The North Pole post office in Harrogate has reopened in time for children to post letters to Father Christmas.

The festive attraction is once again located at Harrogate International Festivals’ office, on Cheltenham Parade, and will remain open until Christmas Eve.

Funded by Harrogate Business Improvement District and produced by Harrogate International Festivals, the post office features snow flurries, Christmas music as well as the post box.

The Christmas attraction began in 2020 as a way of lifting spirits during the second covid lockdown and has returned both years since.

The post office is so busy the elves who sort through the letters are not able to reply individually, however, visitors can download a letter and message from Father Christmas, via the HIF website, or by scanning the QR code located next to the post box.

The post office is one of the key features in this year’s Destination Christmas campaign, which is a joint initiative between Harrogate Borough Council, Visit Harrogate, Harrogate BID and Harrogate International Festivals.

It also includes an ice-skating rink, fairground attractions, the candy cane express, Harrogate Christmas Fayre and the Father Christmas Experience.

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Clemence Roux, from Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“We are delighted to bring this attraction back again, and will make sure once again that Father Christmas gets all the children’s letters.

“Harrogate BID has been extremely kind in sponsoring the scheme for another year, they have helped us make Harrogate a little more festive.”

Harrogate BID chair Sara Ferguson said:

“The Christmas attraction lifts spirits and contributes to the efforts of so many who are working together to make Harrogate ‘Destination Christmas’.”

Pictured from left are: Clemence Roux, from Harrogate International Festivals, Harrogate BID Manager Matthew Chapman, Harrogate borough mayor Cllr Victoria Oldham, and Harrogate International Festivals chief executive Sharon Canavar at the opening of the post office.

A former soldier has researched the stories of more than 1,000 people whose names are listed on the Harrogate war memorial.

Graham Roberts is now offering to give the information for free to families of those who died in the two world wars.

There are 774 names from the First World War and 331 from the Second World War listed on the stone obelisk beneath the inscriptions ‘Pro Patria’ and ‘Their name liveth for evermore’.

Thousands of people turn out in all weathers each year on Remembrance Sunday, as they did last weekend, to pay their respects.

Harrogate-born Mr Roberts, who spent 37 years as an army reservist, has managed to find details of all but about 40 of the names on the memorial.

He said he “wouldn’t like to think” how much time he has spent on the task. He said:

“I’ve always been interested in military history. The kick start was seeing the names of casualties attached to lamp posts on the street where they used to live in 2018.”

Mr Roberts, who is now retired, used the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website as a first port of call as well as other resources, such as the website Ancestry.

He said he was able to find precise details of some who died but only sparse details for others.

His research threw up some fascinating tales and anomalies. He said:

“There are some who should perhaps not be listed at all – being from further afield, e.g. Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge, or who had rather tenuous links with Harrogate, for example they lived in Leeds but played for Harrogate football team, landed here in an air race; and some who died well after the wars had ended.

“There is even one who was reported killed in 1917, but who has a gravestone in Canada dated 1947.”

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He added:

“In addition, I have discovered about 20-30 from each of the world wars whose names probably should appear on the memorial – they either lived or had previously lived in Harrogate, or their parents lived in Harrogate.

“The youngest I’ve found have been a 15-year-old soldier and a 17-year-old girl killed in an explosion at the Barnbow shell factory in Leeds.”

Mr Roberts said he was happy to share any information with family descendants. He can be contacted at Graham.R2467@outlook.com.

He added he was keen to receive any information on the 40 or so people whose details remain elusive.

Junior soldiers in Harrogate will plant 10,000 crocuses on the Stray on Saturday.

The flowers will enhance the line of trees known as Peace Avenue close to the Empress Roundabout — adjacent to Skipton Road.

The Peace Avenue, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Harrogate in 2014, was originally planted by school children from across Harrogate to commemorate the soldiers who died in the First World War.

The junior soldiers from Harrogate’s Army Foundation College will add to their efforts by planting 10,000 Jeanne d’Arc white crocuses on the weekend after Remembrance Sunday.

