Fresh Mediterranean dishes a delight at Harrogate’s Oliveta

This post is sponsored by the food app Deliveree

Bukurie Lleshi makes the food, her husband Kol serves and takes orders, and their daughters, Diana and Elona help at the weekend. It’s a simple recipe, but perfect for the wholesome home cooking found in Oliveta.

Recently opened on Station Parade in Harrogate, Oliveta is the quintessential family-owned restaurant. The care and passion behind the menu are clear as soon as you walk through the door.

Family home cooking

Bukurie dreamed of opening the restaurant in Harrogate ever since she moved from Albania. She creates traditional Albanian cuisine as well as other Mediterranean favourites and is always experimenting with new menu ideas.

Her daughters help out on a Friday and Saturday nights when things get busy – something mum and dad greatly appreciate.

Bukurie creates dishes and tests them out on the rest of the family, most recently the creamy mushroom chicken has been a hit and will be making its way onto menus soon.

Bukurie said:

“We always work as a family, and it makes me very proud that we all work here. It means I can get some good feedback when I want to try a new dish, as I just serve it at home, and I can tell how much they like it by how clean the plates are!”

The inspiration for the food comes not only from their native Albania but all around the Mediterranean, with dishes from Spain, Italy and Greece. Customer favourites like the Oliveta Chicken, Stuffed Bell Peppers and Burek are always popular.

The restaurant has gained quite the following with customers returning time and time again to enjoy new dishes or their regular favourites.

Order Bukurie’s Oliveta delights right to your door with the foodie app Deliveree.

Police still investigating missing Porsches at former Knaresborough car dealership

North Yorkshire Police has confirmed that an investigation into missing Porsche sports cars at a former Knaresborough dealership Gmund Cars is still ongoing.

The police launched its investigation in the summer of 2019 after allegations from customers that Gmund transferred ownership of more than £1 million worth of cars without their permission.

In July 2019, North Yorkshire Police arrested a man in his fifties but no charges have been brought currently.

No further arrests have been made since the investigation began.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said last week:

“The investigation is ongoing and as such we cannot provide any further statement.”

Frustration

One customer of Gmund, who asked not to be named, told the Stray Ferret last week that they are “very frustrated” with the pace of the investigation.

The customer bought a car from Gmund but said they have been told by the police they are not able to sell or modify it until the investigation is complete.

They said:

“I am very frustrated with the protracted process and total lack of transparency. After three years, the pace at which this is being conducted is incredible.”

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History

The company started in 2006 and built up a strong reputation as a place that bought and sold classic Porsche cars.

In 2020, six alleged victims told the Stray Ferret spoke to about their experiences with the firm.

The company, which was based at the Nidd Valley Business Park, has now been dissolved and its owner Andrew Mearns was declared bankrupt.

His wife, the former Conservative councillor for Knaresborough Scriven Park, Samantha Mearns, was company secretary until December 2018.

Ms Mearns told the Stray Ferret in 2020 she was never interviewed by police in relation to the allegations.

In July 2021, she resigned from the council and moved to Wales citing family reasons.

One of UK’s youngest heads keeps standards high at Nun Monkton school

Ofsted inspectors praised one of the youngest headteachers in the UK after their first visit to Nun Monkton Primary Foundation School under her tenure.

Lauren Simpson joined the village school as a teacher in September 2016 and became acting head when the previous headteacher left just two laters in September 2020.

She secured the position of headteacher full-time in March 2021 at just 25-years-old.

Not only did Miss Simpson take the school through coronavirus but in that time she also quadrupled pupil numbers — there are now 45 students up from 12 when she started.

Miss Simpson believes the new forest school learning, the new nursery and wraparound care has helped drive up those pupil numbers

Teachers at forest schools regularly take pupils outside to learn through exploration and challenges.

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In recent months, children have built shelters, base camps, fire circles, tyre swings and more. That practical learning has been very attractive to parents looking for something different for their children.

