Masham cashmere business unveils new store

A second-hand cashmere business in Masham opened its new shop this week.

Nearly New Cashmere Co. spent four years trading on Leyburn Road but has now opened a bigger site on Common Head Lane.

The company, which launched in 2015, said it was “in desperate need for new premises” following a successful year of trade.

It has become the UK’s largest selection of second-hand cashmere products and has reworked 20,000 cashmere items in 2023.

The brand sells a range of restored cashmere jumpers, accessories, and vintage silk scarves too.

It also offers a care service where customers can take their cashmere to be repaired or washed.

Founder, Ali Orr, began selling cashmere at stalls and fairs before establishing a retail and online presence. She said:

“It’s important to me that Nearly New Cashmere Co. is an advocate for rural enterprise and growth.

“A significant part of our growth so far can be attributed to our investment in local people. We’re excited to celebrate the next step with our immediate team and our community.”

Nearly New Cashmere Co. is open Wednesday – Saturday, from 10am – 4.30pm.

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Another collision on A61 Ripon Road at South Stainley

North Yorkshire Police has released a traffic alert following a collision on the A61 at South Stainley this afternoon.

The force said in a social media post just before 4pm the road was blocked and traffic was heavy.

It added:

“Motorists who are travelling between Harrogate and Ripon are advised to find an alternative route.”

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue incident log said crews attended the two-vehicle crash.

The summary reported one person was trapped in a vehicle and suffered a broken arm.

Crews released the person into the care of paramedics.

The incident follows two fatal collisions on the same road in the past month — all have been in the South Stainley area.

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Vintage clothing store to open in Harrogate

A vintage clothing store is set to open on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road.

Karma Co. Vintage has put posters in the window of the unit previously occupied by children’s shop Tiger Fifty 7,  which announced it was closing and looking for another site in May.

The retailer will stock popular brands, vintage street wear and some of its own clothing designs.

Co-founder Victoria Webster said:

“We are a new family business that believes in good vibes and good karma.

“That means doing good for the environment by providing a more sustainable way to shop fashion and, in turn, giving customers the opportunity to find those amazing vintage pieces that make you feel like you’ve found something so special.

“When you shop vintage pretty much everything is limited edition – which we love.”

The shop will join Harrogate’s thriving vintage shopping scene alongside the likes of Catherine Smith Vintage Fashion and SPACE.

Ms Webster added:

“We’re a very creative family, and my husband Anton, who is co-founder of Karma Co., has worked in vintage for many years. Some people will recognise him from his days managing Bluerinse in Leeds, or running stalls at Leeds Festival.

“We can’t wait to show you what we have in store.”

Karma and Co. Vintage hopes to open mid-October.

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Rough sleepers evicted from Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens

A group of rough sleepers in Harrogate‘s Crescent Gardens has been evicted this morning after occupying the pavilion for two weeks.

Representatives from North Yorkshire Council‘s property services division and North Yorkshire Police began the move-on operation just before 9am this morning.

The council also brought a van to gather the rough sleepers’ belongings.

One nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said some people started arguing with the council after they were told to disperse but there was no violence.

He added:

“One or two sleepers appeared frustrated and declined to cooperate, but they eventually started packing and leaving from 9.15am.

“The police were present to ensure the operation was non-violent.”

The operation ended at approximately 9.40am.

Larger items, such as mattresses, were removed by the council.

The Stray Ferret first reported the encampment after nearby residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour last week.

One of those residents, Eileen Dockray, said after today’s developments:

“I’m now concerned that the police and the council, who both tried to pass this problem back and forth between each other, should now come together and work out who’s responsible for dealing with this sort of problem in the future.

“We, the public, also need to know who we can go to for help when a situation like this arises again, as it surely will.”

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Choir members wanted for Harrogate Christmas Fayre

A Harrogate company that set up a Christmas choir last year is looking to recruit members for this year.

Entertainment company Enchantica’s is looking for 18 members to take centre stage at the third Harrogate Christmas Fayre in the town centre.

Enchantica’s is managing the festive entertainment programme on behalf of North Yorkshire Council.

Create a Choir is an opportunity to come together enjoy the benefits of performing, the company says. No experience is needed.

It added:

“Following on from the success of last year’s debut event, both the fayre and the entertainment are set to return, with the search for singers and performers already underway.”

The choir will be led by professional singer Emma Carrington.

Members will attend three rehearsals and give three performances at the fayre, which has been extended to 18 days this year.

Suzanne Vaughan, director at Enchantica’s, said:

“Community is at the heart of the town. People contributing and showing off their talents helps the town to shine bright for all.

“Performers will enjoy the buzz of playing to a festive audience, while their friends and their family will also come along to support them and get to enjoy the festivities in the town.”

Last year’s Christmas celebrations also included performances from local primary schools, dance schools and bands.

Amy Moseley, co-chair of Harrogate Choral Society, said:

“To be part this fantastic event was a real joy for us as a local organisation which has been present in Harrogate for over 75 years and now has 140 members.

