Ripon Civic Society is launching a new PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION for young people up the age of 18. It's called 'Quirky Ripon' and is looking for odd or unusual images of the city. The winning entries will be displayed in the city for Civic Day on 25 June.

More information from http://www.riponcivicsociety.org.uk/

WELCOME RETURN FOR CABMEN'S SHELTER

The Cabmen's Shelter is back on the Market Square after its refurbishment. It is looking good (though why it stll says RIPON WALKING TRAILS on each side, and why it still contains some odd bits of rubbish, is unclear).

We now look forward to seeing a schedule of inspection and regular repair, so that it never again becomes so dilapidated as it was before the work was done.

CHAIRMAN IN MANCHESTER FOR CIVIC VOICE

The Society's Chairman will be in Manchester on Saturday (19 March) at Civic Voice's Spring Network. He's been asked to talk about the importance of effective communication for civic societies, though websites, newsletters, blogs etc.

He'll answer questions on the experiences with Ripon Civic Society, then lead a group, made up of members from other Societies, through a short discussion/workshop about the strengths and weaknesses of their own society and its communication.

The invitation comes after Ripon Civic Society was runner up in a national competition for Civic Society websites, organised by Civic Voice.

CHANGE OF SPEAKER FOR MAY

Our scheduled speaker for May, Malcolm Neesam, is unwell. We are pleased to be able to welcome Richard Willis from Ripon Scenic Cruises in his place. Richard will speak on 'Wonders of the Waterways'. We are grateful to him, and we wish Malcolm a speedy recovery. The meeting takes place at Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall on Thursday 5 May, starting at 7.30 pm.