Arnold Warneken, husband, father and grandfather, has lived and worked in Harrogate for many years. He attended primary and secondary schools in Bilton, and after returning from university in Leeds, he worked supporting Bilton Conservation Trust, securing the future of Nidd Gorge and campaigned for HALT. In 1990 Arnold was elected as the first Green onto Harrogate Council and became Chair of the Area Planning 2, Town Twinning and Environmental Health Committees. He was also the District Council representative on the Selby Police Liaison committee.
Now semi-retired, Arnold is still a partner in an organic horticulture & food distribution business. He is also involved in other local companies, including sustainable firewood and organic dog food. These businesses have won numerous awards, such as 1st in Harrogate BAFTER, 2nd in BBC Food Awards, Rick Stein Food Hero, Ethical Award & more.
Arnold also puts time aside to be the Chair of Tockwith Festivals, Chair of Springbank Surgery Patient Group, and a Harrogate Health Authority Clinical Commissioning Group member. Earlier this year, he was asked to join Harrogate Climate Coalition (set up by Harrogate District Council), with the brief of Food & Agriculture.
At the start of the COVID pandemic, Arnold organised 20 volunteers, delivering prescription medicines to patients from the local GP practice. Additionally, he set up a community allotment based on his smallholding, allowing local families to grow food in a supportive but socially distanced space.
Much of the work Arnold has done has led him to have extensive TV, radio and press experience on green issues. Plus, working with local councils and committees, he is an experienced negotiator, meeting-chair, mediator, team-builder, and running his own business for over 30 years. Arnold has also raised £30000 for specialist medical equipment for his local GP practice.
“Finally I have a reputation as someone who listens, representing residents and takes action."
