New Knaresborough business group to hold spring fayre

The two women behind the new Knaresborough Business Collective have revealed plans to hold a spring fayre and put on other projects to boost the town.

Annie Wilkinson-Gill, from The Crystal Buddha, and Natalie Horner, from Sid Horner and Son, launched the new not-for-profit venture in January to stage events and be a voice for businesses. About 30 other businesses have signed up so far as subscribers.

The two founders were previously members of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce but decided to set up a separate group following the fallout from the doomed attempt to set up a Business Improvement District in the town.

The main premise for the collective is to encourage more people into town to spend money in local shops. It plans to hold multiple events each year to make the town more appealing and also organise projects such as a street sweeper and hanging baskets.

Ms Horner said:

“We wanted everyone to come together and get involved. We’re just very proactive people, we don’t just want to talk about doing things we want to do it.

“There’s no point complaining then not doing anything, so we thought if no one else is why don’t we.”

The pair said they have spoken to Knaresborough Chamber of Trade to make sure no events will collide and say they want to work with it and other groups to improve the town.

Ms Horner added:

“I think there’s room for us all in Knaresborough, we all want the best for the town.”

The group will also raise business concerns with bodies such as the town council and Harrogate Borough Council.

The pair are adamant they don’t want the organisation to run as a board with a small group of people taking different titles, instead they say all members can have a say and get involved in different projects.

Ms Wilkinson-Gill said:

“One thing we’ve spotted is how many people want to get involved. As much as we set it up and have to look over the finances we are happy for any businesses to jump in if we start organising an event they’re interested in.

“It’s all very exciting for Knaresborough.”

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Knaresborough Spring Fayre has been held in past years and the collective is hoping to bring it back on Saturday, April 9.

Aimed at young families, it will include over 20 stalls from local businesses, live entertainment and a petting zoo.

The pair said April can be a quiet time for the town and they hope this will generate a “great buzz”.

Further ahead, the pair will get involved in the banking hub project and jubilee celebrations. It is also hoping to bring back Children’s Day and Pet Day, formally held in Knaresborough House.

Harrogate hospital chief Steve Russell to go on secondment

Steve Russell. chief executive of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, is to take up a secondment as national director for covid and flu vaccinations at NHS England.

Mr Russell will replace Dr Emily Lawson in a role that could last up to a year.

He will leave the trust for the time being on Friday next week.

Steve Russell

Steve Russell

Angela Schofield, chairman of the trust, which runs Harrogate District Hospital and Ripon Community Hospital, said in a statement today:

“Steve’s new role will take him away from HDFT for at least six months and potentially up to a year.

“I know that, while he is looking forward to this new opportunity, he is eager to return to HDFT.

“We are very fortunate to have a strong executive team and board, which has meant we have the resilience in place that has allowed Steve to take up this opportunity.

“While Steve is away we need experienced leadership to maintain our progress and I am delighted to let you know that Jonathan Coulter, who is currently deputy chief executive and our director of finance, will become acting chief executive, and Jordan McKie, our deputy director of finance, will take up the role of acting director of finance.

Jonathan Coulter

Mr Russell announced the move on Twitter this afternoon.

https://twitter.com/steve_r76/status/1494330025524416518

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Bridal Week signs four-year contract worth £1.2m to Harrogate economy

The largest bridal trade show in the UK is set to return to Harrogate for the next four years, in a move that is estimated to be worth £1.2million to the local economy.

Bridal Week will take over Harrogate Convention Centre for three days in September every year, bringing more than 4,000 visitors to the town to browse 350 collections from designers across the world.

The show has been based in Harrogate for 35 years and has grown to be the biggest in the UK.

Wendy Adams, director of Bridal Week at Ocean Media, said:

“Harrogate truly is a market leader. The event combines business and pleasure, and each year the industry takes over the town presenting the largest collection of bridal gowns in northern Europe.

“I go to bridal shows all over the world in Chicago, New York, Milan, Barcelona, Dusseldorf – and they’ve all heard of Harrogate, because of the show.”

The announcement of the four-year contract is a huge boost for Harrogate bridal businesses still recouping losses from the pandemic. The event is estimated to bring an economic impact of around £1.2 million to the local economy over the next four years.

Bridal Show

This year’s show will take place between September 11 and 13.

Ms Adams said the central town location set Harrogate apart from its competitors. She said clients could easily head into town in the evening whereas other venues were based on the fringes of cities.

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It’s set to be a bumper year for the wedding industry with many couples eager to tie the knot after delaying during the pandemic.

The convention centre redeployed as an NHS Nightingale Hospital for a year during the pandemic but didn’t treat a single covid patient.

Paula Lorimer, director of Harrogate Convention Centre, said:

“It’s tremendous news that this stalwart exhibition is so firmly embedded with our venue for years to come, and that there’s such a strong bounce back for exhibitions and live events.

“The financial impact on our hotels, bars, restaurants and retail businesses is significant after the tourist season ends in summer.”

Knaresborough councillor supports £13m leisure centre ahead of crunch vote

A Knaresborough councillor has called on Harrogate Borough Council to lead by example and “go green” with its plans for a new leisure centre.

The council’s planning committee is due to vote tomorrow on whether to build the new £13 million facility over a play area to the rear of the existing pool at Knaresborough’s Fysche Field.

The plans, which are recommended for approval by council officers, have divided opinion, with some welcoming a modern new leisure centre and others criticising the design and environmental impact.

Hannah Gostlow, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough Scriven Park on the council, has covid and is therefore unable to attend tomorrow’s meeting.

Hannah Gostlow

But in a statement today she said the scheme must be environmentally friendly and that key issues such as access and car park design needed to be considered.

She said the footpath to the site should be improved and any resurfacing of the car park should use environmentally friendly materials. She added:

“I am supportive of securing the future of Knaresborough’s swimming pool with this planning application, but I ask Harrogate Borough Council to lead by example and make the development as green as possible.

“It is being built by our own borough council and so we need to make sure we are setting the right example and working to the highest standards of ‘green’ design.”

Cllr Gostlow also said the pool needed to be fit for children’s swimming lessons so it would require changing rooms big enough to accommodate local schools as well as a suitable depth of water.

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‘Industrial warehouse’

Knaresborough Civic Society has described the proposed building as looking like an “industrial warehouse” and urged councillors to reject the plan.

It said demolishing the existing facility was “unnecessary” and questioned what would happen when the local authority dissolves in 2023.

Designs for the new site.

The plans include a new six-lane pool, learner pool, fitness suite, spin studio, sauna and steam room, and dry and wet changing facilities.

The council’s website says there have been objections from 28 residents and two letters of support for the plans.

If approved, the project could be completed by the end of 2023.

Do you have a Harrogate Theatre love story to share?

On Valentine’s Day, Harrogate Theatre is asking people to share their theatre love stories to form the base for its next community performance.

Last year the theatre got local people involved in its Our Gate production and now it wants to do so again.

It is looking for 122 love stories linked to Harrogate Theatre, to match it being open for 122 years.

It could be a story about meeting a best friend in the stalls, or locking eyes with your sweetheart across the stage, or even a production that made you fall in love with the theatre. The stories will then serve as a backdrop for performances in August.

The project was inspired by a photograph, seen by chief executive David Bown, of a wedding reception held at the theatre in 1961. He said:

“It prompted me to contemplate how many love stories does this amazing building have to tell. Harrogate Theatre has been at the centre of our community for over a century, it has many poignant tales to share.”

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The community show will be put on by local playwright and community producer Rachael Halliwell and director Amie Burns-Walker.

Ms Halliwell said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been commissioned by Harrogate Theatre to return with Amie Burns-Walker to make our biggest and boldest community play to date, but we cannot do it without you. 

“We need local participants of all ages to join us on this production – not just actors but anyone who is up for being creative and telling stories with us.”

To share you story or get involved on or back stage email love@harrogatetheatre.co.uk.

