OPINION: A busy month with a first ribbon cutting, first prize and first aid
I hope everyone is coping with the weather. I have been whizzing around the town on my bike visiting a variety of groups.
On June 18, I was welcomed by the Artisan cafe and shop in the town centre and treated to a delicious piece of carrot cake and hot chocolate. I saw first hand the amazing talent that the service users have and the products that they sell in the shop.
I was then lucky enough at the weekend to celebrate my grandson’s first birthday before heading to West Park church to a get together to acknowledge that we have more in common. I even managed to dance with the wellbeing group and community groups were able to showcase their services.
I had my first ribbon cutting when I opened the Harrogate Visitors Centre, which is run by volunteers and will provide an invaluable service for the town as well as tourists. They have information about local amenities as well as events.
I joined a webinar the following lunchtime regarding the new age friendly town and parish council guide which showed how as a town council we can help, advocate and signpost for over 65s using a toolkit.
After teaching a spin class I then went to Harrogate Theatre to watch Sinfonia - stories from Harrogate which had local residents participating. The performances were powerful, emotional and thought provoking. The theatre hosts such a variety of acts and events.
The next day I went to Harrogate Hospital to update my annual BLS training where I performed CPR on the dummy to the tune of Staying Alive – other tunes such as Nellie the Elephant or Pink Pony Club can be used.
I would encourage as many people as possible to take up the opportunity to be trained in CPR.
The following day was Armed Forces Day so I headed to Menwith Hill where we had been invited to join their July 4 celebrations. I managed to network with the Duchy College which was recently graced with a visit from the King, and Ashfield College as well as staff from the base.
The following evening after work I went to the Spiegeltent hosted by Harrogate International Festivals to network with many of our local partners. They hosted many events over a few days that were well attended and enjoyed by many visitors. I then headed across town to attend the scouts AGM as their president. Their annual awards were presented and thoroughly deserved.
On July 1 we had our emergency planning workshop with the North Yorkshire resilience and emergencies officer to help develop our community emergency planning.
Then on Friday 3 I was invited to celebrate the 120th birthday of Smiths furniture store on Dragon road and cut their cake.
The following morning I went to Bilton Library on Woodfield Road to their annual community event and met with local groups and volunteers who are all doing a sterling job. We talked about rivers, composting, local history and reading. I also finally won my first tombola prize since I became mayor! A box of Toblerone just prior to World Chocolate Day!
That evening I was delighted to present the Scotton Ladies football team with their annual awards especially as they won their league.
The following morning was the Race for Life on the Stray and I went along to offer my support. A great cause and congratulations to all participants of all abilities who helped to raise thousands of pounds of vital funds.
On Tuesday 7 I met the judges of Harrogate in Bloom and on Friday evening, a warm cycle to Wellspring House in Starbeck saw the launch of the Equinox art exhibition.
Hopefully I will see some of you out and about.