John Plummer, Author at The Stray Ferret

Harrogate optician’s eye-catching display earns national recognition

For years, the big nose and glasses have amused Harrogate residents and visitors alike. Now Bespoke Eyewear‘s striking window display has earned national recognition.

The shop on Royal Parade was named most engaging practice window at the three-day 100% Optical show, which attracted more than 10,000 attendees at Excel London. It is the largest optical fair in the UK.

Bespoke Eyewear opened in 2010 as an opticians and dispensary for spectacular frames unavailable elsewhere in the UK. The nose and glasses were put up in 2012 and have become both a selfie spot, boosting the company’s social media following, and a directional landmark.

Bespoke Eyewear collects its award

Owner Jonathan Nixon said:

“In 12 years this is our first award and we have never been thanked by Harrogate Borough Council for our Christmas window even though we have had thousands of people taking pictures of it over the years.

“We dress our big nose and glasses depending on the occasion.

“We started in a recession and after covid we are still growing! It is so important to win this award as the idea is to stop an individual and get them to come and look at our stock. The polystyrene nose and glasses is iconic to the shop and recognised all over the country.”

The most engaging practice window award was open to companies that could demonstrate how their window design had driven sales. Three practices were shortlisted.

Bespoke Eyewear optometrist speaking at 100% Optical

Bespoke Eyewear’s clients include Oscar-winning actresses and football legends. Its awards entry said:

“We have a 3D printed model of Ian Wright’s head made to his actual measurements. We send him a picture of the glasses on his ‘head’. If he likes them, they can be perfectly fitted and posted out without him coming to the practice.

“Ian’s head sits in the shop window and passers-by, whether it be local or tourist, often say ‘that’s Ian Wright!’.”

Hawico closes Harrogate shop after 28 years

A cashmere clothes shop in Harrogate has closed after 28 years.

Hawico on Montellier Parade was the first Hawico shop outside Scotland when it opened in 1995.

It has now closed, with the loss of two jobs, and the unit is vacant.

David Sanderson, a director of Hawico, said the company had been considering the shop’s future for some time. He added:

“We’ve been in Harrogate quite a while but it seems like it’s run its course. We can’t afford for this business not to pay and it got very marginal in Harrogate so we decided not to renew the lease.”

Mr Sanderson said trade at the store had got “harder and harder” in recent years, especially since covid.

Hawico, a family business that makes clothes at a factory in Hawick, Scotland has 10 stores in Scotland, Switzerland, Germany and Italy.

Mr Sanderson said the site of the Harrogate shop was previously owned by another Scottish clothing company and the unit had provided “a little bit of Scotland in Harrogate for some time”.

It is the latest loss to Harrogate’s high street after the closure of Bijouled, which sold gifts and accessories on Parliament Street and fast fashion brand New Look, which was based in the Victoria Shopping Centre.

Bijouled is now closed

Rollout of 100 electric charging points in Harrogate district begins

Rugby legend Martin Offiah visited Harrogate today for an event to mark the rollout of 100 electric vehicle charging points.

Mr Offiah, who once raced down the wing at Wembley for England, touched down at the slightly humbler surroundings of Park View car park on East Parade in his role as a brand ambassador for Connected Kerb, a company that provides the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging points.

Harrogate Borough Council signed a contract with Connected Kerb for the installation of charging points in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham.

Mr Offiah joined Harrogate district mayor, councillor Victoria Oldham, as she cut a ribbon to signify Park View car park’s six electric charging bays were now ready for use.

Charging bays are also active in Harrogate at West Park multi-storey car park and the council’s civic centre and also at Chapel Street car park in Knaresborough and Market Place in Masham.

The charging points in Park View car park.

All the other bays, listed below, should be live by April. They are available to anyone who downloads the Connected Kerb app and has a Type 2 EV charging cable.

Mr Offiah, who has a statue outside Wembley Stadium and has been a Connected Kerb ambassador since 2018, said his message to people in the district was to “look for reasons to get an electric vehicle rather than reasons not to get one”.

The project has been funded by the council with additional support from the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles.

The deployment is part of the council’s efforts to increase the proportion of cleaner ultra-low emission vehicles in the district.

Councillor Phil Ireland, the council’s cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, who was at today’s launch, said:

“The Harrogate district has seen a rapid uptake in the purchase of electric vehicles, and if we are to achieve our ambition of net zero by 2038 it is important we support those residents to charge electric cars, while also encouraging more cycling and walking.

“These new charging points will support the uptake in electric vehicles for both our residents and our visitor economy, across the district.”

Chris Pateman-Jones, chief executive of Connected Kerb, said:

“Providing long-lasting, affordable and accessible charging points in northern towns and cities is essential to ensuring that nobody is left behind in the electric vehicle transition.

“By supporting EV drivers in Harrogate who have no access to off-street parking, we can make charging their vehicle more convenient while boosting local air quality and meeting climate goals.”

Where are the new charging points?

