Standards Training

Local councillors have regular opportunities to improve their knowledge and skills.  In this case 'going back to school' involved a meeting in the Council Chamber - a rather splendid setting.  One hopes the replacement will have a similar dignified feel.  Andrew Willoughby and I were reminded of our obligation to declare whenever our formal deliberations include issues about which we may have prior knowledge or opinions, called 'an interest'.  Some amusing tales were shared, but the importance of the topic was clear to us all.

Busy Sunday, 3 July

First to Helen Watkinson's fundraiser - she is soon off to Malawi for three months.

Then to Littlethorpe Manor for a fundraiser for an army charity hosted by the Chair of NYCC, Val Arnold. Items for auction included a signed portrait of Geoffrey Boycott.

Knaresborough Choral Society Concert

What a splendid Saturday night out! The Choral Society teamed up with King James's School to celebrate their 30th anniversary.  The School (some 400 years old) combined with the Choir to perform Carl Orff's Carmina Burana.  The first half of the programme comprised contributions from students and the professional soloists, an entertaining precursor to the main piece.  A very enjoyable event.

7.30 am 1 June. Battle of the Somme Anniversary

A very poignant commemoration of this tragic event.  Two minutes silence, followed by three blasts of the whistle; the signal to go "over the top", heralding the beginning of the battle.

Wednesday - Poppy Supper at the WMC

A very enjoyable evening, sponsored by the British Legion.  Failed to win on the Bingo, but scored in the raffle.  Adam Press, the singer/entertainer, was excellent; finishing has act with an impressive rendering of Nessun Dorma.