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Calendar of events announced at Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust AGM

Thursday, 5 March 2026 12:31

The BWCT AGM took place last month

The Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust (BWCT)’s Annual General Meeting was held in the Burley Library on Tuesday 24th February.

Chair Duncan Ault opened with an overview of the Trust, founded in 2003, and its wide‑ranging work across the village. Trustees then shared updates on the subgroups and events they lead, reflecting on achievements from the past year and plans for the year ahead.

Shirley Moffat spoke about Burley Education Trust, formed in 1995 to ensure young residents benefitted from the financial outcome from the sale of The Township School. BET, overseen by BWCT since its merger in 2019, has supported the Scout & Guides HQ and continues to fund projects across Burley Oaks and Burley & Woodhead CE schools. Recent contributions span outdoor learning spaces, arts activities, sports facilities, and library and IT improvements. BET also supports the village youth worker Fi Thompson in her wellbeing and outreach work, and is exploring new community‑focused initiatives with Ghyll Royd School.

Pauline Warnock highlighted the breadth of the Burley Summer Festival, from the Car Show and Scarecrow Competition to the walks, talks, Dog Show, Opera,Moor Run and Ceilidh. The Summer Festival has long been a popular village event organised and managed by a very enthusiastic and capable team. This year the festival week is from 21st to 31st August. The Ceilidh and Moor Run will follow in the autumn.

Niccola Swan reflected on the first Burley Arts Festival, delivered as part of Bradford 2025 and supported by BWCT, celebrating creativity across the village. Plans are forming for a return in 2027.

In Treasurer Mark Elsworth’s absence, Niccola also presented the Annual Accounts. These showed total income of £126,414 for the year including a significant bequest from the will of Yvette Horton, membership subscriptions (including gift aid), Summer Festival and Arts Festival incomes and significant contributions towards the Pump track as well as investment income for the Burley Educational Trust. Expenses for the year totalled £51,143 mainly Summer Festival, BET grants and donations. Excluding the Pump Track the Trust had cash funds at the end of the financial year of £152,036 including £29,886 of designated funds and £1,218 of restricted funds.The Pump Track funds totalled £129,355 at the year end.

From the current funds the trustees have committed £7,025 for specific projects in the village schools,£3,000 to repairs to the Scalebor pavilion, £3,000 towards Outreach youth work. The Trust has also committed up to £50,000 towards the Pump Track project from our general unrestricted funds.

Robin Dearing updated residents on the village website, Discover Burley, a key signposting and information hub for community groups, activities and events which are all available in the Village Diary and Community Directory. Mention was also made of the forthcoming "Welcome to Burley” audio-visual project, so watch this space!

Loraine Hughes spoke on behalf of the Wharfedale Wombles, who support residents in reducing waste, repairing, recycling and improving eco‑habits. Over the past year they coordinated 34 community litter picks, supported village events, collaborated with regional eco‑groups, and joined the growing national Wombles Community network. A key highlight of the year was Great Uncle Bulgaria’s visit at the end of a successful Great British Spring Clean. This year’s focus will be on expanding the Adopt‑an‑Area scheme.

Duncan Ault also shared updates on behalf of Nick Turnbull on the Christmas Lights, Market and Craft Fair and Duck Race and Teas on the Green, and on behalf of Sam Needham, trustee coordinating, the exciting new Pump and Balance Bike Track, with over £220,000 raised and an approved contractor appointed with just some drainage issues to resolve work should commence this spring.

[Artists impression of the Pump Track]

There was unanimous support from members to enable trustees to begin the project of transferring BWCT to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), with benefits to trustee and membership liability, trustee and volunteer recruitment and contracts management, thus enabling longer term sustainability for the Trust.

A spokesperson for the trust said:

"Heartfelt thanks go to trustees Nick Turnbull and Sylvia Tilford, both highly valued long-term all-round community heroes and volunteers who have stepped down this year. We welcome new trustees Debz Allis and Pauline. Our thanks also go to Tom Sumner, former trustee, and a stellar contributor who, for many years, ensured the success of village activities and events. Sadly, he is now unwell and unable to continue with his work. The Trust would like to thank him for his fantastic efforts in the village for over 44 years and wish him well in his rehabilitation.

"Since the year end there has been a lot of effort by the Trust and trustees including the Christmas lights and markets, planning next years’ Summer Festival, Duck Race and Christmas lights and coordinating the final stages for the building of the Pump Track.

“We are fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers and partners, but as some step back due to illness, moving away or other commitments, we need new people to join us to ensure continuity and future‑proofing. There are many ways to get involved at a level that suits you.”

To view the BWCT’s work while minutes are prepared, please visit our information boards at Burley Library, or get in touch by visiting www.burleyinwharfedalecommunitytrust.org.uk.

If you would like to Volunteer, Become a member, or make a Donation please visit: Support Burley Community Trust

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