Women’s fashion retailer to open Harrogate store tomorrow

Women’s fashion retailer Best Kept Secret will open a new Harrogate store tomorrow.

The shop, which launched in 2016, was previously based in Kirkby Overblow.

Owned by Fiona Martin, it sells a wide range of women’s clothing, including evening wear, shoes, accessories and everyday items. It also operates an online store.

Ms Martin said the new store presented an opportunity to expand the shop’s personal shopping experience.

Groups can book private shopping evenings and there are also plans to hold more fashion shows at the new venue, she added.

Ms Martin told the Stray Ferret that after seven years of trading in the village it was “time for a change.”

She added:

“The Best Kept Secret social media account was hacked in August this year and we lost 10,000 followers.

“It had a real impact, so we thought it was a good time for a change and we decided to move into town.”

Best Kept Secret closed its doors in Kirkby Overblow yesterday. The new Harrogate store can be found on Cheltenham Parade.

Ms Martin said:

“We’ve already got gorgeous, loyal customers and we can’t wait to meet new ones too.

“Being in town will be great and will be easier for people to travel to – especially groups that book a bespoke shopping evening with a glass of fizz!

“People can expect even more affordable and stylish brands – we’re just so excited.”

Best Kept Secret will be open seven days a week.

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Late night Christmas shopping in Pateley Bridge tonight

Businesses in Pateley Bridge will stay open late this evening as part of the town’s annual late night shopping event.

Around 25 businesses will be open until 8pm, including Richards Jewellers, Claire Baxter Gallery and H Weatherheads & Sons Butchers.

King Street Workshops will have a range of traders and artisans on display. There will be ceramics, stone, glass and gemstones on offer to buy.

There will also be a performance from Summerbridge and Dacre Brass Band, a children’s Christmas treasure trail and a visit from Father Christmas.

Bertram Richards, of Richards Jewellers, told the Stray Ferret:

“Pateley Bridge’s annual Christmas late night opening is a great occasion for the community to come together.

“Under the sparkle of all the Christmas lights the town really comes alive and it is great way to start the season of festivities.

“With a wide selection of shops and activities it is sure to be another great year for all the family.”

Visitors can also take part in a fancy dress competition on the night. Winners will be announced at The Crown Inn, on High Street, at 7pm for under-12s and adults at 8:30pm.

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Harrogate wild swimmers brave icy waters for Rob Burrows appeal

A group of Harrogate wild swimmers is undertaking seven dips in Yorkshire waters in seven days to raise money for the Rob Burrows appeal.

The Dippers, which formed in 2021 and meets regularly to swim, took inspiration from Kevin Sinfield’s 7-in-7-in-7 challenge, which saw the former rugby player complete seven ultra-marathons in seven cities over seven days to raise money for the fight against motor neurone disease (MND).

The group therefore hopes to complete seven swims in seven locations over seven days — and could hardly have chosen a colder week.

One of the dippers, Anna Cade-Smith, told the Stray Ferret:

“I lost my dad to MND last year, which inspired me to do this challenge.

“It’s a real group effort though – I couldn’t do it without the others.”

The group began the challenge last Saturday, in Grassington, and have since faced heavy snowfall and water temperatures as low as three degrees.

The dippers, equipped with wooly hats, have also braved the cold of Pateley Bridge weir, Linton Falls and Appletreewick this week.

Ms Cade-Smith added:

“Some people wear full wetsuits, some wear short ones and some just wear cardigan-like wetsuits.

“We had an aim of swimming for 7 minutes – to fit in with the 777 concept – but we’ve reached up to around 10.

“It obviously depends on individuals’ bodies. We all support each other through it.”

She also said the group, which regularly swims in wild waters, has found the cold temperatures on consecutive days particularly difficult:

“I think the hardest part is, when you get out, you know you have to keep warm and get your clothes dry ready for the next day to do it again.

“It has given us a real insight into what Kevin Sinfield is doing every day.”

“But, the swimmers have all managed to commit despite busy weeks, jobs and this week’s weather!”

The group has so far raised more than £800 as part of the appeal and will complete their final swim tomorrow at Burnsall.

The appeal will go towards the campaign to create a Rob Burrows Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds.

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CCTV appeal after £10k worth of damage to Harrogate’s KD Carpets

The windows of KD Carpets, in Harrogate, were smashed in with a hammer last weekend.

North Yorkshire Police said the incident, which happened on Skipton Road, took place at 1am on Sunday, December 2.

The force said it caused damage “in the region on £10,000.”

Police are now appealing for information to help further the investigation.

It said in a statement:

“Officers are requesting anyone with information to contact them. They have also released a CCTV still which, although not high quality, may prompt people’s memories.

