Charity boxer pledges to tattoo logo of highest donating business on her leg

A Ripon woman who is fighting in a charity boxing match has promised to tattoo on her leg the logo of the business that donates the most money.

Charlotte Haynes-Vickery will take part in her first fight to raise money for Active Against Cancer in November.

The Harrogate organisation provides free support and care to those living with cancer in the area – including Ms Haynes-Vickery’s close friend, Anthony.

She told the Stray Ferret the charity has “been a key part in keeping Anthony alive” following his intense chemotherapy treatment.

Ms Haynes-Vickery will undergo eight weeks of training to prepare for the match – working out every Tuesday and Thursday alongside 30 other amateur boxers.

She said:

“I chose boxing over a more traditional fundraiser because Anthony has been fighting a battle for the past 12 months, so I want to fight for him.”

The three-round fight is organised by Ultra White Collar Boxing – a charity boxing company that invites beginners to take part in fundraiser fights.

Ms Haynes-Vickery hopes to raise £1,500 for Active Against Cancer and will tattoo the highest commercial pledger’s logo on her right thigh.

“When I told Anthony about it I don’t think he was even surprised – he watched me race a camel at Beverley Racecourse so he’s used to me doing silly things!

“The tattoo will sit amongst some others I’ve got there, anyway.”

She added she is currently very excited for the match, but expects the nerves to grow nearer the time.

The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa on Sunday, November 26, at 2.30pm.

Tickets are on sale now.

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Harrogate firefighters rescue man dangling headfirst from ladder

Harrogate firefighters rescued a man who got trapped after falling headfirst through a loft hatch today.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report said the alert was raised at 12.22pm. The location is described only as being in Harrogate.

The report said:

“Crew from Harrogate assisted a man who had fallen headfirst out of a loft hatch and become trapped by the ladders leaving him dangling head first.

“Crew used small tools to free the man and bring him back down to the landing safely.”

No further details, including the extent of any injuries, was revealed.

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Pet store with ‘a bit of everything’ opens in Harrogate today

National pet retailer Jollyes opened its doors in Harrogate today.

The store, which is located on Hookstone Park, near Morrisons, is one of 95 Jollyes sites in the UK.

It sells pet foods, toys, bedding and vitamins and also offers a pet grooming service called The Jolly Groomer.

Jollyes caters for a wide range of pets ranging from dogs and cats to chipmunks and aquatic turtles.

Ten staff are employed at the Harrogate site. Branch manager Dawn Jenkins told the Stray Ferret:

“The store has a bit of everything for every owner.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, so to see people in the store and hearing the positive feedback makes it all worth it.”

Jollyes, which has over 1,000 employees across the UK, plans to open 10 more stores by the middle of 2024.

The company held a competition with the Stray Ferret to give one person and their dog the chance to officially open the new Harrogate store, as well as take part in a trolley dash.

The lucky winners, Dawn McLean and her Dachshund Alan, helped to cut the red ribbon and grabbed a new bed and some treats during their dash.

“What a store – it’s amazing”, Ms McLean added.

Pic: Ms McLean and Alan.

James Wye, regional support manager at Jollyes, also said:

“The store was about a three-month turnaround.

“That includes looking at the initial plans and imagining how the store will be set out, to ordering stock.

“I’m really happy with the opening – I think it’s gone very well.”

Jollyes Harrogate is open seven days per week.

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Harrogate district celebrates gold rush at Yorkshire in Bloom

The Harrogate district took home several gold medals at yesterday’s Yorkshire in Bloom Awards.

Harrogate in Bloom won the gold medal in the small city category for the quality of its floral displays in the town and on the approach roads.

Harrogate in Bloom was also awarded the discretionary Yorkshire Rose Best City Award 2023 at the event, which was held at the Riley-Smith Hall in Tadcaster.

Local towns, villages, and communities across also received recognition for their floral efforts.

Yorkshire in Bloom, which is a regional representative of the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign, encourages people to get green fingered and brighten up their surroundings.

