‘Intimate gem’ Knaresborough pub wins rare award for beer quality

A pub in Knaresborough Market Place has been recognised for serving high quality real ale for three decades.

Blind Jack’s was awarded a certificate by the Campaign for Real Ale last night for 30 years’ continuous appearance in the Good Beer Guide.

The guide, produced annually by CAMRA, is the UK’s premier guide to the best beer in the country.

A total of 24 local pubs feature in the recently published 2023 edition. But it is not believed any can match Blind Jack’s record of being included every year in the last 30.

Christian Ogley and his wife Alice bought Blind Jack’s five years ago from Ian Fozard, the owner of Harrogate brewers Roosters.

Blind Jack's on Market Place, Knaresborough.

Blind Jack’s on Market Place

Mr Ogley said only a handful of pubs in the country could match Blind Jack’s long-term record for consecutive appearances in the ale drinkers’ bible.

He said conditions in the 400-year-old building were ideal for maintaining ale at the right temperature and the pub also kept the quality high by ensuring a high turnover of live cask ales.

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Alun Gauld, chairman of the Harrogate and Ripon branch of CAMRA, presented a certificate to the owners last night. He said:

“Christian and Alice were overjoyed to have their hard work at the pub recognised by CAMRA and the certificate will join the other awards on the pub’s trophy display wall.

“In the pub’s first Good Beer Guide entry back in 1993 it was described as an intimate gem and it remains a gem to this day. “

The certificate presented last night

Mr Gauld said two other Harrogate district pubs had been in the Good Beer Guide regularly for many years — the White Bear in Masham and the One Eyed Rat in Ripon.

But he said he was only sure Blind Jack’s had been listed in the publication every year for the last three decades.

80 bus services in North Yorkshire under threat, says Harrogate district MP

A Conservative MP whose constituency includes parts of the Harrogate district has said 80 bus services in North Yorkshire are under threat.

Nigel Adams, who represents Selby and Ainsty, revealed the number during Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament today.

Mr Adams, whose constituency includes Spofforth and Follifoot, told Rishi Sunak that last month bus operator Arriva stopped the only bus between Selby and Doncaster, leaving 40 Selby College students having to find alternative transport at short notice.

He added:

“Additionally across North Yorkshire about 80 other bus services are now under threat.

“Can he advise what action he will take to ensure that essential bus services are not withdrawn at short notice and ensure that these continue to be operated across Selby district and wider North Yorkshire?”.

Mr Adams said fellow North Yorkshire MP Mr Sunak, who represents Richmond, knew how “crucial” bus services were.

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The Prime Minister replied:

“I’m pleased that the Chancellor has allocated funding for extra bus services across the country and I look forward to working with him (Mr Adams) to ensure that the money finds its way to rural areas like North Yorkshire to provide the connectivity that’s so important for people to have opportunity and get access to public services.”

Buses on a cliff edge?

Today’s comments by Mr Adams will fuel concerns about the future of many rural bus services in the Harrogate district.

Last week Cllr Keane Duncan, executive member for highways and transportation at North Yorkshire County Council, said the county’s bus network was “facing a really grave situation”.

He added:

“The message across the county is use it or lose it. We need people to support these services.”

Liberal Democrat councillor for Pateley Bridge, Andrew Murday, said residents of his division faced having just two services a day to Harrogate.

He said:

“We just have to do something about bus services, and encourage more people onto buses. We need to know how we are going to go about discouraging people from driving and encouraging people on to buses, so bus services can thrive.”

Seven months ago the government rejected the council’s bid for a £116m share of Boris Johnson’s high-profile Bus Back Better initiative, saying the local authority’s plans lacked ambition.

 

 

‘Can I watch the World Cup at work?’ — Harrogate lawyer issues advice

A Harrogate lawyer has issued legal advice to companies wrestling with the thorny issue of whether to give staff time off to watch the World Cup.

Football fever is building after England’s 6-2 opening match defeat of Iran on Monday.

Many games are taking place during UK office hours, prompting firms to consider the best way to handle the situation.

James Austin, a partner and employment law specialist at LCF Law in Harrogate, said many firms wanted to be flexible to foster goodwill but “some staff may feign illness or try to book holidays”.

He said it was sensible for companies to inform staff what is allowed and what is expected, adding:

“It’s important to remember that normal holiday rules apply, but businesses may want to relax the rules if they think they will be quieter during certain matches. It could also be a nice way to reward employees who will be grateful and give even more back to the business in return.”