Nun Monkton Primary School.

Ofsted carried out an interim inspection in November 2021 and published the results earlier this week. They said the school continues to be good and added:

“Pupils are very proud of their school. They enjoy school. Pupils have confidence and trust in staff. They know that staff care for them.

“There is a culture of openness and mutual respect that ensures pupils are kept safe.

“Leaders and teachers have high expectations for all pupils. They plan lessons that encourage pupils to enjoy their learning and work hard.”

Miss Simpson, who hopes to earn an outstanding Ofsted report at the next full inspection, told the Stray Ferret:

“The school has grown massively — it has really gone from strength to strength. So I am really proud of the staff and the children.

“We have a fantastic group of children here. They are a real credit to their community.

“People should be able to look back at primary school as some of their best years. That’s possible when you have a great relationship with teachers and when you make amazing friends.”

Sneak peek: New owners refurbish The Old Deanery in Ripon

The new owners of The Old Deanery are set to be the first couple to have their wedding at the venue after completing the first phase of a major refurbishment.

It is a new chapter for the Grade II* listed mansion. The venue has sat in the shadow of Ripon Cathedral since it was built in 1625.

Chris Layton and Rebecca Hill, who also own the Galtres Lodge Hotel in York, took on the business in August 2021.

The previous owners closed the business in June 2020 due to coronavirus. That closure came as a major blow for the city with countless memories attached to the building.

Where couples will have their wedding breakfast. Photo: Tim Hardy

So with news of new owners came a lot of interest from locals curious about Chris and Rebecca’s plan for the place.

While they are open-minded about how The Old Deanery will operate in future, they have put the restaurant and hotel side of the business on hold to focus on weddings and events.

The new owners have been busy refurbishing and redecorating the venue since they took it on last summer.

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The Old Deanery will look quite different to how people remember the venue. The couple have brought out the original features of the building where they can and opted for a more neutral colour palette.

A new look for The Old Deanery.

Mr Layton and Ms Hill told the Stray Ferret:

“We do most of the work ourselves so we don’t have to decide on a vision for the place straight away and it evolves naturally. In a way the place tells you what it wants.

“By no means is the renovation over. We are looking at orangeries, oak garages for the drive and a library. All of the things that would have gone with a big stately home.

“We want this to be part of the community. That is why we are opening as more of an events venue than a hotel.”

Lewis Carroll was apparently inspired to write Alice in Wonderland during his time in the garden here.

The first wedding at the new Old Deanery

It is now ready for its first wedding of the new era later this month — which just so happens to be the wedding of Mr Layton and Ms Hill. Rebecca added:

“We have been engaged a while. With a big chunk of coronavirus in the middle you can forget how much time has passed.

“Chris wanted to get married in our own place but our venue in York was too small.

“We only decided before Christmas to get married here so we didn’t have long to plan it but everybody we wanted just happened to be available. It all just fell into place when we found The Old Deanery.”

Police close busy Knaresborough road due to storm damage

Update: Bond End is now open to traffic once again.

Police have closed Bond End in Knaresborough due to structural problems at a building next to the road caused by strong winds this afternoon.

Firefighters from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are on scene trying to remedy the issue.

Pictures from the police show guttering close to falling. It is unclear if there are any other issues with the building.

Traffic Alert: Bond End in #Knaresborough is currently closed in both directions. Our colleagues at @NorthYorksFire are currently dealing with a structural problem. The road is expected to be closed for the next 30 minutes. Traffic around #Knaresborough is currently building. pic.twitter.com/UE123Y0pt3

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) February 5, 2022

North Yorkshire Police tweeted at 12pm that the road is due to open to traffic again at 12.30pm.

Traffic is Knaresborough is currently building. Avoid the area if you can.

Boroughbridge High School agrees to close sixth form

Boroughbridge High School will temporarily close its sixth form in the summer due to issues with funding and declining student numbers.

