This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID.
A Harrogate caterer who has served a number of royals celebrated his 60th birthday and 21 years of catering at the Great Yorkshire Show yesterday.
Ian King, owner of King’s Catering, founded the company with his wife 27 years ago and, for 21 of those, has served thousands of people every day when the annual show takes place.
The traditional royal visit means Mr King has prepared meals for King Charles III, Princess Anne, and the late Queen Elizabeth II.
He said the current monarch “loves smoked salmon sandwiches and loose Earl Grey tea”, while his sister “always asks for ginger beer”.
Monarchs are provided with a checklist to indicate their likes and dislikes ahead of the show and, said Mr King, only request “the use of local produce”.
The company initially served canapes at the agricultural show but took on the challenge of catering for the entire show in 2012.
That same year, the show was rained off after just the first day. With heaps of leftover stock and a heavy heart, it’s fair to say Mr King described this as his least favourite memory of the show…
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- As it happened: Day 1 at the Great Yorkshire Show
The Great Yorkshire Show generates “10% of the company’s annual turnover”, according to Mr King, and is “the busiest and biggest week of the year.”
He said covid was a “very cruel” time for the company but added:
“We’re back and we’re bigger and stronger than ever. This show is what we work towards all year.
“Providing breakfast on the first day goes well the rest of the show is plain sailing!”
Mr King arrives at the showground at 4am each day during show week to prepare and said “the camaraderie of it all makes it so enjoyable”.
This year, the caterer spent his milestone 60th birthday cooking up a storm for the Duke of Gloucester – and thousands of other show attendees.
Find more information on King’s Catering here.
GALLERY: Royal visit marks start of Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show
This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID.
A royal visit, a new fashion show and two national cattle championships were among the highlights of day one of the Great Yorkshire Show.
The Duke of Gloucester was taken on a tour by show director Charles Mills and Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Jo Ropner.
Despite the downpour, spirits remained high and the annual show is in full swing.
Thousands gathered to eat, drink, compete, and observe as celebrities were spotted and trophies were won.
Industry leaders and MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee discussed species reintroductions across the country, while TV star Adam Henson led a talk on the challenges faced and opportunities available in farming.
The Yorkshire Pelargonium and Geranium Society took home the first competitive cup of the show for the best exhibit in the garden show, and the President’s Award of the Curzon-Howe Rosebowl went to Harrogate’s very own Horticap.
In the sheep rings, two new breeds, the Badgerface Texel and Castlemilk Moorits, were competing, while next door the shearing stage saw the new Sheep to Chic Fashion Show, featuring the best of British wool garments worn by professional models and volunteers from the rural community.
Tickets for the show have now sold out. Tickets will not be available on the gate. The opening times are 8am to 6pm on all four days. To see what is happening on which day, visit here.
You can relive more day one highlights here. Below is a gallery.
Sheep young handler Benjamin Brook, aged 5.
Winners of the Doncaster Cup: The Yorkshire Pelargonium and Geranium Society
TV star Adam Henson
Cheese judging. Pic: GYS website.
TV personality Amy Garcia and weatherman Paul Hudson preparing for the pole climb. Pic: GYS website.
Keep an eye on our website or on social media for daily updates at The Great Yorkshire Show.
Read more:
- As it happened: Day 1 at the Great Yorkshire Show
- Harrogate businesses offering unmissable discounts to attract punters during Great Yorkshire Show
As the summer continues, it can only mean one thing…village show season is due to begin.
From vintage tractors and giant tortoises to handwriting competitions and terrier racing, we’ve collated a list of village shows happening across the district this summer.
If you have something to add to the round-up, email us the details.
Weeton Show
Titled “The Greatest Little Show in Yorkshire”, Weeton Show offers locals a jam-packed day of guaranteed fun.
The village show will host a wealth of entertainment throughout the day, with food stalls, live brass bands, a Punch and Judy performance, farrier demonstrations and much more.
The day will also include over 200 classes of horses, sheep, dogs, produce and horticulture.
Weeton show has been an integral part of the village since 1947 and still promises to be fun for all the family.
The show will take place on Sunday, July 30.
Tickets start at £7 – more information can be found here.
Pic: Valeria Mather from Weeton Show website.
Birstwith Show
This year marks the 127th annual Birstwith Show and, after all these years, it still has lots on offer.
For any local horticulturists, the village show has an extensive list of classes to enter or enjoy, ranging from pansies and delphiniums to hydrangeas and hanging baskets.
