Churches across the Harrogate district get creative with innovative Easter Sunday services

Churches across the district held virtual Easter Sunday services this morning to ensure that the key day in the Christian calendar could still be shared by parishioners and other viewers, in their own homes.

Ripon cathedral has been streaming services daily. Over the last month, 10,000 people have tuned in to the youtube broadcasts.

The Dean of Ripon, The Very Reverend John Dobson, held a live youtube broadcast this morning so people could still connect on this special day. He told the Stray Ferret:

“The wonderful thing is that we are finding daily more people are joining us in this time of need. I think there is little doubt that we will continue to stream services regularly when we are worshipping once again in the cathedral.

On this festal day, I wish everyone in the Harrogate district a very happy Easter at a time when we certainly need the hope that the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us.”

Ripon Cathedral

Reverend Darryl Christopher Hall, Vicar at The United Parish of Upper Nidderdale pre-recorded their Easter day communion from Gillfield Lead Mines, Greenhow. He told the Stray Ferret.

“In these unusual times we find ourselves connected but dispersed. We live in the cathedral of Gods creation and while churches are closed we are so lucky to have these landmarks to conduct our services.”

The service was posted on The United Parish of Upper Nidderdale Facebook page and on youtube so people were able to watch the service this morning.

Reverend Darryl Hall also rang the church bells at St Cuthbert’s Church, Pateley Bridge at 10:30 am this morning. The service was then broadcast on a loudspeaker so people in the village could come out into their gardens to listen.

Revd Darryl Hall, Service from Gillfield Mines, Greenhow.

 

 

Socially distant Easter Bunny hops around Harrogate

Easter is usually a time for meeting up with family and friends, taking part in Easter egg hunts and enjoying the outdoors. However, this year people are being told to stay at home and abide by government guidelines in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.

There has still been some ‘socially distanced’ entertainment for families in Harrogate, as Rascal the Easter Bunny has been dancing down the streets of Harrogate.

Melanie Vauvelle Don, who runs Rascals Entertainment in Harrogate, has organised the Bunny walks, which are taking place each day over the Easter Weekend. She said:

“It’s a family activity, Cameron my husband dresses up as Rascal, myself and my son Harrison pull along the jukebox… We use our one hour of exercise each day to go out and cheer up our neighbourhood. Everyone loves it, young and old!”

They have taken a different route each day, starting from their address in Hutton Gate and walking along nearby streets.

Monday will be the last walk and the route can be found on the Rascals Entertainment Facebook page.

Rascal the Easter Bunny

8,000 Easter eggs donated to children of key workers in Harrogate district.

Residents and businesses across the borough have donated 8,000 chocolate eggs and sweets to children, whose parents are working on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus this Easter.

The idea was started by a group called ‘Supplies for key workers in and around Harrogate.’ It was set up to help key workers get access to the supplies they need during coronavirus.

Fiona Ryan who runs the group told the Stray Ferret:

“Children of key workers are also emotionally affected, many having to temporarily live apart from their mum or dad who is on the frontline of this pandemic, so we wanted to try and make sure Easter was still special for them,”

Sweets for the ‘Key Worker Mini Hero’s.’

They have delivered the packages to the hospital, police force, care homes, schools, GP surgeries, pharmacies, community midwives and district nurses across the borough, so parents had one less thing to think about over Easter.

“Some parents have said they wouldn’t of had time to go out and get Easter Eggs for their children which has made them quite sad, but they are so humble and commited to their jobs.”

People from the district have been posting pictures of their children on social media with their Easter treat using the caption ‘I’m a key worker mini hero.’

Maddie and Max Deely from Harrogate. Mum, Sophie Deely is a pharmacy dispenser.

 

North Yorkshire Police repeat call to stay at home this Easter

Easter weekend usually marks the start of a very busy summer season across the district, but officers are stressing that making unnecessary journeys could literally mean the difference between life and death.

Police have already stepped up patrols in Harrogate after they’ve seen an increase in the number of people visiting the town and flouting the coronavirus lockdown rules.