“Anyone with any information is asked to email chloe.winter-atkinson@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC 1820 Winter-Atkinson.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Quote reference number 12230229335 when passing on information.

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VIDEO: First look at new £17.5m Knaresborough leisure centre

Knaresborough Leisure Centre opens to the public next Monday, December 11.

However, the Stray Ferret had a sneak peek this morning.

The Knaresborough site includes a six-lane 25-metre pool, a leisure pool and slide and a 60-station fitness suite.

There is also a studio for group fitness classes, a group cycling studio, a sauna and steam room, and a café.

The sauna.

A children’s outdoor play area is still in the works but is expected to open in January 2024.

The leisure centre has been built next to the former Knaresborough swimming pool, which was built in 1990.

It was last refurbished 20 years ago. Its opening marks a third addition to the local Brimhams Active centres.

The steam room.

Knaresborough Leisure Centre is a North Yorkshire Council-led project.

It is part of a £47.9 million investment into leisure provisions, which also include the newly developed Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre and the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in Ripon.

The site offers immersive spin classes.

Cllr Simon Myers, executive councillor for culture, arts and housing at North Yorkshire Council, told the Stray Ferret today:

“You come over the brow of the hill in Knaresborough and see the leisure centre building – it is such an attractive building.

“It sits so well in its space, it’s full of light and the facilities are fantastic.

“This is what local authorities can achieve. It’s a real asset to Knaresborough.”

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Pateley town council calls for 24 bus to operate later service

Pateley Bridge Town Council has called for a later service to be added to the 24 bus that connects Pateley and Harrogate.

The route, which runs about every two hours, provides a service for those living in Pateley Bridge and Harrogate as well as numerous villages in between, including Summerbridge, Darley and Birstwith.

However, the last weekday bus leaves Harrogate at 5.30pm, meaning some people in Nidderdale who commute to Harrogate or Leeds struggle to get back home on public transport after work.

At a meeting this week, the town council agreed to contact North Yorkshire Council about adding a later service, which would leave Harrogate bus station at about 6.40pm.

Councillors said this would align with commuter trains from Leeds that arrive in Harrogate between 6pm and 6.30pm.

Cllr James Critchley, who favoured the additional service, said it would also encourage a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. He said:

“The biggest problem we face is climate change and people need to get out of their cars.”

North Yorkshire Council will decide whether to investigate the proposal.

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24 bus saved

The plan comes after the 24 bus route was under threat this year.

North Yorkshire Council warned in January it was one of 80 bus services in the county facing uncertain futures after the Harrogate Bus Company, which is owned by Transdev, indicated the service was no longer commercially viable.

However, Cllr Keane Duncan, the Conservative executive member for highways and transport at North Yorkshire County Council, said in April:

“The 24 is a key route that many people rely on so I am pleased to announce that we have been able to step in to support this service.

“When the operator notified us that it planned to withdraw most services on this route, we secured short-term funds to cover these until April 2023.

“This allowed us time to investigate a longer-term solution. We have now secured continuation of the service until April 2024, operated by Transdev (The Harrogate Bus Company).”

Man arrested after altercation at Knaresborough bus station

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for a key witness to come forward following an altercation in Knaresborough this week.

The force said in a statement today the incident involving a young man and woman took place at Knaresborough bus station at about 9am on Monday, December 4.

The statement added a 19-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and released on conditional bail to allow for further enquires to be carried out.

Officers said they would like to hear from any witnesses but added there was one key witness they were particularly keen to speak to.

The statement said:

“If you were at the bus station and either intervened or witnessed the incident, please get in touch.

“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email helen.james@northyorkshire.police.uk North Yorkshire Police via 101 and pass information for PC Helen James.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Quote reference number 12230229894 when passing on information.

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Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal: Care provider brings Dementia Forward one step closer to new minibus

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 speak about the sponsor of Dementia Forward’s ball.

A local live-in care provider has taken Dementia Forward one step closer to buying a much-needed new minibus.

Promedica24 North Yorkshire & Lancashire, a franchise of Europe’s largest live-in care service, recently sponsored the charity’s inaugural winter ball, helping raise vital funds to continue the support offered by the Dementia Forward team.

More than 140 clients, team members and friends of Dementia Forward arrived in their finery at the ball, which was held earlier this month at the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate, to celebrate the work of the charity, whose team had transformed the venue into a glistening winter wonderland.

Guests enjoyed a festive three-course meal before being entertained by the St Aidan’s Swing Band.

Ball-goers then took part in an auction and raffle to keep the fundraising pot filling, and the lucky winners bagged themselves a wine experience at Dunesforde Vineyard, a photograph of Fountains Abbey by Richard Egan, and a signed vintage Leeds Rhinos top.