The show will also showcase a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Children can also get involved in classes and can show off their photography, baking, or even sock puppet-making skills.
Birstwith Show will take place on Saturday, July 29.
Find more information here – ticket prices begin at £7.
Pic: Sarah Jane Osler
Ripley Show
Ripley Show takes place in the grounds of the iconic Ripley Castle and, too, offers a day of agricultural fun.
The show offers a wide range of events and classes, including ferret racing, a companion dog show, children’s fancy dress, and much more.
This year’s attendees can also expect some updates to the schedule – from donkey classes to novice gardener classes.
Ripley Show will take place on Sunday, August 13.
Click here for more information – tickets start at £6.50.
Pic: Ripley Show Facebook page
Tockwith Show
Tockwith Show will also host a day of agricultural and horticultural excitement.
The village show – which was established in 1945 – will hold over 800 classes throughout the day.
Attendees can expect to see giant tortoises, trade stands, Farlavale gun dogs, farm animals and demonstrations.
There will also be pony club displays, a tractor parade, and a dog dash.
The show will take place on Sunday, August 6.
More information can be found here – tickets cost £10.
Pic: Tockwith Show Facebook page
Nidderdale Show
Nidderdale Show (affectionately known at Pateley Show) boats one of the finest exhibitions of animals in the UK.
The show will host a variety of animal competitions, show jumping, horticulture, crops, dry stone walling and more.
People can also enjoy a cricket match, funfair and live music.
There will be a two-course carvery lunch, as well as other hot meals, afternoon teas, sandwiches, and hot beverages available. There will also be mobile catering units and bars located around the showground.
Sunflowers Day Nursery will have staff on-hand to provide a relaxing family area for children (and parents) when necessary.
The show will take place on Sunday, September 24.
Find more information here – tickets cost £13.50.
Read more:
Harrogate homes flooded and struck by lightning in storm
A house was struck by lightning and others faced flash flooding, as the Harrogate district felt the wrath of last night’s storm.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service night shift summary reported crews from Harrogate and Knaresborough were summoned to a home on East Parade in Harrogate that had been struck by lightning at 22:38.
One occupant suffered shock as a result and was treated by a paramedic but was otherwise unharmed.
Police then cordoned the property due to “an unsafe chimney stack with some debris falling into the road”.
Boroughbridge crews also attended a power line in Ingmanthorpe after it had been struck by lightning, causing it to arc near trees. Crews remained at the scene until it was safe and “left the incident in the hands of power grid engineers.”
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Throughout the night, multiple houses within the district were hit by flash flooding.
Summerbridge firefighters were called to a house on Crab Lane in Harrogate following reports of flooding inside the basement. Crews pumped out water using an ejector pump. This was then left in the hands of the owners.
A house on East Park Road in Harrogate, was also flooded during the storm. Crews assisted occupants in using buckets to remove the water.
Firefighters also attended reports of flooding on Skipton Road and Devonshire Place.
Find more information here.
Harrogate businesses offering unmissable discounts to attract punters during Great Yorkshire Show
This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID
A range of Harrogate businesses will be offering residents and visitors various discounts and promotions during the Great Yorkshire Show next week.
The deals come in collaboration with Harrogate BID to attract shoppers to the town centre during the famous agricultural show.
Matthew Chapman, manager of Harrogate BID, said:
“The town centre is quiet during the event, with most people either enjoying the show or avoiding the traffic at home – meaning the town’s economy can take a short-term knock as a result.”
This year, however, Harrogate BID is determined to draw people back to the town and fill the shops, restaurants and attractions with punters.
Harrogate BID aims to maximise the town as a destination and ensure local businesses are thriving, while encouraging people to spend time and invest in the town centre. It aims to “make Harrogate safe, clean and welcoming, and the number one town centre for shopping, eating, and drinking”.
The offers are available to holders of Great Yorkshire Show tickets, as well as those who will not be attending the show this year. From discounted food and drink, to free cinema snacks and cheaper overnight stays, Harrogate BID has ensured there is a deal for everyone.
People can enjoy three for £16 tapas all day, every day at Revolucion De Cuba, a free glass of prosecco and kids eat free offer at Giggling Squid, or even 15% off an overnight stay with Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments.
Ticket holders, who may fancy a trip into town after a day of fun at the show, can take advantage of 20% off food at The Alexandra Hotel, 10% off food at Major Tom’s Social, and 20% off drinks at both Cedar Court Hotel and The Den to keep the party going.
