Harrogate garage invests £40k in electric car servicing to undercut main dealers

This article is sponsored by GT Service.

GT Service Centre has invested £40,000 to make its garage the best in Harrogate for electric car servicing. GT Service guarantees to beat any quote from a main dealer by 50%.

The garage has all of the same mechanical and technical systems as the main dealers of electric vehicles. With special antistatic flooring, ramps, tools and diagnostic machines, the team can fix and service any brand of electric car – including BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and Jaguar Landrover.

Because it’s a local independent company, it’s able to keep its overheads lower than car dealership workshops.

Owner Tom Askey explains why many people wrongly believe they need to go to their car manufacturer’s garage:

“Lots of the main dealers use scare tactics to get you to go to them, but under European Commission rules your warranty is protected with us because we use all of the same parts, oils and equipment.”

Tom is also one of the first fully qualified level 4 diagnostic technicians in Harrogate. RAC, AA and car brand technicians are typically only trained to level 3 – so with GT Service, you’re getting degree-level expertise.

Working on electric vehicles can be dangerous. Work should be done by a qualified electric vehicle technician. Even work on tyres, breaks and suspension should be done by a specialist, because of high voltages.

Tom says:

“Knowing how to safely disable the electric system and get into the inner workings of the motor, cables and internal batteries is crucial if something isn’t working correctly. But because the cables run throughout the bottom of the car, if you don’t know what you’re doing, something usually basic like a tyre change becomes a specialist job.”

GT Service aims to be ahead of the game and offer drivers a competitive service as the motoring world is revolutionised and we all swap to electric vehicles over the coming decades.

 

For a quote on your electric or hybrid vehicle, contact GT Service Centre on 01423 623 366.

How family holidays in Italy inspired spectacular pasta restaurant’s menu

This article is sponsored by Pranzo Italian.

Yorkshire chef Marco Greco’s fondest childhood memories are of family summer holidays in Calabria, Southern Italy.

From the age of 4, every morning, up in the mountains, he and his sister would stand on chairs to help his Grandmother, ‘Nonna’, make traditional hand rolled fresh pasta on a rickety table with a red checked tablecloth.

While they played at the beach, Nonna would make a fresh tomato sauce for lunch to go with the pasta.

It’s Marco’s love of traditional pasta – and these nostalgic memories – that inspired him to open Pranzo Italian in Ilkley and now Harrogate. It’s a modern restaurant specialising in pasta, handmade every morning.

“Pasta’s always been my thing. A lot of Italian restaurants in Harrogate do similar things, but I wanted to do my own thing which is a bit different.

“I really wanted to focus on the pleasures of having a nice big bowl of fresh pasta and a glass of red wine with your family.

“I have what I like to call a ‘modern pasta menu’. It’s a small menu, but it really puts fresh, homemade pasta front and centre.”

So what makes fresh, handmade pasta so much more superior?

“Fresh pasta has a unique texture and flavour, especially the kind of pasta we make in Calabria. The recipe we use is very simple, and doesn’t use egg, just flour and water. When you’re eating something that’s been made fresh that morning, there’s nothing better.”

After opening in Ilkley in 2018, Harrogate was always top of Marco’s list for another restaurant. He signed the lease for the Cold Bath Road site during the first lockdown, and Pranzo Harrogate opened in October last year.

Marco says he’s been “very lucky” to have amazing support from locals in the town. But with a menu as delicious as Pranzo’s, it’s not hard to see why.

Although there are only about a dozen items, it ticks every box – with creamy, meaty, seafood and veggie options. Arancini appetisers are made on site, with fillings ranging from mushroom, truffle and gorgonzola to crab with lemon aioli.

A favourite from the pasta menu is the Calabrian nduja spicy sausage pasta in white wine, spinach and cream – paired with bigoli pasta, a kind of thick spaghetti.

