Famous crime author announced for Harrogate writing festival

Harrogate International Festivals has announced its final special guest for the 2024 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.

Peter James is a globally bestselling author and the creator of the much-loved Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, now an ITV drama starring John Simm.

He joins authors Chris Carter, Jane Casey, Elly Griffiths, Erin Kelly, Vaseem Khan, Dorothy Koomson, Shari Lapena, Abir Mukherjee, Liz Nugent and Richard Osman in an all-star lineup of special guest headliners.

Mr James will be celebrating his milestone twentieth Roy Grace book at the Festival with an exclusive preview of One Of Us Is Dead, published by Pan Macmillan in September 2024.

He will discuss his new standalone novel, They Thought I Was Dead, with a long-awaited reveal of what happened to Roy Grace’s missing wife Sandy in conversation with TV presenter Louise Minchin.

This will be his eighth appearance, having been a special guest twice before and programming chair in 2016.

Mr James said:

“This year I am celebrating my 20th Roy Grace novel and where better to do this than at Harrogate, the jewel in the crime festival crown. I had a wonderful time as Programming Chair in 2016 and I look forward to returning as a Special Guest this year, spending a delightful summer’s evening with my fans and fellow authors.

“I’ve no doubt a pint or two of Theakston Old Peculier might be involved.”

Returning to Harrogate for its 21st year it offers fans from around the world a unique opportunity to hear from the biggest stars of the genre, discover exciting new talent and enjoy a packed programme of panels, talks and inspiring creative workshops.

Simon Theakston, chairman of T&R Theakston Ltd, said:

“Peter James has been hugely popular with the Festival audience over the years, and we can’t wait to welcome him back to hear more about his twentieth Roy Grace book.

“Peter completes a stellar line up of Special Guests in a stunning programme that truly reflects the strength, breadth and diversity of the genre.”

The three day festival curated by 2024 Festival Chair Ruth Ware, is set to take place July 18-21. The full programme for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will be announced on May 14, 2024.

Tickets are on general release on 15th April. More information about tickets and packages can be found here.

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Business Breakfast: Masham brewery partners with snooker pro

Masham’s Black Sheep Brewery has announced a partnership with professional snooker player, the ‘Tyneside Terror’ Gary Wilson.

Mr Wilson is world number 12 and the brewery will be his sponsor for the Tour Championship, which ended yesterday, and this month’s World Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield. Mr Wilson won the first Welsh Open in February, as well as back-to-back Scottish Opens in December.

He said:

“As a fan of northern beers, being sponsored by Black Sheep Brewery holds special significance for me. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds with an iconic Northern brewery now supporting me, game after game.”

Jo Theakston, executive director at Black Sheep Brewery, added:

“We always seek to collaborate with individuals who resonate with our commitment to excellence, which is precisely why we are sponsoring Gary, as he looks to continue his remarkable run of form into the next major tournament.”

Black Sheep Brewery also sponsors local teams such as Harrogate Town AFC and Otley RUFC, as well as England’s inaugural Long Course Weekend, set to be hosted in Masham this summer.

Salon and academy opens in Harrogate 

Sarah Verity (right) and Alex from Harrogate laser clinic 

Northern Beauty has opened on Tower Street in Harrogate. Owner Sarah Verity has been self employed in the beauty industry for eight years after having an epiphany during pregnancy working as an events manager.

The salon employs multiple businesses under one roof and is set to begin training fully accredited beauty courses. Ms Verity said “big things happen when women support women and that’s what I am trying to do here”.

The business began as a chair in a lodge in Ms Verity’s back garden. She said:

“Lockdown is the best thing that ever happened to me. It gave me the push to create something amazing.”

The salon is set to get a halo head spa in the next few weeks. Ms Verity said:

“It is very exciting. I believe it is the first outside of Manchester and people love a new beauty treatment.”

Harrogate law firm plant a tree for every will created 

Senior associate Hana Gwyn and head of personal law Neil Shaw from LCF Law.

