You may or may not have heard on the terms 'blog, blogger and blogging' - well if you haven't it's simply an online or web-based diary with regular postings or entries, just like in a normal diary, written by an individual or sometimes a group. If you can be bothered good old Wikipedia have a fairly detailed outline of what is a blog and you can read all about it here.
I've messed about with blogs previously but all have come to a juddering halt as I have usually run out of things to say or enthusiasm to boot up the old computer and say them. Why try again then?
My inspiration for this attempt came from a 'tweet' - sorry more techno speak - Wikipedia again will explain far better than I so pop over and have a look and this particular tweet was linked to an article on the Guardian newspaper if I recall correctly, all about hyperlocal blogs. I've tried finding the link again but to no avail. Anyway the gist of it was that citizens around the country are setting up blogs about their communities which are proving highly popular and valuable in all sorts of ways. The aim of these blogs might be to strengthen local democratic decision-making, promote green initiatives or local businesses, increase tourism or whatever.
Having a look at examples this article was covering I knew I was in for a bad nights sleep as my mind became a whirr of thoughts and ideas - a blog about Kirkby was being formulated.
Having lived in the town for 12 years now, which is the longest I've ever stayed put anywhere, I'm convinced this is one of the best places in the world to live, work, bring up and educate happy kids, walk the dogs, ride your bike, shop and generally live a contented life. The local population is made up of both newcomers and locals born and bred, the latter of whom I've found to be incredibly welcoming and willing to share their lovely patch on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Kirkbymoorside is not a chocolate-box kind of place and we're not a hot spot for tourists as our neighbours Hutton-le-Hole, Helmsley and Thornton-le-Dale are - you can pass right by along the A170 barely noticing our existence. However in recent years thanks to the fantastic efforts of the Town Council, civic groups such as Kirkby in Bloom and the Play Association, as well as new shops adding renewed vigour to the high streets, this small market town enjoys a self-sufficiency that thankfully doesn't rely on the vagaries of a short tourist season.
And there's so much going on!
The town has an amazing range of individuals - activists, artists, musicians, community workers, volunteers, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, historians, sports enthusiasts and more - all of whom contribute to make Kirkbymoorside a really vibrant and fascinating place to live.
This blog therefore has one simple aim - to reflect life in the town in all it's diversity.
Please feel free to comment to any of the entries and send me details of any stories or events you wish to be included or come and grab the camera and do your own filming. It would also be great to hear from anyone who might be interested in becoming a regular contributor.
Gareth Jenkins
Please Note - bit boring but important when you start a project like this:
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