Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity (HHCC) has announced the return of its seasonal postal service to Father Christmas.
Children can now receive a personalised letter from the man himself, complete with an Official North Pole Certificate and a Christmas colouring sheet selection.
All their parent or guardian has to do is complete the booking form on the HHCC website by Sunday, December 3. The service is free, but the charity welcomes voluntary donations.
All letters will be posted between Monday, December 4 and Friday, December 8 to ensure they arrive before Christmas Eve.
Every child who receives a letter from Father Christmas will also be in with a chance of winning a prize, kindly donated by Imagined Things Bookshop in Harrogate, just in time for Christmas.
Georgia Hudson, volunteer and charity manager, said:
“The HHCC and Volunteer Team are delighted to be able to run the Letters from Father Christmas initiative for the second year running.
“We received some wonderful feedback from supporters last year and hope to continue to bring a smile onto your loved ones faces with some sparkle and excitement from the main man himself!
“Thank you to everyone who is continuing to support HHCC, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”
In addition, any child wanting to post their own letter to Father Christmas can find a template letter here.
These can be posted at the festive post-box situated at the main entrance of Harrogate District Hospital from Friday, December 1.
Children can also hand-deliver their own letters to Father Christmas himself this November, as he is stopping by at HHCC’s Outdoor Pop-up Christmas Market at Harrogate Railway Athletic FC in Starbeck on November 26, from 10am to 3pm. Tickets can be bought via HHCC’s website.
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Business Breakfast: Estate agent’s award win puts firm in top 3%
Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?
The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.
Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.
Harrogate estate agent Verity Frearson has won gold at the Best Estate Agent Guide Awards in London.
The EA Masters event is the biggest estate agency leadership conference, exhibition and awards ceremony in the UK, and is attended by more than 1,500 of the leading estate and letting agents and suppliers from across the UK.
Each year, the awards recognise the top talent in the estate agency sector, assessing 15,000 estate and letting agencies across the country. According to a spokesperson, it is the only awards scheme that estate agents don’t pay to enter.
Matthew Stamford, director at Verity Frearson said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have won the Best Agent Guide Award four years in a row.
“The Best Agent Guide is produced by the Property Academy, supported by Rightmove, and is by far the largest and most comprehensive awards scheme in UK agency.
“Winning this puts us in the top 3% of agents in the UK!”
Mr Stamford and fellow director James Verity attended the glittering event held at Battersea Park in London last week.
Mr Verity said:
“Matthew and I were so proud to collect the awards on behalf of our absolutely fantastic team. It’s a testament to all their hard work and dedication to the company and we can’t thank them enough.”
Lawyer up for northern award
Carmelita Ardren, who is head of family at Raworths Solicitors in Harrogate, has been shortlisted for Private Client Lawyer of the Year in the prestigious Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards.
The awards recognise the array of legal talent across the North and are based on The Legal 500’s extensive independent research for its annual directory.
The nomination comes on the back of a raft of inclusions for Raworths’ team members in the latest Legal 500 guide, which describes Raworths’ Family team as “the leading practice in Harrogate”.
Carmelita said:
“I am honoured to be shortlisted for this award and it’s a real testament to every member of the Family team at Raworths, which consistently delivers high-quality client service and a personal approach tailored to each client.”
Raworths provides integrated commercial and private client services and employs more than 70 people at its offices on Station Parade.
The awards will take place on March 13, 2024 at The Royal Armouries in Leeds.
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New cocktail bar opens tonight in Harrogate town centre
Harrogate‘s nightlife will offer even more choice from tonight, with the official launch of a new cocktail bar.
Locus Bar, on Cheltenham Crescent, is the brainchild of Flavia Milovi, who will run it with the help of bar manager Natasha Murray. The launch event starts at 6pm and everyone is welcome.
Natasha said:
“We want to give people a reason to get out of their homes and come to a nice, welcoming place that feels just as comfortable, but more stylish.
“We’re strong on wines and cocktails, with a range not just of the classics, but also of some that guests might not have tried before, like the Locus 21 and the Lost in Locus.
“In the future, we have plans to offer meat and cheese platters, live music and even singles nights, and we also have a private function room for hire.”
Locus Bar, which is in premises formerly occupied by Bijou & Wild, is named after a Leeds establishment owned by Flavia’s business partner, Gerti Masllavica, but this is Flavia’s first foray into Harrogate’s social scene. She said:
“We have a lot of friends here, and the people are nice. Harrogate really fits our style of venue, so I very much hope people will come along from 6pm tonight and see what we have to offer.”
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- Refugees set up Harrogate district’s first Afghan pop-up restaurant
- The Ripon Inn opens after multi-million pound refurbishment
Business Breakfast: LNER orders cleaner new trains
Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?
The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.
Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER), the train operator that runs services between Harrogate, Leeds and York, has named Spanish company CAF as the successful bidder to deliver a fleet of 10 new tri-mode trains.
The trains will be able to operate in electric, battery or diesel mode, and can help cut emissions and particulates, and lower maintenance and operating costs.
Battery power reduces the need to use diesel traction in areas such as the Harrogate district, where overhead powerlines are not available. It also reduces noise and vibration pollution, resulting in less disruption for people living near the tracks.
David Horne, managing director at LNER, said:
“Successfully delivering this new fleet is an integral part of LNER’s business plan. Our focus is ensuring we create a fleet that truly matches the needs of all our customers, with clear targets on setting new standards for comfort, accessibility, and exceptional customer service.”
The new trains will be added to LNER’s fleet of 65 Azuma trains and will keep the company on track to reduce its emissions by 67 per cent by 2035 and be net zero by 2045.
LNER operates services between London and Edinburgh on the east coast mainline, as well as connected routes to Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Middlesbrough, Bradford, Skipton, Harrogate, Hull and Lincoln.
Airport cruises towards net zero
The Harrogate district’s local airport has been awarded a five-star rating by the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark.
Leeds Bradford Airport achieved a score of 95% – its highest to date – increasing its rating by 79% since taking part for the first time in 2018.
An independent organisation, GRESB provides validated environmental, social and governance data for property and infrastructure businesses globally. To achieve a rating, businesses must complete an online assessment by providing raw monitoring data, as well as submitting evidence, in the form of certificates, policies and procedures.
Tracey Stevenson, sustainability manager at Leeds Bradford Airport, said:
“We are so proud to have seen an improvement to our GRESB score again this year. To rank second out of 10 UK airports is just a testament to how hard we strive year after year to keep improving.
“We see GRESB as a really valuable tool which not only allows us to benchmark our practises against other businesses but to uncover ways that we can improve processes to make the airport a great place for our colleagues and customers.”
Since 2018, LBA has improved energy efficiency both inside the terminal and out on the airfield, reduced the carbon emissions it produces directly by 67%. All electricity currently supplied to the airport is from 100% renewables.
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Lib Dem candidate calls on government to foot £20m Harrogate hospital concrete bill
The man who hopes to be Harrogate and Knaresborough‘s next Liberal Democrat MP has launched a campaign calling on the government to foot the bill for essential repairs at Harrogate District Hospital.
Tom Gordon, the Lib Dems’ parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay MP, to highlight his concerns about the construction panels at the hospital made of RAAC.
RAAC – reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete – made headlines nationally recently after it was found to be a substandard component of many schools and hospitals built between the 1950s and 1990s.
Health officials estimated in September it will cost £20 million to eradicate “crumbly concrete” from Harrogate District Hospital, which was built in the 1970s.
A survey of hospital properties found 2,500 RAAC panels, and added that remedial works have been completed on 12 “high-risk” panels, with some theatres and corridors in the hospital made safe with props. The report said that further propping might be needed of panels that were in danger of collapsing.
Mr Gordon said:
“Every member of our community relies upon our local hospital, or knows someone that does. It is simply not acceptable that people are receiving care, or trying to work, in an environment where temporary props are require to stop crumbling concrete collapsing above their heads. This is scandalous.
“It beggars belief, the local NHS trust are having to bid for this money from NHS England and there is no guarantee they will get it. Where does this leave our patients, doctors and nurses if the bid is unsuccessful?
“Ensuring that our local hospital is fit for the future is a priority to me and many residents I’ve spoken with. People are outraged.
“The government must act and release the funds to fix this crumbling concrete crisis at our local district hospital at once.”
Residents can add their name to Mr Gordon’s letter to the Secretary of State online.
