Sketches by Magritte to go under the hammer in Ripon

A double-sided sketch by the Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte will be auctioned in Ripon next week.

The sketch will be displayed at Elstob Auctioneers’ fine art sale on Wednesday, May 8.

The two pencil drawings of nude figures in a double-sided gilt decorative frame carries a price estimate of £10,000 to £15,000.

Magritte, who lived from 1898 to 1967, was known for images of clouds, bowler hats, pipes and green apples.

His work influenced pop art, minimalist art and conceptual art. In the 1999 film The Thomas Crown Affair starring Pierce Brosnan, the Magritte painting The Son of Man featured prominently as part of the plot line.

The logo of Apple Corps, The Beatles’ company, is inspired by Magritte’s Le Jeu de Mourre; Paul Simon composed a song Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog after the War and Tom Stoppard wrote a 1970 surrealist play called After Magritte.

The nude pencil studies that feature in Elstob’s sale came from the remaining contents of the studio of Magritte, sold at Sothebys on 2 July 1987. On this occasion, it is being offered for sale by a private collector.

Nude studies sketches by René Magritte

Rohan McCulloch, paintings and sculpture specialist at Elstob Auctioneers, said:

“Even if at first people think they don’t know the name of Magritte, they will most probably be familiar with many of his pictures that have frequently been featured in advertisements, posters, book covers and film.

“Without doubt, he has left a huge cultural legacy and we are very excited to be able to offer this captivating work for sale. Its established provenance will hopefully ensure a considerable interest from collectors around the globe.”

The sale also includes a striking portrait of Miss Hilda Wilkinson by Leeds artist Jacob Kramer (1892-1962), which is anticipated to fetch £6,000 to 8,000 and an oil on canvas by Philip Naviasky (1894-1983) that carries a price estimate of £1,000 – £1,500.

Miss Hilda Wilkinson by Jacob Kramer (left) and Miss May by Philip Naviasky

All lots can be viewed online and bidding on the day of the sale can be made in person, over the telephone or online.

Items can be viewed at the Ripon saleroom on Sunday May 5 and Monday May 6 and the day before the sale on Tuesday May 7.

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Ripon primary school receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating

A primary school at West Tanfield, near Ripon, has received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating.

St Nicholas Church of England Primary School on Mowbray Terrace is a mixed primary school with 49 students currently enrolled.

The school has maintained its status as good since 2010.

The report said “pupils thrive at this small and inclusive school” and praised St Nicholas for its “ambitious curriculum”, “exemplary” behaviour from pupils, and “wide range of opportunities”.

The report added:

“The school has a strong spirit of community. It shows genuine care for pupils and works in effective partnership with parents and carers to meet pupils’ individual needs. Pupils enjoy school. They work and play happily with each other and build trusting relationships with staff.”

Headteacher Sarah Taylor said:

‘We are incredibly proud of the excellent feedback in our report and delighted that the report recognised the exemplary behaviour of our pupils and that our school is an inclusive school where children thrive.

“None of this would have been possible without the professionalism and dedication of our school staff who Ofsted recognised as providing all children with a high-quality education.”

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Floral trail to be installed in Harrogate this summer

Large floral displays will once again be installed around Harrogate this summer.

Harrogate Business Improvement District announced today it is bringing back its floral summer of celebration.

A trail of displays will be placed in locations around the town, allowing visitors to celebrate the town’s floral heritage.

This year’s theme is friendship, which has also been adopted by the Royal Horticultural Society for its 60th anniversary celebrations in 2024.

Last year’s BID displays told the story of Harrogate’s twinned towns and multi-national co-operation.

Last year’s floral celebration focused on Harrogate’s twinned towns.

Harrogate BID’s floral celebration won gold in the BIDs, town centres and city centres category at the Britain in Bloom awards.

Harrogate BID manager Matthew Chapman said:

 “We are incredibly passionate about promoting Harrogate as a floral destination in our own unique way – and we were thrilled to be crowned with the gold award at Britain in Bloom last year.

“We cannot thank the partners we work with, including Harrogate in Bloom, enough and look forward to welcoming hundreds of people and the In Bloom judges to our trail later this year.”

The floral event is part of the BID’s work  to maintain Harrogate’s floral offering including planters and barrier baskets.

Further details of the event are yet to be announced.

Here are some of last year’s displays.

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Knaresborough Heritage Centre opens

Knaresborough Heritage Centre officially opened over the weekend.

The centre, which celebrates and showcases Knaresborough’s rich history, is located in the former Printzone premises at 12 High Street.

Knaresborough Museum Association, which runs the centre, marked the occasion by holding an opening event attended by Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones, Knaresborough mayor Cllr Hannah Gostlow, and Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Tom Gordon, along with almost 100 visitors.

The heritage centre consists of a small heritage shop, a visitor information desk and a museum gallery with a programme of exhibitions.

The first exhibition is called ‘the archaeology beneath our feet’ and covers geology and social history. There is also a kids zone, audio visual presentations and hundreds of artefacts and models.

Visitors are asked to make a minimum donation of £2. Accompanied under-16s receive free entry.

The centre is open four days a week, on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

Kathy Allday, chair of Knaresborough Museum Association, said:

“The heritage centre is the first of its kind – by the community for the community. Knaresborough has a wealth of archaeology that even local people aren’t always aware of. We’ll display artefacts which show that people have been living in Knaresborough for an astonishing 4,000 years.

“We want the heritage centre to be a hub where schools, groups and individuals can all get involved with lifelong learning opportunities, helping to make Knaresborough an even more wonderful town.”

Knaresborough Heritage Centre display. Image: KMA Facebook

The opening marked the culmination of a long-running campaign to find larger and more suitable premises to the small gallery and office space that previously operated from a converted house at 8 York Place.

The association has spent almost £30,000 on refurbishing the premises.

Knaresborough Town Museum Group was set up in 2019 to campaign for a new museum and plans were first put to Harrogate Borough Council in 2020 to create the space. The museum group was renamed Knaresborough Museum Association and registered as a charity in 2021.

You can see images of the opening event below:

The town crier and trustees were in attendance

A window poster at the new centre. Image: KMA Facebook

MP Andrew Jones with vice-chair Malcolm Hay at the VIP preview.

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Forestry England to create 35-hectare woodland near Harrogate

Forestry England has announced it is to create a 35-hectare woodland near Harrogate.

The woodland will be located at Haverah Park between Beckwithshaw and Killinghall. It will be planted as Coronation Woods to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

The site will become the second Forestry England site in the district, alongside Stainburn Forest.

Forestry England, which is an agency of the Forestry Commission, is England’s largest land manager.

The organisation said in a press release today the woodland will contribute to its ambition to create 2,000 hectares of new woodland by 2026 provide public access for recreation, habitats for wildlife, and sustainably-grown timber.

It added the woodland designs will be informed by site surveys, and the public will be invited to comment on the proposals later in the year.

It did not reveal how much it had paid for the site.

Haverah Park, Google Street View

Gareth Parry, Forestry England’s forest management director in Yorkshire, said:

“The nation’s forests are absolutely critical to the fight against climate change, and expanding England’s tree cover is an essential part of this work.

“Research has shown that being amongst nature improves our health and wellbeing, so public access will be established for local communities to enjoy and share this green space.”

Haverah Park entrance, Google Street View

The government plans to increase tree planting rates across the UK to 30,000 hectares per year by the end of this parliamentary term.

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Ripon TikTok influencer wins darts championship

A Ripon man with more than 290,000 followers on TikTok has won the first ever Modus Super Series influencer darts championship.

Charlie Murphy defeated a fellow influencer known as Pieface in Portsmouth on Sunday (April 28).

Mr Murphy started creating videos on TikTok over a year ago about his weight loss journey and his passion for Manchester United.

He now also makes videos on darts, featuring his catchphrase ‘easy now’, which led to him being invited to the tournament. He also plays darts in the local pub league in Ripon.

In total, his videos have received almost 10 million likes on TikTok.

In a TikTok video posted before Sunday’s event, he said:

“I’m really looking forward to it, really nervous but I am just going to enjoy it and give it my all.

“I don’t know how I’ve gone from throwing darts in my bedroom shouting ‘easy now’ to being invited to play here in a tournament with other influencers and professional darts players. What a fantastic place.”

The event was Mr Murphy’s first tournament in front of a crowd and the most viewed Modus Super Series livestream ever.

@charliemurphy50

Modus Super Series is a weekly darts competition streamed on YouTube involving non-Professional Darts Corporation card holders which includes an influencer/creator charity event.

The event raised more than £1,400 for the charity of Mr Murphy’s choice, which was Cancer Research UK.

See below to watch Charlie Murphy win the championship

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Harrogate charities urged to apply for share of £100,000

Charities and community groups in the Harrogate district have the opportunity to bid for thousands of pounds in funding.

A benefactor left over £100,000 in his will to Harrogate Brigantes Rotary, which raises money to help local and international communities.

The donation was given by a resident and member who wanted to see the funds being put to good use within the district.

Harrogate Brigantes is now preparing to give away £50,000 in the first wave of donations.

Groups are asked to outline why they should benefit. A second phase of funding, again offering £50,000, will be made available at a future date.

Brigantes president Bill O’Rourke said:

“Although we were very saddened to hear the news of our friend’s passing, we were honoured and delighted that they chose to bequeath such an incredible amount of money to us, which will in turn be used to help and support worthy causes across the Harrogate district. They understood our policy of ‘making a difference’ and wanted to ensure that we continued to have the ability to support local organisations which have a significant impact on the wellbeing of our community.

