New chapter starts for Bedale Book Fair

Denny Gibson, second right, is presented with a bouquet marking her time organizing the Bedale Book Fair. Also pictured is David and Betty Burke representing RABI, and Janet Crampton, left, and Tony Wood of the Rotary Club of Northallerton Mowbray.

A new chapter has opened in the story of Bedale Book Fair.

The bi-annual event is now being run by the Rotary Club of Northallerton Mowbray after 23 years being organised by a committee led by Denny Gibson.

Originally established in 1996 to raise money for Children of Chernobyl, more recently it has benefited the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution –  farming’s oldest and biggest charity.

During that time more than £50,000 was raised for the two charities.

Age has caught up with the original committee and they have decided to pass responsibility of running the event to the Rotary Club.

A formal handover took place in advance of the next fair – to be hold in Bedale Hall on Sunday, October 27.

The president of the Rotary Club of Northallerton Mowbray, Anne Wall, paid tribute to the work of Mrs Gibson and her volunteer helpers.

She said: “The Bedale Book and Postcard Fair was originally planned as a one-off event but has developed over the last 23 years into a regular event in the book fair calendar, attracting book sellers from all over the North of England.

“Denny and her small team have done a tremendous job in getting it established and in attracting thousands of visitors to Bedale over the years. The Club is delighted to be able to take this successful event on and develop it further.”

The next fair opens at 10am on Sunday, October 27, and closes at 3.45pm the same day.

There will be thousands of antiquarian and secondhand books, maps and postcards available. Home-made refreshments – teas, coffees, cakes, scones and bacon sandwiches – will be served through the day

Entry is £1.50 per person with under 14s free.

Future proceeds from the event will be in aid of charitable projects of the Rotary Club – a registered charity operating in the Northallerton and Bedale areas. Projects typically include local youth and community projects as well as responding to emergency and crisis appeals.

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