A look back at 2018 shows it was a good year for the small Market Town of Beverley.
2018 saw Beverley as a town achieve a number of things, while there were also some great stories in the community. Of course, there was other not so good news too.
As 2018 comes to an end, HU17.net looks back at some of the highlights of the year. Also, we look back at the people the headlines.
Beverley 2018 Review Of The Year – January
January got off to its usual start in Beverley. The Beverley Lions Annual Fun run was again well attended. One runner, Liam Docherty paid tribute to the Lions for giving up their time to organise the event.
Max Harris-Smith a local Scout was also hitting the headlines in January. Max was out looking to raising to money to help fund a trip of a lifetime to the World Scout Jamboree. His efforts showed that while young people get a hard time, there is plenty of decent young people in the community.
On the high street, it was a troubled month for the retail giant Debenhams. They announced the bosses were propping up the business by buying shares. Trading at the Flemingate Retail Park, their struggle was one of many that hit the headlines throughout the year.
Beverley 2018 Review Of The Year – February
February saw Beverley ARLC get off to a winning start in what was to prove to be a championship winning season for the club. Fielding a youthful team Scott Taylor saw his side brush aside Barrow Island with ease.
Running was also in the headlines in the same month the Beverley 10K, organised by Beverley Athletic Club sell out in record time. The ever popular road race sold all 1,850 places within days of opening the entries up to the public.
In the news, the big story of the month was the Stephen Parnaby would not be standing in the 2019 local elections. A controversial figure, the news was welcomed by many to learn that man who has been head of East Riding of Yorkshire Council is finally stepping down after 23 years.
On the social scene, there were a number of events in February. BE.THE.CHANGE made a welcome return to Lazaat bring all their usual glitz and glamour. As always it was well attended as Rebecca Bennett pulled out all the stops.
Beverley 2018 Review Of The Year – March
March proved to be a mixed month for Beverley at its residents. In March while people were looking forward to spring the town learnt it had lost the cycle race. Those behind the event blamed a lack of resources. While keen to support cycling East Riding of Yorkshire Council said they were disappointed to lose the event to Barnsley.
In March local MP Graham Stuart also felt the pressure of his constituents. He was heavily criticised on social media after voting in favour of changes to school meals. As residents took to social media the MP defended himself. He accused opposition parties of using children to score cheap political points.
March also saw Beverley’s Youth Coalition go live. The incentive was the brainchild of Beverley Town Council in an aim to tackle the lack of youth provision in the town. They got their event underway with a special weekender that was held at Molescroft Pavilion.
Beverley 2018 Review Of The Year – April
April was a good month for Beverley with many highlights. On the social scene, there was only one event to attend and that was Ladies Day at the Rugby Club. Once again Beverley RUFC delivered a wonderful afternoon of glamour and sport while raising cash for a worthwhile cause.
Netball in the town was also celebrating in April. Kingston Panthers made the regional finals with their coach describing the achievement as ‘stuff that dreams are made of’. Coach Jo Richardson was so proud, when she joined the club they had 6 players, now they have over 170.
There was also one bit of sad of news in April. The Beverley Folk Festival confirmed that the event had come to an end. Struggling for funds the Beverley Folk Festival was shelved leaving many music fans utterly upset. While some ticket holders were refunded many were left out of pocket and left to pick up the pieces.
Beverley 2018 Review Of The Year – May
In May Molescroft News Post Office was given an award in acknowledgement for their service they provide to the community. The Millennium Cup was presented by Molescroft Parish Council to the team, an award they said they felt honoured to receive.
May also saw Cllr Bryan Pearson elected to the role as Mayor of Beverley. Cllr Pearson who has spent decades serving town was elected in what will be his final year in local politics. His appointment was welcomed by the council and he has proved to be a worthy choice since his appointment.
During the month of May Greg Usher also continued his fundraising efforts to help pay for a new football stand. Greg took part in the Beverley 10K raising money to fund the project which is being undertaken in memory of his late father Ivan Usher.
Beverley 2018 Review Of The Year – June
Peter Waring from Field House Farm in Cherry Burton got June off to a perfect start for the area. Peter was elected as the President of Holstein UK and was the first person from the region to hold the prestigious role in many years.
