Starbeck residents encouraged to apply for community grants

Residents of Starbeck have been invited to apply for grant funding to help enhance where they live.

Applications for the Starbeck Community Small Grants Fund opened this week.

A fund of £300,000 was created in 1992 following an agreement with the developers of the Morrisons supermarket in Hookstone Chase. Interest from the fund has enabled annual grants to be given out.

The grants are distributed by North Yorkshire Council for the benefit of residents.

Two funding categories are available, with grants of up to £200 for individuals and up to £1,000 for community groups.

In 2022, six awards were made. Time Together received gardening tools and seeds, St Andrew’s Church got a new cooker, Harrogate Hawks rugby team was successful in getting money for storage and equipment, Claro Enterprises received lighting for a community workshop, Starbeck Library received a new tea and coffee machine and new Christmas lights were purchased for Starbeck.

Cllr Pat Marsh, who represents the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division on North Yorkshire Council and sits on the grants panel, said:

“Starbeck residents take great pride in their community and grants like this help to further improve the area in which they live.

“I would encourage people to once again make the most of this opportunity and submit their applications for funding as soon as possible.”

The deadline for applications is 4.30pm on Monday, July 24. Full details and how to apply can be found by visiting the NYC website.  

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Business Breakfast: From apprentice to partner at Lithgow Perkins

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is lunch at Manahatta, on June 29th at 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Two new partners have been appointed at Harrogate accountancy firm Lithgow Perkins, a decade after they joined as apprentices.

Tom Rhodes joined the firm in 2012 after completing his A Levels at Rossett School, while Tom Lowry, a former student of St Aidan’s and Rossett schools, joined a year later after changing tack part way through a sports degree.  Both progressed through their training and a series of demanding industry exams to become fully qualified chartered accountants in 2020 and 2018 respectively.

Their latest promotion will see them work alongside current partners to help develop the firm’s services and grow its client base. They will also help train the five apprentices currently at the firm.

Tom Rhodes said:

“We’re delighted to be recognised with this promotion which is the culmination of a lot of years of hard work. Lithgow Perkins is a great place to work and we’re very grateful for all the support we’ve had from everyone as we’ve developed our careers in accountancy.”

Tom Lowry added:

“Over the past ten years, we’ve been given some great opportunities to expand our knowledge and skills across all areas of accountancy, as well as developing the softer skills needed for client-facing work. We’re looking forward to helping strengthen and grow Lithgow Perkins for the future by taking a proactive and innovative approach that will add value for our clients.”

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Harrogate hotel’s art helps hospital charity

Harrogate’s Cedar Court Hotel has displayed two paintings by local artist Jos Haigh’s- both purchased from Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity‘s art event held in February.

The Exclusive Art Event took place at Cedar Court Hotel and raised in excess of £4,000 for HHCC.

The paintings, Falling (below pictured left) and Forever ( right) continue to raise money for the charity through a featured QR code that encourages guests to donate to HHCC.

All donations to HHCC go towards enhancing the facilities and environment for patients, their families and colleagues across the whole of the trust.

Wayne Topley, Managing Director at Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate said

“Cedar Court Harrogate was very proud to host the charity auction and very pleased to see such a positive response and turn out for the event.

“We went as hosts, but when we saw the quality of what was on offer at the event we soon became customers.”

“We refurbished our lounge last summer and still had left a couple of key spaces in the area for additional artwork, but up to that evening we had not been able to find the perfect fit.

“The quality of Jos Haigh’s collection of work and of course the opportunity to further support HHCC, made the entries into the auction for the two canvas’s a very easy decision.

“The two paintings ‘Falling’ and ‘Forever’ now sit very favourably in our lounge area, and we receive positive feedback on them daily.”

Harrogate and Ripon beekeepers urge public to report swarming bees

The Harrogate and Ripon Beekeepers Association has called on the public to get in touch if they come across a swarm of honey bees so they can be safely collected.

Now is the time of year when honey bees can swarm in search of a new home. During a swarm, thousands of bees can be found clustering on gates or in trees and hedges.

Diane Pritchard from the association told the Stray Ferret why the bees swarm. He said:

“A swarm happens when a colony gets busy and crowded. The old queen will leave with about half the bees to start a new colony. Before the old queen leaves the bees that stay have made a new queen.

“There can be up to 20,000 bees in a swarm but it’s normally around 5,000 to 10,000 bees.

