MASCG Community Engagement

Engaging with all the communities involved in Appleby Horse Fair is a vitally important part of the MASCG's work. Understanding the needs of the people living in and around Appleby helps the MASCG plan to ensure that the Fair is a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.

The agencies and representatives of the MASCG are committed to engaging with local communities through regular public meetings, member led drop-in sessions and by attending local Parish Council meetings to provide updates and to answer questions. Details of upcoming meetings and drop-in sessions can be found below.

Next Member's Drop-in event to be held on 10 April 2024

Come and speak to your locally elected representative of the Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) for Appleby Horse Fair, Cllr Graham Simpkins, Westmorland and Furness Council Member for Appleby and Brough.

Cllr Simpkins will be available to discuss matters relating to Appleby Horse Fair with members of the community at Appleby Library on Wednesday 10 April 2024, between 3pm and 5pm.

At this is drop-in session, one-to-one discussions with Cllr Simpkins will be available with no pre-booking required.

If you are unable to attend the drop-in sessions and would like to discuss a matter relating to Appleby Horse Fair, please contact Kellie Bradburn-Sims - Community Development Officer for Westmorland and Furness Council kellie.bradburn-sims@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 

Member’s drop-in event held in Appleby Library

Cllr Simpkins at the Appleby Horse Fair drop in event held at in the town's library

Local residents attended a member’s drop-in event at Appleby Library on Saturday 9 March to discuss how the Multi-Agency Strategic Co-coordinating Group (MASCG) can improve its response to the annual Horse Fair, held in the town.

Appleby residents met with the Westmorland and Furness Council member for Appleby and Brough, Cllr Graham Simpkins, highlighting a number of issues related to the multi-agency response to the fair, providing feedback about what has worked well in the past and what could be improved going forward.

The drop-in was the third held in Appleby since autumn, last year, with another event planned for 10 April between 3pm and 5pm.

In addition to providing residents with an opportunity to discuss the Horse Fair at drop-in events, representatives from the MASCG have also been attending local Parish and Town Council meetings to hear feedback and provide answers to members of the public and locally elected representatives.

Cllr Simpkins said, “The drop-in events are a great opportunity for us to hear direct feedback from residents in Appleby and the surrounding area. It’s really important that we listen to their experiences and ideas for how the MASCG can improve its response to the Horse Fair. 

“Saturday’s drop-in certainly provided some constructive ideas that will be reported back to the MASCG for the group to action, in consultation with local residents. 

“It’s been a really useful listening and learning opportunity for the council and the other agencies responsible for ensuring the Fair is as safe and enjoyable as possible for residents and visitors, alike.”

Cllr Simpkins will be available to talk to residents at Appleby Library on 10 April between 3pm and 5pm. This is a drop-in session and no pre-booking is required. 

If you are unable to attend the drop-in session and would like to discuss any matters relating to Appleby Horse Fair, please contact Westmorland and Furness Council’s Community Development Officer, Kellie Bradburn-Sims at kellie.bradburn-sims@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk