THE second Great Christmas Get Together took place recently in Skipton.

Following the successful first event last year and two summer Get Togethers, around 70 local people were treated to a Christmas Afternoon Tea and entertainment in the school hall of Skipton Academy.

The event was organised by Skipton Craven Rotary Club, Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, Carers Resource Skipton and Greatwood & Horse Close Community Centre.

It was inspired by the Jo Cox Foundation in memory of the work done in the community by the Birstall MP who was murdered in 2016.

The event was to get people together at Christmas who for a variety of reasons may not have the opportunity to get out and socialise, remaining otherwise isolated in their own homes at what for many others is a very busy time of year.

A grant £400 was received from Rotary District of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire towards the costs of the event with Skipton Craven Rotary contributing a similar amount.

The guests were treated to a Christmas Afternoon Tea with mulled wine, there was entertainment from The Skipton Choir and singing along was welcomed by them. The guests were keen to join in with Jingle Bells and traditional carols.

There was also a viewing of two videos Skipton Academy have made to show off the school and the progress it has made ('This is The Greatest School' and 'Don’t Stop Us Now').

Students and staff from the school were there to help serve the food and to welcome all of the guests to their school.

There was also bingo, a free raffle, a Skipton-themed quiz and a visit from Santa with everyone receiving a gift of Christmas biscuits.

David Squire, of Skipton Craven Rotary, was Master of Ceremonies and thanked everyone for coming and he said that it was hoped that the event would be repeated again in 2020.

- Report by Brian Stott, of Skipton Craven Rotary