Newsroom, Author at The Stray Ferret

New foodbank planned for Jennyfields

A charity battling against food poverty is planning to set up a new foodbank in the Jennyfields area of Harrogate.

Harrogate District Foodbank already runs foodbanks in Harrogate, Starbeck and Knaresborough and is now looking to open a fourth in response to an upsurge of demand.

Alastair Pollard, trustee and warehouse volunteer at the charity, said:

“When people are referred to us by their doctor, church or Citizens Advice we hold minimal information about them, but one thing we do have is their postcode. That gives us an indication of where there is greatest need, and we’ve seen a lot of new referrals coming from the Jennyfields area.

“We’re currently looking for suitable premises and aim to open there sometime in the new year.”

He added:

“The cost-of-living crisis is a major problem for some people, with the price of food and utilities going through the roof. People are living week to week. They have to pay for electricity and gas, but then there’s sometimes no money left for food.

“At the start of 2022 we were feeding an average of 63 people per week, but in October 2022 we fed up to 93 people per week – about a 50% increase.”

Research by Save the Children has found that more than one in three (37%) families on Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit will rely on charity food parcels this Christmas.

Much of the food distributed by Harrogate District Foodbank comes from donations made by shoppers at supermarkets in the town. Each week the charity collects and distributes over 800 kilograms of food. So far this year, it has distributed 37 tonnes of food to people in need. Mr Pollard said:

“We are so grateful for those that help us. Some people simply purchase an extra tin of vegetables or custard on the supermarket run; others donate at harvest festival. One 60-year-old graciously asked his birthday party guests to donate money instead of buying presents and brought us several hundred pounds’ worth of food.

“Last week, a young dad was touched by a report on the TV news showing a little girl whose family couldn’t afford food. He said, ‘I can afford to help. I wouldn’t want someone like my daughter to suffer’.”

Harrogate District Foodbank’s existing foodbanks are at Mowbray Community Church in Harrogate, Holy Trinity Church in Knaresborough, and Life Destiny Church on Starbeck High Street.

The organisation is part of the Trussell Trust, which supports over 1,200 foodbank centres across the UK and has a mission to eradicate the need for foodbanks altogether.

Readers wishing to support the work of Harrogate District Foodbank can donate money via its website, or food and non-food items, such as toiletries, at any one of the supermarket collection points, which include Waitrose, Morrisons, the Co-op and Sainsbury’s.

Ripon Grammar named top northern secondary school again

Ripon Grammar School has been named Secondary School of the Year for academic performance in the north – for the tenth year running.

The school claimed the top spot – again – in Parent Power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2023, published online today and in print on Sunday.

Ripon Grammar School headmaster Jonathan Webb said:

“We were delighted with this year’s results, given the disruption our students faced to their education during the two years of intermittent lockdown. They coped superbly well with the blended demands of remote learning and face-to-face schooling.

“My congratulations go to the students who worked so well and the dedicated staff this school is so fortunate to have.

“Our results at A-level actually strengthened on 2020’s and 2021’s results, while GCSE results were on a par with those years, despite the fact that grading was recalibrated nationally to a mid-point between 2019-21.

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, at Thorpe Underwood, was named Independent Secondary School of the Year in the North for academic performance.

The other northern winners in the ranking were: Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Otley (Comprehensive School of the Year); and Sheffield High School for Girls (Independent School of the Year).

Nationally, schools in London and the south east outperformed the rest of the country. Wycombe High School in Buckinghamshire, St Peter’s Catholic School in Guildford and Francis Holland School in London were named Secondary School of the Year, Comprehensive School of the Year, and Independent School of the Year respectively.

Henrietta Barnett School, a grammar school for girls in Hampstead, was named the overall top secondary school for academic performance, and St Paul’s Girls’ School took the equivalent title in the independent sector.

Godolphin and Latymer, Hammersmith was named International Baccalaureate School of the Year.

The Sunday Times Parent Power guide has been published annually since 1993 and has a searchable online database of 1,600 schools across the UK.

Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power guide, said:

“These have been a challenging few years for teachers, pupils and their parents, and the success of many in our league table is testament to the stamina and support shown by all concerned.

“It is also clear that more attention is being placed on well-being and mental health – from meditation rooms to counselling support, even therapy dogs – and schools are being proactive to bring about positive changes.

“League tables are not the only criteria a parent can use when choosing a school, but they are a good starting point. We want to celebrate excellence. We want to champion schools that are doing wonderful work.”

