On Wednesday 15th February a group from Ripon Belles visited the bell tower in Ripon Cathedral. We climbed the narrow flight of steps up to the southwest tower – there was quite a gap between one set of steps up to where the bell ringers ring the bells – but we managed to get across without incident.

The Belles got in to the seasonal spirit with our annual Christmas party last night. 

The evening kicked off with a mix-up quiz, moving team members from table to table after each round so that we all had a chance to chat to each other, and integrating members new and old. Several spot prizes were awarded to lucky winners. Questions ranged from the quirky to the impossible, '1 on a 1' being one wheel on a wheelbarrow, and the lyrics to Santa Baby foxing a lot of us!

The Belles ran a second, very successful, market stall on Saturday 4th June. Despite the overcast skies we managed to raise £200 - some of which will be used to decorate the float for our inaugural St Wilfrid's Day appearance. The stall attracted players of Ripon's Amateur Operatic Society who were promoting their upcoming performance of Half a Sixpence on Wednesday 8th June at Harrogate Theatre. 

We have had 8 copies of Marian Keyes' book "Rachel's Holiday" given to us as part of the national World Book Night project. The idea is to read and then share the book by giving it away - the aim is to promote reading especially to those who might not have access to books otherwise. Rachael's holiday is a moving account of alcohol and substance abuse and is funny too - it's been chosen as one of only 25 titles for distribution, so it must be good!

Well done everyone – we have finished the triathlon with a flourish of activity!!