The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal: The story of Dementia Forward

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 hear the story of Dementia Forward.

“I sometimes feel national charities have lost touch with local communities.

“The need for dementia support was huge and the funding was usually decided in London.

“We felt we could do a better job by being rooted in the community.”

It was this realisation that prompted Jill Quinn to improve local dementia support in the Harrogate district.

Jill, who previously worked for two national dementia charities, said she “wasted many years in retail management” before realising that the voluntary sector was where she belonged.

Dementia Forward was born in 2012 after Jill and other founding members left their previous healthcare jobs on a Friday and launched the charity the following Monday morning.

The team places need at the centre of the charity – something that can’t be done 200 miles away. She added:

“People know when they put their pound in the pot, they’d be getting better services in the local area.

“You can’t design a service to be delivered in the local area from an office in London.”

Dementia Forward began with just seven members of staff. The team was donated second-hand laptops and worked from a small office in Ripon.

Kathy Patton, one of the founding members, added:

“We knew from working at a national scale what clients really want and needed, so we set up local activities – like the hub club and coffee mornings.

“It was our dream to have a hub building like we do now.”

George Armitage House – the flagship hub in Burton Leonard – was donated to Dementia Forward by a lady who had previously lived there. After her husband died, she wanted the money from his estate to go to something meaningful – and so the team’s first hub was born.

Some of the Dementia Forward team.

Things were looking bright for Dementia Forward and the team was right – there was a huge need for local dementia support. Within just 18 months, the charity was commissioned to cover three areas of North Yorkshire. A decade later, Dementia Forward now covers the entire county.

The charity now employs more than 60 staff members, has 250 volunteers and helps 4,500 families.

Dementia Forward offers unrivalled support for those suffering with these life-changing diseases and their carers. It hosts weekly social events and groups for people to attend, as well as community groups and cafés.

The charity also has a young onset group – known as Time Out Together – which helps those who have developed symptoms of dementia under the age of 65.

People enjoy puzzles, board games and quizzes. They sing together, go on trips to the beach, walking excursions, art gallery visits and much more.

There is a certain sense of family that runs through Dementia Forward and it is clear the demand for its help and companionship is only growing.

It provides a lifeline for families and carers that are losing their loved one before their eyes.

However, the charity can only continue its amazing work with the help of charitable donations.

Kathy added:

“Every penny donated will go towards improving the lives of our clients. The money goes to them rather than the machine of a charity.”

Without Dementia Forward and its services, many people would have nowhere to turn.

Please give generously and support this vital local organisation. Nobody deserves what these families are facing – especially at 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 improving 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.

Please 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.

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

 

Woman in 70s injured following Harrogate collision

A woman in her 70s has suffered injuries following a collision on Skipton Road in Harrogate.

The incident happened at the Texaco garage at 9:45am yesterday (November 27) when a Vauxhall Corsa collided with a pedestrian who was crossing the road.

The pedestrian, a woman in her 70s, is receiving treatment in hospital.

North Yorkshire Police is now appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to gather further information.

In a statement, the force said:

“The pedestrian suffered injuries following the collision and is receiving treatment in hospital.

“The driver of the Corsa is assisting officers with their investigation.

“Anyone who witnessed the collision, saw the vehicle involved or the pedestrian in the moments leading up to it, or has dashcam footage, is urged to make contact with North Yorkshire Police if they have not already done so.

“Please email ian.mckenzie@northyorkshire.police.uk  or phone 101 quoting reference number 12230225350 when passing on information.”

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First human case of swine flu strain in UK detected in North Yorkshire

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced the first human trace of the influenza A(H1N2)v strain was detected in a North Yorkshire patient.

The disease, which is commonly known as swine flu, is similar to flu viruses currently circulating in pigs in the UK.

The UKHSA said yesterday that the strain was detected during a routine flu inspection undertaken with the Royal College of General Practitioners and is the first human case to be detected in the UK.

It said the individual was tested by their GP after “experience respiratory symptoms”, adding:

“Influenza A(H1N2)v virus was detected by UKHSA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and characterised using genome sequencing.

“The individual concerned experienced a mild illness and has fully recovered.”

The source of infection has not yet been discovered and the case remains under investigation.

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Anyone experience respiratory symptoms is advised to avoid contact with other people while symptoms persist – particularly the elderly and those with existing medical conditions.

The UK Health Security Agency also said:

“As is usual early in emerging infection events, UKHSA is working closely with partners to determine the characteristics of the pathogen and assess the risk to human health.

“UKHSA is monitoring the situation closely and is taking steps to increase surveillance within existing programmes involving GP surgeries and hospitals in parts of North Yorkshire.

“To assist in the detection of cases and assessment of transmission, those people who are contacted and asked to test are encouraged to do so.”

The last outbreak of swine flu was in 2009; a virus spreading through pigs and birds caused a subsequent pandemic in humans in the UK.

