A free drama class will use common experiences to unite the generations in Harrogate this month.

The Cuttings extra care apartments in Starbeck will welcome pre-school children to take part in the new drama class run by a familiar face around the Harrogate district.

Ami Stott is running the event, on February 13, through her new venture, Stardust Drama. The free class will see young and old unite to explore the weather theme, with storytelling and music to guide them through.

Ami said:

“I had already formed a link with The Cuttings before covid and it was amazing to take classes there.

“Then covid struck and that stopped everything. They weren’t able to have groups coming in for a long time, but they’ve been wanting me to come back for a while.

“It’s brilliant for the residents. It’s new faces, it helps combat loneliness and it just brings a bit of joy to their days.

“For the children, there’s no fear at that age. As children grow up, they can become nervous of elderly people and it’s if you get these activities form a younger age, hopefully you can avoid that.”

Taking “great British weather” as a universal theme, the session will use drama and imaginative play to take participants from a trip to the beach to a storm and into snow.

Familiar songs and stories will help residents to recall trips to the seaside and they will be able to join in the action from the comfort of their own seats.

Ami said she hopes the event, which has already sold out, will become a monthly fixture in the calendar at The Cuttings.

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Meanwhile, Ami is also launching weekly drama classes for children aged between two and four.

Taking place at Oatlands Community Centre on Wednesdays and Elim Pentecostal Church on Park View on Thursdays, they aim to encourage children to develop a range of abilities, including theatre skills, confidence and making friends.

Ami, who trained in drama and arts education at Bretton Hall, was previously head of drama at Heckmondwike Grammar School for seven years, before leaving teaching to raise her children.

She has since led classes for other baby and children’s groups around the Harrogate district. Stardust Drama is her first solo venture, and classes begin at the start of March.

Ami said:

“I am so excited, I just want to get started now. The themes of each week will link to national events, so we’ll be starting with one on World Book Day and exploring We’re Going On a Bear Hunt.

“We’ve got a mascot, TaDa the Star, and I’m absolutely loving creating all the lesson plans and getting ready to deliver the classes in the way that benefits the children the most. That’s where my passion lies.”

Two men have been interviewed under caution after a collision in Harrogate yesterday that left two teenagers in hospital.

The men, both aged in their 40s, were the drivers of the Ford Ranger van that collided with a wall on Yew Tree Lane, and of the Vauxhall Astra also involved in the incident.

Both had remained at the scene yesterday to help police with their investigations, along with the driver of a Ford Fiesta, who has not been interviewed under caution.

The two 15-year-old boys who were injured remain in hospital today, North Yorkshire Police has confirmed.

A spokesperson for the force said:

“Officers investigating the collision are continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision or who has a dashcam and was travelling in the area around the time of the collision to come forward.

“Members of the public should contact 101 and quote reference number 12230019910.”

The incident happened yesterday morning around 8.45am.

The boys, both pupils at Rossett School, were both walking along Yew Tree Lane and were left with serious injuries.

Nearby pupils rushed to the scene before Ashville College staff provided first aid until emergency services arrived.

The boys were taken to hospital by road ambulance. Police have not provided any further update on their condition.

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Teachers at Pannal Primary School have been praised by Ofsted for having high expectations of pupils.

The schools inspector found children lived up to those expectations and the school’s vision of ‘Pannal-shaped’ pupils who are collaborative, respectful and self-aware.

Ofsted’s latest report maintained Pannal’s ‘good’ rating, with inspectors writing:

“Leaders have prioritised the personal development of pupils. A well-planned curriculum for personal, social and health education (PSHE) is supported by other opportunities.

“Trips and visits enhance what pupils’ study. The emphasis on pupils’ personal development also supports their positive behaviour, which is seen in lessons and around the school.”

The report, published this week, found pupils felt safe in school and were confident to raise concerns with staff. They had positive relationships with staff and with each other.

Pupils who needed extra support were well supported, the inspectors said, adding:

“Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is strong. Leaders provide effective support to ensure that teachers have the skills to support all pupils with SEND well.