Workshops start in March with performances taking place in early August. Participation is open to everyone aged 13 and above and no experience is necessary.

Knaresborough reptile rescue faces closure due to hike in electric bills

Increasing electricity bills means the Knaresborough reptile rescue could face closure.

The Knaresborough Exotic Rescue Centre has 150 animals in its care but says only 20 are up for adoption due to the temperaments or size of others.

Centre owner, Daniel Holmes, said the hike in electricity prices has caused a “serious concern” for the centre. It is already taking on a further eight snakes from another rescue in Devon which is closing due to increased costs.

Mr Holmes said these snakes are from a big snake rescue so range from 17 to seven feet long. He thinks out of the eight, six will be with him indefinitely because they’re too large to rehome.

Having these big snakes for a long time does mean he will be investing a lot of money in their care, something he said a rise in bills makes more difficult.

Eight snakes are currently in transport to the centre after another rescue facility closed.

In 2020, his bills for the month were around £1,800 now electricity alone can be £1,500 before the proposed increases. He said:

“We just about scraped through the pandemic and now this is being thrown at us. There aren’t many centres built to take on big snakes but luckily we have the space. It is a big thing to take on these animals as they aren’t cheap to feed or house but we couldn’t say no.”

The centre runs as a non-profit organisation and relies on public donations and adoption fees to survive.

Mr Holmes also said the increasing number of animals it is having to take in is also taking a strain. He said January had been “horrendous” with people already surrendering animals bought for Christmas and others choosing to do so before bills made them too expensive to keep.

“It’s a serious enough situation to think we could shut down.

“There’s a real problem with people taking on animals they can’t afford or not knowing the size they can grow too and then we have to take care of them. But because of this we are often spending huge amounts of money on animals we can never re-home.”

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He said he was hoping to find larger premises to expand the centre’s offering in hopes of finding more revenue streams but is unable to find a unit that’s affordable.

He is looking into a sponsorship scheme so people pay money each month to sponsor one of the permanent rescues which will help the centre feed them. He said developing schemes like this are essential for its survival.

To donate to the centre, find them on Facebook here or send a donation via PayPal to krescue@hotmail.co.uk.

Deaf Harrogate artist picked to design clothing for Comic Relief

Deaf Harrogate artist, Luke Christian, is one of eleven artists picked to design homeware and clothing for Comic Relief.

Mr Christian was born deaf and, since setting up his fashion brand, Deaf Identity, in 2019 has been passionate about using his creative talents to break down barriers surrounding the deaf community.

He was first approached to work with Comic Relief in July 2021 and thought the email was spam and said “it didn’t feel real at the time”.

His designs will be printed and embroidered onto homeware and clothing and sold online and in store at TK Maxx.

Other artists including Gok Wan and Supermundane have been picked.

Mr Christian’s design shows the word ‘love’ in British Sign Language in a simplistic, modern, line drawing. He said:

“The charity said they wanted to work with 11 designers/artists in total that had special backgrounds to what they do and with me being deaf and raising deaf awareness, this is why they approached me.

“At first it didn’t feel real, but now that it’s sunk in I just feel extremely grateful to be able to show everyone what a positive thing being deaf really is and I want to be able to use this opportunity to empower other deaf people to run their own businesses and to not allow society to tell us ‘you can’t do this because you’re deaf’.”

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The deaf gene runs in Mr Christian’s family so his mum and sister are also deaf. He said growing up he was often told he doesn’t sound or look deaf and felt like he didn’t fully belong in a hearing or deaf world.

He said one of his biggest motivators behind his brand is to show that every individual defines their own deaf identity adding “there’s no right or wrong way to be deaf”.

He was brought up oral and went to a hearing school until year 9 before moving to a deaf boarding school. He began learning British Sign Language (BSL) three years ago to help him communicate with other deaf people. He added:

“This opportunity is helping me to share more of who I am and why breaking down barriers surrounding the deaf community is so important to me.

“We can do anything!”

Knaresborough to be backdrop of this Sunday’s Songs of Praise

The town of Knaresborough and one of its charities are set to feature in this weekend’s Songs of Praise programme.

