Residents in Knaresborough have spoken of how a coronation event was much needed for the town.
Hundreds flocked to Knaresborough House today to celebrate King Charles III being coronated.
The forecast showers stayed away as those in attendance witnessed His Majesty’s coronation and procession down the Mall.
For Clare Robinson and Emma Jenner, of Community Stars CIC, the event was much needed for family and friends in the town.
The pair hosted a bakery and sandwich stall at Knaresborough House.
Clare said:
“It’s started to pick up this afternoon. It’s just been a lovely family day for the town.”
Emma Jenner and Clare Robinson, of Community Stars CIC.
As the afternoon wore on, children started to take advantage of the craft and face painting stalls on offer.
A big screen in place at the event showed King Charles entering the Buckingham Palace balcony, which was met with plenty of flag waving and cheers.
Bob Godsell, activities chairman at Knaresborough Lions, said the event was reward for everything the town has been through over the past few years.
Bob, who hosted the bar at Knaresborough House, said:
“I’m glad that the weather has been better.
“This is good for the town, especially after the past few years that we have had.”
Read more:
- Coronation celebrations underway in Harrogate district
- How Ripon Catherdal is marking the coronation
As it happened: Harrogate district celebrates King Charles III coronation
The Harrogate district is celebrating today’s coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey
The Stray Ferret will be reporting from across the district today as the celebrations begin for the weekend.
Don’t forget to send in pictures from your coronation parties to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or message us on our Facebook page.
You can follow all our coverage below.
5.15pm – Thanks for joining us
Thanks for joining us for today’s coverage of the coronation from across the Harrogate district.
We’ll be back tomorrow with more stories from across the district as the celebrations continue into Sunday.
4.30pm – The former Ripon Grammar School student behind Queen Camilla’s dress
Did you know the designer of Queen Camilla’s dress for today’s coronation is a former Ripon Grammar School pupil?
Bruce Oldfield, 72, was a student at the school in the 1960s.
Read more here.
Queen Camilla pictured in her white silk dress.
3.51pm – Knaresborough coronation event ‘good for the town’
Residents in Knaresborough have spoken of how a coronation event was much needed for the town.
Hundreds flocked to Knaresborough House today to celebrate King Charles III being coronated.
Read more here.
2.30pm – HADCA looking for volunteers
There’s still time to take part in the The Big Help Out and do good in your community by volunteering on Monday.
Voluntary sector organisation HADCA is urging those interested in taking part on Monday — or any other time — to get in touch.
https://twitter.com/KarenWeaver2020/status/1654837633422327808
2.25pm – Are you volunteering or having a street party?
Today is day one of three of the Stray Ferret’s live coverage of the coronation bank holiday weekend.
Will you be volunteering as part of the Big Help Out? Or is your street holding a street party?
If so, let us know and we will try to come along or you can send us photos on the day and we will include them in our coverage. It’s easy – email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or DM us on Facebook.
2.14pm – ‘This is good for Knaresborough’
Our roving reporter Calvin is still out and about in Knaresborough. He just met Bob Godsell, of Knaresborough Lions, which is running the bar at today’s big event at Knaresborough House.
Bob said the Knaresborough House celebration was much needed:
“This is good for the town, especially after the past few years that we have had.”
1.54pm – Community Stars selling treats
Clare Robinson and Emma Jenner, from Community Stars CIC, have done so much to revive access to facilities at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough.
Today they have a bake and sandwich stall at Knaresborough House.
Clare said: “It’s started to pick up this afternoon. It’s just been a lovely family day for the town.”
1.36pm – Knaresborough House big screen
Hundreds of people are gathered at Knaresborough House to watch the newly coronated King Charles III procession down the Mall. Plenty of stalls are also on offer, including face painting, treats and crafts.
12.47pm – St Edward’s crown replica at Grantley Hall
The venue near Ripon has tweeted about its impressive floral creation.