18 arrests as North Yorkshire drink-drive campaign gets underway

Police in North Yorkshire have arrested 18 people in the first eight days of this year’s annual Christmas drink and drug-drive campaign.

Ten of the 18 arrests made were for drink-driving and eight were for drug-driving. Fifteen of the arrests were of men and the other three were of women.

Five arrests each were made the Harrogate district and York, three each in Richmond and Hambleton, and one each in Scarborough borough and Ryedale.

The message from the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety partnership this year is “save a life and call it in.” Members of the public are being urged to call out anyone who is behind the wheel when under the influence of drink or drugs, by dialling 999.

The force launched its annual Christmas drink-drug drive campaign on December 1 with the help of Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle in ITV’s Emmerdale. The actor participated in a mock road traffic collision to highlight the dangers of drink and drug driving to members of the public.

The highest reading recorded over the eight days by North Yorkshire Police was over four times the legal limit. The driver, a 43-year-old woman from Richmondshire was arrested and taken into custody where she was breathalysed again and recorded a reading of 141 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms. The woman is due to appear in court on December 19..

Superintendent Emma Aldred, head of specialist 0perations at North Yorkshire Police, said:

“These figures send out a clear message that we’re out across North Yorkshire trying to intercept people who choose to drive when under the influence of drink or drugs.

“As we head into what is anticipated to be a busy weekend with the World Cup and many Christmas parties taking place, I would urge people to plan their night and think about how they are getting home.

“If you’re out and become aware of someone who is about to drive and is under the influence of drink or drugs then call it in on 999. One call could be all it takes to save a life.“

Police are actively patrolling in marked and unmarked vehicles across the county, as well as conducting static checks on the side of the road. Officers are keen to remind the public that the hazards are not limited to driving straight after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, as substances can remain at dangerous levels in the bloodstream well into the morning after.

Prevention is also a key part of the campaign. Road safety officers are working with colleagues at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to deliver ‘Survive the drive’ events. These hard-hitting talks aim to educate people about the risks and dangers that that are associated with drink and drug driving.

North Yorkshire Police urge people with information about drink drivers to share it by dialling 101 and selecting option 1, or by dialling 999 if the crime is in the process of being committed.

Business Breakfast: Growing Harrogate property company moves to refurbished office space

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal

Harrogate-based Moda Living, which develops and operates rental properties in the UK, has taken up 4,000 sq ft at Central House on Harlow Hill.

Leeds property investment and development company CEG has agreed a five-year lease with Moda Living for the workspace.

Dan Brooks, director of Moda Living, said:

“As a fast-growing company, we needed space which provides an inspiring, contemporary environment. Central House provides great facilities and a fantastic productive and healthy environment for the team.”

CEG, which also looks after The Exchange on Harrogate’s Station Parade, has managed a £4m investment into Central House, creating a new reception, common areas, café and courtyard.

Succession Wealth in Harrogate is to sponsor the Dynamic Leader category of the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards, which are sponsored by Prosperis, will take place at the Pavilions of Harrogate on March 9.

The Dynamic Leader category is one of ten prestigious awards to be won on the night. It recognises those leaders who make a difference, drive change and take their staff with them.

A spokesperson for Succession Wealth said:

“Succession Wealth are delighted to sponsor the ‘Dynamic Leader’ award.

“Within our teams we see the outstanding impact that an exceptional leader can have on their team, the wider business and ultimately our clients, so it’s a pleasure to be able to recognise such talent from across Harrogate.”

The four person panel of judges comprises some of the most influential business leaders in the Harrogate district.

Entries are open – so now is the time to give your team, business or boss the recognition they deserve.

Guide to Christmas fairs and markets in the Harrogate district

Christmas markets are taking place across the Harrogate district.

Here’s our guide to what’s taking place. If you know of one that isn’t included, let us know and we will add it. Email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

RHS Harlow Carr, Bath House Gallery: Christmas Crafts

10am, Thursday, October 20 to 4pm, Friday, December 23

Country Living Christmas Fair, Harrogate Convention Centre

10am, Thursday, December 1 to 4pm, Sunday, December 4

Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair, The Yorkshire Events Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate

9.30 to 5am Thursday, December 1 to Sunday December 2022 (4.30pm finish on Sunday)

