Newsroom, Author at The Stray Ferret

Harrogate school organises ‘Question of Sport’ with local stars

Pupils and staff from Ashville College in Harrogate have been joined by a number of sportsmen and women during an online Q&A sessions.

Director of Sport at Ashville College, Dominic Bradburne, organised talks with athletes from the world of cricket, hockey, netball and rugby. Pupils then had the opportunity to ask questions about their careers.

The live sessions began with Worcestershire County Cricket Club players Ed Barnard and Pat Brown. They were followed by Bath Rugby Union players Joe Cokanasiga and Zach Mercer.

The students also had the opportunity to speak to England hockey players Ollie Payne and Nick Park as well as former England Netball international Anna Carter.

Nick Park currently plays hockey for England.

Director of Sport Dominic Bradburne said:

“I’d like to thank all of the sportsmen and sportswomen for participating in our question and answer sessions. The aim of the evenings is for the audience…to find out about the individuals, their careers, early influences, training programmes and future aspirations.”

He acknowledged that video conferencing is the new normal and hopes to carry on the sessions on a regular basis.

No plans for district theatres to move performances outdoors

Despite being allowed to move plays and performances outside as of Monday, theatres across the district have said it isn’t possible right now.

Yesterday the government announced that outdoor performances can take place with socially distanced audiences from July 11. However, theatre groups across the district have said it would not be possible due to cost and rehearsal time.

The Ripon Amateur Operatic Society is hoping to start rehearsals for its upcoming production of Chicago but says that an outdoor production wouldn’t be feasible.

Phill Ruddy, director and choreographer for the society said:

“I think it’s a bit wider than the time needed and cost, we don’t have places in Harrogate where we could do open air performances. We are charities and we can’t spend twenty grand on an outdoor venue.”

The Ripon Amateur Operatic Society was due to perform Oliver at Harrogate Theatre back in April.

Similarly, the Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society has suspended all its performances with no set date to reopen. However, the president of the society Ruth Dodsworth said it is considering doing a ghost walk but everything is up in the air.

She said:

“We would like to do something if possible in order to keep everyone interested and aware that things are still going ahead. We would like to do outdoor productions but it is such a long process.”

Toddler classes in Harrogate say there’s no help for them

Teachers running musical classes for babies and toddlers across the district say they have had no guidance as to when they might be able to restart face to face teaching.

Rhythm Time and Musicality Kids are amongst many companies which deliver music and sensory classes for babies and toddlers in Harrogate.

Despite lockdown restrictions being eased, both Rhythm Time and Musicality Kids said they have no idea when they might be able to see their students again despite holiday clubs and summer camps being allowed to restart.

Before lockdown, Hannah Ruddy from Musicality Kids was teaching 120 children a week.

Hannah Ruddy, owner and founder of Musicality Kids in Harrogate has been sending weekly emails to parents with resources to help them continue classes at home.

She told The Stray Ferret:

“When the current situation hit it was very clear to me that I certainly wouldn’t be able to do what I do. My classes are very hands on and sensory. I could have adapted for online, but it wouldn’t have been my brand.”

Since putting her classes on hold back in March, Hannah has not been earning and said, because she is self-employed, has had no support from the government.

“There’s no help for us because we have fallen through the government’s cracks. This isn’t a silly little music class, there’s so much more to it. Without it there’s going to be a massive void in the world, something needs to be done.”

Ami Stott, the Harrogate business owner and class leader at Rhythm Time, turned her son’s bedroom into a recording studio and has been delivering online classes.

Ami has been teaching online classes every day since the start of lockdown.

She said:

“Even though the students are really little, they are missing out on social interaction.”

The Children’s Activities Association has pledged to the government to take notice of the issue and provide specific guidance as to when activities can safely restart.

New venture for Harrogate hairdresser as travel plans cancelled

A hairdresser from Harrogate has fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning her own hair salon after her travel plans were put on hold.

Kate Borgen was due to travel to Australia and New Zealand to experience a new life. However, as lockdown struck and her travel plans were suspended, Kate decided to pursue a new venture in her home town instead.

The hairdresser, who has more than thirteen years of experience, opened Ikonik Hair on Kings Road last weekend. After opening just a few days ago, Kate is now fully booked until the middle of August.

Kate told The Stray Ferret:

“My family thought I was crazy when I said I would open up a business. But what I figured was that the good clientele that I have had for the last twelve years will all be waiting to get their hair done… At least I can have people walking through my door as soon as I open.”

Kate Borgen outside her new salon on Kings Road.

Despite having a good first few days, Kate is aware that some people are still worried about visiting and is doing all she can to reassure clients. She said:

“A lot of my customers who are coming in at the minute haven’t seen anyone and I am one of the first people they have seen. It’s quite an honour for me, but then I know how nervous they are as well.”

The hairdresser, who has lived in Harrogate since she was born, hopes that her business might provide opportunities to other hairdressers who have lost their jobs because of coronavirus. She has already been joined by another stylist whose salon closed down when the pandemic struck, and she aims to expand the team further in the future.

WATCH: Will you be eating out to help out in Harrogate?