Read more:
- Government urged to ‘come clean’ on North Yorkshire RAAC schools
- Harrogate hospital ‘crumbly concrete’ to cost £20m to eradicate
- Harrogate hospital roof contains crumbling concrete
Harrogate pub gets into Christmas spirit with festive name-change
A Harrogate pub will be undergoing a seasonal transformation for the next few weeks – and even changing its name.
The Coach and Horses on West Park will be renamed the Sleigh and Reindeers over the Christmas period.
The new signage at the pub, which is owned by Provenance Inns, is already up, but the official name change will apply from Friday, November 17, and last until the second week of January, when the school Christmas holidays end.
Anthony Blundell, head of business development at Provenance Inns, told the Stray Ferret:
“We’re turning the Coach and Horses into Harrogate’s most festive pub. At the Sleigh and Reindeers there’ll be festive ales, mulled wine, mulled cider, egg nog and a festive menu too, so you can have a turkey dinner every day of the week.
“Hopefully, we’ll create great times for guests and anyone wanting to get into the festive spirit. It’s not everywhere that you’ll be able to have Christmas dinner seven days a week.”
It’s not the first time the pub has had a temporary change of name. In 2014, it was renamed the Cavendish and Horses when the Tour de France came to Harrogate, in honour of rider Mark Cavendish, whose mother lived in the town.
Provenance Inns owns and runs eight pubs and hotels across North Yorkshire, including the Punch Bowl Inn at Marton cum Grafton, and the West Park Hotel, just a few doors along from the Coach and Horses.
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Masham community hub wins £145,000 grant
A community hub in the heart of Masham has been awarded a £145,000 grant by North Yorkshire Council, but the purpose of the cash is as yet unclear.
According to the council’s website, the money, which comes from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will go towards the “decarbonisation and purchase” of Mashamshire Community Office.
But MCO bought the building at the end of August, having successfully completed a year-long campaign to raise the £215,000 asking price.
Hayley Jackson, MCO manager, told the Stray Ferret:
“We haven’t got the money yet, and nothing’s been signed off, so I wouldn’t want to comment until we have the funding in place.”
She said she hoped to make an announcement publicly by the time of MCO’s annual general meeting on November 28.
Set up in 2003, the MCO is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving community life. The building it occupies and now owns, the Old Police Station, is also home to Masham Community Library, Acorns Preschool, Masham Parish Council clerk, tourist information and local art and craft shop Masham Flock.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is scheduled to provide £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025, of which £16.9 million has been allocated to North Yorkshire.
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Business Breakfast: Growth Hub hires Harrogate district business advisers
Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?
The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.
Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.
The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub has taken on three new team members to support local businesses and entrepreneurs in the Harrogate area.
Faye Greer-Pickup, Jack Colding, and Adrian O’Neill will each bring different skillsets and experiences to bear in providing free and impartial support and access to a range of resources.
New delivery officer Faye Greer-Pickup has a background in economic development and will provide support to people looking to start businesses in North Yorkshire. Her work will involve finding and referring businesses to the Growth Hub’s range of support for start-ups, including the Strive Live Start-Up Incubator in the new year.
She said:
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with pre-start and early-stage start-ups full-time, helping them navigate the path to success.”
Jack Colding, the Growth Hub’s new environment and sustainability business relationship manager, will work with businesses to reduce costs and stay ahead of new regulations. He’ll also help businesses access North Yorkshire Council‘s £22.3 million of Shared Prosperity Funding to help them achieve net zero goals. He said:
“Net zero is a tremendous business opportunity. It can save costs and boost your brand while helping the environment.”
Adrian O’Neill, the new skills specialist business relationship manager, will help North Yorkshire businesses improve recruitment and retention with long-term skills development plans, and help them access skills bootcamps, with up to 90% of all training costs met by York & North Yorkshire LEP. He said:
“I believe that well-trained and motivated employees are the cornerstone of business success. I’m here to identify and address skills gaps, provide solutions, and connect businesses with the right training providers.”
Theakston’s hires new director
Masham brewery T&R Theakston has appointed a new finance director.
Chartered accountant Scott Everett previously worked for 17 years at drinks dispenser company Innserve, most recently as director of finance and supply chain. He said:
“The Theakston name is synonymous with a rich heritage, expert craftsmanship and, of course, great beers. I am extremely proud to be joining such a celebrated brewery and being part of the exciting future it has planned.”
