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.” 

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”. 

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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”. 

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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The Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate has been chosen to host the UK’s biggest trade show for holiday homes, caravans and motorhomes next year. 

The Great Holiday Home Show will see major manufacturers launch their latest models to the public as well as to parks, dealers and distributors from across the country. 

The show will be held from Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 10 for the public, followed by a trade-only show from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14. 

The event, which was first held as The Lawns Show in 1976, is organised by the Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Caravan Manufacturers’ Association. 

The show is moving from Hull, which is the epicentre of the UK caravan industry, to the 250-acre Great Yorkshire Showground to allow more manufacturers to attend than in previous years.  

Richard Jones, chairman of HERCMA, said:

“This is an exciting time for the industry as we bring everyone together to put on a comprehensive show, in a central location for an industry that is constantly evolving. The show will be managed for us by the organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show, one of the UK’s biggest events.”  

Heather Parry, managing director of the Great Yorkshire Showground, said:

“We are delighted to be hosting and managing The Great Holiday Home Show, this is a significant event for the industry, set in the heart of the UK at a venue that boasts acres of outdoor space along quality indoor space too. Happily, David Ritchie, who has managed the event for over 20 years, will continue to work with us as the show adviser as the show moves to its new venue.”  

Event manager David Ritchie said:

“This show is in my blood and it is wonderful to see it develop at a new venue and work with a new team as it continues to expand”. 

According to the National Caravan Council, there are more than a million caravan and motor homes in the UK, and around 50 million nights are spent in them each year. The caravan industry contributes more than £6 billion a year to the UK economy.

Our Angels, a charity set up by grieving parents, has received a cheque for £12,000 raised by recycling metals recovered from cremations. 

The money was donated by Harrogate Borough Council, whose bereavement services sell off the metals twice a year, with consent from bereaved families. 

The recycled metals include those used in the construction of the coffins and in orthopaedic implants such as replacements hips and knees and replacement joints. 

Our Angels was formed in January 2009 when a group of bereaved parents joined together to support families who had lost a baby. 

Emma Lofthouse, chairperson of Our Angels, said: 

“Without generous donations like this one from Harrogate Borough Council, Our Angels would not be able to provide its vital support services for bereaved parents.

“Although, sadly, we can’t stop the loss of a baby, we can make sure that every family who faces a loss knows that there is support out there for them.

“Every penny we receive goes into caring for families in their hardest moments, from the memory boxes, sibling support packs, miscarriage care packs, right through to the vital equipment we supply to the Harrogate hospital maternity ward.”

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Cllr Sam Gibbs, the council’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said: 

“I’d like to thank those families who, during a difficult time, have consented to us recycling metals recovered. By raising this money, everyone involved has done their bit to helping local charities such as Our Angels.” 

Harrogate borough mayor Cllr Victoria Oldham said:

“Our Angels support so many bereaved parents at what must be such a difficult time. I hope these valuable funds will help them make a difference to the lives of people they support across the Harrogate district.”

The photo shows commercial and community development manager Jon Clubb, Harrogate mayor Cllr Victoria Oldham, chairperson of Our Angels Emma Lofthouse, Harrogate deputy mayor Cllr Robert Windass and bereavement services manager Stephen Hemsworth.

The organisers of the Stray Bonfire are appealing for help to meet the costs of putting on one of Harrogate’s best-loved events tomorrow.

Harrogate Round Table has set a £10,000 fundraising target, but so far less than a tenth of that has been pledged.

The Stray Bonfire event costs about £13,500 to stage, with £5,000 spent on fireworks alone. Organiser Andy Rickard said:

“We run the event as volunteers, but there are costs we can’t avoid, such as parking, medical care and closing roads. It’s free to attend and we’d like to keep it that way, so if you can afford to help out with the costs it would be very much appreciated.”

The event, which starts at 5pm tomorrow (Saturday, November 5) and finishes with a fireworks finale at 7.15pm, will also feature music from three bands, hot food stalls, a licensed bar and – new this year – on-site toilets. The Met Office is forecasting an evening of dry weather.

The organisers had planned to ditch the traditional bonfire this year in favour of other entertainment, but changed their minds last week and reinstated it.

