A Message from the Chair
This year has seen the fruits of work begun by Burley Community Council (BCC) in 2001 culminate in the election of 9 councillors to Burley Parish Council, thus giving us independent representation from May 2006. BCC had recognised the need for change and successfully petitioned in 2002 for a parish council separate from Ilkley and Menston. However, some of the voluntary work done by BCC would be more effective if run with charitable status, so Burley–in–Wharfedale Community Trust (BWCT) was formed in 2003. Thus, BCC could be disbanded and its activities divided between the new parish council and BWCT (the Trust). That has nearly been achieved: BCC remains constituted only until the status of Burley House Field has been resolved in favour of open access for residents. We hope to complete that this year, which it would be a fitting conclusion to BCC's achievements since its formation in 1976.
The Trust owns and leases assets and supports community activities for the good of the village, as follows:
- Ownership of the pond in Cornmill Lane and, through our tenants, care and maintenance of this import feature.
- Developments at Scalebor Park provided the Trust with the opportunity to acquire a new spoerts pavilion and car parking area, together with a license to play cricket and football on the former hospital sports ground. This facility is leased to the village cricket and football clubs for junior players and provides an excellent facility for boys and girls to enjoy these sports.
- The Round House is leased from Bradford Council and, through volunteers, provides morning coffee and central place for meetings.
- A lease on the Pudding Tree Garden, adjacent to the Malt Shovel and the pond in Cornmill Lane, ensures that this area seen by everyone entering the village from Bradford Road is attractive and well maintained. Its seats and benches provide a convenient resting place near the church of St. Mary the Blessed Virgin.
- The village website was created in 1999 to provide an up to date source of information and reference. The BCC produced village Handbook is the tenth edition and we believe it meets a vital need in providing information about Burley and the services available to residents. A three-yearly publication becomes partly out of date so we have placed all the relevant information on the website, which is regularly updated. This allows access to up-to-date information, including the village diary, announcements and links to other useful sites.
- Burley Christmas Lights have justifiably gained a reputation for excellence and, since 2003, have been joined by the Christmas Market run in co–operation with the Chamber of Trade. The lights are erected dismantled and tested by a large team of volunteers, and the event is paid for out of donations and local fund–raising.
- The Annual Duck Race in June on the Wharfe alongside the East Meadows is one of the major fund-raising events for the Trust and money collected is shared with the Scout and Guide groups. "Teas on the Green" rounds off this popular day and, with the support of our tenants, access has been allowed to the pond on Cornmill Lane.
- Regular fund-raising occurs through our monthly coffee mornings, and through the 100 Club. The coffee mornings are held in the Parish Rooms on the third Saturday of each month, and this is when the 100 Club draw takes place. The coffee mornings also provide a venue other for clubs, societies and groups to raise funds through bric–a–brac and cake stalls.
The Friendship Agreement with the Dogon people of Tereli in Mali, West Africa continues to flourish. It is encouraging to see how much benefit these sub–Saharan people have derived from relatively small donations, and to learn of their appreciation. There is frequent contact between Burley Oaks Primary School and schools in Tereli. There is a short article in the 2005 Handbook, and you can see the "Tereli Stick" presented to BCC in 2001 and a book on the Dogon people in Burley Library.
The Trust Annual General Meeting will take place during the Neighbourhood Forum on 19th October, and Trust Committee meeting date will be listed in the village diary.