Flora Grafton, Author at The Stray Ferret

‘Without my carer I’d be a mess’ – Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal aims to raise money 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 who needs our help this Christmas.

Today, we hear from members of the charity’s singing group.

“Dementia Forward has been such a lifeline for us.”

These are the words of so many people who have been helped – and continue to be helped – by Dementia Forward.

It supports people living with dementia, and their carers who may be struggling to do their best to help them.

However, in reality, hundreds of families are fighting a losing battle with this condition. It is robbing people of their former selves daily – and none of us can stop it.

The Stray Ferret hopes to raise £30,000 to buy the charity a new minibus but we’re still a long way off our target – and we need your help.

We know times are hard, but please donate whatever you can to this vital cause.

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward. It will fund a new minibus and improve the lives of people living with dementia and those 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.

Let’s not forget those who need our help this Christmas.

Thank you.

Christmas Markets: a guide to the Harrogate district

The festive season is fast approaching, so we’ve collated a list of all the Christmas markets taking place across the Harrogate district.

If you know of one that we have missed, please email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we can add it.

Harrogate

Harrogate Christmas Fayre

The 17-day Christmas market will return to Cambridge Street this year.

There will be a variety of traders, selling festive foods and gifts, as well as live music and entertainment.

It will run from December 1 to December 17 and will be open daily.

The market will take place from 10am – 7pm from Monday to Saturday, and 11am – 4pm on Sundays.

Harrogate Ice Rink at Crescent Gardens

The fairground and ice rink will return to Crescent Gardens this year.

There will be a carousel and a collection of small rides for children to enjoy, as well as some market stalls.

It will run from December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

The ice rink and attractions will open from 11am to 7.30pm on weekdays and 11am to 8.45pm on weekends.

Harrogate Festive Artisan Market

The Valley Gardens will also host a Christmas market again this December.

Little Bird Market has arranged for vendors to sell a range of food and drinks, as well as Christmas gifts.

Market days are Saturday (10am – 5pm) and Sunday (10am – 4pm) between December 2 – 17.

Christmas Market at Harrogate Horticultural Nursery

The Harrogate Horticultural Nursery will run a two-day Christmas market in November.

On Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26, there will be a range of Christmas plants, gifts and Christmas trees on offer.

It will be open 9.30am – 3.30pm and entry is free.

St Wilfrid’s Church Christmas Fair

St Wilfrid’s Church, on Duchy Road, will host a Christmas fair.

Gifts, art, clothing and food and drink will be on offer.

There will also be a free film screening for families from 4pm, with a welcome drink and snack for children.

It will run on Sunday, December 10 from 11am – 4pm.

Entry is free.

Email bookings@stwilfrid.org to reserve a place at the film screening.

St Wilfrid’s Church – Christingle-making

St Wilfrid’s Church is also hosting a christingle-making session.

The event will be held in the Parish Hall and will be followed by a crib service at 5pm.

It will begin at 4pm on Sunday, December 24.

Email bookings@stwilfrid.org to reserve a place at the christingle-making session.

North Bar Christmas Market

North Bar is hosting a “keep it local” Christmas Market.

Stalls will be inside the bar with 20 traders selling a range of art, knitted and crocheted good, jewellery and more.

There will also be charity stalls to raise money for Harrogate Cat Rescue.

The event will include a table ran by Artventurers of Harrogate and Knaresborough for children to enjoy.

Mulled wine and food will be served accompanied by live music.

The event is free and will take place on Sunday, December 3 from 11am – 6pm.

Country Living Christmas Fair Harrogate

Country Living is holding a Christmas Fair at Harrogate Convention Centre.

The fair will include gift stalls which will include artisan designers, independent producers and small businesses.

There will also be workshops and a food hall.

The event will be held from November 30 to December 3.

Ripley Christmas Market

A Christmas market run by Real Markets will be held in the grounds of Ripley Castle.

The event will take place on Sunday, December 10, from 10am until 3pm.

It will include 40 independent and artisan traders, as well as festive carols from local school children and craft activities.

The market is free to attend.

Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity — Outdoor Pop up Christmas Market at Harrogate Railway AFC

The Christmas market will offer a range of stalls offering arts, crafts and handmade jewellery, as well as food and drink vendors.

There will be live music, donkeys and even a Father Christmas grotto to enjoy.

