Seven coronavirus cases have been reported today in the Harrogate district by Public Health England.
The figure is an increase on yesterday’s five cases and takes the district’s total since the start of the pandemic to 7,608.
The seven-day average rate of infection now stands at 19 per 100,000 people in the district.
The North Yorkshire seven-day average is 22 and the England average is 27.
No further covid deaths have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital. The total since the start of the pandemic remains at 179.
Read more:
- Five covid cases reported in the Harrogate district
- First covid death at Harrogate hospital in nearly two weeks
In other covid news today, North Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Charlotte Bloxham revealed at this morning’s North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum press briefing that officers issued no fines for covid breaches in the Harrogate district in the past week.
Meanwhile, 25 pharmacies in the Harrogate district have signed up to become collection points for free rapid lateral flow tests and more are expected to come on stream in the coming days.
Upset and anger at plans to remove MP’s memorial tree at Menwith HillFormer Labour MP Ann Cryer has said she is “very upset” at plans to remove a memorial tree dedicated to her late husband at an entrance of RAF Menwith Hill in Nidderdale.
Bob Cryer, who was the Labour MP for Bradford South, died in a car accident in 1994.
He campaigned for transparency at Menwith Hill and secured a debate in parliament a few months before he died when he claimed the aim of the base was to “assert and retain United States supremacy”.
The Ministry of Defence, which owns the site, has submitted plans to Harrogate Borough Council to add a new visitor centre, vehicle canopy and changes to the road junction on Menwith Hill Road.
However, this would involve removing the alder tree planted and dedicated to Mr Cryer in 1994. The tree is planted alongside the public highway and is not owned by the MOD.
Ms Cryer, who was MP for Keighley from 1997 until 2010, told the Stray Ferret the plans to remove the tree were “very worrying”.
Former MP Ann Cryer. Credit: the BBC
She said:
“I feel quite hurt that they would disregard something like this. If they are removing the tree you would think someone would contact me. I am very upset and would like a response and an apology from the people at the base.
“It’s not just about the tree, it’s about the people that lie behind it.”
Originally positioned to the east of the entrance, the tree was dug up when new slip roads were incorporated. It was replanted and rededicated by Ms Cryer in October 2002.
‘A mockery of defence’
There are now at least 38 ‘golf balls’ at the site.
Built in the 1950s on the edge of Nidderdale, Menwith Hill is the United States’ largest overseas surveillance base. Giant radomes, or ‘golf balls’, are a distinctive feature of the site.
There have been several applications in recent years to expand the base and add more golf balls. Each time, the MOD says expansion is needed for security and defence reasons, which Ms Cryer questioned.
She said:
“Menwith Hill makes a mockery of defence and is an appalling breach of our democracy.
“It’s always been the source of anxiety for myself and others. Why do they need to expand?”
“Bob was so cross that a beautiful part of England has been used in this way.”
Read more:
- Menwith Hill to expand with new ‘golf ball’
- Campaigners to protest against Menwith Hill on Independence Day
Sarah Swift, from the Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign group, has objected to Harrogate Borough Council about the plans to remove the tree.
As part of the planning application, the MOD commissioned a tree survey that did not recognise the significance of the memorial tree and placed it in the ‘C category’, which it described as being of ‘low quality and value’.
Ms Swift also told the Stray Ferret that several plaques that were attached to the tree have been mysteriously removed in recent years.
She added:
“Bob Cryer was tireless in his efforts to bring public and parliamentary scrutiny to the activities of Menwith Hill.”
When the tree was replanted in 2002, and an image of the now missing plaque. Credit: Alastair Hurley
A Harrogate Borough Council spokesman said:
“We are working with our colleagues in the arboriculture team, and applicant, to find a solution for the memorial tree at Menwith Hill.”
An MOD spokesperson said:
‘I’m moving my family from Bilton due to anti-social behaviour’“Planning matters are a matter for the local authority who will make a decision on the Menwith Hill application in due course.
“Nevertheless, the MOD have been made aware of some concerns raised by a member of the public and as a matter of course will be looking into them, however, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
A family has told the Stray Ferret that crime in Bilton has got so bad they are planning to move away from the area.