Students from Longcroft School also enjoyed the month of June as they brought their year to an end with a prom. The Class of 2018 enjoyed a meal and an evening of entertainment at Lazaat in Cottingham while marking the end of their school days.
In June tributes were paid to Jane Yerbury who sadly passed away. Jane was describe described by her son as an extraordinary woman. Despite her age, she played an active role within the local arts community and as a lady was very well thought of.
Beverley 2018 Review Of The Year – July
In July Busy Bees Nursery was celebrating after they were given Outstanding Status by Ofsted. Fiona Garth said she was thrilled to bits at the news while praising the team who worked there. Ofsted was certainly impressed with nursery especially with how they engage with the parents.
Villagers in Cherry Burton were also rightfully celebrating after they pulled off cracking music event entitle Cherry Aid. Supported by local businesses the concert helped raise over £3,000 to support the school and local church.
After much anticipation, The Beverley Arms Hotel was finally re-opened after undergoing a major refit following along closure. Ahead of their opening to the public, a number of special guests were invited to attend a special preview evening at the iconic venue.
Beverley 2018 Review Of The Year – August
Beverley Races enjoyed a superb month in August. They were pleased to announce that around 12,000 people attended Ladies Day at the course. While the event passed with no trouble and gave a boost to local businesses, they were unfairly criticised by some media outlets.
There was also some interesting news from the out of town retail park Flemingate. They added Inflata Nation to their portfolio of businesses. Since opening the Inflata Nation has proved to be a real hit with locals and visitors alike.
Beverley Civic Society was again busy in August. They unveiled a special green plaque in honour of Mary Wollstonecraft. Mary is regarded as one of the most famous women from Beverley who is credited with being the pioneer for women and equality.
Beverley 2018 Review Of The Year – September
Beverley Town Cricket Club was the pick of the sporting achievements for September when they won promotion to the Yorkshire League. The Beavers secured their promotion with a six-wicket win over Whitkirk at the Norwood Recreation Ground.
There was also good news for Molescroft Primary School and the Flemingate Retail Park. They both bagged gold in the in the Yorkshire in Bloom Awards. News of their achievements was welcomed by Town Clerk Helen Watson who was delighted.
September also saw the launch of Little Rock Stars by local Musician Laura Douse. Her new group brought something new to Beverley by using music to help children learn while having fun. She said the idea comes from her love music and the joy of working with young children.
Beverley 2018 Review Of The Year – October
Beverley as a town was celebrating in October after scooping Silver Award from Britain in Bloom. The award was a result of a huge effort by all the community and businesses in making the town look presentable.
Youngsters from Manor Road Nursery got involved with the h project by local artist Emma Garness who had transformed a wall in Hengate Gardens. The youngsters provided painted rocks which were placed at the foot of the ‘Sweetheart Pin Cushion Mural’.
While the high street major chains were suffering new small independent businesses were opening in the town centre. Aura Boutique became the latest ladies fashion store to open. One local retailer said their arrival showed the Beverley’s ‘Lanes’ were flourishing.
Beverley 2018 Review Of The Year – November
November delivered more good news for the town centre in Beverley with confirmation that The White Company were opening. News of their pending arrival was broke on HU17 sometime before though finally following the speculation they acknowledged what we already knew.
East Yorkshire Foodbank also used November to launch their festive campaign. With food poverty in the region on the increase, the charity appealed to the community for support. As a result of their efforts, the response ensured that many families in Beverley did not go without food at Christmas.
On the social scene, it was a month that belonged to The Jacob’s Well Appeal. They delivered a fantastic ball that raised over £9,000 that will be used to help some of the poorest people. Their efforts were given an extra boost thanks to the kindness of Lazaat who donated food and staff to the event.
Beverley 2018 Review Of The Year – December
It was the news 1st Molescroft Scouts had been waiting for, their future could be safe. Thanks to the efforts of local councillor Denis Healy his persistence again paid off. After being told the scouts were being evicted the local Cllr secured a meeting that has helped secure their future.
Sadly December also saw the Post Office provide confirmation that they will indeed close the Crown Post Office in the town centre. The news was a shock to many and despite the efforts of many people including the MP Graham Stuart the community will lose this asset.
Beverley welcomed the Mayor of Brévelay to the town in the month of December. He had wanted to visit Beverley as his hometown, Brévelay got its name as a result to its links with Beverley from many generations ago.