“It can look quite alarming but unless you start to swat it they are not dangerous. They’re not being defensive they are looking for a new home.”

The Harrogate and Ripon association has 400 members and covers all Harrogate postcodes, as well as Skipton, Northallerton and Leeds. Each year, its members collect around a hundred swarms.

The association’s Swarm Team has two people at the end of phone line and, when a swarm is reported, the nearest beekeeper will don a bee suit and take specialist equipment to pick it up. The service is free.

If the swam is in a tree the beekeepers knock the branch or cut it down and let the swarm fall into a box. The box is then opened near an empty hive which the bees generally colonise.

A branch full of swarming bees is placed next to an empty hive

Honey bees have had a rough time in recent years with disease and pesticides impacting bee numbers.

More recently the bees have been threatened by a new foreign predator that has made its way to the UK – the Asian hornet, which eats pollinators such as bees.

Diane said:

“Honey bees have a much better chance of survival if they are looked after by a beekeeper rather than living in the wild. Diseases and pesticides are always a threat.

“We’ve had three confirmed sighting of Asian hornets in the UK this year – one in Newcastle. The aim of all the associations is to raise awareness of the Asian hornet so if you think you see one, please report it.”

The association’s Swarm Search co-ordinator can be contacted on 07471 784210.

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The Dishforth man who launched a Yorkshire watch company in lockdown

When Dishforth resident Simon Hebb met Chris Holder on their regular train commute from North Yorkshire to London, they discovered a shared passion for watches.

Then in 2020, during lockdown, the two made a decision to launch their own watch company in Yorkshire and The Winton Watch Company was born.

Simon Hebb told the Stray Ferret:

“During lockdown we both stopped travelling and spent more and more time at home.

“I ended up going down an internet worm hole and came across an opportunity to establish our own watch brand at sensible prices.

“It was bit of fun and it’s turned into something more than that.”

Chris Holder and Simon Hebb, founders of The Winton Watch Company

Winton watches began retailing in March 2021. It took time to get the first batch made.

The company currently has four models with a fifth titanium watch due to be launched later this year. The watches are all named after unsung British pioneers including Alexander Winton – a British engineer who was an early car maker in the US.

The watches are automatic, designed in Yarm and hand assembled in Switzerland using off the shelf Swiss watch parts.

Mr Hebb says he wants the watches to be worn and enjoyed – not locked away as an investment. The current models range from £585.00 to £850.00.

Mr Hebb said:

“Establishing a watch brand in England is a challenge. Winton’s aim is to stay small and exclusive – many of the best known watch brands sell millions of watches which erodes exclusivity.”

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The two men are currently focusing on building the Winton brand and selling the watches online.

The one retail outlet where they can be seen is in in Harrogate at the Jewellery Exchange in the Victoria Centre.  Mr Hebb said they wanted a physical presence  “where people can look and feel them.”

John Kirkland who runs the Jewellery Exchange said:

“The Jewellery Exchange is proud to be nominated as a northern stockist and service centre for the Winton Watch Company and sole distributor for their range in Harrogate, Ripon and the surrounding area.

“We look forward to showing this new and exciting British brand’s range of Swiss made exclusive watches to our new and existing clients”

Public asked to “think” before dialling 999 after increased demand

North Yorkshire Police have asked people to “stop and think” before dialling 999 for non-emergencies after a significant increase in demand over the past two days.

The force said a combination of good weather, the start of half term and an influx in visitors to the county have resulted in a rise in calls to its control room.

The advice is to call 999 for an emergency and for non-emergency matters contact the police  through its website or call 101.

If someone accidentally dials 999, the advice is to stay on the line. In a “pocket dial” situation the force said its 999 operator will pass the call to the control room.  The call handlers will then ring the number back to establish whether it is a genuine emergency.

Superintendent Fiona Willey,  head of customer contact said:

“The staff in our Force Control Room are working extremely hard to deal with the increased demand.

“The sunny weather will inevitably lead to more calls so we’re urging the public to consider if their call is necessary and if it’s a non-urgent matter, could it wait until after the weekend.

“It’s also important that members of the public consider which service they need. There are many agencies out there that can offer help and support.

“If it is a genuine emergency then we are here to help. Our staff are trained to triage every call through a threat, risk and harm assessment which leads to that call being prioritised accordingly.”

Further details on how to contact us can be found here. 

Bishop Monkton WW2 veteran gets military surprise on 100th birthday

An army veteran from Bishop Monkton, near Ripon, has received a military-themed surprise on his 100th birthday to thank him for his service during the Second World War.

