Harrogate woman in dispute with care home over visits to 99-year-old dad

A Harrogate woman has spoken of her frustration after her application to become an essential care giver for her 99-year-old father was dismissed by his care home.

According to government guidance, essential care givers should be enabled to visit care homes in all circumstances, including if there is a covid outbreak.

But Judy Bass’ application to be an essential care giver for her father in The Granby care home, Harrogate, has not been accepted.

The home is not convinced Ms Bass, who isn’t included in her father’s care plan, meets the criteria.

This is once again severely limiting the amount of time she can spend with her dad, who will turn 100 next month.

Ms Bass said this was the “final straw” after months of infrequent visits and disagreements with the home.

Before the pandemic Ms Bass visited her father, Tom Wilkinson, every day and was therefore never included in his care plan. But since her visits have become less frequent she says his condition has deteriorated.

Judy Bass with her dad

Judy Bass and her dad.

She says it is important for her dad to have constant communication with his family due to his dementia. Currently Ms Bass sees her father for just 30 minutes, once a week.

She said:

“I’m at a loss. I just want to see my dad. It’s very draining on us all, it’s so upsetting. He’s just lying there alone once again. I just can’t understand why they can’t see how essential my visits are.”

She said the lack of contact was affecting her health because she can’t be there for him all the time.

Read more:

The home is scheduling a meeting with Ms Bass to review her father’s care plan. Those at the meeting will decide if Ms Bass’s support would improve Mr Wilkinson’s health and wellbeing and, if so, essential care giver status could be reviewed.

A spokesperson for Four Seasons Health Care, which owns the home, said:

“We fully understand how difficult it is for all loved ones at this time and our absolute priority is to care for the health and wellbeing of every resident.

“The Granby is currently in outbreak status and is following the government’s guidance on providing window visits and video calls.

“Our hard working team members are doing everything they can to ensure residents and relatives stay connected during this time, including providing essential care giver status where this is in the best interests of the resident.”

Harrogate channel swimmers reach the finish line

A group of intrepid swimmers have just returned home after completing the channel swim in heatwave temperatures on Tuesday.

The team of four, three from the Harrogate district, swam 30 miles in their relay swim yesterday completing it in just over 14 hours.

After swimming together for eight years, friends Andrea Stark and Jacqui Hargrave decided to do the relay for charity. They then convinced Jonty Warneken and Richard Powell to join.

This was the team’s fourth attempt to complete the challenge after cancelling previously due to covid and bad weather.

Jacqui Hargrave said the feeling was “incredible” when her feet finally touched the pebbly beach off the French coast. Due to the pandemic, the final swimmer, Ms Hargrave, could only stand on the beach for 10 minutes before returning to the boat.

Along the way the group would write inspirational messages or warnings on a whiteboard so the one swimming their hour-long lap was kept in the loop.

Channel swimmers

Jacqui keeping Andrea motivated through the swim, even after a jellyfish encounter!

They encountered jellyfish, large cargo ships and clogs of seaweed but kept spirits high by singing their way through.

Ms Hargrave said:

“It was amazing, the water was just incredible, We never thought we’d do it during a heatwave so the waters were over 30 degrees. We’re all a little sun burnt.

“It’s very different to any of the practice we’ve done, there’s so much you just can’t prepare for. But still it was magical.”

Read more:

Setting off at 6.20am from Dover yesterday. Changing tides and avoiding shipping lanes meant their swim was an additional 9 miles. They swam 30.5 miles in 14 hours and 58 seconds.

Each swimmer has chosen a different charity to fundraise for; Jacqui Hargrave is donating to Saint Michael’s Hospice, Andrea Stark is donating to the Samaritans, Richard Powell has chosen Combat Stress as his charity and Jonty Warneken is donating to Open Country.

The foursome have managed to raise £5,469.15 together so far. To donate, click the links above.

‘Good riddance’ to Knaresborough high street cones, say traders

Knaresborough traders have said they are overjoyed by the news that the town’s social distancing cones are due to be removed this evening.

Harrogate’s social distancing planters were taken away this morning and parking bays were restored.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, North Yorkshire County Council‘s executive member for access, told the Stray Ferret the cones would be removed by the end of today.

The cones were put up to give shoppers more space to spread out but the loss of prime parking spaces on High Street has upset some traders.

Carol Scanlan, the owner of Carol’s Bonnie Dogs on the high street, said:

“They should have been removed yesterday. Lockdown has finished, according to the government so why are they still there? I want them gone. It’s frustrating when my customers have nowhere else to park, we’ve had enough now.”

Martin Sturdy, the owner of card and gift shop ZigZag said:

“They have served their purpose now. People haven’t really been using the extra space recently. The high street has suffered because people can’t park up so they end up missing shops. Good riddance to them, I shall welcome their removal.”

Read more:

The planters in Harrogate town centre were removed from about 9am this morning, prompting questions about where they will end up.

People have called on social media for the flowers not to go to waste and suggested they were planted elsewhere, such as in Valley Gardens, or given to local community groups.

Andrew Hart, a businessman from Bilton, suggested they could be donated to Starbeck in Bloom or other similar groups.

