Calvin Robinson Chief Reporter, Author at The Stray Ferret

Council to press ahead with Nidderdale Children’s Centre closure

North Yorkshire Council looks set to press ahead with the close of a children’s centre in Pateley Bridge.

The authority has proposed to close five centres across the county as part of cost cutting measures.

Among them is Nidderdale Children’s Centre, which is based at St Cuthbert’s Church of England Primary School in Pateley Bridge.

The council has recommended consulting on closure of the facility, which it says has not reopened since the covid pandemic.

Instead, officials have proposed giving the space back to the school in a bid to save the authority £13,400 a year.

Council officials launched a consultation back in March over the planned closure.

In a report due before the authority’s executive next week, the council said just one response was received in relation to the Pateley Bridge facility.

The respondent did not agree with the closure and cited “lack of resources within the locality, requesting that the centre be retained for the development of groups to support children and their families”.

In response, council officials said:

“As evidenced in the report to exec member dated 7 March 2023 there was very little use of the building therefore it would not be financially viable to reopen this building.

“Within the Nidderdale locality there are currently several groups that provide support for children and their families.”

The centre opened in September 2010 as a designated children’s centre. It was backed by £590,715 worth of Sure Start funding from the Department for Education.

The council said it does not anticipate that the government will request any of the money back.

Centres in Eastfield, South Craven, Kirbymoorside and Wensleydale will also be considered for closure.

Senior councillors will consider the proposal at a meeting on June 20.

Business Breakfast: Ripon meat retailer appoints new chief executive

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is lunch at Manahatta, on June 29th at 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Farmison & Co has appointed a new chief executive.

The online butcher, which was recently bought out by a consortium led by former Asda CEO Andy Clark, has recruited Andy Adcock to take up the position.

Mr Adcock is a former managing director at M&S and has spent 20 years in the food trade.

Mr Clark, executive chairman at Farmison, said:

“I’d like to welcome Andy to the Farmison team – I’ve every confidence he’ll bring even more momentum as we build a sustainable future for our business.”

The appointment comes as the meat retailer has also announced a partnership with delivery service Gopuff.

It means products including bacon, sausages chicken and steaks, will be available for 15 minute delivery in Gopuff’s London delivery area.

New partner at Harrogate’s solicitors

Harrogate solicitors Raworths has announced it has appointed a new partner.

Rachel Mainwaring-Taylor will join the firm’s trusts, wills and estates team as part of a strategic growth plan at the company.

Rachel Mainwaring-Taylor. Picture: Raworths

Rachel joins the firm from London-based Farrer & Co, where she advised individuals, families and trustees on issues including succession, wealth structuring and governance.

Rachel Tunnicliffe, senior partner and head of private client services at Raworths, said;

“We are absolutely delighted to have attracted someone of Rachel’s calibre, contributing further to the strategic growth of our specialist teams across the firm.

“As families become more international, Rachel’s cross-border experience will be a particularly valuable addition to the support which we already offer to our clients.”

Two men appear in court charged with wounding man in Harrogate

Two men have appeared in court charged with wounding a man in Harrogate.

Adam Fogarty-Walker, 18, of Ash Grove, Bradford, and Joshua Dane Rider, 18, of Fairfield Terrace, Leeds, appeared at York Magistrates Court yesterday.

Both were charged with maliciously wounding a man in Dragon Road car park on Thursday, June 8.

A third man was initially charged by police in connection with the incident, but charges were later dropped.

Fogarty-Walker and Rider were also charged with carrying a kitchen knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority.

Meanwhile, Rider also faced two charges of having in his possession two wraps of diamorphine and 28 wraps of cocaine with intent to supply.

The cases were referred to York Crown Court where the three men were ordered to appear on July 10, 2023.

Man admits causing death of woman in car crash near Ripon

A man has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a 20-year-old woman by dangerous driving in Ripon.

Harry Elliott, 25, appeared before York Crown Court yesterday after his Audi RS3 crashed into a tree on the B6265 near Grantley Hall in the early hours of December 6, 2019.