Lt Daniel Curry, commanding officer at AFC Harrogate, said:

“It will be a privilege to aid in the planting of the white crocuses alongside the Rotary Club of Harrogate.

“Both the club and college have given the junior soldiers the opportunity to help the local community complete their Duke of Edinburgh Award and being so close to Remembrance Sunday, remember those who served before them and gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

Harrogate borough mayor, Cllr Victoria Oldham, is due to attend the event.

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A heated consultation event about the latest plans to encourage cycling in Harrogate highlighted the dilemma facing decision-makers.

North Yorkshire County Council held the event at Harrogate Civic Centre on Friday to hear views about the second phase of the Otley Road cycle route.

Some residents in the area made it clear they didn’t think any of the three options put forward were practical and called for the scheme to be scrapped.

They accused the council staff present of ignoring their views and claimed the consultation was a waste of time.

But some cyclists, frustrated by the length of time it is taking to implement active travel schemes that have funding in place, urged the council to get on with it. However, they have concerns about how safe some of the options are for cyclists.

Studying the designs for the various options.

A major problem for the council is the narrowness of Otley Road and nearby streets that could be affected, such as Beech Grove and Victoria Road.

It makes it difficult to introduce cycle lanes wide enough to meet current design standards without imposing traffic restrictions, such as one-way systems.

Melisa Burnham, area highways manager at the council, said the consultation had so far received more than 100 replies. She added:

“Otley Road is incredibly constrained and we are trying hard to find the right way forward.”

To take part in the consultation, which ends on November 28, click here.

The three options for Otley Road

Option 1

The first option is what was originally proposed for this second phase of the Otley Road cycle path, which runs between the junctions of Cold Bath Road and Beech Grove.

These plans include junction upgrades and shared cycle paths and footways, similar to what has already been built on Otley Road. But the county council said some sections could be too narrow, which is why it is considering re-routing.

Option 2

Under these plans the route would be diverted onto Victoria Road with a one-way traffic system and the removal of some parking spaces to allow for a 1.5 metre wide cycle path.

The one-way traffic system would run up until Lancaster Road, before connecting with Beech Grove.

Option 3

This final option would see a 3m wide shared cycle path and footway built on Queens Road before connecting with Lancaster Road and Beech Grove.

Parallel and toucan crossings are also proposed.

A Ferris wheel previously situated in York is to be moved to the centre of Harrogate as part of the town’s Christmas activities, it was revealed last night.

The wheel, which has 24 gondolas, including one VIP and one for people with disabilities, was previously at St Sampson’s Square in York.

John McGivern, destination events manager at tourism body Destination Harrogate, told businesses the 32-metre high wheel was likely to be situated next to the war memorial.

Mr McGivern said Destination Harrogate, which is part of Harrogate Borough Council, was in discussions with the Royal British Legion over the location. The decision to situate a helter-skelter alongside the memorial upset some veterans at Christmas last year.

The wheel, an ice rink, a Christmas fayre, the Candy Cane Express road train and a carousel are among the highlights of Harrogate’s festive offering.

John McGivern at last night’s meeting.

Speaking at Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly meeting last night, Mr McGivern said the ambition was to “position Harrogate district as a first choice Christmas destination” and to attract high spending visitors on day trips and overnight breaks.

He said Destination Harrogate planned to distribute 20,000 printed guides with a map as part of its marketing campaign, which also includes media advertising, press and influencer visits and a dedicated Christmas webpage.

The installation of the ice rink at Crescent Gardens is due to start on Friday. The rink will open on December 2 and close on January 3 — five days before the other attractions.

Harrogate during Christmas last year.

The carousel will return.

Harrogate Christmas Fayre, which will have 50 stalls, will start to be installed on November 28 and be open from December 2 to 11.

It will be open from 10am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.

Market Place Europe and Harrogate Borough Council, which jointly operate the Christmas fayre, will once again provide a stall for charities.

