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« Previous « Previous Next » Next » View Gallery ADVERTISEMENT Published Date: 04 July 2008 By FOX M THIS was a unique celebration of civic pride in the true sense as many local organisations and groups came together as a mark of their love for Wetherby. Initiator was the Civic Society which invited many community volunteers to a drinks and nibbles evening in the Jubilee Garden and historic Bath House.

This was partly to celebrate the work of civic societies across the region in Civic Societies’ Week. But also to provide an opportunity for people from different organisations to mix and get to know each other. And to discover more about the Bath House in its glorious riverside setting.

More than 50 people representing 25 active voluntary and community groups came together in what our Civic Society chairman Nic Sheppard described as a “perfect setting”.

Robert Gray from Wetherby Runners said to me later that it was a “smashing idea”. The Runners felt involved in the town and needed to get to know the names and roles of people in other groups. (More about Robert and his views on Wetherby next week).

Meanwhile since Nic showcased the work of the Civic Society in the library window, staff have been inundated with inquiries.

There were so many organisations represented at that memorable night of celebration, mixing easily together after Nic’s welcome to them all. Nibbles were tempting, including a spectacular platter of fresh fruit.

Nic looked back to the society’s annual meeting when there were “exercises” to take aboard the strengths and weaknesses of our town. Outstripping all others was the quality of the voluntary groups and their work.

This night was the outcome of all that: to celebrate with pride our community and culture. Nic knew some people were “wearing several hats”, representing different groups and so many people.

He urged folk to enjoy the evening and “have a go at speaking to someone you don’t know”.

Our secretary Derek Gulland also spoke to us as we relaxed with our glasses of wine in the lovely old garden. It was restored and is maintained by groups of volunteers.

He traced the history of the Bath House and its restoration, stressing that it was “a great pity it was so little used”.

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