Thirty members of Crossfit Harrogate will take on the national three peaks challenge this weekend to raise money for four charities.
The super-fit bunch will attempt to scale the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales — Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon — in 24 hours.
It involves walking 23 miles and climbing more than 3,000 metres, which is twice the ascent of the Yorkshire three peaks. Participants also have to drive 460 miles.
The challenge will raise money and awareness for Harrogate Homeless Project, Saint Michael’s Hospice, Williams Syndrome Association and Artizan International.
Beth Crewe, who is among those taking part, said:
“The gym is raising funds for four charities, three of which are local, which all have special places in the hearts of the members.
“We decided to take on this challenge to not only push ourselves physically and mentally but to help make a difference to those in need of support from these amazing charities at this difficult time.”
More than £4,600 has already been pledged towards the £5,000 target. You can donate here.
Read more:
- Harrogate district pub unveils new-look beer garden
- Harrogate hotshot Rachel Daly to open Killinghall cafe
Harrogate hotshot Rachel Daly to open Killinghall cafe
Harrogate hotshot Rachel Daly is to return to her roots on Sunday to open a cafe named after her.
Killinghall Nomads opened Nomads Daly Brew this year in honour of the England and Aston Villa striker, who started playing football for the junior club near Harrogate.
Now Daly, who is leading this season’s race to win the Women’s Super League Golden Boot, will return to officially open the cafe.
Sunday’s opening, which will take place at 12.30pm at the cafe at Killinghall Moor Community Park, gives local people a rare opportunity to meet the local superstar, who had advertised her attendance to her 327,000 Instagram followers.
England men’s manager Gareth Southgate and former England player turned pundit Micah Richards have been invited but it is not known if they will attend.
Daly has had a remarkable season since her summer transfer from Houston Dash to Aston Villa Women.
Her hat-trick in Aston Villa Women’s 5-0 defeat of Reading Women on Sunday catapulted her to the top of the list of leading goal scorers in the 2022/23 season.
Whoever finishes top is awarded the prestigious golden boot.
Read more:
- Harrogate’s Rachel Daly on target as England win Finalissima
- Killinghall Nomads opens cafe named after ex-player Rachel Daly
With two games remaining, she has 20 WSL goals — two more than Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw.
Manchester United Women’s Leah Galton, who like Daly was born in Harrogate, is joint third with 10.
Nobody has ever scored more than 22 goals in a season since the golden boot was introduced in 2011.
Daly’s form up front has been a major factor in Aston Villa Women’s rise to fifth place in the WSL. They also reached the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.
Joules to close Harrogate shopFashion retailer Joules is to close its Harrogate shop.
The company has put a notice in the window of its store on James Street announcing its closure on Saturday, May 20.
The large Harrogate shop, which is believed to employ about 10 staff, is currently selling many items at half price.
The notice does not give a reason for the decision but says:
“We’d like to thank you lovely lot for supporting us over the years.”
It adds the nearest Joules store will be in Ilkley.
The notice in the window
Joules’ closure is the second blow for James Street in just over a month. Cards, gifts and stationery company Paperchase closed its shop at the end of March.
Joules was founded in 1989 when Tom Joule began selling clothing on a stall at a country show in Leicestershire. It now sells menswear, womenswear, kidswear and accessories across UK and Ireland.
In 2016, Joules was floated on the stock market for £140m. But in November last year it fell into administration until Next rescued it by paying £34 million for the business, plus £7 million for the head office site.
The Stray Ferret has attempted to contact Joules for further information about the Harrogate shop.
Read more:
- Harrogate district pub unveils new-look beer garden
- Harrogate town centre shop to close due to low footfall
GALLERY: A weekend of Harrogate district celebrations fit for a king
A three-day weekend of celebrations and volunteering saw thousands of people mark the coronation of King Charles III in the Harrogate district.
Stray Ferret reporters were out and about every day capturing the fun and numerous activities taking place to commemorate the historic occasion.
Sunday’s glorious weather attracted a huge turnout to Knaresborough Castle for Party in the Castle.
Sunday Party in the Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography
People getting into the swing of the coronation concert at Knaresborough Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography
Knaresborough Castle was lit up for the occasion. Pic: Mike Whorley Photography
The royal city of Ripon once again proved it is the little city that knows how to stage a big party as live music filled Market Place on Saturday and Sunday nights, culminating in fireworks to the sounds of a Queen tribute band.
Ripon Cathedral also provided a focus for official events marking the coronation.
Jo Ropner, Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and Dean John Dobson at Sunday’s coronation commemorative service at Ripon Cathedral
Mr and Mrs Alex Petherbridge and their daughters Tabitha, Silvia and Claudia arrive to watch Ripon cathedral’s livestream of the coronation.
Carr Close in Ripon enjoyed the best of the weather when it staged a street party on Sunday.
Fireworks in Ripon Market Place rounded off Sunday’s activities.
In Harrogate, a big screen in Valley Gardens broadcast the coronation live. Many community groups staged events in villages nearby and also organised volunteering activities yesterday as part of the Big Help Out national initiative.
