Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust [BWCT] will mark a landmark year of growth, investment and village action at its Annual General Meeting [AGM] in February.
BWCT has released its 2024/25 Chairs’ Report, highlighting one of its most productive years since the charity was founded in 2003.
Run entirely by volunteer trustees, BWCT continues to deliver projects that benefit residents across Burley in Wharfedale, Burley Woodhead and Stead.
Key achievements include:
- Full integration of the former Burley Educational Trust, enabling continued support for local schools, youth outreach and hardship funding.
- Another hugely successful Burley Summer Festival, now operating under BWCT’s legal and financial structure.
- Over £220,000 raised for the new Pump and Balance Bike Track, with construction planned for Spring 2026.
- Maintenance of major village assets including Scalebor Pavilion, Corn Mill Pond, the Pudding Tree, Jubilee Gardens and the new Wellbeing Garden.
- Support for village groups such as Burley Trojans, Burley Cricket Club, Men’s Shed, Walkers are Welcome, the Arts Festival, Wellbeing Hub and Slice of Life.
- Continued growth of the Wharfedale Wombles litter‑picking initiative.
- Ongoing development of the Discover Burley website as the village’s information hub.
A spokesperson said:
"BWCT’s priorities for 2025/26, as well as our regular fundraising events, include the completion of Pump Track fundraising and the construction, expanding youth provision, improving walking routes, strengthening partnerships with sports clubs and local organisations, enhancing the Discover Burley website, and reviewing governance towards conversion to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
"All of the work achieved is thanks to our hardworking, dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers - special thanks to the respective teams who led the fantastic Christmas Lights installation and summer planting volunteers who ensured that the village looked spectacular, and despite Tom Sumner not being able to lead this year; and to our spectacular teams who lead the Summer Festival, Duck Race and Teas in the Park, and Christmas Market and Craft Fair.
"We are proud and deeply grateful to support the Scouts and Guides, as well as the ‘Slice of Life’ Youth Outreach under BET. These groups play an invaluable role in supporting young people, and we’re honoured to contribute to ongoing work."We could not have achieved so much without the support of our members, sponsors and donations. Thank you."
The BWCT AGM is on Tuesday, 24th February from 07:30 to 09:00 p.m. at Burley Library. The AGM is open to all residents, though only members can ask questions or vote. The Trust encourages the community to come along, hear the year’s highlights, and explore ways to get involved. Whether through volunteering, donating or joining, it all makes a difference.
Find out more about the AGM and becoming a BWCT member at the website: www.burleyinwharfedalecommunitytrust.org.uk
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