Ripon Grammar School teacher Helen Mackenzie retires after 18 years

A Ripon Grammar School PE teacher will retire after 18 years in post tomorrow.

Helen Mackenzie began working at the school in 2006. She was director of sport for all Ripon schools, including the former Ripon College (now Outwood Academy), as well as 19 other primary schools surrounding the city.

However, after going part-time and focussing her efforts solely on Ripon Grammar 10 years ago, she said “the time has come” to retire and spend more time with her husband.

Ms Mackenzie, who is an England Netball level 3 coach, has taught a wide range of sports at Ripon Grammar, where she was formerly a pupil until 1986. These include netball, badminton, swimming, gymnastics, football, basketball, dance and aerobics – and that’s all in one day.

Asked about her favourite memory during her time as a teacher, Ms Mackenzie she had “far too many” to mention. But she did recount leading the netball team to qualify for the national school’s netball competition in 2015, where the girls placed fourth in the country:

“At the finals in Chester, I was checking the scoreboards and I overheard someone say ‘Ripon Grammar are the dark horses of this competition’ and I nearly burst with pride.

“In the end – having drawn with Millfield, a school with more PE staff than we have actual staff, we made the third/fourth play-off, coming fourth in the country and the highest-placed state school throughout the whole competition.”

Ms Mackenzie has “never been an elitist”, she added, and said her main priority is pupils enjoying being physically active.

“Once, when I was demonstrating a long fly over the vaulting horse, a boy said to me, ‘I never thought anybody as old as you would be that good at gym.’ A backhanded compliment, but when he then had a go himself, he said ‘did you see me miss? I flew!”

“I was buzzing for the rest of the day.”

Ms Mackenzie was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. She said one pupil’s comment helper her mental health “no end” during the “worst time of her life”:

“It was touch and go for a while but when I pulled through the worst of the treatment and returned to school, a little boy said, ‘oh miss, your eyes have turned back on!’”

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What’s next?

Ms Mackenzie’s life shows little sign of slowing down in semi-retirement.

She is also a deputy housemistress of the girls’ boarding house at Ripon Grammar School, which she will continue to do after stepping down as a teacher.

Ms Mackenzie said:

“Fortunately, I will still be around as will be continuing my boarding role, but RGS is in my blood.

“I came here as a student, my children came here, I’ve worked here.

“If you cut me through the middle, Ripon Grammar School will be stamped through me like a stick of rock.”

She won the British Citizen Award for outstanding work tackling food poverty, through her charity, and encouraging sport in 2021. The same year she won the Stray Ferret community awards Harry’s Heroes for her work helping disadvantaged families.

Back to Basics, which was founded in 2019, provides free ingredients and guidance for a cheap and nutritious meal to those in need.

Ms Mackenzie, whose mother Sylvia Grice died this year, said she hopes to invest more time into the initiative following retirement.

She also runs Ripon City Netball Club – which she set up 10 years ago – as well as Ripon Swimming Academy. She said:

“I intend to get fit — well fitter than I am now! — and enjoy spending time with my husband, John — not sure he will enjoy it that much!

“I also plan to volunteer in my teacher daughter Laura’s primary school, Kirkby Malzeard, to get my PE fix. I also love reading and never have time, so reading and crossword puzzles will also fill my day.”

Ms Mackenzie’s final day at Ripon Grammar School will be tomorrow.

“I will miss the very essence of the place, the beauty of the grounds, the buildings, the fabulous pool, which is my favourite place, and, above all else, I will miss the kids.

“What amazing people they all are – I adore them and have loved working with them.”

Cyclist injured after Knaresborough collision

A cyclist has been left with “minor injuries” following a collision with a car in Knaresborough.

North Yorkshire Police said the incident, which happened on Harrogate Road near Mother Shipton’s, took place on Monday, December 18 at 4:45pm.

The force is now appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

It said in a statement today:

“A car collided with a pedal bike which resulted in minor injuries for the cyclist. The driver of the car did not stop at the scene of the collision.

“Officers are now appealing to the driver or anyone with information to come forward. In particular, officers are keen to hear from anyone who has any relevant dashcam footage.

“If you have information, please email 001282@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101 and speak to the Force Control Room.”

Quote reference number 12230241416 when passing on information.

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Rare mother of pearl clouds above Harrogate and Knaresborough

Nacreous clouds, a rare and very high cloud formation, covered the Harrogate district skies this morning.

The iridescent clouds, which are also knows as mother of pearl clouds, were spotted by readers just after sunrise.

The Met Office says the clouds, which usually form over polar regions when the sun is just below the horizon, are some of the highest clouds on earth – between 20km and 30km high in the stratosphere.

The sky over Knaresborough this morning. Pic: Emma Meadus

They require low temperatures to form, so are generally only visible when the cold air which circulates around polar regions in the stratosphere is displaced and hovers over the UK.

They are mostly associated with dry and cold weather.