Watching the coronation in Valley Gardens
Oatlands Community Centre’s coronation gathering
Community Fit’s Anna Gazier (left) and Lisa Tilburn, who work with HADCA, litter picking in Valley Gardens.
Three generations of bell-ringers took part in Saturday’s coronation service at St Wilfrid’s. Pictured are Sally McDonagh, mum Shirley and daughter Bethany, 11.
Sixteen thousand plants were woven together to create the royal cypher on Montpellier Hill.
The sun shone in Masham for its parade of floats on Sunday and nearby Kirkby Malzeard had a lunch party.
One of the Masham floats
Masham Market Square on Sunday
Flying the Union flag in Kirkby Malzeard
Read more:
- As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate district
- As it happened: Harrogate district celebrates King Charles III coronation
Harrogate district pub unveils new-look beer garden
The Wild Swan at Minskip, near Boroughbridge, has unveiled a new-look beer garden.
The garden, situated in a secluded area at the back, can cater for up to 36 drinkers and diners, on top of the 60 covers in the main premises.
Alex Bond, who co-owns the Wild Swan with business partner Stephen Lennox, said:
“We have always had tables outside, but our new look beer garden provides a much richer and more attractive eating and drinking experience.
“It is the picture-perfect suntrap, set between the rear of the historic inn and a characterful disused mill. It will be ideal for the coming summer months.”
(left to right) Stephen Lennox, chef Frazer Ross, new head chef Jason Bishop and Alex Bond. Photo by Monika Kus.
The inn, which is close to Junction 48 of the A1(M), has also appointed a new head chef, Jason Bishop, who replaces Paul Murphy.
Mr Lennox said:
“Jason is a wonderfully talented chef who has worked in some of the finest establishments across Yorkshire. He has been on our radar for the last 18 months and the opportunity to make this partnership happen heading into a busy summer is one we couldn’t pass up.”
Wood-fired pizzas will be returning to the inn on Wednesdays Fridays and Saturdays each week and a new summer menu will be introduced shortly.
Main pic shows (left to right): Stephen Lennox, chef Frazer Ross, new head chef Jason Bishop and Alex Bond. Pic by Monika Kus
Read more:
- Angry Minskip villagers fight developer over possible Roman site
- New children’s nursery planned for farm near Boroughbridge
Missing Harrogate woman found safe after four days
A Harrogate woman has been found safe after going missing for four days.
North Yorkshire Police issued an appeal for the 56-year-old female on Friday last week. It said she had not been seen since the previous day and officers were “extremely concerned for her welfare”.
This morning the police said the woman had been found safe yesterday.
We have consequently updated our coverage to remove the woman’s personal details.
Read more:
- Police sack Harrogate officer convicted of sexual assault
- Crime commissioner Zoe Metcalfe under pressure following critical report
More rail strikes in Harrogate and Knaresborough this week
Rail services in Harrogate and Knaresborough are set to be affected by a fresh wave of strikes this week.
Train drivers’ union ASLEF will walk out on Friday, May 12, prompting train operator Northern to cancel all services.
RMT members will strike on Saturday, May 13, leading Northern to operate only hourly services on a small number of key routes between 7am and 7pm.
Further information is available here.
Although there is no strike action on Sunday, May 14, services are expected to start later in the morning than normal due to what Northern has described as “fleet displacement”.
Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:
“It is disappointing to see the return of industrial action to the rail network.
“Whilst all strikes disrupt someone, these particular dates will have a significant impact on people travelling on our network to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.
“Given the context in which the UK is hosting this international event – on behalf of the people of Ukraine – this is particularly unfortunate.”
Northern’s guide to upcoming services
A statement on ASLEF’s website blamed the action on “failure of management to offer a fair deal on pay”. It added:
“Most of the drivers have not had a pay increase at all since 2019 and with inflation still well over 10% and the cost of living spiralling, this is not acceptable.”
Further ASLEF action, known as ‘action short of strike’ will take place for five consecutive days from May 15 to 20.
Northern is urging people to check train times before they travel’ as early morning and late night services may be affected.
ASLEF members are also due to walk out on May 31 and June 1 on which there will be no Northern services.
New timetable
This month’s strike action comes ahead of Northern introducing its new summer timetable on Sunday, May 21.
Customers who make regular journeys on the same train times are advised to check before they travel as some services may have been re-timed.
More information is available here.
Read more:
- Almost 500 appointments cancelled at Harrogate hospital due to junior doctors’ strike
- Lib Dem leader describes £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway as ‘vanity project’
Ripon firm Farmison begins phased re-opening today
Ripon online butcher Farmison & Co is to start selling some items again today.
The company, which was acquired from administration last month by a consortium led by ex-Asda chief executive Andy Clarke, will sell a selection of heritage breeds here.
More ranges will be brought back to the website over the weeks ahead.
The company’s Ripon shop at Bondgate Green and click-and-collect location, ‘Cut by Farmison’, will also re-open this week.
Farmison is in the process of recruiting 50 staff and re-engaging suppliers after it ceased trading on April 6 and entered administration.
