Newsroom, Author at The Stray Ferret

“Newby Hall will be superb” says Harrogate Antiques Roadshow expert

Independent jewellery specialist Susan Rumfitt told The Stray Ferret that she is delighted BBC One’s Antiques Road Show is coming to Newby Hall this summer.

Susan joined the team of specialists on the Roadshow in 2006. As well as being on the show, she is also a Freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company and has her own gallery in Harrogate.

In an interview with The Stray Ferret, Susan reflected on some of her favourite pieces she has seen as well as voicing her excitement for the upcoming show at Newby Hall.

When asked what it is like to work for the Antiques Roadshow, Susan told The Stray Ferret:

“Working for the show is just great fun and although we are all individual specialists with our own areas of expertise, we work really closely as a team, from production, through to camera men, through to specialists. It’s about everyone putting in 100% to get the effects that everybody sees on the television.”

Susan Rumfitt pictured with a client at Buckfast Abbey.

Despite the current climate, Susan said that the show may look a bit different but will still have the superb Antiques Roadshow charm. She told The Stray Ferret:

“From a clients perspective coming to the show, they will still get the same attention as they normally would do. We are all looking forward to doing it in whatever format we are able to. The fact that it is coming back to Yorkshire at such a beautiful spot will showcase our area so well…I am delighted it is coming to Newby Hall.”

Susan was approached by the team at the Roadshow two years before joining, due to her extensive background in antique jewellery. Since then she has seen a number of fascinating pieces, with one of her favourite’s being a gold bracelet originally belonging to Queen Victoria.

BBC’s Fiona Bruce on unearthing treasures on the Antiques Road Show

The BBC’s Antiques Road Show is set to come to Newby Hall this summer – sadly the show is closed to the public due to coronavirus.

In this Q and A presenter Fiona Bruce answers some questions about the fun of uncovering hidden treasures and other memorable moments

What has been your personal highlight from working on Antiques Roadshow?

I feel incredibly lucky to have spent the last 13 years working on the Antiques Roadshow. I love doing it and I’ve had so many highlights from over the years. My personal favourite would probably have to be when a man of the cloth turned up with a painting, which he thought might be a Van Dyck. I looked at it – and I was making a programme about Van Dyck at the time – and I thought it had the look of the genuine article. And so we had it examined and my hunch turned out to be right. It has been proven to be the case and it is now being exhibited as a Van Dyck. I can’t imagine that will ever happen to me again in my lifetime and it’s definitely a highlight for me.

Why do you think the show continues to be so popular?

I think it’s amazing that the Antiques Roadshow is essentially the same as it has been for more than four decades and it’s still hugely popular. What makes it eternally popular is probably what I love about it – that we all hope that we could have something gathering dust on the mantelpiece or in the attic that either turns out to be very valuable, or has an amazing story. It happens week-in, week-out and you’d think that the well would begin to run dry and it hasn’t. We still find amazing things every week. You can never predict what will turn up once a visitor brought along a vanity set that had been on Donald Trump’s yacht. It was as tasteful and restrained as you might expect – that’s to say it was fabulously bling.

What is your earliest memory of the Antiques Roadshow?

I still remember watching Antiques Roadshow as a child with my parents, on a Sunday night, sitting in our 1970s living room. I gradually came back to it as an adult and then I was asked to present it which I had no idea was coming! I was absolutely thrilled. It’s not often that you get asked to work on a programme you’ve watched for so long and genuinely watch at home.

Has any of the experts’ knowledge rubbed off on you?

I’ve certainly learnt more about antiques. I have my own collections. I have paintings. I collect things called “samplers” which are Victorian pieces of needlework usually done by children in a workhouse to show that they have a skill, which can be used in service, stitching household linen or that kind of thing. I think they’re very humble and very beautiful. But our experts are like walking Wikipedias! They’re incredible. And they just fish knowledge out of their brains, which is a marvel to behold.

What is the most surprising item someone has brought to a valuation day?

If I had to pick the most unusual thing that’s turned up in the time that I’ve been working on the show – could it be the man that turned up with an case full of loo chains, just a small sample of his collection? Could it be the man that turned up not once, but twice with a foetal membrane dried onto a piece of A4 paper that had belonged to his great-grandfather. It’s called a “caul” and it used to be a talisman against drowning and it used to have some value! Or could it be the lady who brought along a potty that had a picture of Hitler on the bottom and when you did a little “tinkle” into it, it played its own little tune. And because it was rare, I think it was worth over £1000 from memory.

What are your most memorable moments whilst working on the series?

Some of the most moving stories stick in my mind, many I will never forget, such as the man who brought along a set of GI medals from the Second World War. His story began with his finding a cache of love letters written to his mother by an American GI who had had an affair with her while his father was away serving in the Second World War.

The letters revealed that his mother had had a baby with this man and it became apparent to him that he was that child. He tracked down the GI’s family in Virginia who welcomed him with open arms and filled in the gaps. They told him that his father had agreed to forgive the infidelity and bring the baby up as his own – and indeed loved him as such all his life – and the American GI decided reluctantly to stay away so as not to make a delicate situation even more difficult. The GI’s descendants knew all about the baby being brought up in Britain and were thrilled to meet him at last. It was a very moving experience for all of them.

The man came to the Roadshow with his American GI father’s war medals, which the family had decided should go to his newly discovered son. As the man told me this story he was moved to tears – and who can blame him?

Fiona Bruce pictured outside Castle Howard.

Is there anywhere that you still yearn to take Antiques Roadshow to?

New Zealand! We would find extraordinary things there; I’m sure from antiques belonging to British settlers to Maori culture.

What are your hopes for the future of Antiques Roadshow?

That it continues to be as popular as it is now, continues to find extraordinary items and continues to have a place in people’s hearts.

Tea pots and glass bottles: fascinating facts about the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow

This summer BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow will be returning to our screens, with Newby Hall named as one of the eight venues.

This will be the roadshows 43^rd series, but the show may look a little different to previous years due to measures put in place. For Fiona Bruce, this is her 13^th year presenting the show.

Here are 10 fascinating facts you may not know about Antiques Roadshow:

There have been five hosts of Antiques Roadshow; Bruce Parker, Angela Rippon, Hugh Scully, Michael Aspel and Fiona Bruce.
The Roadshow has featured many celebrity owned objects; a diamond bracelet from Rita Hayworth, Marc Bolan’s guitar, even a loo roll rejected for use by the Beatles. A jacket once worn by JFK and valued on the show for £2-3,00,000 will come up for sale in the USA soon.
Legend has it that the greatest let down in Roadshow history was the evaluation of a glass bottle which the owner had paid handsomely for but was in fact an olive oil bottle from Tesco. The embarrassment was not shared on camera.
The highest audience figure for an Antiques Roashow was 15 million in the 1990’s. Even today a loyal 6 million regularly watch the show.
Perhaps the most moving object seen on the series is a small ring that was kept hidden under the tongue of Zedenka Fantlova who survived four concentration camps in World War II.
Graffiti artist Banksy’s donation to a Bristol boys club was valued by Rupert Maas and was later sold for more than £400,000 to a private collector.
The Roadshow has visited numerous international venues including Canada, Australia and major European cities. Even at the Australian events the Roadshow’s most dedicated follower, John Dallimore, clocked up the 9,500 miles to attend.
An important lost work by artist Richard Dadd came to light at the Roadshow in 1986. It was eventually sold to the British Museum for £100,000
A family teapot brought in by avid Roadshow fan Norah Ambrose during the programmes early years proved a life changing moment when she bought her council house on the proceeds of the sale.
Between 15 and 20,000 items are scanned at each show by the experts from which 50 are filmed for inclusion in the two shows made at each location.

The team at Antiques Roadshow invite you to uncover your hidden treasures for this summer’s series at Newby Hall. To get in contact, visit www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow.

The Antiques Roadshow normally welcomes thousands of visitors to each venue.