Artizan International, Carers Resource, Dementia Forward, Girlguiding North Yorkshire West, Harlow Hill Men’s Shed, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) Community Charity, Harrogate Easier Living Project (HELP), Harrogate Skills 4 Living Centre, Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation, Samaritans of Harrogate and District, and Ripon Walled Garden are all set to use the stall to either sell products they produce or use it to provide more information to visitors.

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Exercise groups have criticised Harrogate Borough Council‘s decision to seal off a popular part of Valley Gardens.

The path in front of the Sun Pavilion is widely used by people taking part in fitness classes, including yoga and tai chi.

But gates have been put up forbidding access.

Michael Constantine, head of operations at Harrogate Convention Centre, said:

 “The Sun Pavilion is a privately run venue, we have sadly had to take the decision to close off the gates due to recent vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

“In addition, some of the fitness groups have also caused damage with their equipment meaning the council tax payer has had to fund preventable repairs”.

Exercise groups have reacted angrily to the loss of the facility — and the suggestion they cause damage.

Bridget Tayan, speaking on behalf of Red Orchid Tai Chi group, which uses Valley Gardens regularly, said:

“Ou tai chi group have been practising up there for over 10 years and have never caused damage or inconvenienced anyone.

“Indeed we are often asked questions about the Sun Pavilion by passing tourists.

“I also pointed out that most of our group are in their 60s and 70s and not likely to vandalise anything. I have not had a reply.”

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Ms Tayan said several other fitness groups, including yoga organisations and army-style fitness sessions, along with personal trainers and individuals who liked to keep fit. also used the area when it rained and were “equally dismayed”.

She added:

“I know that many of the Valley Garden regulars are concerned about the gates being locked as it has always been a right of way, apart from when there are functions, which is fair enough.

“Visitors like to stand on the terrace to take photos and it is one of the few places you can shelter if it is raining hard.”

Ms Tayan also suggested the size of the gates was unlikely to deter vandals.

‘Our council tax pays for this’

Comments on Friends of Valley Garden’s Facebook group were overwhelmingly critical of the move.

One said:

“I am a member of a fitness group who use Valley Gardens. We would never cause damage to the gardens and appreciate the beautiful gardens we can look at while at our classes.”

Another said:

“Another example of the short-sightedness of Harrogate council. I’ve exercised here for years, many others do so too. I have never, ever witnessed any damage of any kind. Our council should be facilitating and encouraging outdoor fitness.”

Harrogate district firefighters tackled four “significant incidents” in the space of just over an hour last night.

Two fire engines from Harrogate were mobilised, along with appliances from Knaresborough, Ripon, Boroughbridge and Summerbridge.

The number of overnight fire engines at Harrogate is due to be reduced from two to one under plans by North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe.

Firstly, crews from Harrogate and Knaresborough were called to a fire in the basement of a pub at Bond End, Knaresborough at 2.24am.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident log said:

“This was caused by spontaneous combustion of warm laundry in a basket and caused fire damage to the laundry only, there was smoke damage to the entire property.

“Crews used four breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, a thermal imaging camera and a positive pressure ventilation fan to extinguish the fire.”

Because Harrogate and Knaresborough firefighters were still dealing with this, crews from Ripon and Boroughbridge had to be drafted in at 2.58pm to a house fire on St Leonard’s Road in Harrogate caused by an electric heater which was too close to combustible materials.

One man had got out of the property by the time they arrived thanks to the smoke alarm going off. The incident log said:

“Crews used four breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, thermal imaging camera and a backpack sprayer to extinguish the fire which was caused by an electric heater too close to combustible materials.”

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The firefighters’ night was far from over.

At 3.11am, firefighters from Harrogate and Summerbridge used hydraulic cutting equipment to extract a man from his car following a single vehicle crash on the B6161 at Beckwithshaw.

Then at 3.38am, an officer and a crew from Knaresborough attended a single vehicle crash on the B6161 at Leathley. A man, believed to be drunk, had broken his nose and was out of the vehicle where he was left in the hands of police.

