Ex-England player appointed head coach at Harrogate rugby club

Harrogate Rugby Union Club has appointed a new head coach who previously played for England.

Dan Scarbrough has an impressive career, having also played on the wing or as full back for Leeds Tykes, Racing Metro and Saracens.

He will now bring his knowledge and skill to Harrogate RUFC.

His career began in National Division One with Wakefield, during which he scored 17 tries from 46 starts, which led to a prolific try-scoring career.

He played in the England A side that contested the first Churchill Cup, before winning his first full cap against Wales in a 2003 warm up game.

Dan went on to become head coach of Latvia Men’s National Sevens, as well coaching at his own school, Bradford Grammar School, and Yorkshire Rugby.

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The appointment comes as previous head coach, Sam Fox, has “decided to explore new opportunities in his coaching career”, according to the club.

Mr Fox will continue to play for the club but has secured a new coaching role at Pocklington School and the Yorkshire Academy.

Martyn Wood, director of rugby at Harrogate RUFC, said:

“We are thrilled to announce that Dan Scarbrough will be stepping into the position.

“A seasoned and respected figure in the rugby world, having played for Leeds Tykes, Racing Metro, Saracens, and England.

“Dan brings a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of the game.”

Dan has already begun training with the Mens 1st XV whose first match of the season takes place on Saturday, September 2.

Mr Wood continued:

“The club’s management and players warmly welcome Dan Scarbrough and eagerly anticipate an exciting new chapter under his stewardship.

“With his appointment, Harrogate Rugby Club remains committed to upholding its legacy as a prominent force in the rugby community.”

The team is currently playing in the fifth tier of England rugby.

Stray Ferret charity calendar to showcase Harrogate district’s beauty

The Stray Ferret is launching its inaugural charity calendar to raise money for our Christmas appeal and showcase the beauty of the Harrogate district.

As many of you know, we post our photo of the week feature on our website and social media every Sunday, inviting local people to send in their images of the district.

Now, we need your help to decide which photo of the week entries will feature in our calendar!

From cherry blossom on the Stray to furry friends and ferris wheels, the winning images will be included in our 2024 desk calendars.

Keep an eye out for each season’s gallery of shortlisted images and vote for your favourites via our competition page.

Calendars will be available to buy later this year as part of our Christmas appeal.

To send in your entry for photo of the week, email letters@thestrayferret.co.uk .

Firefighters respond to hot tub blaze near Knaresborough

Firefighters from Knaresborough were called to a hot tub that went up in flames near Knaresborough today.

Flames from the wood-fired hot tub, which didn’t have anyone in it, spread to the surrounding canopy on Arkendale Road in Ferrensby.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident report said:

“This was extinguished prior to the arrival of the fire service using five small fire extinguishers, buckets of water and garden hose pipes.

“Crews assisted the owners with damping down the area. The hot tub and canopy were 100% destroyed by fire. The cause of this was a jammed motor.”

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Nidd Art Trail in full swing as local artists begin to open their doors

Local artists, craftspeople and photographers are opening their doors to the public this weekend to showcase work as part of NiddArt Trail.

The trail, run by community organisation Nidderdale Art Trail, aims to highlight both the artistic talent on offer throughout the district, as well as keep community spirit alive.

It originated as Nidd Art Fest, which ran from 1997 to 2008, and has been known as NiddArt Trail since 2009.

Venues in upper and lower Nidderdale, Pateley Bridge, Bewerley, Knaresborough and surrounding villages will house the works of both professional artists, such as Claire Baxter Gallery and JOT’s Gallery, as well as amateur groups such as Pateley Bridge Art Club, which will hold its summer exhibition in St Cuthbert’s School, and Lofthouse Art Group.

A number of community venues will also host featured works, including Summerbridge Methodist Church and Sawley Village Hall.

St Paul’s Art Group will have a variety of mediums on display, including photography and crafts, with some on sale to the public. The work will be held in St Paul’s United Reformed Church, Harrogate, on 26 and 27 August. Refreshments will also be available.

Poetry readings will also take place at Darley Methodist Church as part of the trail. Reverend Alastair Ferneley of Dacre and Alan Jordan, Lay Pastor in the Methodist Church, will be reciting their own poetry on Saturday, August 19, and Saturday, August 26.