Cafés in Harrogate say they won’t enforce face covering rule

Café owners in Harrogate have told The Stray Ferret that they won’t be enforcing the new face coverings rule as it should be a “mark of respect” from the customer.

Guidance was released today about the wearing of face coverings, which saw a change for businesses offering a takeaway service.

The new guidelines state that coverings will be mandatory when buying takeaway food and drink but can be removed when seated at a table. However, the government has outlined that it is the responsibility of the individual to wear a face covering, with shops and cafés encouraged to enforce the rule where possible.

The owners of Bean and Bud on Commercial Street in Harrogate said that the new rules are “common sense”. Co-owner Helen Dolby told The Stray Ferret:

“If you’re coming in for a takeaway and there’s other customers around you, then as a mark of respect you should wear a mask but we wouldn’t enforce it. We deal with hundreds of customers a day, people just need to have a bit of common sense and a bit of respect.”

Owners of Bean and Bud, Phil and Helen Dolby.

Similarly, Dan Bell, the owner of Thug Sandwich Company on Albert Street, told The Stray Ferret that he believes the procedures he already has in place are enough but will follow guidelines and enforce the rule.

He said:

“People who are coming in are literally here for less than 60 seconds, they place their order and then they stand outside and I give them a shout when it’s ready. There’s very little risk of infection.

Where can you buy a face mask in Harrogate?

On Friday it will be mandatory to wear face coverings in shops and supermarkets.

So we have created a list of independent shops and individuals selling masks in Harrogate, both in-store and online.

Face coverings have been in high demand in the run-up to Friday. We hope our guide will make it easier for you to find one from a local supplier.

Just some of the designs available from nipNstitch.

Harrogate tailors Golden Stitches told The Stray Ferret that it is currently selling over 40 coverings in store a day. Similarly, Harrogate based seamstress nipNstich received 200 orders online in less than 24 hours.

You can grab a face covering at the following places:

In-store

Dizzy Duck Harrogate, Albert St.

Georgies, West Park

Golden Stitches, Cheltenham Parade

Morgan Clare, Montpellier Gardens

Rose Velvet, Montpellier St.

Sophie Likes, Beulah St – www.sophielikes.com/face-masks

Sowa Polish Shop, Bower Road

The Luxe Company, West Park

Online

Aggie’s Craft Harrogate – Facebook “AggiesCraftHarrogate”

Bee and Duck – www.etsy.com/BeeandDuck

Boho Chic – https://www.bohochic.co.uk

CyclingShorts, Harrogate – www.cyclingshorts.uk.com/face-masks/ – Stray Ferret readers can use the code FERRET10 for 10% off online mask orders.

Face Masks Harrogate – Facebook “Face Masks Harrogate”, Instagram @facemasks_hgate, email facemasksharrogate@outlook.com

Fanni Loves Fufu – Facebook “Fanni Loves Fufu”, email jaynecarle2@gmail.com

Funky face masks Harrogate – Facebook Group

Handmade by Emily Jane – www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HandmadebyEmilyJane

Harrogate Sewers for Face Masks – Facebook Group

Jaime Wilson – Message on Facebook

nipNstitch – nipnstitch.co.uk, @nipNstitch on Facebook

We got U covered – Facebook “wegotucovered”, www.wegotucovered.co.uk

If you are selling face coverings and would like to be added to our list, email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Face Masks Harrogate has 60 different patterns available to buy.

Rudding Park spa set to reopen this weekend

Rudding Park has confirmed it will reopen its spa this weekend.

The hotel welcomed back visitors for overnight stays on July 13 but the spa has remained closed.

However, from Saturday guests will finally be able to enjoy a pamper day.

The spa will be operating at reduced capacity. The steam rooms and saunas will remain closed until further notice and face treatments, including waxing and makeup will also not be allowed.

However, the hydrotherapy pool, spa bath, sunlight therapy, foot spa and indoor swimming pool will be open for use.

Peter Jones, managing director of Rudding Park, told The Stray Ferret:

“We are delighted Rudding Park spa will re-open on Saturday 25 July. We have put measures in place so guests can spa with confidence and are very much looking forward to welcoming guests back to relax and unwind on the rooftop spa.”

The spa will have reduced capacity, with 20 people allowed in the pool at once.

Guest are encouraged to arrive as prepared as possible for their spa experience to reduce time in the changing rooms. Visitors are also requested to shower at home after their visit.

Enhanced cleaning will be in place and face coverings will be available for guests on arrival. Magazines and newspapers will be removed to limit touch points.

Details will be taken from guests when booking as part of the test and trace initiative and all guests will need to book online before visiting.

Harrogate organisation screens award-winning climate documentary

Zero Carbon Harrogate is screening an award-winning climate documentary online tomorrow.

2040, which is directed by and stars Australian Damon Gameau, explores what the world might look like if measures are taken to protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions.

The screening will take place at 7pm and will be followed by a short Q&A session via zoom.

The panel will include the chair of the Harrogate Climate Coalition, Cllr Phil Ireland, the chair of Zero Carbon Harrogate, Jemima Parker, and the chair of Zero Carbon Harrogate Natural Climate Solutions, Ian Fraser.

The film explores a number of themes, including female empowerment, regenerative agriculture and renewable energy.

2040 aims to encourage people to take responsibility for the world to “secure it for generations.”

The event is free but donations are welcome. To book tickets visit their website.

WATCH: Harrogate Rugby Club gets back to business

Players at Harrogate RUFC say it is “great” to finally be able to get back on the pitch.

The club is having to train in much smaller groups with the players focusing specifically on their fitness and ball skills. Despite not being able to play competitively yet, the players are getting match fit for when the time finally comes.

The players have enjoyed getting back into the swing of things.

Director of Rugby at Harrogate RUFC, David Doherty, told The Stray Ferret:

“It’s brilliant to have the players back. It’s obviously challenging given the government guidelines, but the boys have embraced it.”

Training takes place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings with both the men and women playing in small ‘pods’ with no contact.

Survey by Harrogate cycle group shows riding improves wellbeing

A survey carried out by a Harrogate cycling club has shown that riding in groups improves mental and physical wellbeing.

Liferiders, which was set up nearly four years ago, is a beginners cycling group which encourages people to get from “couch to countryside.” The group was founded on the idea that riding bikes together helps people feel better.

At the start of lockdown Simon Thomas, the group’s founder, asked members to fill in a survey to measure their wellbeing during lockdown. Having enjoyed a number of rides together, members then took the same questionnaire and saw their wellbeing had improved by at least 35%.

He told The Stray Ferret:

“It has been interesting for me to watch more people turn to cycling during lockdown. Some people might come out of this with a new hobby and a new sense of wellbeing.”

The group cycle all round the district on quiet roads and cycle paths.

Since lockdown the group has seen an influx in new members joining. The cycle group meet every Wednesday evening as well as some Sunday mornings and all the rides are free to join.

For more information and to join a ride visit – http://www.cbad.club

Drive-in cinema comes to Harrogate Rugby Club

A drive-in cinema is being held at Harrogate Rugby Club over the August bank holiday weekend, August 29-30.

The event is being held by Impulse Decisions, a charity auction company based in Harrogate. The drive-in cinema will be showing Grease, Rocketman, Incredibles 2 and Dirty Dancing.

The screenings will take place across both days, with one film showing at 1pm and another at 7pm. You will be able to ‘tune in’ to the film’s sound through your car radio and watch on a large LED screen.

Project Manager at Skylit Cinema, Amy Seed, told The Stray Ferret:

“Lockdown and social distancing have been a drag for most of us, so our ‘Skylit Drive-In Cinema’ will bring back some good old entertainment. Whilst social distancing will still be in place at the event, our aim is to create a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can enjoy great movies from the comfort of their own car.”

This is the first event of its kind for Impulse Decisions.

Guests will also have the chance to order a range of food and drink throughout the film. Toilets and hand-wash stations will be available at the venue.

For more information and to book tickets visit https://www.impulsedecisions.com/skylit/

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