Vicky Carr, Author at The Stray Ferret

Weather warning for Harrogate district as cold snap looms

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for snow and ice across parts of the Harrogate district next week.

The yellow warning, lasting throughout Monday and Tuesday, comes as temperatures are predicted to drop below freezing over night.

Issuing the warning, the Met Office said:

“Snow showers are likely to cause some disruption to travel with a small chance of more widespread disruption for some.

“There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel. There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off [and] a small chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

“There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.”

Rural areas in the north and east of the Harrogate district could see temperatures down to -4C at night, while daytime temperatures are likely to be below 6C.

https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1631604769587437568

Meanwhile, Yorkshire Water has advised residents to lag pipes that might become frozen if exposed to low temperatures, using foam insulation.

Emily Brady from Yorkshire Water said:

“Check for pipes, taps, cisterns, tanks and water meters in unheated areas that might be exposed to the cold. When you’ve found them, cut a piece of lagging to size and clip it on. If you’ve got some cable ties handy, pop a couple on to keep it secure.

“This will also help insulate your hot water system and could save you money on bills. You can also protect your outdoor taps with a tap cover to stop them freezing.

“If you turn your tap on to find no water, you might have a frozen pipe. First, check all exposed pipes for any leaks or bursts, if you can’t see anything then turn the tap on at your kitchen sink and heat the pipe with a hairdryer. Never ever use a naked flame to defrost a pipe.

“If a pipe has burst then turn your water off at the stop tap to minimise damage and water loss.”

Anyone who would be particularly vulnerable during water supply problems can join Yorkshire Water’s priority services register.

The Stray Ferret will have all the news of road conditions, school closures and more if the weather impacts on local services. Keep checking our website and social media channels for the latest updates.

Dancing through the night to support Harrogate charity

A town centre cafe in Harrogate will be transformed into a dancehall for one night only this weekend.

Artizan Cafe and Creative Space on Cambridge Road is organising a danceathon to launch its new crowdfunding campaign.

The money raised will help to fund more events for its differently able members.

Liz Cluderay, UK programmes officer for Artizan International, said:

“This event is created by the team at the cafe themselves, which is pretty awesome when you’re running a charity.

“They wanted to do something that would involve our members being able to attend as well.

“It’s based in the cafe — somewhere our members know and feel comfortable. It’s starting at 6pm, so the cafe is closed but it’s still an early enough time for our members to be able to attend.”

In the run-up to the event this week, the Artizan team arrived at the cafe on Thursday morning to discover the window had been broken during the night.

However, they said the damage will not affect the danceathon, which is going ahead as planned.

To help keep a steady flow of dancers through the evening, participants are asked to book a time slot for their arrival.

Volunteers and team members from Artizan are preparing to be there into the early hours of Sunday, as long as the dancers want to continue.

Local instructor Colin Frith will lead the dancing for part of the evening, bringing some members of CMF Dance with him.

It is the first big event for Artizan since it opened the cafe last January. Liz said the last 14 months have been more successful than they ever expected:

“It has been incredible. It has far exceeded our expectation.

“Harrogate has welcomed us with open arms. The cafe is really well-attended and people are very supportive of what we’re doing here.

“We’re managing to reach a lot of disabled adults who we’re trying to help. We just need to keep it going.”

Artizan is hoping to raise £5,000 through its crowdfunder, and has rewards on offer to supporters. Click here to find out more.

New head sought for Harrogate infant school

An infant school in Harrogate is seeking a new leader to replace its outgoing headteacher.

Zoe Anderson, who has been at Oatlands Infant School since 2018, is moving away from the area and the school is now looking for its next head.

In a job description posted on its website, the school said:

“Our outgoing headteacher has built a high-performing, popular and purposeful school, which offers a very exciting prospect for her successor.

“You’ll join a school in great health, with strong systems, a thriving culture, and shared expectations of support and accountability.”

A website set up to recruit the new head describes the school as being “in an enviable position to embark on our next chapter with excitement and curiosity”.

It refers to the challenges of finance and says the school does not want to compromise its standards because of stretched budgets.

The site also refers to the next Ofsted inspection being “likely before the end of this academic year” – the last, in 2013, rated the school ‘outstanding’ – and says the new head would lead the response to its outcomes.

Oatlands Infant School is part of the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, along with six other primary schools in the Harrogate district and one in Skipton, and St Aidan’s Church of England High School.

The school was last month awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark, recognising its work to be inclusive of people regardless of their background.

Deputy headteacher Kathryn Haddon said Mrs Anderson had made a “significant impact” since she joined the school.