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As well as individual donations, the team of volunteers is interested in hearing from any businesses or other organisations which might sponsor the event.

Mr Rickard said:

“If there are any companies that are interested, for £250 you can become a community sponsor and we’ll put your logo up on the big screen in front of about 10,000 people – right before Christmas.

“You can also donate at our GoFundMe page, or give £5 by texting BONFIRE to 70460.

“On the night we’ll even have card-readers, so you can donate that way, but we’ll only have four of them, so we’d urge people to bring cash, as we’ll have 60 bucket-shakers collecting donations.”

Any surplus funds will be donated to Harrogate Homeless Project, which marks 30 years in the town this year.

Mr Rickard added:

“We really wanted to celebrate Harrogate Homeless Project’s 30th anniversary, but also, the cost-of-living crisis is going to affect everybody, but the homeless are potentially the most vulnerable, so we wanted to help as much as we can as winter approaches.” 

The countdown to the festive season has started in Knaresborough, with just four weeks to go until the town holds its Christmas Market Weekend. 

Centred on the huge Christmas tree in Market Place, the two-day shopping event, on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, will feature almost 60 stalls, selling seasonal goods, decorations, cards, gifts and the best of locally sourced produce.  

Hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and performances by a wide variety of local dancers, brass bands and choirs promise to add to the festive atmosphere.  

The centre of Knaresborough will be largely pedestrianised for the event, but a free park and ride is available all weekend from the GSPK car park (HG5 8LF) on Manse Lane to Chapel Street, close to the market square.  

Market chair Hazel Haas said:

“Last year’s market was a huge success and we were thrilled with the feedback from traders and visitors alike. There was such a buzz in the town. I think people were just so pleased to see the return of largescale town events after a difficult 18 months.  

“The 2022 market promises to be even bigger and there has been a high demand from traders, with stalls selling out way ahead of time.” 

Committee member Charlotte Gale said: 

“We have a fantastic range of local independent shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants in town, not just in the market square, but on the surrounding streets and High Street.  

“We hope that visitors to the market will also take the time to explore everything which Knaresborough has to offer. The businesses always make such an effort to decorate their windows for Christmas, which gives a wonderful festive feeling in town on the market weekend.” 

The market weekend will close at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 4 with a firework finale, set against the dramatic backdrop of Knaresborough’s railway viaduct and the Nidd Gorge.

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Ms Haas added:

“We are also keen that this year’s market benefits the town as a whole. Members of our volunteer committee have been liaising with other local organisations and businesses to ensure that we are promoting the full range of festive events taking place in Knaresborough over the market weekend.  

“We are also supporting Rotary, Lions, St Michael’s Hospice, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Air Cadets, Girl Guides Association and Knaresborough Cricket Club, who are our charitable partners for this year.”  

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A business group in Kirkby Malzeard will host a free pop-up advice session with some of North Yorkshire’s top business advisers on Monday.

David Kerfoot and David Poole feature in the line-up of consultants at the event, organised by Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton and Dallowgill Business/Community Group.

The advisers will be giving free advice on funding, networking, training and bespoke business strategy planning.

Mr Kerfoot, who comes from Northallerton and is a deputy lieutenant for North Yorkshire, is a successful businessman who founded a company in 1980 and built it into a £75m business, supplying oils to the food, cosmetics and aromatherapy industries.

Mr Poole, from Bishopdale, is a retired businessman who was formerly managing director and deputy chairman of Thalis plc, and is now a driving force in the Lower Wensleydale Business Network.

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The KMLD Business/Community Group, which is part of the local parish council, aims to support rural businesses during challenging economic times and also a special interest in arts and crafts businesses due to the large number of artisans living and working in the area.

The pop-up session will be held from 10am to 11am on Monday, November 7 at St Andrew’s Church, Kirkby Malzeard.

Businesses take part in Harrogate College recruitment fair

Businesses from across the Harrogate district took part in a recruitment fair at Harrogate College this week.

Representatives from 10 businesses visited the college on Wednesday to meet with and interview local students.

Businesses from across the district met with and interviewed Harrogate College students.