Seafood fans can sample the lobster ravioli, in a lobster and parsley sauce that offers a uniquely creamy and sweet flavour. From the dessert menu, the grappa tiramisu is not to be missed.

There’s also an extensive wine list from around the world, and a unique cocktail menu – the After Eight espresso martini is not to missed.

For Marco, it’s all about respecting the traditions and creating a family atmosphere:

“It all started with my Nonna, and now it’s what I do best, and it’s what I love. I learned a lot from my Nonna, and now I teach my son Antonio to make fresh pasta the same way. I just want everyone to share my love of fresh pasta – and make my Nonna proud”.

You can find Pranzo Italian on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road, or visit pranzoitalian.co.uk to book your table.

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, it’s the start of a new week, it’s set to be sunny, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed for smooth journeys across the district. There’s a list of road closures and temporary lights below (including some new ones), so that you can plan ahead.

Give me a call on 01423 276197 or get in touch on social media if you spot anything on the roads or are waiting for a delayed bus or train.

The morning blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

Roads

Otley Road is looking particularly busy as work has started on a new cycle route near Harlow Moor Road, more details on this here. Thanks to the Stray Ferret reader who sent us this video of the traffic backed up to the Prince of Wales Roundabout:

 

Traffic is also heavy in a number of other areas this morning:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8:30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is heavy in a number of areas this morning:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

There are some areas with some traffic delays:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7:30am – Full Update 

Roads

Things are looking relatively clear this morning, but there are some areas with some traffic delays:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear this morning, but there are a number of new road closures and temporary lights cropping up for the start of the week.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

6:30am – Full Update 

Roads

Road closures:

  • Leeds Road, outside Marks and Spencer – lane closure
  • Rossett Park Road – road closure, plus temporary lights on Leadhall Lane
  • Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – road closure
  • Chestnut Grove, the road rear of Chestnut Grove, and Birch Grove, Bilton – road closure
  • Whiteley Yard, Knaresborough, across from The Crown Inn – road closure
  • Lands Lane, Knaresborough – road closure
  • A1(M) northbound entry slip and southbound exit slip at Flaxby – closure
  • Copgrove Road, Burton Leonard – road closure
  • Luncarr Lane, Copt Henwick – road closure from 08:00
  • Queen Street, Ripon – road closure
  • B6265 Bishopton to Eavestone – road closure. Diversions through Ripon, Glasshouses and Ripley
  • Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure
  • Main Street to Tanfield Bridge, West Tanfield – road closure

Temporary lights:

  • Leadhall Lane in Rossett Green
  • Green Lane at the junction with Rossett Avenue
  • Otley Road around the junctions for Cold Bath Road and Harlow Moor Road
  • Wayside Crescent just off Wetherby Road, near Harrogate Town football ground
  • Hawthorne Avenue in Hookstone Chase
  • Station Bridge in the town centre
  • Parliament Terrace in central Harrogate, near Five Guys
  • Ripon Road near Co-op petrol station
  • Hollins Lane, Hampsthwaite
  • Fisher Street, Knaresborough
  • Thistle Hill, Knaresborough
  • Blands Hill, Knaresborough
  • Boroughbridge Road, near Scriven
  • A59 York Road, near the Station Road junction
  • Allerton Park Interchange, at the Flaxby junction of the A1(M)
  • Clotherholme Road, Bishopton near Ripon
  • Minster Road, Ripon, outside the cathedral

Trains

  • All services from Harrogate and Knaresborough are on schedule.
  • The 07:37 Knaresborough to Leeds train (picking up in Harrogate at 07:46) will have two coaches instead of four.

Buses

  • Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds.
Stray Pets Rescue Club: Olaf, Monty, Gracie & Georgia need a loving home

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, in desperate need of a loving home. Could Olaf the rabbit, Monty the dog, or mother-and-daughter cats Gracie and Georgia find their new family with you? 