Family and friends of Ernest Tindall laid on afternoon tea at the local village pub, the Masons Arms, to mark his 100th birthday.

Unknown to Ernest, they had also organised for a group of veterans to join the celebrations and to help him relive his military exploits.

Ernest’s wartime story

Ernest was just 18 when he joined the Army in 1941.

In May 1944 he was involved in the Battle of Monte Cassino, a crucial encounter as the Allies pushed north into Italy towards the end of the Second World War. In December of that year, he was injured in a grenade attack and taken prisoner.

He spent the remainder of the war in a prisoner of war camp in Austria. Ernest served with the 5th Northamptonshire Regiment, now part of the Royal Anglian Regiment.

Ernest was one of 10 children, eight of whom served in and survived the Second World War. Ernie is the last of his siblings still alive.

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At this birthday tea, several ex-servicemen living in the village got together to add a military flavour to the celebrations.

A military historian from the nearby Army Foundation College in Harrogate gave a short talk about the campaigns Ernest was involved in.

The veterans also organised military memorabilia be brought to the celebration, including a new Royal Anglian beret for Ernest.

District to take part in Yorkshire’s first Rewilding Festival

The Harrogate district is to take part in Yorkshire’s first Rewilding Festival to encourage debate about the value of allowing green spaces to grow naturally.

The festival has been organised by the Yorkshire Rewilding Network, a charity that aims to ‘connect, inspire and enable rewilding across Yorkshire’.

Beginning on June 13 there will be a variety of events across the summer which include a day of learning and connection for rewilders, well-being walks and workshops in some of Yorkshire’s most inspiring rewilding sites.  

In the Harrogate district there are activities in High Birstwith, Kirk Hammerton and Summerbridge.

The charity said the idea of a festival was born out of a belief that more is achieved with a message of hope and that bringing people together creates a ‘buzz’ that builds positive momentum.

Samantha Mennell, Yorkshire Rewilding Festival director, said:

“We’re so excited to be launching our first festival, and for us, it’s all about connection.

“Rewilding is always at it strongest when links are being made, whether that’s within landscapes or between people.

“This festival is only possible because of the  new partnerships we’ve made around the region and we’re excited about the amazing chance it gives us to reach out to more diverse audiences and get more people rewilding.”

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‘Rewilding’ The Stray 

In 2021, Harrogate Borough Council sparked a local debate about rewilding when it allowed parts of the Stray to grow naturally.

The council’s parks team left grass verges close to the roadside uncut until late autumn. Some residents welcomed the move, others thought it made the Stray look untidy.

The council then worked with local conservation groups to plant thousands of wildflower plugs between the Empress Roundabout and the Prince of Wales roundabout and down by the railway line.

We are currently in #NoMowMay – a movement started by the charity Plantlife  which calls on all garden owners and green space managers not to mow during May – ‘liberating your lawns and providing a space for nature’.

North Yorkshire Council, which now has responsibility for the Stray’s maintenance, has not gone as far as to stop mowing all public green spaces for a month.

Samatha Mennell said NYC could do more:

“We whole-heartedly agree that the North Yorkshire council should allow public areas to grow wilder as it has a myriad of benefits for biodiversity, carbon draw down and creates cleaner air and water
systems.
“In a setting like Harrogate it can be done in a way that is sensitive to the formal nature of the city centre by mowing borders and paths that complement the aesthetic of the town whilst still increasing the flowers, pollinators and birds that bring so much pleasure to its residents.”
For full information on the Rewilding Festival click here. 

Have you tried to rewild your garden? Or taken part in #NoMowMay? Send us your images and tell us how you’ve found the experience. contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Retailers strike a pose at the Harrogate Fashion Show

Harrogate retailers showed off their collections today in a fashion show designed to celebrate what the town has to offer.

Hundreds of shoppers watched in glorious weather as models walked an open-air catwalk as part of The Harrogate Fashion Show. 

The event was organised by the Harrogate BID and sponsored by The Victoria Shopping Centre. The Stray Ferret has been the media partner.

The day was divided up into different fashion themes – the summer season, upcycling, wedding wear, Harrogate on the high street, activewear and children’s celebration.

Behind the scenes in the shopping centre, dozens of models both professional and volunteers were changing outfits, having their hair styled by Baroque and their make up touched up to make sure they looked absolutely fabulous.

