This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed 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, Flora spoke to someone on the helpline team.

Hundreds of families in the Harrogate district are losing their loved ones to dementia every day and now, more than ever, specialist support services are needed.

Today, Keith Townson tells us about swapping his working life in Qatar for a role on the Dementia Forward helpline.

“I was working as a mechanical engineer in Qatar.

“The maximum working age there is 60, so when I reached that, we moved back to Burton Leonard and I took on the role as chairman of the parish council.”

It was then that Keith spotted George Armitage House, Dementia Forward’s flagship hub in the village, and realised he wanted to give something back in his retirement.

He was offered a position as a volunteer bus driver in 2016 and spent five happy years transporting people across the county.

The minibus allows people to access vital care that they may not otherwise be able to access, and helps to combat loneliness those living with dementia may feel. It is also used to take people on day trips out and to social events, like going to the beach, to art galleries or even just to a café for a cup of tea.

Keith added:

“I loved driving the bus so much – it’s so lovely when clients are singing.

“What better thing can you do than help people?”

Two years ago, Keith was offered a position on the helpline.

“I actually originally suggested my son apply for the role – since he was out of work at the time – but after he was offered a job, Dementia Forward offered it to me.”

The helpline is the first point of contact for those with dementia-related enquiries.

The advisers help anyone in need — including family members, clients and medical practitioners — whether it’s providing emotional guidance to people losing their loved ones, or support on how to find dementia care.

It covers the whole of North Yorkshire and refers people to dementia experts in their local area or district.

Keith said:

“No two days are the same. You can receive some pretty horrible calls relating to very sad situations.

“But then there are some really lovely ones too — it’s a real mixture of emotions.

“The most common call is from a family member or loved one that has just received the devastating diagnosis and is looking for the next step.

“That’s what we’re here to give them.”

Dementia Forward’s flagship hub, George Armitage House

The helpline is one of many amazing services on offer for those living with this life changing disease, as well as their loved ones. Keith added:

“The helpline is a reason to get out of bed in the morning and come to work – it’s the best feeling I’ve had from a job.

“It can be heart-breaking though. No two people with dementia are the same, and I’ve learnt there’s no real light at the end of the tunnel…that it doesn’t get better.”

Dementia Forward helps hundreds of families across the Harrogate district every day. The charity eases the pain as much as it can – but it can only do so with the help of charitable donations.

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 bettering the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and tired 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.

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

Thank you.

The NHS found 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 are living with dementia in the UK. For those who need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

A homeware and bedding company is set to take over an empty unit on Harrogate’s James Street.

Piglet in Bed, which was founded by Jessica Hanley from her mother’s West Sussex garden shed in 2017, will open its first UK store in the former Mint Velvet unit.

It comes after the fashion retailer moved across the road into the old Joules unit earlier this month.

The company will sell a wide range of linen and cotton bedding, tableware, home accessories and nightwear.

Read more:

• Knaresborough banking hub officially opens
• Harrogate Grass Machinery to close after 24 years

Rhiannon Johns, head of brand, told the Stray Ferret:

“We love the feel of the town, there are plenty of cool independents that we’re excited to collaborate with, great places to eat and beautiful surroundings.

“The position on James Street is ideal being at the very centre of the hustle and bustle.

“We believe Harrogate will be a place for establishing regular customers but also raising brand awareness from the many visitors that come here.”

The company will employ eight members of staff at the new shop.

Ms Johns added:

“Ultimately, we’re really looking forward to having a physical space where we can meet and connect with new and existing members of our community of comfort lovers – we can’t wait to meet everyone.”

Piglet in Bed hopes to open the Harrogate store by mid-December.

Well-known firm Harrogate Grass Machinery is to cease trading after 24 years of trading.

The South Stainley company, which services and sells lawnmowers and grass machinery, announced its closure on social media.

Owner Victoria Waite set up the business with her husband in 1999, and employed four staff, but told the Stray Ferret she now wanted to retire.

Ms Waite added:

“It’s very bittersweet.

“People have been saying ‘what am I going to do now?’”