The Stray Ferret asked Harrogate Borough Council what had happened to the planters but has yet to receive a reply.

Live: Harrogate traffic and travel

Good morning and welcome to a new week. It’s Suzannah with you this morning giving you updates every 15 minutes on the road and rail links near you.

The blog, brought to you by the HACS group, will show you where the traffic hotspots and temporary traffic lights are and tell you of any train and bus delays.

Have a great day.

9am – Full Update 

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.45am – Full Update 

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.15am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.45am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.15am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are still looking quiet this morning, make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are still looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

6.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are still looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

Kell Bank school to call the register for final time this week

Kell Bank Primary School, near Masham, will close its doors for good on Friday after the county council issued a closure notice.

The school only has six pupils and with two of those set to move on to secondary school in September, North Yorkshire County Council decided it was no longer sustainable.

In 2020 Ofsted rated the school as Outstanding, but a report said its dwindling numbers meant it would likely have fallen into deficit in the coming years.

The school can accommodate up to 50 pupils but after dropping from 15 in September 2019 to six the county council opened a consultation.

At the time, Stuart Carlton, director of children’s services at the council, said the proposal was being done with a “heavy heart”.

Kell Bank class of 1928

One of the images from last week’s exhibition: the Kell Bank class of 1928

The 200-year-old school has educated thousands of children. Governors and staff wanted to celebrate this history and arranged an exhibition of memories last week from past and current pupils.

More celebrations are planned to mark its final week, including an open day on Thursday July 22, followed by a tree planting and bench dedication ceremony that afternoon.

Read more:

In a Facebook post, the school thanked all those who have worked with it over the years. It said:

“Kell Bank has played such an important role in our community and so many will cherish their memories of their schooldays at Kell Bank.”

The last day of term before the summer holiday is Friday July 23.

Two of the remaining pupils will be going to Thornton Watless Primary School whilst the other two move to schools towards Ripon after moving house for the 2021/2022 school year.

Charity Corner: Two clothes charities provide lifeline for Harrogate families

Two charities in Harrogate are working hand in hand to provide people and struggling families with free clothing.

The Harrogate Clothes Bank and The Village provide clothes to a vast range of people in need of their help.

The clothes bank was set up in July 2016 to cover for an unmet social support needs in Harrogate. It started by providing free clothes, bedding, toys and baby equipment to the refugees and asylum seekers arriving into the district.

In 2018 it was expanded to anyone on a low income. Then in 2020, to avoid duplicating what other charities were doing, all its baby toys were donated to Harrogate and Knaresborough Toy Library and baby clothing to The Village.

In 2015, Jess Price set up The Village (previously called Baby Basics) to offer clothing bundles for children up to six. It also puts together starter bundles for new mums and provides nappies, push chairs and other larger items.

The Village and the clothes bank now work together to make sure families in need are cared for.

The charities support those fleeing domestic abuse, asylum seekers or if they are on a low income. People are often referred to the charities by local organisations but can also get in touch directly if they are in need of clothing.

Read more:

Both charities say, although it may not be apparent in Harrogate, there is a great demand for services like their’s.

Mike Proctor, co-ordinator of Harrogate Clothes Bank said:

“There are many charity shops in Harrogate offering clothes at low prices, but for some people any cost is unaffordable. This might be due to long-term financial problems or a situation of sudden crisis and critical need when a large number of items are needed suddenly. For example when fleeing domestic violence. On average our service users take 15 to 20 items per visit.”

Since the start of the pandemic the number of families accessing the clothes bank has dropped but Mr Proctor expects levels rise to those similar to pre-pandemic in the coming months.

For Ms Price self referrals to The Village have increased over the pandemic. She said:

“There is definitely a need in and around Harrogate. We’ve seen an increase in self referrals since covid hit. People we give things too often go through redundancy, separation, fleeting domestic abuse, emotional trauma. We cater for many refugee families in the area.”

Harrogate’s grab-a-jab centre eager for more people to come down

The one-day Harrogate grab-a-jab centre opened to a steady stream of local residents this morning but doctors say they have the capacity to do more.

Around 100 covid vaccines were delivered this morning at the centre but with a capacity to give 500 doctors have called on residents to come get the covid vaccine.

Based at the Wesley Centre, the appointment-free service will be available until 4pm today.

It is offering first and second doses of Pfizer. To be eligible for a second dose, it needs to have been at least eight weeks since your first jab.

It was a slow start this morning but picked up again round lunchtime. The volunteers told the Stray Ferret their main target is 18 to 30-year-olds who may have been putting it off.

Convenience seemed to be the main reason many chose to come to the Wesley Centre today. Talking to the Stray Ferret, a number of people said it was easier than waiting for somewhere further away.

Also, with the so-called ‘Freedom Day’ arriving on Monday others said they wanted to get it done before then.

Read more:

Dr Waheed was pregnant when her colleagues were first offered the jab so wanted to get her’s as soon as she could:

“It was convenience for me and they were really good in there, it was really easy. With kids I’m super busy and I didn’t want to have to drive miles away and this was just super convenient. Now I can just go home and knowing the first one is done.”

