20 years of Knaresborough volunteers who have helped transform the town

A not-for-profit Knaresborough group is celebrating 20 years of transforming the town’s high street and public spaces by supporting a massive range of community projects.

From play parks, a wooden bridge for Horseshoe Fields, to Viaduct Terrace, a Wind in the Willows Theatre, Save the Castle petition and support for getting Knaresborough Heritage Centre off the ground - Renaissance Knaresborough’s volunteers are proud of their past accomplishments.

Probably know best for the popular trompe-l'œil Painted Windows’ trail that brings to life the colourful characters and stories of the town’s heritage, this not-for-profit, voluntary community organisation is keen to look forward at this important moment.

To mark its anniversary. Renaissance Knaresborough is appealing for local people to come forward with new ideas for the future.

“Many people will know us for our popular town windows’ trail that brings to life the colourful characters and stories of Knaresborough’s heritage,” said Liz Baxandall, Secretary of Renaissance Knaresborough.

“Not as well known is that we have acted as a hot house for years to grow local people’s ideas, helping them to achieve exciting things for our town, with support that includes securing funding.

“It’s a very small team making up our committee now, and we would really welcome people with a variety of skills so we can celebrate many more years of making a great town even better.”

New Renaissance Knaresborough projects currently taking place include BuzzLines, a collaboration with Knaresborough in Bloom, which is aiming to create 10 kilometers of pollinator pathways across the town, linking vital green spaces and habitats to support bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinating insects.

BuzzLines volunteers have already transformed a large flowerbed on the corner of Park Row and the High Street into a haven for wildlife, and a pleasant place for people to sit for a while and take a breather.

Renaissance Knaresborough recently held an open event to raise awareness of its aims and achievements which was funded and supported by Mayor David Skaith and York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Whether you’re someone who has an idea in mind to benefit the town or have a few hours a week that you would like to give to your community - or anything in between - then Renaissance Knaresborough would love to hear from you.