Gracie & Georgia 


Age: 9 and 6

Gracie & Georgia’s story: This mother and daughter came to Harrogate Cat Rescue after their owner of three years, who adored them, suddenly passed away. Before this, they were abused by their previous owner, including being burnt and thrown – which left them both severely traumatised.

Temperament: Georgia suffered the most abuse, so might be a little wary at first. Her mum, Gracie, is very affectionate and loves being fussed and groomed.

Ideal home: This pair are looking for a home where they can be together and relax again. Both are indoor cats, and have no knowledge of being outside.

To find out more about Gracie and Georgia and how you can help, contact Celia at Harrogate Cat Rescue on 07749 461042

Monty


Age: 8 months

Monty’s story: Monty is a Romanian rescue dog. He came to Miss Mollie’s Rescue when he was six months old, and lived with a 10 year old girl who he loved. Sadly their circumstances changed and he was returned to the rescue.

Temperament: Monty is good around other dogs and children, is lovely to walk, and loves having cuddles.

Ideal home: Monty is already house trained. He has bowed front legs (often called ‘Queen Ann Legs’), so may need trips to the vet; Miss Mollie’s would help with the costs.

If Monty could become part of your family, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue. 

Olaf


Age: 3 years 8 months

Olaf’s story: Olaf came to the RSPCA after he sadly lost his girlfriend and his previous owners were unable to keep him. He’s missing both his girlfriend and his home.

Temperament: Olaf is a sweet boy, looking for a new girlfriend. He is neutered and will need to be re-homed where there is an existing female already. Olaf also loves treat time and being hand-fed.

Ideal home: An adult only household with space to go outside and explore would be perfect for Olaf. His hutch needs to be at least 6 foot, with an attached run of at least 8 foot.

If you could help Olaf find love again, get in touch with the RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch. 

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Stray Foodie review: Lunch at West Park

Stray Foodie reviews are brought to you by Deliveree, and written by Michelin-starred chef Frances Atkins. Frances independently chooses which restaurants she will visit. This month, she sampled the aged beef at West Park, but was disappointed. 

I have long since admired the position of West Park, overlooking the Stray but never eaten there, so this was a treat to cheer up a good friend.

On a sunny day this is a busy, vibrant area with pavement tables reminiscent of Parisienne café culture. With much investment, what was a downtrodden pub has now produced a sophisticated hotel, with a good vibe in-keeping with the local area.

The planning and operation of this establishment is exemplary considering the difficulties the industry has with the lack of staff. The Front of House service was faultless as we sat outside on a pavement table, albeit rather noisy.

This was lunchtime and one would assume that coffees and pastries had been enjoyed prior to lunch.

The menu 

Light bites, sandwiches and salads start from £9.00 for a fish butty consisting of a Black Sheep beer battered haddock, tartare sauce in a white or brown bloomer… not for the faint hearted! Or you could have an Indian spiced pulled chicken wrap with baby gem, mango chutney, cucumber and mint yoghurt, also for £9.00.

All sandwiches come with a dressed salad and chunky or skinny fries, or as an alternative there is a feta salad with roasted peppers and croutons, also for £9.00.

The light bites include haddock and leek gratin for £10.00, benedict ham, smoked salmon or spinach also £10.00, and other similar dishes.

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Grandly displayed in front of a very slick floral entrance is a more sophisticated menu with a choice of seven starters, including prawns, scallops, and confit of duck varying from £8.00 to £10.00 each.

As a main, there are variations of aged British beef ranging from £24 to £70. The £70 option is sirloin on the bone for two to share. Also available for a main course is a wagu burger, fish & chips, cod fillet, chicken & ham pie, sticky belly pork or a plum tomato & burrata tart, all priced between £15.00 and £20.00.

It was surprising to me that on this extensive menu, all the vegetarian dishes contained cheese.