The 58-year-old also said her husband’s death four years ago “played a big part” in deciding to close the business.

“It’s been emotional, but things need to keep moving forward — that’s what I tell myself.”

Harrogate Grass Machinery’s last day of trading will be on Wednesday, December 20.

Read more:

• Harrogate Spring Water reveals plans for 1,200-tree community woodland
• Commissioner complains over Tory mayoral candidate ‘inappropriate language’ claim

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed 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, Flora spoke to members of the Hub Club – one of the charity’s day services.

People living with dementia are slowly being robbed of their former lives and can often feel lonely and isolated.

It’s a disease that makes people feel misunderstood and invisible, but Dementia Forward works tirelessly to combat that. The charity’s Hub Club provides people with a safe place and good company – it makes those living with this life-changing illness feel seen.

“It’s a lovely atmosphere.

“I like seeing everybody and having a laugh.”

This is how one member, 91-year-old Mary, described the Hub Club.

After the minibus drops them off, the group start their day with a quiz, followed by coffee and cake.

The group are made to feel relaxed and comfortable and have so many activities to enjoy. Some do crosswords and puzzles, some enjoy drawing and music, and some even tackle 1000-piece jigsaws. People laugh and chat – they’re friends.

The days are tailored to the needs and interests of the members – staff even curate playlists of the members’ favourite songs.

Another member, David, spends his morning reading the paper accompanied by a playlist of his favourite 1950s songs – including Gracie Fields. He said:

“It’s just nice to get out of the house for a few hours and I’ve made friends here.”

It’s a place where people can feel heard and understood.

For three days a week, these people can temporarily escape from the disease they’re living with.

One carer told the Dementia Forward team:

“You understand better than most what we deal with.

“Being able to drop my wife off at the Hub Club this morning and sit here with my feet up, feeling confident that she is being properly looked after, is brilliant.”

But the reality is, the members of the Hub Club are fighting a losing battle with dementia. Dementia Forward eases the pain as much as it can – but can only do so with the help of charitable donations.

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 bettering the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

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. 

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.

Thank you.

The NHS found that one in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia. If you need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed 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, Flora spoke to a mother and daughter who use the charity’s services.

Growing up, parents seem invincible, and the thought of one day caring for them seems a lifetime away.

But in reality, thousands of people are caring for their parents living with dementia, and losing their loved ones before their very eyes.

One of them is Beverley Mitcheson, who looks after her mother, Mary Yelland. They told us their story.

Mary was once a talented window-dresser. She is a mother to her children, grandmother to her grandchildren and even great-grandmother to her great-grandchildren – Mary lived a normal life before getting dementia.

Beverley said:

“We noticed a lot of changes in mum, and we all knew she wasn’t remembering things, but it wasn’t until last year that we finally took action.

“There’s no handbook in these situations – you don’t know what to do.”

Beverley felt at a loss as to how best to support her 91-year-old mother, who had recently been diagnosed with this progressive disease.

Luckily, her husband had noticed the Dementia Forward minibus around the area and got in touch about Mary’s diagnosis.

Beverley said:

“As a carer, you never feel you’re doing enough.”

Beverley took on the role as her mum’s carer 18 months ago and, as a mother and grandmother herself, struggled to juggle it all.

After a home visit from the Dementia Forward team, they stepped in to provide Mary with specialist care she needed.

Fast forward a year, and she now goes attends the Hub Club twice a week with a smile on her face.

Beverley added:

“I couldn’t manage without these two days.

“I love my mum so much – she’s happy.

“I know she’s stimulated here – which is something I can’t do for her –  and they’re the main things.”

Mary with other members at the Hub Club.

The Hub Club offers those living with dementia the opportunity to spend the day at the Burton Leonard site. They play board games, have coffee and cake over crosswords, take part in quizzes and listen to their favourite songs. But most importantly, the members are socialising.

Dementia can be extremely isolating and people often feel misunderstood, but the group combats that and makes those people feel understood.

Beverley added:

“Dementia isn’t physical – people can’t see it – so, for her to be somewhere she’s understood is just amazing.”