Last week we reported a growing fear of crime in the Harrogate suburb after a girl was assaulted.
Now one family member, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of having their property damaged, has said things have become so bad they want to leave.
The person said they had witnessed graffiti, arson and drug dealing and felt “at the mercy of luck” about being victims of crime themselves.
They added the area now has “too many unsavoury characters and not enough police presence”:
“The church is a hangout for drinkers and older kids day and night. I’ve watched many acts of vandalism such as graffiti, bottles being smashed, things set on fire and gates kicked in. When I’ve been able to reach the police nobody ever comes despite the offenders hanging around here for hours.
“Drug dealing occurs regularly outside the shops, my neighbours car was stolen, my neighbour was also mugged in the alley by the Co-op so I never let my kids walk that way now.
“Every morning I check my car to see if it has fallen victim to having the tyres slashed or paint thrown over it as many residents have had. Now there are reports of potential dog snatching so we have had to stop letting ours go in our yard unattended.”
They also said efforts to create a neighbourhood watch group had failed:
“At times it has been really stressful living here and we feel we are purely at the mercy of luck. A neighbourhood watch was set up two years ago but only a handful of us went to the meeting and I’ve heard nothing since.
“We plan to leave before summer, which is the worst time for us with drunk kids hanging outside in groups all night.”
Read More:
- Bilton residents frightened to leave homes due to anti-social behaviour
- Girl assaulted by teenagers in Bilton
In a statement, North Yorkshire Police said:
Bilton by-election: every candidate announced“Over the past 100 days, antisocial behaviour in the Bilton area has accounted for around five percent of all antisocial behaviour reported across the Harrogate district. The majority of these reports are potential breaches of covid regulations.
“Any amount of antisocial behaviour ruins the quality of life for local people and can escalate. So it is vitally important that members of the public report incidents to us, so that we aware of them and can take action.
“The area has its own beat manager and local police community support officers who carry out regular patrols of the area and also work closely with the local Safer Harrogate community safety partnership.
“We urge members of the public to report incidents to us on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report incidents online at Report it – North Yorkshire Police | North Yorkshire Police”
All the candidates have been named for the Bilton & Nidd Gorge county council by-election on May 6.
The election is taking place following the death of Liberal Democrat Geoff Webber.
The six candidates are all hoping to join Conservative Paul Haslam as the second North Yorkshire County Council councillor for the ward.
The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Yorkshire Party all said on Friday that they would pause campaigning as a mark of respect for Prince Phillip.
The candidates are below:
Liberal Democrats
Andrew Kempston-Parkes has previously served as a councillor for Bilton on Harrogate Borough Council. He is a local businessman and is the managing director of a chartered surveying firm.
He said:
“The Bilton & Nidd Gorge division is a very special community to me. As Bilton’s councillor, I worked hard to not only protect green space, but also to invest in it.”
Conservatives
Cllr Matt Scott has represented the Bilton Woodfield ward on Harrogate Borough Council since 2018 and works in Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones’ office. He has lived in Bilton all his life.
He said:
“I will work hard to ensure we continue to have great schools, safe neighbourhoods and that our valuable green spaces remain untouched.”
Harrogate & District Green Party
Arnold Warneken was a Green HBC councillor in the 1990s and went to school in Bilton. He is a partner in an organic horticulture & food distribution business.
He said:
“Local councils must have our climate in mind as we build the economy back after Covid.”
Labour
Tyler Reeton is the youngest candidate at 19 years old and lives in Bilton. He works in retail and recently set up a community Facebook page for the Bilton area.
He said:
“I’m young but it doesn’t mean I have any less passion for the area.”
Yorkshire Party
John Hall has lived in Yorkshire all his life and moved to the Harrogate area over 6 years ago.
He said:
“Unfortunately, the party does not yet have a Biltonian which I appreciate would have been an advantage. So I have a lot of catching up to do. However, if elected this will be easily overcome by working closely with the community.”
Independent
Harvey Alexander is standing as an independent. He contested the Bilton Woodfield HBC seat for UKIP in 2018.
Read more:
- Bilton residents frightened to leave homes due to anti-social behaviour
- Bilton by-election on May 6 after death of councillor
The Conservative-controlled county council currently has 53 Conservative councillors, four Labour councillors and four representing the Liberal Democrats. There are also eight North Yorkshire Independent and three independent councillors.
