Author: Caroline Thompson

A  phased re-opening is underway at the Village Hall with low risk/small groups gradually returning. The two small classes who returned on a trial basis during August  have felt both happy and safe with the Covid safe guidelines which have been put in place. Further small exercise classes continue to return during September. Fortunately exemptions to the new “six” ruling do include physical exercise.

A welcome back  Coffee morning was held on Saturday 12th September from 10.a.m until 1.p.m. Arrangements were slightly different to pre Corona days but the bacon sandwiches, cakes and warm welcome were just as good! Appreciation was shown by those attending who felt relieved to feel  a bit of normality had returned.  The Village Hall Management Committee are hoping it will be possible to stage further Coffee mornings during the year but clarity is needed first regarding the new ” six ” ruling which has now come into force, the guidelines provided by the Government are comprehensive but also incomprehensible! Therefore until further details are received there will be no Coffee mornings held in the near future

Events which attract large groups of people will not be returning yet , these will include Dances, Book Fairs and Flea Markets.

Unfortunately we cannot consider bookings from any new Hirers during the remainder of 2020.

Members of the Snooker club have now returned to their self contained Club and are enjoying been able to play again.. All members have been sent a  letter which contains the new guidelines that they must follow and which they must adhere too and respect. New members are always welcome, please contact Alan 07706406781   or Stewart    07999888697 for any details.

The community Library has re-opened and welcomes existing and new members. Weekly hours are Friday from 2.p.m until 4.p.m and Saturday from 10.a.m until Noon. One adult will be allowed in at any one time or one adult with up to three children from the same household or bubble.The two metre social distancing rule will be in place for anyone waiting to enter the Library.  The wearing of masks is preferable but not obligatory. All borrowers will be requested to leave their details for track and trace purposes.The use of the Computer and Photocopier is available and this will be by appointment only. One person will be allowed in the Library to use the equipment and only for a thirty minute session. This facility is not available during the Friday and Saturday browsing periods. PLEASE NOTE NEW CONTACT NUMBER:  01609 536547

If anyone is unable to obtain a particular book or author from the Library please use one of the contacts below as the Village Hall have a large store of books on all subjects which would normally be sold at Coffee Mornings and the Fairs and we would like to continue selling these to raise funds for the Village Hall.( Thank you so much to anyone who has made purchases during the last few weeks ) Therefore if you have any requests for specific books/authors please contact info@gargravevillagehall.org.uk, 01756 749235/07989585564 or drop a list off through the Village Hall letter box. It can be arranged that books may be collected from the Village Hall entrance or if anyone is still self isolating (  Gargrave Village only ) they can be left on your doorstep. Postal delivery may also be considered. Pre lockdown prices remain in place, only 50p each for Paperbacks and a £1.00 for hardbacks. Cash only on collection please.  We also have a variety of CD`s.

With the shutdown of the Flea Markets the regular Manorlands stall has also been unable to operate so please if you have any general requests for certain items of Bric a Brac, Household items, DVD`s etc you may also use the above contacts and  items may also be collected from the Village Hall. Again cash sales only please.

Sadly due to the current situation all events and classes are suspended until further notice at Gargrave Village Hall.

It is with great regret that the Art Exhibition Committee have taken the decision to cancel this years summer show. It would have been the 50th anniversary of this popular exhibition but looking on the positive side it gives the organisers more time to plan a really splendid celebration in 2021.

Gargrave and Malhamdale Community Library and Gargrave Parish Council Offices are also closed until further notice .

Library books which are currently on loan cannot be returned and any fines which arise during the closure period will be waived. If you have any queries regarding the Library please contact 07960704509 or email admin@gargravelibrary.co.uk

The Parish Council Clerk will continue to work her normal office hours, albeit remotely when required, to review emails, post and deal with any voicemails left on the Office phone. If anyone has any issues which would have been normally covered under public participation  please raise them with the Clerk. Reports from the Craven District, the County Council and the Police will continue to be reviewed and comments will be made on new planning applications. A regular report will be compiled based on the current Minutes format to keep people aware of progress on the various agenda items. There will be no public meetings held whilst the current restrictions are in place.

Regular updates will be posted on the website and any general  queries may be directed to info@gargravevillagehall.org.uk   or contact 07989585564 .

We hope to welcome back past, present and future bookings as soon as it is safe to do so.