Harrogate at Christmas Group recently celebrated the work of one of its key members at a dinner reception, when it thanked David Horth, Victoria Shopping Centre Manager as he retires from the business at the beginning of August 2015
David Horth moved to Harrogate 15 years ago from Norwich. In Norwich David was the driving force in raising money for the city’s Christmas lights. It was the first time Norwich had Christmas lights. In 2002 David became involved with raising money from Harrogate businesses for Christmas lights.
In 2008 David became involved again bringing together a small group including Harrogate Council’s Lynne Mee; Paul Tyler from Marks and Spencer; Simon Cotton of Destination Harrogate; Brian Dunsby from the Harrogate Chamber of Trade & Commerce and Frank Delorenzo from Debenhams and had sponsorship from Harrogate College to pay for the Strayfm stage for the ‘Big Switch On’. In 2008 the then Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate Councillor John Fox became involved when it became clear that the group had not been able to raise sufficient money for the lights. That was the beginning of the Harrogate at Christmas Group.
David Horth said:
I realise the importance of Christmas lights to the local economy and residents and I have thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Harrogate at Christmas Group, working with some fantastic people.
Chairman of the Harrogate at Christmas Group, Councillor John Fox said:
In the last few weeks the Group have celebrated the retirement of two of its team, Rev Tony Shepherd from St Peter’s Church and now David Horth from the Victoria Shopping Centre. We thank them for all their support and wish them both a long and happy retirement.
Anyone interested in being involved with the work of the Harrogate at Christmas Group is asked to contact John Fox on 01423 540541.