Harrogate’s Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Penny Taylor of North Yorkshire Police said:

“Whilst we know the majority of people in the town are doing the right thing and staying at home, despite the beautiful weather, it is unacceptable that some people are showing such a blatant disregard for the Government’s guidance.

North Yorkshire Police said it was disappointing and meant the force would be stepping up patrols elsewhere in the area, so increased police presence should be expected over the Easter weekend.

Guidelines state people should stay at home except to buy food or medicines, or go to work.

Richard Flinton, chair of the multi-agency North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum and chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“The next few weeks are critical in the nation’s fight to slow the rate of infection of this very dangerous virus.  We all have our part to play and what we do now will have a bearing on whether more people die or whether lives are spared. If we act irresponsibly more people will die.  The instruction is to exercise from your doorstep once a day and not to travel to other places for this.”

North Yorkshire Police’s Traffic Bureaus are also urging drivers not to use the county’s roads as a racetrack, having recorded speeds of up to 132mph over the past two weeks. Police patrols and safety camera vans, which are operated by key-worker police staff rather than officers, have been used at key locations to try to prevent further casualties and protect valuable emergency service and NHS resources.

 

 

 

Rainbow pictures springing up across the Harrogate district

Handmade rainbows are appearing in windows all over the Harrogate district as the community aims to spread a little happiness in uncertain times.

Many of the posters have been drawn or painted by children, while other messages of support for the NHS have also appeared in various locations.

The isolation art appearing in house windows has often been accompanied by messages to stay home, stay safe and stay positive.

With schools closed and the UK in lockdown, “chase the rainbow” is a way for children to connect with each other from a distance.

 

 

Harrogate’s NHS Nightingale hospital lit up blue in special ‘Clap for our Carers’

Harrogate’s Convention Centre turned blue tonight as it took part in a special ‘Clap for Carers’ ahead of its opening.

NHS Teams, emergency services and construction workers stood outside the front of the centre itself to join in with the applause. There was a real sense of community support as residents clapped from nearby gardens, balconies and doorways.

Yorkshire Lighting and Electrical Services, which is based in Harrogate, has installed 20 blue lights around the front of the building. Views For Fun also based in Harrogate donated blue fairy lights for the 12 trees that line the Kings Road beside the centre.

 

 

 

Watch: Dancing in the street has boosted community spirit in Harrogate

Music is lifting residents’ spirits on Mount Gardens during the coronavirus lockdown.

Derry Jones normally plays the piano at Bettys but has recently performed for the street with his wife Jovita.

Anne and Barry Good’s weekly dance classes have been cancelled but this has been the perfect opportunity to keep moving.

North Yorkshire Police clock ‘frankly ridiculous’ speeds of up to 132mph

North Yorkshire Police have repeated it’s warning to motorists to stick to the rules of the road after a driver on the A168, which is a major road that runs from Northallerton to Wetherby, was recorded driving at 132mph earlier this week.

It comes after the force announced a dangerous rise in highly-excessive speeds as roads get quieter.

Andy Tooke, of North Yorkshire Police’s Traffic Bureau, said:

“Some of the speeds we have recorded are frankly ridiculous, especially at a time when people have been asked to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.It’s unbelievable that some motorists are behaving in a way that puts more lives in danger at a time when NHS and emergency service resources are so vital.”

Details of the vehicle were circulated to other units and a driver was stopped by officers from a neighbouring police force a short time later.

The speed limit on the stretch of the A168 that the safety camera operator was monitoring is 70mph

“We will not tolerate North Yorkshire being used as a race track, and we are continuing to target those who put lives at risk by driving illegally.”

In the last few days, North Yorkshire Police has also recorded speeds of 117mph and several at close to 100mph.

 

 

 

Midwives reassure expectant mums in the Harrogate district

The coronavirus crisis has thrown many pregnant women’s birth plans up in the air, causing anxiety and uncertainty in the weeks leading up to their birth. Local registered midwives have offered some calming words of advice.