Sam Polinsey, 20, said he came to grab-a-jab today because it was so easy:

“I just want to be able to go out and do things again, I’m the last one in my friendship group. It was really quick and easy. gave them my date of birth and then got it done.”

Sunny skies set to stay for tomorrow’s Weeton Show

Weeton Show is set to go ahead under blazing sunshine tomorrow and organisers are encouraging people to book tickets before they sell out, as people cannot buy them on the day.

It is one of the only local district shows going ahead, with many others choosing to cancel due to covid restrictions.

Sharon Waring, a member of the show committee, said all the volunteers have been working for months to make sure the event could be held under social distancing restrictions.

Weeton Show sheepdog

Have you ever seen a sheepdog herd ducks? Just head to the Weeton Show…

She added the size of the village’s show ground meant visitors will be able to spread out.

Hand sanitising stands will be in place and this year tickets have been capped at 2,000 and must be pre-booked.

Mrs Waring said the family-friendly event has ‘something for everyone” – this year’s programme includes Yorkshire terrier racing, sheepdogs herding ducks and welly wangling.

‘Dangerous Steve’ – a show regular – will also be performing his daredevil stunt act.

Dangerous Steve is looking forward to appearing at Weeton Show – He promises a non-stop, thrill-a-minute show with Fire and Chainsaw juggling, Giant Unicycle, Ladder Balancing and Blindfold Motorcycle riding.#weetonshow #dangeroussteve #preparetobethrilled pic.twitter.com/fh0OpJ5ymw

— The Weeton Show (@WeetonShowNews) July 8, 2021

Stallholders will sell local food, drink and crafts and the Guiseley Brass Band is booked to entertain visitors in the afternoon.

Mrs Waring said:

“It’s incredible that we are going ahead. In its history the show has only been cancelled three times; foot and mouth disease, bad weather and last year due to coronavirus.

“It’s fantastic especially this year when so any others locally have cancelled.”

Read more:

The first show was held in 1945 and often attracts thousands of visitors from across the county.

Gates will open from 9am on Sunday. To book tickets, click here.

Knaresborough police officer to ride 106.6 miles in memory of best friend

Local police officer Pierre Olesqui will take on his third annual fundraising challenge this weekend to raise awareness of mental health in memory of his best friend.

Mr Olesqui’s best friend Mick ‘Aky’ Atkinson died in October 2018 after suffering with his mental health.

Aky, an active, “proud Leeds man”, did not tell his friend that he was struggling. Mr Olesqui uses the challenge to encourage people to talk about their own battles.

Tomorrow, Mr Olesqui will set off from Hunslet Warriors rugby club, where Aky used to coach, alongside 98 other riders to complete the Tour de Aky challenge.

Tour de Aky cyclists

This year nearly 100 cyclists have registered to take part in the fundraising challenge

The 106.6-mile route heads towards Leeds, past Elland Road – Aky called the stadium “his church” – on to Otley and through the Harrogate district to Kirkby Overblow, before heading back to York and Hunslet.

The distance is a reference to Aky’s collar number: 1066.

Over the past two years just under £40,000 has been raised, but this year Mr Olesqui hopes to reach £50,000.

To donate, click here.

Read more:

The pair started working together in 2001 for North Yorkshire Police, where Aky was a dog handler, and bonded over their love of sport – Aky was even Mr Olesqui’s best man.

Mr Olesqui, who works in Knaresborough, said:

“He was my best friend and I want to keep his memory alive. I want to raise awareness for mental health, especially for men it’s a secret battle like Aky.

“It’s incredible how many people will come on the ride and tell us their own struggles. It’s great to talk and we all understand. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

The money raised from this weekend’s cycle will go towards Mind, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Macmillan Cancer Support. These have been chosen by Mr Olesqui and Aky’s family.

Live: Harrogate traffic and travel

Good morning and welcome to a very sunny Friday. It’s Suzannah back again today with updates every 15 minutes on the travel links near you.

It is set to be another busy day today as the final day of the Great Yorkshire Show gets underway.

We will be running this blog longer than usual to keep you up-to-date on the Show traffic.

The blog, brought to you by the HACS group, will show you where the traffic hotspots and temporary traffic lights are and tell you of any train and bus delays.

10.30am – Full Update 

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

10.15am – Full Update 

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

10am – Full Update 

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

9.45am – Full Update 

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

9.30am – Full Update 

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

9.15am – Full Update 

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

⚠️Unfortunately we are unable to run the 9.30am #The36 from Leeds to Harrogate.

ℹ️Customers should instead use the 9.40am bus.

We are sorry if this affects your journey with us.

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) July 16, 2021

9am – Full Update

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.45am – Full Update

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.15am – Full Update

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.45am – Full Update

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.15am – Full Update

The roads are still looking clear so far this morning, on previous Show days the traffic has built from around 7.30am so make sure to keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update

The roads are still looking clear so far this morning, on previous Show days the traffic has built from around 7.30am so make sure to keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

6.45am – Full Update

The roads are still looking clear so far this morning, on previous Show days the traffic has built from around 7.30am so make sure to keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning, on previous Show days the traffic has built from around 7.30am so make sure to keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses