Women’s high street fashion chain Mint Velvet has opened its new Harrogate store today.
The company, which was previously located across the road from its new unit, has taken over the former Joules store on James Street.
The previous store closed its doors after 11 years on Saturday. The new 2,500sqft shop opened this morning.
Store manager, Suzie Poole, told the Stray Ferret:
“We were looking for a bigger unit for around two years.
“It had to have character and enough space for the customers to really appreciate the products, since we get such high footfall.”
The new store offers a range of women’s clothing and accessories and is the third-largest Mint Velvet store in the UK.
Ms Poole added:
“We’ve had a fantastic reception since opening this morning.
“It’s been lovely to see the excitement because there was a lot of anticipation around the new store.”
The company, which launched in 2009, had already taken over two former Joules store in Solihull and Chelmsford. It follows Joules falling into administration in November 2022, until Next bought the business for £34 million, plus another £7 million for the head office.
Mint Velvet in Harrogate will be open seven days a week.
Read more:
- Mint Velvet plans to open in former Harrogate Joules store
- HMRC unlikely to receive payment from Harrogate company collapse
Asda Express to open in Knaresborough tomorrow
A new Asda Express will open its doors in Knaresborough tomorrow.
It will replace the former Co-op on Boroughbridge Road following Asda’s plan to expand into the convenience market and become the UK’s second largest supermarket, behind Tesco.
As part of the plan, the supermarket chain announced last year it had acquired 132 Co-op stores on petrol forecourts in a £438m deal.
Andy Perry, managing director of convenience at Asda, said:
“This conversion programme is an incredibly exciting moment for our business and accelerates our presence in the fast-growing convenience market.
“We look forward to bringing Asda’s great value in fuel and groceries to many more communities across the UK and to welcoming over 2,000 former Co-op colleagues to the Asda family in the coming months.”
Asda opened its first express store in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, and London last year. The Knaresborough store is one of 14 to open this week.
It plans to open 300 sites by 2026.
The express store will offer hot and cold takeaway food from brands including Leon and household essentials, and the petrol station will remain in operation.
Asda Express will open its doors tomorrow Friday, November 3.
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Harrogate district man arrested over ‘Manchester Arena bomber’ costume
Police have made an arrest after reports of a man wearing an offensive costume depicting Manchester Arena bomber, Salman Abedi.
North Yorkshire Police said yesterday that it had received complaints about a man wearing the costume on social media.
Officers have since arrested a Harrogate district man in his 40s in connection with the incident.
In a statement, the force added:
“The man was arrested on 1 November on suspicion of a number of offences including using a public communication network to send offensive messages.”
In an update this morning, police said the man was released on conditional police bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out.
Abedi killed 22 people in a suicide attack at Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017.
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- ‘Lone wolf terrorist’ plotted to blow up RAF Menwith Hill, trial hears
Cats Protection charity store to open in Harrogate tomorrow
Cats Protection, the largest cat welfare charity in the UK, will open a Harrogate store tomorrow.
The boutique-inspired store, located on Oxford Street, will sell designer clothes to raise money for the charity.
Store manager, Joanna Swinburn, said people can expect the likes of Paul Smith and Kenzo to be stocked for both men and women.
She added:
“The aim was for it not to look like a typical charity shop.
“There was a need for a boutique store in Harrogate; there’s lots of run-of-the-mill charity shops – there’s nothing different.”
The charity, which launched in 1927, helps to re-home unwanted and stray cats.
The Harrogate shop will be the fourth of its kind – with others in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ealing.
Ms Swinburn added:
“The reception to the store opening has been amazing.
“Since we put the mannequins in the window, lots of people have knocked on the door and asked what the store will be.”
Cats Protection Harrogate will open its doors tomorrow at 10am. There will be prosecco and cakes on offer for the official opening.
It will be open 7 days a week from 10am – 5pm.
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Knaresborough netballer sets second world record
An amateur netball player from Knaresborough has set a world record for the most goals scored in one minute.
Sue Hobson, 45, doubled the existing record after scoring 40 goals – or one every 1.5 seconds – smashing the minimum target of 20 set by Guinness World Records.
Ms Hobson has been a goal shooter for Harlow Hawks in the Harrogate and District league for 25 years.
She said:
“I think I’ve scored about 10,000 goals for Hawks across the years and I just love it! It’s definitely my happy place.
“I never get bored of shooting goals, whether it’s in league games, training or just in my garden.”
The attempt was held at Ms Hobson’s former school, King James’s, where she was joined by her family who kept the balls flowing for her.
The strict rules also required two independent witnesses or timekeepers and qualified netball umpires to be present.
