I hope you are all keeping well and looking forward to Spring with some sunshine but without the wind and rain we have had so far this year. It is so nice to see spring flowers, and the first lambs in the fields. I have had a rocky start to the year, but now hope to look forward to many events in our Harrogate and Dales Association.
First, I must pass on so many thanks to Helen Stalker who has produced a wonderful newsletter every 3 months of the year; not an easy job. It takes a lot of time and effort to collect all the information about our activities. As well as the newsletter, Helen has been membership secretary, booked speakers, booked venues for lunches and lectures, and taken in money for all events and outings. We, as the committee, feel it is time her workload was reduced, and now have a willing helper in Jan Jauncey, who will take over the Newsletter from June.
Now a summary of our events so far. Our Christmas event at Nidd Hall was very well attended, with a full number for each session. Our first lunch in January included a quiz, produced by Helen. This gave everyone a chance to interact and to discuss answers. Our first lecture at Holy Trinity was a talk by Lesley Newnham on Seaside Summer Holidays. Going back to 1700s she told us how the holiday had progressed and illustrated it by some super pictures. We now look forward to further lectures, walks and lunches. (See further details in newsletter.)
I must bring two events to your notice: May 16 coach trip to Kedleston Hall (we still need 6-8 more people on the trip to cover coach costs). June 19, our summer evening lecture at Holy Trinity when our speaker will be Andy Beck, who has illustrated a superb book on Wainwright’s views in his guides to the Lake District. Like last year, we will have wine and nibbles available.
| hope we see many of you at our events when we can gain an insight to new subjects. Please, as always, continue to make suggestions for events, talks, or visits to gardens or NT properties.