A group helping women make new friends in Harrogate has celebrated its first birthday after growing to more than 1,500 members.
Harrogate Bee Social marked the occasion at the Coach & Horses on Friday, bringing together members, ambassadors and supporters.
Founded by Jane Gregory in September 2025, the group offers a welcoming way for women to meet people, try new activities and feel more connected to their community.
Women from their 20s through to their 70s take part in events ranging from coffee mornings and book clubs to creative workshops, walks, quizzes, dinners and nights out.
Jane said:
“I don't think I could ever have imagined where we'd be a year later. I started this because I wanted to meet people myself, and it turns out an awful lot of other women were looking for the same thing.
“We've now got over 1,500 members, but for me it isn't really about that number. It's the woman who comes to her first event on her own and then, a few months later, you see her walk into a room and immediately spot the friends she's made.
"That's when you realise what the community means.”
The group runs a monthly programme designed to suit different interests, ages and confidence levels, with face-to-face connection at its heart.
It has also developed relationships with venues and businesses across Harrogate, hosting events that encourage members to explore and support the town’s hospitality sector.
Jane said:
“One of the things I'm most proud of is how much Harrogate Bee Social has become part of the wider Harrogate community.
"We've worked with some fantastic local venues and businesses during our first year and had some wonderful support.
“We've also received some lovely recognition for what we're doing, which has been quite overwhelming at times, but ultimately HBS works because of the women who turn up.
"Our ambassadors give their time, our venues welcome us and our members are the ones who walk through the door and make someone new feel included.”
Plans for its second year include expanding the events programme, developing more local partnerships and introducing new ways for members to connect.
Jane said:
“Year one was about finding out whether there was a need for something like this. I think the women have answered that question for us!
“Year two is about building on it without losing what made it work in the first place. We want women to be able to walk into an HBS event on their own and know there'll be someone there to say hello, make room at the table and include them.
“That's what Harrogate Bee Social is really about and hopefully we'll be celebrating many more birthdays to come.”
More information is available on the Harrogate Bee Social website.
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