A Harrogate Fire Station spokesperson said:

“Fire crews in the Harrogate district last night had four significant incidents all at the same time.

“Resources were stretched but able to assist in all incidents.”

The spokesperson said “smoke alarms really do save lives” and the fire  caused by the electric heater “is not unique”. They added:

“Firefighters nationwide are warning of the increased risk of fire due to unsafe use of electric heaters as people try to keep down costs during the winter.”

Safety advice from Electrical Safety First if you have an electric heater

• Ensure the device is on a level surface, well away from anything or anyone that could knock it over
• Ensure it is is well away from combustible materials, such as paper, furniture or curtains
• Ensure it is never used to dry clothes
• Ensure it is never left unattended for long periods while in use, or while you are asleep
• Don’t use an extension lead to power a heater as they can easily be overloaded
• Regularly inspect the heater for damage and deterioration

The Nelson Inn has, for years, been a haven for people travelling between Harrogate and Skipton on the A59.

The pub has undergone several changes of ownership in recent years. But now, after a £1m spruce up in the wake of its summer acquisition by Brunning & Price, it is set to reopen.

Two hundred people have been invited to drinks and nibbles tonight. After another invitation-only event to trial the food tomorrow, the pub on the edge of Killinghall will open to the public at 5pm on Wednesday.

It will serve drinks from 11.30am daily and begin offering freshly-cooked food at noon, right through until 9pm Monday to Thursday, 9.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 8pm on Sundays.

With 156 seats inside and 60 outside, it is another chapter in the long history of this deceptively spacious pub.

Landlady Sam Aston

Landlady Sam Aston, who was previously employed by Greene King in the Isle of Man, has taken charge and head chef Stuart Russell is running the kitchen.

The bar serves a wide range of drinks brewed locally, by companies including Roosters, Turning Point and the Harrogate Brewing Company.

Ms Aston says the building was originally built as a house in 1776 and is believed to be one of many that adopted the Nelson name after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

The cosy interior

It is the 82nd pub in the upmarket range belonging to Brunning & Price. Although the layout hasn’t changed a great deal, the refurbishment has given it a cosy and welcoming feel.

The ground floor is dog-friendly and there are two private dining areas. Roaring fires, events such as gin-tasting and afternoon teas are also part of the mix, although the teas aren’t available yet.

The business has created about 30 jobs but the company still hopes to recruit about 10 more staff.

Two thieves have smashed their way into an independent Harrogate shop and stolen cigars and whiskey.

The men, believed to be in their early 20s, used a stone to break a glass panel on the door of James Barber Tobacconist.

It is one of two shops on Cold Bath Road targeted by criminals already this month. In a separate incident last week, a man vandalised the Christmas lights outside hair salon Dangerfield & Keane.

Mr Barber has published CCTV footage of the break-in on his Instagram page in the hope it might lead to an arrest.

The incident happened in the early hours of November 1 and Mr Barber has decided to release the film now because the police investigation has yet to find the perpetrators.

The thieves also smashed a cabinet to get hold of the goods. One left when the alarm sounded.

Mr Barber estimated the crime had cost him £1,000 in repairs and loss of goods.

His Instagram post said:

“Until now these two are still out and about maybe looking for another opportunity to violate another business owner.

“Since it has been more than 10 days, we felt the need to warn all local businesses like us to be vigilant as we believe this can happen anytime. If anyone recognises these two please report it directly to the Harrogate police. Crime No.NYP-01112022-0012.”

A 22-year-old man has been arrested following a disturbance on Ripon’s Finkle Street.

Police were called to the incident at 2.40am in the early hours of Saturday.

The victim, a 23-year-old man was found with serious facial injuries and taken to hospital for treatment.

The 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent, he has been released on conditional bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out.

Crime scene investigators were summoned and a scene guard was put in place to allow officers to retrieve any evidence from the scene of the incident.

Crime scene investigators at the site on Saturday.

North Yorkshire Police is urging anyone who witnessed the incident but has not yet spoken to police to get in touch on 101. The incident number is 12220200870.

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