All equipment had to meet the World Netball regulations and Ms Hobson’s attempt had to be filmed for verification by Guinness World Records.
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Ms Hobson also set the world record for the most netball goals scored in one hour – scoring 1,252 — three years ago.
She set herself the challenge after practicing in lockdown. Ms Hobson added:
“Getting the first world record gave me the bug and everyone in my team and at netball matches kept asking me when I was going to do another.”
Ms Hobson raised £2,440 for Saint Michael’s Hospice during her first world record, and is now fundraising for the British Heart Foundation, which supported her father following a heart-attack in 2021.
Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: Let’s not forget those who need our help this Christmas“It feels great to be a double world record holder, and being able to raise money for charity makes it even more rewarding.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in helping me with my world record. My family, umpires Sharon Hardisty and Hayley Blaymires, and King James’s School for the use of the sports hall on the day and for practice beforehand.
“It brought back memories for us all being at the school again and it was really special to be able to set the world record there.”
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 read Flora’s story below and give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. They need your help.
Christmas is a time to create happy memories, to connect with family and enjoy each other’s company. But Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease take those memories away, and life can become confusing and isolating.
Local charity Dementia Forward works to support people living with these life-changing and disabling conditions, but it can only do so with the help of charitable donations.
So this Christmas, the Stray Ferret is asking you to support to this local organisation and ensure it can continue to offer the vital services it provides.
We want to raise £30,000 to buy a new minibus so that Dementia Forward can carry on bringing people struggling with memory loss to social events and a supportive environment.
The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare, so every penny donated will go directly to Dementia Forward.
The charity’s minibus service is currently used by more than 50 people. It also takes them on days out across the county, which is a huge part of the Dementia Forward programme. It is used to help people access the charity’s social events for those that can no longer drive, as well as weekly day trips for those with young onset dementia. The group visits a variety of places, including the Yorkshire coast, nature reserves, walking trails, llama farms, art galleries and so much more.
However, 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.
Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward to help us hit our £30,000 target.
Over the next seven weeks, we’ll be bringing you stories that show just how important Dementia Forward is, and the impact it has on local people’s lives.
Please read them, share them, and donate whatever you can.
Let’s not forget those who need our help this Christmas.
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.
Vida Healthcare offers specialist residential and nursing care across three state-of-the-art homes.
James Rycroft, managing director of Vida Healthcare, said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting the Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal in aid of Dementia Forward.
“It is such an amazing local charity supporting people living with dementia.”
Harrogate mums launch baby classes to tackle covid impact on education
Two Harrogate mums have launched parent and child classes to combat the impact of covid on local education.
Fiona Cunningham, who teaches at Rigg Farm Montessori Nursery, and Charlotte Davison, who teaches at Grove Road Community Primary School, felt the pandemic stunted young childrens’ speech and language development, as well as “overall school readiness”.
Early Explorer classes will offer sensory story time sessions improve communication and speech skills ahead of starting school.
Ms Cunningham said:
“Having had children of our own we are hoping to provide something we felt was missing in this area.
“As passionate teachers and mums, we noticed the impact that covid had on children’s development in terms of speech and language. We wanted to use our teaching skills and experience to support families and children in the area to inspire a love of learning through sensory stories and experiences.”
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The pair hope the classes will help children better understand narratives, increase vocabulary and cognitive development.
Ms Cunningham added:
“In our classes, stories come to life through a symphony of sights, sounds, textures and scents.
“Through carefully curated tales, interactive props, soothing music and tactile elements, children will embark on a journey of exploration and imagination.”
Once established, Ms Cunningham and Ms Davison hope to offer maths and writing classes too.
“We are so excited to be starting this new project and have enjoyed meeting our first Early Explorers in the recent weeks and can’t wait to welcome even more of you to our sensory story time classes!”
Early Explorers will be held at Staveley & Copgrove Village Hall on Monday mornings, and at Killinghall Village Hall on Friday mornings.
The classes are suitable for parents with babies and children up to the age of 4. Prices start at £9.
Dog alerts owner to kitchen blaze in Harrogate homeFire crews from Harrogate and Knaresborough were called to reports of a kitchen fire in a Harrogate home last night.
The incident, which took place at 8.43pm, happened on Woodlands Avenue.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue incident log said the blaze began after a fuse box caught fire which then spread to the kitchen.
It added:
“Crew used two breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.
“They ventilated the property and 2 neighbouring properties using a positive pressure ventilation fan.”
Station manager, Tony Walker, who described the fire as “severe”, posted on social media:
“The owner was alerted by her dog and smoke alarm.