The Harrogate sky just after 9am. Pic: Anna Mcintee.

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Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal: Dedicate a donation to your loved one

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise money for a minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district. 

The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.

Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.

Today, we’re urging our readers to dedicate a donation to a loved one.

Many families have lost a loved one to dementia or know someone who is currently living with it – it’s a totally indiscriminate condition.

People are losing their lives to dementia every day and those around them are forced to watch their loved one slip away.

That’s why we’re urging Stray Ferret readers to dedicate a donation to your loved one as part of our Christmas Appeal for Dementia Forward.

All you need to do is donate whatever you can to the appeal. Leave a message when donating and tell us who you are dedicating your donation to.

You can email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk with a photo of your loved one, and we will post it on our social media channels.

The Stray Ferret’s founder, Tamsin O’Brien, lost her father to dementia earlier this year. She dedicated her donation to him:

“My wonderful father, David O’Brien, died this year – a few days short of his 93rd birthday. He was the most loving dad and he is much missed.

“In truth though, we lost him years earlier to Alzheimers disease and his last years were very difficult.

“Sadly, my mother also has this awful disease.

“People like my father and mother and their carers need extra support and joy in their lives. Dementia Forward provide this. Please support our Christmas Appeal.”

The Stray Ferret hopes to raise £30,000 for Dementia Forward to fund a new minibus.

Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going. Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need.

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward, helping us hit our target to buy the charity a new minibus and improving the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

We know times our tough, but please dig deep and give generously. Let’s not forget those who need our help this Christmas.

Thank you.

Senior North Yorks police officer faces criminal investigation over speeding claims

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating an allegation that a senior North Yorkshire Police officer may have provided a false or misleading account to avoid a speeding sanction.

The IOPC, which handles complaints against police forces in England and Wales, said today it had opened a criminal investigation into the matter in November after hearing about the allegation.

Today’s statement added:

“This week, we notified the officer they are under criminal investigation for the potential offences of misconduct in public office, improper exercise of police powers and intent to pervert the course of justice.

“They have also been served notice, informing them that we are investigating gross misconduct in relation to potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour for honesty and integrity; duties and responsibilities; and conduct.

“We have been advised that the officer has subsequently been suspended from duty.”

The name of the officer, or where he or she is based, has not been revealed.

IOPC director David Ford said:

“Where a serious allegation such as this is made, it is important for a thorough investigation to take place to uncover the facts.

“In light of the nature of the allegation and the seniority of the officer involved, this will be carried out by the IOPC, independently of the police.

“I would like to make clear that the launching of a criminal investigation does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.”

Mr Ford added:

“At the conclusion of the investigation, we will decide whether to refer a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision, and also decide whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.

“Our investigation is at an early stage, and we will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so.”

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police issued a statement about the investigation:

“North Yorkshire Police is aware of an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further due to the ongoing investigation and as it is led by the Independent Office for Police Conduct all enquiries should be directed to them at this stage.”

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Storm Pia to bring 61mph gusts to Harrogate district

The Harrogate district could see gusts of up to 61mph as Storm Pia moves in tonight and tomorrow.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning from midnight tonight until 9pm tomorrow.

The forecast shows Pateley Bridge will see the worst of the storm, with gusts reaching 61mph in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Winds will reach 54mph in Masham, while Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon will see up to 50mph.

Disruption

The Stray Ferret reported yesterday on the disruption already caused by the wind throughout the Harrogate district — now another local attraction has followed suit.

The National Trust announced on social media today that Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, near Ripon, will also be closed tomorrow. It said:

“It’s already getting rather breezy here at Fountains. With wind speeds set to increase overnight and throughout tomorrow we’ve made the decision to close the site tomorrow, Thursday 21 December.

“We don’t like to disappoint anyone, but the safety of our visitors and team is always our top priority.”

The charity advised people to “check our social media channels and website” for updates.

It comes after Mother Shipton’s in Knaresborough announced yesterday it will close tomorrow, while Harrogate’s RHS Garden Harlow Carr cancelled its Glow event amid the weather warning.

The weather warning is in place for the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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Forbidden Corner owner released after kidnapping

North Yorkshire millionaire and owner of The Forbidden Corner, Colin Armstrong, has been freed after being kidnapped in Ecuador.

The 78-year-old was taken from his home in the Los Ríos territory in the early hours of Saturday, December 16.

A Columbian woman, believed to be his partner, was also reportedly kidnapped.

However, the General Commander of the Ecuadorian police, César Augusto Zapata Correa, said today on social media Mr Armstrong was found “on the road to Manabí”:

“On the road the Manabí, our units released citizen Colin A, kidnapped days before in Los Ríos.

“At the moment he is safe and healthy.”

Nine people have been arrested in connection to the case, the commander added.

The Forbidden Corner also took to social media to confirm the news:

“We can confirm that Mr Colin Armstrong has successfully been released and is currently with the police having interviews and then will be returning to his family in Ecuador.