“In accordance with his wishes we are therefore making a first tranche of £50,000 available to local good causes, with another to follow at a future date. We are now seeking applications from organisations located within the former Harrogate Borough Council district and we are particularly keen to support those which have a strong connection to their local community and for whom a donation would make a significant difference.”

Matthew Stamford, director of estate agent Verity Frearson, Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals and Frances Elliot, chief executive of Harrogate and District Community Action, will draw up a shortlist of applicants.

Mr Stamford said:

“This is such a fantastic amount of money that can do so much good for many groups across the town and the district.”

Ms Canavar added:

“We know that Harrogate is home to a great number of wonderful charities and community groups, all of whom need financial support in these difficult times.”

Mr Elliot said:

“This money can really make a difference to people and groups within our community, and I would urge anyone who thinks they can make good use of it, to apply.”

Harrogate Brigantes is part of one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world, with around 1.4 million members across 200 countries and geographical regions.

To find out more click here and to apply for the funding click here.

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Harrogate named as one of UK’s best shopping destinations

Harrogate has been named as the 17th best shopping destination in the UK in a new study.

Commercial real estate company Newmark analysed the health of 1,000 UK retail centres based on factors including retail unit vacancy rate, the change in vacancy rate, space being adapted for other uses, shopper spend per annum and footfall figures.

The company’s Vitality Rankings, which have been produced annually since 2014, this year ranked Harrogate in the top 25 best places to shop — ahead of York and Leeds.

The top 25 was dominated by southern locations. Cambridge city centre was named as the best place to shop, ahead of Cobham in Surrey and then five London locations.

The only northern locations to finish higher than Harrogate, which was ranked 15th last year, were Chester city centre in eighth and Ilkley, in 13th.

Newmark director Andy Metherell said in the introduction to the report:

“Luxury destinations have performed better this year than in the past: the demise of tax-free shopping may be affecting overall sales in these locations, but their retail vitality compared to other centres is stronger – particularly benefiting from tourism and the presence of high-net wealth individuals who are unaffected by cost of living.

“These specific trading dynamics may being boost luxury locations specifically, but overall the health of retail centres across the UK is looking better than at anytime in the past three years.”

 

Newmark Retail Vitality Rankings 2024, Top 25 Retail Centres. Source: Newmark

Read the full report here.

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Harrogate farm submit plans to create wildlife ponds

Plans have been  submitted to create three wildlife ponds at Breaks Fold Farm in the Washburn Valley.

The farm has submitted the propsoal to North Yorkshire Council to create the ponds, as well as the creation of scrape habitat and associated trenches, dams, spoils.

According to planning documents, the farm covers 90 hectares and the site has been used as agricultural land for more than a century.

The farm also runs a glamping site of tents and campervans. Johnny Vegas previously tried to set up a glamping site on the farm but left after ‘struggling to cope’ with the weather. 

In the application document, questions were raised about how necessary the ponds are for agriculture.

Breaks Fold Farm plans for wildlife ponds

The applicants responded:

“Increasing biodiversity on agricultural holdings through wetland creation provides environmental income, therefore justifiable for the purpose of agriculture.

“Wildlife ponds are designed to provide enriched habitat and contribute to sustainable drainage.”

The Stray Ferret has contacted Breaks Fold Farm for further details but has not yet received a response.

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Business Breakfast: Boroughbridge business wins employer of the year

Boroughbridge based Green-tech has been awarded the title of ‘Employer of the Year’ at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024.

Green-tech is the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping and forestry products and is based at Rabbit Hill Business Park, just off the A168 near Boroughbridge.

The ProLandscaper Business Awards recognise outstanding achievements and innovation across the landscaping industry.

Green-tech was among six finalists for the award. The awards ceremony was held in London on April 19.

Green-tech’s managing director Kris Nellist said:

“We are incredibly honoured to be named Employer of the Year at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024. Green-tech strives to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where our employees can thrive and reach their full potential. Winning this award not only validates our efforts but is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of the Green-tech team for working to get Green-tech where it is today.”

Harrogate law firm promotes new head of family law

Head of family law at LCF Law, Harjit Rait

A Harrogate law firm has announced a new head of its family law department.

LCF Law’s has confirmed that Harjit Rait will lead the department following her promotion. She is a Resolution accredited specialist family lawyer.

Ms Rait said:

“During my time at LCF Law I have been fortunate to help many people at difficult times in their lives. My clients and my work, are both hugely important to me. In my new role I will continue to work with my own clients and support everyone in the family law team, but I will also become more involved with the strategic development of the department, which is something I’m looking forward to.”

LCF Law’s managing partner, Ragan Montgomery, said:

“I’ve known Harjit since our university days, and I can confidently say she has the right personality and skills for the role. She builds excellent relationships with her clients, is a fabulous networker and is very supportive of the development of others. Her talent for forging and maintaining excellent working relationships during her 22-year legal career will stand her in good stead as she continues to build on the successes of our trusted family law team.”

Theakston’s Brewery continues cricket sponsorship

Simon Theakston, chairman of Theakston’s Brewery.

T&R Theakston is set to sponsor the Nidderdale and District Amateur Cricket League for another season.

The brewery has sponsored the league for over a decade. England Test player Jonny Bairstow and Yorkshire players Ben Coad, Jonny Tattersall and Finlay Bean all started their junior cricket careers in the Nidderdale League.

This year marks the 130th anniversary of the league’s founding, making it one of the oldest and largest village cricket leagues in the country.

Chairman of Theakston’s Brewery, Simon Theakston said:

“We’re very proud to be entering our 15th season of supporting the Theakston Nidderdale Cricket League. The League, under the expert guidance of Sir Thomas, is the cornerstone of North Yorkshire community sporting activity and has been for very many years. Much like the local pub, the village cricket club holds a significant role as a place to feel welcome, to belong, meet friends and share experiences. With Theakston beers on hand to toast their successes and commiserate any losses, we wish the teams taking part in this year’s league all the best for the season ahead.”

Harrogate Clothes Bank announces new Business Club initiative

Harrogate Clothes Bank

Harrogate Clothes Bank  has announced a new business sponsorship club to help support its operations.

The charity, which offers free secondhand clothes to people in need, is looking for business sponsors who can contribute towards their rent.

Based Hornbeam Business Park, the organisation is looking for sponsors who can each donate, or pledge to fundraise, the equivalent of one month’s rent of its warehouse premises.

A spokesperson for the charity said:

“We are 100% funded by charitable donations and rely on support from businesses and the community. Harrogate Clothes Bank is run entirely by volunteers who sort donations, run our public-facing sessions and fundraising events, as well as provide invaluable behind-the-scenes expertise. We serve Harrogate and the surrounding communities and people find us through organisations such as social services, homelessness housing support, food banks, GPs, churches, schools, colleges, refugees and asylum seeker support groups.”

“We could not continue to run our vital service without this amazing local support.”

Jespers manager celebrates 30 years at the store

Jespers of Harrogate’s manager Lynn Cummings outside the shop in the centre of town.

Lynn Cummings is celebrating her 30th year with Harrogate business Jespers.

She joined the firm as a sales assistant on April 18th, 1994, before being promoted to second assistant retail manager two-and-a-half years later.

In 1997, she was sent to manage the York store, and returned to Harrogate in 1999 to take up the role of manager, which she has held since.

Ms Cummings said:

“I’ve seen a lot of changes at Jespers over the three decades. We had manual tills and I remember all the typewriters on display in the shop window. It was a different type of era, more traditional. We used to do printing, rubber stamps, and we had the pen counter, which was seen as a privilege to be asked to work on. Although much has changed, our traditional values of high-quality products and personal customer service remain. And the pen counter is still here, making us one of the few shops in the north of England to display an extensive range of pens that customers can try out.”

Harrogate Town partner with mental health charity

Wellspring-Pitch Positive

Harrogate Town AFC has embarked on a partnership with North Yorkshire mental health charity Wellspring Therapy & Training

The EFL League Two club hosted Wellspring at one of its popular Pitch Positive sessions held at Rossett Sports Centre.

The Pitch Positive evenings, which involve five-a-side football matches followed by informal group discussions over coffee, tea and biscuits, are designed to promote men’s mental health and wellbeing. Wellspring was represented by interim chief executive Nick Garrett and his colleague Robert Beaumont.

Lee McArthur, activity leader of Harrogate Town’s Community Foundation and one of the organisers of Pitch Positive, said:

“Thank you to Wellspring for your time, expertise, and dedication to supporting those navigating mental health challenges. Your presence truly made a difference and we are immensely grateful for the partnership between Pitch Positive and Wellspring.”

Coffee Lounge launches evening opening hours

Tom Gordon & Leda

Westmoreland Coffee Lounge has announced new evening opening hours.

In addition to their usual 8am-4pm hours, the shop will now be open 8am – until late Thursday to Saturday’s serving a range of alcoholic drinks including wine, spirits and cocktails.

Local businesses and residents from Westmoreland St & East Parade attended the launch event on Saturday 20th April.

Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidate, Tom Gordon, attended the launch evening.

He said:

“It was fantastic to be at the launch for Westmoreland Coffee Lounges new evening opening hours,  and supporting Leda & the team. It’s a lovely little spot to work and relax, and it’s one of my regular places – just round the corner from where I live. Their coffee has always been fantastic, and I can confirm their espresso martinis are great too. I’m so thrilled to see this local business thriving & the fantastic turn out for the launch on Saturday evening.”

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