John Plummer, Author at The Stray Ferret

Harrogate and Ripon councillors clash over council tax

Old wounds between Harrogate and Ripon councillors reopened this week over council tax as North Yorkshire Council agreed proposals to increase its charge by 4.99%.

The increase will result in almost £90 added to the average Band D bill, with senior councillors arguing the rise was crucial to protect frontline services and to keep up with inflation.

But during the debate in Northallerton, the Liberal Democrats suggested an amendment, which was ultimately rejected, that would have seen council tax limited to 3.99% instead.

Councillor Bryn Griffiths, the leader of North Yorkshire Council’s Liberal Democrat group, told councillors that residents should be paying less following an additional £6m government grant.

Cllr Griffiths said this should be used to protect residents from “execessive” tax rises during a cost-of-living crisis.

This led several councillors, including Andrew Williams, an independent who represents Ripon Minster and Moorside for the Conservatives and Independents, to accuse the Liberal Democrats of political posturing.

He referred to a song from the movie Wonka called A World of Your Own”and said:

“It seems this is where the Liberal Democrats reside most of the time”.

Cllr Williams added:

“What we have here is literally a nonsense. It’s an attempt to grab an election leaflet headline and as usual has no substance behind it from the Liberal Democrats.

“What the people of North Yorkshire need are sensible people taking sensible decisions that protect the long-term future of services.”

Cllr Williams’ comments provoked an angry response from Cllr Philip Broadbank, a long-serving councillor who represents Fairfax and Starbeck for the Liberal Democrats. He then accused Cllr Williams of voting to increase Ripon City Council’s council tax precept by 9% at a meeting last month.

Councillors from Harrogate and Ripon would regularly clash on the old Harrogate Borough Council.

Cllr Broadbank said:

“Some points we’ve heard them all before from the same people.”

However, Cllr Williams, who is also the leader of Ripon City Council, did not attend the Ripon budget meeting where the 9% increase was confirmed due to a family bereavement.

He demanded that Cllr Broadbank withdraw his accusation but he refused.

Cllr Williams told the Local Democracy Reporting Service afterwards that he was going to make a complaint.

He added:

“It’s appalling to be accused of something when I wasn’t even there”.

Editor’s Pick of the Week: Anti-semitism row and signs of new life for Debenhams site

The days are lengthening and spring is coming, which means only one thing – Knaresborough Tractor Run is approaching. Having attended the last two departs, I can say it’s quite a spectacle. Read about it here.

The week has been dominated by the anti-semitism row concerning Liberal Democrat councillor Pat Marsh. We have a feature on the fallout tomorrow morning.

Last September, I joined other journalists at a drenched Nidderdale Showground at a media gathering celebrating the launch of a new event called the Long Course Weekend.

The event, which is sort of based on triathlon, but a similar gathering in Wales attracts thousands of people and is being promoted as a major boost to Nidderdale sports tourism.

But amid less fanfare this week, the council revealed the event had been moved from Pateley Bridge to Masham because of unspecified difficulties with the Nidderdale Showground.

Is the Debenhams building in Harrogate finally set to be revived? Heritage groups that previously objected to demolition indicated this week they were happy with the new plans to convert it to flats and retail units.

One Harrogate building that has been revived is the Woodlands Pub. I went there this week for a sneak peek. It’s all happening at that junction: a new Asda convenience store is being built and we still await the opening of Starbucks in the former Leon site.

Yemi’s Food Stories: Cooking with students at Harrogate Ladies’ College

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the district’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

The last time I was in a home economics classroom was over four decades ago.

A lot has changed since then, with microwaves and air fryers playing active roles in many kitchens, and food delivery services at the click of a finger.

In a world filled with instant gratification, the magic of preparing a meal from scratch often takes a back seat.

The art of cooking is a celebration of flavours, creativity and wholesome living. I love rekindling a passion for cooking, especially among young people.

So, when Rachel Baskind, head of food and nutrition at Harrogate Ladies’ College, invited me to spend time with her A Level class, it was an offer I simply could not refuse.

Dishes

During my time at the school, I loved seeing the students’ willingness to explore new herbs and spices to create dishes without any written recipes.

They made spiced chicken with rose harissa and all agreed to use tellicherry black peppercorns – one of many peppercorns they were introduced to. They also made hummus, cumin roasted carrots, pickled carrots and a dressed flatbread with lime, honey, butter and za’atar.

I loved seeing young people get creative in the kitchen and using their minds to bring delicious recipes to life. But the kitchen is about so much more than cooking itself; it’s about community, developing a healthy relationship with food and fuelling our minds and bodies.

Healthy habits

Social media often feels limitless and, in a world of such comparison, can feed heavily into self-esteem and problems with body image.

Statistics show rates of potential eating disorders in young people are rising, which is why it is so important to develop a healthy relationship with food and the kitchen.

The kitchen isn’t merely a place of culinary creation — it’s a sanctuary where healthy habits are formed.

By getting young people back into the kitchen, we empower them to make conscious choices about the ingredients they use, fostering an understanding of the impact of food on their well-being.

I believe in the power of culinary creativity as a lifestyle. It’s not just about following recipes; it’s about experimenting, adapting, and infusing personality into every dish.

When young individuals embrace this approach, they not only develop a lifelong skill but also cultivate a positive relationship with food – one built on exploration and joy.

Harrogate Ladies’ College implement this very well. Their students learn about why our bodies need food, certain food choices, menu planning and nutrition.

The joy of a sit-down meal

Home-cooked meals have a unique way of bringing people together.

Whether it’s a family dinner, a gathering with friends, meeting work colleagues, or a solo culinary adventure, the act of preparing and sharing a meal fosters connections.

By instilling the love of cooking into young hearts, we create a foundation for a future where shared meals become a cherished tradition, promoting mental well-being and a sense of community.

When we intertwine the joy of home cooking with education, we equip young minds with valuable life skills and career opportunities.

See you next week.

Knaresborough Tractor Run revs up for more thrills

One of the most eagerly anticipated events of the calendar — Knaresborough Tractor Run — returns to the Harrogate district in three weeks.

The sight of hundreds of tractors setting off from the Great Yorkshire Showground and powering their way around Nidderdale us something to behold. Crowds line the route and children struggle to contain their excitement.

But it’s a massive event to organise, which for the volunteers involved, is the culmination of a year’s work.

As soon as one Knaresborough Tractor Run is finished, the wheels are set in motion for the next, with the 15 committee members meeting just a few days later to start it all over again. They get together about 10 times a year to organise every element of the event.

A lot of time is spent planning the route. It changes slightly each year, but it’s usually around 25 miles and runs from the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate to Pateley Bridge and back again, passing through Knaresborough, Burton Leonard, Markington and other villages.

The committee tries to avoid routing the tractors — which last year numbered 374 — along the major roads for long periods of time, to minimise disruption to other road users. The finalised route is published a few days before the event.

Another key task is ensuring the drivers are fed on the day, with breakfast on offer before the run and a hog roast for around 1,000 people awaiting the convoy when it stops for lunch in Pateley Bridge.

But all the hard work, the preparation and planning is worth it. Ramsgill sheep farmer Steven Brown, who chairs the committee, said:

“When you see over 300 tractors of various shapes, sizes and colours go past you in a line, and they are all flashing their lights and beeping their horns, it’s not something you can go and see every day.

“For the people in the tractors, it’s an incredible feeling to drive along and see the crowd lining the road, supporting and waving at you. Children bring out their toy tractors and to see their faces lit up is amazing. “

‘It’s a fitting tribute’

Mike Spink

This year’s Knaresborough Tractor Run takes place on March 17, with the committee particularly encouraging cab-less vintage tractors to take part. The event was started in 2012 by the Knaresborough Young Farmers, and featured 11 tractors. When one of their members, Mike Spink, died in a road accident in 2017, the Young Farmers decided to hold the event in his memory and raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, a cause close to Mike’s heart.

That year, 80 tractors took part, and the following year the number was 134. The record was 384 in 2022. Steven believes the Knaresborough run is one of the biggest in the UK in terms of the number of tractors taking part and the distance they travel in one day.

Last year’s event took the total amount raised for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to £113,341, earning the Knaresborough Tractor Run logo a place on the charity’s new helicopters. It’s a milestone that Steven said they’d been aiming for since the start.

“The air ambulance plays a vital role in our rural community and yet it’s heavily under-funded. You never know when you might need them and there are many farmers who have themselves been helped by their services, or know someone who has. It’s nice to give something back and it’s a fitting tribute to Mike.

“As committee members, the story behind the event and the support we get from the public makes us sit back and think, ‘This is why we do it’. We always said we wanted to break the £100,000 mark so I’m not sure what our target will be now!”

Pic: Rachael Fawcett Photography

Enduring appeal

Changes for this year include a push on pre-event online registration, which is now open. Although maintaining the ‘turn up and join in’ ethos that respects the unpredictability of the farming calendar, pre-registration eases the strain on organisers on the day.

