Residents across the Harrogate district are being invited to help shape a new strategy to improve the lives of people living with autism.

The aim is to provide better support for autistic people, as well as improving attitudes towards the condition across the community.

The new North Yorkshire Council is working with the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board to host a series of events for people with autism, or those who support them, to share their ideas and experiences.

People will also be able to take part in a survey, which will run until the end of April, as an alternative way to express their views. Copies will also be available in North Yorkshire libraries.

Cllr Michael Harrison, executive member for health and adult services, said:

“The aim is to enable autistic people to live fulfilling lives by making sure the right support is available at the right moments.

“Autistic people’s ideas and experiences will be at the heart of the new strategy.

“That is why we are so keen that people attend the engagement sessions, and help us to ensure the new strategy is as thorough and as helpful as it can possibly be.”

Read more:

• DalesBus summer service to return this weekend
• Birstwith artist Clare Granger becomes High Sheriff of North Yorkshire

The new, all-age strategy will be implemented across the health and local authority sector, alongside voluntary, community and social organisations.

Inclusion North, a not-for-profit organisation that works with the public sector, has also been taken on to help the campaign.

Once adopted, the strategy is expected to remain in place until 2026. It will cover several key areas of improvement, including better access to education, transition into adulthood and employment aid.

Guidelines will be provided to help support families and carers.

The next Harrogate engagement event will take place at The Cuttings in Station View, Starbeck, on Thursday, April 27, from 5.30-8pm. Full details are available on the North Yorkshire Partnerships website.

The Yorkshire Centre for Wellbeing is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.

The business is the longest-standing yoga and pilates studio in Harrogate, having opened on Duchy Road in 2003.

The owners said opening the studio was a “big financial risk at the time”.

However, founder Anne-Marie Burford believes “post-covid anxieties” caused a surge in prioritising health and boosted the credibility of yoga and pilates, as well as causing a shift in attitudes towards them.

She said:

“Yoga in the West can often be about images, especially now a lot of celebrities do it.

“That isn’t the true form of yoga – we just want to support health and wellbeing”.

Ms Burford also said social media has “probably caused the most significant change” in attitudes towards wellbeing.

The studio centres on being entirely holistic and focusses on incorporating Ayurveda, a traditional Indian healing therapy, into the yoga, pilates and tai chi classes.

The centre also “places focus on the spiritual aspect of wellbeing”, including soul coaching, reiki, and various Eastern-style massages.

Staff members have extensive spiritual and physical training, including one-to-one training with Deepak Chopra, as well as a South Asian spiritual pilgrimage. The business also offers yoga retreats to members, both nationally and abroad.

James Burford, one of the teachers at the wellness centre, said:

“I feel very encouraged by the support we already receive form our students, many of whom I consider friends, and the increase in number of students joining and connecting with our centre over the last few years“.

Yorkshire Centre for Wellbeing is holding an anniversary celebration on Saturday, April 16, with pop-up classes, afternoon tea and live music. Full details are on its Instagram feed.

Read more:

• Temporary gym installed at Ripon leisure centre
• Pure Gym confirms May opening in Knaresborough

Harrogate Youth Council is actively seeking new recruits from across the constituency.

The council consists of young people aged 11 to 18 aiming to positively shape the dynamic of society.

Those with additional needs can also join the group up to the age of 25.

The members aim to echo the views of young people in Harrogate, as well as campaigning for change and have even attended national events.

Members can work on a range of societal campaigns, from mental health awareness and harassment, to climate and transport.

Pictured: The Youth Council discussing a campaign.

The members campaigned for mental health resources with The Go-To, as well as structure resources for safeguarding and child protection with Be-Aware.

Sixteen-year-old Lulu Halloum, chair of Harrogate Youth Council, said:

“We can’t keep making decisions about young people without young people.

“By failing to support youth in making positive change, our communities suffer. Now, more than ever, we must see young people as not just the leaders of tomorrow, but today.