To celebrate the #Coronation of Their Majesties, King Charles III & Queen Camilla, we have recreated the St Edward's Crown using flowers to commemorate the Coronation by celebrating His Majesty's passion for gardening. #KingCharlesIII #NationalGardeningWeek pic.twitter.com/I2VRPLaroF
— Grantley Hall (@GrantleyHall_) May 6, 2023
12.40pm – Schools fly the flag
Many local primary schools had coronation themed events yesterday and have adorned their buildings in union flags. Here’s Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School’s fine effort.
12.15pm – Businesses show their colours
Businesses across the Harrogate district have also been decorating for this weekend.
11.40am – Betsy gets coronation ready
Even pets are getting in the coronation spirit.
Sue has shared this picture with us of her pug Betsy ready for the celebrations.
11.30am – Valley Gardens gets in the coronation spirit
People have flocked to Valley Gardens in Harrogate for the coronation today.
The gardens were full of rides, stalls and amusements as the celebrations got underway this morning.
A big screen was also in place next to the Sun Pavilion, where people gathered to watch the coronation ceremony get underway at 11am.
People took there sits decked in bunting, hats and flags while children ran around enjoying the rides and food stalls on display.
10.58am – Ripon Cathedral livestream gets underway
People have been taking their seats at Ripon Cathedral, to see the live streaming of the coronation service from Westminster Abbey. It is being viewed on strategically placed television screens. Among those in attendance were Mr and Mrs Alex Petherbridge and their daughters Tabitha, Silvia and Claudia.
10.10am – Harrogate and Knaresborough primed for coronation
Both Harrogate and Knaresborough have been decorated in coronation colours this week ahead of the weekend.
Harrogate’s Valley Gardens is set to host a big screen today showing the ceremony.
Meanwhile, flowers have been put up in Knaresborough and a screen is set to be in place at Knaresborough House today as part of the celebrations.
10.05am – Flowers in place at Ripon Cathedral
Floral displays created by the Ripon Cathedral Flower Guild and Ripon Flower Club are in place at the ancient building to illustrate the stages of the coronation ceremony.
10am – Fountains Abbey to be lit up purple
Fountains Abbey near Ripon will be lit up purple this Sunday as part of the coronation celebrations.
Below is a sneak peek of how the abbey will look in the “Lighting Up The Nation” event.
The lighting up is not a public event.
9.54am – Lauren Doherty in attendance at Westminster Abbey
Knaresborough road safety campaigner Lauren Doherty is in attendance for today’s coronation ceremony in London.
She’s shared this picture on her social media as she heads to Westminster Abbey this morning.
9.47am – Ripon kicks off celebrations
Ripon kicked off the coronation celebrations in style last night.
Residents were rocking as the ancient city kicked off celebrations for the new king and queen with an eve of coronation concert.
With connections to monarchy going back to 886 AD, when Alfred the Great is said to have recognised the bravery of locals for fighting off a Viking incursion with the award of a ceremonial horn, Ripon has remained staunchly royal and loyal.
Read more here.
9.45am – Welcome to our coronation blog
Welcome to the Stray Ferret’s live blog for the coronation weekend.
We’ll be across the district reporting the celebrations as they happen.
If you’re still unsure about where to go to join in the fun of today’s proceedings, you can find out all the events on our coronation guide here.
Read more:
As it happened: Councillors vote to SUPPORT Harrogate Station Gateway scheme
Councillors met today to decide whether the controversial Harrogate Station Gateway scheme should go ahead.
The Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee decided to back the £11.2 million project – but with conditions.
Here’s what happened.
1.15pm – Meeting ends
The area constituency committee meeting has ended.
Thanks for following our coverage throughout the morning.
1.06pm – Committee votes to welcome Station Gateway investment with conditions
Cllr Peter Lacey, Liberal Democrat, has tabled a motion to welcome the investment in the scheme with conditions, including that concerns of residents are listened to as the project is developed and that the committee has a “meaningful role” in the implementation of the scheme.
The committee will also ask for a full report on the progress in the Autumn.
The committee votes to approve the motion by eight to three.
12.45pm – ‘It’s the wrong scheme’, says committee chair
Cllr Pat Marsh, Liberal Democrat and committee chair, says she is against the scheme.
She describes the project as “the wrong scheme” for the town.