It hopes this will boost local economy through increased tourism and promote environmental maintenance and cleanliness.

Competitors are assessed by local judges based on criteria set by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Here are details of the local winners.

Harrogate in Bloom – Small City Award: Gold (category winner)

Harrogate in Bloom saw a range of floral exhibitions around the town centre coordinated by Harrogate Business Improvement District.

Judges said:

“The floral displays in the town and on the approach roads are excellent and maintained to a high standard. This is matched in places with perennial planting and alternative mowing regimes to improve biodiversity.”

Harrogate town centre

Ripon in Bloom – Town/City Centre Award: Silver Gilt

 Judges praised the floral “hidden gems” at Ripon Spa Gardens and Temple Gardens.

They said the display added to the city being “a blooming attractive place to visit”.

Evie Wood’s coronation design in Ripon Spa Gardens

Knaresborough in Bloom – Large Town Award: Gold (joint category winner)

 Hanging baskets and floral pots around the town all contributed to Knaresborough’s first prize.

Those involved put a great deal of thought and horticultural knowledge into it, the judges said, as well as describing it as “beautifully carried out”.

Pic: Knaresborough in Bloom Facebook

Starbeck in Bloom – Urban Community Award: Gold (joint category winner)

 Starbeck’s entry was considered to be “much loved” by the judges.

They said despite the entry largely being a single Harrogate street, there is a “real sense of community and caring about their local environment”.

Pic: Starbeck in Bloom Facebook

Villages/Communities/Businesses

Birstwith in Bloom — Village Award: Gold (joint category winner)

Birstwith in Bloom — Best Small Community – Winner

Spofforth in Bloom — Village Award: Gold (joint category winner)

Knaresborough Castle — Parks, Gardens, Cemeteries & Buildings Award: Gold

Ripon Spa Gardens — Parks, Gardens, Cemeteries & Buildings Award: Platinum

Valley Gardens — Parks, Gardens, Cemeteries & Buildings Award: Platinum

Millennium Garden Spofforth –RHS ‘It’s your Neighbourhood’ Award: Level 5, Outstanding

Ginny Greenholes Spofforth — RHS ‘It’s your Neighbourhood’ Award: Level 5, Outstanding

Ripon Museum Trust Garden — RHS ‘It’s your Neighbourhood’ Award: Level 5, Outstanding

Woodlands Community Garden — RHS ‘It’s your Neighbourhood’ Award: Level 4, Thriving

Harrogate Golf Club – Small Business Award: Silver Gilt

Goldsborough Hall – Medium Business Award: Gold (category winner)

Nidd Hall Hotel — Medium Business Award: Gold

Rudding Park Hotel – Large Business Award: Gold (category winner)

Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park — Tourist Attractions: Gold

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Masham Sheep Fair to make annual return this weekend

The annual Masham Sheep Fair will return this weekend.

The two-day event, which began over 30 years ago, commemorates the market town’s long history of sheep farming.

Founded by Susan Cunliffe-Lister, it was intended to be a one-off event to raise money for farmers in Africa but has become one of the biggest events in the Harrogate district.

Pic credit: Guy Carpenter

The fair began raising money for Yorkshire-based charities and has since amassed nearly £160,000.

Until the First World War, up to 70,000 sheep would be bought and sold in Masham every year.

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Visitors can expect a wide range of activities. From school exhibitions, flower festivals and wool competitions, to sheep shows, brewery tours and sheepdog displays, the weekend promises fun for all the family.

It is free to attend and will be held around the Market Place, with activities beginning at 10am tomorrow and on Sunday.

A full breakdown of the weekend can be found here.

Metal fences put up around Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens pavilion

Metal fences have been put up to prevent people entering the pavilion in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens.

The fences, which appeared this morning, were erected following a two-week occupation of the pavilion by a group of rough sleepers this month.

The group set up camp in the pavilion and have returned at least twice since they were dispersed last Friday in an operation carried out by North Yorkshire Council and North Yorkshire Police

The encampment led nearby residents to express concerns about anti-social behaviour and a lack of action from the council and police.