Since its birth in 2019, Harrogate BID has locked in over £100,000 into participating businesses through sales of the Harrogate gift card, and hopes next week’s offers will see that figure rise further.
Find out more about Harrogate BID and the range of deals available during the Great Yorkshire Show here.
Find out more:
To find out more about Harrogate BID and all the services provided to the town centre, visit https://harrogatebid.co.uk/
CrossFit gym in Ripon to host official opening tomorrowA new CrossFit gym in Ripon is set to host its official open day tomorrow under the ownership of a local military man and his wife.
CrossFit Ripon’s opening will provide an opportunity to see the space, meet the team, watch live weightlifting demos, and even take part in fitness challenges.
There will also be several local vendors and businesses at the opening offering food and drinks, as well as skincare and nutritional advice.
The gym has already achieved 90% of its membership capacity in the weeks leading up to the official opening and is welcoming more potential customers at the new facility tomorrow.
Owners Mick and Sarah Meegan, who already run a smaller training studio in the city, faced a nine-month planning battle to secure the CrossFit Ripon unit.
They hope the new gym will tackle obesity and improve physical and mental wellbeing.
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CrossFit involves various high-intensity strength and conditioning exercises and has risen to popularity over the past two decades.
Mr Meegan, who is serving his final year of 21 years of military service, posted on social media:
“Our long-awaited open day is almost here, lots of hard graft has been going in at CFR HQ to make our training space pretty special.
“You guys won’t be disappointed.
“We look forward to meeting you all and getting you starting on your fitness journeys.”
The gym will be open every day and membership prices begin at £80 per month.
The open day will take place tomorrow at the unit on Ripon Business Park. It will run from noon until 4pm.
A-maze-ing York attraction crowned best in UK
This story is sponsored by York Maze.
A family attraction in York has been crowned the best in the UK and, with all that’s on offer, it’s certainly no wonder why.
York Maze is Yorkshire’s multi award-winning summer attraction, home to the largest Maize Maze in Europe, as well as over 20 rides, shows, and attraction.
Over 1 million maize seeds are planted in April – which leads the maze to grow to the size of 8 football pitches – and GPS technology is used to create the intricate pattern pathways. The attraction began trading from an old double decker bus (that housed an office, the ticket office, and gift shop) but, after 21 years, York Maze has become one of the biggest in the world and sees no plans to stop.
The Cornula 1 track
The attraction was awarded Best Large Farm Attraction in the UK at the annual National Farm Attractions Network, as well as winning other awards for Outstanding Customer Service (twice), Best Large Attraction and Yorkshire Tourism Experience of the Year.
If you haven’t visited York Maze, you may be wondering what leads the attraction to win so many prestigious awards. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of activities for a range of ages, from the Crowmania tractor and trailer rides, to amazing theatrical surprises.
York Maze promises a jam-packed day of guaranteed fun for all. If it’s endless excitement your child is looking for, they can come face to face with dinosaurs in the Jurassic Maize, zoom down the Corn Snake slides, or get lost in the illusions of the House of Cornfusion.
Perhaps your child is a budding thespian. If so, they can channel their creativity and enjoy the Crazy Maze Show, the Cornula One experience, and even the end of day Cornival Show and foam party!
This year, visitors can expect some brand-new attractions to make their day even more a-maze-ing, from the speedy Cobsleigh Run, to the relaxing Sunflower Corner.
Tom Pearcy, owner of York Maze, said:
“To be recognised as the best farm attraction in the UK is a tribute to our amazing team who cornistently work to make sure every single visitor has an amazing experience!
“We have some exciting plans for this year and a new maze design to reveal when we re-open in July.”
For a slightly older demographic, York Maze also hosts Hallowscream and Hallowtween each year – a spine-chilling Halloween event that, too, has won awards for its success – as well as being a licensed wedding venue. Couples to be can hire the venue exclusively for three days at a time to tie the knot in the York countryside.
“Excuse the corn themed puns but, cornsidering where we started, we have certainly come a long way from the early days.
“It hasn’t always been easy, challenges have cropped up along the way, we’ve had to corntend with hurricanes, floods and drought and of course in 2020 due to Covid we didn’t get to open at all!
“The maize maze is still at the heart of what we do.”
York Maze is open from Saturday, July 15. Click to book tickets before it’s too late!
Find out more:
To find out more about all that’s on offer at York Maze, visit https://www.yorkmaze.com/ or call 01904 608000.