Harrogate

Victoria multi-storey car park – 12 Bays

Hornbeam Park – 12 Bays

Odeon – 12 Bays

West Park – 8 Bays

Park View – 6 Bays

Dragon Road – 10 Bays

Knaresborough

Conyngham Hall – 12 Bays

Chapel Street – 10 Bays

Leisure Centre (new) – 5 Bays

Ripon (new)

Cathedral Car Park – 6 Bays

Blossomgate Car Park – 4 Bays

Ripon (existing)

Leisure Centre – 5 Bays

Phoenix Business Park – 4 Bays

Boroughbridge (Phase 2)

Back Lane Car Park – Up to 6 bays

Pateley Bridge

Southlands Car Park – 4 Bays

Masham

Market Place – 4 Bays

Harrogate man beats 10,000 runners to win Brighton half marathon

A Harrogate man who only took up running three years ago beat nearly 10,000 runners to win the Brighton half marathon on Sunday.

Cal Mills, 22, completed the 13.1-mile course in one hour, six minutes and 37 seconds, which was faster than the world record time until 1965, when Britain’s Ron Hill ran one hour, five minutes and 44 seconds.

Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo’s current world record is 57 minutes and 31 seconds and Mo Farah’s British record for the distance is 59 minutes and 32 seconds.

What’s even more remarkable is that former Harrogate Grammar School student Cal only started running at the age of 19 and is virtually unknown in the sport.

He won his first event, the Guy Fawkes 10k organised by Nidd Valley Road Runners, in 2021 and followed that up by winning the Harrogate 10k last year.

Leading the field in last year’s Harrogate 10k.

After finishing 10th in this year’s Manchester half marathon, he turned up in Brighton hoping for a decent time and ended up smoking everyone, being cheered to victory by thousands of people on his way to the finish line. He said:

“It’s absolutely mad. It was the craziest atmosphere I have ever run in. I have never felt like that before when I crossed the line.”

Cal, who is in his final year studying history at the University of Leeds and runs for Leeds City Athletic Club, wasn’t into running at school and only got into the sport seriously during lockdown.

In the space of three years he has gone from Stray jogger to elite distance runner. The Brighton half marathon, which was being held for the 33rd time, is a major event on the British road running circuit.

Celebrating in Brighton on Sunday

Cal’s next event will be the London marathon in April and despite his achievements he isn’t putting any pressure on himself.

“It’s been a surreal journey. Nobody knew my name at Brighton. If I had started when I was younger, who knows where I could have taken it.

“But I just want to enjoy it. If I end up being a high standard club runner that’s fine by me.”

Police seek man after designer scarf stolen in Harrogate

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to after a scarf was stolen from a Harrogate restaurant.

It happened on Cold Bath Road at 6.50pm on Wednesday February 14 — Valentine’s Day.

A North Yorkshire Police statement today said:

“CCTV captured a couple in the restaurant finding a scarf under their table. A man picks up the scarf, folds it and places it in his pocket.

“The scarf was an Alexander McQueen scarf in pink, red and gold, with flowers on it.

“Officers want to speak to a man pictured on CCTV in the restaurant, as he may have important information that could assist the investigation.”

Anyone with information can email paul.southgate@northyorkshire.police.uk. You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC1471 Southgate.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12230028534.

Knaresborough town crier Roger Hewitt to retire

Knaresborough town crier Roger Hewitt is to retire at the end of May after eight years of service to the town.

Former teacher Mr Hewitt, who has lived in Knaresborough for 46 years, is part of a lineage dating back to 1680. He will be involved in the selection for his replacement, and with any induction required.

Business group Knaresborough & District Chamber will be running a contest to find a successor at Knaresborough Community Festival on April 22 at Meadowside Academy primary school.

Chamber member Charlotte Gale said:

“Roger has been an exemplary town crier and is a hugely popular and recognisable figure in the town.

“For the past eight years his regular and often witty cries have kept townsfolk informed about all the latest Knaresborough news and he has also opened countless town events and welcomed many new businesses to the town.

“Everyone at chamber would like to extend a huge thank you to Roger for eight years of dedication to the role and wish him well in his retirement.”

Pic: Charlotte Gale

A chamber statement said Rawden Kerr, from the The Loyal Company of Town Criers, would support the search to find a successor “to make sure we do things in the right way”. It added:

“If you think you, or someone you know, could step into Roger’s shoes then please get in touch with us at the chamber, e-mail address hello@knaresboroughchamber.org.”

Harrogate, Leeds and Sheffield tipped for best economic growth in Yorkshire

Harrogate, Leeds and Sheffield have been named as the three places forecast to experience the region’s highest economic growth over the next two years.

The EY Regional Economic Forecast, compiled by accounting firm Ernst & Young, says Leeds’ economy is expected to grow by 2.1% per year on average over the course of 2024 to 2026.

Harrogate and Sheffield are predicted to have the joint-second fastest-growing economies across Yorkshire and the Humber over the same period, with both projected to see annual average growth of 1.9%. Hull fares worst, with forecasted growth of 1.2%.