The event will be held on Sunday, November 26 from 10am – 3pm at Harrogate Railway AFC.

All proceeds will go towards supporting staff, patients and families at Harrogate District Hospital.

Tickets are available now for a donation of £5 per adult and £2 for children over three — U3’s go free.

Tickets include a drink and a mince pie on arrival.

Starbeck Christmas Fair

Starbeck Christmas Fair, which will be held at St Andrew’s Church, will offer more than 30 stalls selling festive goods.

St Andrew’s Choir will be singing, followed by a performance from the Summerbell Dance Academy.

The Starbeck Christmas lights will be switched on just before 6pm, where mince pies will be handed out.

Harrogate Theatre Choir will then lead a festive sing-along.

It will take place on Saturday, November 25 from 2pm – 6pm.

St John’s & St Luke’s Churches Christmas Fair

St Luke’s Church, in Franklin Square is hosting a Christmas fair this December.

There will be a range of stalls selling jams, plants, jewellery, books, gifts and more.

Light refreshments will also be on offer.

The fair will take place on Saturday, December 2 from 10:30am – 1pm.

Admission is £3 and includes coffee and cake. Accompanied children go free.

Bilton Area Methodist Church Christmas Fayre

The church will host 16 craft stalls for its Christmas fayre.

Coffee, cake, festive sandwiches and soup will all be on offer.

There will also be a Christmas hamper raffle and a lucky dip for children.

The event will take place on Saturday, November 25, from 10am – 3pm.

West Park & St Paul’s Churches Community Carol Service

A community carol service will take place at the West Park United Reform Church, on Victoria Avenue, in December.

There will be plenty of carols to sing followed by coffee and mince pies.

Anyone is welcome.

The service will be held on Friday, December 22 at 5pm.

Ripon

Ripon Cathedral Christmas Food and Gift Fair

The cathedral will host more than 100 stalls during its Christmas fair.

There will be hot turkey sandwiches, mulled wine and Christmas gifts on offer.

The event will take place on Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25, from 9.30am – 4.30pm.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and U16s go free.

There is also a free park and ride available.

Little Bird Christmas Artisan Market

Little Bird will offer a variety of stalls in the Market Square.

There will be homewares, personalised gifts, toys and food and drinks on offer.

It will take place on Sunday, November 26 from 10am – 3pm.

Ripon Community Christmas Craft Fair

A Christmas market will be on offer at Ripon Community House.

There will be handmade gifts, local produce and arts and crafts.

There will also be a visit from Father Christmas for young ones to enjoy.

All proceeds from the tombola and refreshment area will go towards the Community House.

Entry is 50p and the event will take place from 10am – 3pm on Sunday, November 19.

Late night Christmas shopping

There will also be a late night shopping event around Ripon.

Traders will stay open until 8pm.

It will take place on Thursday, November 30.

Festive Winter Warmer Cruises & Local Makers Market at Canal Basin

The Pride of Ripon will be running festive cruises on the canal this Christmas.

The boat ride, which will be 30 minutes in total, will also include mulled wine, hot chocolate and nibbles – including brownies and mince pies from The Secret Garden.

Local traders will also have stalls running alongside the boat rides.

It will take place on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17 from 11am — 3pm.

Tickets start at £8.95.

Knaresborough

Knaresborough Christmas Market and fireworks

Knaresborough Christmas Markets will take place around the town’s Market Place.

There will be almost 60 stalls, including festive food, clothing and Christmas gifts.

Live music and entertainment will also be on offer, with performances from a Ukrainian Dance Group, Knaresborough Choral Society and Harrogate Spa St John’s Church Choir.

There will also be a free park and ride for the weekend from the GSPK car park (postcode HG5 8LF) on Manse Lane to Chapel Street, close to the market square. Buses will run from 8am to 5.30pm throughout the weekend.

A firework display at the Castle grounds will bring the market weekend to a close.

The markets will run on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3.

Nidderdale

Pateley Bridge Late Night Shopping

Pateley Bridge will hold a late-night shopping evening on Friday, December 8.

Local shops will be involved and hand out samples, while children can enjoy the santa’s grotto.

It will begin at 6pm.

St Nicholas Fair at St Cuthbert’s Church, Pateley Bridge

A Christmas fair will be held in Pateley Bridge on Sunday December 2.