Paintings, pottery and photographs curated by local artists will all be housed in St Andrew’s Church, in Blubberhouses, on 19 and 20 August, as well as 26 – 28 August too.

Treasurer Charles Mellor said:

“It’s very much a community event and is made from a mix of talent and community effort.

“There is quite a spectrum of activity this year.”

Some pieces will be available to buy from both the professional and amateur artists, however many choose to simply be involved in the trail.

“I think people just really enjoy being a part of it.

“Many of the groups and venues involved become very enthusiastic about the trail.”

The participating venues are free to attend and will be open at various times from Friday, August 18 to Monday, August 28.

The trail has been available to view online from August 1.

Find a full breakdown of the participating artists and venues, as well as their opening times, here.

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From Jane Austen to beer festivals: what’s on in the Harrogate district this weekend

Summer may be drawing to a close but weekend activities across the district are certainly not.

Whether you’re looking for an evening with Oscar Wilde, a win for the Lionesses, or just a family picnic in the sun, we’ve collated a list of all that’s on offer this weekend in the Harrogate district.

FEVA FESTIVAL – Knaresborough

This weekend sees the final few days of Knaresborough’s FEVA.

The arts festival includes exhibitions, live music and theatre.

An adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility will be held at Knaresborough Castle this evening from 7pm – tickets start at £20.

Knaresborough Library will also host An Evening with Wes Martin – a Knaresborough-based bestselling crime author – and Aubrey Parsons, a vocal performer who has worked for Disney, the BBC and Audible.

Mr Martin will be on hand to answer all questions crime-related, as well as signing books, while Ms Parsons will be reading some of her favourite extracts from The Yorkshire Murders. The event is £5 to attend.

The free Picnic in the Park will take place outside Knaresborough House tomorrow from midday to 5pm.

Simply bring along a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of live music.

Knaresborough Lions’ Beer Festival will also be held at Knaresborough House this weekend and will showcase 25 special beers, as well as wine, cider, and lager.

The beer festival is free to attend and begins this evening at 5pm. It will also run from midday to 11pm on Saturday, August 18, and midday to 5pm on Sunday, August 19.

For a full breakdown of this weekend’s events, click here.

Women’s World Cup Final: England vs Spain

 Sunday sees the nail-biting final between the Lionesses and La Roja.

Harrogate’s own Rachel Daly has helped the team reach their first ever World Cup final and will be supported by many local fans.

Several venues across the district will have live screenings of the match, which kicks off at 11am GMT.

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest – Ripon Spa Gardens

An adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest will be performed in Ripon Spa Gardens tomorrow evening.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company, based in in Lincoln, will be putting on the show as part of its Open Theatre Air Tour.

Attendees are encouraged to enjoy a picnic beneath the stars by bringing food, blankets and chairs.

Gates open at 6pm and the show will begin at 7pm – tickets start at £20.90 for adults.

Knaresborough’s Calcutt Gala celebrates 20th year

 Calcutt Gala will be returning for its 20th anniversary on Sunday.

The event, which will be held at Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club, will include a martial arts demonstration, live music, a BBQ and bar, as well as an ice cream van and tombola.

The Cricketers will also be streaming the World Cup final before the gala.

The gala begins at midday and entry is £2 for ages 12 upwards.

All funds raised will be donated to the cricket club.

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Go back to the future at Yorkshire’s newest VR experience venue

This story is sponsored by Park Playground

Leeds recently became home to Yorkshire’s newest virtual reality site, which sees no sign of slowing down its success.

The Park Playground VR began in 2018, in Belgium, and has shot to success – boasting 13 locations across 4 countries in just five years.

The Leeds site, which was the first UK destination, located on Kirkstall Road, opened last December and has since brought the county endless virtual fun and adventure.

Visitors can choose between six different experiences to be enjoyed by a range of ages and immerse themselves into some seriously out-of-this world challenges. From TV game shows and saving the planet to travelling back to Ancient Egypt and zombie hordes, The Park Playground will ensure a day of guaranteed excitement and thrill.