Naomi Buckle, who was from Catterick Garrison and was a passenger in the car, died as a result of the crash.

Elliott, of Richmond in North Yorkshire, who initially denied causing death by dangerous driving at a hearing in August 2022, was due to stand trial yesterday.

However, he changed his plea to guilty in court.

He will be sentenced on July 24.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate directors shortlisted for industry awards

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is lunch at Manahatta, on June 29th at 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Two local directors have been named on shortlist for the Institute of Director’s awards.

Astrid Wynne and Rich Kenny, both of Harrogate firm Interact DC Limited, have made the shortlist in two separate categories.

The Institute of Directors 2023 director of the year awards will be held on September 29 and includes nine categories.

Ms Wynne, who is head of partnerships at Interact, has been named in the sustainability category while Mr Kenny, managing director, is up for innovation.

Jon Geldart, director general of the IoD, said:

“Britain’s directors have had to dig deep over the past few years to overcome business conditions which continue to prove challenging.

“These awards are about people, not profits, and celebrating those who celebrate others. It is therefore particularly pleasing to be able to bring together all our finalists to share and celebrate the achievements of innovative directors across the country, for their businesses, the environment and the communities within which they work and live.”

Free business workshop in Harrogate

A free business networking session will take place in Harrogate on Friday.

ActionCOACH Harrogate is hosting a ‘better business’ masterclass at Roosters Brewery at Hornbeam Park from 9.30am.

The session will focus on business coaching and will include tips on marketing concepts, sales promotion and profit building systems.

For more information on the networking session, visit the Eventbrite page here.

Appeal after golf clubs stolen from car parked at Harrogate guest house

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses after a car was broken into at a Harrogate guest house.

Officers say a golf equipment was stolen from a Volkswagen Polo which was parked at the Camberley Guest House on King’s Road between 5.30pm on Thursday, 8 June, and 7.30am on Friday, 9 June.

In a statement, North Yorkshire Police said some John Letters golf clubs and a Callaway driver were stolen.

Police said:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to email Neel.Seth@northyorkshire.police.uk.

“You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask to speak to PC 1442 Seth.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12230104724.”

Knaresborough housebuilder up for sale as operations paused

Bosses at Knaresborough-based Ilke Homes are “exploring a sale” of the company as hundreds of staff are sent home.

The company said in a statement today it required additional funding to fulfil a £1 billion order book and to protect jobs.

The firm added new investment was needed to build 4,200 homes.

It added it was looking to sell the firm at a time when “volatile macro-economic conditions and issues with the planning system complicate fundraising and housing delivery”.

The Stray Ferret reported on Friday that several hundred staff at its Flaxby factory close to the A1(M) were told not to come into work until further notice.

They have reportedly been told they will be paid, and will be called back in when the company finds an investor. Managers will continue to work in the 250,000 sq ft factory this week.

The company said in its statement that it operations had been paused “while a strategic review is ongoing”.

It added:

“In 2020, Ilke Homes launched its turnkey development offering, where the company acquires land, secures planning permission and develops the site. This has been complicated by uncertainty over planning policy and rising build costs.

“While having delivered strong contribution margins, Ilke Homes now requires new investment to meet overheads, achieve further scale and become cash flow positive.

“The wider UK housing market has been hit by rapidly rising interest rates, which has reduced demand and resulted in housing starts falling below pre-pandemic levels.

“Official government figures have also revealed that planning applications in England have fallen to their lowest level in at least 16 years, thanks to uncertainty over planning policy and heightened build costs, highlighting the scale of the challenge in improving housing delivery.”

Ilke Homes specialises in building modular homes.

The company builds the homes at its factory on Flaxby Moor Industrial Estate near Knaresborough. The homes are then delivered across the UK.

Plan to convert former Ripon dentist into flat

A plan has been lodged to convert a former dentist in Ripon into a flat.

