Harrogate to host peace conference

A conference will take place in Harrogate on September 24 based around the themes of peace and demilitarisation.

It will happen from 10am to 6pm at Friends Meeting House on Queen Parade and has been organised by Harrogate Quakers and HUFUD (Humanity United for Universal Demilitarisation).

The wars in Ukraine and Yemen are expected to be touched upon and speakers will also discuss the environmental impact of war.

Speakers include Columbian human rights activist Angelo Cardona, Shan Oakes & Victoria Wild from Extinction Rebellion Harrogate, Martin Schweiger from Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign and artist and peace campaigner Shahina Jaffer.

It’s free to attend and for a full list of speakers click here.

The day will end at 6pm with a 30-minute peace concert by musicians from the Harrogate Philharmonic Orchestra and guests.

Paul Whitmore from Harrogate Quakers said:

“This will be a good conference to learn more about how the world and individuals are affected by militarism and what you can do to counteract it.”

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Harrogate chamber announces all-female line-up for June meeting

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce has announced it will have three female speakers at its June meeting.  

The business networking event will include talks from Sarah Barry, chief executive of Harrogate Town, Rhiannon Wilkinson, headteacher at Ashville College, and Charlene Lyons, chief executive of Black Sheep Brewery.

Sue Kramer, president of the chamber, said:  

“For my first meeting as chamber president, I’m delighted that we are hearing from three inspirational women leaders.  

“I’m really looking forward to hearing from Sarah, Rhiannon and Charlene about their career paths, and it will be interesting to learn if they faced any challenges along the way.” 

The meeting will take place on  June 13 at 6:15pm at Harrogate’s Crown Hotel, and is open to non-members.  

Doors open at 5.30pm for informal networking.  

Rudding Park to host ‘dine in the dark’ 

Rudding Park will host its first ever ‘dine in the dark’ experience on Friday to raise money for Guide Dogs charity. 

Guests will be served a three-course meal whilst blindfolded, with the main course being eaten in complete darkness.  

The event aims to raise awareness of how visually impaired people experience daily activities, and educate people on the work of guide dogs in the region.  

Organiser and guide dog owner, Kim Murphy, said:  

“Even eating a meal without dropping the peas or knocking a glass of wine over is quite a challenge and that’s just one part of your day when you’ve lost your sight.”

Nicola Ridgway, community fundraising manager at Guide Dogs,  said:

“Dine in the Dark experiences are just a small insight into the world of sight loss, but people often come away feeling enlightened and more aware of the challenges people with vision impairment face day to day.” 

The evening will take place from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Tickets are available here. 

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