, from art and photography clubs to gardening groups, book clubs, walking societies, and craft workshops. These friendly community clubs provide a welcoming space for all ages to connect and take part in fun, engaging activities throughout the year.

Joining a local social club in the Ure Valley and North Yorkshire Heartland areas is a great way to make friends and become part of your community. Many groups meet weekly or monthly, offering opportunities to try new hobbies or rekindle old ones. In Boroughbridge and the surrounding areas, you’ll also find special interest clubs for history, music, theatre, and cooking, as well as wellbeing-focused activities like yoga or mindfulness groups.

Whether you’re looking to stay active, express creativity, or simply enjoy good company, there’s a hobby club in North Yorkshire to suit your interests. Explore local listings to find the perfect fit and enrich your free time with enjoyable, social experiences right on your doorstep in Ripon, Thirsk, Easingwold, Knaresborough, and beyond.