The North Yorkshire medieval market town of Skipton has been named ‘Top Town for Courtesy 2016’.
The award, organised by the National Campaign for Courtesy, and covering all towns in Great Britain, recognises a town’s commitment to promoting courtesy throughout the local community. Previous winners have included Ilfracombe, Shrewsbury and Epsom.
The ‘Salop Leisure Trophy’ was presented to the Mayor of Skipton, Cllr Martin Emmerson, by Diana Moran, one of the campaign’s celebrity patrons, best known as TV’s ‘Green Goddess’ keep-fit expert.
Skipton was nominated for the award by Malcolm Weaving, the owner of the town’s Rendezvous Hotel, where the presentation took place. Commenting on the award, he said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Skipton has been recognised as the top town for courtesy. Our guests often tell me what a pleasure it is to visit Skipton. They’re both amazed and delighted by the real Yorkshire welcome they receive from locals. As a family-run hotel we pride ourselves on the welcome we give to our guests, so having nominated the town, I’m particularly pleased to have been able to host the presentation of this prestigious award.”
John Stokes, Acting Chairman for the National Campaign for Courtesy, said: “Each year we seek out a town from across the country that has demonstrated courtesy in action. This year Skipton impressed our judges on their visit. While a good quality physical environment is important, most people want to live in a friendly community. Modern lifestyles can create a lot of stress and courtesy helps us all to treat each other with respect. This award recognises towns where the community has taken the extra step to encourage courtesy in all aspects of life. We start the search for next year’s winner early in 2017. For more information, go to www.campaignforcourtesy.org.uk.”
Launched in 1986, the National Campaign for Courtesy is a registered charity that is committed to good manners; respect for self and others; courtesy for all; and rejection of anti-social behaviour.
Voted Sunday Times Best Place to Live in Britain 2014, Skipton is a friendly compact market town on the doorstep of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Offering a superb range of activities, clubs, societies and entertainment it is also a short train ride away from the nearby city of Leeds.
The Rendezvous Hotel is family-run 96-room hotel, home to owners Malcolm and Karen Weaving, set on the Leeds Liverpool Canal, one mile south of Skipton, the ‘Gateway to the Dales’. It features the largest square ballroom in a privately-owned hotel in northern England. For more information, go to www.rendezvous-skipton.co.uk
