The Stray Ferret
The team of journalists in the Stray Ferret newsroom are trained and experienced. We have core journalistic principles of accuracy, fairness, independence and impartiality.
The Stray Ferret Ltd is a joint venture between Chris Bentley of Hornbeam Park Developments Ltd and Tamsin O’Brien, the Editor. Mr Bentley does not have an editorial role.
The Stray Ferret Journalists
Tamsin O’Brien
Tamsin worked for BBC News for 20 years. She was the former Head of BBC Yorkshire and the North West of England. As a radio and TV journalist and Editor she covered major events such as the Hillsborough Tragedy, the 7/7 Bombings and the trial of Harold Shipman. Tamsin has lived in the Harrogate area for the past 18 years.
John Plummer
Vicky Carr
Vicky is an award-winning journalist from Harrogate. She was chief reporter of the Harrogate Advertiser and worked on the series' titles for more than five years, during which time she was named NCTJ Reporter of the Year. Since 2012, Vicky has worked as a freelance writer for regional and national titles.
Tim Flanagan
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.
Calvin Robinson
Calvin is a senior reporter at The Stray Ferret who has spent the last four years covering local government in Lincolnshire. He started his career at the Scunthorpe and Grimsby Telegraphs, before going on to become one of the first BBC Local Democracy Reporters in Lincolnshire. Calvin has detailed knowledge of local government and the public sector.
Connor Creaghan
Connor Creaghan graduated from the University of Lincoln with a journalism degree in 2018. He worked as a journalist for the Stray Ferret for 2 years before taking on a commercial and content role. With his background in journalism and digital media Connor is an expert in being creative and getting the best outcomes for advertising clients.
Emma Harris
Emma Harris lives just outside Harrogate and has a background in marketing and administration. Emma’s strategic marketing approach is of real value to businesses wishing to promote themselves on the Stray Ferret channels. Emma is an expert in understanding audiences, digital marketing campaigns, getting organisations noticed across all channels and providing clients with a clear ROI.
Carolyn Castelow
Carolyn looks after the business administration for the Stray Ferret. Previously she worked for 8 years as Office Manager for a legal firm based in Harrogate. Before having her daughter, she worked in marketing within the IT Industry in the South of England. Carolyn coordinates the Stray Ferret Awards and organises pretty much all of us!
Nina Meads
Nina has been a journalist for more than 15 years, working as both a senior reporter and news editor at The Harrogate Advertiser series and Scarborough Evening News. She worked as a senior reporter at The Yorkshire Post, before being appointed as education correspondent, and has also worked as a freelance writer for regional and national titles. Nina covers a wide variety of topics – from food and drink, to home and garden, beauty and wellness and family and leisure.