Planning application submitted for new equestrian centre in Harrogate villageA planning application has been submitted for an equestrian centre in a Harrogate district village.
Zarina & Zarina Ltd, a real estate company based in Leeds, submitted an application on June 1 to North Yorkshire Council for an equestrian centre on Harrogate Road, Leathley.
The design and access document was submitted by Dart Engineers Ltd.The application site is currently agricultural land dedicated to equestrian use.
It states:
“It is bounded to the south by Harrogate Road with an existing access to the SE corner and buy agricultural land and residential properties.”
The site plan.
The development will comprise of a parking area with 20 spaces and an access road that will be widened to allow suitable two-way access.
The site would have a large stable block, an office block, a covered lunge pen, a winter turnout area, and a menage.
Lower Washburn Parish Council stated the application “will compromise the visual amenity” as well as suggesting the highway access could cause danger due to the “fast moving vehicles”.
The environmental health officer at North Yorkshire Council also noted several issues, including waste disposal and lack of flood lighting in the application.
The application is yet to be approved or denied, but a planning notice has been put up at the location.
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Business Breakfast: LCF Law gives insight into award-winning employee wellbeing programme
The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am.
The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Tickets will be available later this week.
At the most recent Stray Ferret Business Club lunch, LCF Law spoke about the firm’s approach to staff wellbeing.
The Yorkshire-based legal firm which employs 170 people was recognised by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to work in the UK.
Rebecca Gosling, HR Lead for LCF Law, gave a presentation on how the company achieved an “excellent” ranking in welfare.
LCF scored 86% and above in all pillars of the wellbeing survey, including spiritual and emotional wellbeing, physical wellbeing, and financial wellbeing – 18% above the industry average.
All staff members have 24/7 access to helplines, specialist training on career progression, frequent group activities and even recognition portals in which colleagues can thank and praise one another.
Rebecca said:
“Companies don’t have to throw loads of money at staff wellbeing to be successful.
“I don’t think we would retain staff if we ever went backwards in terms of staff welfare – which we never will, anyway.”
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Paul Atkins of Leisure Park Internet Solutions
Holiday home WIFI specialist in Harrogate becomes employee-owned
Harrogate-based Leisure Park Internet Solutions has recently become an employee-owned business after 10 years of trading.
The company provides WIFI services to over 100 holiday parks throughout the UK and has developed its own “direct to van” solution to provide faster broadband for holidaymakers.
In a deal backed by a SME loan from Mercia Asset Management, founder, Paul Atkins, has transferred his shares into an Employee Ownership Trust which will own the business on behalf of 15 team members. Mr Atkins will continue his role as Managing Director for the foreseeable future.
The company has almost doubled its turnover in the two years to March 2023.
Mr Atkins said:
“I’m proud of the progress that the business has achieved to date and look forward to leading its expansion in the years to come.
“However, as we celebrate our tenth anniversary, I also felt I needed to consider its long-term future. Employee ownership seemed to be the most appropriate option while at the same time recognising the commitment of our team.”
Masham councillor to hold public meeting on poor rural broadband
A Masham councillor is to host a public meeting to address broadband problems in rural areas of the district.
Liberal Democrat councillor for Masham and Fountains, Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, said she has worked closely with North Yorkshire Council to improve broadband around Ripon and Masham but many households and businesses still have slow connectivity.
CityFibre spent £46m in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon last year but, despite this investment, many people in rural areas cannot get a superfast broadband connection.
The final phase of delivery from North Yorkshire Council-owned NYnet is due to end imminently. This means many rural residents and businesses who are still waiting for superfast broadband connection will be left without any solutions.
The persistent issues have lead Cllr Cunliffe-Lister to arrange the public meeting.
The council’s director of transformation, Robert Ling, will discuss how the final NYnet phase will be delivered, budget constraints, and whether any other funding options may be available to those who are not going to be connected.
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Project Gigabit, a £5 billion Government scheme aiming to implement superfast broadband into “hard-to-reach” communities, will also be discussed.
The scheme is yet to come to North Yorkshire but the councillor hopes “it might provide connection to those otherwise left behind at some point.”
Cllr Cunliffe-Lister said:
“The meeting is mainly for clarification of who will be covered by phase 4 more than anything else.”
All members of the Masham and Fountains ward are welcome to attend. The meeting will take place in Masham Town Hall at 6.30pm, on Wednesday, July 19.