Harrogate fashion show to return this year

A fashion show will be held in Harrogate again this year to celebrate the town’s retail and fashion offering.

Harrogate Business Improvement District is once again organising the event with the Stray Ferret as media partner for the second year.

The celebration of fashion will again feature a pop-up catwalk on the piazza outside the Victoria Shopping Centre on May 18.

The catwalk will feature new categories alongside favourites from last year, including wedding dresses, activewear, the summer season and clothing.

Celebration of fashion 2023. Image: Harrogate BID

Besides the catwalk, shops in the town will offer pop-up experiences to attract the fashion conscious.

Harrogate BID, which is funded by town centre businesses to increase footfall, said in a statement:

“The BID team is excited to work with a range of retailers in the town centre, both independent and national, to encourage shoppers into stores and invigorate the high street for another year.”

Any businesses looking to get involved or anyone looking for further information should contact Harrogate BID.

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Two new shops set to open in Boroughbridge next month

Two new shops are set to open on Horsefair in Boroughbridge in March.

Coco & Bear is a children’s toy store which will sell eco-friendly gifts and sensory items.

The shop will take over 1 Horsefair, in the former Clairemarie fashion store which ceased trading after more than 20 years in December.

Alyss Jones, the owner of Coco & Bear, lives in Boroughbridge with her partner and nine-month-old daughter Millie, who she refers to as ‘chief product tester’. She added Millie is the main reason she wanted to open a store in the town.

For several years Ms Jones has traded as Rainy Day Crafts, an online store with a frequent presence at Little Bird Artisan markets in the Harrogate district.

The former ClaireMarie site will house Coco & Bear from March.

She said:

“With the excitement of my first bricks and mortar store, I felt it was time for a rebrand and this was the start of Coco & Bear. I am very excited about becoming a shop owner as this has always been the end goal.

“The store is undergoing a complete renovation, inside and out, and currently resembles a construction site which is both exciting and nerve wracking, I am hoping to be able to welcome customers through the doors sometime in March.”

Former Clairemarie owner Mary Wilby said:

“I had the best time for over 20 years, the people of Boroughbridge are the best and the shop creates love, I am so happy it will carry on.”

The current S&J Butchers Ltd. shop in Easingwold.

The second store set to open this month is S&J Butchers Limited. The business, which already has a shop in Easingwold, near York has taken over the previous butchers shop on Horsefair.

The Stray Ferret contacted the business for further information but has not yet received a response.

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Asda to open new Express store in Harrogate

A new Asda Express convenience store is set to open in Harrogate early next month.

The Spar shop at the Esso garage on Wetherby Road is being rebranded by Asda. The Esso garage will remain but the shop will become an Asda Express, stocking up to 3,000 branded and own-label products.

Asda told The Stray Ferret that the new store is expected to open on March 5 as part of an ongoing programme to convert sites acquired from EG Group and Co-Op.

Asda plans to open 110 Express stores in February, of which 109 are former Co-Op and EG Group sites.

The move is part of Asda’s long-term plan to expand into the convenience market and become the second largest UK supermarket.

An illustrative shot of an Asda Express.

Two Asda Express stores opened in Knaresborough, as reported by the Stray Ferret last month. There are also plans to convert two sites in York and Leeds.

Andy Perry, managing director of Convenience at Asda, said:

“This conversion programme is an incredibly exciting moment for our business and accelerates our presence in the fast-growing convenience market. We look forward to bringing Asda’s great value in fuel and groceries to many more communities across the UK.”

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Knaresborough restaurant to launch new takeaway venue next month

A Two Brothers grill and pizzeria takeaway is set to open early next month on Chain Lane, Knaresborough.

The business will be based in the former Chilli Hut unit and will be Two Brothers’ second restaurant in Knaresborough, joining their existing venue in Castle Courtyard.

The Italian restaurant was established in March 2018 when the Ravasz brothers, Nandor and Szilard, opened the restaurant with their wives Vivien Kovacs and Eniko Szenasi.

In an update posted on social media by business group Knaresborough Chamber, it was revealed the restaurant plans to open seven days a week from March 10.

