Pat Almond was a resident of West Ayton and long-standing member of the Parish Council, who sadly passed away in December 2012 after a long illness.
A highly-respected member of the community, for 32 years she was a much loved teacher in many local schools and ran creative writing courses throughout the area as well as being musical director of Ayton Ladies’ Choir. She touched the hearts and souls of those she taught and with whom she worked. Pat was a fervent supporter of the library and would have been fully involved with ensuring its continuation and future.
In 2013 Derwent Valley BRIDGE Library was asked by West Ayton Parish Council to provide a lasting memorial for Pat and the Trustees decided to stage an annual literary event for which West Ayton Parish Council would give £100 in perpetuity towards costs.
A small committee organises this special evening at Ayton Village Hall and past speakers have included the two well-known Yorkshire authors, Mike Pannett and Gervaise Phinn. In 2023, we were thoroughly entertained by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage who shared his poetry, wit and wisdom with a sold out audience. In 2024, dress historian and author, Lucy Adlington uncovered the stories clothes tell and the memories they hold. of with her talk on Tracing Lost Lives: The Hidden History of Textiles.
Praise for Pat Almond Memorial ‘Lecture’ 2023, Simon Armitage:
“Poetry isn’t everyone in West & East Ayton’s cup of tea but you might have thought it was last night. The UK’s poet laureate, Simon Armitage, played to a full house, reading a selection of his most recent poems and doing an informative Q and A with the audience. He was spot on with his timing, giving us the benefit of 75 minutes of insight and wit and topping it all with a signing session courtesy of Whitby bookshop. The only problem left with the library (who organise the annual Pat Almond ‘lecture’ ) is how on earth do they top that next year?”
West Ayton Life, October 2023
Pat Almond Memorial Lecture 2024 – Lucy Adlington
This year’s Pat Almond Memorial event will take place on Saturday 13th September 2025 at 7pm and will take the form of a concert. The Saltburn Smugglers are a modern shanty group from Saltburn-by-the-Sea, writing new songs and rearranging timeless classics, reflecting the rich maritime heritage of North Yorkshire and Teesside. Come to Ayton Village Hall for seaside music and entertainment.
To find out more about The Saltburn Smugglers (including videos of their songs) go to https://saltburnsmugglers.co.uk/.
Tickets are £15 and are on sale now in the library during normal opening hours.
If you would like to volunteer to be part of the Pat Almond Memorial Lecture committee, please do get in touch.