On stage, personal stylist, Anna Spreckley, who works with Hoopers, (below in the red dress) provided the audience with fashion insights and tips.

The catwalk, chairs and big screen were outside the Victoria Shopping Centre

BID manager, Matthew Chapman said he was pleased so many retailers had taken part:

“I think it’s been really, really positive. It’s been twelve weeks in the planning so we’ve delivered it in quite a short space of time. You can see by the numbers today it’s been very positive. There’s lots to celebrate in retail even though the high street is changing.

“It is tough with the cost of living. We at the BID need to support businesses and I feel today’s done that.”

Behind the scenes -Selina and Darcy Skinner get ready to model for Elite Bridal UK

Independent stores such as Hoopers, Bias, Morgan Clare, Infinity & Co and Sophie Likes were joined by high street stores such as M&S, Specsavers, Lush, Sweaty Betty and LK Bennett.

Nick Hubbert, general manager of Hoopers said the store was keen to take part:

“We want to be involved in the community and work with the other retailers to promote the town. Commercially, I want to show all the fabulous products we have in the store and bring in new customers.

“Events like this show people what we’re good at. I think we need to work with our competitors and if people visit Harrogate, see great stores and great customer service, then it will bring them back.”

 

The Upcycling models above all wore outfits found in Harrogate charity stores. Hannah Shackleton from Estate Agents Nicholls Tyreman, wearing the long, gold, sequin dress won the prize for finding the most fabulous outfit.      

Catwalk line up announced for the Harrogate Fashion Show on Saturday

The line up for Saturday’s catwalk fashion show in Harrogate has been announced with a wide range of the town’s stores involved.

The show has been organised by the Harrogate Business Investment District (BID) and is sponsored by the Victoria Shopping Centre. The Stray Ferret is the media partner.

The show, which is free to attend, will celebrate the town’s mix of retail shops, from independents to national chains.

The main activity will take place between 11am and 5pm in the Victoria Shopping Centre piazza area, with a pop-up catwalk as the focal point of the show.

For fashion-lovers who plan to attend the event, here is the running order for the day:

Other retailers in the town will also host unique in-house pop-up experiences on the day, including the following sessions:

James White, Centre Manager of Victoria Shopping Centre, said,

 “We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting the Harrogate Celebration of Fashion on our piazza.

“The fashion show is such a fantastic opportunity to showcase the brilliant retail on offer in Harrogate and support local business, and I am particularly excited that our very own Infinity & Co and Toyland will be featured on the catwalk!”

Matthew Chapman, BID Manager, said:

“This fashion show is a great opportunity to invigorate the Harrogate high street and present the opportunity for retailers to express themselves and their collections.

“It promises to be a brilliant fun-packed day and we hope that everyone who gets chance to take part or spectate, enjoys the event!”

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate kitchen retailer Harvey George offers Westmorland showroom space

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is after-work drinks at Manahatta, on May 25th at 5:30.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Harrogate based Kitchen and bathroom furniture maker, Harvey George, is to showcase Westmorland products – after the sheepskin retailer announced it was closing its store in the centre of town.

Westmorland Sheepskins said it would be no longer trading from its shop on Montpellier after failing to agree terms for a new lease on the unit.  The company said it would be continuing to trade online.

Now Harvey George’s owners have offered free space to promote Westmorland products in their showroom on Hookstone Park.

The company said it was keen to keep Harrogate’s independent retailers going and especially keen to support another Yorkshire made business like themselves.

Sophie Griffiths, Finance Director of Harvey George said:

“We are delighted to welcome Westmorland and their gorgeous soft furnishings into the Harvey George home”.

Dominique Heaton of Westmorland said:

“It’s lovely to still be part of the Harrogate retail story at the lovely new Harvey George space!”

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The Great Holiday Home Show will be held for the first time at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate this September.

The show will include the latest models of holiday homes, caravans, motorhomes and all aspects of life exploring the great outdoors.

TV presenter Matt Baker MBE will be live on the Great Holiday Home Stage chatting to Christine Talbot.

Richard Jones, Show Chairman, said:

“We are very excited to have Matt at the show this year talking about his love of the great outdoors. Now more than ever, many people are choosing to have a holiday home and we look forward to welcoming them to Harrogate in September for a spectacular show.”

Tickets for the Great Holiday Home Show held at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate for 3 days from Friday 8th September to Sunday 10th September 2023 are on sale now.