The region’s overall forecasted average annual growth of 1.7% is the joint lowest in the UK — and well below London’s predicted 2.6%.

Stephen Church, Ernst & Young’s north market leader, said:

“The north is home to many of the UK’s most dynamic and innovative businesses and, while the next 12 months will be economically challenging, there are areas across the region where we can expect to see encouraging growth over the next few years.”

But Mr Church added “too many places are still expected to trail behind” and that regions “need their own clear strategies for growth, which reflect each region’s own strengths and unique attributes”.

By 2026, Harrogate’s local economy is expected to be £0.2 billion larger than in 2022. The real estate activities and professional, scientific and technical sectors are expected to record the biggest absolute increases in growth over this period.

As well as expecting some of the fastest economic growth in the region from 2024 to 2026, Harrogate and Sheffield are also forecast to see their employment growth match the national growth rate over the same period, with annual average growth of 1.3% in both places.

The regional average is 1.1%.

Ernst & Young, one of the big four accounting firms, uses economic data to model future performance for the forecast.

Nidderdale Chamber of Trade to fold after more than 50 years

Nidderdale Chamber of Trade will cease to exist at the end of next month after at least half a century of promoting businesses in and around Pateley Bridge.

Membership has dwindled since covid and there has been a lack of interest in taking up leadership roles.

Consequently the current directors have announced they will not be seeking re-election and are urging the 40 or so remaining members to take advantage of an introductory offer to join Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce.

Tim Ledbetter, chairman of Nidderdale Chamber of Trade and owner of Sypeland Outdoors, said the chance to join the Harrogate district group meant a “negative had turned into a positive” because it would give Nidderdale businesses a wider reach. He said:

“Things have changed in the last few years since covid. Like any voluntary organisation, it’s very difficult to get new volunteers and some have fallen by the wayside. Moving forward, we feel this is the best thing to do for Nidderdale.

“We will now be part of a bigger platform. A lot of businesses in Harrogate have heard of Pateley but don’t know about the opportunities. This will enable us to tell them.”

Mr Ledbetter said the chamber would leave a legacy of success, which included organising events such as late night Christmas shopping and a 1940s weekend and success in competitions such as the Great British High Street and Britain in Bloom.

The Harrogate district chamber is offering Nidderdale chamber members, which include hotels, shops, distilleries and galleries, discounted membership as a time-limited introductory offer.

Chief executive David Simister said:

“This a great opportunity for existing Nidderdale Chamber of Trade members to join a district-wide business organisation, one with a strong voice for business.”

Sue Kramer, president of the Harrogate district chamber, said:

“A few years ago, we changed our name from Harrogate Chamber of Trade to Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, as we are keen to give a strong local business voice not just in Harrogate, but further afield too.

“Whilst our monthly meetings are held in Harrogate, the range of topics helping to educate and support businesses, and of course the networking opportunities are relevant to all district businesses.”

City Plumbing opens Harrogate branch

A major national plumbing and heating company opened its first branch in the Harrogate district today.

City Plumbing, which is open to trade and the public, is based in one of five units at the former Joe Manby building at Hookstone Park, Harrogate.

Councillor Victoria Oldham, mayor of the district, cut a ribbon to formally open the branch for business this morning.

The mayor cuts the ribbon.

City Plumbing, which is part of the Highbourne Group, employs about 4,500 staff at some 360 branches in the UK and Ireland. The Harrogate site currently has five staff.

Besides selling plumbing and heating products, the new branch also has kitchen and bathroom tops and a range of renewable heating products, including air source heat pumps and solar panels.

Free food and drinks are available to customers visiting today.

Kasia Demko, City Plumbing’s regional manager who lives in Harrogate, said until today the company’s nearest sites were in Leeds and York, adding:

“We have always wanted to be in Harrogate — we have been looking for the right spot in town. We are very much looking forward to welcoming customers.”

Branch manager Stuart Johnson, who has a background in the plumbing and electrical sector locally, said the company was particularly keen to promote its energy-efficiency products because that was a growing market.

Staff at today’s opening

Jackie Wilson, property manager at Hornbeam Park Developments, which owns the former Joe Manby site, said:

“We are delighted to see City Plumbing up and running as the anchor tenant at this development. There has been a lot of interest, with two of the remaining four units taken already. I am sure that City Plumbing’s presence will serve as a catalyst to attract tenants for the remaining two units.“

Northern Lights captured over Harrogate

The Northern Lights were visible over the Harrogate district last night.

The Met Office said the aurora borealis would be visible further south than usual last night and tonight.

Sally Margerison, who lives on Harlow Hill, captured this fantastic photo of the astral phenomenon.

The light show occurs when electrically charged particles from space enter the Earth’s upper atmosphere at high speed. It may be visible again tonight over the district.

Send us your images to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

The Aurora Borealis may be visible as far south as central England tonight where skies remain clear

The Northern Lights are also likely to be seen again on Monday night pic.twitter.com/EBedkN8ytd

— Met Office (@metoffice) February 26, 2023

Read more:

Read more:

Where are the new charging points?

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more: