Local artists invite you on an armchair tour of their studios

Each year artists from across the county open their studio doors to the public for two weekends in June. Despite the arrival of coronavirus, North Yorkshire Open Studios have remained optimistic and are instead bringing this exciting event online this weekend.

Artists across Ripon and Harrogate who were set to invite people into their studios have instead created films of their artwork and techniques in order to stream online.

Harriette Rymer painting in her studio in Harrogate.

These films will be made available from this weekend and will continue next weekend with the full schedule available on North Yorkshire Open Studios Website. The films are shared every 20 minutes on their Facebook page.

Debbie Loane, committee member and painter at North Yorkshire Open Studios has noticed the importance of keeping this event running:

“Many artists plan their calendar around this event and for some it represents a substantial proportion of their annual income, so to lose this event overnight would have been a huge blow to many of the participating artists.

For these artists, who derive their living from creative practice, it was important not to postpone until next year…since lockdown the appetite for buying art online has been strong and I am feeling very optimistic.”

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Jo York – Brimham Rocks

Harrogate based artist Anna Whitehouse noticed that the appetite for art has been particularly strong since lockdown, telling The Stray Ferret,

“Lockdown has turned out to be a positive time for artists, people are finding ways to reach out more. Even though it feels quiet there are lots of people in their studios being very productive.

A lot of our artists have never really delved online. It’s making the best of a bad situation.”

From textiles and painting to metalworking and printmaking, this event allows for the appreciation of creative processes as well as the chance to get to know local artists.

This event celebrates work created from all corners of the county, covering coastal spots to scenic national parks as well as picturesque villages and vibrant market towns.

Find all the information you need across North Yorkshire Open Studios website and facebook page. 

 

Tracking down Dynamite- the real stray ferret

A real-life stray ferret spotted last Saturday has returned home safely to its rightful owners.

Owner Jess Silver and Jordan Croxford noticed their ferret, Dynamite, was missing from his cage in the early hours of Saturday morning and suspected he had been stolen.

But Dynamite was spotted by Evelyn Rose on Saturday, May 30 on Skipton Street at 10.15pm. Evelyn then got in contact with us at The Stray Ferret in a bid to unite the animal with its owners.

However, much to the Croxford’s surprise and relief, Dynamite returned back home safely on Sunday morning.

Dynamite – preferred life a home than roaming the streets of Harrogate

Owners Jess and Jordan told The Stray Ferret:

“We left the cage door open and on Sunday morning we thought we’d check to see if he had come back and he was fast asleep in his bed.”

The owners suspect Dynamite was stolen from his cage in their garden in the early hours of Saturday morning and was most likely set free when he revealed his sharp teeth.

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Jess Silver said:

“In a year he’s never escaped so there’s no way possible he has just gone out. We couldn’t believe it when we saw where he’d been!”

Dynamite was rescued from his previous owner who no longer wanted him just under a year ago. Along with Dynamite, Jess and Jordan also have a second ferret named Jill who has recently had a litter of Kits.

The owners of the ferret are both very pleased to have Dynamite home safely!

 

Royal secret revealed as Harrogate volunteers arrive for work

Harrogate and Ripon Food Angels were shocked and delighted to hear about their royal recognition as they arrived to deliver today’s hot meal service.

The Queens Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award a voluntary group can be given.

As well as receiving a crystal award and a signed certificate from the Queen, two volunteers will be chosen  out of a hat to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021.

Sue Cathwray (Right) joined by award winning volunteers.

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A champagne celebration was arranged, typically though they put other people first, and postponed cracking open a bottle until they have made their lunch deliveries.

Instead, when asked how they might celebrate their success, Mr Clarkson said,

“I’ll tell my kids, they are very proud of me doing this, they like the fact that I’m helping out. It’s a warm day so I might have a beer later in the garden.”

Sue Cawthray the CEO of Harrogate Neighbours was excited to reveal the big secret and looks forward to celebrating properly when they are able.

Harrogate meals on wheels team awarded highest honour by Queen

The Harrogate and Ripon Food Angels are going to be cracking open the champagne later today after being granted the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2020. It’s the highest award a volunteer group can be given.

The Food Angels, which was set up by Harrogate Neighbours, has provided hot meals for the most vulnerable people in Harrogate and Ripon since 2012.

The non-profit organisation of 75 volunteers have delivered over 150 hot meals every day to the elderly as well as to those unable to prepare meals for themselves.

The Harrogate and Ripon Angels will receive a crystal award, along with a signed certificate from the Queen. Two volunteers have also been invited to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021.

Sue Cawthray the CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, said:

“We’re delighted to have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. To be recognised to this degree is testament to our incredible volunteers who work tirelessly to deliver such an important service into our community…I am so thankful to the team at Harrogate Neighbours and the volunteers who continue to selflessly risk their lives to help others.”

The Queens Award for Voluntary Service is given to volunteer groups across the UK who have carried out outstanding work in their local community. The Harrogate and Ripon Food Angels were nominated by Sarah Barry, Managing Director at Stray FM.

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