LCF Law is set to plant a tree every time a client makes or updates a will. The initiative aims to encourage more people to make a will, whilst also having a positive environmental impact.

It is part of a partnership with Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust, a charity that helps people, landscapes and wildlife of the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding urban areas.

The law firm has already planted 1,000 trees, which will capture an estimated 160 tonnes of carbon over the next 50 years. LCF plans to plant another 1,000 this year.

Neil Shaw from LCF Law said:

“New research from The Association of Lifetime Lawyers shows that almost half of UK adults don’t have a will in place, which is as an alarming figure. The only way to ensure a person’s wishes are carried out is by properly communicating them legally through a will.

“By working with YDMT to plant a tree in the name of every person making or updating a will with us throughout 2024, we will not only be protecting their assets, but creating a sustainable legacy for future generations.”

He added that once a client has made or updated a will they will receive details of the woodland’s location, so they can visit it and see it grow.

Richard Hore, a development officer for Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust said:

“Our growing partnership with LCF Law will play a key role in our woodland creation efforts that help to tackle climate change and nature loss.”

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Knaresborough tennis club to host open day

A Knaresborough tennis club is having an open day event this weekend.

Knaresborough King James’ Tennis Club is set to have open courts on Sunday, April 7, from midday to 4pm in the grounds of King James’ School.

The club was formed in 2011 as a collaboration between Knaresborough Tennis Club and King James’ School.

Club Chair Mike Forster said:

“Knaresborough is a close community and yet we attract members from a much wider area thanks to the welcome they receive – plus of course the chance to play socially and competitively and take part in our annual John Forster Tournament. Not to mention professional coaching.

“Our commitment to a friendly but competitive environment is evident from the Fair Play Award and social sessions are consistently well-attended by players of all ages. If you fancy a change of scenery or are picking up your racket again after a break, however rusty you are do come and join us this Sunday. You might just find yourself part of a winning team.”

The club has over 90 members ranging from students to retirees and offers social tennis sessions three times a week.

King James’ is the only Knaresborough club with Starbeck as their closest tennis club, which it competes with in the local derby.

The club has seven porous macadam courts and has regular club and match play. It had a triple success last year when Its mixed, men’s and ladies’ teams all won division 3 of their respective Harrogate and York Leagues. The trophies will be displayed at the Open Day.

The ladies’ squad was also awarded the first ever Fair Play Award from the Fulford Ladies’ Invitation Tennis League.

A just for fun tournament will be held in the afternoon and there is no need to bring a partner. Refreshments will be provided, and visitors can meet club members.

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88-year-old Nidderdale lollipop lady receives BEM

A retired Nidderdale lollipop lady has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to child road safety.  

Mary Fisher, 88, worked as a lollipop lady outside Summerbridge Community Primary School for 47 years. She began in 1975 when she was persuaded by a police man to take to the position.

Ms Fisher carried out 18,000 morning and afternoon patrols, before retiring in 2022. During her service she got to know all the children’s names and saw many return years later with children of their own. 

Mary Fisher alongside the Lord lieutenant after the ceremonial service.

Ms Fisher was awarded the British Empire Medal by Lord lieutenant Jo Ropner in a ceremony at 9.30am on April 4 at Camp Hill, Kirklington, attended by her family and five other British Empire Medal nominees.

She said:

“It is a real honour to receive it. It is something not everybody gets. It was a really nice morning I didn’t know what to expect but we all enjoyed it and were very proud. I loved every minute of being a lollipop lady and was very sorry when I had to give it up.”

Ms Fisher’s granddaughter Megan Dunn added:

“It was a really lovely day and was nice to get recognition of her hard work. We are all very proud.”

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Revised plans submitted for 126 homes in Knaresborough

Revised plans have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council to build 126 houses in Knaresborough.

The homes, along with car parking, open spaces and a children’s play area, would be built on two fields used for grazing off Water Lane.

The fields are close to Hay-a-Park site of special scientific interest, which is regarded as an important breeding site for goosander ducks and protected Canada geese.