If you’re looking for some family fun, the Mask of the Pharaoh is the perfect rainy-day activity. The game begins as any normal day – although, not for long – as you and your team receive a call from the Professor to say he is trapped in Ancient Egypt! It’s your job to travel back in time to the land of the pyramids, help break the spell of the mysterious mask and return the Professor to modern day. To be enjoyed by 2-6 players, aged 7 and above, enjoy a series of mini games and discover artefacts along the way to help solve this historic puzzle.

The Park Playground is the perfect indoor activity for friends, family and colleagues.

Thrill seekers can enter a world of zombie-hunting in The Hallow. Travel back to the 19th century and combat a world overthrown by a zombie horde to restore what was once a peaceful village. Join forces with your friends, family, and co-workers in this epic journey of mini games and battle – but beware…only the bravest will survive.

If you consider yourself an armchair sleuth, try your hand at The Snitch. In a VR TV gameshow, you and your team will journey across the natural beauties of New Zealand, completing challenges to win a cash prize. However, someone isn’t such a team player and is aiming to sabotage the group’s efforts to keep the money for themselves. Whether you’re the saboteur or walking the plank for some cash, expect suspicion and laughter in this game of non-stop fun.

The site’s newest game, Nanoclash: Focus, allows up to 12 friends to battle it out in a futuristic arena, competing in various challenges until one is victorious! Described as paintball without the pain, this game attracts anyone from gamers and adrenaline-junkies to wedding parties and work colleagues. No matter who you are, enter the arena for the ultimate VR battle.

If one terrifying game wasn’t enough for you, the award-winning Don’t Scream horror-themed escape room will challenge the mind and keep your heart racing. Comedian and evil genius, David Whitely welcomes you to his world of fear where evil lies around every corner. Face your fears and collect the necessary memorabilia to help escape this nightmare, but remember…don’t scream.

Adventure can also be found in Mission Planet X – the ultimate apocalyptic journey. Earth is running out of energy and fossil fuels will soon be exhausted, so it’s up to you, recruits, to save the day before it’s too late! Commander Dawson sends you to Planet X – a world of the unknown – to bring back the powerful Energy Crystal. Work as a team and overcome some intergalactic challenges to return the crystal to Earth and keep our planet alive. Once you’re up in space, there’s no turning back…

Players will battle against each other on an 81 square metre field.

All games include an initial 30 minute starter, helping players get used to the equipment, as well as playing some introductory mini games. After this, teams will share an 81-square metre playing field to compete in your chosen game.

Ditching the heavy backpacks and cables, The Park Playground games are entirely mobile and offer a large wireless area for gamers to roam. Visitors are also provided with state-of-the-art VR goggles to transport you to an alternate reality.

Marketing manager, James Nye, said:

“Laughter, shouting and even screams are a common occurrence at the park.

“My personal favourite is The Hallow – it’s 30 minutes of non-stop heart-pounding action.”

Visitors can also enjoy a drink at the bar and debate who played the best in the cool relaxation lounge.

The site can be transformed for any occasion, from children’s parties to corporate events. The entire venue is also available for hire for large-scale events.

He continued:

“There has been such a buzz in Leeds since we opened in December, and we’ve had multiple local celebrities try the games for themselves.

“Our latest experience is due for release later this year, – I can’t say much now but I’m very excited for the city to see it.”

The Park Playground VR welcomes anyone aged 7 upwards, and team sizes range from 2 – 16 people.

Find out more

To find out more about all that’s on offer at The Park Playground Leeds, visit https://www.theparkplayground.com/en-gb 

Click here to book your discounted game for four.

Stray Ferret vouchers: fun for all the family come wind, rain, or shine

Although it may not have felt like summer over the last few weeks, the Stray Ferret’s voucher page is here to ensure endless fun for all the family during the holidays.

From pizza and castles to the St Leger and virtual reality, we’re offering our readers unmissable discounts to keep your children and your bank balance happy!

So whether you’re seeking culture, excitement, furry friends or just some full tummies, be sure to check out our vouchers to make your summer shine.

The Park Playground: 50% off 60-minute group VR experience for 4!

 Fancy transporting to a different reality? Well, at The Park Playground, Leeds, you can do just that!