“We have the energy, talent, and ideas to make a positive difference now”.

The council welcomes anyone that may be interested to attend its next meeting on Thursday April 13, from 3pm – 6.30pm.

Prospective members can stay for as little, or as long, as they like. The meeting will be held at the Civic Centre, on St Luke’s Avenue in Harrogate.

During term time, the council meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month, from 5 – 6.30pm.

Contact chloe.thwaites@northyorks.gov.uk for further information.

Harrogate International Festivals has announced early programme highlights for this year’s music festival, including a performance from Julian Lloyd Webber.

The festival, which is now in its 58th year, will host a variety of names in the industry across three weekends this summer, with an opening concert at The Royal Hall.

It celebrates music of all kinds and showcases a range of talent from young musicians to globally acclaimed artists.

British orchestra Chineke! will launch the festival, making their Harrogate debut. Chineke have performed at the Proms, as well as accompanying world-renowned rapper Stormzy on stage at the Brit Awards.

That weekend, Julian Llloyd Webber will be making a post-pandemic homecoming, while “festival legends” Oddsocks return to the event with an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“I can’t begin to tell you how excited we are about this year’s Music Festival.

“It is our first full programme post-pandemic with a host of international names performing in some of Harrogate’s most beautiful buildings.

“We look forward to welcoming our audiences back to one of our flagship festivals this summer”.

Pianist Robin Green

Pianist Robin Green will be this year’s guest curator, and will head a weekend residency featuring 12 musicians in ten concerts.

The third and final weekend will feature trumpeter Mike Lovatt, premiering his brand-new project, the Brass Pack. There will also be a silent disco for children and a family festival.

The opening concert will take place on Thursday, June 29.

Read more:

• Tim Stedman to star in Harrogate Theatre panto again
• Harrogate BID plans Majestic event for coronation

An artist with a gallery in Pateley Bridge is set to open a second premises in her home town.

Claire Baxter opened in the Nidderdale town 2019 and is set to open on Castlegate, in Knaresborough, this month.

Claire Baxter, who grew up in Knaresborough, said she is “absolutely delighted” that her business is expanding to her hometown.

As with Pateley Bridge, the Knaresborough gallery will feature a wide selection of Ms Baxter’s work, which depicts North Yorkshire towns and landscapes.

The new site will stock Ms Baxter’s originals, including prints and paintings, as well as work from her quirky series, “The Wonderful World of George and Daphne”.

The Pateley Bridge gallery stocks a range of the owner’s work

Ms Baxter said:

“Ever since I began my career as a professional artist, it was always my ambition to establish a gallery in Knaresborough, so when this opportunity arose I simply jumped at it.

“I am so looking forward to being a part of the local scene”.

Claire hopes to open the gallery on Saturday, April 29.

Read more:

• Beckwithshaw man found guilty of attempted murder
• Firefighters rescue man retrieving his shoe in Knaresborough

A Harrogate district amateur dramatic group who bared all in a production of Calendar Girls raised £12,000 for three cancer charities.

The Kirkby Overblow Dramatic Society performed its own version of the Tim Firth film late last year.

All proceeds from the play have been donated to the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at Harrogate District Hospital, Maggie’s Yorkshire and Blood Cancer UK – each of which received £4,000.

The sell-out show was “the most successful charitable performance we have produced”, according to the chairman.

The 1999 film is based on a true story of how Rylstone and District Women’s Institute, near Skipton, posed for a nude calendar to raise money for leukaemia cancer.

The cast also took part in their very own nude photoshoot – posing strategically at local landmarks in the village.

Photo: Annette Fishburn Photography

Claire Mackenzie, director of the production, said:

“When I was asked to choose a play which we could put on, I was thinking more about what we could take off, this way it would be an attention grabber…and it worked, thanks to the commitment and bravado of all the cast and crew”.

Cast and crew of Calendar Girls handing over the cheque donations to three cancer charities.

