Gargrave Village Hall Management committee held their annual Mid week Summer Book Fair on Tuesday ( 15th August ). The mid week Fair was introduced three years ago and the first was just after Covid so it was a gambol to see if it was well supported. Both the Committee and the Book sellers ( many travel from all over the North West ) were however delighted as numbers on the door were equal or more to their four a year Saturday sales.Last years numbers increased again. The gambol had paid off.

The Book sale is promoted by word of mouth, this website, local newspapers,pocket booklets produced by both the Village Hall and the North West Book sellers but also by solid posters which are displayed in and around the Village a few days beforehand, just five so the area isn`t in-undated, and one of these is on private land and one on the Village Hall railings. These are instrumental in catching the eyes of holiday makers or those travelling through the Village. How disappointing to find that one had not only been removed but in all likelihood been vandalised as one of the ropes was still tied tightly to where the sign was placed which could only mean the sign had been broken up. This means we are now one sign short for the next Book Fair on Saturday 23rd September. The signs were purchased some years ago so owe nothing for the work they have done over time but it will be costly to replace one which should not have been necassary. The Management Committee can only apologise to the Book Sellers who support the event and the casual visitor who was not aware of the Fair due to the sign been removed. The Fairs are one of the biggest fund raisers for the Hall, fortunately the numbers on the door were only slightly down on last year with one hundred and fifty one visitors enjoying the great array of books which were for sale, not forgetting the tasty treats in the Cafe. However it is always rewarding to see numbers on the increase at any event, which sad to say due to the sign been taken did not in this instance happen.

All quiet at the Hall this weekend with no hires booked in. ( 19th and 20th August ). We do hope everyone will instead be attending the local show on Saturday which is held on the field in front of Eshton Hall. Lots to see, show jumping, dog show, cattle, sheep, crafts, baking, horticulture, trade stands, fell race, childrens sports, Vintage vehicles and to round the day off the ever popular terrier racing.07966 912210.

Busy next weekend, beginning with a charity picnic supper dance on Friday, Coffee morning on bank holiday Saturday and Broadway Fairs on the Sunday and Gargrave Village Hall Management Fair on bank holiday Monday. Phew!