Mayor’s Corner – July Edition

I hope everyone is managing to stay comfortable in the warm weather. I have been whizzing around the town on my bike, visiting a wide variety of local groups and organisations in what has been another busy month.

Community Visits and Local Groups
On June 18th, I was warmly welcomed by the Artizan Cafe and Shop in the town centre, where I was treated to a delicious piece of carrot cake and a hot chocolate. I saw first hand the amazing talent of the service users and the wonderful products they sell in the shop.

Over the weekend , I was lucky enough to celebrate my grandson’s first birthday before heading to West Park Church for the Great Great Get Together organised by More in Common Harrogate & Knaresborough which is part of the More in Common Network created by the Jo Cox Foundation. I even managed to dance with the wellbeing group, while community groups showcased the services they offer.

Town Services and Local Support
I had my first ribbon cutting when I opened the Harrogate Visitors Centre on 23rd June, which is run by volunteers and will provide an invaluable service for both the town and its visitors. They offer information about local amenities and upcoming events. If you haven’t already popped down there to see their “The Harrogate Story” Exhibition, it is well worth a visit.

I joined a webinar about the new Age-Friendly Town and Parish Council Guide, which showed how town councils can help, advocate for and signpost people over 65 using a practical toolkit.

Arts, Culture and Festivals
After teaching my regular Thursday evening spin class, I went to Harrogate Theatre to watch “Sinfonia – Stories from Harrogate”, which featured local residents. The performances were very powerful, emotional and thought provoking, and highlighted the wonderful variety of acts and events the theatre hosts.

Health, Safety and Emergency Planning
I visited Harrogate Hospital this month to update my annual Basic Life Saving (BLS) training, where I performed CPR on the dummy to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive” – although other tunes such as “Nellie the Elephant” or “Pink Pony Club” can also be used.

I would encourage as many people as possible to take the opportunity to learn CPR, its a vital, life saving skill.

Partnerships, Celebrations and Civic Events
For Armed Forces Day, I headed to RAF Menwith Hill, where myself and my Consort had been invited to join their Fourth of July celebrations. I was able to network with representatives from Duchy College, which was recently graced with a visit from the King, as well as Ashville College and staff from the base.

On June 29th, I went to the Spiegeltent, hosted by Harrogate International Festivals, to meet with many of our local partners. They hosted a wide range of events over several days, which were well attended and enjoyed by many visitors. I then headed across town to attend the Harrogate and Nidderdale Scouts AGM at Christ Church on the stray. Their annual awards were presented and thoroughly deserved.

On July 1st, Harrogate Town Council held our Emergency Planning Workshop with the North Yorkshire Resilience and Emergencies Officer to help develop our community emergency plan.

I was invited to celebrate the 120th Anniversary Celebration of Smiths of Harrogate Furniture Store on Dragon Road and had the pleasure of cutting their cake.

Bloom and Exhibitions
I met the judges for Harrogate in Bloom followed by a warm cycle to Wellspring House in Starbeck saw the launch of the the Equinox Art Exhibition.

Libraries, Sport and Community Fundraising
The next morning, I visited Bilton Library on Woodfield Road for their annual Community Library Event. Here I met with local groups and volunteers who are all doing a sterling job. We talked about rivers, composting, local history and reading, and I finally won my first tombola prize since becoming Mayor – a box of Toblerone, just before World Chocolate Day!

Later that day, I was delighted to present the Scotton Ladies Football Team with their annual awards, especially as they had won their league.

The following morning, the Race for Life took place on the Stray and I went along to offer my support. It was a great cause, and congratulations to all participants of all abilities who helped raise thousands of pounds in vital funds.

I hope to see some of you out and about soon, don’t forget to follow me on instagram @harrogatemayor and if you have a forthcoming event you would like me to attend, you can do so via our website Invite the Mayor – Harrogate Town Council.