It has been a busy month both in the constituency and in Westminster, Julian has met with various businesses, campaign groups and constituents from across Skipton, Ripon and beyond.
Whilst in Westminster Julian met with Jill Gates, the Treasurer of Clapham Village Store, as part of her visit to the Association of Convenience Stores conference. Julian and Jill discussed the success of this local village store and passed on his congratulations to all the staff and volunteers whose hard work have made this local shop great.
In Settle, Julian visited Settle Stories, meeting with the founder and CEO Sita Brand and Tony Durcan the Chair of Trustees, alongside other team members. Julian visited the base in Settle, which hosts an impressive performing space, to discuss the upcoming Yorkshire Festival of Story. This will host over 80 free events between the 4th to 27th November with a focus on climate change. Julian was pleased to see that Settle Stories are able to use the online festival to bring storytelling to so many people within the community and beyond. He looks forward to seeing how the festival goes next month.
Separately, Julian met with ACE Settle, a campaign group focusing on the climate and advocating for a more sustainable environment. He spoke with the founder Sarah Wiltshire and Secretary Barry White, Julian heard about their plans and thoughts on how to create a greener local community. He looks forward to seeing how their plans develop in the future.
This month Julian also met with Esmee Holgate who is a member of the England Judo Squad and has won two silver medals and one bronze medal for her country in both the U18 and U21 categories. Julian enjoyed discussing Esmee’s success and hearing about how she juggles her training along with all her other commitments.
Julian also enjoyed re-opening Settle Area Swimming Pool, alongside Pat Taylor, who is the chair of Trustees. The attendees heard from Ned Sharp who is a local champion swimmer who first learned to swim in Settle. The £840,000 redevelopment project has seen the modernisation of the pool, as well as the installation of solar panels, which has increased sustainability and reduced energy costs. Julian gave his thanks to all the volunteers, councils and donors, as it is great to see new, upgraded facilities in rural areas.
In Skipton, Julian met with North Yorkshire sporting personalities for afternoon tea. Jean Elliott – a former England Lioness, David Jeanes – a Rugby League World Cup winner and local sports commentator, Roger Ingham MBE. Julian said, ‘It was great to hear about all the sporting success that we have here in our North Yorkshire Community. We are lucky to have local sports personalities to inspire the next generation.’
In Burton-in-Lonsdale Julian visited the village hall, meeting with Ruth Gill, Andy Ive and other members of the committee, the village hall has recently received funding to upgrade certain aspects. So far the village hall has upgraded the central heating system, installed double glazing, Wi-fi and a hearing loop, and put in a new mezzanine floor and staircase. Julian hopes that the village hall will be able to secure more funding to further complete the work that is outstanding to further boost this community hub.
Julian continues to hold surgeries on a regular basis and has held surgeries across the constituency and via the telephone this month. To book a surgery appointment please email or call the office, including the details of the matters you wish to raise.
