Two teenage girls who were missing from their homes in Harrogate have been found safe.
North Yorkshire Police said the 16-year-old and 13-year-old were both reported missing in the early hours of yesterday.
However, a police statement this morning has confirmed that both have been found safe and well.
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Conservatives lose majority on North Yorkshire Council
The Conservatives have lost their majority on North Yorkshire Council following the defection of a councillor.
Mike Jordan resigned today from the Conservatives to become an independent.
He added he would support Pateley Bridge man Keith Tordoff, the Yorkshire Party candidate, in next year’s mayoral election for York and North Yorkshire and he also “might join the Yorkshire Party”.
It means the Tories now have 45 of the 90 seats on North Yorkshire Council — precisely half. However, if a vote is tied, the Tory chair David Ireton would get the casting vote.
Cllr Jordan said:
“I have listened to my constituents and I recognise their frustration with the Conservative Party and how their policies nationally and locally are affecting their health and wealth whilst destroying their communities.”
Yorkshire-born Cllr Jordan, who represents Camblesforth and Carlton, said his disillusionment with the Conservatives was more national than local, with the exception of the 20’s Plenty for Us campaign, which wants 20mph speed limits to be the norm on residential streets and in town and village centres.
He said he supported the initiative whereas “most of the Conservatives on north Yorkshire Council think it’s a waste of time”.
Cllr Jordan said the North Yorkshire Conservatives had not backed his bid to become the county’s first mayor next year and he would therefore support Mr Tordoff:
“I strongly believe Keith Tordoff, if elected mayor would make York and North Yorkshire an economic powerhouse, improve transport, whilst also through sustainability initiatives enrich the quality of the lives of people in the county.”
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- FoI reveals Harrogate council spent nearly £3,000 on booze for staff party
Tories and Greens name candidates as local by-election looms
The Conservative and Greens have named their candidates to fight a local by-election following the resignation of Nigel Adams MP.
Many villages close to Harrogate, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge, including Spofforth, Follifoot, Kirkby Overblow, Goldsborough, Little Ouseburn, Nun Monkton, Green Hammerton and Kirk Hammerton are set to go to the polls to elect a new Westminster representative.
The by-election was triggered by the decision by Boris Johnson loyalist Nigel Adams to relinquish his Selby and Ainsty seat with immediate effect.
The Tories were quick to announce Michael Naughton as their candidate to succeed Mr Adams yesterday.
Mr Naughton, who has twice stood unsuccessfully for Parliament, said it would be a tough task replacing Mr Adams, adding:
“People working and living in Selby want an MP who can help deliver on the people’s priorities and I will work with the government to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.
“Selby needs a Conservative MP to work alongside a Conservative government and help us improve everybody’s lives.”
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Selby and District Green Party quickly followed yesterday by announcing Arnold Warneken, who represents Ouseburn on North Yorkshire Council, as its prospective parliamentary candidate.
Mr Warneken became the first Green Party councillor in the north of England in 1991 when he was elected to Harrogate Borough Council. He stood unsuccessfully for the Greens against Robert Banks in Harrogate in 1992 and Nigel Adams in Selby and Ainsty in 2019.
He said:
Fewston’s beauty hides harrowing past“I am an experienced hands-on politician. I have a proven track record and I work tirelessly for the people I represent.
“My ability to engage with people at all levels, and to negotiate compromises, leads to positive results and the best outcome for everyone, and the environment.”
With its picturesque setting alongside Fewston reservoir, and famously good cakes, Washburn Heritage Centre is a popular place to visit.
But the centre’s tranquil location belies a harrowing and less well known past that local volunteers have helped to piece together over the last decade.
In 2009 and 2010, before the centre was built alongside St Michael and St Lawrence Church, volunteers worked alongside academics and archaeologist John Buglass to investigate human remains buried in the graveyard.
Child workers were transported from London to the Washburn Valley to work on mills in Blubberhouses in Victorian times. The bodies of many lay unmarked alongside Fewston.

Sally Robinson (left) and fellow volunteer Sarah Stead outside the heritage centre.
Sally Robinson, chair of the management committee at the centre, who led the team of volunteers, said:
“We knew there were remains, but we didn’t know how many.”
The remains of 154 individuals and artefacts were discovered and now form what has become known as the Fewston assemblage.
The assemblage has assumed international significance for archeologists because of the social history it reveals.

Scientists and community volunteers analysing the skeletal remains from Fewston
An academic paper published last month detailed how the investigation led by Durham University pieced together the story of forgotten ‘pauper apprentices’ from Washburn Valley. Many were aged between eight and 20 years when they died.
Analysis showed the children were distinctive from locals because of their stunted growth and malnutrition, as well as evidence of diseases associated with hazardous labour.
Examination of the bones and teeth highlighted many had died from tuberculosis and respiratory disease associated with millwork, or from diseases of deprivation, such as rickets.
Lead author Rebecca Gowland, a professor in the department of archaeology at Durham University, said:
“This is the first bioarchaeological evidence for pauper apprentices in the past and it unequivocally highlights the toll placed on their developing bodies. To see direct evidence, written in the bones, of the hardships these children had faced was very moving.
“It was important to the scientists and the local community that these findings could provide a testimony of their short lives.”

From the excavation site in Fewston where the remains were discovered. Pic: John Buglass Archaeology
The remains were reburied in a ceremony in 2016. Artwork inspired by the analysis and an exhibition are on now on permanent display at Washburn Heritage Centre.
Ms Robinson said:
“It’s easy to forget that the Washburn valley had an industrial past given the beauty of the reservoirs that visitors see today. It was important to us to find out about the children who worked in the mills.
“They were overlooked in life and treated as a commodity — but we hope we have done them some justice by telling their stories and creating a lasting commemoration.”
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Refugee organises Afghanistan Day at Harrogate College
Harrogate College is hosting its first Afghanistan Day next Tuesday.
The college is seeking to shine a light on Afghan culture in a variety of forms. Artwork and traditional dress will be on display, and poems and songs will be performed throughout the day.
There will also be traditional Afghan food available for a small fee to raise money for women’s healthcare and education.
Afghan refugee Sabreyah Nowrozi is organising the festivities.
Sabreyah said:
“I think most people just know about the war and troubles we’ve had in Afghanistan, but this day will be a chance to show the other side and share information about our culture and the country’s positive qualities.”
Sabreyah is currently studying English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) at Harrogate college after being forced to flee the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021.
She was captain of the Afghan women’s development football team, so was targeted by the Taliban which has banned all women from playing sports.
Sabreyah said her escape was fraught with danger due to the numerous Taliban checkpoints. She managed to flee with help from former captain of her team Khalida Popal, Leeds United F.C and a flight funded by Kim Kardashian.
She has since managed to continue her footballing career at Harrogate Town AFC Women.
Now with herself and her family settled in the UK, she has set her sights on a psychology course at the University of York.
Afghanistan Day on 13 June comes just before refugee week beginning June 19. The theme selected for this year is compassion.
If you are interested in booking a free place at Afghanistan Day click here.
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Free festival for disabled children returns to Ripon
A family friendly festival is returning to Ripon this month.
‘This is Me’ festival seeks to provide a fun, family-friendly environment for children and young people with disabilities
Organised by Nidderdale and Morton children’s resources centres, the festival has run since 2018 and has grown in size year on year.
A number of live musical acts will be performing, including Lily Worth, Freddie Cleary, Rock Choir and Rory Hoy.
The Baked Bean Theatre Company, a drama group based around helping those with learning disabilities, will also be making an appearance.
The day will be rounded out by The Doubtful Bottle, an indie-rock outfit from York. Most members were previously a part of The Conspirators who achieved some success on the UK Indie rock charts.
Cllr Janet Sanderson, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for children and families, said:
“This is Me was introduced following requests from our young people who wished to attend a music festival. It provides young individuals with a disability an opportunity to attend a festival, which caters to their needs by being fully inclusive and accessible.
“The fun-filled festival, with so much to see and do, sounds like a perfect day out and we look forward to seeing you there.”
Other attractions will include a silent disco, a circus space, an animal petting area, yoga sessions, and arts and crafts.
There will also be stands where information about local and national groups and support networks can be shared.
They have all given thought to the needs of people with autism. This year sees the addition of quieter area and a sensory tent to help cater for all needs.
As well as this, this year will see the introduction of a well-being camp. This will include activities such as massage, free haircuts by an autism-friendly barber, and support from The Sleep Charity.
The event will be held from noon to 6pm, on Sunday, June 25. The event is both held at and sponsored by Ripon Rugby Club.
Wristbands for the event are free but donations are welcome. They can be booked online prior to the day by emailing NCRC@northyorks.gov.uk. More information can be found on their Facebook page here.
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Knaresborough was a sea of colour and joy today as huge crowds turned out for the annual bed race.
The event was first staged in 1966 and appears to be going stronger than ever, judging by the turnout and enthusiasm displayed today.
Ninety teams of seven took part in the 2.4-mile route through the town, which culminated in crossing the River Nidd.
A team representing builders merchants GH Brooks stormed to victory in the men’s race once again, but were pushed close by Ripon Runners. It was the fourth time in succession GH Brooks has taken the title.
Ripon Runners, however, took first place in the women’s race.
Competition was equally fierce in the Best Dressed Team competition just before the race.
A team called The Rocketmen took the accolade for a Jurassic Park-themed bed that featured animatronics.
They then led the parade from the castle through town to Conyngham Hall where the race started and finished. The parade had only just got underway when it had to be temporarily halted due to a person falling ill.
Organised by Knaresborough Lions, a large army of volunteers helped to keep things running smoothly on a day of unbroken sun.
Here are some photos from the day.
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The winning GH Brooks team

The Best Dressed Team award winner

Dad’s Army

The theme this year was ‘That’s Entertainment’

Having fun at the castle before the race

GH Brooks had two outstanding teams

Harrogate Symphony Orchestra patriotically-attired.

Ripon Runners gave another strong performance

Crossing the Nidd

One of the day’s most creative efforts
In June every year, something close to a miracle occurs in a small village 11 miles from Harrogate.
Major names in the international arts world converge for 10 days on Aldborough — a beautiful and historic place but hardly known for capturing the zeitgeist.
For arts lovers, however, an annual pilgrimage to the Northern Aldborough Festival has become part of the summer arts scene. They park in fields, drink Pimm’s in a churchyard marquee and get to see the kind of names who usually appear in less soulful venues in Leeds or York.
The festival, which grew out of a fundraising initiative to restore the church organ in 1994, consistently attracts major international talent.
This year’s line-up, from June 15 to 24, includes the likes of South Korean pianist Sunwook Kim, TV historian Lucy Worsley, trumpeter Matilda Lloyd and a singing competition judged by a panel that includes Dame Felicity Lott.

Lucy Worsley is among those appearing this year. Credit Hay Festival / Paul Musso
Festival director Robert Ogden, who overseas the programme, is best known locally for running Ogden of Harrogate, the fifth generation family jewellery business on James Street.
But Mr Ogden has strong credentials in the arts world: a former chorister at Westminster Cathedral Choir School in London, he completed a choral scholarship at King’s College, Cambridge before forging a successful career as a countertenor, singing around the world in major productions alongside the likes of Jose Carreras.
Since he became festival director in 2010, the festival line-up has broadened and this year includes spoken word events and jazz as well as classical music and culminates with an outdoor pop music party and fireworks in the grounds of Aldborough Manor.
Mr Ogden says the change reflects his own wide tastes but also acknowledges “we can’t rely on our core audience”.

Robert Ogden
Festival planning is year-round but he takes a two-week break from the jewellery business to focus fully on the festival in the immediate run-up.
He says things are shaping up well this year ahead of Thursday’s opening night. Asked for his personal highlights, he cites Matilda Lloyd, the opening night Haydn opera double bill, Monteverdi’s Vespers and the new £7,000 singing competition. He says:
“Of all the things we have done in the last 15 years this competition is perhaps the most exciting. I’m certain at least one or two of the semi-finalists will be household names in the next few years.
“There’s nothing a festival wants to do more than to unveil and support new talent.”
How does he persuade occasionally temperamental artists to head to the eastern side of Boroughbridge? He says it’s a combination of the festival’s reputation, the St Andrew’s Church acoustics, the setting and the welcome. Aldborough, he says, is the “perfect chamber music space” and there is something undoubtedly magical about it.