“There’s nothing more festive than a choir singing carols and it was so well received by the local community and visitors to Harrogate that we can’t wait to take part again this year.”

Create a Choir is open to adults of all abilities.

Rehearsals will take place on November 5, 12, 26 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at Enchantica’s eorkshop.

Performances will be on December 3, 10 and 17.

Those wanting to join the choir – or perform at the fayre in another capacity – can click here or email events@enchanticas.co.uk to sign up.

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Bishop Monkton school retains ‘good’ Ofsted rating

Bishop Monkton Church of England Primary School, near Ripon, has retained its ‘good’ rating by Ofsted.

Government inspectors visited the school for two days in July and published their findings in a report yesterday.

It was the school’s first full inspection since 2018, but it has achieved consistent ‘good’ ratings since 2006.

The report found the school to be ‘good’ in all five categories – including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

It said leaders make their vision for pupils to be “healthy, happy, and vibrant individuals” a reality, adding:

“Leaders celebrate pupils’ talents through musical soirees, talent competitions and collective worship.

“Pupils are confident and thoughtful in expressing their views. This is because leaders actively seek their opinions to make further improvements in school.”

Inspectors praised the 140-pupil school for its “impressive” list of clubs and events on offer to pupils outside the daily curriculum.

They said pupils relished a residential visit to Le Touquet, where they were encouraged to speak French, and choir members have performed at Harrogate’s Royal Hall.

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Inspectors said pupils feel “safe in school” and, despite some concerns about the behaviour of a few pupils, bullying is “rare.”

Pupils said they enjoyed coming to school, which is reflected in the high levels of attendance, inspectors added.

They said:

“Children in the early years foundation stage are nurtured in a welcoming environment.

“Staff teach the children how to access a wide variety of learning activities independently.

“Children happily talk to one another and share resources.”

The curriculum was described as broad and balanced and the report praised staff for their approach to special educational needs.

‘Inconsistencies between staff members’

Some pupils, however, are less expressive when writing, and their understanding and application of grammar and punctuation are not well developed, the report found.

It said some pupils “have difficulty spelling common words” but added this may be attributable to the disruption in teaching during the pandemic.

Despite pupils understanding the new behaviour policy and many collecting rewards for positive behaviour, inspectors added there were some “inconsistencies between staff members” in the application of the behaviour policy.

To improve, Ofsted suggested leaders should ensure that the writing curriculum is on a par with the national curriculum, and provide teachers with training on the structuring and teaching of writing.

It added:

“Leaders should ensure that all staff are consistent in terms of expectations of behaviour for learning and consistently apply the behaviour policy.

“Leaders should also analyse patterns of behaviour and report these to the governing body.”

Headteacher ‘thrilled’ with report

In response to the report, headteacher Sally Cowling said:

“We are thrilled that Ofsted has recognised the many strengths of the school, including ensuring that the school’s vision of healthy, happy and vibrant individuals, is lived out in every aspect of school life.

“All staff work tirelessly to ensure that every child feels safe, secure, and included, with the confidence to express themselves. Ofsted took note of our broad curriculum which covers increasingly complex issues as children move through the school, preparing them for the next stage of their education.

“School leaders welcomed the areas for improvement as they align very much with what has previously been identified as a legacy from covid; the understanding and application of grammar and punctuation in children’s writing and embedding the new behaviour policy to ensure that all children are fully engaged in their learning.

“Leaders have already begun addressing these key priorities in this new academic year.”

Ofsted says Holy Trinity Junior School in Ripon ‘requires improvement’

Ripon’s Holy Trinity Church of England Junior School has received a ‘requires improvement’ rating by Ofsted.

Government inspectors visited the school for two days in June and published their findings in a report today.

It was the school’s first inspection since it converted to an academy is September 2022 – becoming part of the Leeds Diocesan Learning Trust.

The report said both the quality of education and leadership and management “requires improvement” but found behaviour and attitudes and personal development to be “good”.

It said some aspects of the curriculum are not well designed, adding:

“Some foundation curriculum subjects are not as well-structured or sequenced as others. Leaders sometimes identify too much content to cover in a lesson or across a series of lessons.

“Sometimes teachers do not emphasise the crucial knowledge needed, and pupils do not remember the most important facts.

“This means that pupils’ knowledge is not building securely year on year.”

The report also found “assessment does not sufficiently identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge or identify what pupils can already do”, while some students find “work can be too easy” as it “is not building on what they already know”.

Inspectors also added:

“There is a small proportion of pupils whose behaviour is sometimes a concern for other pupils, parents and staff.

“Pupils feel safe. However, some parents and staff who responded to Ofsted surveys do not agree.”

The 239-pupil school for seven to 11-year-olds is part of The Federation of Holy Trinity Church of England Schools.

Following the academy conversion, the senior leadership team has undergone “extensive change”, the report said, including a new headteacher in January and a deputy headteacher in March this year.

