Karen Darley

Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of The Odyssey has surpassed $1 billion at the global box office and stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong’o. Castle Howard has a centuries-old connection to Homer’s epic through its library, including a 1725 edition translated by Alexander Pope and subscribed to by the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, who built the house. The estate once displayed scenes from the Trojan War in its High Saloon, but those paintings were destroyed in the 1940 fire.

Kemps in Malton’s summer reading recommendations feature five novels: Angharad Hampshire’s historical fiction about Nazi war criminal Hermine Braunsteiner; Erin Kelly’s gothic thriller set in a North Yorkshire girls’ school; Doireann Ní Ghríofa’s hybrid history and ghost story about a Victorian psychiatric hospital in Cork; Olivie Blake’s supernatural Hollywood satire; and Matson Taylor’s poignant tale of friendship and found family in Rome. The selection emphasizes Yorkshire connections, historical injustice, grief, ambition, faith and human resilience, alongside Kemps’ August storytime sessions for children.

James Norton has ruled himself out of becoming the next James Bond, saying that at 41 he may be “long in the tooth” for the role. The actor, who has been repeatedly linked with the part since Daniel Craig’s final Bond film was announced, discussed the speculation on Capital Breakfast. The article also traces Norton’s acting journey from his childhood near Malton, through Amotherby Primary School and the Livewire Theatre Group, to work experience at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre, which he later became a patron of. Norton continues to express strong affection for Ryedale and the region’s local theatre and press.

The annual Westow art exhibition is celebrating its 21st anniversary with more than 150 entries from over 30 artists working in mediums including watercolour, oils, photography, quilting and pastels. Organiser Julie Price says this year's proceeds will be divided between the York support group for Tackle Prostate Cancer and Martin House Children's Hospice, continuing the event's longstanding support for charities and local projects. The free exhibition will run over three days at Westow Cricket Club Community Pavilion, with refreshments and an opening evening bar available.

St Michael’s Church in Cold Kirby, North Yorkshire, has been added to Historic England’s National Heritage List for England as a Grade II listed building. The 19th-century church was rebuilt around 1841 by Thomas Duncombe and was recognized for its unusual Norman and round-headed architectural features, marble memorial tablet, timber font cover, bells and importance to the village’s historic group. Councillor George Jabbour and Reverend Melanie Burnside welcomed the designation, which supports plans by the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail Society to create Saint Michael’s Lodge for pilgrims, walkers, riders and visitors.

Broadacres Housing has been awarded a five-year LIFE contract by North Yorkshire Council, with a possible two-year extension, to provide accommodation-based and floating housing support across Scarborough, Ryedale, Hambleton and Richmondshire. The service will assist people facing mental health needs, homelessness, substance misuse, autism, mild learning disabilities and other complex challenges. Broadacres expects to increase the number of people supported from 61 to up to 150 by the contract’s fourth year, using existing housing, bringing empty properties back into use and expanding its workforce. The service is due to begin in October and will focus on independent living, tenancy sustainment, resilience and reducing hospital admissions.

St Nicholas Street in Norton is expected to fully reopen on Wednesday after Yorkshire Water completed repairs to a leak. The road had been partially closed between Welham Road and the St Nicholas Street car park. Yorkshire Water attributed the increased number of leaks and bursts to dry weather causing soil movement, while Norton Mayor Di Keal criticized the leak's several-week duration and the resulting water wastage during drought conditions.

Railway Street in Malton will undergo traffic controls and a full closure for one or two days while North Yorkshire Council installs a zebra crossing on the existing raised area outside the Cornmill. Work is scheduled between 10 and 28 August, with the exact closure date dependent on progress. The one-way system will be lifted to facilitate the closure.

A red SEAT allegedly tailgated and aggressively overtook a black Volvo XC40 on the A64 near the closed Jinnah restaurant in North Yorkshire before colliding with it and speeding away. North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses, dashcam footage and information identifying the vehicle, which reportedly overtook and undertook other traffic after the crash.

