A COMMUNITY lunch in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox held in Skipton brought together residents from all over Craven.

Seventy-five diners gathered in the town hall for the event, which saw the Rotary Club of Skipton Craven and Tesco Skipton join forces to organise it.

It was part of the nationwide ‘Great Get Together’ weekend, an initiative founded last year by the family and friends of the late Batley and Spen MP with the ‘More in Common’ partnership, which aims to build a more united society.

The Skipton event was supported by Age UK North Craven and Carers’ Resource Skipton, assisted by students from Craven College and members of Slimming World Skipton.

Each table was hosted by a Rotary member or their partner and all enjoyed a three-course meal.

Entertainment included songs by vocalists Jamie Squire and nine-year-old Jasper Anakin. The afternoon was rounded off by a couple of games of bingo with cash prizes and a ‘Memories of Craven Quiz.’

David Squire, the chairman of the community service committee of the Rotary Club of Skipton Craven said: “Community Service is at the heart of what we do in Rotary.

“So how better to demonstrate this than by inviting some of the residents of Craven, who may not get many opportunities to meet other people, to a pleasant lunch, with entertainment, on this Great Get Together weekend.

“I am grateful to Tesco Skipton for agreeing to jointly sponsor this lunch, and particularly to Dean Majors, their Community Champion, for preparing the meal with his team of helpers.

“for the support of Age UK North Craven and Carers’ Resource Skipton for assisting in inviting our guests to the lunch, and to the students of Craven College and the ladies of Slimming World for their tireless efforts in serving the food and drinks.”

Mr Squires added that the event ended with a joint vote of thanks by Carers’ Resource representative Sally Skipper and Age UK North Craven Chief Officer Sue Bradley.

Many guests commented how much they enjoyed the event and hailed it a great success, so much so that the intention is to run a similar occasion in December, he said.

The country-wide Great Get Together took place on what would have been Jo Cox’s 44th birthday.

The Jo Cox Foundation was established by her husband Brendan Cox, members of her family and Labour Party colleagues to continue her work in bringing community cohesion following her death in June 2016 before the Brexit referendum.