Harrogate Christmas Fayre, Harrogate town centre

10am, Friday, December 2 to 4.30pm, Sunday, December 11

Pateley Bridge and Bewerley late night shopping, Pateley Bridge High Street

December 2, 5.30pm

Little Bird Artisan Market, Valley Gardens, Harrogate

Saturday, December 3, 10am to 5pm, and 10am to pm on Sunday, December 4

Knaresborough Christmas Market, Knaresborough Market Place

10am, to 5pm Saturday, December 3 and 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday, December 4, finishing with firework fiesta over the viaduct at 4.30pm

Knaresborough Artisan Market, Gracious St Methodist Church, Knaresborough HG5 8AN

10am to 3pm, December 3

Copt Hewick Christmas Fair, Copt Hewick village hall and church

11am to 3pm, December 3, cash-only event, Santa arrives at noon and carols at 1.30pm

St Luke’s Church Parish Christmas Fair, St Luke’s Church, Franklin Square, Harrogate

10.30am to 1.30pm on Saturday, December 3

Belmont Grosvenor School Christmas Fair, Belmont Grosvenor School, Birstwith

Saturday, December 3, £3 entry for adults, free for children

Minskip Christmas Gift Fayre, Minskip Village Hall

Saturday December 3, 1pm to 4pm – all gifts priced at under £10

Nativity Festival, St Cuthbert’s Church Pateley Bridge

Saturday December 3, 10.30am to 2.30pm. Followed, at 7pm by Christmas carol singing accompanied by local choirs. (Tickets for the carol concert cost £5 and will be available on the door or from church members)

SYD* Christmas Craft, Vintage & Collectables Fayre, Masham Town Hall

10am, Sunday, December 4

* Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs

Knaresborough Winter Fayre, Knaresborough Market Place

10am to 4pm, Saturday, December 10

Little Bird Artisan Market, Valley Gardens, Harrogate

Saturday, December 10, 10am to 5pm, and 10am to pm on Sunday, December 11

Tribute evening planned for stalwart of Harrogate pantomime

A much-loved stalwart of Harrogate Theatre’s pantomime is to be honoured with a tribute evening to raise funds in his memory.

Phil Lowe directed and co-wrote the theatre’s pantomime for 13 years before he died unexpectedly in October 2021.

Bring Me Sunshine: A Tribute To Phil Lowe will be an evening of songs and comedy routines performed by pantomime cast members past and present, plus a special guest appearance from UK Foo Fighters’ Jay Apperley.

Hosted by panto regulars Tim Stedman and Howard Chadwick, the one-off event, on Thursday, January 12 from 7.30pm, will be a celebration of Phil’s most memorable moments with Harrogate Theatre.

Audience members are invited to pay what they like for tickets, from £10 to £40; VIP tickets, which include a complimentary prosecco on arrival and canapés at the interval, cost £50, and boxes are £200.

The proceeds will be split between the British Heart Foundation and Phil’s children.

Harrogate district sweeps the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards

A boy who has battled a rare illness, a young woman rebuilding her life after a horrific accident, and a fashion designer who has defied brain injury to build her own business were all recognised at the 28th Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards last night.

The three, all from the Harrogate district, were among seven winners to pick up awards at the event, which was held at Leeds United’s Centenary Pavilion.

The awards are sponsored by Harrogate-based McCormicks Solicitors and organised by the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation, which has now raised more than £1.3m for children’s charities in the region.

Seven-year-old Archie Flintoft from Harrogate took the Youngster of the Year title, while the Unsung Hero Award went to Lucie Maguire of Kirkby Malzeard and the award for Achievement in Management and Enterprise was taken by Lucy Winn of Whixley.

Peter McCormick OBE, who chairs the awards, said:

“It was a very special evening after a break of three years because of the Covid pandemic and there was much to celebrate. There were stories of incredible fortitude and outstanding success and it is fair to say we continue to be amazed by the fantastic young people in our region.

“These awards are our main fundraiser of the year and none of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors and our guests, many of whom have been with us almost since the beginning, and I am very proud that with their help, we were able to continue our grants programme helping young people across the region throughout the pandemic.”

The other award winners included Whitby-born footballer Beth Mead, who helped the England women’s team to their historic victory in the European Championships this summer. She was named Personality of the Year, an award that was sponsored by Rudding Park.

A special award was also presented to Chris Blundell, the entrepreneur behind Provenance Inns, which runs eight pub-restaurants across North Yorkshire, including The West Park in Harrogate. The award, sponsored by GMI Property, recognised his commitment and dedication to the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards.