She particularly highlighted improvements to the school building, including a new reception area, and developing stronger links with Oatlands Junior School.

She also said Mrs Anderson had developed the school’s vision of ‘Nurtured + Inspired = Happy’ and had delivered a legacy of wellbeing for staff, children and their families.

Miss Haddon added:

“On a personal note, I will miss her wisdom, guidance and friendship. I speak on behalf of everyone here at Oatlands Infant School in wishing her the very best as she sets off on a new and exciting adventure on the Isle of Skye.”

Stunning crocus displays in Harrogate thanks to planting by volunteers

There may be snow in the forecast, but Harrogate’s Stray is proving that spring is certainly on the way.

A sea of white, shades of purple, and splashes of yellow is carpeting the edges of the Stray as the district braces for a predicted cold snap next week.

Harrogate is well-known for its impressive display of thousands of crocuses each spring – many of them planted in recent years by local volunteers.

Bilton Conservation Group was one of several organisations to help plant the bulbs almost three years ago, along with Horticap and Open Country, in a project organised by Harrogate Borough Council.

Bilton Conservation Group chairman Keith Wilkinson said:

“It’s great news that they’re doing so well this year. It was a good turn-out on the day of the planting.

“The mixture we put in was the Harrogate mix — the pale, white with the vertical purple stripe. It was a special commission from Holland.”

The displays have improved in the years since the bulbs were planted in autumn 2020, and are likely to increase further in future as they self-divide.

Visitors have been enjoying the scene this week as the crocuses get into full bloom.

Young Emma, who turns two on Sunday (pictured above), was staying in Harrogate for a few days with her parents and took the opportunity to explore the flowers – and pose for photos.

Picket lines across Harrogate district as teachers’ strikes continue

Teachers across the Harrogate district left the classrooms today as part of a series of national strikes organised by the National Education Union.

This morning, picket lines were seen outside schools including Harrogate High and Springwater in Starbeck.

Teachers from Rossett Acre Primary School formed a picket on Pannal Ash Road and received support from several passing motorists.

Year 6 teacher Timothy Marshall told the Stray Ferret the North Yorkshire secretary of the NEU had joined the picket first thing, and all the teachers were going to an official march in Leeds this afternoon.

He said:

“We were all a bit scared to be here at first, but we’re proud of what we do. We love our jobs and work incredibly hard.

“If you don’t pay teachers fairly, you have over-worked, unhappy teachers.

“I scrape to the end of the month every month, and my partner and I work full-time. I’m in a respected profession.

“Strike action is the last resort. Nobody wants to strike. I can’d afford to lose £300 this month, but that’s why I’m striking.”

A picket line outside Harrogate High School today

Mr Marshall said two non-union teachers had refused to cross the picket line this morning and five members of school support staff had joined the protest in solidarity as well.

He said he and his colleagues were striking not just to protest against a real-terms pay cut of up to 10% in recent years, but also to call for better working conditions and funding for schools.

Asked whether the strike action was justified when it resulted in more disruption for children’s education, he said:

“I would say taking the money out of school budgets impacts them more.

“I’m a teacher who needs resources. If we have to sit in assembly with the lights off, which we do, and in the staff room with the lights off, which we do, you can’t tell me this action is what is impacting schools.”

Rossett Acre Primary School is part of the Red Kite Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust with 13 member schools across North and West Yorkshire.

Its chief executive, Richard Sheriff, said many schools were taking steps to cut their fuel consumption and reduce bills, which he viewed as a sensible move amid a cost-of-living crisis. He said:

“No doubt schools are making every effort both in our trust and in every single part of the country to reduce bills.

“It’s good to hear they are making every effort to not use lights unnecessarily – the same as I do in my office.”

As a former president of the Association of School and College Leaders, he said he worked closely with unions to ensure conditions and benefits for staff were the best they could be.

However, he said, issues of funding for education were for the treasury and department for education. He added, as leader of RKLT, he was doing all he could to push the government for “fair and better funding for schools and our young people”.

Meet the man aiming to restore pride and ambition at Rossett School

Taking on your first headteacher role would be a daunting prospect for any aspiring leader.

Doing so at a time of significant change and challenge in the school’s history would cause many to think twice.

Not so Pete Saunders.

The geography teacher has stepped into the top job at Rossett School on the back of a difficult time: the departure of former head Helen Woodcock, a critical Ofsted report that failed to improve on its ‘requires improvement’ rating, and questions over discipline in the school.

Nevertheless, he is ambitious about the school’s future.

