Danby Wiske is about 5 miles north of Northallerton, it has about 60 houses and 200 inhabitants.  There is not a shop, post office or buses but we do have a pub, the White Swan, a village hall and a church.  I have lived in Danby Wiske for 62 years and have seen a lot of changes but basically the community spirit is still as strong as ever. The village hall is well used for WI, badminton, keep fit, dances etc. And on Tuesday afternoons in the summer we have a tea room which is very popular and last year we raised £2,000 for the church and village hall.   The Coast to Coast walk comes through the village and last year there were 9,000 walkers.  Some stay in the village and do come to the tea room. The church is a grade 1 listed building and it is quite unusual in that it does not have a dedication.  The records were supposedly lost in the 12 century when the Scots invaded the north.  The old rectory near the church was built on monastic foundations and has a moat running round it – probably to keep out disgruntled churchgoers! The church today has a robed choir of about 10 members:  3 bells with a band of 6 ringers – our tower captain is 85 and still teaches new ringers and looks after the bells. The church is open every day and used by many who want to find peace and quiet and is popular with the coast to coast walkers particularly the Americans and Australians. Last year the quinquennial report showed that the tower was in urgent need of repair.  The lowest estimate for the work was £49,000.  Thanks to good grants from different organisations, various fundraising events and lots of generous donations we have been able to start the renovation work.  The Parish Church Sunday Services 1st Sunday of the Month: 0930 Morning Prayer 2nd Sunday of the Month 1900 Holy Communion 3rd Sunday of the Month: 1100 Family Service 4th Sunday of the Month: 1900 Evening Prayer Contacts: Revd David Lewis The Rectory, Great Smeaton 01609 881205 davidlewis648@btinternet.com