Mr McCormick said:

“Chris has been a long-term supporter of the foundation, regularly hosting events such as our annual launch party and donating prizes where appropriate. He is also the organiser of the Yorkshire Charity Clay Days, from which the Foundation has benefited twice to the sum of tens of thousands of pounds.

“We are delighted to recognise Chris’s contribution with this award.”

The other award winners were:

Austin Haynes (Leeds), Achievement in the Arts, sponsored by Martin Gerrard

Benji Chandra (Leeds), Achievement in Education, sponsored by Harrogate Town

Hannah Cockroft OBE (Halifax), Achievement in Sport, sponsored by Leeds United

Archie Flintoft, Youngster of the Year, sponsored by Nabarro McAllister

Archie Flintoft has a very rare life-changing condition which is currently incurable. He was first diagnosed with Diamond-Blackfan anaemia (DBA) when he was a baby. His mum notice he was pale and unresponsive and after visiting the GP he was rushed to hospital, receiving two transfusions at two different hospitals in two days. Numerous tests followed until a faulty gene causing DBA was identified.

Seven-year-old Archie, from Harrogate, has to undergo three-weekly blood transfusions as well as medication all night every night delivered by a needle in his thigh to protect his liver and heart. He has become so good at dealing with this that he even puts the needle in himself sometimes but it does mean that he cannot do some of the things that other youngsters take for granted, like going for sleepovers with his friends.

He has now reached a total of nearly 100 blood transfusions, coping with endless visits to hospitals both in Yorkshire and London. Because he receives donor blood, the iron levels in his blood can build too high, hence the nightly medication.

His family have fundraised both for the DBAUK group and to help cover the cost of the frequent London trips.

Lucie Maguire, Unsung Hero, sponsored by Jamboree Entertainment

Lucie Maguire was 19-year-old apprentice working with babies at a nursery in Ripley near Harrogate in 2021 but driving home from work with her mum, Sue, their car began to fill with smoke. Lucy got out to try and help her mum but was hit by a passing tractor, receiving catastrophic injuries.

She lost her right leg at the hip, broke her back and suffered internal injuries and has spent months in hospital, undergoing numerous operations, and is awaiting more.

The nerve damage she suffered in the accident meant that doctors were not sure if she would ever even be able to sit up. But she has worked hard to regain movement and is now able to use a power wheelchair for short periods and has learned to stand again with a frame.

Her recovery received a setback when she suffered a serious infection in her leg while undergoing rehab, meaning her next operation had to be delayed, but she is still making plans for the future and has just moved into her own home to live as independently as she can.

Lucie, of Kirkby Malzeard, is determined both to find a way to work with young people in the future and to share her experiences, including her time in various hospitals in ITU and major trauma wards, to help other people deal with their own life-changing circumstances.

Lucy Winn, Achievement in Management and Enterprise, sponsored by CHR Estates

Lucy Winn has overcome adversity to set up and run her own successful clothing business in London.

When she was 15, she woke up one morning to find the left-hand side of her face was paralysed. Investigations revealed a brain abscess, necessitating surgery and months in hospital for rehabilitation. She missed time at school but still went on to achieve her GCSEs and A-levels in Business, Art and Textiles.

However, Lucy’s problems were not over and at 19 she began to suffer seizures through epilepsy, brought on by the scarring to her brain. Despite this, she studied at Leeds College of Art before joining Westminster University to gain a degree in Fashion Marketing and Promotion.

After a spell back at home in Whixley while her epilepsy was investigated and treatment began, she returned to London to take up a sales post. Then the pandemic hit, and she was furloughed. Using her skills to upcycle old garments into new looks, she launched her own business, the Vintage Studio.

Working at home initially, she built up a social media following, including a number of influencers, and now has an Instagram following of more than 13,000 and some high-profile customers, including singers Mimi Webb and Zara Larsson.

Lucy now has a studio in Fulham and is keen to build her business yet further by employing a small team to offer sustainable small collections, retaining a unique look but enabling more customers to purchase something they may have seen on her sites.

Reservoirs are filling up but Harrogate district is still in drought, says water firm

Heavy rain over the last six weeks has caused water levels in local reservoirs to rise by almost a fifth, but the region is still officially classed as being in drought, according to Yorkshire Water.

Environment Agency data shows that Yorkshire had the same amount of rainfall in September and October as it did over the whole summer, but even at 19% higher, reservoir levels are still below the level expected for this time of year, according to the water company.