“We want it to be a place of excellence, a place your children come to and they experience excellence in everything they do. We definitely have the raw materials for that.”

Mr Saunders is an experienced assistant and deputy head. Having studied at Durham University, he trained and began his career in London, and has spent 10 of his 14 teaching years in senior leadership roles.

He moved to Harrogate five years ago, returning close to his roots: he is a former pupil of Ripon Grammar School, where his father was an assistant headteacher.

Mr Saunders has been acting head at Rossett since January and says there has already been rapid progress since Ofsted visited before Christmas.

“Last half term we achieved a lot. We put a lot of focus on behaviour and attitudes – getting the basics right. That’s an on-going thing, it doesn’t get solved straight away.

“It’s a minority of children and they do face significant challenges. We have to work with them – it’s not a quick fix. Rossett is a very inclusive school and tries to support children no matter what their start in life has been.

“It’s very important to establish high standards. What we have been doing is raising the bar of the expectations. That applies to all children, not just that group.

“It’s being proud of the school you come to, wearing your uniform with pride, those sorts of things.”

As well as concerns over discipline, inspectors identified shortfalls in leadership and management, which Mr Saunders says were rectified “the day after the inspection”.

Despite the headline-grabbing problems, he believes there is much to be proud of in the report, and at Rossett more generally.

He cites the strength of the curriculum and teaching, the support for students to reach their potential, whatever that is, and the strong links with the community, as among the school’s strengths.

His favourite moments are the end-of-term presentations, when students are rewarded for their achievements. Mr Saunders describes seeing them cheer for their classmates and celebrate each other as “heartwarming”.

Rossett has the unusual assets on site of a thriving community sports centre and a huge adult education centre welcoming thousands of students through its doors each year.

Both of those are performing well, growing their numbers again after the challenges of the pandemic.

Covid is also behind a lot of the problems cited by Ofsted, Mr Saunders says.

“Some of the behaviours that the minority are displaying have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Some of the children in years 7 and 8 didn’t get an end to their primary school and it’s a key time for socialising.

“We’re teaching social norms as well as teaching the curriculum of subjects. We’re looking at how to do that most effectively, not just assuming children know how to do it.

“Nationally, there has been a huge downturn in attendance at school, especially for disadvantaged students. The impact on some parents’ perceptions of the importance of attendance has been quite big.

“We’re working with families to ensure they know how important it is and what the gaps will do to their child’s progress.”

As well as internal changes to address its challenges, Rossett is considering a fundamental shift: joining the Red Kite Learning Trust.

The multi-academy trust includes 13 schools from North and West Yorkshire. Harrogate Grammar School, Rossett Acre Primary School and Western Primary School – all within striking distance – are already part of the family.

Its chief executive, Richard Sheriff, is full of enthusiasm about the prospect of welcoming Rossett School into the fold. He says he will be working closely with the school over the coming months:

“We hope by working together, we can do more for young people.

“It’s not an exclusive club: it’s great to work with St John Fisher, Harrogate High and St Aidan’s too. It’s about Harrogate working as one.

“Harrogate is a community. There has been too much in the past about being divisive. That’s not the way we work in education. We work in the service of children.”

Pete Saunders, left, and Richard Sheriff

If it goes ahead, any move for Rossett to join Red Kite would not take effect until September – at the same time as a new permanent head should be beginning work.

While Mr Saunders has an eye on that opportunity, he says his priority is doing what is right by the school and its students.

“I’ve got a fantastic team of staff. Absolutely everyone has risen to the challenge. They want the best for the children here.”

He hopes those principles, determination and hard work will reassure current parents and those considering Rossett for their children in future.

“If I’m the head from September, we will not accept anything less than excellence. Parents can be confident I will not settle for anything that’s not as good as, or better than, other schools in this local area.

“We will take a real interest in your child and help them develop who they are.”

Police tackling Ripon anti-social behaviour call for more reports

Police have urged Ripon residents to report all anti-social behaviour amid a rise in problems with youths in the city.

North Yorkshire Police has asked members of the public to ensure all concerns are reported via the force website or its non-emergency 101 number.

A spokesperson said:

“Our Ripon officers are aware of a small number of recent incidents involving youths acting in an anti-social manner.

“These incidents have been in the Aismunderby Road and Ambrose Road areas, and the area around the Jack Laugher Leisure Centre and nearby skate park.”

The force said it has been making enquiries and identified suspects in order for officers to take action.

In the meantime, it is calling for all incidents to be added to its log.

The spokesperson reminded people to call 999 in an emergency.