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Mr Austin said no business had to let staff watch matches but if they allowed them to do so at work they “must check that the required license is in place and carry out a risk assessment”, adding:

“Employees of different nationalities must be treated equally as allowing England fans to watch England games but not allowing Welsh fans to watch Welsh games, for example, could lead to claims of discrimination.

“Employees should be reminded that they are still at work, so are expected to behave professionally and that derogatory comments about different nationalities, or sexist or racist remarks will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.

“Employers should also carefully consider whether to allow alcohol to be drunk during matches viewed in the workplace and bear in mind the problems this may cause.”

Sick leave and working from home

Mr Austin warned companies to be wary of taking action against staff who phone in sick. He said:

“Whilst managers may have their suspicions about an employee being sick on certain match days, whether any action can be taken will depend on any evidence that they were not truly sick.

He added holding back to work interviews, for all sickness absence, can help deter people from feigning sickness.

He also cautioned firms against being heavy-handed against staff working from home who they suspect are tuned into matches.

“If a business chooses to monitor work output via technology and monitoring system logins, they will need to comply with data protection rules including GDPR. This will involve informing staff in advance of what they intend to do and why, as well as how long they will retain any information.

“An alternative approach could be for managers to send a reminder that watching football during working hours is not acceptable and may result in disciplinary action.”

Harrogate train line blocked due to flooding in morning of travel misery

Rail operator Northern has said all train lines between Harrogate and Leeds are blocked due to flooding.

Persistent rain has fallen this morning across the district, where a hosepipe ban remains in place due to an ongoing drought.

The wet conditions have heightened the usual traffic problems on main routes in and out of Harrogate.

But commuters are worse hit, following Northern’s announcement shortly after 10.30am today.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1595366257821421568

 

Northern said trains running through these stations will be cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes.

Motorists have also faced delays on the usual routes. Traffic in Spofforth has been particularly bad due to a vehicle hitting Spofforth Bridge on the A661.

The wall of the damaged bridge in Spofforth.

Four-way traffic lights at the Kirk Deighton junction have also contributed to delays.

The rain is forecast to end this afternoon.

Listed building in Harrogate could be converted to flats

Plans have been submitted to convert the upper floors of a Grade II listed building in Harrogate into flats.

Five-storey Mercer House towers above the adjoining Mercer Art Gallery in the Harrogate Conservation Area on Swan Road.

Colston Trustees Limited have applied to Harrogate Borough Council to change the use of the site from offices to residential and create two flats.

According to planning documents submitted to the council, the office space has been redundant for over a year, which could leave the building susceptible to water ingress.

The ground floor and basement of Mercer House are occupied by Paul Lown-owned clothing store Prey Four and are not included in the plans.

Mercer House is historically and architecturally significant due to its gable-fronted, white and blue appearance.

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The application seeks to insert new doors, rooflights and an enlarged window. A design and access statement submitted as part of the proposal, says:

“Given the minor internal and external changes required to facilitate residential conversion at Mercer House, and the benefit to the long-term care and maintenance of having the upper floors in active use, this less than substantial harm is outweighed.”

It adds:

“The works, on balance, will both preserve and enhance the historic and architectural interests of Mercer House and special character of the Harrogate Conservation Area.”

 

 

Hospital fundraiser extraordinaire Andy Wilkinson steps down after 45 years

A fundraiser who has helped raise more than £2.7m for Harrogate District Hospital has stood down as chairman of a volunteer group.

The Friends of Harrogate Hospital have generated more than £2.7m over the last 56 years to buy thousands of pieces of equipment for the hospital that could not be purchased through the NHS budget.

Wing commander Andy Wilkinson has been an active volunteer with the friends for nearly 45 years, with the majority of years as the group’s chairman.

Mr Wilkinson has been at the heart of everything from coffee mornings to major events like the Big Picnic.  He said:

“The generosity of everyone has made it thoroughly enjoyable.

“We’ve done our best to raise money to help people.  I’ve thoroughly enjoyed doing it and I hope it can go on from strength to strength.”

In recent years, the friends have funded relatives’ rooms on the children’s wards so parents of sick children have somewhere to stay, as well as on the intensive therapy unit and the stroke unit.

The group has also paid for a light sensory unit, a friends’ garden, and a paediatric outpatients waiting room.

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One of its biggest campaigns saw it raise £330,000 to house an MRI scanner in 2005. More than 1,000 patients have benefited from that every year since. Mr Wilkinson said:

“We’re a good news organisation. And it brings a boost to the staff, to be supported by local people. They know that everybody is backing them.

“We have a hospital that’s one of the best in the country. That’s down to the generosity of the people of Harrogate who have donated.”

Greatest achievement

Mr Wilkinson said his greatest achievement with the friends was helping to set up a volunteer scheme at the hospital, securing a grant in 2008 to employ someone for three years to recruit volunteers.

He has now passed the reins to new chairman John Fox but will stay on as a volunteer. He said:

“I know that the friends are in good hands, John Fox has been a trustee of the friends before we merged with Harrogate Hospital Community Charity, and has been a very supportive volunteer for many years.  John is busy reorganising the voluntary group for the future.”

Mr Fox said:

“We thank Andy for his enduring commitment and dedication to the Friends over many years.  He was also a founder governor of the foundation trust.  His support for Harrogate hospital is just amazing.  I know that the staff have really appreciated his work over many years.  He will be a hard act to follow.”

Sarah Armstrong, chair of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said:

“We are extremely grateful for all Andy’s fundraising efforts over many years and his commitment to supporting Harrogate Hospital in making a difference for our patients.”

For more information about the Friends of Harrogate Hospital, contact friendsofhdft@gmail.com

Pateley school rated ‘good’ by Ofsted after major changes

A Pateley Bridge primary school has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

St Cuthbert’s Church of England Primary School has undergone major changes over the last 18 months.

A new executive headteacher and deputy headteacher were appointed in April last year and in January this year the school became part of the Upper Nidderdale Primary Federation.

The federation also includes Glasshouses Community Primary School and Fountains Earth Church of England Primary School in Lofthouse.

Ofsted inspectors visited St Cuthbert’s for two days last month and their report, published yesterday, said the school “has been on a journey of improvement over the last 12 months” and rated it good in all areas.

They described the school as “a safe and caring place” and said pupils had caring attitudes, behaved well and don’t tolerate bullying. Staff have high morale and feel well supported.

Safeguarding arrangements are described as effective and leaders are praised for introducing “a well-considered and ambitious curriculum to the school” and for having “high expectations” of pupils.

The report says:

“This school has been on a journey of improvement. Pupils, staff, parents and carers acknowledge the changes that have been made. Leaders are committed to ensuring that this journey continues at pace.”

The report also highlights how the school provides good opportunities for personal development but says it should provide a wider breadth of extra-curricular opportunities, such as after-school clubs and activities

Nicola Thornber

Nicola Thornber

Executive headteacher Nicola Thornber said:

“This report recognises the hard work and drive that leads to excellent outcomes, while developing the pupil’s character as part of a supportive and caring school community.

“Despite the new rigorous inspection framework where judgements are harder to achieve, combined with the ongoing demands of the pandemic, this report recognises the excellent work, progress and achievement the school has made. Our inspiring federation staff team and pupils work tirelessly together to provide an excellent education.”

Chair of governors Abi Broadley, said

“We, as the governing board, are delighted that this final inspection across the Federation highlights the skill, competency and hard work of the executive headteacher, leadership and staff team.

“As governors, we have seen first-hand the positive impact on pupil behaviour and educational quality, that means that each child at St Cuthbert’s has an excellent opportunity to develop and thrive. We look forward to continuing to support the school’s leadership to build on this strong foundation.

Criminals in North Yorkshire could make written apologies to victims

Criminals could be asked to make written apologies to victims under new plans for policing in North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe is consulting on a community remedy document.

Each local policing body must have a community remedy document for its area that is informed by consultation.

The document includes options for dealing with less serious crime and anti-social behaviour.

The options being considered in North Yorkshire include asking criminals to make verbal or written apologies or to sign acceptable behaviour contracts in which they pledge to change their behaviour.

Victims of crime, such as street drinking, littering, noise, animal problems, vehicle nuisance or trespass, will be able to discuss the finalised community remedy options with a police officer and provide their preferred course of action for the officer to consider.

Ms Metcalfe today opened a consultation on plans jointly drawn up with North Yorkshire Police.

The options people are asked to comment on are:

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The community remedy process aims to support victims by giving them reassurance that their offender is remorseful. The aim is to promote public confidence in the out-of-court disposal process.

This is a method for avoiding court proceedings and criminal charges when an offender is known and admits the offence.