There will be a range of stalls selling jewellery, cakes and gifts, as well as a festive tombola and a raffle.

The Summerbridge and Dacre Silver Prize Band will also be performing from noon until 1.30pm.

Admission is £3 and includes a hot drink and a mince pie.

Soup and a roll will be available from noon.

The event starts at 10.30am.

Christmas Big Sing at St Cuthbert’s Church, Pateley Bridge

To continue the festivities, a “big sing” will be held at the church later in the evening on December 2.

Tickets cost £5 on the door and there will also be a raffle.

Tables of 4 or more can be booked in advance by emailing me.mitch@btinternet.com

The bar opens from 6.30pm and the event will run from 7pm – 9pm.

Masham

Masham Christmas Fayre

A traditional Christmas fayre will be held in Masham Town Hall this year.

There will be a variety of gifts available to buy.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 2, from 10am .

SYD Christmas Craft, Vintage and Collectables Fayre

An eclectic Christmas Fayre will be held in Masham Town Hall this year.

There will be two floors of handmade craft, vintage and collectables stalls.

It will take place on Sunday, December 3 from 10am.

Boroughbridge

Late night Christmas shopping

A late-night Christmas shopping event will be held across Boroughbridge.

Shops will stay open late and will compete in a window display competition.

There will also be festive street stalls, a hog roast, choir performances and children’s rides.

Children can also expect a visit from Father Christmas.

The event, which will take place on Wednesday December 6, will be kicked off by the official light switch-on at 5.30pm.

Christmas Fayre — Minskip Village Hall

A Christmas Gift Fayre will be held in Minskip, near Boroughbridge, this month.

The event, which will be held in Minskip Village Hall, will run from 1pm – 4pm.

It will feature a wide range of local traders selling festive gifts, food and homeware, as well as a tombola and refreshments.

All proceeds will go to the local church.

The fayre will be held on Saturday, December 9.

Entry is free.

Villages

Lovingly Made in the Dales — Hampsthwaite

An artisan Christmas market will be held in Hampsthwaite village hall.

There will be more than 20 vendors selling locally-crafted gifts.

Tickets cost £10, which includes a glass of wine and a raffle ticket, and money raised will go towards the Roddy Scott Foundation.

It will take place on Thursday, December 7, from 6pm – 9pm.

Artisan Christmas Market — The Inn at South Stainley

The Inn at South Stainley will host three-days of Christmas markets in November and December.

It will host a range of local sellers.

There will be mulled wine and bratwurst on offer while shopping.

The event is free to attend and will take place on Wednesday, November 29 from 4pm, and December 6 and 13 from 8pm.

The Christmas Kitchen — The Washburn Heritage Centre

The Washburn Heritage Centre will be hosting a Christmas market in December.

There will be a range of stalls selling homemade seasonal goods, including jams, alcohol and sweet treats, baked by the centre’s volunteers.

The Tea Room will also be serving a seasonal menu with hot soup, turkey rolls, mince pies and Christmas cake to enjoy.

The Fewston Musick singers will be performing at the event.

It will take place on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 from 11am – 4pm.

Copt Hewick Christmas Fair

A festive market will be held in Copt Hewick village church and hall on Saturday, December 2.

There will be craft stalls, a tombola and raffle, food and drinks, and even a visit from Father Christmas on a horse-drawn sleigh.

The event will run from 11am – 3pm.

Admission is free.

New butchers to open on Harrogate’s King’s Road tomorrow

A new butchers shop will open in Harrogate tomorrow.

The Harrogate Butcher, which has taken on the former Ramus Seafood site, will be owner Daniel Brady’s first solo venture.

Mr Brady, who is originally from the Midlands but has lived in Harrogate for the last 15 years, said he will bring a mix of traditional Anglo-French, American BBQ and Asian-style butchery to the town.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“I’ve been a butcher for almost 10 years in Harrogate.

“My background has always been food-related. I grew up in a pub that served food and was always involved in the kitchen from a very young age.

“I’ve worked as a chef in kitchens across Yorkshire but this is my first butchers shop that I’ve opened.”

The Harrogate Butcher will focus on locally-sourced meat and products, with pork, lamb, beef and chicken on offer. But Mr Brady said he “won’t shy away” from international meats, such as Japanese wagyu, Spanish Iberico pork and American meat cuts.