Knaresborough Chamber also shared that the new takeaway will offer the same food as the restaurant and potentially additional options.

The statement said:

“With separate premises we can speed both kitchens up so we will be able to offer a quicker service for both sitting in and taking away. At the moment the take away orders are putting pressure on our tiny kitchen, slowing both services down.

“We have still got much to do as the building needs refurbishing and new equipment. We are still deciding if we should open during the day or just at night as we are not sure if there is a market for daytime take away in town.”

The Stray Ferret has contacted the restaurant for further details but have not yet received a response.

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EE boosts mobile connectivity in rural areas around Harrogate

Network provider EE has claimed mobile coverage in rural North Yorkshire has “significantly improved” after it upgraded more than 40 masts.

Five of the 40 masts that have been upgraded over the last two years are in the Harrogate district.

They are at Blubberhouses, near Fewston Reservoir, as well as at Spofforth, Kettlesing, Bishop Thornton and Thruscross Reservoir.

Most of the masts have been built or upgraded by EE as part of the Shared Rural Network, a £1 billion initiative to extend 4G connectivity to rural communities, with the aim to cover 95% of the UK’s landmass by the end of 2025.

Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton, said:

 “Having championed the creation of the Shared Rural Network, I know how essential it is in helping to close the digital divide between urban and rural areas and boost regional economic growth.

“This improved mobile connectivity from EE means businesses and visitors in North Yorkshire are now better connected and residents have more options when it comes to working remotely and accessing essential services.”

North Yorkshire-based photographer and blogger Stuart Hodgson added:

“Our phones can now help us follow walking routes and find our way, and even help us identify some of the wildlife and plants along the way. It can also provide peace of mind in case of an emergency.”

A 2021 report by an independent rural commission set up by North Yorkshire County Council warned that poor connectivity in rural areas was hindering economic growth and leaving tens of thousands in technology ’notspots’.

Improved connectivity is said to have the potential to boost investment and jobs as well as encouraging younger people to live and work in rural areas.

EE said it had attempted to place masts in non-intrusive areas to balance the need for improved connectivity with respect for the landscape,

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Last call for entries to Knaresborough Bed Race

Entries to Knaresborough’s biggest annual spectacle are set to close soon.

The Great Knaresborough Bed Race is a highlight of the town’s summer. It sees 630 people in 90 teams, each with six runners and a passenger, complete a 2.4-mile course through Knaresborough’s streets and finish with an icy swim across the River Nidd.

Thousands of people line the streets to watch the crazy race and admire the dressed up teams and beds before the start at Knaresborough Castle.

The teams then parade through the town at 1pm before getting under starter’s orders at 3pm at Conyngham Hall.

This year’s event, which takes place on June 8, is already close to having the maximum number of teams.

Teams have until February 29 to enter, with event organisers Knaresborough Lions Club urging people to “get your bed race entries in before it is too late”.

The 2024 theme is Great Inventions And Technology Through The Ages.

Knaresborough Bed Race parade 2023.

Team coordinator Matt Walker said:

‘We’ve had a great level of interest already this year. People have reacted really positively to the theme of Great Inventions and there has also been a great reaction to the entry form moving online this year.’

Entries cost £240 for an adult team and £100 for a junior team. Entries can be made here and for any queries contact Knaresborough lions.

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Nidderdale Walk to celebrate 30th anniversary this year

The Nidderdale Walk is set to return this year for its 30th anniversary and organisers hope for a landmark event.

This year’s walk is set to take place on May 19, starting in Pateley Bridge and heading into upper Nidderdale.

The walk is made up of six routes ranging from four miles to 26 miles with a new 18-mile hike added this year.

The varied routes take walkers through the scenic countryside of Wath, Ramsgill, Lofthouse, Gouthwaite, Fountains Earth Moor, and Scar House Reservoir.

The walk first took place in 1994 and has since raised more than £970,000 for local and national charities.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Harrogate, it generated £24,000 last year alone and is hoped overall total raised surpasses the £1 million milestone this year.

The Nidderdale Walk is organised by the Rotary Club of Harrogate.

