The end of April has marked the first month of the new unitary council, North Yorkshire Council. This month Julian enjoyed meeting with different businesses and constituents across both Skipton, Ripon and the surrounding areas.
Julian spent a day in Pateley Bridge visiting a variety of local independent businesses.
He visited JOT’s Gallery, set up by local artist and former student at Bradford School of Art, James Owen Thomas. James has recently opened a gallery along with exhibition rooms in Pateley Bridge, which showcases his art alongside spaces for other artists’ work. James has received recognition for his environmental art, which he makes from recycled materials and Julian enjoyed looking around the gallery viewing his pieces on display.
Separately, Julian visited the Tordoff Gallery on the High Street in Pateley Bridge. Meeting with Keith Tordoff in the historic ex-bank building, Julian viewed the array of authentic movie posters, which are available to view and purchase. Julian also called in at both family run butchers, Kendall’s Farm Butchers and H Weatherhead & Sons Butchers whilst in Pateley Bridge, both. Julian chatted with the teams, as well as trying some of the excellent produce! Julian also tried a range of sweet treats visiting the Oldest Sweet Shop and Cocoa Joe’s. Julian spent time speaking with sweet shop owner Ben and tasting hot chocolate at Cocoa Joe’s, which is an independent business specialising in chocolate drinks from a range of carefully selected solid chocolate.
Julian was hosted by Richard Bailey, the Chief Executive of Thwaites Brewery at The Game Cock Inn in Austwick. At the Inn Julian met with both Eric and Maree, and Julian was shown around their pub and restaurant. The Game Cock Inn serves traditional food with a French twist and has a bakery within the Inn which stocks fresh breads and patisserie. Julian discussed with both Eric and Marie their experiences of running a rural pub, including the challenges they have faced since the pandemic.
Julian is aware that a number of his constituents, have not yet received their Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding. North Yorkshire Council are now rectifying the delays and working hard to ensure that funding reaches those quickly, the council have confirmed that the payments for those eligible and registered are now starting to reach accounts. If any constituents have any queries or concerns regarding the alternative funding, and they have not already made contact with Julian’s office, please feel free to contact him at [email protected] and Julian will represent your concerns to the Council.
Moreover, this month nominations have opened for the North Yorkshire Council community awards, giving recognition to those community organisations and volunteers that help so many across North Yorkshire. This year the categories are Best Community Group, Volunteer of the Year and Caring for the Environment. To nominate someone in our community, please visit, Community awards | North Yorkshire Council.
Finally, Julian was honoured to be readopted as the Conservative Party candidate for Skipton and Ripon.
Julian continues to hold surgeries on a regular basis and has held surgeries across the constituency this month. To book a surgery appointment please email or call the office, including the details of the matters you wish to raise.