When the Bilton & Nidd Gorge seat was last run in 2017, Conservative Paul Haslam and Liberal Democrat Geoff Webber won the ward’s two seats with 1,618 and 1,414 votes respectively.
Liberal Democrat Mark McDermid came third with 1,285 votes and Conservative Graham Swift was fourth with 1,207 votes.
District churches paying respects to Prince Philip todaySeveral churches in the Harrogate district will be paying their respects to Prince Philip today.
St. Peter’s C of E Church on Cambridge Road in Harrogate will be open for private prayer from 11am to 1pm.
St Wilfred’s Anglican Church on Duchy Road will remember Prince Philip at Parish Mass at 10am which will be live-streamed on Facebook.
St Mark’s Church on Leeds Road has opened a book of condolences at the church. If you don’t want to visit in person, please email office@smch.org.uk with your tribute.
Ripon Cathedral has opened up an online book of condolences. It can be accessed via riponcathedral.org.uk.
Read more:
Yesterday, The Bishop of Ripon, Rt. Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, wrote a piece for the Stray Ferret that reflected on Prince Philip’s service to the nation and her experience of taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
She wrote:
Image gallery: Harrogate pays its respects to Prince Phillip“HRH Prince Philip will perhaps best be remembered for his unwavering support of Her Majesty the Queen. Married for 73 years (that’s amazing in itself), their lives witnessed so many ups and downs in global life: their constancy something of a foundational soundtrack to our own nation’s challenges and joys.”
Union Jack flags across the Harrogate district have been flown at half-mast today as a mark of respect for Prince Philip.
These include at the Army Foundation College on Pennypot Lane and Harrogate Borough Council’s offices on Knapping Mount.
Harrogate Town players also observed a minute’s silence before their game away at Bolton Wanderers this afternoon.
Harrogate Borough Council’s Civic Centre.
The Army Foundation College
Burnt Yates
Ripley
North Yorkshire County Council
Harrogate Town players observed a minutes silence in Bolton this afternoon. Credit – Matt Kirkham
Just one positive covid case has been reported in the Harrogate district today.
There have also now been no covid-related deaths at Harrogate District Hospital for 11 days, according to NHS England data.
Currently, the number of covid-positive patients who have died at the hospital since last March stands at 178.
Meanwhile, the district’s seven-day covid rate stands at 14.3 cases per 100,000 people. The England average is 27.9.
Read more:
The Stray Ferret visited the new covid vaccination centre in Pateley Bridge this morning.
The site at the Pateley Bridge and Bewerley Memorial Hall opened today and has the potential to vaccinate up to 400 people a day.
Proud Nidderdale resident Phil White said “it means everything” to have a vaccination site near to his home in Dacre — and even walked the five miles in the sunshine to get his second jab.
He said:
Image gallery: Prince Philip in the Harrogate district through the years“I’ve walked it here and it took two and a quarter hours too. It’s a bit of exercise in the beautiful weather and countryside and I’ve been well looked after here. It’s been superb. Nidderdale is the best place on Earth!”
The Duke of Edinburgh had a long association with the Harrogate district and made several visits over many decades.
These included a visit to the Majestic Hotel in 1949 with the future Queen, and a trip to the newly constructed Conference Centre in 1982.
Thanks to local historian Malcolm Neesam for providing us with some of these images.
Did you ever meet Prince Philip during one of his visits or through the Duke of Edinburgh awards? Get in touch at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip at the Majestic Hotel in 1949. Credit: Walker-Neesam archive
Visiting Harrogate Railway Station on July 10 1957 with the Queen. Credit: Walker-Neesam archive.
The Duke of Edinburgh at the Conference Centre on March 26, 1982. Credit: Walker-Neesam archive.
Visiting Knaresborough’s Working Men’s Club in 1998. Credit – the BBC.
The Queen and Prince Philip in Ripon in 2004 commemorating the 400th anniversary of the city’s royal charter.
Prince Philip and the Queen at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2008.