“Dogs & smoke alarms save lives, every home should have one.”
No injuries have been reported.
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- Harrogate’s Rachel Daly ranked 10th best player in world
Bike track could replace pitch and putt course in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens
The pitch and putt course in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.could be replaced with a bike track for young people.
North Yorkshire Council is conducting a survey on installing a pump track in place of the nine-hole course.
A pump track is a hard-surfaced circuit designed for bikes and scooters which uses the natural bumps and bends in the land to generate momentum.
The council said the track, which would take up 2,000 square metres. would provide an additional activity for children up the age of 10 years.
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The pitch and putt course costs £5.50 for adults and £3.50 for concessions and closes in winter.
If the pump track goes ahead, it would be the first of its kind in the Harrogate district.
The survey runs until November 30. The council has yet to give any details on what will happen then.
Pateley Bridge Town Council is also considering the installation of a pump track in the town, following a suggestion at September’s meeting. However, a decision has not been made yet.
Let Grantley Hall bring your Christmas wishes to life this year
This story is sponsored by Grantley Hall
If you’re looking for a touch of magic this Christmas, Grantley Hall is on hand to make all your Christmas wishes come true.
As the most wonderful time of the year fast approaches, the five-star options on offer at the hotel will bring friends and families a taste of luxury and is just on the district’s doorstep.
From festive parties and Christmas lunches to festive afternoon tea and New Year celebrations, Christmas at Grantley Hall promises to be nothing short of perfection.
Festive Dining
Grantley Hall, better know as indulgence on our doorstep, will boast range of festive dining options to be enjoyed by locals and hotel guests this Christmas.
Whether you’re looking for a long lunch with friends or a seasonal afternoon tea with family, the hotel can guarantee you will leave with a belly full of Christmas spirit!
Why not kick-start December with a reservation at the festive champagne lunch on 2 December. This lunch combines a three-course lunch crafted by Grantley’s top chefs including a half bottle of Veuve Clicquot per person. Whilst enjoying the delightful food, a DJ and saxophonist will entertain.
From edible Christmas trees and chocolate reindeer to French fancies and glittering bauble cakes, the Festive Afternoon Tea will truly make you wish it was Christmas everyday.
Experience a magical Grantley Hall Christmas
Après at the Orchard
The Après alpine winter wonderland at the Orchard is reopening on 4 November. Dine in a cosy winter themed restaurant whilst enjoying the new menu as well as indulge in the Möet & Chandon champagne cocktails which have been created specifically to pair with the menu. Book to attend the spectacular launch event on 3 November.
The hughely popular Sunday sessions will be returning over the winter months.
Christmas Parties
Picture this: Champagne flowing, friends laughing and snowflakes glistening. Well, with Grantley Hall’s Christmas Parties, that can soon become a reality.
Who needs to travel when the Grantley Suite can become a magical winter wonderland?
With a private bar, dance floor and terrace area, up to 150 guests can dance the night away and celebrate the party season in style.
If that wasn’t enough, guests can expect a four-course dinner including Braised Blade of Limousin Beef and a Glazed Raspberry Délice in between the partying.
Let Grantley Hall work its magic and make it a Christmas to remember with their seasonal celebrations.
All Christmas bookings can be made now on Grantley Hall’s website or by emailing either dine@grantleyhall.co.uk or events@grantleyhall.co.uk.
New Year’s Eve Gala Ball
As a fairy Godmother once said: you will go to the ball.
Ditch the midnight countdown from your sofa and get your glad rags on, as the Grantley Hall New Year’s Eve Gala Ball fast approaches!
Expect an evening of exquisite food, including Dressed Crab and Yorkshire Salt Aged Beef Fillet, flowing drinks and only the happiest of memories.
This dazzling event will whisk you and your loved ones into 2024 with the sounds of a traditional pipes, a live firework display and even more bubbly at midnight.
Just a short taxi ride from Harrogate and Ripon, embrace the luxury on offer at Grantley Hall — after all, that level of enjoyment is hard to put a price on.
Celebrate the arrival of 2024 in style at the Grantley Hall New Year’s Eve House Party!
For those looking to go the extra mile this Christmas or New Year, Grantley Hall also offers two or three-night stays with its Christmas House Party and New Year House Party Packages — who says you have to travel far for ultimate grandeur?
The packages include five-star accommodation, food and spa access, with added bonuses of National Trust visits and entertainment.
So, whether you’re looking for a festive getaway, a family affair or just a good old knees up, Grantley Hall is guaranteed to bring you and your loved ones a Christmas or New Year that is nothing short of perfection.