Championing Our Community
As a charity, our aims are enshrined in our constitution and we are dedicated to what’s best for Mashamshire. We also believe we can achieve more through teamwork than by working in isolation. That’s why we think of ourselves as a “hub” – many spokes working towards a common goal, with the hub central to holding things together.
We champion our community by speaking out when needed, but believe we will be more successful by consulting, listening to others and being open to working with partners. Our track record as a local, volunteer-led charity since 2002, means we are known and trusted inside and outside our community. We have developed great connections and positive partnerships which we will continue to build.
With the recent change from local district councils to one large North Yorkshire Council, it is even more vital that we champion our local needs and priorities. Mashamshire Community Office invites local groups, businesses and organisations to come on board and contribute to achieve common goals and have a voice for Mashamshire.
In our efforts to champion through collaboration, here are collaborative groups we have already established…
Mashamshire Business Connections Group
We established Masham Business Connections network in 2012 with the aim of strengthening the local economy by enabling businesses who have a stake in our community, to come together. It’s a chance to get to know each other, share experiences and business challenges and perhaps collaborate to overcome these.
It is especially useful for rural smaller businesses who often feel as though they are battling issues alone. Getting to know each other means there is mutual support, insights and ideas to share. If there are common issues or opportunities, actions and solutions can be explored together. Our aim is to improve confidence, motivate and have a positive impact on the local economy.
Masham Futures Group
We initiated Masham Futures group in 2022 when we ourselves were in danger of our building being sold. The community came together and we were eventually successful in buying the building.
Getting other groups and organisations with a stake in the community all together, though triggered by a crisis, was a great way of understanding our different roles and overcoming working in silos. The groups collaborating include the Churches, Primary School, Peacock & Verity Community Spaces, Masham Town Hall, Masham Sports Association, Grewelthorp Village Hall, Masham Parish Council and other voluntary groups. We hope future collaboration on activities and funding will be possible.
We welcome any other businesses, organisations or groups who would like to get involved, please contact Hayley Jackson, MCO Manager, to find out more.
Get in TouchThe Uredale Partnership
The Uredale Partnership is a recently formed partnership aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the people of Ripon and the surrounding areas including Masham.
It has been formed to bring together local North Yorkshire Council elected councillors with organisations like Mashamshire Community Office, who are able to represent the priorities in their areas. The partnership then seeks to identify common issues and develop new solutions that are rooted in real local knowledge, and then collectively bid for funds and convert ideas into action.
So, the priorities and needs expressed at Masham Business Connections and Masham Futures groups will feed into this new partnership. Watch this space…