Read more:
- Tributes from across the Harrogate district paid to Prince Philip
- Column: A marriage that provided constancy through our challenges and joys
‘It’s been superb’: Nidderdale welcomes Pateley Bridge vaccination centre
The new Pateley Bridge covid vaccination centre is set to be a vital lifeline to the people of Nidderdale.
The site at the Pateley Bridge and Bewerley Memorial Hall opened today and has the potential to vaccinate up to 400 people a day. The Stray Ferret visited to speak to some of the staff and volunteers, as well as those excited to receive their jab.
Pharmacist Samina Khan owns Pateley Bridge Pharmacy which is running the site. She said prior to the vaccine centre opening, her patients have had to travel to the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate or Ripon Racecourse, which isn’t always easy.
She said:
“Most of our patients are elderly who’ve had to rely on public transport or Nidderdale Plus to take them. Some have had to use taxis which cost a £60 round trip, or asked children to come over to take them”.
‘A huge difference’
Her comments were echoed by Pateley Bridge GP Lewis Caplin who helped set up the site with Samina. He said he knows of two people who have avoided taking the vaccine because they didn’t want to travel a long distance.
From Pateley Bridge, it’s a 26 mile round trip to the Great Yorkshire Showground site.
He said:
“It’s made a huge difference for those people to walk around the corner and get their vaccine.”
Read more:
- Nidderdale minibus helps rural people get vaccines
- Knaresborough man buys famous Pateley Bridge sweet shop
The Pateley Bridge and Bewerley Memorial Hall on Park Road
Andrew Cockroft is from the Nidderdale Plus community hub. He said over 100 local volunteers have risen to the challenge to help residents get vaccinated at Pateley Bridge as well as in Harrogate and Ripon.
He added:
“All the volunteers are keen to see centres open up that have less of a journey. What Samina has done with Lewis to set it up has been a lot of work. It’s terrific to see people come from around the corner to get their jabs.”
‘The best place on Earth’
Proud Nidderdale resident Phil White said “it means everything” to have a vaccination site near to his home in Dacre — and even walked the five miles in the sunshine to get his second jab.
He said:
Column: A marriage that provided constancy through our challenges and joys“I’ve walked it here and it took two and a quarter hours too. It’s a bit of exercise in the beautiful weather and countryside and I’ve been well looked after here. It’s been superb. Nidderdale is the best place on Earth!”
This column is written for the Stray Ferret by the Bishop of Ripon The Rt. Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, who reflects on the life of Prince Philip, his service to the nation and her experience of taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme:
When I heard the news of the death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh my mind was immediately taken back to my schooldays, and to the overnight expedition I took part in as part of my bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.
I am sure I am not alone in having such a memory. These were definitely pre-internet days: myself and two friends had a map, a compass, and a carefully planned-out route.
We tramped through fields and forests, and set up our tent for the night in a field behind a pub somewhere in County Durham.
The Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley
Thankfully it didn’t rain! Corned beef hash was on the menu for dinner, and funnily enough I don’t think I’ve tried it since, which probably says less about my cooking skills aged 16 and more about developing food tastes as an adult!
Countless numbers of young people were pushed, challenged and in some cases saved by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
I read an article online following the Duke’s death, in which two men very much attributed the Award to setting them on the right path in life. Maybe you have your own stories of taking part in expeditions, volunteering, learning a new skill?
HRH Prince Philip will perhaps best be remembered for his unwavering support of Her Majesty the Queen. Married for 73 years (that’s amazing in itself), their lives witnessed so many ups and downs in global life: their constancy something of a foundational soundtrack to our own nation’s challenges and joys.
To live a life so much in the public eye, and at the same time to forge an identity filled with commitment to so many good causes: it’s hard to sum it up or do it justice in just a few paragraphs.
Read more:
HRH Prince Philip’s interest in the environment, sport, the armed forces (let’s not forget his own naval career), in agriculture and farming, to name but a few topics he was devoted to were in many ways commitments that underpinned so much of the uniqueness of our United Kingdom.
He will be remembered most of all however for a life lived in service and support of our Queen, our country, and the Commonwealth family of nations. We salute and give thanks for him, and our love and prayers are with Her Majesty and all the Royal Family.
- An online book of condolences opened by the Church of England can be accessed via riponcathedral.org.uk