Regional fundraising members for the charities were on hand to accept the money raised by the dramatic society.

Fiona Gavaghan, of Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

“Huge thanks and congratulations go to the KODS team for raising this astounding amount.

“What they have done will change the lives of hundreds of cancer sufferers and their families throughout Yorkshire”.

Read more:

• Ripon MP backs villagers’ £250,000 campaign to buy Skelton-On-Ure pub
• Harrogate BID to launch campaign for second term

Harrogate teenager Greg Marshall is set to compete in the British Junior Supersport Championships at Silverstone today.

The event is a national motorcycling race and will see entrants from all over the UK compete.

Fifteen year old, Greg, began motorcycle racing aged 9 and has progressed through the classes of Mini Motos and MiniGP bikes — he now rides a Kawasaki Ninja 400.

The Harrogate Grammar School pupil only began riding full-sized bikes in 2022, when he raced with Bemsee – the oldest motorcycle racing club in the word – and found his bike on pole position twice in one weekend.

Greg at Brands Hatch earlier in the year.

Greg said:

“I’m very excited to begin my first season with BSB in the Junior Supersport class.

“I’m feeling comfortable with my new bike and I can’t wait to see what this season brings for me”.

Greg has several sponsors supporting his 2023 season, including Knaresborough’s Redline Specialist Cars.

His father Paul said they are “always open to hearing from local businesses” that would wish to support him and have their names on his bike.

Mr Marshall said his son is making excellent progress:

“I’m very proud to see Greg taking the next step in his racing career and am looking forward to supporting him in his 2023 season with British Superbikes.”

The Silverstone race will be televised on Eurosport, with some rounds free to air on Quest TV.

More information about the race can be found here.

Read more:

• 850 scooter riders take part in Knaresborough rally
• Harrogate road to be closed until November

The range of support the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub offers came as something of a surprise to many members of the Stray Ferret Business Club at its first lunch meeting.

From accessing government grants, achieving carbon neutral or digital marketing support, Andrew Raby from the Hub outlined the broad range of help available for any business whether established or a start-up.

Mr Raby encouraged businesses to contact them with any queries — no matter how specific.  There was a lively discussion at the Stray Ferret Business Club following his talk with questions about the value of social media, to HR support and the end of European grants following Brexit.

When asked about evidence of impact the Growth Hub has on a business, Mr Raby discussed the results of a national evaluation of all Growth Hubs that took place from 2015 – 2020.  It reported “evident sustained growth” and found an impressive 17% increase in turnover for those companies who used Growth Hubs.

The Business Club lunch invited a range of discussion

As well as providing specialist business advice, Mr Raby also highlighted the number of resources the Growth Hub has on offer to businesses.

The organisation can direct businesses to relevant funding sources, research institutions and local support schemes.

So, if it’s accessing grants or apprenticeships, the Growth Hub can help you.

The discussion at the Business Club Lunch established the benefits all sectors can reap from the working with the Growth Hub.

Find out more:

The fourth in our series of networking events, with Banyan Bar & Kitchen, is a breakfast event on April 27 from 8am.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district.

Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

While Easter egg hunts in the garden and eating chocolate eggs are always a nice way to spend the bank holiday weekend, your children may require something more to burn off the sugar rush.

From bunnies and forests, to dragons and the Mad Hatter, we have collated a list of eight Easter-themed activities taking place in the Harrogate district over the holidays that will keep you and your children hopping.

Free craft workshop at Fountains Abbey

If your child is looking to get creative, an Easter craft workshop could be for them.

Swanley Grange, at Fountains Abbey, is hosting a free workshop where you and your children can make your very own sheep badge.

The workshops will be held daily from 11am – 3pm, until Sunday April 16.

All ages are welcome. The event is free, but normal admission prices to Fountains Abbey apply.

Family tickets start at £27.

Find more information on the National Trust website.

Make decorations for free

Ripon charity, Jennyruth Workshops, is inviting visitors to Fountains Abbey to join them in creating an Easter decoration.