The site has been subject of multiple proposals for new homes, which the Stray Ferret has covered extensively.

Knaresborough Town Council and Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, were among those to object last year when plans were submitted to North Yorkshire Council for 138 homes. More than 600 people also signed a petition opposing the scheme.

Previous plans for 218 homes and 148 homes on the fields were rejected.

View of a section of the proposed site, south and west to school boundary and rear of Carmires Avenue and Halfpenny Lane

New plans for fewer houses have been drawn by Haines Phillips Architects on behalf of applicant Geoffrey Holland.

But Andy Bell, a Liberal Democrat councillor on Knaresborough Town Council who organised last year’s petition, said:

“I’ve spoken with a number of nearby residents who are steadfast in their opposition to this proposal.

“It’s still accessed by narrow estate roads, still very close to the site of special scientific interest and still is on the site of an unlicensed tip that has suspicions of asbestos buried. This site isn’t appropriate.”

To view or comment on the application, visit North Yorkshire Council’s planning website and type reference ZC23/02886/FULMAJ.

Hay-a-Park, site of special scientific interest 

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Harrogate businesses ‘trying their best to survive’ Kex Gill closure

Harrogate businesses on the A59 say they are trying to navigate income loss due to a closure at Kex Gill.

The road is the main route between Harrogate and Skipton and closed on February 2 after a crack appeared in the verge. It is set to remain closed until at least July.

North Yorkshire Council said repair work costing £750,000 will begin on April 15. Irish construction firm Sisk, which is carrying out the nearby £68.8 million three-mile realignment, has been appointed to undertake the work. Ivor King will carry out specialist steel sheet piling.

But, businesses which are based on the route say the closure has had a significant impact on trade.

Kex Gill, A59

David Suttill, owner of Mackenzies Farm Shop and Café took over the business in November last year and said trade was high through until January and “then overnight things changed due to the road closure”.

Mr Suttill told the Stray Ferret his business takings had fallen by a quarter, around 20% of food is wasted and he has even had to lay off two members of staff. He added the business used to average 150 to 250 customers a day and now they average 50 customers a week.

He said:

“Now the road is closed the café gets no passing trade which it heavily relies on. We have resorted to clearance sales and bargains just to get people through the doors.

“We are trying to find a way to survive and I know other businesses are trying their best to survive too. We are digging deep and finding a way to pay the bills but I don’t know how much longer we can survive. I just want to say there is still a clear run from Harrogate we have loads of deals come and grab a bargain.”

Mr Suttill called on the council to help local businesses. He said:

“It is disgusting it has been closed for months. I wish I could tell the council just to sort it out and get a concrete plan. We have had no communication from them at all and we’ve been offered no help or compensation. I just want an explanation and an apology it is ridiculous.

“We are trying our best to stay open and to donate wasted food with no help from them.”

Fewston farm shop and café

Another farm shop and cafe affected by the Kex Gill closure is Fewston farm shop and café. Lee Abbott, owner of the business, runs the site alongside his wife and said sales have halved since the road closure.

Mr Abbott said:

“We rely on passing trade especially in the summer and while people can still get here from Harrogate, we have lost all of our trade in the other direction.

“Now you can’t get here from Skipton. People are not going to go on almost an hours drive or pay for that fuel. We are at a dead loss.”

He added the café is seeing food waste like Mackenzies and called on the council to make change. He said:

“We have had no correspondence with the council, if we knew when it was going to be closed we could’ve planned around it but we can’t do anything. I know other businesses around us are struggling.”

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Harrogate Spiegeltent to return after two years

The Spiegeltent is set to return to Harrogate this summer after a two year break.

Harrogate International Festivals has announced the event will be held in Crescent Gardens between June 28 – July 7.

Drag queen Divina De Campo, who appeared on The Voice and the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, opens the Spiegeltent with an evening of cabaret.