The senior leaders “share an ambitious vision for the school”, according to Ofsted, but the vision “is not fully established”.

To improve, inspectors suggested leaders “should ensure that pupils are securing the right essential knowledge to build on and learn over time”, as well as “ensure that teachers check that the work which is set for all pupils in all subjects is matched appropriately with what pupils need to know or be able to do next”.

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‘Pupils are proud to attend the school’

Despite the overall rating, inspectors praised Holy Trinity Junior School for the “warm and positive relationships between pupils and staff”.

Pupils are polite and considerate, and the school’s Christian ethos and values are woven through everything they do, the report adds.

It said:

“Leaders prioritise learning to read and promote a love of reading across the school. Pupils are keen to talk about their favourite books and authors.

“Teachers choose high-quality texts for their class novel.”

‘Early stages of a new era’

In a letter to parents, executive headteacher Sue Anderson and chair of governors, Adam Kitching, responded to the report. They said:

“We are delighted that the report highlights that pupils are proud to attend Holy Trinity Junior School and the opportunities they have to take on responsibilities throughout the school.

“The warm and positive relationships between pupils and staff were also acknowledged.

“You will share our disappointment in the overall grade; however, the inspection team recognised, when they visited the school, that the federation was in the early stages of a new era with a new leadership team and a new curriculum ready to be introduced in the autumn term.”

Bishop Thornton couple celebrate 70 years of marriage

A Bishop Thornton couple will celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary next week.

Sam and Margaret Cryer, who are both 88, tied the knot on Tuesday, September 26 in 1953.

The couple met at a dance in Markington and got married at the village’s St Michael’s Church.

Asked about her parents’ secret to a lifelong marriage, daughter Julia said:

“Well, I think dad would say ‘mum’s a really good cook!’

“But they’ve always had such a strong work ethic and always worked together during their relationship, so I think that plays into it massively.”

Mr and Ms Cryer were originally farmers but now own a stone merchants company where Mr Cryer still works Monday to Friday.

Mr Cryer was also mayor of Harrogate from 1983 to 1984.

Julia said:

“They’ve worked hard together and they’re still very much in love.”

The couple are having a small family get together to celebrate seven decades of marriage.

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Police officer bumps into shoplifting suspect in Knaresborough McDonalds toilets

A police officer bumped into a suspected shoplifter when he used the toilets at McDonald’s in Knaresborough today.

The roads policing officer was on routine patrol at St James Retail Park when he and colleagues were alerted to a theft at a nearby store just before 1pm.

Three suspects were detained within five minutes after a member of the public directed officers to four people running from the store.

Police at the scene today.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:

“There was one outstanding suspect and extensive police resource which included a police dog unit, roads policing officers and response officers were sent to the area.

“One of the officers who was assigned to the search needed to use the bathroom, so he made a quick trip into the nearby McDonalds.

“The officer couldn’t believe his luck when he walked in and spotted a person who matched the description of the outstanding suspect.”

Two men in their 20s, a 19-year-old woman and a 23-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and are currently in police custody.

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Harrogate set to host three-day music weekender

Harrogate Business Improvement District is preparing to host the town’s first three-day music weekend.

Harrogate Music Weekender will include live performances, street entertainers and special offers to drive footfall to the town’s hospitality venues.

The weekender, from Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15, will begin with an Ibiza-themed event at The Yorkshire Hotel, followed by singo bingo — a mixture of bingo and music — at The Crown Hotel the following night.

With more acts to be revealed, visitors can also expect live performances from local musicians and artists at The Den, Piccolino, and Revolucion de Cuba.

A walking DJ booth and immersive street performances will also be on offer over the weekend.

The BID, which is funded by a levy paid by town centre businesses, organises initiatives that boost the town centre.

BID members in the hospitality industry told the organisation trade dips between summer and Christmas – leaving them with a gap ahead of the festive season.

It hopes the event will combat this by encouraging locals and tourists to spend more time in the town centre.

The weekend will be soundtracked by a range of music from rock and acoustic to live DJs and throwback hits.

Bethany Allen, business and marketing executive at Harrogate BID, said:

“A number of our BID members fed back to us that October can sometimes be a bit of a challenging gap between the summer and Christmas.

“With the confidence of a new five-year term, the BID team set about launching a new fun and exciting campaign that will showcase Harrogate in a different light.

“We are very excited to launch the first ever Harrogate Music Weekender and, with around 30 venues showing interest in being involved, it should be a weekend to remember.”

Bobs Cormack, manager at The Den, added:

“It’s awesome to see our town rallying behind musicians, especially the venues that are taking on the challenge of hosting live music for the first time.

“I’ll, of course, be busy down in The Den – I’m very jealous of everyone who gets to explore the town centre, catching the fantastic acts along the way. It’s going to be an incredible weekend.”

The two opening events are ticketed and bookings can be made online.

The rest of the events are free to attend.

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