Jennyruth provides adults with learning disabilities with a variety of valuable skills, including crafts.

The workshop is free and welcomes families to drop in for some seasonal fun.

Join them at Swanley Grange on Wednesday April 12, from 11.30am – 2.30pm.

The event is free, but normal abbey admission charges apply.

Children’s entry starts at £9.

Click here for more information.

Mad Hatter & Friends Tea Party

If your children fancy a taste of wonderland this Easter, Rascal Entertainment’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is a good option.

The event will take place at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate on Good Friday.

Children can expect cookie decorating, on-stage entertainment, face painting and a visit from the Easter bunny – all under the same roof as the Hatter himself.

Family tickets start at £47.

The tea party will run from 12pm – 2pm.

Find more information here.

Mother Shipton’s Easter Bunny Tipi Trail

Mother Shipton’s Easter Bunny Tipi Trail is a place where “every bunny’s welcome”

Children are invited to follow the clues, peep inside the bunny houses and even discover giant eggs.

The trail will also include Easter stories, told by a storyteller, as well as the chance to plant spring seeds.

The trail will run every day until Sunday April 16, from 10am to 5.30pm.

Dogs on leads are welcome everywhere, except for the playground.

Admission prices can be found here.

Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park: The Dragon Egg Quest

For those hoping for a mythical Easter, The Dragon Egg Quest at the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park in Ripon may be a good option.

Children are invited to help storyteller, Dragonella, find a dragon’s egg hidden somewhere in the Himalayan Garden.

The activity will weave a tour of the gardens with some mystical Easter fun.

The quest is suitable for children ages 4 to 10 – children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets cost £10.

Adventure walks at RHS Harlow Carr

Whether your children need to let off a little more steam, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, the adventure walks could be a good solution for all the family.

Families can immerse themselves in a guided walk of the grounds of the RHS site, accompanied by the Garden Detectives.

The activity is included in garden admission and is suitable for ages 3+.

The walk will take place on Tuesday April 11 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Click here for more information.

The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt

The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt is a family-friendly way to keep your little bunnies hoppy this Easter.

Ceramic bunnies are hidden in local business around the town centre for you to find.

Families purchase a map to find the bunnies for £3 and all profits go to Lauren Doherty Road Safety talks, New Beginnings and The Memory Lane Café, Knaresborough.

Bunny-finders can expect a sweet prize in return, as well as an entry to win a £50 voucher for event organiser, Painting Pots.

The event will run daily until April 16 and maps can be purchased from Painting Pots.

Find more information on social media.

Birchfield: Easter at the Farm

Birchfield Farm’s Easter at the Farm activities could be a good way to entertain your little lambs.

Children can expect lamb feeding, an Easter trail, and a bouncy castle.

The Easter bunny will also be making an appearance over the bank holiday weekend.

Farmer Tom will be offering farm rides to visit the outside animals, including newly hatched chicks and ducklings.

The family-friendly farm will be offering seasonal activities until April 16, from 10am to 4pm.

Prices start from £6.95.

Find more information here.

The Dales Bus summer service will begin its season this weekend.

The bus company provides access into and around the Yorkshire Dales on a not-for-profit basis.

It operates on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays throughout summer until October.

The 74 service from York Railway Station, which goes through Knaresborough and Harrogate and onto Ilkley, Bolton Abbey, Burnsall and Grassington, starts on Saturday.

Another Saturday route, the 59, will help people travel from Harrogate to Blubberhouses, Bolton Bridge and Skipton.

The 875 will depart from York every Sunday and Bank Holiday, starting this Easter weekend.

This year, an additional Sunday and bank holiday service – the 876 – will run from York to Leeds, Otley, Ilkley and Grassington, with onward connections to Upper Wharfedale and Hawes.

The national £2 single bus fare cap, which has been extended until June 30, will apply to Dales Bus services.

Find more information on services and timetables here.