Leannah Gregory-James experienced the strange circumstances first hand when she gave birth to her first son Alfie at Harrogate Hospital on Sunday. She told The Stray Ferret she was ‘heartbroken’ when her partner wasn’t allowed to stay with her during labour and that she found the experience ‘very difficult’ despite the midwives doing their ‘absolute best’. Leannah explained her story in an emotional video which she sent to The Stray Ferret and was widely shared on social media.

Leannah Gregory-James gave birth to her first baby, Alfie Gregory-James, in Harrogate Hospital on Sunday

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has been reviewing It’s policies on visitors and birthing partners in light of the spread of Covid 19 and confirmed how the rules currently stand:

The hospital said the Pannal ward or delivery suite was not understaffed at the time Leannah gave birth. Alison Pedlingham, Head of Midwifery at Harrogate Hospital made a personal statement to inform parents of the situation:

As you can appreciate, we are all living in challenging times and I wanted to reassure you of the following that is specific to maternity services at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust:

  • That we remain committed to providing the highest standard of maternity care to you and your family despite the challenges presented by the current situation. This means that we are having to make some changes to the way we are working, but this is with your safety at our heart and also the safety our all our staff
  • That we do have a plan to manage COVID-19 and we are receiving regular information and recommendations from the professional bodies; Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Midwives as well as other national groups
  • That midwives in the department are only working in maternity services and not being asked to support other wards or departments in the organisation. This means that we can continue to support you throughout your pregnancy and birth experience.
  • That we continue to have senior medical cover/support 24 hours a day.

The decisions we have to make are difficult ones but we are aiming to protect women and their families as well as the staff providing care to them.

The Stray Ferret spoke to Val Readman, pictured, who is a retired midwife turned hypnobirthing teacher. She told The Stray Ferret that women should try to find out what specific arrangements their maternity ward have in place.:

“Remember, if mum is calm and well, baby is calm and well. Carry on with normal routines in the home, eat well, drink plenty of water and have a short rest during the day. Keep In touch with friends and family by phone, facetime etc. If a mum is well and all aspects of her pregnancy have been normal she should stay at home with her birth partner as long as possible when she goes into labour. There is research that suggests that women labour quicker and easier in their own environment.”

Stay connected

Meanwhile, Annie Robinson, a registered midwife who runs Blooming Babies antenatal and postnatal classes in Harrogate, said there are ways to keep the pregnancy and birthing experience as positive as possible. She is continuing to teach mums essential skills and help them to build a network of supportive friends via online classes.

She said: “It’s important to stay connected with your health providers as this will reduce confusion and anxieties, and provide realistic expectations of your care. Today I held a Zoom virtual meet up for Blooming Babies Aquanatal mums-to-be, providing support as a registered midwife, but also to provide some social interaction between the mums.
“One of the mums, who was 38 weeks pregnant, had to change her birth plan due to the current situation. We discussed this and how she still had time to prepare for a different birth experience. We also talked about trying to relax, with relaxing music and practising breathing techniques.”
The birth itself is not the only aspect of parenthood which has changed. Val Readman also said that going home from the hospital it can be a very daunting experience. With the recommendation to isolate for 12 weeks, this means family and friends are unable to come and meet your newborn and midwife visits are also reduced. She said:
“It is hard not to be able to have visitors, but with technology they can easily keep in touch with friends and relatives on a regular basis and maintain a good support network. The first few weeks with a new baby is a very special time and couples should work together to enjoy it, getting as much rest as possible, and mum should sleep during the day when baby is sleeping.”
Harrogate first time Mum tells us it ‘wasn’t easy’ giving birth during the coronavirus pandemic.

Leannah Gregory-James gave birth to her first son Alfie at Harrogate Hospital on Sunday evening. However, due to Coronavirus, her partner was not allowed to stay with her during labour, he was only able to come Into the delivery suite for 30 minutes whilst she gave birth. Leannah told the Stray Ferret ‘ I was already really nervous, but when I got there and they said Ben wouldn’t be allowed onto the ward, I was heartbroken… The midwives were amazing but it’s just not the same as having your family with you.’