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12
May
Stray Defence Association rebrands to appear ‘less confrontational’
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The Stray Defence Association has rebranded after 93 years to appear “less confrontational”.
The volunteer-run organisation was set up on May 12, 1933 to protect and preserve the Stray in Harrogate.
Now, on its 93rd birthday, it has changed its name to Harrogate Stray Association.
The organisation said in a statement it wanted a “name that indicates our caring, community-minded mission”.
It added:
For nearly a century we have served as the dedicated guardians of Harrogate’s most cherished green space. While our commitment to safeguarding the 200 acres of the Stray remains as firm as it was in 1933, the world around us has changed.
Historically, our name — the Stray Defence Association — signalled strength and resilience. However, we recognise that the word ‘defence’ can sometimes imply a reactive or confrontational stance. In recent years, being mistakenly referred to as a ‘defence league’ has further highlighted how easily our intentions can be misconstrued.
To ensure our name reflects our true purpose — a group dedicated to the Stray’s conservation — we are officially becoming the Harrogate Stray Association.
Although the association’s name and visual identity are changing, its mission continues to protect and preserve the Stray is unchanged.
It will continue to monitor activities on the Stray, comment on planning applications, ensure the Stray Act is upheld and promote the Stray’s environmental and health benefits.
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