Diners will be able to get 50% off their bill from Mondays to Wednesdays at certain restaurants during August, but how do people in Harrogate feel about this?

This comes as the government announced its new scheme “Eat Out To Help Out” earlier today. The scheme aims to encourage more people to eat out at restaurants as lockdown measurers ease.

The Stray Ferret asked the general public in Harrogate whether they will be running out to get their discounted meal.

There was a mix of emotion with some people more inclined to go out and others not.

Harrogate Rugby Club reopens clubhouse doors

Harrogate RUFC welcomed back familiar faces and reopened its club house doors.

It was the “first time the club house opened since lockdown” and players and supporters enjoyed a BBQ and a long-awaited pint. Food was enjoyed outside and a one-way system was adopted through the clubhouse.

As well as this, the rugby club launched its “Ride to Rudding” scheme, which was originally due to have started before lockdown. The initiative encourages people to cycle to the club rather than drive.

Andy Annat provided the BBQ for the reopening of the clubhouse.

Mike Cowling, commercial chairman for Harrogate RUFC told The Stray Ferret:

“We were always planning to launch the scheme officially, but lockdown delayed that. This is the start of something going forward, we had about a dozen people ride to the event at the weekend which is great.”

The club was given a small transport grant from Harrogate Borough Council which allowed it to install a bike shelter to further encourage players and supporters to cycle to the club.

In order to encourage more people to cycle, the club held a free prize draw for all those who arrived on bikes across the weekend. The winner was Woody Auld who plays for the U10’s.

Mercer Art Gallery launches online exhibition

Friends of the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate have launched an online exhibition focussing specifically on art works created through lockdown.

The exhibition, which opens on August 1, is open to all artists and creative people. The artwork will be displayed in 6 different categories including painting and drawing, ceramics and sculpture and an additional category for students.

The final date for submissions is 5pm on July 25th. Organisers of the event will then choose the best pieces to be included in the exhibition.

Submission from ceramic artists Eric Moss.

Deputy Chair of the Friends of the Mercer Project, Catherine Wright, told The Stray Ferret:

“It is funny where inspiration can come from, especially during these tough times. This exhibition is a great opportunity to share your work and show a bit of positivity during this dark time.”

Donations from the sale of artworks will go towards supporting Wellspring Therapy and Training in Starbeck and Henshaws.

For more information on how to enter visit https://www.friendsofthemercerartgallery.co.uk.

Harrogate charity receives huge amount of donations

Saint Michaels Hospice has seen a huge number of donations since opening its temporary drop off point in Harrogate this weekend.

This comes as 6 of its charity shops across the district reopened on Saturday, including 4 in Harrogate as well as its Knaresborough and Ripon branches.

In order to ensure that all donations are quarantined for 72 hours, customers are being asked to donate their items to the drop off point on Hookstone Wood Road rather than at the individual shop.

Since Saturday the charity has seen huge numbers of donations.

Chief Executive of Saint Michaels Hospice, Tony Collins, said:

“We are delighted that we are able to begin opening the doors of our wonderful shops…we are thankful that so many local people have been keeping their donations safe at home for us. In order to manage the required quarantine of goods to the highest possible of standards; we have centralised the receipt of donations for the safety of everyone.”

Since Saturday, the charity has seen an overwhelming amount of donations and expects to see many more in the coming weeks. The Saint Michaels Hospice Donation Drop Off Point is open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm.

Harrogate to London rail service resumes

LNER has resumed its direct train service from Harrogate to London.

From today, the operator will run six trains in each direction from Monday to Friday as demand rises due to the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Services on the weekend will remain limited.

Passengers must make reservations ahead of travelling and will be allocated a socially distanced seat. LNER also recommend that they wear face coverings in stations and trains.

Onboard ventilation systems will provide a “continuous supply of fresh air” with the air cycled every six minutes on every train.

The company said extra cleaning is taking place both on stations and onboard trains, with teams using disinfectant and long-lasting virucidal fog.

Harrogate cyclist climbs height of Everest in Dales

On Saturday Bruno Marks, a member of Cappuccino Cycling Club in Harrogate, attempted to ‘Everest’, cycling up and down Park Rash in Kettlewell forty times.

‘Everesting’ is a cycling term that involves choosing a steep hill and cycling up and down it until reaching 29,029ft – the equivalent height of Mount Everest.

Bruno began his challenge at 4:30am on Saturday morning and completed the challenge at 8pm that evening, climbing a total of 30,942ft. He decided to raise money for Cancer Research UK the night before the challenge.

He told The Stray Ferret:

“The day started great at 4.30 am, with a fantastic sunrise on my first lap to lift the spirits, but by 6am an hour long downpour had started! It made it pretty tough having to descend very slowly and carefully and getting very cold in the process. But the legs felt strong and I completed 40 laps with 30,942 ft of ascent at around 8pm.”

Bruno climbed a total of 30,942 ft in very bad weather.

Bruno has raised £3,448 so far for Cancer Research UK. To donate to Bruno’s challenge visit – https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/bruno-park-rash-everesting

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