Bilton news – February 2
Nidd Gorge Community Action Group: the open day last Saturday turned out to be one of the best events Bilton has seen for some time so it was good to see such a lot of people there. There were opportunities aplenty to express views, not only on the NYCC preferred route for the proposed Harrogate Relief Road, but on many other aspects of the green space between Harrogate and Knaresborough and the Nidd Gorge corridor. The visual presentations on the local wildlife were fascinating, the display by Bilton Historical Society was impressive; it was possible to obtain information about Bilton Conservation Group, cycling, places to walk, biodiversity and other things. A whole wall of the Fountains Avenue Scout Hut was covered in posters with a Nidd Gorge theme produced by pupils of Grove Road Academy, Bilton Grange and Richard Taylor Schools. We will be hearing more from NGCA.
Bachelor Field Friends Group: at the recent meeting the friends were saddened by the hacking down of some of the trees and shrubs in the copses but were very pleased to hear that Open Country has been successful in its application for a grant which has allowed it to complete initial work clearing the wet area. It will be planted up in spring. The meeting was followed a few days later by a satisfying mornings work clearing weeds from the pond. Future work groups will be arranged to carry out routine maintenance. New members are welcome, they are needed. Please email Eric Wright on 01ericwright@gmail.com or telephone 01423 567505 if you would like to get involved or find out more. Bachelors Field is the open space at the bottom of Bachelor Gardens next to Northern Outfall Allotments.
Library: at the time of writing there had been no further bad news so, this in itself is good news. A progress report on the repairs following the flood is expected soon. More good news is that the Children’s Centre next door has allowed Bilton and Woodfield Community Library volunteers to hold a pop-up Storytime. This will take place on Saturday, February 4 at 10am. Storytimes are usually for pre-school-age children and their carers but because this is a Saturday older siblings are welcome. There will toys and crafts as well as the stories but, sadly, no books. Feb 4 happens to be National Libraries Day. BWCLG had planned a big event to celebrate. A celebration will take place when the library re-opens, so this is something to look forward to. In the meantime go along and enjoy the Storytime at the Children’s Centre, Woodfield Road, on the same site as the school.
Tagg House Ladies: on Friday, February 3 at Bilton Community Centre, 48 Bilton Lane, 2.15pm, Julia Stack, the Harrogate Borough Council Community Safety and CCTV Manager will give a talk on how CCTV is used and the community safety work carried in conjunction with other groups. Visitors welcome. Admission £1.50 including tea and biscuits.
Services at St John’s: on Sunday, February 5 there will be a parade service at 9.30am and Holy Communion at 11am. At St Luke’s Holy Communion will take place at 10.30am.
Bilton Men’s Forum: on Tuesday, February 7 at Bilton Community Centre, John Taylor is to give a talk describing a farmers life. The speaker starts at 2.30pm and tea is served from 2pm.
Wesley Guild: Caryl Hallett will give a presentation entitled “From Class Room to Glass Room” on Tuesday, February 7 at Bilton Area Methodist Church, 7.30pm. The church is on Skipton Road with the main entrance and car park at the rear off Bar Place.
Thirst: the coffee morning held every Wednesday at Dene Park Community Centre, 10.30am-noon where, not only can seriously good cakes and coffee be obtained, but where advice on laptop, ipad and mobile phones is also available. These events are run by volunteers from St John’s and St Luke’s. All welcome. The 2a bus stops at the door.
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