The proposal, which has been lodged by Wilkinsons Properties Ltd, would see the former W&B Dental practice converted.

The dentists was formerly based at 12 High Skellgate in the city.

The practice has since moved to Phoenix Business Centre.

Under the plans, the first floor property would be converted into a one-bedroom flat and be accessed from High Skellgate.

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

Business Breakfast: Consultants appointed to £14m Knaresborough housing scheme

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is lunch at Manahatta, on June 29th at 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A company has been appointed as consultants to a £14 million Knaresborough housing scheme.

Summers-Inman, which is based in Leeds, has won the contract by Yorkshire Housing to provide employer’s agent and cost consultancy services to the project.

The 64-home scheme is being built in partnership with Countryside Partnerships on the former Trelleborg factory site.

Work started on site in January this year and if all goes according to plan, the scheme will complete in October 2024.

David Blakey, Summers-Inman director and specialist housing lead, said:

“We are delighted with these appointments, many of which promise well for future work. It is a very active sector at a time when the need for affordable housing has never been more keenly felt and we are pleased to be working with Yorkshire Housing and Countryside Partnerships to be able to bring these houses to market.

“The existing Trelleborg factory was demolished some time ago and the new scheme is designed to create a community feel where residents will be proud to call home.”

Pictured above: (From left) Stuart La-Ffin of Countrywide Projects, David Blakey of Summers-Inman, Dave Bunko, site Manager at Countryside Partnerships and Christine Uren, development project assistant at Yorkshire Housing.

Harrogate Town announces new shirt sponsor

Harrogate Town has announced a new shirt sponsor for the 2023/24 season.

Tockwith company Oak By Design will feature on the back of the club’s shirts worn by the first team, women’s team and U18s academy.

The sponsorship will include home, third kit and goalkeeper kit.

Harrogate Town has announced Oak By Design as its new shirt sponsor.

Jo Towler, commercial director at Harrogate Town, said:

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Oak By Design for their generous support and belief in our club.

“We look forward to showcasing our new kit, proudly displaying the Oak By Design logo, and embarking on a successful journey together.”

Jamie Winspear of Oak By Design added:

“We are delighted to be a part of such an amazing club that works extremely hard to lead the way in so many sectors. They support several charities and young children who love to play the game.

“The club is all about encouraging the family day for everyone to enjoy and be part of. We very much look forward to supporting Harrogate Town AFC, not just for this season but hopefully for many more seasons to come.”

How Brazilian jiu-jitsu changed Harrogate instructor’s life

Brazilian jiu-jitsu changed the life of Harrogate instructor Lewis Matthews.

The 33-year-old has been practising the martial art for 17 years and owns the Gracie Barra club at The Zone on Hornbeam Park.

Lewis is a black belt grade one in jiu-jitsu and has competed in the British Open, where he won a silver medal just last month and has an ambition to achieve gold.

To get to this point, Lewis has had to make choices in his life from work to family life.

Despite having a steady job in construction which took him around the country, he decided to settle in Harrogate to pursue his love of jiu-jitsu.

‘It was something to do’

Lewis grew up in the village of Scackelton, a small village in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire.

He started karate before he caught the jiu-jitsu bug after he went with his mum to Ampleforth College, where he was initially taking up swimming.

“It was something to do, really. I lived out in the sticks.

“My mum used to go this gym at Ampleforth College on a Friday. I used to go with her to go to the swimming and then there was a karate class on and I got signed up to that.”

To help himself get around, Lewis got a moped and began to go to the next village over to another karate class.

After finishing the session, he noticed more people turning up for another class – it was jiu-jitsu.

“I turned up, did the karate class and a couple of guys started piling in for this next class.

“I remember asking ‘what’s that?’ And they said ‘it’s jiu-jitsu’.”

Lewis (right) with coach and programme director, Jack.

Lewis was asked to stick around and join in the practice. From that moment, he started to take up the martial art as a hobby.

He left school and took up a joinery apprenticeship in Malton.