It means the school will suspend applications for the sixth form from September 2022. All courses and pastoral support will transfer to King James’s School in Knaresborough.

The two schools federated last year, which means they have a single governing body overseeing both schools.

Boroughbridge High School held a consultation with staff, students, parents/carers and governors from mid-November to mid-December 2021 — just three people responded and they all opposed the move.

They raised concerns about increased travel times/cost, the suitability of alternative post-16 education in the area and the loss of relationships between students and teachers.

A letter sent to parents/carers yesterday revealed how the school received “a number of additional responses” ahead of the governing body’s meeting, which they took into account.

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There are currently 12 students in the sixth form — the governors do not believe that such numbers are financially or educationally sustainable.

After two years, the school will hold another consultation on the future of the sixth form.

Malcolm Dawson, chair of governors, said:

“It is not effective educationally for students to be taught in classes of one or two students.

“We have examined the situation carefully and believe this is the best way forward for the communities around Boroughbridge.”

A minibus service operates between the two sites.

Kathryn Stephenson is the headteacher at Boroughbridge High School.

Headteacher Kathryn Stephenson said:

“This is a decision which has not been taken lightly.

“Over the last few years, the school and governing body have worked tirelessly to ensure that our students have access to a high-quality post-16 provision.

“We are extremely proud of the outstanding results our students have achieved, enabling them to access many top universities.

“However, changing demographics combined with funding changes mean it is not viable to continue to operate our sixth form at the current time.”

Concern over level of consultation

Town and parish councillors in Boroughbridge High School’s catchment area have concerns about the level of consultation on the proposed closure of the sixth form.

Boroughbridge Town Council met with a school governor on Tuesday.

According to sources, councillors told the governor they had not been consulted and requested another meeting with more representatives from the school.

They said nearby Langthorpe Parish Council and Kirby Hill and District Parish Council share the same concerns. No meeting date has been set yet.

Harrogate councillor encourages people to have their say on mosque

A Harrogate borough councillor has been encouraging residents to submit their views on a proposed mosque.

Conservative Cllr Sam Gibbs circulated a leaflet, which doesn’t contain any personal views, to people living close to the mosque’s proposed location.

Harrogate Islamic Association has submitted plans to build what would be the district’s first mosque on the corner of Tower Street and Belford Road.

The location falls within the Harrogate Central ward rather than the Harrogate Valley Gardens ward Cllr Gibbs represents.

However, the two wards will join after May’s local government elections.

Cllr Gibbs, who is also the constituency agent for Chancellor and Richmond MP Rishi Sunak, asks in the leaflet whether people support the application and for additional comments.

Some people have raised concerns on social media about a councillor canvassing views on the subject.

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However, Cllr Gibbs told the Stray Ferret he had only “circulated a leaflet – a neutral information piece that reported the details of the development factually”.

He added:

“As a local councillor I am aware that residents do not always realise when a development is submitted in their area.

“I also believe a good councillor does what they can to raise awareness of things that will affect residents.

“I do this regularly for planning applications. It is what good councillors do and it is certainly not unusual for me to do localised surveys on a wide variety of issues.

“This is about making it easier for residents to have their say and ensuring no one is disenfranchised.”

Cllr Gibbs has forwarded copies of replies sent to the local Conservative Party office on East Parade, Harrogate to the case officer dealing with the planning application at Harrogate Borough Council.

Sunday deadline for comments

Residents have until this Sunday to have their say on the mosque. So far 80 people have written in support while 60 people have objected.

Households across Harrogate reported receiving anonymous leaflets encouraging them to oppose the plans with a guide on how to word the objection. Those leaflets had nothing to do with Cllr Gibbs.

Zahed Amanullah, from the Harrogate Islamic Association, told the Stray Ferret:

“We appreciate that our application has drawn significant attention and have pledged to respond to any concerns.

“But we’ve also had people misrepresent us before through leaflets to residents and we’d ask anyone concerned to speak with us directly. We have nothing to hide.”

