Nora Brierly, one of Grosmont's best loved residents, recently published her first book, at the age of 87 - a collection of poems and paintings, most of them written in her mid-eighties. It was a runaway success, and sold out in weeks, raising more than £1,000 for the church restoration fund.
Grosmont in Very Simple Verse is a celebration of all things Grosmont-related, from notable characters like Jo and Vine Godding of Cupid's Hill Inn and Miss Watkins of Alma House to the landscape surrounding the village - like "the Skirrid serene in sunshine" and the "sturdy oaks...ablaze with red, and rust, and gold" that guard the castle gate.
One character making his presence felt in this charming collection is Thomas, "now a Grosmont dog" who features in more than one of Nora's verses and in a portrait that will be instantly recognisable to every visitor to the Post Office.
Not only has Nora written her verses but has painted some beautiful scenes of Grosmont which have been turned into cards. Look for yourselves...............