Crisp sunny winter mornings can inspire us to think of something new to do. Perhaps you fancy joining a group of people to share an interest and/or find company. Social connections are as important as money and health, according to a major new study. So, how do you find out what is going on in the Harrogate district? Well, of course, you can explore this website! There are links to all sorts of groups, organisations and sources of information. For example, have you ever looked at the Harrogate and Ripon Centres for Voluntary Service (HARCVS) events webpages? Alternatively you could always visit your local library for ideas about recreational and educational events.
‘Free’ wills month starts March 1st
If you haven’t yet made a will, or you need to amend an existing simple will, now is the time to do it. In association with various charities, some solicitors are participating in a scheme for ‘free’ wills, this month. To find out more click here.
Chocolate? Lovely!
Mention chocolate and many people would say ‘Yes, please’! So, a grey and rainy day was not going to dampen our enthusiasm as we set out for a visit to the York Chocolate Factory. We toured around the factory hearing the story of York’s chocolate production, discovering the tasting wheel (who knew there were so many different types of chocolate?) and watching the preparation of chocolate goodies. Continue reading
An inspirational little poem
Linda Ellis’ poem ‘The Dash’ appears on the February page of Gracious Street’s Grapevine magazine. It is an inspiring poem about how to live one’s life. To read the poem click here. To read about the author Linda Ellis, follow this link. (If you can’t read it, increase the contrast by highlighting the text (click in the text and then press Ctrl A)).
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service free home fire safety
Although the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service has recently undergone a rationalisation of some of its services, it is still offering free home fire safety visits. This is a good opportunity to get advice about fire safety and the appropriate siting of alarms. Follow this link for further information .
If you need help, do you know ‘where to turn’?
News from Harrogate and Ripon Centre for Volunteer Services
Recent reports have shown that social connections are as important as money and health. If you know someone who would like a bit of support or company, to get out and about or meet new friends, we can help find Where to Turn with HARCVS Where to Turn directory of voluntary organisations
Exciting News for 2016
We are currently working to develop and refresh our Where To Turn Directory to provide a more comprehensive and fully searchable online database of community organisations, activities and services for people in Harrogate District.
We certainly got our dancing shoes on!
On one of the coldest days of the year, so far, we beat the cold by tripping the light fantastic. What fun we had! Led by Jackie Terry (Dancing for Well-Being), we danced the afternoon away: all types of dancing including the charleston complete with feathers …..!
We also learned about ways to improve health, mobility and balance.
For details of the health programmes discussed at the meeting, follow these links:
Inspiring interview about combating loneliness
© bbc.co.uk
After 65 years of marriage to Kath, 93 year old Bob Lowe found himself alone after her death. Feeling lonely, he became involved with Silver Line, a telephone support service set up by Esther Rantzen to support older lonely people. Subsequently he has become an inspiration to others by his approach to coping with loneliness. He has also written a poem entitled ‘Ode to Kath’ which he recited on Breakfast TV this morning. To read his poem and find out more about Bob and Kath, click here to access an article which appeared in the Daily Mail in 2014.
Pension Wise – a free and impartial government service
This is available to people aged 50 or over who have a defined contribution pension. This is a pension based on how much you and possibly your employer paid into your pot. It’s not a final salary pension. You’ll get personal guidance on what you can do with your pension pot. Pension Wise guidance specialists are impartial. They don’t recommend any products or companies and won’t tell you how to invest your money. Follow this link for further information. Face to face appointments are now available at Citizens Advice offices in both Harrogate and Ripon.
Warning: This is a free service. Check that ‘gov.uk’ is in the web address, to avoid incurring charges from look alike websites.
Changes to supported bus services from April 2016
Following North Yorkshire County Council’s recent review and consultation in relation to supported Local Bus Services, the Executive Committee met on Tuesday 8 December 2015 and agreed the overall strategy set out in the report which can be found here.
It was agreed that the budget for supporting bus services will be reduced to £1.5m per annum from April 2016. To see the timetable information for the revised services follow this link.