Now, after a certification inspection at its Ripon headquarters, the Food Standards Agency has given the company the green light to restart operations.
It has obtained commitments from farming partners in the north of England, that they will continue to supply Farmison with the grass-fed, heritage breed meat that is at the heart of the firm’s customer promise to ‘eat better meat’.
The sustainable online meat retailer was acquired last week by a consortium led by Mr Clarke and Chilli Marketing’s Gareth Whittle, Christian Barton and Kieron Barton.
Initial ranges available to customers online include 32-day dry-aged rib steak, handmade hot dogs and Farmison & Co’s signature cut dry aged sirloin steak alongside pork, chicken and lamb.
Executive chairman Mr Clarke said:
“I want to give a massive thank you to the Farmison team who’ve acted with incredible speed to bring the business back to life – and of course to our farmers across Yorkshire and the north, who are determined to support the business get back on its feet.
“We’ve been absolutely bowled over by the messages of support from colleagues, customers and suppliers since taking ownership of the business.
“It will be some weeks yet before we have our full ranges back online, but we thank each and every one of the customers who’ve sent us those messages of encouragement and support over the past few weeks. It means the world to the whole Farmison team.”
Farmison & Co sells online directly to customers across the UK, and through wholesale channels such as Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Michelin star restaurants.
Read more:
- Hot Seat: Bringing Ripon firm Farmison back to life
- Ripon firm Farmison begins hiring staff as it prepares for comeback
Resurrection Bikes to provide free bike repairs in Harrogate
Harrogate bike renovation charity Resurrection Bikes is to hold a series of free bike maintenance events this month.
Resurrection Bikes, which was founded in 2014, fixes donated bikes at its base just off Cold Bath Road and sells them. The proceeds are donated to various charities.
The organisation plans to run six sessions as part of the Big Bike Revival, a national initiative run by the charity Cycling UK to make cycling more accessible.
The sessions, called Dr Bike, will provide advice, adjustments, safety checks and simple maintenance and repairs.
Resurrection Bikes founder John Rowe said:
“Bring your bike along. It is a free service with no booking required, but you are required to watch and learn while work is carried out.
“It is not a drop-off and pick-up later service.”
Dr Bike sessions will take place at Resurrection Bike’s premises at Westcliffe Hall, 2 Harlow Terrace, Harrogate, HG2 0PN on May 24 in the morning, May 25, the afternoon of May 27, May 31 in the morning, June 1 and June 3 in the afternoon.
Read more:
- ‘Grim’ future predicted for Harrogate cycling after funding snub
- Dad to cycle 1,600km to fund research into late wife’s cancer
Local MP bags free Elton John tickets from tobacco firm
Conservative MP Nigel Adams received free tickets from a tobacco firm to watch Elton John at the O2 Arena last month.
Latest updates to Parliament’s Register of Members’ Financial Interests also reveal Mr Adams received payment towards a five-day cricket trip to Corfu as well as free tickets to the Grand National in April
Mr Adams’ Selby and Ainsty constituency includes numerous villages in the Harrogate district, including Follifoot, Great Ouseburn, Sicklinghall, Spofforth, Tockwith and Weeton.
The close ally of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will stand down as an MP at the next General Election.
He accepted two concert tickets, including hospitality, worth £500 at London’s O2 Arena on April 4 — part of Elton John’s farewell tour.
They were paid for by JTI UK, which is part of Tokyo-based Japan Tobacco Group. Its brands include Benson & Hedges and Silk Cut.
The register shows Mr Adams also received free tickets to watch the Grand National at Aintree from healthcare diagnostics company Randox Health, which is principal sponsor of the horse race.
He also accepted contributions from Birmingham cash and carry wholesaler Awan Marketing towards a five-day trip to Corfu where Mr Adams was part of a Lords and Commons cricket delegation in a tournament to commemorate the 200th anniversary of cricket in Greece.
Awan Marketing’s flight and accommodation contributions were estimated to be worth £735.
The Jamaican Tourist Board paid £3,950 towards a similar cricket trip by Mr Adams and a family member to the Caribbean in August last year.
World Cup tickets
This is not Mr Adams’ first gambling firm gift.
JTI has previously paid for Mr Adams, who employs his wife Claire as office manager, to attend Chelsea Flower Show.
He received a total of £6,038 worth of tickets from three separate companies, including two other gambling firms, to watch two England matches at Wembley in Euro 2020.
Last year Mr Adams accepted free tickets and hospitality valued at £2,880 to the FIFA World Cup from the Qatar government.
Read more:
Payments to Andrew Jones and Julian Smith
The register also reveals payments to the two other local Conservative MPs in April.
Andrew Jones, who represents Harrogate and Knaresborough, registered two £5,000 donations in April from Yorkshire Conservative Trust.
The register says the trust, which is based in Burley in Wharfedale, awarded the sums to Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative Association.
Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith received £727 from the Ulster Unionist Party.
The payment was for flights between London and Belfast and one night’s hotel accommodation for a speaking engagement at the start of April.
Mr Smith is a former Northern Ireland Secretary who frequently tweets about issues affecting Northern Ireland.