The committee has also improved its online security after its new livestream tracker showing the tractors’ progression along the route was cloned last year by scammers who included false links for donations. They are therefore stressing the importance of only following links posted by their admin on social media and making all donations via their Just Giving page.

As for any future plans and changes to the event, Steven said they don’t intend to alter much at all, adding:

“The appeal is the whole story behind it, the charity we support, and the delight it brings to the crowd and the children. Why fix something that’s not broken?”

For up-to-date information on the Knaresborough Tractor Run, visit their Facebook page.

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Pat Marsh removed from Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee

Councillors voted to remove Pat Marsh from the Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee yesterday.

It follows comments Cllr Marsh made on social media platform X that were widely condemned as antisemitic and led to her suspension by the Liberal Democrats.

Cllr Marsh, who didn’t attend yesterday’s full meeting of North Yorkshire Council in Northallerton, chaired the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee, which determines significant planning applications in the area.

Councillors from across the floor agreed it would be “inappropriate” for her to continue in the role or sit on the committee.

Cllr Michael Harrison, a Conservative who represents Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate, put forward the proposal.

He said:

“I’m sure members are aware of a controversial issue affecting Cllr Marsh this week. It’s fair to say many of us were genuinely shocked by events, she serves on the planning committee and chairs it but it’s no longer appropriate for her to do either. It’s important we move swiftly.

“I think it’s in the public interest we make these changes now and the public would expect us to.”

The move was supported by all of the Liberal Democrats, with High Harrogate and Kingsley councillor Chris Aldred adding:

“It is totally inappropriate for Cllr Marsh to maintain as chair and sit on that committee.”

As part of the vote, councillors also chose Cllr John Mann, a Conservative who represents Pannal & Oatlands, as the new chair.

He was previously planning committee chair on the defunct Harrogate Borough Council.

Cllr Aldred will be the new deputy chair and Cllr Michael Schofield, independent councillor for Harlow and St Georges, will replace Cllr Marsh on the committee.

It means the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats now have three councillors each on the committee.

The next meeting of the planning committee is on Tuesday in Harrogate.

‘Lucky nobody was killed’ say police after crash near Harrogate school

North Yorkshire Police has said it was lucky nobody was killed when a car ploughed into parked vehicles and overturned outside Harrogate’s largest school this week.

The Stray Ferret reported on Tuesday that a man in his 50s had been arrested following a crash on Arthurs Avenue, close to Harrogate Grammar School, on Monday evening.

Officers revealed further details of the incident last night and appealed for anyone who spoke to the driver to come forward.

The statement said:

“We arrested a suspected drink driver after a car ploughed into parked vehicles and overturned in Harrogate.

“It happened at around 6.30pm on Monday (February 19) on Arthurs Avenue and involved a Renault Clio colliding with parked cars on the street before flipping over.

“The driver of the Renault is believed to have left the scene of the collision on foot after briefly speaking to witnesses.”

The statement added a man in his 50s, thought to be the driver, was “promptly arrested in a nearby street”.

He was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and taken into custody.

Police added:

“We’d like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision, and specifically anyone who spoke to the driver of the Renault Clio.”

Anyone with information can email chris.storey@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option 2, and ask for traffic constable 13 Chris Storey.

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

Quote reference number 12240030987.

Sneak Peek: The Woodlands in Harrogate reopens after £300,000 refurbishment

One of Harrogate’s best known pubs is to reopen tomorrow after a £300,000 refurbishment.

The Woodlands on Wetherby Road has been closed for about six weeks for work to take place.

The Stray Ferret visited today for a glimpse of the new-look venue, which is owned by Star Pubs & Bars and managed by Paul Caunt and Matthew Carr.

The two men have been in the trade for 30 years and previously worked for Mr Carr’s father, who had the lease of the pub for many years.

Paul Caunt (left) and Matthew Carr display the plans before the refurbishment.

The yellow exterior has a new grey-blue look as well as fresh signs. The interior has also been repainted and although the layout is unaltered the red carpets have been replaced by wooden and tiled flooring to accentuate the more modern feel.

Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars said last month it planned to “transform it into the best family-friendly community and sports pub in the area”.

The dining area.

The new pool table.

Mr Caunt said the sports feel is one of the most noticeable changes. Besides showing live sport, The Woodlands has a new pool table. It will also host twice-weekly quizzes.

The pub will open from noon to 11pm daily and serve food from noon until 8pm except on Sundays, when the kitchen will close at 5pm.

The bar

The Woodlands can seat 50 people for food. Its new menu includes pub classics and a two for £16 deal on weekdays. New beers include Beavertown and Heineken Silver.