The pavilion encampment

How it looks this morning.

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The group returned to the pavilion on Sunday evening and again on Tuesday morning — but were removed again both times.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council earlier this week what legal powers it used to disperse the people in the pavilion and what action it planned to take to prevent repeat occupations but has not yet received a response.

Inaugural Stray Ferret Digital Marketing Conference proves huge success

Businesses at the Pavilions of Harrogate educated themselves on all things digital at the inaugural Stray Ferret Digital Marketing Conference today.

The event, which was sponsored by Ison Harrison Solicitors and York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, saw industry-wide speakers discuss the importance of a digital presence and the need to invest in digital marketing to optimise businesses.

From SEO strategies and emojis to driving digital growth and social media planning, no stone was left unturned.

Digital agencies Next Chapter and Impression Studio both discussed the importance of standing out in a crowded marketplace, embracing modern technology, and developing a clear digital marketing plan for the best results. Ben Foster of the SEO Works talked delegates through the art of getting to the top of an internet search.

Social media manager Rachel Moore, The Glam Hut’s Mia Williamson and Best Kept Secret Clothing’s Fiona Martin all emphasised the importance of social media. Rachel spoke about aiming to master one platform, while Mia and Fiona said small businesses don’t need to spend huge amounts of money on equipment to make good content.

“Personality shining through and consistency are both key”, they added.

Georgie Pogge-von Strandmann, solicitor and branch manager at Ison Harrison Solicitors, said:

“We’re really pleased to be part of the Stray Ferret Digital Marketing Conference and supporting other businesses in the digital marketing world.”

The Stray Ferret’s Commercial Manager Emma Harris added that in a world consumed by technology, we now more than ever must “embrace digital marketing and all its benefits”.

Lucy Playford, affectionately known as Harrogate Mama, and Chelsea Talbot from Positive Influence Agency gave an in-depth guide into influencer marketing. The pair discussed the positive effects an influencer can have on brands that choose to market through them.

Lauren Cooper and Georgie Harmer from Intandem Communications led a talk on the power of engaging content, while Chloe Byrne from Audience brought the day to a close with an insight into this year’s consumer trends.

Jack Colding from York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

Karen Booth, business relationship manager at York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, added:

“We’re so happy to support other businesses here today and to be part of the first Stray Ferret Digital Marketing Conference.”

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Hiring: Harrogate’s most luxurious salon wants you!

This story is sponsored by Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing.

The opening of Harrogate’s most luxurious and innovative hair salon is just around the corner, and it’s hiring three hair stylists to join the adventure.

Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing is bringing the town centre the ultimate salon experience and places customer satisfaction at the top of its priority list. From complimentary hand massages and handbag holders to barista-style coffees and iced lemon water, it’s the finishing touches that will make this salon stand-out from the crowd.

The salon will offer all traditional hair services, including cuts and colours, hair-up services, and fashion hair too. Whether it’s a Tik Tok-trending money piece, a butterfly cut or a glamorous bridal up-do, Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing guarantees a sprinkle of luxury with every appointment.

However, it’s bouncy blow-dries that will put founder Charlie Woolley on the map. If you’re dressing to impress for date night, want to look one-million-dollars for a birthday dinner, or just fancy some self-care, Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing will leave you with Hollywood hair and a smile on your face.

If this is the type of salon you’d like to work for, it’s your lucky day! Charlie is recruiting three hair stylists to join her team and takeover the Harrogate hairdressing scene.

To be considered, applicants must have at least two-years salon experience and be at least Level 2 or Level 3-qualified. An established client base is also preferred.

Charlie Woolley told the Stray Ferret:

“I’m so excited about this new business venture – it’s been a long-time coming!

“I think there’s a gap in the market for luxury hairdressing here in Harrogate and Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing is going to be the most luxurious salon in the town.

“Now, I’m just looking for the right team to share this journey with.”