Fruit and veg shop to move to Harlow Hill after 50 years in Harrogate

A familiar fruit and vegetable brand in Harrogate for more than 50 years is set to move to a new home next month.

Regal Fruiterers will leave its King’s Road home to take over a vacant shop at 137 Otley Road.

Peter and Dawn Weatherhead, who have run the business for the last 21 years, said they would take their two part-time staff with them when they move.

Mr Weatherhead told the Stray Ferret:

“We’re closing the shop on King’s Road on Saturday, March 18, the day before Mother’s Day.

“We’re then reopening on Harlow Hill on Friday, March 24.

“Regal has been in Harrogate for over 50 years and we’re excited to be writing a new chapter.”

The unit has been a fruit and veg shop for the last few years, first set up by Shepherd’s Dog landlords Mike and Donna Schofield.

They took on the shop after running a stall outside the pub during covid and realising the level of demand in the area. They decided to end the project in autumn 2021 and focus on the pub.

In early 2022, the shop was reopened by Ilkley-based Wharfedale Fruit and Veg, which ran the shop until last October, when it was taken on by The Village Greengrocer.

However, residents took to social media to express frustration that the shop was not always open as expected, and it has since closed for good.

Mr Weatherhead said he hoped there would be a warm welcome from the community when Regal opens its doors in four weeks’ time.

“A lot of our customers live up in the Harlow Hill area anyway, and a lot of the customers we have spoken to on King’s Road have said they’ll follow us up there.

“I’ve introduced myself to the shop owners and had a very warm welcome. It’s all good news.”

The shop will be open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, offering Regal’s range of fresh local produce and cooking ingredients.

Murder investigation declared after Harrogate teenager dies

Police today confirmed that a teenager has died following an incident in Harrogate in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The victim, who was 17, died in hospital after being found with “significant injuries” when police attended a property in Claro Road at about 12.15am.

North Yorkshire Police said today the person had died but did not name him.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared before York Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with attempted murder.

The boy, who was remanded into youth custody, is due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on March 14.

But in an update today, Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox, head of North Yorkshire Police’s major investigation team, said the 18-year-old had now died: He said:

“North Yorkshire Police are, sadly, able to confirm that the teenage boy who was seriously injured in an incident at Claro Road, Harrogate, in the early hours of Sunday 19 February, died in hospital on the afternoon of Tuesday 21 February 2023.

“I can now confirm that the enquiry has been declared a murder investigation. North Yorkshire Police will not, at this stage, be taking steps to name the victim, however, our thoughts are very much with his family and friends.

“A large enquiry team has been formed to progress the investigation, this includes specialist officers who will offer support to the victim’s family.”

Social media plea

Det Supt Fox added:

“I am aware that that significant information is being shared on various social media platforms, I would ask members of the public to respect the privacy of affected family members and refrain from speculating on the personal information of the victim at this difficult time.

“A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with attempted murder on Monday 20 February and appeared in court on Tuesday 21 February. He was remanded in custody to appear again on 14 March.

“This is a live enquiry and I would remind the public that any form of shared rumour or speculation may have a significant impact on future criminal justice processes.”

Bridal company to open boutique on Harrogate’s West Park

A new bridal shop is set to open on West Park as a Yorkshire business expands into Harrogate.

Elite Bridal is run by mother-and-daughter duo Joanne and Holly-Ann Wilson and already has boutiques in Brighouse and Hessle, as well as outlets in Castleford and Hull.

The new Harrogate boutique is expected to open in the former Orvis unit in the coming weeks.

Holly-Ann, the company’s retail director, told the Stray Ferret:

“We often visit Harrogate for weekends away: a little trip to Bettys for afternoon tea and a stroll round the town, but our love for Harrogate started many years ago when I was a little girl.

“My mum Joanne would take me to the bridal exhibition twice a year where we would do our buying for the year ahead. Over the last 10 years we have moved towards designing our own collections in house in Yorkshire and overseas and we now proudly exhibit as a wholesaler at the shows rather than visiting for trade.

“We have expanded our business in the last five years and doubled in size and Harrogate was one of our desired locations. When Joanne saw it, she knew it was hers. Destiny had arrived and now it’s finally happening.”

One of Elite Bridal’s other boutiques

Holly said she and chief executive Joanne focus on having thousands of designs available in their boutiques, with a range of sizes for brides to try on rather than just samples.

They plan to offer a luxury experience in the boutique, from selecting the right gown to having designs and alterations completed in-house.

The company, founded in 2003, will create up to four part-time and full-time jobs at the new Harrogate store.

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Social media plea

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