Frances was disappointed with the aged beef

The verdict

We ordered a Mount St John courgette and Yorkshire fettle tart with ratatouille and parsley crisps. Sadly, the pastry on this dish was the best thing about it. All there seemed to be on the base was some tomato puree. The courgette was shrivelled and in desperate need of lubrication. Ratatouille contains courgette but it didn’t make another appearance, which was surprising as usually anything from Mount St John’s garden is of the highest quality.

If one boasts the quality of the ingredient on the menu, especially when it comes to rare breed aged beef, it needs to be amazing. However, the beef took 50 minutes to arrive after ordering, and we had declined a choice of sauces on the pretext that it would be well charred and full of its own natural juices. Sadly this was not to be.

Menus need to be written taking into consideration ingredient and staffing availability. In an establishment of this quality in these changing times, a humble plate of fresh, well executed food is much preferable to an overly ambitious menu that needs a lot of advanced preparation.

Stray Foodie reviews are written by Michelin-starred chef, Frances Atkins. In 1997, Frances opened the Yorke Arms near Pateley Bridge, where she was the owner for 20 years. During her ownership, she held her Michelin-star status for 16 of those years. Frances now runs Paradise Food at Daleside Nurseries, alongside fellow Michelin-starred chef Roger Olive and front of house manager John Tullett.  

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Happy Friday! Some areas of central Harrogate are looking busy this morning. I’ve included a list of road closures and temporary lights so you can avoid those areas that have been causing delays this week.

Give me a call on 01423 276197 or get in touch on social media if you spot anything on the roads or are waiting for a delayed bus or train.

The morning blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

Roads

There are a few areas looking on the busy side:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8:30am – Full Update 

Roads

There are a few areas where traffic is building up:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Some traffic hotspots are starting to appear now as more people are out and about on the roads:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7:30am – Full Update 

Roads

Ripon Road is starting to look slightly congested around the temporary lights near the Co-op petrol station, but things look smooth elsewhere around the district.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

Things are still moving along nicely this early in the morning. I’ll keep you updated until 9am as any traffic hotspots appear.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

6:30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear of traffic so far this morning, but I’ll bring you more updates as things change.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

 

Harry Gration is on the hunt for local community heroes

Do you know someone in the Harrogate district who has gone above and beyond to help others in the past 18 months?

Former BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration has teamed up with the Stray Ferret and Harrogate Spring Water to celebrate exceptional individuals in the Harrogate district and needs your nominations.

Harry said:

“For the last two years it’s been pretty miserable, but I’m very excited indeed to be looking for local heroes – the kind of person who’s been inspirational and made a big impact on many people’s lives.

“With the help of Harrogate Spring Water, we hope to find one person who is the best of the best, via a public vote.”

If you know someone who you think deserves to be recognised, you can nominate them on the Stray Ferret website here. It doesn’t have to be covid related; it could be someone who volunteers in their community, helps others through their work, or has made a big difference to another individual.

Read More: 

Nominations are open now on the Stray Ferret website.

Charlotte Holmes, External Communications & Community Engagement Manager from Harrogate Spring Water which sponsors the competition, said:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Harry Gration and the Stray Ferret to find your heroes from across the Harrogate District. In these unprecedented times we have seen so many examples of people’s kindness and support within our community and we are delighted to be working with Harry to give them the recognition they deserve.”

Six shortlisted heroes will then have the chance to talk to Harry about their lives and work on his brand new podcast series, Harry’s Heroes, which will launch on the Stray Ferret in November.

The winner will receive an unforgettable trip to a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London, with travel and refreshments included.

 

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, it’s Al bringing you all the updates on the roads and rail this morning. There is heavy traffic on the A658 between Follifoot and Calcutt, following an accident earlier this morning, with the traffic building on nearby Wetherby Road.

Give me a call on 01423 276197 or get in touch on social media if you spot anything on the roads or your bus or train is delayed.