Having recently celebrated 20 years since the brewery returned to independent family control, following a buyback from Scottish and Newcastle in 2003, Scott’s appointment forms part of a wider strategic change in the brewery’s structure to enable ambitious growth plans.
It follows the recent announcement that Simon Theakston will take on the role of chairman and Richard Bradbury will become sole managing director from 2024.
Simon Theakston, current joint managing director at Theakston’s, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Scott to the team at this significant time for the brewery. Alongside his finance responsibilities, his experience across supply chain, procurement and the technical services industry will further bolster the expertise within the business and we look forward to toasting his appointment with a pint in the Black Bull in Paradise.”
Read more:
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Knaresborough banking hub to officially open next week
Knaresborough’s new banking hub will officially open its doors to customers for the first time next week, the organisation behind it has revealed.
Cash Access UK, the not-for-profit company set up by 10 major high-street banking providers to protect the public’s access to cash, has confirmed the hub will be opened by Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, at 11am on Friday, November 17.
Gareth Oakley, chief executive of Cash Access UK, said:
“Access to cash services is vital to millions of people in the UK, therefore we are pleased to announce the opening of the banking hub in Knaresborough.
“Upon the opening of the banking hub, local businesses and residents will benefit from improved access to cash.”
The banking hub, at 15 Kirkgate, Bowling Green Yard, will offer a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions, from Monday to Friday.
It will also offer a community banker service where customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues.
The banking hub will be open on weekdays between 9am and 5pm and the community bankers will work on rotation, with a different bank or building society available on each day of the week: NatWest on Mondays, Halifax on Tuesdays, Santander on Wednesdays, HSBC on Thursdays, and Barclays on Fridays.
Charlotte Gale, of Knaresborough & District Chamber, said:
“Improving banking and cash access for Knaresborough’s businesses and residents is something chamber are very passionate about.
“This is something we’ve long campaigned for and it’s been a pleasure to support the team at Cash Access UK in launching this exciting project.”
Banking hubs are being created across the UK and are funded and supported by nine major high-street banking providers: Bank of Ireland UK, Barclays Bank UK PLC, Danske Bank, HSBC UK Bank plc, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group plc, Santander UK plc, TSB Bank plc and Virgin Money.
Knaresborough was chosen to receive a banking hub after LINK, the UK’s cash access and cash machine network, identified the need for enhanced cash deposit services following bank branch closures in the town.
Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said:
“The banking hub will be invaluable to residents and businesses in Knaresborough and be welcomed by those who rely on cash and face-to-face banking.”
Read more:
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- Business group plans to bring banking hub to Ripon
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Harvey George donates £10,000 of cutting-edge equipment to school design department
This story is sponsored by Harvey George.
A Harrogate company that specialises in bespoke fitted furniture has donated £10,000 worth of equipment to a secondary school’s Design and Technology department.
Harvey George, which is the UK’s largest manufacturer of bespoke bathroom vanity units, presented the fibre laser marker machine to Harrogate Grammar School as a demonstration of its commitment to contributing to the community and investing in education.
Harvey George director Sophie Griffiths, whose son Harvey is a student at Harrogate Grammar School, said:
“We are thrilled to be able to contribute this machine to the school and hope that it will benefit a multitude of students, enhancing their educational journey.
“We hope it offers the students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, potentially opening doors to various fields such as engineering, design, and manufacturing.”
Fibre laser marking machines are used to make permanent marks on metals and some plastics. A focused beam of light is sent through a fibre-optic cable and marks the surface of the material. The desktop machine donated by Harvey George has a maximum marking speed of 7,000mm per second.
Tom Williams, Leader of Harrogate Grammar School’s Design & Technology Department, said:
“Harvey George’s generosity lights the way for our students’ success! With their generous donation of a laser marker machine, Harvey George has provided an exciting path to innovation and excellence for the Design students at Harrogate Grammar School.
“We are immensely grateful for their support, as this cutting-edge technology will empower our young learners in using high-calibre industry-standard manufacturing techniques.”
In addition to bespoke painted and oak bathroom vanity units, Harvey George also makes kitchen cabinets and storage solutions of every kind – all made to measure by Yorkshire craftsmen. Its full range can be viewed at its 10,000 sq ft showroom on Hookstone Park in Harrogate.