A few weeks ago Katherine Jenkins caused excitement around the town when she was spotted filming at Knaresborough Castle and down by St Robert’s Cave.

As it is the weekend before Valentine’s Day, the theme for the show is love and kindness and showcases the work of Resurrected Bites which is based in Gracious Street Methodist Church.

The charity runs a community grocery store out of the church where people who are struggling to make ends meet pay a small sum to become members and can then shop at the grocery.

Ms Jenkins visited the church to speak to charity volunteers and director, Michelle Hayes, who said:

“It was great for them to recognise the work we do and we’re always grateful for the chance to show people the help we offer. There are still people struggling locally who don’t know what we do, so this programme might help us reach them.”

Filming also took place down by the River Nidd. The Welsh mezzo soprano visited St Robert’s Cave to hear the story of the 12th century hermit who is celebrated locally for his work to support the poor in his community.

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It will be broadcast Sunday morning at 11.25am on BBC One.

During Sunday’s programme, John Sentamu, the former archbishop of York, remembers his friend archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Stray Pets Rescue Club: Will, Jerry, Link and Mystic are in need of loving homes

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Will the rabbit, Jerry the dog and cats Link and Mystic need your help.

Will

 Age: 1

Will’s Story: Will is a sweet natured boy who came to us as his previous owner could no longer take care of him.

Temperament: Will is an active playful boy who really enjoys so many things, he likes to investigate new things, he likes being around people but most of all he likes veg time.

Ideal home: We are looking for adopters who will keep him entertained and who already have an existing spayed female rabbit who he can bond with and share the rest of his life with. We are looking for accommodation where the hutch is a minimum of 6ft with an attached run of a minimum 8ft.

If you could give Will a loving home, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

Jerry 

 Age: 14-15 months old

Temperament: He is a friendly dog with people, but can be unpredictable with other dogs. He is very lively and intelligent but has never been taught any manners.

Ideal home: He needs someone to spend a lot of time training him. He cannot be rehomed with children or any other animals, and will need a secure garden.

 

 

 

If you have the time to train Jerry, contact Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs. 

Link and Mystic

Ages: Six years old

Link and Mystic’s story: Mystic and Link came to the centre as their previous owner could no longer keep them. They are a very sweet and very bonded pair of cats who absolutely adore each other so we will be looking for a home where they will stay together.

Temperament: Both cats are very friendly and love a fuss, they love treat time and then love to snooze the day away together. Mystic and Link are super chilled out, they would love to be able to snuggle up on the sofa with you and keep you company while watching the TV or reading a book.

Ideal home: They need a nice quiet home which is adult only with no other pets. If you are looking for a pair of laid back cats to add to your family then Mystic and Link are the cats for you.

To give this loving, chilled out pair a home, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

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Fattorini jewellers to reopen under new management in Harrogate

Harrogate jewellers Fattorini is to re-open next month with a slightly different name and under new management.

The name Fattorini has been on Harrogate’s high street for 190 years. But the shop closed last month following the retirement of former owner Anthony Tindall, who is the great, great grandson of founder Antonio Fattorini.

Previously called A.Fattorini, it will now reopen as Fattorinis. The new business is being run by Wayne Beales, who worked in A. Fattorini for 20 years.

The shop will stay in the same unit on Parliament Street. Mr Beales said customers could expect similar brands as well as some new ones and perhaps a more up-market feel.

The store is currently going under a refurbishment and Mr Beales said it will open in March. He added:

“I’ve been thinking about taking on the business since Anthony announced his retirement a year ago.

“During the sale it became apparent a lot of people were upset we were closing. It would be such a shame to see the name vanish from the high street.”

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The now-closed Bradford branch of Fattorini made both the FA Cup and Rugby League Challenge Cup.

A number of staff have chosen to stay but Mr Beale has said he is looking to hire two more full-time staff members.

He added:

“It’s really nice to know its moving forward with some of the same team. The name holds such a reputation locally, customers can see this as a new chapter for the Fattorinis they love.”