St Andrew’s Church in Aldborough
Mr Ogden says he never feels the festival is in competition with the year-round Harrogate International Festivals and thinks there is scope for another local summer arts festival “if it’s marketed well”. Besides Ryedale Festival and Swaledale Festival, competition isn’t fierce.
But it isn’t an easy time in the arts world. Brexit, he says, has denied many emerging artists the opportunities he enjoyed to develop his craft in Europe. The cost of living crisis had had an impact on ticket prices, but Mr Ogden says Aldborough hasn’t made “any major price rises”.
Future festival ideas include live streaming, although digital connectivity in the village isn’t great, and recording music under the Northern Aldborough label.
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He plans to stay at the heart of things, reporting to festival chairman Sir Andrew Lawson-Tancred:
“As long as I feel I still have that creative urge and impetus I will aim to do it as long as they allow me to.”
What is his message for anyone thinking of attending, perhaps for the first time?
“Aldborough is not far to drive from Harrogate. It’s an oasis of calm, the acoustics are wonderful and the welcome is wonderful. Try something new.”
Further information on the Northern Aldborough Festival is available here.
FoI reveals Harrogate council spent nearly £3,000 on booze for staff partyHarrogate Borough Council spent almost £3,000 of taxpayers’ money on booze for a staff party, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.
The party was held to mark the abolition of the council at the end of March — even though nearly all staff transferred to the new North Yorkshire Council the following day on the same terms.
The Stray Ferret reported last month the party cost £14,910. But a full breakdown of the costs, including the amount spent on alcohol, was not known.
The FoI has now revealed the costs included £1,438 on beer, cider and lager, £630 on wine and £587 on spirits. Just £376 was spent on soft drinks.
The council also spent £4,745 on food, £450 on a DJ, £765 on event staff and £302 on decorations. A further £5,556 went on technical equipment for the event, which was held at the council-owned Harrogate Convention Centre on February 23.

The party was held at Harrogate Convention Centre.
The Stray Ferret was alerted to the party by an unnamed source who said they were “appalled, disgusted and downright annoyed that this amount was spent without the prior knowledge and consent of the people paying for it”.
Conor Holohan, media campaign manager of the pressure group the TaxPayers’ Alliance, added:
“Taxpayers will be shocked to find they were funding parties for council staff.
“While residents were struggling with the cost of living crisis, town hall officials were charging them for dinner and drinks.”
Final day parties
Seven district councils and North Yorkshire County Council were abolished on March 31 to make way for the new North Yorkshire Council.
Harrogate Borough Council’s final day staff party cost the most.
Scarborough was the next highest, spending £9,004, followed by Hambleton at £3,783. Ryedale awarded staff a £148 bonus and spent £3,001 on a party. North Yorkshire County Council did not spend anything.
Staff from the district councils, except the chief executives and a handful of others, transferred to North Yorkshire Council on April 1. It said in a statement:
“The new council for North Yorkshire did not play any part in sanctioning or organising any parties.
“For any further comment you will need to ask the district and borough council decision-makers who were in place at those councils at the time.”
Former Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper has declined to comment on council business since the authority was abolished.
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Knaresborough bed race set for huge crowds and glorious weather
Thousands of people will flock to Knaresborough tomorrow for the town’s busiest day of the year.
The Great Knaresborough Bed Race will see 90 teams of seven tackle a 2.4-mile course through the town’s streets and river.
Knaresborough is looking resplendent with 48 Pride flags displayed to celebrate Pride month, and with the Met Office forecasting temperatures up to 26 degrees centigrade, the town will be buzzing.
People are being urged to bring cash as the limited number of cash machines in Knaresborough are likely to run out of money.
Knaresborough Lions, which organises the event, has arranged a free park and ride bus operated by Connexions from GSPK at Manse Lane and ALM at St James Business Park.
If you wish to park closer, King James’s School is offering £5 all day parking with money going to MacMillan Cancer Support.
Teams will gather at Knaresborough Castle in the morning to be judged for the Best Dressed Team award.
Whoever wins, leads the parade from the castle to Conyngham Hall at 1pm. Each team is allowed up to 20 supporters to parade with them in fancy dress.
The race gets underway at 3pm at Conyngham Hall.
Road closures will be staggered throughout the day, starting at 10.45am in Market Place and surrounding roads. The main A59 is due to close at 12.30pm and roads used for the route will be sealed off at 2.30pm.
Some routes could be closed until 6pm but most are expected to re-open sooner.
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A diversion to Harrogate will be in place around Briggate/Calcutt/Forest Moor. Buses will use this route while the A59 is shut. Trains will still be running.
The annual bed race was first held in 1966. This year’s theme for the pre-race fancy-dress parade is “That’s Entertainment”.
Martin Brock, chairman of the bed race committee at organisers Knaresborough Lions, said preparation was a “massive undertaking”. He added:
“We could not put the race on without kind help from our sponsors, our volunteers, the local council and the local media.
“If we planned now to close down the fifth biggest town in North Yorkshire for a day, I doubt we would get permission. However, with the event in its 56th year, people will bend over backwards to help us get it on.
“Almost everyone you see working on the day will be a volunteer, from our divers, to the RayNet radio comms team, to many of the marshals, so give them a smile as you pass by.”