23 September - take 2. Yorkshire Air Ambulance presentation

A small ceremony where Yorkshire Air Ambulance received a cheque from Doreen and Amy, proprietors of the Station Cafe.   In total, £1600 had been raised from the cafe, and other donations.  Two heart warming events in the same morning!

23 September: Forest School presentation from the Variety Club of Great Britain

The gift of the new bus was possible because of the generous support of Core Telecom, whose CEO Mahmood Mazhar attended, with his son, who cut the ribbon. 

18 September: Henshaws celebration and BBQ

Around 200 artists and supporters gathered on a lovely sunny afternoon to witness the presentations to Henshaws students who had made a big impact on the College community.  elegant trophies, designed and made at the Centre were presented by the Chair of the Henshaws Board, assisted (feebly) by the Mayor of Knaresborough.  Great fun!  And a joy to be there to share the experience.

17 September Knaresborough's Place in the World

'Knaresborough's Place in the World' was an event where all organisations in Knaresborough were invited to share their successes and explore the future.  Over ninety people attended to hear the keynote speaker, Professor Andrew Gouldson of Leeds University.  He described the challenges to be faced over the next few years, looking realistically at the impact of reductions in government spending, but showed a way forward, using practical examples.

Questions and discussion followed, and despite the grim warnings, the feeling after the meeting was positive, and there were many requests for similar events in the future.  This event is the equivalent of the traditional civic service, with a Professor of Environmental Policy exhorting the flock.  In conclusion, I promised to give a full report of the proceedings to the Town Council and other bodies and incorporate the findings in the Neighbourhood Development Plan, now in its final stages of preparation.

The staff and students of King James's School offered warm hospitality and excellent food for the lunch at the conclusion of the event.

Knaresborough in Bloom Awards - 16 September

A really special event marking the culmination of another successful year for Knaresborough in Bloom (KIB to its friends). Each one of the photos on the display representing the hard work and creativity of Knaresborians.  HBC have provided valuable back-up throughout the year.

Knaresborough's Place in the World - Preview

All our efforts in the next ten days will be in promoting this event -  17 September, Saturday morning, King James's School Main Hall.

Yet another Picnic in the Park

A nice occasion, taking advantage of the continuing pleasant weather.  Knaresborough House was the ideal setting for a fund raiser for Orb, The Nidd Gorge Conservation Trust, and the Knaresborough Community Centre.  Netted over £300 - better than a slap in the face!  Congratulations to Lions and Orb for assistance, Caramba for lovely Music, Tim Ellis for poems, and Jeff for facilities management.

Bilton Hall Nursing Home - Dementia Garden

A very pleasant occasion with Staff, Clients and Families opening the new garden.  The space was designed by a project team from Askham Bryan College
A very sensitively conceived space.  BBC's Jenny Bond made the opening speech.

Railway (mini) Madness

Saturday and Sunday saw the display at Knaresborough House of our railway station and environs in miniature, together with the Goode family Meccano collection (in part).  If you missed it, you missed a treat!

full FEVA day - 17 August

A whole whirligig of events, at the Castle, in the Orb Arts Centre, and at Henshaws.  Lovely day!

Do we need a Cliff Lift? YES WE DO!

This little vehicle is not what it seems.  It is an old VW Combi converted to electricity.  We borrowed it for the whole of Saturday, offering free lifts from Waterside to Castle Yard.  At the same time we distributed flyers with a simple survey question, "Would you use a cliff lift if one was installed?"  Out of over 400 responses, all but half a dozen said, "Yes".