Firms including Springfield Healthcare, West Park Care, Cairn Group, Disability Action Yorkshire, Vida Healthcare and Harrogate Healthcare Facilities Management Ltd (Harrogate Hospital) attended the event.

ATM Ltd, Arc Inspirations, Anchor Care Homes and Morrisons also took part.

Danny Wild, Harrogate College principal, said:

“We were delighted to have so many of our key local employers coming along to support this event, which attracted a lot of interest from our students.

“To have a couple of job offers being made on the day was fantastic, and I know that most of the participating businesses also took away contact details for a number of other students that they may well be back in touch with.

“This recruitment fair emerged following Harrogate College Employers’ Network feedback, and is part of our continuing push to ensure our training helps local businesses thrive.

“It was very encouraging to see the first one go so well and we look forward to holding more fairs, supported by our local business partners, as a regular part of the college’s calendar going forward.”

Harrogate District Swimming Club is appealing for help from businesses to help it sustain its recent stellar run of successes in the pool. 

Swimmers at the club have won armfuls of medals, and even broken a world record at competitions over the last couple of weeks. But club officials are keen to find a corporate sponsor to help it recoup the loss of thousands of pounds over the last three years. 

Normally, the club would hold three weekend-long swimming galas a year at Harrogate Hydro and bank the profits, but the covid pandemic and the closure of the Hydro for its £11.8m refurbishment has seen that source of income all but dry up. 

Team manager and communications officer Brian Charlton said:

“We’ve only been able to hold one gala in the last three years. So we’ve lost eight out of the nine galas we would have held, and about £2,000 each time. That’s a huge amount to make up. 

“We’ve approached several of Harrogate’s larger companies, but with no luck so far. Hopefully we’ll be able to hold a gala in 2023, but until then we’d really like to find a sponsor to help us out.” 

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Gold rush in Sheffield

The world record-breaking female 4x200m front crawl 200-239 yrs team: Julie Hoyle, Jo Beardsworth, Karen Graham and Fiona Cryan.

Swimmers from HDSC recently competed with 1,000 others from across the country at the annual Swim England Senior/Masters National Championships in Sheffield, coming away with 14 gold medals, five silvers and three bronze, as well as four European/British records and even a world record for the ladies 4x200m front crawl 200-239 years team. 

Younger swimmers were also in action at the second short course County Championships, also known as the ‘Yorkshires’. Overall, they achieved 34 top-ten finishes, including eight gold medals, four silvers and one bronze. 

John Abel, the founder and first managing director of the Harrogate International Hotel which is now the Crowne Plaza, has died after a short illness. 

The son of a banker, Mr Abel attended Culford School in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk and subsequently qualified as a chef from the Birmingham College of Food – although he never cooked at home – followed by a hotel management course. 

He started his hotelier career in Norfolk, before moving to Harrogate in 1970 to become managing director of the St George Hotel. 

Following the sale of the hotel, the money was raised for building the then Harrogate International Hotel. Mr Abel, as its first managing director oversaw the construction of the hotel, which he proudly delivered on schedule and on budget, with it formally opening in January 1985. 

Renowned for his genteel nature and sense of fun, he subsequently joined Allott and Associates as a new business manager and is credited with winning lots of new accounts, many of which are still active with the business today. Latterly, he was retained as an associate and oversaw the advertising department.

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Outside work he enjoyed fine dining and horse racing. His passion for horse racing was caught from his wife Vivien and together they spent a lot of their spare time attending fixtures and he was a keen member of York Racecourse for over 45 years. 

Ultimately, Mr Abel was a people person. He was passionate about Harrogate and protecting its heritage and where necessary he didn’t hold back from ensuring that those in elected office were aware of his concerns.

He was a church elder at St. Paul’s United Reformed Church in Harrogate and together with Vivien visited elderly people as far afield as Scarborough, to support them. 

At home, Mr Abel loved gardening and visiting the eateries and shops in Harrogate. 

Mr Abel died on October 4, aged 81. He is survived by his wife Vivien, who he was married to for 52 years, and his younger brother Guy, who lives in New Zealand. 

This obituary was written by Philip Allott, founder of Allott and Associates.