The charity has brought light to a life-changing situation for Mary and Beverley, as well as hundreds of other families across the Harrogate district.

Mary said:

“When I come here, I just feel like I’m going to see my friends – it’s like a family.

“It’s like entering a haven where I don’t need to worry about anything. It’s a home for me.”

However, Beverley still has to watch this dementia take her mother from her.

Dementia Forward continues to support them, along with thousands of other families every week, but it can only do so with the help of charitable donations.

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 bettering the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

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. 

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

Thank you.

The NHS found 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia. For those who need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

Pateley Bridge Town Council is considering the installation of a pump track.

A pump track is a hard-surfaced circuit that uses the natural bumps and bends in the land to help cyclists and scooter riders generate momentum, would replace the existing BMX track on Millennium Green.

Local resident Will Askew put the idea to the council during September’s meeting – adding he would be “happy to project lead” if it came to fruition.

Suzanne Smith, clerk to the council, said:

“Councillors feel the best first step is the feasibility study to ensure that the whole project is viable. As there is already a BMX track there, hopefully it will be.”

A survey would then be sent to local residents to see if there is sufficient demand for the track.

Wetherby pump track

As the sole trustee of the Pateley Bridge Millennium Green Trust — the charity that manages the land — the council would need to raise money to fund the project.

Mr Askew told the council it could cost anywhere between £30,000 to £50,000, but grants and funding may be available.

North Yorkshire Council recently announced a pump track could also be installed in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.

The track, which could be installed by April, would replace the existing pitch and putt golf course.

The council is running a six-week consultation on the project until November 30.

Read more:

• Bike track could replace pitch and putt course in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens
• Valley Gardens bike track — further details revealed

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district.

It 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, Flora spoke to one of the charity’s volunteer bus drivers.

“Retirement came with a plan, but it was clear to me I needed to find a different balance.”

Following a 42-year career in logistics, Robert Milton felt it was time to give something back to his community.

Now a year into his role at Dementia Forward, Robert wakes up every Monday and looks forward to the day ahead, knowing he will drive those living with dementia to a place of care and support.

He said:

“The people here are just lovely – they put their hearts and souls into what they do.”

Every week, Robert picks people up in Harrogate and Ripon to ensure they get to the hub safely, while also giving their carers some much needed respite. It offers anyone living with dementia the opportunity to access the support they so urgently need – no matter their situation.

After dropping people off, he has a cup of tea and a chat with them. He joins them in playing board games and competing in quizzes – he makes people living with a silent disease feel heard.

But, Robert is so much more than a driver at Dementia Forward.

“The role was described as ‘just driving’ but it becomes far more than that. The people you drive become acquaintances – friends.

“They come here, have a ball, and I drive get to drive them home again. I just look forward to it every week.

“They just have a way of making you smile despite what they’re dealing with.”

Members of The Hub Club.

The minibus is also used to take people out on day trips and to social events. Some people venture to the Yorkshire coast, to play golf, to art galleries, on walking adventures and even just to cafés.

It combats the isolation so many people sadly feel when living with dementia.

Robert added:

“It’s not all one pace – that’s where Dementia Forward fits in – and it’s given me an idea of the different personalities you can meet.

“Some of these people don’t realise what they’re dealing with, but the people around them – carers and families – watch it first hand.”

Without Dementia Forward’s minibus service, many people living with dementia in the Harrogate district could not access the vital care and support the charity offers.

It provides a lifeline for those living with the disease and the people around them.

However, hundreds of families across the district are losing their loved ones to dementia every day – that’s why we need your help this Christmas.

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 bettering the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

The current bus is old and urgently needs to be replaced. Dementia Forward 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. 

Click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or your friend may need Dementia Forward’s help too.

Thank you.

The NHS found that 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia. For those who need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

A Starbeck pub is inviting people to use it as a free place of warmth this winter.

The Prince of Wales, on Starbeck High Street, launched its “warmth without worry” initiative last year following the rising costs of utility bills and is hoping to keep people warm again this year.

Landlady Alison Griffiths told the Stray Ferret “inflation has caused everything to go up – I just hope to save some people money”.