Yorkshire Water has been working closely with the Environment Agency to obtain additional drought measures, which the company said when paired with the additional rainfall, has helped raise the levels of some reservoirs.

Thruscross Reservoir, pictured in July

Granville Davies, manager of water and catchment strategy at Yorkshire Water, said:

“Reservoir levels are moving in the right direction – we’re seeing some significant increases week on week as the rainfall, drought permits, additional leakage activity, and support from our customers to save water, help them to top up.”

Yorkshire Water has 11 reservoirs in the Harrogate district. In the Washburn Valley, Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty all supply water to Leeds, and Lindley Wood, which dried up almost completely this summer, is a compensation reservoir designed to ensure steady water flow in the River Wharfe.

In Nidderdale, Angram and Scar House both supply water via underground aqueducts to Bradford, and Gouthwaite is a compensation reservoir that regulates the flow of water in the River Nidd.

Elsewhere, Beaver Dyke and Scargill in Haverah Park, to the west of Harrogate, supply water to the town, and in Colsterdale, west of Masham, Roundhill also supplies water to Harrogate, and Leighton is a compensation reservoir for the River Burn, which runs into Wensleydale as a tributary of the River Ure.

Mr Davies added:

“We have had more rain recently than the previous summer months, but that rain doesn’t always fall evenly across the whole region – meaning that in some areas reservoir levels are still much lower than we would hope. We’re using our extensive network of pipes to move what we can around the region, but we have applied to the Environment Agency for additional measures to help us balance stocks in that area too.

“It’s really important that we all continue to save water where we can – small changes in habits will help give reservoirs the best chance possible to top up this winter, ahead of the warmer months in spring and summer next year. We’re constantly reviewing the situation and as soon as we meet the requirements needed to remove the hosepipe ban, we will let our customers know.”

Council could sell garage sites in Ripon and Knaresborough for housing

Affordable housing will be on the agenda at a Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) meeting next week, as two sites in Ripon and Knaresborough are recommended for redevelopment.

The sites, both rows of lock-up garages, are currently owned by HBC, but a report due to be discussed next Tuesday said they are underused.

According to the report by the cabinet member for housing and safer communities, they could provide much-needed revenue for the council as well as helping to address the shortage of low-cost accommodation in the district.

The council is recommending that one of the sites, at Park Row in Knaresborough, is sold to Newcastle-based developer Karbon at market value to provide two affordable homes in partnership with Knaresborough Community Land Trust (KCLT). Currently consisting of seven brick-built garages, six of them empty, it has planning permission for two one-bed bungalows.

The report says the disposal of the Knaresborough site “will deliver two affordable homes at nil cost to the council and in the short to medium term”.

HBC is recommending that the Ripon site, a row of brick-built garages between North Road and Bridge View Road, be offered for sale at market value for residential development.

There is existing planning permission for conversion of the garages to create a three-bed bungalow, but this cannot be implemented as the existing foundations have been deemed unsuitable for the change of use. The underlying geology is high in gypsum, a highly soluble rock prone to forming sinkholes, and ground investigation works will be needed to ensure the site can support a brand-new building.

The garages on North Road in Ripon

The council intends to prioritise the sale of the North Road site to one of its registered providers, but if none shows any interest, it may sell the site for self-build.

Two alternative options for both sites – developing the homes in-house or retaining the properties in their existing form as under-used garage sites – will be recommended for rejection at the housing meeting.

The report said “disposal of both sites is considered the best way to meet the council’s wider objectives for housing provision” and noted “it is important that sales be progressed swiftly before the market slows”.

Yorkshire hedgelaying competition coming to Ripley

Ancient country skills will be on display in Ripley when hedgelayers from across the region battle it out for cash prizes and the chance to be named the best in Yorkshire.

The annual competition, organised by the Yorkshire Hedgelaying Association, gives competitors six hours to hack, chop, saw and prune seven yards of unkempt hedge into a neat, stockproof barrier that even a lamb can’t get through.

There are three classes – novice, intermediate and expert – and newcomers are welcome. Entry for competitors is £10 (lunch provided), and spectators will be asked to make a contribution to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity.

There will also be a display of heavy horses and a chance to visit the old dairy museum.

Food for spectators will be available from a van on site.

The Yorkshire Hedgelaying Association competition will take place at Birchwood Farm in Ripley, on Saturday from 8.30am to 3pm. The farm entrance is between the two roundabouts on the A61 at Ripley (postcode: HG3 3AX).

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