He added:

“The focus will be on high welfare, high quality, delicious meat.

“The inspiration for the business was mainly due to my passion for butchery and high-quality produce.”

There will also be a range of prepared food on offer once the shop gets going, Mr Brady added, including dauphinoise potatoes, curries, homemade kimchi and sauces.

As well as butchery, Mr Brady said another driving factor for his new venture was his family.

After working as a freelance chef, he realised he needed “more stability and less late nights” to get home and read his young children bedtime stories.

He also said:

“This project has been in the pipe line for almost 18 months at this location, but I got the lease five months ago.

“I waited so long as I really love this historical Harrogate building that has been providing the local community with food since at least the 70s.

“I have taken on most of the renovations myself, from plastering, tiling, plumbing, decorating. It’s been a tough five months but I’m really happy with how it’s looking.

“I can’t wait to get open and start serving the beloved people of Harrogate.”

The Harrogate Butcher will open from 9am tomorrow.

It will be open every day in the lead up to Christmas. In the New Year it will be open 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Harrogate magic show venue approved — subject to noise plan

A planning application to convert a former Harrogate music studio into a magic show venue has been approved — subject to conditions.

Magician Neil Bradley-Smith applied to change the use of Blue Sky Music Studio on Mayfield Grove in September.

He told the Stray Ferret in October he proposed to turn the site into a “speakeasy-style” entertainment venue to perform live shows, adding:

“I’d like to partition the venue and make the first room an entirely interactive magic show.

“For example, I’d have a deck of cards stuck to the wall which would then be used in the show later on.

“Then, the other half of the venue would become a 1920s-style parlour where I’d perform traditional card tricks.”

The application was for the change of use from retail to sui generis, which means the use of the venue does not fall into a particular category due to it being unusual.

During consultation, an environmental health officer proposed a condition for controlling noise.

In its decision notice, published yesterday, North Yorkshire Council granted planning permission subject to the development not taking place “until a scheme has been submitted to and agreed in writing by the local planning authority that specifies the provisions that will be implemented for the control of noise emanating from the site”.

The council said the measure was being taken to “protect the amenity of the locality, especially for people living and/or working nearby.”

The Stray Ferret contacted Neil Bradley-Smith for a response to the decision, but he did not respond by the time of publication.

‘I just want my husband back’ – The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023

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 talked to a woman who cares for her husband.

“I didn’t sign up for this, Mark didn’t sign up for this, and our sons didn’t sign up for this.”

Wendy Thickett is a carer for husband Mark.

Mark, who was a high-flying computer programmer for more than 32 years, was diagnosed with young onset dementia in 2017 in his early 60s.

Within just one year of his diagnosis, Mark lost his job.

Wendy said:

“He was 20 times more intelligent than me; he loved military history and cricket.

“The first sign was that he couldn’t count back from 100 in threes – he could do that with ease before.”

Mark was initially diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but Wendy wasn’t happy with that and asked for further tests to be done. Finally, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“When Mark was diagnosed, we were given some leaflets, he had his driving licence taken off him and that was it.”

Wendy said Mark managed for around a year, but things began to decline after that.

“Two years ago, he went on a walk and got lost.

“We had to get the police to look for him. When they found him, he didn’t know where he’d been, but he was covered in mud and blood.

“He’d obviously fallen, but he didn’t understand.”

The Time out Together group

Wendy’s father was also living with dementia and was supported by Dementia Forward. Karen, the head of young onset at the charity, reached out to her about Mark’s diagnosis.

After some convincing, Mark agreed to try the Time Out Together group and, six years later, he visits Dementia Forward three times every week.

Wendy added:

“It’s been an absolute lifeline.

“When you’re at the point where you desperately need help, you need the communication Dementia Forward can give.”

However, Wendy said Mark has declined rapidly and is now practically non-verbal. She said:

“It’s like having a two-year-old – I can’t take my eyes off him. I have a 14-month-old granddaughter and, when I have them together, it’s almost like there’s two of them.

“The worst part isn’t even me losing him, it’s knowing my boys are losing their father in front of them – they’re his carers now – they can’t sit and talk about football and cricket like they used to.

“I just want my husband back.”

Despite this, Mark loves his time at Dementia Forward, Wendy said.

He goes on days out with the group and takes part in social events and activities. He has walked with llamas, visited nature reserves, enjoys colouring and, apparently, beats everyone at table tennis.

Mark (left).

Dementia Forward is a lifeline for Wendy and Mark, as well as hundreds of other families across the Harrogate district.

That’s why we need your help to ensure the minibus service remains and those living with dementia can access the support they need.

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.

Please give generously to those who need our help this Christmas. Click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or a friend may need Dementia Forward’s help too.

Thank you.

If you need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal: An important message from Dementia Forward

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal aims to raise money 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 who needs our help this Christmas.

Dementia Forward is a saviour for hundreds of families across the Harrogate district.

Today, we hear from people the charity continues to help.

The Stray Ferret hopes to raise £30,000 to buy the charity a new minibus but we’re still a long way off our target – and we need your help.

We know times are hard, but please donate whatever you can to this vital cause.

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward. It will fund a new minibus and improve the lives of people living with dementia and those around them.

Let’s not forget those who need our help this Christmas.

Thank you.

Knaresborough Leisure Centre opens today

The long-awaited opening of Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness takes place today.

The centre, which cost £17.5 million to develop, has a six-lane 25-metre pool, a leisure pool and slide and a 60-station fitness suite.

There is also a studio for group fitness classes, a group cycling studio, a sauna and steam room and a café.

The outdoor children’s play area is still in the works but is expected to be open in January 2024.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts, culture and housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said:

“By moving the service offer from being a conventional swimming pool to a community health and wellbeing service we aim to help people move more, live well, feel great and reduce the proportion of the population that is physically inactive.

“We look forward to welcoming the public into the facility next week.”

The site is managed by Brimhams Active, the council’s health and wellbeing company, which oversees the Harrogate and Ripon sites too.

According to the Brimhams Active website, all-inclusive membership at the sites costs £44.95 for adults per month and the concession price is £35.95 per month.

A gym or swim-only membership will set people back £33.95 a month, and a pay-as-you-go swim session costs £5.45 for adults and £2.85 for children.

There will be immersive spin classes on offer.

North Yorkshire Council also said the new building will be “more efficient” than the former.

It said the carbon output of the previous leisure centre has been reduced by 60%.

The gas boiler was replaced with sustainably efficient air source heat pumps and solar panels have been installed to provide a source of renewable energy.

Alongside LED lighting, upgraded building management systems and improved electrical supplies will increase energy efficiency, the council said.

The Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre is part of a £47.9 million investment into leisure provisions, which also include the newly developed Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre and the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in Ripon.

Mark Tweedie, chief executive of Brimhams Active, said:

“The creation of this new leisure and wellness centre provides a modern, safe space where all walks of life, at every stage of life’s journey, can come together and enjoy a range of activities from swimming, gym and group exercise, to eating and relaxing.

“The investment really does deliver something for everyone. I’m now looking forward to working with my team to bring these facilities to life.”

The new centre has been built next to the former Knaresborough Pool, which was built in 1990 and last refurbished 20 years ago.

The swimming pool will open at 6.30am and the gym will open at 6.15am every morning.

The sauna.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate businesses collect chocolate for people in need

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

Harrogate businesses collect chocolate for people in need

Businesses on Harrogate’s Commercial Street are asking local people to donate chocolate to people in need this Christmas.

The Christmas Chocolate Collection, which collected more than 20 stone of chocolate last year, hopes to donate even more chocolate to local charities this year.

These include Harrogate District Foodbank, Disability Action Yorkshire, Supporting Older People, Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity and New Beginnings.

Lilly’s Café, Curtain and Blind Design, the Harrogate Town shop, Ben Barbers and White Rose Sewing are all taking part in the initiative and chocolate can be donated instore.

Sue Kramer, owner of Crown Jewellers of Harrogate, said:

“What resonates with this is that it is collecting chocolate items for local people who may not otherwise be able to enjoy some chocolate at Christmas.

“It’s very easy, simply buying an extra packet of biscuits or a box of chocolates or anything chocolatey provided it does not have alcohol in and dropping them off on commercial street at one of our five drop-off points.”

The initiative will continue until Saturday, December 15.

The Stray Ferret needs your help

Do you want more local business news on the Stray Ferret? What sort of stories do you think we should be covering?