The morning blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

Roads

The A658 is still very busy, with traffic also building past the showground on Wetherby Road.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8:30am – Full Update 

Roads

There are a number of areas looking busy this morning, especially around the A658.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Things are starting to get busier on the roads this morning.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7:30am – Full Update 

Roads

There is heavy traffic on Skipton Road on the approach to the roundabout with Knaresborough Road.

Traffic is also moving slowly near Follifoot, on the A658 up to the roundabout with Wetherby Road.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

There’s heavy traffic on the A658 from Calcutt to Follifoot due to a minor accident. Traffic is moving slowly.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

It’s still early so as you’d expect, the roads are pretty quiet. There are a few hotspots that have caused issues this week though, so do plan ahead.

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

Trains

Buses

International stamp experts head to Harrogate for centenary event

Stamp experts from around the world are to meet at Harrogate’s Crowne Plaza hotel this month.

Harrogate is hosting the Philatelic Congress of GB, an annual event that was first held in Manchester in 1909,

Philately is the collection, appreciation and study of postage stamps and the history of the postal system.

Leading philatelists from the UK, Sweden, Germany and Spain will take part in displays, discussions and expert talks from September 23 to 26.

Other international experts will follow the activities on zoom.

The event will mark a special Harrogate centenary.

In 1921, the town hosted the first signing of the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists — a large, decorative piece of parchment signed by the world’s leading philatelists.

The very first signature was that of King George V, who was known as the King of Philately. An invitation to sign the roll is regarded as the world’s pre-eminent philatelic honour.

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As well as the signing of the roll, the prestigious Association of British Philatelic Societies congress medal and awards of merit will be presented to recipients.

‘I’m definitely a nerd’

The event and the signing of the roll was cancelled last year due to covid so for Keith Burton, chair of the Harrogate Philatelic Society, it’s going to be even more special. He told the Stray Ferret:

“I’m slightly disappointed that covid has made life harder for us, and those who would have liked to come but for age or distance or health feel they can’t make the journey.

“I am proud that the congress is returning to Harrogate. I’m looking forward to meeting up with people again, because we haven’t done much of that recently. We don’t just talk about philatelic things, but it’s the social aspect as well.”

Mr Burton will give a presentation on local postcards at the event. For him, despite a love of philately, finding an old postcard is about more than just the stamp.

“When I get a postcard, I don’t just look at the picture and stamp. I look into the history of the people, like the messages on postcards from 1920s.

“For example when people have come to Harrogate for the cure, and they write that the weather is fine, I think ‘gosh, that’s nice for them!’ I’ll also look at where it was sent to and from.

“Philately can get into all these things or just into one or two, it’s a very individual thing. I’m definitely a nerd.”

Archbishop of York to give talk in Harrogate

The most senior Anglican in the north of England is to visit Harrogate this month.

The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell is giving a talk at St Mark’s Church on Saturday, September 25.

The talk is titled Travelling Well and will be a theological reflection on pilgrimage in Christianity. The archbishop has twice walked the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain.

It will be the first in a wider series of lectures arranged by the Harrogate School of Theology and Mission, which is an ecumenical association of Harrogate churches.

It was launched to develop theological and biblical training that is open to all.

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The programme has been running for about five years, but this will be the first live lecture since the start of covid. The talk will also be available on zoom.

Geoffrey Turner, a committee member of the Harrogate School of Theology and Mission, believes being able to hold sessions over the internet has been beneficial. He said:

“When covid came and we couldn’t do our live lectures, we thought we’d be shut down. Like the whole Christian church, we were saved by Zoom – the creator of Zoom really should be made a saint.

“It made us realise we can be more flexible, especially for big name speakers who might be based further away from Harrogate.

“But the fact we’re live, up and running again is really meaningful for us. The Archbishop of York visiting gets us off to a flying start, and we’re really looking forward to it.”

The programme includes live lectures, including Canon Dr Mark Powley on meeting God in worship, Rt Revd Toby Howarth on Yorkshire’s Christian and Muslim communities working together, and Dr Selina Stone on pneumatology, embodiment and justice.