Press Release

Quality Shopping for all the family

Looking for an unusual gift? Tired of the hustle and bustle of city chain stores? Then why not try shopping at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre.

You’ll find Selina Scott socks made out of hardwearing soft mohair, innovative birdfeeders, colourful water bottles, quirky clay buttons, and reusable cotton bags which turn into plates!

And what’s more, you’ll be able to browse in tranquil, spacious surroundings in one of the most beautiful places in the North York Moors National Park, park your car easily, and finish your trip with a snack at the on-site café or a look at the new hi-tech exhibition on 35 million years of our planet’s past.

The Sutton Bank shop has had a facelift. Managers called in consultant Gain Retail Solutions to advise on new products and revamp the visual display. The result is a bright and colourful new shop with good quality, unusual gifts for all ages.

National Park information assistants Jill Pollock-Gore and Maureen Chapman are delighted:

“This is a work in progress,” says Jill. “Gain Retail Solutions has given us a kick start.”

Plans are afoot to sell speciality and local real ale and cider in the run up to Christmas.

A prominent feature of the new shop is a large display of bargain books ranging from walking and local interest to natural history and country crafts. There are also some books for serious geologists to tie in with the exhibition.

As you might imagine, the National Park shop is selling locally made gifts.

Selina Scott’s socks are socks with a difference. The television presenter, who has a goat farm in the Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire, says: “My socks are made from mohair so silky that bacteria can't cling. Your feet stay fresh and odour-free. Washing is easy. Chuck them in the machine at 40c on a wool wash. You can wear them for days on end before you need bother prise them off your feet. (Just ask the irrepressible Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans, who is a regular customer).”

And, adds Maureen Chapman, the socks last forever.

A quirky addition to the new shop is Becky’s Buttons. The clay button range, which includes a special North York Moors National Park button, is homemade in Cold Kirby.

There are also Yorkshire-made craft kits by Corinne Lapierre to create felt kippers, gingerbread men and brooches, and beautiful large square postcards of Herdwick sheep by Steve Barber with matching jigsaw puzzles.

So make the most of your summer with a trip to Sutton Bank shop for a special birthday or Christmas gift – or spend your Christmas money at the shop. Sutton Bank is open between December 26 and January 1 inclusive which includes Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

The centre is open daily April to July 10am to 5pm; August 9.30am to 5.30pm; Sept to Oct 10am to 5pm; Nov, Dec, Jan and Feb weekends only 10.30am to 4.30pm. The National Park also has a shop at Danby.

ENDS

August 14, 2012

Notes for editors:

Selina Scott socks £9.95 to £13.95; keep leaf reusable bags/plates £6 to £7; Earthlust water bottles £12.50 to £16.00; Herdwick sheep postcard by Steve Barber and matching jigsaw 70p and £12.99; Becky’s Buttons £2.50 each or £3.95 for a pack of six; Corinne Lapierre craft kits £8.75 to £11.95; Birdball Belle by Green and Blue £19.95.

Sutton Bank National Park Centre
North York Moors National Park Authority
Sutton Bank
Thirsk
UK
YO7 2EH
 
Tel:     01845 597426
email  suttonbank@northyorkmoors.org.uk
 
Head Office 01439 772700
Website www.northyorkmoors.org.uk
North York Moors National Park

1. In 2012 the North York Moors is celebrating 60 years as a National Park. It was created on 28 November 1952 and became Britain’s sixth National Park. For more information on events celebrating the 60th anniversary go to www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/60thanniversary.

2. The North York Moors National Park is the place where nature and history inspire each other. Its contrasting landscape has a long imprint of human activity: prehistoric remains, vibrant villages and breath-taking abbeys. Ancient trees, towering coastal cliffs and rolling heather moorland provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife and its wide open spaces and breathtaking vistas bring a sense of peace and tranquillity.

 To view other press releases about the North York Moors and for further information on the National Park, visit www.northyorkmoors.org.uk 

3. The North York Moors is one of 15 National Parks which are home to some of the most spectacular and valued landscapes in Britain. More information on all National Parks can be found at www.nationalparks.gov.uk.

4. Nearly 14% of our staff are apprentices from local families.

Media Contact
Linda Blackburne, Communications Officer, or Interpretation Officer Mark Lewis, North York Moors National Park Authority
Tel: 01439 772700
Email: l.blackburne@northyorkmoors.org.uk or m.lewis@northyorkmoors.org.uk