Kevin Hollinrake remains concerned that households with complex needs are being moved from larger urban areas into Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside and other rural communities with limited support services and policing. Following a public meeting, he called for changes to local and national social housing allocation policies and said rural housing should prioritize local people where possible. Councillor George Jabbour backed continued efforts to resolve residents' concerns, while North Yorkshire Council said it was reviewing the issues with housing providers and community safety partners, noting there is no evidence that social housing allocation caused the problems and that movement within North Yorkshire is relatively low.

Investigators concluded that a blaze at Malton Hospital’s Springwood ward most likely began at solar panels on the roof. Damage prevented determining further details, but the facility was safely evacuated with no injuries. The NHS trust operating the unit praised emergency services, confirmed fire safety systems functioned properly, and said risk assessments across its buildings remain current. The site continues to be managed for safety as updates are awaited.

Aldi is recruiting 35 store assistants for several Yorkshire locations, including a new £6 million store under construction in Norton, part of a wider £370 million UK expansion plan. The company highlights market‑leading pay, paid breaks, and long‑term career opportunities as it continues to grow. Community consultation showed strong local support for the development, which is expected to regenerate a dormant site, increase shopping options, and create around 40 new full‑time equivalent jobs. Planning permission has been secured, and the store is scheduled to open next year.

Westow community members prepare to honor the life of Wilfred Dennis Cook, a lifelong resident and RAF veteran who died aged 99. His early joinery work, secret wartime resistance service, and overseas deployment during the British Mandate period are highlighted alongside his family life and community involvement. He was celebrated locally, including as a guest of honor at the Platinum Jubilee. His funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church, with donations encouraged for the church and Cancer Research.

An 18‑year‑old from Kirkbymoorside was sentenced to three years in prison and a four‑year driving ban after hitting an 84‑year‑old man while driving dangerously in Redcar and fleeing the scene. The victim sustained severe injuries requiring intensive care and continues to struggle with long‑term effects. Court proceedings detailed the teen’s reckless driving shortly after purchasing the car and messages in which he bragged about the incident. Police condemned his disregard for safety and highlighted the case as a warning against driving without a licence or insurance.

Kirkham Henry Performing Arts in Malton will present Showcase '26 as part of the first Ryedale Gateway Festival, featuring a range of dance styles performed by students of all ages at Norton College. Director Angela Kirkham highlights the organisation’s inclusive training and track record of guiding students into professional performing arts careers. The event offers multiple performances across July 18 and 19, with tickets available online.

Top chef Ryan Riley BEM will headline Scarborough Seafest with demonstrations highlighting his work supporting people experiencing taste loss due to cancer treatment through his initiative Life Kitchen. The festival’s weekend schedule features numerous regional chefs presenting cooking demonstrations at Scarborough Spa. Riley’s background, including national recognition, celebrity support, and his British Empire Medal, is highlighted as organisers encourage locals and visitors to attend the free event.

A fire at Malton Hospital caused extensive damage and forced the temporary closure of the site, including the urgent treatment centre. The NHS trust reported no injuries and advised patients not to attend appointments while staff review schedules. Emergency services and specialist teams are assessing the site to ensure safety before reopening, with priority placed on restoring services as soon as possible.

A fire in the Springfield Ward at Malton Hospital prompted the evacuation of 15 patients and staff, all of whom were safely relocated to nearby Malton School. The blaze destroyed part of the building, with about 40 firefighters from across North and East Yorkshire working to extinguish it. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area to keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles as crews continued operations into the evening.

A major music festival is set to take place at Hutton Buscel Village Hall on July 18, featuring performances from local and national artists including Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Nancy Tilley, Freddie Schmuck of The Feens, Beth Harrop, and several regional bands. The full-day event will also offer food, refreshments, and community activities, with organizers encouraging early arrival and emphasizing the strong volunteer support behind the celebration.

The Flower Belt near Helmsley reopens on July 18, offering visitors wildflower picking, refreshments from The Honey Tap, daily pizza service, live music events and wellness activities. Now in its fifth year, the family-run attraction continues to expand its seasonal offerings, with tulip, wildflower, sunflower and pumpkin experiences throughout the year.