She added:

“It’s for anyone – not just those living in Starbeck – that are perhaps at home on their own.

“They don’t have to buy a drink in the pub, they can just come in and keep warm.

“They can also bring a flask and have tea and coffee for free here.”

Ms Griffiths also said the initiative, which began last week, will continue “until the weather warms up”.

People don’t have to declare they’re using the service, she added, but instead can just take a seat, chat and enjoy themselves for as long as they like.

In a social media post, the Prince of Wales pub said:

“Don’t sit in the cold…we all have the right to warmth without worry.”

The pub is open every day from 11am – 11pm.

Read more:

• Harrogate bar staff to be trained to prevent attacks on women
• Harrogate pub gets into Christmas spirit with festive name-change

Beauty pageants have become somewhat alien to us Brits in recent years, and still come with a lot of stereotypes.

However, one Harrogate woman, who is now in the running to become Miss England, is determined to use her beauty queen status as a means of empowering those who have faced similar struggles to her.

Chloe McEwen — the recently-crowned Miss Yorkshire — was just 16 when she had a mental breakdown.

Although it was never proven, she believes her drink was spiked while on a night-out for her birthday, and attributes the events that followed to that night.

She did not sleep for three days and doctors ended up sectioning her after she began hallucinating and threatening to jump from a window.

She said:

“I went through hell and was diagnosed with a severe bipolar condition.

“I was shifted from one psychiatric hospital to another while doctors tried to get to the bottom of my condition.”

Ms McEwen added her weight “shot up” after living off pizza, chips and sugary treats during her eight-month stint in hospital.

“I peaked at 12 and a half stone and hated my body image.

“I look at the pictures of me from those days and cannot believe it is the same person.”

It was then that she realised she could use her time in hospital to improve both her physical and mental health.

“I realised that I could get myself better by getting fit and modifying my diet.

“I started reading up on the science of fitness and convinced doctors that I was well enough to go home.”

Ms McEwen has spent the last five years rebuilding her life. Now 21 and four stone lighter, she is a qualified personal trainer, model and, of course, beauty queen.

She now leads both group and private fitness classes, and is currently writing her own cookery book to help improve people’s relationship with food.

In addition, she has also become a Sports Traider ambassador – a charity that uses fitness to help young people thrive.

After entering the Miss Yorkshire competition to celebrate her new-found body confidence, Ms McEwen discovered it was “not just all about beauty” as contestants were required to show the impact they had on other people’s lives.

“Beauty pageants have had to modernise like everything else and contestants show they have a purpose.

“For me, that is talking positively about my road to recovery and working with the charity Mind to help other people going through the awful mental health trauma that I suffered.”

Her story remains at the forefront of her Miss England campaign, during which she will continue her advocacy for mental wellbeing in partnership with Mind.

She has also teamed up with The Prom Den – a dress shop in Brighouse – and will wear one of its gowns during the national competition. She added:

“I would have loved to have attended my old school prom after GCSEs, but unfortunately that was when I was still in hospital.

“Girls love dressing up to the nines for a big night of celebration after working so hard on their exams.

“Prom dances are huge at schools in Yorkshire, and it is great to be modelling for such a fantastic brand.”

If triumphant, Chloe will qualify for the international competition, Miss World.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Miss Yorkshire and the role of the modern beauty queen
• Miss Yorkshire contestant from Harrogate hopes to inspire others

Hundreds of people gathered outside Bettys in Harrogate today to watch the tearoom unveil its fifth annual Christmas window display.

Carol singers, minced pies and hot chocolate added to the festive atmosphere as the excitement mounted.

Staff worked through the night to finalise the display, which features numerous presents. Then finally at 5.30pm this afternoon, a countdown began and the fruits of the staff’s work became apparent.

The Parliament Street tearoom is regarded as Bettys’ flagship store and marks the start of Christmas for the town’s most famous brand.

You can see a video of the big reveal on the Stray Ferret’s social media channels.

Crowds gathered on Parliament Street.

Read more:

• Search for Harrogate’s best Christmas shop window begins
• Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: Dementia Forward is a ‘godsend’ for husband, says wife