The Stray Ferret

The Stray Ferret is a trusted news service, providing quality local journalism across Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon , Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham. 

We work hard to be a reliable source of news, fact checking for accuracy and giving local people as much information as we can. 

We’re committed to holding power to account, being first for breaking news and providing in-depth, investigative reports that dig deeper into local issues. 

We’re also passionate about championing everything that makes this area so fantastic, celebrating the achievements of individuals and businesses, and highlighting upcoming events.

The team at The Stray Ferret is committed to core journalistic principles of accuracy, fairness, independence and impartiality. We are externally regulated by IMPRESS and have a robust complaints procedure.  

Producing quality local news costs time and money.  In July 2024 we moved to become a subscription publication with local advertising. We can only survive if people value what we do. Click here to subscribe and support quality local journalism.  We are very grateful to all the local people who have already subscribed, thank you. 

The Stray Ferret is jointly owned by director, Tamsin O'Brien who has editorial control and Chris Bentley of Hornbeam Park Developments Ltd who has no editorial involvement. 

The Stray Ferret Team

  • Tamsin O'Brien

    Director

    Tamsin worked for BBC News for 20 years, and was previously the head of BBC Yorkshire and the North West of England. During her career, she covered major events such as the Hillsborough Tragedy, the 7/7 Bombings and the trial of Harold Shipman. Tamsin has been a long-term resident of North Yorkshire, having lived in the Harrogate area for the past 18 years.

  • John Plummer

    Editor

    Since he first started his career as a journalist at the Wisbech Standard in 1989, John has contributed as a writer and editor to numerous publications, including The Times and Third Sector. As title editor of The Stray Ferret and a long-term Killinghall resident, he has a unique insight into which stories matter most to the area. john@thestrayferret.co.uk

  • Calvin Robinson

    Chief Reporter

    As one of the BBC’s first Local Democracy Reporters in Lincolnshire, Calvin’s forensic knowledge of local government and the public sector is reflected in his in-depth investigative reporting. Used to combing through vast amounts of information to hold power to account, he’s a meticulous and data-driven journalist. calvin@thestrayferret.co.uk

  • Tim Flanagan

    Senior Journalist Ripon

    Tim Flanagan is an experienced journalist and communications professional, who lives in Ripon. He was employed by the Ackrill Newspapers Group from 1977 until 1988 and in that time became chief reporter for the Harrogate Advertiser. Tim has huge knowledge about the history of the district and is our person in Ripon. tim@thestrayferret.co.uk

  • John Grainger

    Senior Journalist

    John has an extensive knowledge of the region which is highly useful when it comes to providing a platform for communities to have their voices heard. With a passion for human interest, farming and environmental stories, he’s also a keen proponent of digging deep and following every lead to provide accurate, detailed and trusted information. grainger@thestrayferret.co.uk

  • Flora Grafton

    Journalist

    Flora is an invaluable member of The Stray Ferret news team, and a tenacious truth seeker when it comes to uncovering local news that matters the most to readers. Whether it’s being first on the scene to bring attention to breaking news, or dedicating herself to longer-form features, she has a keen instinct for what makes a story important. flora@thestrayferret.co.uk

  • Robert Caulfield

    Journalist

    The newest member of the Stray Ferret team, Robert has extensive knowledge and experience in local sport. Based in the Harrogate town centre, he plays and watches sport locally on the weekends. With a passion for all things sport and a keen eye for interesting news, Robert is committed to bringing you the sport stories that matter.

Commercial Team

  • Emma Harris

    Commercial Manager

    Emma joined The Stray Ferret in 2020 to offer her marketing knowledge on a temporary basis and luckily never left, becoming the invaluable head of commercial shortly thereafter. She is an expert in understanding audiences and leading digital marketing campaigns, getting organisations noticed across all channels and providing clients with a clear ROI. emma@thestrayferret.co.uk

  • Francesca Lee-Rogers

    Senior Lifestyle Writer

    Francesca started her career in journalism in 2010 at Time Out. She then went onto work for County Wedding Magazines where she worked her way up to Editor, before becoming Managing Editor of five monthly luxury London lifestyle magazines for five years. After a stint of being freelance, she is now happy to be back in-house and enjoys writing about everything from going out to hidden gems.

    Francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

  • Roseanna Weemes

    Business Support Manager