Hectic and complicated is how the new bookings secretary of the Village Hall, Emma Gough, describes her first few weeks since taking over the role.

Recently replacing the previous long standing secretary, Lesley Shervington, Emma says it has certainly been an interesting time, learning how to juggle and move everything around to fit in with the BBC filming crew that has been in residence at the hall since March. “It will get much easier I am sure” laughs Emma.

Emma has, with her husband Simon, lived in the village for nine years. Her elder son is 21 while her younger daughter, 12, is in her first year at Ripon Grammar School. Her two other children, are almost 19 and almost 17.

She took on the role, she says, to get to know more people in the village, although, having been both chair and vIce-chair of the Friends of Bishop Monkton School, there are probably many villagers who already know her quite well. She also likes getting involved with activities and organisations within the village and has, she comments “happily volunteered all my life”. Before she moved to the village she was a Governor of St. Peter's Primary School in Harrogate.

Her hobbies centre around animals, particularly horses which are kept company by three dogs, guinea pigs and hamsters. She can often be seen riding around the village on one of her three horses. She is a member of Northallerton Riding Club and is a keen competitor enjoying one day events that include dressage, showjumping and cross country.

And when Emma is on holiday her role will be ably filled by Cerys Gill, herself well known in the village, particularly for her expertise with flowers and wreath making.

Phil Goodier, chairman of the Village Hall Committee, said “Firstly, I would like to thank Lesley Shervington on behalf of everyone who uses the hall for her dedication to this role over many years. She has been a “friendly face” to hall users and her support has helped the high level of usage we get for the hall. Secondly, a big welcome to Emma (and her back up Cerys) who has kindly volunteered to give up her time to take the role on. It’s been a bit of a baptism of fire with all the changes due to the BBC filming, but Emma has handled this really well. We’re delighted to have Emma on the team.”