The UKHSA said there have been 50 human cases of influenza A(H1N2)v reported globally since 2005 – none of which are “genetically related” to the most recent strain.

Chief veterinary office, Christine Middlemiss, added:

“We know that some diseases of animals can be transferred to humans – which is why high standards of animal health, welfare and biosecurity are so important.

“Through our animal and human surveillance systems we work together to protect everyone. In this case we are providing specialist veterinary and scientific knowledge to support the UKHSA investigation. Pig keepers must also report any suspicion of swine flu in their herds to their local vet immediately.”

New tailoring and alterations shop to open in Harrogate

A tailoring and alterations company is set to open on Cheltenham Parade in Harrogate.

Monsieur K Bespoke Tailoring will take over the unit formerly occupied by Adage Dance, which announced it would move to an online-only service in May.

The company, which opened its first store on Knaresborough High Street in 2016, offers tailoring and alteration services for all types of clothing, as well as custom-made clothing.

Owner and tailor, Robin Katiksiz, told the Stray Ferret customers will be able to order bespoke items which will be made in-house.

He added:

“All our garments are manufactured in-house using high-quality materials, fabrics, linings, buttons, etc. In addition, customers will be able to bring their clothes for precise alterations and repairs.

“This principle applies to all types of clothing, guaranteeing a perfect fit and quality work. In our new store, our primary goal, as always, is to provide quality craftsmanship and top-notch customer service.”

The current Knaresborough unit.

Mr Katiksiz also said he has a “deep attachment” to Harrogate and the idea of opening another store in the town has “always attracted” him.

He hopes the Harrogate store will be open shortly before Christmas, but if construction work is not completed by then, Mr Katiksiz said it would open on January 4 next year.

It will be located opposite another alterations company, Golden Stitches, which opened more than 10 years ago.

Monsieur K Bespoke Tailoring will be open every day, 10am – 2pm.

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Pannal Scouts sell Christmas trees to raise money for hall improvements              

The 1st Pannal Scout Group is selling Christmas trees to raise funds for the renovation of its scout hall.

The group, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year, has more than 100 members aged four to 24.

The hall, which is on Spring Lane near Harrogate, has undergone renovations to make the building more accessible, including the installation of a disabled toilet and ramp. There is also a new outbuilding and mezzanine level in the existing hall.

The group hopes its latest festive initiative will raise another £1,500 to fund the final improvements to the building, which will be unveiled in January 2024.

Scout leader Andy Bielby told the Stray Ferret:

“Our group turned 75 last month and we’re just finishing up some exciting renovations to our scout hall which we hope will keep us going for many more years.

“This year we’re using the funds raised to complete some amazing transformation work to our scout hall in Pannal.

“We’ve been lucky to get some grant funding to bring the hall up to date. Unfortunately, that funding restricted us to certain uses so we’re raising money towards some more modest repairs and painting!”

The locally-supplied Nordmann fir trees, which range from 3ft – 8ft, can be ordered online and collected from the Scout Hall.

Prices start at £25.

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Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: ‘I would never swap my problems for Alzheimer’s’

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 those that need help this Christmas.

Today, Flora spoke to a couple who go to the wellbeing café.

Before Pauline Brown’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she was a volunteer at Dementia Forward’s wellbeing café. Now she and her husband John, who is her carer, attend the café for a different reason.

Pauline tells us her story.

“People didn’t believe me when I was diagnosed. I was talking the way I am now, and people needed convincing.”

Pauline began volunteering at the wellbeing café – which takes place every Tuesday – 10 years ago. She spent eight years supporting those living with dementia and their carers.

“I loved volunteering.

“I just enjoyed helping people and chatting to them – I liked feeling needed.”

However, the couple began to see symptoms of dementia around four years ago and received her diagnosis two years ago. Pauline said:

“Nobody told me I couldn’t volunteer anymore, but I didn’t think it was right.”

Luckily, the couple knew just where to go following the diagnosis and Pauline swapped her volunteer badge for a game of snakes and ladders. She added:

“I love playing games here – snakes and ladders, dominoes, Jenga.

“You just meet people and chat things over – you need to get out of the house.”

John, who also volunteered at the café for three years, said being surrounded by people who understand each other has helped them both.

“We have a laugh.

“We talk to people who are in similar circumstances who pass on their own stories and experiences.”

Pauline and John lean on each other for support, but every type of dementia comes with its own set of challenges. He said:

“You’ve got to be a team – we care for each other.

“I have a few problems myself, but I would never swap them for Alzheimer’s.

The wellbeing café has provided a lifeline for the Browns and hundreds of other families across the Harrogate district.

John added:

“Unless you’ve been involved with someone with dementia – when you’re slowly losing someone – you can’t appreciate these services.

“Help people when they need help – it’s a family.”

