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Skipton hosted it's 7th annual SHEEP DAY on the now traditional date of the first Sunday in July, this year being July 1st. From seven am the early bird helpers were setting up sheep pens, closing the High Street to traffic and wondering just when was that ominous black cloud going to descend upon Skipton?

Events kicked off at 10am with the Farmers’ Market, temporarily moved to the High Street, in full swing. Over 30 entrants had coaxed their Sheep into the pens awaiting judging for the show and Sheep Town Theatre Company were entertaining the crowds with an inventive improvised sketch based on Sheep-surprisingly!

For the official opening at 11.30, local star Clare Teal, “Britain’s first Lady of Jazz”, welcomed the crowds to the event and wished it much success. With the sun finally turning up, Clare entertained people with two songs, accompanied by the Black Horse Jazzmen, from the Royal Oak in Settle.

Then the event really got into action. At one end of the High Street we had the Sheep Show - with classes for Rare Breeds, traditional breeds and a special Ewe and Lamb class; Rare Breeds Display; demonstrations of traditional country crafts such as Hurdle Making and Wood Turning; a Rat Show, a display of Raptor Birds of Prey and a very popular guess the Corks in the Bottle competition. Further down the High Street we saw the popular 30 stall Farmers’ Market and the main arena saw impressive displays from the Mellin family with sheep dog demonstrations and sheep shearing.

For the kids there was entertainment from Penny Plain Theatre Company, Punch and Judy, Rock climbing wall and more creative performances from Sheep Town Theatre Company.

The Town Hall also had its fair share of attractions, hosting the Craft & Yorkshire Produce Fair and the Craven museum displaying “The Shanties of Ribblehead” – an exhibition on the lives of makers of the Ribblehead viaduct.

As always our Mayor, Councillor Carole Manley, was around on the day and helped Cathy Caudwell Todd and Helen Jones –from the ITV 1 Show “Tycoon”, to present the awards for the Sheep Show at the end of the day.

Special thanks must go to Chris Aldred, events co-ordinator, who has organised the event for the last 3 years, with this his last project for Skipton Town Council. Huge thanks also to all the entertainers, performers, stall holders and displays; our special guests Clare Teal, Cathy Caudwell Todd, Helen Jones and Mayor Carole Manley; and finally to the staff and Councillors who helped organise and run the event.

If you didn't attend this years event, make a note in your diary of SHEEP DAY 2008 - SUNDAY 6th JULY ! For a preview and to view pictures of the 2007 event, visit www.sheepday.co.uk
 

Don't forget Skipton in Bloom! Gardens....Hanging baskets....Flower tubs....Commercial properties...Pubs....Restaurants....Allotments....whatever your property, enter Skipton In Bloom for your chance to win some great prizes and trophies. Entry forms can be obtained by calling 01756 794357. Closing date 14th July. Judging takes place in the last 2 weeks of July.
 

After the recent elections in Skipton, a vacancy for a Councillor was left in West Ward. The applicants for the co-opted position gathered at Full Council to give a short presentation to Council on why they wished to be considered for the position.

Mr Martin Banks, a strong supporter of the Skipton community; Captain Barlow, a defender of modern technology and the environment; Annabel Heseltine, with a background in the financial services; John Manley, a keen enthusiast of the people and equal opportunities and James Whittaker, with extensive experience from the Far East. All five presented admirable qualities but only one could fill the vacancy. After 14 votes from the Councillors, the votes were tied at 7 a piece. In this situation the Mayor, as a figure of authority on the Council, had to use her casting vote. She elected John Manley to the position, offering her congratulations to him and her commiserations to the other applicants. She said she hoped to see them back in politics sometime in the future as they have much to offer to the people of Skipton.

John Manley was very pleased to take up the position as Councillor, having campaigned very hard during the elections and losing by only 1 vote! John brings an experienced background having worked for Leeds City Council and as a qualified Accountant. He shows particular interest in equal opportunities wishing to “celebrate diversity” and is the chair of the Corporate Services Disabled Workers Group. He is also keen to support the Mayor in her duties, particularly with her chosen charity, Prostate Cancer having suffered from the disease himself. John commented, “I believe Skipton is a truly lovely place to live and I want to be a part of the team that maintains and improves Skipton in order that we leave a lasting legacy to be proud of for generations to come”.

Congratulations to Councillor John Manley!
 

The first Full Council of the new Civic Year took place on Thursday 17th May with the first item of business being, elect a new Mayor!

The retiring Mayor, Mike Doyle first gave a short speech in which he thanked Council for their hard work. He was proud to announce that he had raised £2078.56 during his year as Mayor for his chosen charity, "The Craven Society". He concluded that it had been a privilege to serve the people of Skipton and wished everyone the best of luck in the coming year.

It was then the turn of the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Carole Manley to take centre stage. With all in favour, she donned the red robes and official chains to take her new seat as Mayor of Skipton for 2007-2008.

The Mayor then offered thanks to the retiring Mayor and his consort for all their commitment over the past year. She expressed her gratitude to Council for electing her and promised to do her best for the people of Skipton. The Mayor also informed Council of her chosen Charity, Prostate Cancer. The money raised will be used to help fund a vital piece of equipment for the urology department at Airedale Hospital used to detect and treat the disease in its early stages. She expressed her desire to raise the profile of this cancer and hinted at some of the exciting fund raising ideas such as a Skipton fun run or a businesswomen’s lunch that she has planned for the next year – watch this space!

It was then the turn of the Deputy Mayor to be elected, with Councillor Harbron narrowly losing out to Councillor Jaquin who took his position next to the Mayor.

After all serious business was exhausted, the Mayor hosted a small drinks reception in honour of all the hard work of the previous Council, to congratulate the new Council members on election and to a successful upcoming Civic Year.
 

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