Charities stall set for Harrogate Christmas Fayre return

Harrogate Christmas Fayre returns from December 2 and so does the stall dedicated to local charities.

Harrogate Borough Council and operators Market Place Europe have collaborated to offer local charities the chance to promote themselves and generate funds.

The number of charities which are set to be featured on the stall has increased from 10 to 11 this year.

Artizan International, Carers Resource, Dementia Forward, Girlguiding North Yorkshire West, Harlow Hill Men’s Shed, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust Community Charity, Harrogate Easier Living Project, Harrogate Skills 4 Living Centre, Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation, Samaritans of Harrogate and District, and Ripon Walled Garden are all set to use the stall to raise money and awareness.

Carol Chapman from Samaritans of Harrogate and District said:

“We are always delighted with the heartfelt support of our local community and especially at times when we are able to connect with them during events such as this.

“Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of year for people, for lots of different reasons which may trigger feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression to name a few.

“Samaritans volunteers want to raise awareness that they are here for emotional support on a 24/7 basis, 365 days a year.”

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The charities involved were identified via the Local Lotto initiative. This is a council-run initiative to raise additional funds for voluntary or community groups across the Harrogate district.

HBC leader Cllr Richard Cooper said:

“Building on the success of last year, Destination Harrogate is due to be even bigger and better. And with thousands of people expected to visit the town, I’m sure these charities will be able to raise their profile and generate some funds for their worthy cause, at a time when it is needed the most.”

Harrogate Christmas Fayre begins on Friday, December 2 and ends on Sunday, December 11. It will take place on Cambridge Street and Market Place in the heart of Harrogate town centre.

There are several attractions debuting at the fayre this year, including a new ice skating rink, an après ski bar and York’s 32m ferris wheel.

More funds needed for Girlguiding centre at Birk Crag to open

Restoration of the Birk Crag Centre for Girlguiding on the edge of Harrogate has been halted due to a lack of funds.

Girlguiding North Yorkshire West began rebuilding the centre in 2018 thanks to grants and crowdfunding.

The group raised £1.1 million for the exterior of the building, which was completed last year.

The Birk Crag Centre for Girlguiding in Harrogate.

Now, county commissioner for Girlguiding North Yorkshire West, Jean Tennant, hopes to raise a further £400,000 to complete the interior.

The guides have applied for more grants but many grantmakers have diverted funds to organisations affected by covid.

Girlguiding fundraising activity has also been affected by covid. Jean said:

“Covid has hit charity work hard, we can’t do bake sales or active fundraising.

“Most grants are given to covid relief charities, which is more than understandable but we do need more money to finish this project.”

The new centre will include a residential area for girl guides and community groups, including cyclists, church goers and orienteering groups.

The building will also provide an activity arena with a capacity of 120 people and a large commercial kitchen.

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The guides will be able to meet at temporary centres from March 29 but there is no date for the opening of the restored Birk Crag Centre until funds are found to fit out the interior.

Jean said Girlguiding North Yorkshire West was grateful for the funding it has received from organisations, such as the Bramall Foundation, the Rotary Club of Harrogate and everyone who had helped to fundraise.

Crowdfunding on its JustGiving page continues.

 

 

 

District girlguides launch fundraiser to save residential centre

Girlguiding North Yorkshire West has launched an online auction to help raise funds to complete the build of its new residential centre.

The building of the Birk Crag Centre on the outskirts of Harrogate is in its final phase but needs an additional £30,000 to finish.

The new centre will include a hall seating 120 people, activity and meeting rooms, a dining room and kitchen, as well as residential accommodation sleeping 40.

An online auction was launched on Saturday and will remain open until August 8. People can bid on a range of items and experiences including a Grantley Hall spa day experience, family tickets to local attractions such as Harewood House and the Jorvik Viking Centre, as well as a two-hour career coaching session from Sea Light Development.

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County commissioner Angie Lockwood said:

“We’ve come so far in our journey to build Birk Crag Centre, but there’s a real risk we won’t get this last phase of the build completed. We need to raise an additional £30,000 for doors, internal walls, staircase and fire alarm, and the auction marks the start of our activity to achieve this.”

artists impression of new centre

Artist’s impression of the new Birk Crag Centre.

The new centre will be used by girlguides from across the district as well as members of the local community. For more information and to make a bid visit https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/auction/detail/auction_id/4517/. 

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Gala fund helps charities supporting vulnerable people through coronavirus lockdown

Organisations supporting vulnerable people through the coronavirus crisis have been given a boost thanks to donations from Bilton Community Fund.

The charitable trust gave £500 each to mental health organisation MIND, domestic abuse charity IDAS and Harrogate Samaritans, which provides 24-hour telephone support. The three charities were chosen in order to help them maintain vital services for people who might be struggling more than others during the lockdown.

Bilton Community Fund distributes profits from Bilton Gala, which was held for the final time in 2019, after falling attendance and financial losses meant it was no longer viable. However, the committee has continued to run the registered charity in order to support other community groups. Chairman Stuart Frost said:

“It was an extremely difficult decision to call time on Bilton Gala after more than 40 years, but all of us on the committee were determined to keep supporting our local community in other ways.

“When the coronavirus crisis started, we discussed what we could do to help and felt that it was important to support these good causes. We’re delighted that grants from Bilton Community Fund will make a real difference to so many people.”

The fund also donated £500 to Girlguiding North Yorkshire West, which is re-developing its Birk Crag residential and training centre in Harrogate. Once complete, it will be open to Rainbow, Brownie Guide and Ranger units from across the district, including around 150 young people in Bilton.

Bilton Gala drew crowds out onto the streets for many decades

Bilton Gala drew crowds onto the streets with its annual opening parade