The HIA was established in 2011 and has been looking for a permanent place to convert into a mosque for years. Other attempts to find a home have fallen through.

Around 100 worshippers currently meet in the Quakers’ Friends Meeting House on Queen Parade.

A council spokesperson said:

“The council has a Planning Code of Good Practice for members and officers. Elected members are entitled to take an interest in planning applications outside of their ward.”

Harrogate and Knaresborough artisan markets cancelled this weekend

Forecasted strong winds and rain have prompted the organisers of artisan markets in Harrogate and Knaresborough to cancel this weekend’s events.

Little Bird Artisan Markets was due to stage its monthly Knaresborough market on Saturday.

The organisers were also planning to hold their first regular monthly market in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens on Sunday after a successful Christmas market trial at the same location in December.

Both markets were fully booked by stallholders.

Winds are predicted to reach up to 44mph in the afternoon on both Saturday and Sunday. Storm Malik brought similarly strong winds seven days ago.

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Organisers say they had little choice but to cancel due to concerns over the safety of stallholders and visitors.

Jackie Crozier, managing director of Little Bird Markets, said:

“We are sad about cancelling. The decision was not made lightly but we really do have to put health and safety first.

“We were expecting a busy weekend, our marketing has been strong and the online buzz about the events has been amazing.

“We hoped the weather was going to improve, but we have just had to cancel, and we are devastated.”

Little Bird Markets will be back in Knaresborough on March 5 and Harrogate Valley Gardens on March 6.

Harrogate council responds to calls for recycling wheelie bins

Harrogate Borough Council has responded to calls to introduce recycling wheelie bins, which were backed by 200 residents.

The Stray Ferret asked readers whether they would welcome the change after last weekend’s storms blew recycling left out for collection across streets throughout the district.

We received an overwhelming response to the question on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Of 200 comments, the vast majority were supportive of the proposal.

Currently residents in the Harrogate district use blue bags to recycle paper and card and a black box for tins, plastic and glass.

In some other areas of the country run, people use large wheelie bins for recycling.

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Given the level of support for the change, we asked Harrogate Borough Council if it would be possible to roll out recycling wheelie bins. A spokesperson for the council said:

“Using wheelie bins for recycling can in some instances lead to higher contamination rates (items presented that can’t be recycled). So any changes would need to be carefully considered.

“Another challenge we would need to overcome is the wagons used for collection. At the moment they cater for black boxes so any change would require adaptation of the fleet.”

“Recycling rates have increased significantly across the Harrogate district year-on-year and the current contamination rates are less than one per cent. This community effort ensures our recycling is high-quality and easily accepted at the processing sites so we’d like to say a massive thank you to the residents for always going above and beyond to help us and our crews.”

Concern over lack of consultation on proposed Boroughbridge sixth form closure

Town and parish councillors in Boroughbridge High School’s catchment area have concerns about the level of consultation on the proposed closure of the sixth form.

The school held a consultation between mid-November and mid-December on the proposal, which would see all sixth form courses and pastoral support transfer to King James’s School in Knaresborough for two years from September.

The two schools federated last year, which means they have a single governing body overseeing both schools.

Staff, students, parents/carers and governors were asked for their thoughts on suspending the sixth form.

But local councils have concerns the consultation was not wide enough.

Boroughbridge Town Council met with a school governor on Tuesday.

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According to sources, councillors told the governor they had not been consulted and requested another meeting with more representatives from the school.

They said nearby Langthorpe Parish Council and Kirby Hill and District Parish Council share the same concerns.

No meeting date has been set yet. However, councillors plan to quiz the school on how it can increase student uptake, its future plans and what the two-year suspension would mean in practice.

The Stray Ferret asked the federation of governors whether a decision has been made following its meeting on the consultation last week.

The chair declined to comment until all parents and carers have been informed.

However, the school is expected to announce its decision shortly.