Renovations are well underway at the salon!

Charlie not only wants to deliver the highest-quality service to her clients, but also the best working environment for her staff.

She added:

“I want both my clients and my employees to feel exceptionally special.”

With 20 years of hairdressing experience under her belt, Charlie is looking for driven, bubbly, and creative individuals that are willing to learn and share her strive for success.

Employees will also have plenty of opportunities to further develop their careers and will be given the chance to attend industry courses. These will include specialised Wella courses, as well as advanced cutting and colour courses.

The three lucky applicants will be employed as full-time staff. Staff will, however, be given the chance to work flexible hours around the core days of Tuesday – Saturday.

Charlie is determined to make the salon a “fun and fair” place to work. She added:

“At the end of the day, I’ve got a business to run.

“However, I always treat people how I want to be treated. I’m a very fair person and I want my staff to feel happy in their jobs.”

Staff nights out and networking events will also be a regular occurrence for successful applicants.

Charlie is offering a competitive base salary of £25,000 – £35,000 per annum plus commission.

Those interested can apply for the role on The Stray Ferret jobs page.

The salon will open early November and interviews will be held after application.

Good luck!

To find out more about Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing, visit charlottewoolleyhairdressing.co.uk or follow the salon on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Harrogate bonfire to return to the Stray this year

The organisers of the Harrogate bonfire have confirmed it will return to the Stray this year.

Harrogate and District Round Table said a traditional bonfire and fireworks display will be on offer at the event on November 4.

Visitors can look forward to live performances on the pop-up stage throughout the night — with Three Strikes Band already confirmed — and more to be announced.

There will also be a range food options, including traditional burgers and hotdogs, as well as a bar serving alcohol and soft drinks.

Organisers will be raising money for Harrogate Homeless Project for a second year running.

Matthew Firth, one of the Harrogate Round Table team, said they chose to fundraise for the homelessness charity again this year “because it is a great charity” and praised it for its efforts to end rough sleeping in the town.

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Last year, the organisers decided against holding a bonfire at the event due to costs and logistics but reversed the decision just weeks before Bonfire Night.

It reportedly costs over £13,000 to put on, with £5,000 spent on fireworks alone.

The schedule

The Harrogate Bonfire will take place on Saturday, November 4.

It will open at 4.30pm and entertainment will begin at 5pm.

The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and fireworks will follow at around 7.15pm.

Organisers expect the event to end at 8.30pm.

The event is free to attend and will be held on the Stray, near St Aidan’s Church of England High School.

Rachel Daly to open Rossett sports pitches named in her honour

England footballer Rachel Daly will return to her former school in Harrogate next week to open sports pitches re-named in her honour.

Tim Milburn, headteacher at Rossett School, said it was a “no brainer” to rename the 3G pitches at the school’s sports centre following her success in the Lionesses team.

The school announced it would be renaming the pitches in August and has now confirmed Daly will lead the official opening on Thursday, October 5.

School pupils will be able to watch the event but it will not be open to the public.

The girls’ football teams will also play an internal match to mark the occasion.

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Mr Milburn told the Stray Ferret staff hoped to give the homegrown superstar a tour of the school, but added this depended on her schedule.

He said:

“We are delighted to be able to welcome Rachel back to her school.

“She, along with the Lionesses, has been such an inspiration to us all. We are so proud that her journey started here.

“We hope that by naming the pitches after her is not only a great honour to bestow upon her, but it will provide future inspiration for the students of Rossett School and the Harrogate community.”

Daly was a member of the team that won the Women’s Euro 2022 last year and reached the final of this year’s World Cup.

She was named PFA women’s Players’ Player of the Year last month and was awarded the Golden Boot for being the Women’s Super League top scorer last season.

The Stray Ferret is backing a campaign by Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club, her former club, for Daly to receive a civic honour.

It suggested North Yorkshire Council should rename Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre, previously known as The Hydro, but the council has yet to indicate if it will do anything.

You can sign the petition to back the campaign here.