Cllr Marsh says she is not against cycling and is looking for the best project for the town. She describes the project as “piecemeal”.
12.42pm – Otely Road scheme ‘taken away public confidence’
Cllr Monika Slater, Liberal Democrat, tells officers that the Otley Road cycle route has “taken away the public confidence” in the council delivering infrastructure schemes.
The council decided not to proceed with the scheme after building the first section of the route.
Meanwhile, Cllr Hannah Gostlow, Liberal Democrat, says she has felt “conflicted” over the scheme.
However, she says the scheme should be used as a “starting block” for active travel.
12.30pm – ‘The easiest thing to do would be to do nothing’
Cllr Michael Harrison, Conservative, says as a councillor the “easiest thing to do would be to do nothing”.
He agrees with Cllr Warneken’s comments and adds that making a decision to do anything in Harrogate “is difficult”.
Cllr Paul Haslam, Conservative, proposes that the committee endorses the scheme.
The public gallery is steadily emptying, after more than two hours of the meeting. Fewer than half of the seats are now occupied.
Those remaining are still listening intently, and are vocally opposing anyone who speaks in favour of the scheme. However, they are far fewer in number than earlier in the morning.
12.25pm – ‘If we don’t do something, when are we going to do something?’
Cllr Arnold Warneken, Green Party, asks the committee if it does nothing on the gateway today, “when are we going to do something?”
He takes a swipe at Cllr Walker “for politicising this”.
He adds:
“We all have an opportunity to have our say. I can see the huge benefits of this.
“It’s a catalyst for making change.”
12.20pm – ‘It’s a £11m vanity project’
Heading into debate, Cllr Matt Walker, Liberal Democrat, starts by describing the scheme as a £11m vanity project.
He says the council’s strategic review as “flimsy” and delivering “nothing of benefit”.
However, Cllr John Mann, Conservative, says “on balance” there is more advantages than disadvantages.
“What a surprise” shout members of the public as Cllr Mann declares his support.
12.10pm – ‘No queuing to Ripley’
Cllr Chris Aldred, Liberal Democrat, asks whether any of the traffic will back up to Ripley as a result of the work.
Mr Binks says there will be no queuing to the area.
In response, someone in the public gallery shouts “It already does”.
12.05pm – Impact on business
Cllr Michael Schofield asks why no consultation was done “properly” with business and why no business impact assessment was done.
Mr Roberts says a business impact assessment is “not normally carried out” on this type of scheme.
“So they don’t care, then,” say people in the gallery.
11.57am – First investment in Harrogate in 30 years
Mr Binks says the gateway scheme is “definitely an economic driver”.
He adds its an opportunity for Harrogate to have its first significant investment in 30 years.
Mr Binks ends his presentation and takes questions from councillors.
11.55am – ‘There’s a lot of parking opportunity in Harrogate’
Mr Binks says Harrogate already has “a lot of parking opportunity” as he outlines the loss of 40 spaces as a result of the scheme.
He adds that Harrogate has some 7,000 parking spaces, if Asda and Waitrose are included. As a result, he says the spaces lost would amount to 0.6% of the overall figure.
11.45am – Council data ‘is accurate and validated’
Mr Binks says the council’s plan for Station Parade is justified as the authority commissioned a study into the road using computer modelling over traffic.
He says:
“We have got that raw data to suggest what we are doing is accurate and validated.”
He adds that the drive from Kings Road to Station Parade has eight set of traffic lights which cause a delay in journey times.
Mr Binks says the flow of traffic is affected by the number of traffic signals – not the reduction from two lanes to one.
11.40am – Council acknowledges opinion is split
Council officers acknowledge that opinions on the scheme are “split down the middle”.
They also acknowledge that concern has been raised about the “impact on business”.
11.32am – Town centres ‘are changing’
Mr Roberts says town centres “are changing” and that the status quo “is not sustainable”.
In his presentation, Mr Roberts says 77% of people responded to a consultation to say that walking and cycling infrastructure needed to improve.
It’s pointed out that the £11.2m must be spent on physical infrastructure. It cannot be spent on areas such as improving bus services.