Gary Derbyshire, regional partner at Promedica24, said:

“The Winter Ball was a great success, and I am glad that everyone had such a great time dining and dancing!

“I want to thank all our guests, who were very generous in supporting the fantastic work of Dementia Forward.

“As a local business, it is very important for all of us at Promedica24 to support the local community in which we work, and we were glad to have had the opportunity to sponsor this wonderful event.”

Credit: Stuart Rhodes

Promedica24, which began in Warsaw, has offered a huge range of care services for more than 20 years, including specialised dementia and Alzheimer’s care.

It helps those who would prefer not to move to a care home, but still require high-quality and compassionate support in their own home.

Many of the live-in carers and regional partners are trained to support those living with dementia, meaning they receive quality care from the comfort of their own home, as well as giving their families some much-needed respite.

Promedica24 has helped, and continues to help, more than 33,000 families across Europe and the UK to date.

Credit: Stuart Rhodes

Promedica24 kindly agreed to donate its sponsorship funds to the Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal, which aims to raise £30,000 for a new Dementia Forward minibus.

Debby Lennox, community liaison manager for Dementia Forward, said:

“Promedica24 has been incredibly supportive of Dementia Forward over the last few years, so we were delighted that the team not only sponsored our winter ball but came along on the night to enjoy the celebrations.

“It was a wonderful evening, with a real sense that everyone in the room was passionate about our work and making the event a roaring success. This would not have been possible without the generous support of Gary and the team, so we would like to say a huge thank you. We are already excited about the next one!”

Dementia Forward is helping those living with dementia and their carers every week, but the effects of this disease are devastating for everyone involved.

That’s why we need your help to ensure that the vital minibus service continues, and that people carry on receiving the care they need.

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 £30,000 target to buy the charity a new minibus and improving the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

Please click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or a friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.

Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas. Thank you.

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Ripon school raises £450 in memory of pupil killed in A61 crash

Holy Trinity Church of England School in Ripon raised £450 at an Elf Day held in memory of a former pupil.

Six-year-old Ihor Bartieniev, who was Ukrainian, died as a result of a collision on the A61 at South Stainley between Ripon and Harrogate in September.

Ihor’s mother Daria Bartienieva, 35, and stepsister Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, were also killed in the crash.

To commemorate his life, the school held an elf-themed day last Friday.

Pupils wore elf hats and costumes, or green and red non-uniform clothing, and brought in donations to fund a story-telling chair in Ihor’s memory.

Deputy headteacher Amanda Bell-Walker said:

“Friday, December 1 was a day of both joy and remembrance for the Holy Trinity community as we came together to celebrate the life of Ihor.

“The children and staff looked wonderful, dressed in an array of elf-themed costumes as they all participated in activities arranged and organised by the Year 6 pupils.

“The aim of the day was one of fun, joy and fond memories.”

The school hopes the story-telling chair will be enjoyed by pupils and keep Ihor’s memory alive.

His host family were also in attendance on the day and shared memories of the young boy’s life, Ms Bell-Walker added.

“The chair will move up through school with Ihor’s peers as a fond memory of him as an inquisitive and much-loved part of the Holy Trinity family.”

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Harrogate women offer to cook free Christmas meals for people in need

Two Harrogate women have offered to cook and deliver free Christmas meals to people in need as a way of giving back to the community.

Anna Howe and Aimee Ions, who are both 20, got the idea after local people helped the couple through a “rough financial situation”.

The pair have now pledged to cook free Christmas meals to return the favour.

Ms Howe told the Stray Ferret:

“It was a hard time for us. My partner lost her job and we thought we would lose our house. We had to use a foodbank before getting back on our feet.

“We’re getting there now and we’re in a comfortable enough position to do this.

“Christmas can be a hard time for people – we just want to give back.”

Ms Howe, who is originally from Manchester but moved to Harrogate in April, said the meal will be “the full works” — with all the trimmings — and the pair will cater to any dietary requirements.

It will be made at their home on Christmas Day before being delivered to people’s front doors, she added.

Ms Howe also said anyone is welcome to get in touch and use their services.

“There is no real criteria.

“It can be daunting to ask for help – we felt the same. You don’t want that judgement.

“Those who helped us told us to ‘give forward’ when we wanted to give back to them. So, that’s what we’re doing.”

Ms Howe said people can order meals as late as Christmas Day and the pair will “do their best” to help anyone they can.

They will deliver across the Harrogate district, including to Ripon and Boroughbridge, and will travel as far as Leeds and Thirsk.

You can email Anna Howe on annahowe13@hotmail.co.uk or contact her on Facebook to find out more.

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