Esk Valley Virtual Rurality! - Online event aims to build a stronger community

The event has been organised by Community Catalysts as part of their Camphill Village Trust project, the North York Moors National Park, and Stronger Communities at North Yorkshire County Council.

Virtual Rurality aims to show off some of the amazing community responses and innovative activities that have developed since the outbreak of covid-19.

Paddy Chandler, stronger communities delivery manager for Ryedale and the North York Moors, said: “It’s really inspirational what has been happening in our communities and we wanted to showcase and celebrate that.”

Virtual Rurality, builds on Esk Valley Together, a face-to-face meeting held in November to enable people to network and share ideas.

The online event will combine music and movement with the opportunity to take a virtual walk around the National Park.

Participants will also be invited to discuss and contribute ideas to future community initiatives.

Debbie John, Community Connector at Community Catalysts said: “ It’s a real mix, it’s not just for professionals, any one can tune in and get the benefit.”

Sessions include:

10-10.30am: Welcome, introductions and ice breaker

10.30-11am: North Yorkshire Sport

Keeping active through lockdown: An overview of North Yorkshire Sport’s response to lockdown and a warm up.

11-11.30am: Musical Memories CIC

Ruth and Neil Hannah talk about how they have stayed connected to their audience and provide their Tune a Day live.

Break

11.45-12.15pm: North York Moors National Parks

Linking live with his regulars at care homes NYMNP Volunteer Jim Hall will lead a virtual walk in the national park, something he did at residential homes pre-lockdown.

12.15-1pm: Camphill Village Trust

The social farm team at Botton have used Zoom to keep people connected. Go live for a fun, interactive and informative session.

1-1.30pm: Break for lunch

1.30-2.15pm: Esk Valley Together The Movie (and discussion)

Watch the recently made film which documents the community response to lockdown and the pandemic followed by a discussion.

2.15-3.30pm: Re-imagining the Future – Three led themes

• What should the future look like? David Stone, CaVCA and their work with People’s Recovery Coalition harnessing views and ambitions for post-Covid communities.

• Youth Voice – Esk Valley Native and Youth MP Rebecca Morgan: Involving and capturing youth voice in shaping the future.

• Voluntary and Community Organisations supporting and providing and surviving through the pandemic – Ryedale VCS Leaders Forum Julie MaceyHewitt Age UK Scarborough, Scarborough and Claire Robinson Scarborough and Ryedale Carers Resource.

3.30-4pm: Revd Sally Wilson

How the Church have stayed connected and we will have a moment to reflect.

4-4.30pm: Final thoughts and a musical finale with Glaisdale’s fantastic Dave Crabtree and brother Mikey live!

The event is open to all and you can either join the full event or drop into the sessions you want.

To book your place email [email protected]