Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
23
Mar
Knaresborough to get trained tour guides
Knaresborough Town Council has allocated £7,000 towards training tour guides to promote the town.
Knaresborough is a popular destination but visitors sometimes struggle to find basic information on attractions such as the museum and viaduct.
Cllr Margy Longhurst, a professionally trained tourist guide, began providing free tours last year.
But Cllr Longhurst wants to develop the service, which it is hoped will boost tourism and increase civic pride.
The council agreed this week to budget £7,000 towards training a pool of guides, who will provide free tours on Wednesday market days and at weekends, as well as on special occasions.
Knaresborough-born Sarah Cowling, who is now a professional tourist guide in York who also provides accredited training, will run the courses.
The 13-week training course will start in January and it is hoped the first guides will be in action by autumn next year.
Speaking after the town council meeting, Cllr Longhurst said:
Besides tourists, she said the tours would also appeal to newcomers to the town by making them "feel part of the community" as well as informing them of Knaresborough's heritage.
Cllr Longhurst said the council was looking to recruit eight to 10 people with a love of history and Knaresborough who were prepared to undertake training and two exams.
Read more:
- Pottery workshop moves to larger Knaresborough premises
- Survey highlights Knaresborough's tourism potential
Green grants
Knaresborough Town Council is to award grants to young people with ideas on how to improve the environment.
The Green Grant will be awarded to school pupils or youth groups with ideas on how to better Knaresborough’s environment and work towards reversing the effects of climate change in the area.
The council said people with ideas on active travel, climate adaptation, improving animal and wildlife habitats, energy reduction and minimising pollution are welcome to apply for a grant, which will be up to £500 per project.
Kit Lacey, chair of the council’s climate committee, said the authority “understands that things cannot stay the same” and is “in need of young people’s help”.
Mr Lacey added:
Although the scheme is directed at young people, Mr Lacey said the grant must be awarded to an adult in charge of an organisation, so the money can be sent to their account.
Applicants must also disclose the organisation’s latest financial accounts and, if necessary, any permissions required by North Yorkshire Council.
Knaresborough Town Council also said applicants must mention 'Green Grant' in their application.
You can apply for the grant here.
0