The hottest new virtual reality experience in Yorkshire is giving Stray Ferret readers 50% off a 60-minute group VR experience for 4 – that’s half the price for double the fun.

Discover a thrilling adventure with your friends and family in a unique, free-roam environment and enter a world of breathtaking virtual reality.

Work together or battle against each other in an ultra-real virtual world, like hunting zombies in The Hallow, or solving puzzles in ancient Egypt in The Mask of The Pharaoh.

Thrill seekers can face their fears in Don’t Scream, or even take part in your very own TV game show in The Snitch.

Click here to buy your voucher and go on an incredible journey beyond your imagination at Park Playground.

Major Tom’s Social: 2 pizzas for just £12!

Calling all pizza lovers! Major Tom’s Social is offering Stray Ferret readers 2 Margherita pizzas for just £12 – one pizza is usually at least £10, so don’t miss out on this tasty deal.

Known for its delicious stone baked pizzas, made in house using flour and tomatoes imported from Italy, Major Tom’s Social is the place to go if you’re looking for great quality food and drinks.

So, gather your friends and head down to Major Tom’s after work to enjoy a full-size pizza for a fraction of the price!

Click here to claim your voucher.

Ripley Castle Guided Tour – Two adult admission tickets for the price of one!

If you’re looking for some fresh air and culture this summer, Ripley Castle is offering two adult tickets for the price of one with this exclusive deal.

That’s right…a family of 2 adults and children under 12 can enjoy a guided tour of the castle, as well as admission into the gardens and grounds for just £15!

Ripley Castle has been home to the Ingilby family for over 700 years — the tour will share fascinating stories about the history the family, as well as the castle itself.

Immerse yourself in the grounds and walled garden that surrounds the estate with floral and shrub borders, a kitchen garden with a range of vegetables, a herb garden and a fruit orchard. A true garden-lovers dream.

Don’t miss out on this exclusive deal – buy your voucher here.

DogFest – 2 for 1 tickets!

Struggling to find somewhere to have fun with your four-legged friend? Then look no further as we’re bringing you 2-for-1 tickets to DogFest!

You and your hound can enjoy a day of non-stop fun at the nation’s favourite dog-friendly festival!

Expect a day of agility courses, hay bale racing, doggy diving and even a giant ball pit for your dog to enjoy.

Owners will be invited to attend ‘Breed Meet Ups’, where families with the same breed are encouraged to swap stories, share notes, and take photos.

Visitors can also take part in the Big Dog Walk’s 2km or 4km walk around the grounds of the estate.

Enjoy all that andmore for just £20 – grab your discounted voucher here.

Harewood House – Half price Family Ticket!

Prepare to explore 100 acres of gardens and grounds this summer with half price family tickets to Harewood House!

Fancy a bit of adventure? Get lost in the winding paths of the Himalayan Gardens or stroll around the lake to discover the famous Walled Garden.

The site also offers a Woodland Wonderland play area and adventure playground for your little ones to burn off some steam, as well as a variety of walks to enjoy the natural beauty on display.

Get your half price voucher here.

Doncaster Racecourse: 37% off Betfred St Leger Legends Day – Grandstand tickets

The Stray Ferret is bringing you discounted tickets to one of the oldest and most prestigious races in Britain – the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster Racecourse!

Featuring the Leger Legends Charity Race, the Legends Day will showcase an array of ex-professional jockeys to celebrate the final day of the historic four-day racing festival.

Whether you’re looking for some family fun or just a good knees-up with some friends, the Grandstand tickets will grant you access to public bars, eateries, and betting outlets along with views of the racing action including the parade ring and pre-parade ring.

Children can expect a kid’s disco, meet & greets with Doncaster Knights players, an air ambulance simulator, stilt walkers and more!

The race will take place on Sunday, September 17 — U18’s go free!

Find our special offer here.

Click or tap here to see our vouchers page.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate Town sign another sponsor

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Harrogate Town have announced a partnership with a Harrogate construction and plant hire firm.

Kitching Plant Hire has over 350 machines to buy and hire, including diggers, excavators, rollers and cement mixers.

The club said the firm’s commitment to innovation and quality mirrored its values.