After completing his apprenticeship and a higher national certificate in construction at college, he took a career break and went travelling to South America.

At this point, he was a blue belt in jiu-jitsu – the first belt in the martial art – and he continued to practice and compete on his travels.

When he returned to the UK, he worked his way up to become construction manager at a firm in Leeds.

It was here that Lewis had a sliding doors moment.

‘I’ll leave my job before I leave jiu-jitsu’

After tendering a project for Bettys and Taylors at its factory in Starbeck, he allowed himself more time to commit himself to jiu-jitsu at the club in Harrogate – which was part time.

“That project allowed me to put the time in here on an evening.

“I was so close [to the club], I had never been so close before. I had always had to dot around to different clubs wherever I was working.

“But because I was two-and-a-half years in Harrogate, I was there every day and would come here on a night.”

Lewis demonstrating jiu-jitsu. Picture: Gracie Barra Harrogate.

After he finished working in Starbeck, his wife became pregnant.

At the same time, the club on Hornbeam Park, which Lewis founded with his friend Geoffrey Cumbus, had also grown while he was working on the project.

“It had become something that I was really passionate about. We had built a community with a lot people training.

“If I had continued to work for this company, I wouldn’t have been able to continue to do this.

“It was kind of a fork in the road. We’re going to have a family, so you can’t work all day and do jiu-jitsu all night anymore. Your next project might be an hours commute away. You won’t be able to get back to do all these classes that are two minutes from your current job.

“So, I handed my notice in.”

Lewis had already long been considering going full time at jiu-jitsu.

During the covid lockdowns, he was furloughed for eight-weeks and took time with his wife to consider what he wanted to do.

“We sat down in the garden and we wrote down what was most important to us if we were to do our perfect day.

“We wrote it down separately and told each other. It wasn’t having a massive expensive car and a flash holiday. It was time with each other, train jiu-jitsu, family and community. The things that we have already.

“I remember my wife saying at the time ‘you can’t continue to work two jobs and have a kid’. I looked at her and said ‘I’ll leave my job before I leave jiu-jitsu’. That’s when I decided to leave.”

Jiu-jitsu for everyone

The club on Hornbeam Park became affiliated with global martial arts organisation Gracie Barra in October 2017.

It forms part of a network of schools across the world offering the highest standard of BJJ instruction.

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy allows people to develop the martial art and earn belts as part of their development.

The belt grading is at the discretion of the jiu-jitsu professor – Lewis was awarded his black belt in December 2017.

Lewis took over the club fully after the covid pandemic and is now head instructor.

He takes pride in welcoming new people to the martial art.

“The good thing that we do here is that we teach people of all levels.

“You might get the 21-year-old who comes in. He goes to college and lives and breathes jiu-jitsu.

“Then you get the 40-year-old professional who has got two kids. He trains two nights a week and has got a mortgage, a wife, kids and a business to run.

“The 21-year-old might come in and kick his butt on the mat in a rolling session and think that he deserves to be a higher grade than him, but it’s all relative because their individual journeys are different.”

The club caters for all abilities and needs. It teaches self-defence, physical fitness but also offers a social element.

Techniques taught within BJJ focus not on striking, but on grappling and defending yourself, without the need to punch or kick someone.

But, for Lewis, jiu-jitsu is more than the martial art itself.

While he continues to compete in competitions, such as winning silver in the British Open last month in Coventry, and has ambitions beyond that – jiu-jitsu has always meant something more.

He said:

“It’s provided me with something through my life that’s kept me on a path all the time.

“We all have choices to make, don’t we? Every time we want to go for a beer, get drunk or buy that something that we don’t need.

“Jiu-jitsu has always been ‘you can do that or you can do this’. I want to do this more, so I’m not going to do that.

“It has kept me on a good path to where I am now.”

This is the fourth article in a series of Sporting Spotlight interviews. If you have any local sporting heroes who you think should be featured, contact calvin@thestrayferret.co.uk.

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