The Dementia Forward team eases the pain as much as it can – but can only continue to 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. 

Please 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 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.

Stag-do company to pay Harrogate resident to scope nightlife hotspots

An events company has offered to pay one Harrogate resident to scope out the town’s nightlife hotspots.

Bath-based events company, StagWeb, which launched in 2002, has announced a UK-wide scheme to discover the best places for soon-to-be grooms and their friends.

The successful applicant will receive £100 plus expenses, including entry into bars and clubs, in return for a short report on the the best (and worst) venues in town.

Jon Stainer, creative director at StagWeb, said:

“Whilst we visit all of our destinations ourselves, you can’t beat the insider knowledge of someone living there.

“That’s why we’re looking for someone in each of the 35 UK destinations we offer to head out on a scouting mission for us and collect some stag-do intel.”

The person will also be required to document the night-out with a video and pictures of their experience, and is welcome to bring friends along.

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Mr Stainer said the chosen party-goer would be required to try some of the local venues already recommended by the company, but they will be asked to “scope out new joints” to find the best stag-friendly venues in Harrogate.

He added:

“We want someone who’s outgoing and confident in front of the camera to vlog their experience, so we can refine our options and give our groups the best advice possible.

“We want the full night out experience but, as with all our groups, we recommend they drink responsibly. Don’t forget, they’ve got some vlogging to do and we’ll need the footage to be usable.”

StagWeb said the successful candidate will have a love for partying and feel confident in front of a camera.

You can apply here.

Mandarin Stone to open Harrogate store today

National retailer Mandarin Stone will open its doors in Harrogate today.

The company, which sells a wide range natural stone, porcelain and decorative tiles, has taken over the former Lynx Menswear unit on West Park.

The Harrogate showroom will become the 15th of its kind and the most northerly Mandarin Stone site.

Regional director Katharine Hughes said Harrogate was a “beautiful and luxurious area” and this played a part in choosing to open a store in the town.

She added:

“We open showrooms in areas where the customers are very discerning. That’s why we offer a broad base of price points.

“Someone might just have a kitchen splash-back, or they might be building a brand-new property and they have hundreds of metres to find. We like to think we cater to that.”

(L) Katharine Hughes, Clare Cruise and two members of the Mandarin Stone team.

The family-run business, which is based in Monmouth, was founded more than 30 years ago.

Director Carl Ryan said the company’s “knowledge, passion and enthusiasm” for the industry set it apart in the market.

“I feel blessed and privileged to be part of a team on West Park.

“We’re just so excited to open now.”

Inside the Harrogate store.

Mandarin Stone Harrogate will be open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.30pm, and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

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Van stolen from Ripon business park

A van has been stolen from a business park near Ripon.

North Yorkshire Police said today the Fiat Ducato light goods vehicle was stolen from e-commerce firm Hemmingways, at Barker Business Park in Melmerby, on Tuesday, November 21.

The incident occurred at 1.15am.

In a statement, the force said:

“The registration number of the vehicle is BV19OPH.

“It is white in colour and has a distinctive blue curtain side.

“If you see the stolen vehicle, or know where it is, please email richard.tindall@northyorkshire.police.uk.

“You can also call us on 101 and ask for Richard Tindall.”

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

The reference number is 12230221425.

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Harrogate Spring Water to hold consultation event on expansion

Harrogate Spring Water will hold a public consultation event next week to discuss its revised expansion plans for the Harrogate headquarters.

The event, which will take place in the Byron suite of the Crown Hotel in Harrogate, will enable people to learn more about the proposals, which involve felling 450 trees in Rotary Wood.

The company, which is owned by Danone UK & Ireland, is consulting before it submits a planning application for the development.

Harrogate Spring Water received outline planning consent in 2017, which established the principle of development, but needs its reserved matters application finalising details such as the design and layout of the site to be approved before it can proceed.

It said last week it would plant a 1,200-tree community woodland to offset concerns about the expansion of its bottling plant if North Yorkshire Council approved its plans.

The planting would result in a replacement rate of 3:1 for any trees removed and deliver a 10% increase in biodiversity levels in the area, the company said.

Richard Hall, managing director of Harrogate Spring Water, said:

“We’ve made some major changes to our plans following the feedback we received at our first public consultation event last summer.”

Planning documents say the expanded building on Harlow Moor Road would be designed with softwood boarding, timber elements and metal cladding to “promote a sympathetic and clean appearance”.

Harrogate Spring Water has also said about 50 new jobs will be created as part of the expansion, plus another 20 during the construction period.

Mr Hall added:

“We believe our revised plans address those concerns and create a way forward together for the local community and for ourselves as a growing Harrogate business.

“We would like people to come and see for themselves what we have planned and how we aim to carry it out.”

The consultation will take place on Thursday, November 30 from 4pm – 7pm.

Those unable to attend can have their say here.

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