Matthew Kitching, director of Kitching Plant Hire, said:

“We’re excited about our new partnership with Harrogate Town AFC, being proud supporters, we felt the timing is right to show our commitment to our local club.”

Joanne Towler, commercial director of Harrogate Town AFC, said the company’s support was “instrumental in driving our club’s progress”.

Harrogate and Boroughbridge companies help beautify York 

A  Borougbridge landscape contractor has partnered with a horticultural company in Kirk Hammerton to remodel the grounds of York Museum Gardens.

ATM Ltd, a landscaping, highway and maintenance company, has partnered with Johnsons of Whixley to supply thousands of plants to the 12.5 acre area of land as part of the recent Environment Agency flood defence improvements project.

ATM provided the project with all soft landscaping following engineering work to raise an existing flood bank, while the commercial plant suppliers selected plants to ensure pollination will thrive throughout the year.

The aim of the project is to rejuvenate the gardens, which were first established in the 1830s, and create a fresh and enjoyable space for the public.

Daniel McClaren, contracts manager at ATM Ltd, said:

“The plants were carefully selected with wildlife and seasons in mind. The gardens will be enjoyed all year round. ”

Eleanor Richardson, marketing manager at Johnsons, said:

“York Museum Gardens is on our doorstep, so it has been great to visit the site and see the hard work ATM have completed and see the plants thriving.”

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Harrogate bar to host Taylor Swift quiz to celebrate UK tour

A Harrogate bar is set to host a Taylor Swift-themed quiz to celebrate the UK leg of her tour.

Starling Harrogate, on Oxford Street, will stage a six-round quiz this Friday (August 18) for ‘Swifties’ to enjoy.

Attendees will need to brush up on their ‘Tay-Lore’ ahead of the event, and will be tested on their knowledge of her music videos, lyrics, her sell-out Eras Tour and more.

Teams will be formed on the evening and the lucky winners will be awarded Swif-tea mugs, while the winner of the best-dressed award will receive a free cocktail.

Organiser and die-hard Taylor Swift fan, Tiffany Snowden, held a release party ahead of her album, ‘Red’, in 2021 and is hoping the quiz will see the same level of success.

The 2021 album release party.

She said:

“We still have a few tickets left and last time was such a success, I’d love for other Harrogate-based Swifties to be able to attend.

“[It is a] pub quiz like no other, centred around the one and only, Taylor Alison Swift (a.k.a. the music industry).”

The quiz will be followed by an after-party featuring the star’s songs on repeat.

A ‘posh’ pizza buffet, including pizza slices and sides, will be also included in the ticket, as well as a complimentary glass of wine on arrival.

The singer, who is the second most listened to artist globally on Spotify, recently announced 13 UK shows as part of her Eras Tour in 2024, including Liverpool, Cardiff, London, and Edinburgh. VIP tickets set fans back over £600, while regular admission ranged from £58 to £172.

The quiz will take place on Friday, August 18, from 7pm – 10pm.

Tickets for the event can be found here.

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New street art café opens in Harrogate

A café serving sweet and savoury dishes has opened its doors in Harrogate – with street art covering its walls.

Salt N Sugar, on King’s Road, sells coffees and teas, sweet and savoury waffles, pancakes, and crepes, as well as traditional brunch dishes, such as eggs royale and breakfast sandwiches.

The café’s interior is less than traditional, however, as the walls are covered in graffiti – hand painted by owners Marina Prokoiosifi, 23, and Danjel Mulla, 24.

They moved from their hometown of Athens to Harrogate in search of a brighter future.

The pair explained that “everything is painted and vandalised” in Athens, so they chose to add street art to the walls of the café to bring a “taste of home”.

Ms Prokoiosifi told the Stray Ferret:

“We were surprised how little street art there is in Harrogate when we moved – it’s so normal for places to look like this is Greece.

“I began graffitiing at the age of nine and continued until I was 12. My friends and I would paint on school walls, parts of our town and even our walls at home.”

The dog-friendly cafe also operates as a co-working space for remote workers.

It hopes to begin delivering online takeaway orders in future.

The owners said:

“People got to know us over the last few months while we were preparing the unit and have since come into the café to show their support.

“We really look forward to welcoming the residents of Harrogate to our café.”

Salt N Sugar is open from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

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