CAN you help me solve a Victorian Christmas mystery I discovered in the churchyard at Raskelf?

It concerns a 126-year-old gravestone with the inscription "Paid for by the Christmas Singers" which is dedicated to my great grandfather George Pallister who died on May 12, 1877.

I found the gravestone, which stands about five feet high, during a visit to Raskelf's interesting church as part of what has become a family history project.

I was intrigued by the reference to "the Christmas Singers" and would be fascinated to know more about them.

I have written to the churchwarden who, though extremely helpful, could not throw more light on the subject.

I should be very grateful to hear from any readers who could help me get to the bottom of this mystery.

Mrs Margaret Waite,

17 Cautley Drive,

Killinghall,

Harrogate,

HG3 2DJ.

e-mail cwrowels@aol.com

Updated: 10:58 Thursday, December 11, 2003