“Get the pavements sorted then!” shouts one woman from the public gallery.
11.25am – ‘We want to make Harrogate better’
Richard Binks, head of major projects at the council, opens his statement by saying he has 35 years experience in delivering regeneration schemes.
He adds:
“We genuinely want to make Harrogate better. It is the jewel in the crown of North Yorkshire.”
He hands over to his colleague, Matt Roberts, who says the council is “seeking a balanced approach” for people to get around town.
He adds:
“This is not about stopping cars.”
11.20am – ‘Not seeking your blind support’
Cllr Duncan tells the committee that he is “not seeking your unconditional, blind support”.
He says the executive will consider all views from the committee before the executive meeting in 25 days time.
11.17am – Gateway ‘not a perfect solution’
The meeting resumes and opens with Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, says the gateway scheme is “not a total and perfect solution”.
However, he adds that it is an “opportunity to change the town centre”.
He points out that there are 25 days left until the council’s executive makes a decision. He adds that he wants to use those days to “ensure we have the strongest case” for the project, including consulting with the committee.
A handful of people have left the public gallery during the break. Some of the most vocal opponents remain, however, and have already been shouting their views in opposition to Cllr Duncan’s statements.
11am – Committee breaks
Councillors have taken a break at the end of public questions for 10 minutes.
Mr Binks, head of major projects, is set to give a presentation when the meeting resumes.
10.55am – Harrogate Chamber of Commerce does not support gateway
Martin Mann, acting chief executive of the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, tells the committee that the chamber does not support the scheme.
Mr Mann points out that construction of the scheme could go on for “two to three years” due to other works planned by utility companies.
10.47am – Gateway scheme ‘not the way forward’
Frances Holroyd, who owns property in Princes Square in Harrogate, describes the scheme as “not the way forward”.
She goes on to add that the scheme should be “rejected in its entirety” and calls on the council to work with local businesses.
More applause from some in the public gallery.
10.42am – Investing in gateway for visitors and reducing carbon
Jemima Parker, of Zero Carbon Harrogate, starts her statement by pointing out local authorities who have made investment in gateway schemes and have also “made a public climate emergency”.
“What has that got to do with Harrogate?” people call as she refers to other towns with what she deems better infrastructure around their public transport.
Ms Parker points at the gateway scheme offers “modest carbon reductions”.
10.36am – Lack of vision ‘alarming’
Veronica Adams, another resident, reads from some of Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam’s views.
She says that Mr Neesam found that council’s often had a “clear vision” which they shared with the public. But goes onto add that he found the current authority’s lack of vision “alarming”.
10.30am – ‘This is not Holland, it’s Harrogate’
Judy D’Arcy-Thompson, a resident and part of the Stray Defence Association, says that the scheme would take away the “freedom and flexibility” of residents while also discriminating against the elderly.
She adds:
“This is not Holland, it’s hilly and often very chilly Harrogate.”
Meanwhile, Barry Adams, of the Harrogate Residents’ Association, adds that Harrogate is “not against change”, but describes the gateway scheme as “meaningless”.
Mr Adams goes on to add that the scheme “will not solve congestion in Harrogate”.
10.23am – ‘Wrong scheme at the wrong time’
More concern from business owners at William Woods, of Independent Harrogate, says the project is the “wrong scheme at the wrong time”.
Mr Woods asks why no public meeting was called to discuss the project. The public gallery applauds again.
Mr Woods’ question over whether the decision was democratic let to calls of “well done, well said” from the public gallery.
He adds:
“If you really care about Harrogate, you must reject this scheme.”
10.20am – Changes could be seen as “unnecessary” in the future
Andrew Brown, of Harrogate Civic Society, says the move to change Station Parade could be seen as “unnecessary” in the future.
He said the society is concerned over potential tailbacks, the pedestrianisation of James Street and public realm changes to Station Square.
Members of the public say “yeah!” and applaud when the civic society raises concerns about the impact on traffic.
10.15am – Concern over deliveries to Station Parade businesses
Sue Savill, of Party Fever on Station Parade, says that the cost to local businesses would “be devastating”.
