Courthouse manager to leave for new challenge (From Wharfedale Observer)

Courthouse manager to leave for new challenge

9:25am Thursday 13th September 2012 in Local news

Otley Courthouse’s centre manager is leaving to take up a new challenge after a “fantastic” two-and-a-half years in charge.

Robbie Swale took over the arts centre’s key managerial role in February 2010, when he replaced Fiona Drake, and says he has loved every minute of it.

But Robbie will leave the Courthouse in mid-October to begin a new post with the Northallerton Forum, a formerly council-run centre and venue recently taken over by a community group.

He said: “It’s been a fantastic two-and-a-half years here.

“The Courthouse is an absolutely fantastic place to work, and I will miss it and everyone here an awful lot.

“I grew up in and around Settle and Skipton, and I often think what a difference having somewhere like the Courthouse makes to a town like this. Otley is really lucky to have such a special place, and such a special organisation, and I feel very lucky to have had such a great time here.”

The Courthouse’s Board of Trustees has already begun recruiting for a replacement, with full details about the role – applications for which will close on Wednesday – posted up on its otley-courthouse.org.uk website.

The venue has held some of its most successful ever events during the past few years, including folk evenings with internationally-acclaimed artists like Phil Beer, to a double sell-out show from comedian Mark Steel this summer.

Used by many of the town’s groups and organisations for both regular meetings and special events, the Courthouse now self-generates more than 90 per cent of its income.