Brian Stuttard, chairman of the walk committee said:

“The sole purpose of this Rotary event is to provide fundraisers with well organised, waymarked walks with checkpoints along the way to enable them to raise money for their own charities. We do the preparation, you raise sponsorship by walking or running.”

Rotary Club members Alistair Ratcliffe, Vic Smith-Dunn, John Wallace & Charles Dickinson with Verity Frearson director Matthew Stamford (centre)

Lead sponsor for the event this year is estate agent Verity Frearson. Director Matthew Stamford said:

“This is one the most eagerly-anticipated charity events on the Harrogate social calendar and we are delighted to be supporting it in its 30th year.

“So much has been raised over the last 29 years for so many good causes and it would be the icing on the cake if we were able to help the Rotary Club of Harrogate reach their £1m milestone. It promises to be a great day and we cannot wait to get involved.”

For more information on this year’s Nidderdale Walk click here.

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Boroughbridge sweet shop to close next month

Sweet and Seasonal, a traditional sweet shop in Boroughbridge is set to close next month.

The store has been a prominent feature on the High Street since opening in 2022. But the shop announced its upcoming closure on social media yesterday.

It said:

“Our last day of trade will sadly be Wednesday, March 6, to allow us enough time to empty the shop and return the keys to the landlord before our lease end date.

“This means there are now just a couple of weeks left to come down and see us before we go. As I am sure you can understand, we will not be buying anymore sweets so the stock we have, is what we have!

“We would love to go out on a high and to see as many of you as possible before we go, so please do come down and support us in our final weeks.”

The store sells traditional sweets, chocolate and gifts. Earlier this year the business revealed on social media it was having “some very difficult and complicated discussions surrounding lease renewal” and had been “left in a position where we are unable to keep the shop open”.

It added:

“It has not been an easy decision and we have truly thrown everything into finding a solution but sadly it has not been possible.

“It has been a pleasure and the best experience of my life, I will miss being a part of the community of Boroughbridge.”

The Stray Ferret contacted Sweet and Seasonal for more information but has not received a response.

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Firefighters rescue horse stuck in mud

Firefighters had an unusual assignment today when they were called to rescue a horse stuck in a muddy field.

The horse was stuck on its side at Long Marston, which is on the border of the former Harrogate district and York.

Crews from Tadcaster and Acomb were summoned to the field at 6.53am.

They used large straps and a telehandler, which is like a telescopic forklift, to free the animal.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report said:

“Crews used strops and a farmer’s telehandler to assist in lifting the horse back upright. It was then left in the care of the owner and a vet.”

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Business Breakfast: Estate agent re-enters Harrogate lettings market

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Don’t miss out and click here to book your tickets now for the awards night on March 14 2024. 

Estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has announced it is re-entering the residential lettings and property management market in York, Harrogate and Ilkley.

Sophie Tillisch will head the department at the firm’s Harrogate office. It plans to recruit several new staff.

Ms Tillisch said:

“We’re thrilled to be returning to the lettings market at a time when demand for quality rental property is soaring. We will be providing a bespoke package of services that will reflect the landlord’s individual requirements.

Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacres, added:

“It’s more than three years since we agreed the sale of our lettings division, which managed more than 600 homes, but we still regularly receive enquiries from landlords looking for an agent with a wide-reaching branch network to manage their investments.

Harrogate carbon accounting firm hires new manager

Flotilla, a Harrogate net zero partner based on Station Parade, is expanding its team with the appointment of an engagement manager.

Sandra Tully will be responsible for lead generation, brand awareness and client engagement.

Ms Tully said:

“I’m very much looking forward to embracing this new stage in my career alongside the team at Flotilla. The chance to put my existing experience to work enabling organisations to do good for people and the planet is a privilege”.

Knaresborough Golf Club donates to Harrogate hospital charity

Knaresborough Golf Club has donated over £6,000 to Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity, which will be used to fund improvements to within the hospital’s dementia care services and the cardiology department.

Georgia Hudson, volunteer and charity manager at the hospital said:

“We are deeply honoured to have been a part of their phenomenal fundraising journey and wish all at Knaresborough Golf Club the very best for the future.

“Their donation will really make a huge difference to our patients, their families and our staff.”

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