The Gypsy Queens and House of Burlesque will also join this year’s line-up. Also making a return is British jazz singer Jo Harrop and Harrogate’s nightclub, Jimmy’s. There are newcomers to the festival including Punjabi Roots, as well as singer Mica Sefia, and the Maxwell Quartet.

The Spiegeltent is one of the star attractions of this year’s Harrogate Music Festival, which begins June 8.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“The Spiegeltent was one of the absolute highlights of Harrogate Music Festival in 2022, so it’s wonderful to have it back – there’s just nothing quite like it.

“We passionately believe that art and culture is for us all and should reach as wide an audience as possible – and that’s what this does. Whether you want to dance the night away at the Silent Disco, be entranced by the sound of South Asian drums, or spend the day making new family memories – there really is something for everyone here.

“The Spiegeltent helps make the Festival a truly memorable celebration of music and the arts. So get the dates in your diary for what is, quite simply, the best party in town.”

The 2024 Spiegeltent line-up includes:

The Spiegeltent will also host a Children’s Festival from Saturday, July 6, to Sunday, July 7, with a programme of family-friendly events set to be announced in April.

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Revised plans submitted for 126 homes in Knaresborough

Revised plans have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council to build 126 houses in Knaresborough.

The homes, along with car parking, open spaces and a children’s play area, would be built on two fields used for grazing off Water Lane.

The fields are close to Hay-a-Park site of special scientific interest, which is regarded as an important breeding site for goosander ducks and protected Canada geese.

The site has been subject of multiple proposals for new homes, which the Stray Ferret has covered extensively.

Knaresborough Town Council and Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, were among those to object last year when plans were submitted to North Yorkshire Council for 138 homes. More than 600 people also signed a petition opposing the scheme.

Previous plans for 218 homes and 148 homes on the fields were rejected.

View of a section of the proposed site, south and west to school boundary and rear of Carmires Avenue and Halfpenny Lane

New plans for fewer houses have been drawn by Haines Phillips Architects on behalf of applicant Geoffrey Holland.

But Andy Bell, a Liberal Democrat councillor on Knaresborough Town Council who organised last year’s petition, said:

“I’ve spoken with a number of nearby residents who are steadfast in their opposition to this proposal.

“It’s still accessed by narrow estate roads, still very close to the site of special scientific interest and still is on the site of an unlicensed tip that has suspicions of asbestos buried. This site isn’t appropriate.”

To view or comment on the application, visit North Yorkshire Council’s planning website and type reference ZC23/02886/FULMAJ.

Hay-a-Park, site of special scientific interest 

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Divino opens at ex-Lucia site in Harrogate

An Italian restaurant has opened in the former Lucia Harrogate site.

Divino opened at 3 Ripon Road last Friday, March 29. The restaurant “is a testament to the rich heritage and impeccable flavours of Italy”, according to its website.

The restaurant’s à la carte menu offers Italian classics with ‘a French twist’, including pasta, pizza and steak starting at around £14.

Lucia wine bar and grill closed on March 10 after trading at the site for 10 years. At the time Lucia operations manager, Darioush Shahidi said the restaurant wasn’t facing difficulties “it was a case of the right buyer with the right offer”.

Giuseppe Gentile, general manager of Divino, said:

“The main changes are that the restaurant has a completely new menu, authentic Italian style with a French twist and the restaurant has been rebranded.

“We decided to open here because we loved the building, loved the interior and loved the Harrogate area.”

Traditional pizza spinning in Divino kitchen

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Ripon man admits impersonating a police constable in Harrogate

A Ripon man has admitted impersonating a police constable to steal an electric scooter in Harrogate.

Harley Stacey, 18, of Cedar Close, denied impersonating a police constable when he appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court on October 27 last year.

But he changed his plea to guilty at York Magistrates Court on Tuesday (April 2) this week.

Stacey also this week admitted falsely claiming to be a police officer to steal an electric scooter for himself on the same date — a charge he had also previously denied.

In a statement at the time, North Yorkshire Police said the incident happened in Bilton.

He was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months and pay £200 compensation.

According to court documents, his guilty plea was taken into account on sentencing.

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