Golf event to raise money for Harrogate charity

A woman from Harrogate has organised a golf event at Rudding Park to raise money for Saint Michaels Hospice.

Patricia Blenkinsop decided to start raising money for Saint Michael’s Hospice two years ago after her father was cared for by the team.

The golf competition is just one of a number of events she has organised in the hope of raising money for the charity.

The event, which was supposed to have taken place in April, has been rescheduled for October. Participants will be in teams of four and will complete a round of golf at Rudding Park followed by lunch, a raffle and a silent auction.

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Patricia was also supposed to be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro last month, but due to covid had to rearrange her trek for next June. She told the Stray Ferret:

“The change of date for both events has definitely allowed me more time to fundraise. I was just starting to gear up to really get into training to climb Kilimanjaro and then lockdown came.

“When you’re training to climb the world’s tallest free standing mountain, it is difficult because nowhere in England is that high! All you can do is be as fit as you can.”

Saint Michael’s Hospice offers specialist care and support to people with terminal illnesses.

In 2016, Patricia trekked the Grand Canyon to raise money for the hospice and this year wanted to take on a new challenge. Having got the idea to climb Kilimanjaro a number of years ago when she saw it from the window of a plane, she decided to make it her next target.

The golf event at Rudding Park will take place on October 8. To reserve your team or for more information, email Patricia or visit her JustGiving page.

10,000 tune into to Harrogate International Festivals’ virtual weekender

Harrogate International Festivals says its first ever virtual event was a success, with over 10,000 people tuning in from more than 60 different countries worldwide.

The HIF weekender had to adapt to an online format for the first time in its history. The festival saw people enjoying the event from countries such as Brazil, Japan, Australia and Canada.

The weekend began with the announcement of the winner of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. This year the award was given to Uber driver and barman Adrian McKinty for his book The Chain. 

Cover of the crime novel 'The Chain'

McKinty’s book has since been published in 36 countries with its movie rights sold in a seven figure deal.

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This was followed by a line-up featuring internationally acclaimed musicians and best selling authors. The weekend also saw the world premiere of Eclipse, an exclusive new piece of music written by internationally renowned composer Dr David Lancaster.

In an interview with the Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, Sharon Canavar told the Stray Ferret that the online event was a different experience. She said:

“We are an arts charity which delivers live events, so not having that in our arsenal was really strange for the organisation. What makes great events is the fact that people come together to share a live experience, not having that was very odd.”

The Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival usually welcomes nearly 15,000 people to its three day event. Sharon said that it was important that the festival still took place. She said:

“The crime festival runs across three days so it is very different when you put an event like that online, but the reach and opportunity is much more. We wanted to make sure artists and our team were kept in work. We felt there was an element there that we wanted to keep people in work but also still offer the viewers a taste of Harrogate.”