“All of his UK family, staff and friends are delighted with the outcome and look forward to a happier Christmas.”

No further details, including the whereabouts of the woman also allegedly taken, have been revealed yet.

Mr Armstrong, who was formerly the UK’s honorary consul in Guayaquil, owns the 500-acre Tupgill Park Estate, near Leyburn.

It employs 50 people and receives around 150,000 visitors every year.

He is also the founder of Agripac, an Ecuadorian agricultural supplies company, which he founded in 1972.

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The Little Beauty Rooms wins Ripon Christmas window contest

Ripon Business Improvement District yesterday announced The Little Beauty Rooms as the winner of its Christmas window competition.

The salon, which is on Westgate, was decked out with pink and silver baubles, pink reindeer, festive green garlands and Christmas lights.

Owner Lynne Stewart told the Stray Ferret the team had decorated the window at the start of November, meaning people had plenty of time to enjoy it. She added:

“This is the first time we’ve entered.

“So many people have told us how much they love it.”

A total of 34 local businesses entered the competition, which first ran last year, and the public voted for their favourite.

Last year’s winner, The Wakeman’s House Café, came second and Saint Michael’s Hospice took third place.

The salon’s team.

Ms Stewart added:

“We’re just so grateful to everyone who voted for us – thank you!”

The salon, which offers a range of traditional beauty treatments and services, has also won an advert in Review Ripon magazine as part of the competition.

Lilla Bathurst, manager at Ripon BID, added:

“We were thrilled that so many Ripon businesses took part in this hotly fought competition.

“The aim with all Ripon BID’s trails and competitions is to get locals and visitors exploring the city and discovering new businesses.”

One lucky local also won a hamper from the Ripon Hamper Company as part of the competition.

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Harrogate district attractions to close amid wind warning

Two tourist attractions in the Harrogate district have announced closures and cancellations due to a yellow weather warning for wind.

The Met Office has forecast gusts of up to 50mph locally in the early hours of Thursday morning. The wind is due to strengthen tomorrow night.

Mother Shipton’s, in Knaresborough, announced today it will close as a precaution.

It issued a statement on social media:

“Given our unique location within an ancient forest, ensuring the safety of our visitors is our top priority.

“Consequently, we have made the challenging decision to temporarily close the site on Thursday due to the adverse weather conditions.”

Those with bookings to the site on Thursday have been contacted and will receive refunds, the company added.

One person commented on the statement:

“So gutted this was the only Christmas thing we had planned due to time and budget but understand safety has to come first.”

RHS Harlow Carr

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, in Harrogate, today announced it had cancelled Thursday’s Glow light show event due to the weather.

The horticultural charity said on social media:

“Unfortunately, Thursday’s Glow will be cancelled. This is to ensure the safety of all our visitors, staff and volunteers.
“We are very sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this is likely to cause, and we thank you for your understanding. All bookers for 21 December’s Glow event have been emailed today and will be given a full refund.”

The company said the gardens will be open as usual tomorrow, but added it will “keep reviewing wind speeds and may need to close the woodland and glasshouses”.

It expects tomorrow’s Glow event to go ahead.

The garden will be part-open during the day tomorrow, with the woodland and glasshouses closed.

The weather warning is in place for the north of England, Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland.

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Forbidden Corner owner Colin Armstrong ‘kidnapped in Ecuador’

North Yorkshire businessman and millionaire, Colin Armstrong, has been kidnapped from his home in Ecuador, local media reports have said.

Various Ecuadorian news outlets said the 78-year-old was reportedly taken from his ranch in the Los Ríos territory in the early hours of Saturday, December 16.

A Columbian woman, who is believed to be his partner, was also allegedly taken by the group of kidnappers.

The Ecuadorian police took to social media to say specialised units of the force were carrying out “operational and research tasks” in relation to the case, following an “alleged criminal act against a businessman”.

They did not name Mr Armstrong in the statement.

A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign and Development Office, which also did not name Mr Armstrong, said in a statement:

“We are in contact with the Ecuadorean authorities following the disappearance of a British man and are supporting his family.”

Ecuadorian news outlet, Expreso, said the chief of the Los Ríos Police, Colonel William Calle, indicated the anti-kidnapping and extortion units were “working on the release” of the man involved.

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A video of what is claimed to be the businessman’s South American home circulated on social media following the incident. The footage, which has been shared by Ecuadorian news outlets, shows blood-stained bed sheets and a broken doorframe.

Mr Armstrong, who was formerly the UK’s honorary consul in Guayaquil, owns the popular Leyburn tourist attraction, The Forbidden Corner, as well as the 500-acre Tupgill Park Estate.

It employs 50 people and receives around 150,000 visitors every year.

He is also the founder of Agripac, an Ecuadorian agricultural supplies company, which he founded in 1972.

Mr Armstrong was awarded an OBE and CMG by the Queen in 2011 for services to the British Monarchy.