Mr Caunt said:

“It’s an opportunity to put the pub back on the map.

“We hope to attract a younger clientele while keeping existing customers. We get a lot of people visiting when anything is on at the Great Yorkshire Showground and we are also close to Harrogate Town’s ground.”

Star Pubs & Bars owns 2,400 pubs, most of which are leased to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Ex-Lib Dem leader Pat Marsh released from custody

Harrogate councillor and former mayor Pat Marsh has been released from custody.

North Yorkshire Police revealed this morning that Cllr Marsh, who was the long-term Liberal Democrat leader in Harrogate and Knaresborough but was suspended by the party this week, remained under investigation whilst enquires continued.

The force said:

“A woman who was arrested in connection with an investigation into anti-semitic ‘tweets’ shared on X has been released under investigation whilst enquires continue.

“She was arrested yesterday (Tuesday, February 20) on suspicion of displaying threatening, abusive, or insulting written material with intent or likely to stir up racial hatred.

“An investigation is underway however it is likely that enquires will take some time. Updates will be provided when appropriate.”

Cllr Marsh, who represents the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division on North Yorkshire Council, chairs the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, which advises North Yorkshire Council on local issues.

A full meeting of the Conservative-controlled council is due to take place at 10.30am this morning. You can watch it on the council’s YouTube page here.

Police arrest Harrogate councillor Pat Marsh

Police have arrested former Harrogate borough mayor Pat Marsh over anti-semitic messages.

In an update just before 2pm today, North Yorkshire Police said:

“A woman has been arrested in connection with an investigation into anti-semitic ‘tweets’ shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“She remains in custody while enquiries continue.”

The Liberal Democrats suspended Cllr Marsh, who was the party’s leader in Harrogate and Knaresborough, yesterday after details of her social media messages emerged.

Cllr Marsh, who was the leader of the Lib Dems in Harrogate and Knaresborough, said she intended to continue to serve as an Independent councillor.

She chairs the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, which advises North Yorkshire Council on local issues.

Pat Marsh refuses to resign as councillor following antisemitism row

A defiant Pat Marsh has said she will not resign as a councillor following comments on X about Jews that have been widely condemned as antisemitic.

In a series of posts made over the past month related to the conflict in Gaza, Cllr Marsh described Jews as “vile”, “evil” and “a disgrace to the world”.

It led the Liberal Democrats to suspend her from the party yesterday but she denied the comments were antisemitic and said they were made to highlight her opposition to the ongoing war and the deaths of thousands of children.

Despite senior councillors on North Yorkshire Council calling on her to quit, Cllr Marsh told the Local Democracy Reporting Service this morning that she intends to sit as an independent for the remainder of her term of office, which is another three years.

She claimed she had received emails of support from residents urging her to carry on serving them in her Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division.

Cllr Marsh said:

“I do not intend to resign I will complete this term of office as an Independent. I am receiving quite a few emails of support from my residents asking me to remain as their independent councillor.

“I have worked for my residents and the wider community for 33 years and will continue to do so until my term of office ends.”

However, Cllr Marsh’s comments about Jewish people may find her in breach of the council’s code of conduct which all councillors sign up to.

This includes ensuring councillors do not discriminate against any person, treat others with respect and must not bring the council into disrepute.

The Local Government Association says a councillor can be removed from their role by the local authority should they be found to have committed a serious breach of the code.

Council leader Carl Les said a complaint has been made to the council’s monitoring officer which could lead to a referral to North Yorkshire Police.

Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough Andrew Jones raised Cllr Marsh’s comments in the House of Commons yesterday evening during a debate about antisemitism.

He said:

“The most senior Liberal Democrat councillor in Harrogate and Knaresborough has been exposed for tweeting horrendous antisemitic comments for the past five weeks.

“She had hundreds of followers, including many senior local Liberal Democrats; she tweeted over 500 times on the subject, and those tweets were read over 10,000 times, so it beggars belief that no Liberal Democrat knew what she was saying.

“They must have known, but in the five weeks she has been tweeting, they did nothing until it was exposed in the media today.”

A Liberal Democrats spokesperson said there was “literally no evidence” to back up Mr Jones’ “unsubstantiated” claims.

They added:

“Ms Marsh was removed from her role in the party long before Andrew Jones made a comment. Andrew Jones had never raised these appalling remarks with the Liberal Democrats, until this afternoon in a press comment. These antisemitic views have no place in our party or our country.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism said the party had acted in a “swift and decisive” manner following the Tweets.

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Dishes

Healthy habits

The joy of a sit-down meal

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‘It’s a fitting tribute’

Enduring appeal

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