As the Stray Ferret approaches our four-year anniversary, we want to thank our readers and followers for your continued support of our news service.

We are continually looking to improve and we’d like to know more about our readers – please help us.

Click here to fill in a short survey – it will only take a few minutes to complete.

The survey is anonymous, however, if you’d like to be included in our Bettys Christmas Hamper Draw, please submit your email.

Thank you.

Quad bike stuntman to take centre stage at Great Yorkshire Show 2024

Organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show have announced the a new addition to the 2024 programme.

The Paul Hannam Quad Bike Stunt Show will take to the main ring every day over the four-day event, which is run by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

The Devon-based stuntman, who has raced at British Championship level, will perform jumps, trick riding and rolls at the 165th anniversary of the show.

Around 100 farmers representing the World Ayrshire Federation Annual Conference 2024 will also attend the show as part of an 18-day UK tour.

Farmers from Kenya, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and America will visit the show to see how UK farmers breed Ayrshire cattle.

The Ayrshire Australia conference.

Charles Mills, who announced this will be his last show before stepping down as director after nine years in post, said:

“It is always a delight to host a world conference but it will be particularly special for me to welcome the Ayrshire World Conference as I was Chief Steward for the Ayrshire breed in the 90s for the Great Yorkshire Show.

“This is looking set to be an exciting show with the best animals in the country competing as well as first class machinery and innovation and a brand new Main Ring performer with the Paul Hannam Quad Bike Stunt Show.

“We look forward to organising another terrific four days celebrating the very best of farming, food and countryside.”

Organisers have also confirmed the return of the agricultural fashion shows, sheep shearing demonstrations and live cooking events.

There will also be a new marquee in the countryside area with talks on river management, game keeping and moorland management.

The Great Yorkshire Show, in Harrogate, will be held on Tuesday, July 9 to Friday, July 12 2024.

Tickets are now sold in advance only with visitor numbers capped at 35,000 a day.

Adult tickets cost £35, children cost £13 and families cost £86. They are on sale now.

Harrogate’s Stonefall Cemetery to hold candlelit remembrance service

A candlelit service will be held at Harrogate’s Stonefall Cemetery next weekend to remember those who died in wars .

Members of the public can attend the Candlelit Christmas Remembrance service, which is being held by the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation.

At the event, people will be provided with battery-operated tealights to place on the graves of the fallen. This will be followed by a short service of Remembrance.

Harrogate woman Benji Walker, whose son serves in the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, was inspired by images of other Commonwealth war graves cemeteries in Europe lit by candlelight.

She said:

“I feel it’s as important today as it was at the time to recognise the sacrifice of those who gave everything to serve this country.

“The Candlelit Christmas Remembrance is a chance for the local community to gather to remember the sacrifice of the hundreds of CWGC casualties buried at Stonefall, many of them thousands of miles from home.”

Members of the public can also sponsor a candle, with profits being split between The Commonwealth War Foundation and Help for Heroes.

Elizabeth Smith, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission public engagement coordinator, said:

“This wonderful candlelit event has become an annual fixture, and it allows people to connect with their history whilst remembering those who fought and died in both world wars.”

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which oversees the foundation, was founded by Royal Charter in 1917.

It works on behalf of the governments of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK to commemorate more than 1.5 million people who lost their lives in the two world wars.

Stonefall Cemetery is one of the largest CWGC sites in the north of England, with more than 1,000 commonwealth graves.

More than 600 of the casualties buried there served with the Royal Canadian Air Force, including two 17-year-olds, during the Second World War.

Ms Smith added:

“The plot of war graves at Stonefall is unique in Yorkshire because of its resemblance to sites in France and Belgium. At the end of the Second World War local people were encouraged to adopt the war graves from overseas and lay wreaths on behalf of their families at Christmas.

“So, because of that connection, it’s a special time of year and we warmly invite everyone to come along.

“The Candlelit Christmas Remembrance allows local people to reconnect with their history and pay their respects to the fallen.”

The service will take place on Sunday, December 17 at 3.30pm.

The meeting point is the war graves plot adjacent to Forest Lane and parking is available in the cemetery car park.

Harrogate

Ripon

Knaresborough

Nidderdale

Masham

Boroughbridge

Villages

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