Causes ‘misery’

Ms Metcalfe said:

“Anti-social behavioural problems can cause misery in communities, and I want members of the public to feel empowered by the community remedy, in that they have a say in the best way to prevent re-offending and feel reassured by the actions taken by the police.

“Please complete the short survey to inform my decision on the final options.”

Lisa Winward, Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, said:

“The community remedy will provide victims of low level crime and anti-social behaviour with a greater say in how an offender is held to account for their actions.

“We know that crimes and behaviour of this kind can take their toll on individuals and communities and I welcome the commissioner’s survey to better understand the menu of remedial options that communities feel best fit the crime.”

To take part in the seven-week survey, which closes on January 10, click here.

Harrogate district churches win grants for repairs

Two churches in the Harrogate district have been awarded grants worth a total of more than £9,000 for repairs.

Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust gave grants totalling £78,000 to 19 churches for repairs, conservation and maintenance work in its latest funding round.

Successful Harrogate district applicants were St Mary’s in Great Ouseburn, which was awarded £6,000 for boundary wall repairs and St John’s in Minskip, near Boroughbridge, which received £3,300 to tackle damp.

Robert Beaumont, churchwarden at St John’s, said the grant “means the world to our little church”,

Mr Beaumont said damp threatened the structure of the church, and was also damaging the interior. He added:

“Specifically, faulty drains and a broken bell tower are causing peeling walls and discolouration inside, as well as a damp exterior.

“In addition, a couple of windows are broken and the floor is uneven in places. Whilst we are able to hold and enjoy our services, the structure of the church has been worrying us for some time.

“We have undertaken some serious fundraising which, together with this grant, will enable us to pay for the whole regeneration project. We have a very strong and committed church council and we have already raised £3,000 towards this specific project.

He added work carried out by local builder Tim Wilkinson will begin in January.

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Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust provides funds for churches, chapels and meeting houses of all Christian denominations within the county of Yorkshire.

Trust chairman Tom Ramsden said:

“Our latest grant awards support a wide variety of churches and projects.

“They range from helping to repair the roof of the Grade II listed St James in Slaithwaite built in 1796, through to helping make watertight Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic chapel in Headingley, built in the 1930s

“We are also delighted to support St John’s Church in Minskip, which is a lovely little church that serves its community so well. It is very rewarding to see at first hand the structural problems that will be tackled and solved, thanks in part to our grant.”

Full list of churches receiving grants

Great Ouseburn, St Mary, £6000 for boundary wall repairs

Minskip, St John, £3300 for bell tower repairs

Leeds, All Hallows, £10,000 for roof repairs

Leeds, Our Lady of Lourdes, £3000 for roof repairs

Leeds, Cathedral Church of St Anne, £3000 for stonework repairs

Leeds, Holy Rosary, £1500 for roof repairs

Clifford, St Edward King and Confessor, £3500 for roof repairs

Baildon, St James £2000, for tower repairs

Bierley, St John the Evangelist, £5000 for clock repairs

Skipwith, St Helen, £7000 for drainage works

Golcar, Providence Methodist, £3500 for window repairs

Slaithwaite, St James, £5000 for roof repairs

Ripponden, Stones Methodist, £5000 for roof repairs

Thornaby, St Peter, £1000 for stonework repairs

Gargrave, St Andrew £1358 for clock repairs

Golcar, St John the Evangelist, £5000 for internal decorations

Goole, St John £4500, for roof repairs

Harome, St Saviour, £3000 for bell turret repairs

Slingsby, All Saints, £4500 for window repairs

Oliver Bonas set to open in Harrogate this week

Harrogate’s upmarket James Street is set to get a new addition this week with the opening of an Oliver Bonas shop.

The fashion and lifestyle brand has been refurbishing the spacious 3,700-square foot unit formerly used as a discount store.

Next also previously rented the site.

The doors were previously expected to open in September but renovations have been ongoing.

However, sources have indicated Oliver Bonas is finally due to open on Thursday.

The company, which has 85 stores in the UK, is advertising for team members at £9.75 an hour on its website.

The opening will strengthen James Street’s claim to be Harrogate’s premier destination for luxury goods.

Pret A Manger, Ebru Evrim and Carl Scarpa have all joined the street recently and Hotel Chocolat has upsized to larger premises.

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Tom Limbert, director of property consultants, Central Retail, which acted for property owners Countrylarge, previously said James Street had been “reinvigorated”, adding:

“Oliver Bonas will be a great addition to the existing tenant line up on James Street which truly is one of the best high streets in the north of England.”