She raises concern over deliveries to businesses on Station Parade.
Her speech is met with applause from half of the public gallery.
Richard Binks, head of major projects at the council, said he “empathised” with Ms Savill over her concerns. He added that he was happy to take the concern on board to adjust the project.
10.10am – Harrogate should ‘welcome investment’
Kevin Douglas, from Harrogate District Cycle Action, starts the statements.
He says Harrogate should “welcome the investment”. He adds that the scheme will help to “improve the town centre”.
Mr Douglas adds:
“This will not prevent people from driving in the town centre, if they want to.”
He calls on councillors to support the gateway scheme.
10am – Meeting starts
The meeting is underway and will start with questions and statements from the public.
Both Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, and Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, are in attendance to observe proceedings.
The public gallery is packed and more chairs are being brought in as members of the public continue to arrive.
9.27am – Pedestrian projects elsewhere
The report also suggests towns and cities that have been made more pedestrian-friendly have seen an increase in visitor numbers, and a boost to local businesses.
It says:
“For example, investment to make the Piccadilly area of Stoke-on-Trent more pedestrian-friendly led to a 30% increase in footfall there, whereas footfall increased by up to 35% on streets where the pedestrian experience had been improved in Scotland.
“The introduction of a pedestrianisation scheme in Coventry also led to a 25% rise in footfall on Saturdays and the trial closure of some roads in Cheltenham in 2018 similarly had a positive effect on the number of visitors to the local high street.”
9.24am – Recommended for approval
Unsurprisingly, the officer’s report to the committee about the scheme recommends that it is approved.
It argues the town centre is “at risk of decline” if nothing is done to make it more appealing and fit for modern needs. It says:
“The number of retail units in Harrogate has reduced by 12% in seven years with more at risk of becoming residential properties via new powers for permitted development changes in use class.
“Of the 92 retail units directly abutting the highways within the Station Gateway site, 15 were vacant in September 2021 (16%). This can be compared with a vacancy rate of 6% across the wider town centre.
“Evidence suggests that the town centre retail sector is at risk of decline in the medium term. Consumer behaviours and expectations are evolving, and towns must diversify and advance to maintain healthy and vibrant visitor economies. The scheme is seeking to do just this. “
9.20am – Background to the scheme
The gateway scheme is financed by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund and looks set to cost £11.2 million.
It would see a bus lane and two-way cycle space introduced on Station Parade, with traffic reduced to one lane.
Cheltenham Mount would become a one-way street, while James Street would be partially pedestrianised from Princes Street eastwards.
Improvements would be made to junctions and crossings on Cheltenham Parade and Station Parade, and to the roundabout near the Odeon cinema on East Parade. There would also be work to the One Arch underpass, Station Square and the length of Station Parade to create a more welcoming environment.
Read more:
- Stray Views: Time for councillors to back Harrogate Station Gateway
- Dutch-style roundabout ditched from £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway
Business Breakfast: Harrogate agency appointed to oversee London real estate PR
It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is after-work drinks at Manahatta, on May 25th at 5:30.
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 Harrogate marketing agency has been appointed to oversee communications for a London real estate firm.
Boultbee Brooks has hired The Big Bamboo Agency, which is based at Windsor House, to handle its marketing activity, including social media management, strategic communications and public relations.
The London firm manages both commercial and residential properties across the UK.
James Whitcher, managing director at Boultbee Brooks, said:
“We were impressed by the work accomplished for one of our properties and with Big Bamboo’s expertise in the property and energy industry, they are the ideal partner for us.”
Nicola Stamford, founding director at Big Bamboo, said:
“We look forward to continuing working with James and the team, as our relationship with Boultbee grows.
“As Boultbee Brooks is already an established leader in its field, we have the fantastic role of amplifying the brand even further.”
Harrogate estate agents agrees cricket club sponsorship
Harrogate estate agent Verity Frearson has agreed to sponsor Harrogate Cricket Club’s junior boys’ side.
The firm, which is based on Albert Street, has reached a three-year deal with the club.
(Left) Verity Frearson’s Matthew Stamford with Austin Smirthwaite and Henry Yallup and HCC co-chair Steve Clark.
As part of the agreement, the Verity Frearson logo will feature across the boys shirts and advertising banners will be in place at the St Georges Road Cricket Ground.
Matthew Stamford, director at Verity Frearson, said:
“As a business we’ve always been keen to support grass roots sports within our town, so when we heard that the junior boys section at Harrogate Cricket Club were looking for sponsorship we were happy to get involved.
“The whole ethos at Harrogate Cricket Club fits in really well with the Verity Frearson brand. Their inclusive attitude and family-friendly following is right up our street.”
Steve Clark, co-chair at Harrogate Cricket Club, said:
“We are really grateful for the support of Verity Frearson enabling the club to continue to support and grow a thriving junior boys section.
“Verity Frearson’s commitment to the junior boys section means we can now purchase additional cricket equipment and further invest in the boys’ training.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate businesses invited to free ‘growth networking’ sessions
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate property specialists move to new office
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate mobile company partners with United States firm
Ex-England footballer Micah Richards fined for speeding in Knaresborough
Former England footballer Micah Richards has been fined for speeding in Knaresborough.
Richards, 34, of Nidd, near Harrogate, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday charged with the offence.
He pleaded guilty to speeding in excess of 30 mph on the B6165 at an address listed as Howe Hill in Knaresborough on August 3 last year.
A separate charge of failing to identify the driver of a vehicle in relation to another traffic offence on December 27, 2022, was withdrawn.
The 34-year-old, who was driving a Rolls Royce at the time, was fined £666 and his licence was endorsed with three penalty points.
The magistrates also ordered Richards to pay a victim surcharge of £266 and court costs of £90.
Read more:
- Leeds United star fined for speeding by Harrogate magistrates
- Harrogate man jailed for ‘sexualised’ online chats with young girls
- North Yorkshire Police ‘still needs to improve’ on child safeguarding, say inspectors
Richards was previously banned from driving for six months in 2013 after he failed to respond to two speeding notices sent to his home address.
The former footballer made 203 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa and Manchester City, where he won the league in 2012 and FA Cup in 2011, before retiring in 2019.
He also won 13 caps for England between 2006 and 2012.
Richards now works as a pundit for Sky Sports and BBC Sport.
Business Breakfast: Knaresborough energy company appoints finance officerIt’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is after-work drinks at Manahatta, on May 25th at 5:30.
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 Knaresborough green energy company has appointed a new chief financial officer.
Harmony Energy, which is based at Conyngham Hall Business Centre, has hired Rob Scott to the position.
Mr Scott, who lives in Boroughbridge, previously worked at Key Group, as well as AA and Saga.
He will be tasked with overseeing finance, IT and human resources at Harmony Energy.
Peter Kavanagh, Harmony Energy’s chief executive and co-founder, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Rob to the business.
“He brings with him a wealth of experience and will provide the strategic guidance, insight and leadership we need as we continue to grow, not only in the UK, but overseas as well.”
Mr Scott said:
“Harmony Energy presents an exciting challenge for me, as it’s a business that I believe has the ambition and drive for growth.
“It has a fantastic team led by an exceptional management team who collectively are committed to delivering excellence in the global renewable energy sector.
“The company has achieved great success to date, and I look forward to adding to that as we build on what has already been accomplished.”
Harrogate business group meeting to focus on tourism
A Harrogate business group’s next monthly meeting will focus on tourism in the town.
Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce is holding the event, which will include its annual general meeting, on Monday, May 15.
The meeting will include a presentation from Helen Suckling, destination events manager at Destination Harrogate, about the organisation’s strategy for 2022 to 2025.
The event, which is being held at Windsor House on Cornwall Road, will include a networking session and refreshments for guests.
For more information and to register attendance, visit the EventBrite page here.
Guests can arrive at 5.30pm and the meeting will start at 6.15pm.
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate businesses invited to free ‘growth networking’ sessions
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate property specialists move to new office
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate mobile company partners with United States firm
Masham’s Black Sheep ‘trading as normal’ as administration looms
Black Sheep Brewery in Masham is “trading as normal” after announcing it intended to appoint administrators.
The company announced the move, which it said was done to “protect the interests of creditors”, yesterday.
The brewery had launched a strategic review to explore funding options to develop the business, but last Friday confirmed it was no longer considering the sale of the company and then said yesterday it planned to appoint administrators.
The Stray Ferret asked the firm whether the move to give notice on appointing administrators affected jobs or trade at the company.
A spokesperson said that the “business continued to trade as normal” and that staff were being paid.
The firm added “no shares will be traded on asset match until further notice” as a result of the decision.
According to its most recent accounts, Black Sheep reported turnover of £14.3 million as of 31 March, 2022.
However, it also recorded a pre-tax loss of £1.18 million compared to £862,871 profit in the previous year.
‘Gloom’ descends on Masham
The move to appoint administrators was met with concern in Masham, where Black Sheep and Theakston breweries dominate the town.
Ian Johnson, a parish councillor in Masham, told the Stray Ferret that the news was a “difficult situation” which had caused “a bit of gloom”.
Read more:
- Masham’s Black Sheep Brewery to enter administration
- About 500 Harrogate firms set for ballot on whether to keep BID
However, he remained hopeful the brewery could turn its fortunes around.
He said:
“Masham is a brewery town. It’s a brewery town full stop.
“I hope there is still a future. We all do. I am sure someone would want the brand.”
In a post on its social media this afternoon, Black Sheep said it had received “supportive messages” since making the announcement.
Thanks for all the supportive messages since our announcement, BUT we've not gone anywhere!
We've just had 22 tonnes of malt delivered and are busily making more beer and can supply everyone as normal. So, if you’d like to help us, get out to your local and sup some Black Sheep! pic.twitter.com/CYHVR8EyIG
— Black Sheep Brewery (@BlackSheepBeer) May 3, 2023
It added:
“We’ve just had 22 tonnes of malt delivered and are busily making more beer and can supply everyone as normal.
“So, if you’d like to help us, get out to your local and sup some Black Sheep.”
Black Sheep, which was founded in 1992 by Paul Theakston, appointed Teneo as its financial advisor to support its funding review in April.
At the time, the company said it was experiencing good sales volumes of its beers, however there remained a significant constraint on funding due to economic conditions.
Police sack Harrogate officer convicted of sexual assaultA Harrogate police officer convicted of sexual assault has been sacked.
Joseph McCabe, 27, was found guilty of one count of sexual assault and given a suspended sentence in March this year.
McCabe was given a six-month jail sentence suspended for two years. He was also placed on the sex-offenders register for seven years, fined £808 and given a three-year restraining order.
Following a misconduct hearing on Friday (April 28), North Yorkshire Police has now dismissed the 27-year-old without notice.
A decision notice published after the hearing, which was conducted by chief constable Lisa Winward, said:
“Having assessed the misconduct here as serious misconduct, which caused both direct harm to a victim that amounts to violence against women and girls, it is also an aggravating factor in respect of the seriousness of the allegations.
“It also has the potential to cause serious damage to the public confidence in the police and bearing in mind that the misconduct was so serious that it also amounted to an offence of sexual assault, in my judgment the only appropriate outcome is one of dismissal without notice.”
Read more:
- Couple deny defrauding Harrogate estate agents with £24m wealth claim
- Police appeal after dog kills lamb in Harrogate district field
- Harrogate police officer given suspended sentence for sex assault
McCabe was sentenced on March 31 at York Magistrates Court for sexually assaulting a woman at a Travelodge at Scotch Corner, where he was attending a wedding with a number of colleagues.
At the time, district judge Tan Ikram told McCabe he had given “no credible explanation as to why (the victim) would make up such a serious allegation”.
Following the outcome of the hearing, deputy chief constable Mabs Hussain commended the victim for coming forward.
He described the 27-year-old’s actions as “disgraceful”.
Mr Hussain said:
New terrace and kiosk at Harrogate Town approved“Our communities need to know that they can have complete trust in their police, and that we demand the highest level of integrity from our officers and staff.
“McCabe’s disgraceful actions fell far below that standard. I commend the victim for her courage in coming forward so we could take action. I also hope the case sends a clear message that there is no place for this behaviour in policing – and that we will secure justice against perpetrators, no matter who they are.”
Plans for a new terrace and merchandise kiosk at Harrogate Town’s EnviroVent Stadium have been approved.
The club submitted the proposal for a 100-person terrace near to the north stand turnstiles, to Harrogate Borough Council before the authority was abolished.
It will also see a kiosk installed to serve fans refreshments and Harrogate Town merchandise.
North Yorkshire Council has now approved the proposals.
The club said the new terrace was required because the English Football League will no longer accept perimeter standing at stadiums.
In planning documents, it said:
“The proposed terrace will accommodate spectators which use the existing perimeter standing areas and will therefore not increase the overall ground capacity.
“The small kiosk building will be used for the club shop selling on site merchandising on match days, as well as a replacement (non-alcoholic) drinks servery to replace a kiosk within the AON Terrace that was recently converted to WCs.”
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It comes as the club recently saw its proposal to upgrade its Envirovent Stadium approved.
It will see almost 1,000 seats installed to bring the ground up to EFL standards.
To the south of the ground, the Myrings terrace will see 264 seats installed and the 1919 bar will be demolished and replaced with a new standing terrace.
A total of 603 seats have been installed in the Black Sheep Brewery stand.
The changes will not increase the overall capacity of 5,071 but will see the number of fans that can be seated rise from 1,193 to 2,060.
A strong end to the season has seen Simon Weaver’s team secure their status in Division Two of the EFL. They are currently 19th with one match remaining.
North Yorkshire Police ‘still needs to improve’ on child safeguarding, say inspectorsInspectors have said North Yorkshire Police “still needs to improve” following a highly critical report into how it safeguards children.
An inspection report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, published today, found the force had made some improvements since its previous report in March.
However, inspectors added progress still needed to be made to “provide consistently better outcomes for children”.
Today’s report comes after the watchdog published a highly critical inspection of the force where it found child protection investigations were poor and that the force did not prioritise safeguarding and child protection highly enough.
In a follow-up visit in December, which is the subject of today’s report, inspectors praised North Yorkshire Police for making progress in areas such as identifying children’s vulnerability and making good safeguarding referrals.
However, they added that supervision of investigations were not always effective and there were “excessive delays” in obtaining digital forensic evidence for officers.
The report, which was published today, said:
“North Yorkshire Police still needs to improve some areas of its work to provide consistently better outcomes for children. There has been some progress, particularly in the way the force has trained its workforce to identify children’s vulnerability and make good safeguarding referrals.
“Staff in the force control room have also made improvements so they are better at identifying risk and providing the right level of response to help vulnerable children.
“Despite progress against some of our recommendations, the force has yet to make all the progress necessary to complete its action plan.
“The force is developing performance monitoring and its governance systems, so it is clear leaders fully understand what still needs to be done.”
‘Police have let the public down’
In response to the report, Zoe Metcalfe, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said:
“North Yorkshire Police have had a year to progress their action plan following the first HMICFRS report on child protection. My team and I were regularly assured that all concerns would be tackled head on and improvements made at a significant pace but instead, 12 months later, the force is not in the position I expected them to be in. Not enough has been done and there is simply no excuse – North Yorkshire Police have let the public and the most vulnerable in our society down.
“As commissioner and a mother of two children, one of whom is vulnerable and has complex needs I share the frustration, deep disappointment and upset many people will be feeling. I know that it is my responsibility to increase the accountability of and pressure on the chief constable, to demand answers and not accept anything other than immediate and significant improvement.
“Whilst a debrief provided by the inspectorate in preparation for this report revealed North Yorkshire Police still had areas to progress, this progress has been much slower than anticipated – as a result, I am making arrangements for an additional layer of scrutiny – I expect evidence in relation to any assurances I am given.”
Read more:
- North Yorkshire Police ‘not effectively safeguarding children’, say inspectors
- North Yorkshire Police pledges to improve dire freedom of information response