“Leaders have invested in a high level of adult support. This is used well across all classes. Leaders are quick to identify the best ways to support these pupils, including work with external agencies.”

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Visiting at the end of November, the inspectors found children learned to read quickly after starting school and could get extra support if needed. They also said daily maths lessons with a “carefully planned” curriculum helped to make a good start.

The report added:

“Leaders have created a curriculum which they keep under review. Passionate and knowledgeable curriculum leaders have identified knowledge and skills they want pupils to learn as part of their big picture.

“In some subjects, leaders have not identified the small steps of learning that teachers need to follow in the right order to ensure that all pupils gain the key knowledge and vocabulary for the subject. Without coherently sequenced subject plans, pupils will not secure the essential building blocks for future learning.”

Responding to the report, Pannal Primary School headteacher Jane Turner said:

“We are very pleased that the inspectors found that we were “good” in all aspects of the inspection schedule.

“The identified areas for improvement match well with our current school development plans to further enhance our broader curriculum and strengthen the expertise of class teachers as subject leaders.

“The inspectors were blown-away by the volume and positivity of our ParentView responses – all 215 of them!

“100% of our parents would recommend our school to others. We were thrilled with this level of parental support.”

Two people were taken to hospital after a collision on the A658 near North Rigton last night.

The collision happened around 8pm last night, at the junction with Hall Green Lane, and involved two cars.

Sgt Paul Cording, of North Yorkshire Police‘s roads policing team, posted images of the damage to the cars on social media, adding:

“Amazingly no serious injuries although two taken to hospital by our [Yorkshire Ambulance Service] colleagues.

“Huge thanks to the off duty student nurse who stopped to help.”

Emergency services remained on the scene to deal with the situation for some time.

A flying start to the nightshift too as we turned out straight away to a 2 vehicle RTC on the #A658 near North Rigton. Amazingly no serious injuries although two taken to hospital by our @YorksAmbulance colleagues. Huge thanks to the off duty student nurse who stopped to help pic.twitter.com/mGGytqlZWR

— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) February 3, 2023

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Two 15-year-old Rossett School boys remain in hospital tonight after being seriously injured in a collision that involved three vehicles.

The incident happened around 8.45am when one of the vehicles, a pick-up truck, collided with a wall and went into the grounds of Ashville College on Yew Tree Lane.

The boys were walking to school when the accident happened.

Tonight police gave details of the three vehicles involved: a black Ford Ranger, a blue Ford Fiesta and a white Vauxhall Astra. All the drivers remained at the scene and provided information to police.

No arrests have been made and the boys, who were taken to hospital by ambulance, remain there this evening and continue to be treated. Their families have been notified.

Road closures are still in place but are due to be lifted later this evening.

A nearby resident told the Stray Ferret she heard screaming and “a lot of commotion”. She said:

“I didn’t know what had happened but I was saying to my boyfriend, ‘how has this person done this?’ Then there was a lot of commotion and I said, ‘I think they must have hit someone’.”

The witness, who asked not to be named, said there were ambulances on the scene very quickly, followed by other emergency services, and she had “never seen so many emergency vehicles”.

Although she did not witness the collision, the witness said she saw the scene moments later as others rushed to help.

She added:

“The school children were down there first, trying to help and do something. Everyone got ushered and moved away when the teachers came out from the school.

“The school first aider came out and covered [the injured teenagers] in silver foil blankets until the paramedics arrived and took over.”

Tonight, police appealed for all witnesses to come forward:

“This will have been a distressing incident to witness, and we urge those who have been affected by the events to seek the necessary help if needed.

“We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the events or who has a dashcam and was travelling in the area around the time of the collision to contact us.

“This can be done by calling 101 and quoting reference number NYP-02022023-0100.”

Read more:

• Two Rossett pupils seriously injured as pick-up truck hits wall outside Harrogate school
• Man taken to hospital after empty overturned car discovered in Harrogate

Two 15-year-old boys have been seriously injured in a collision outside Ashville College in Harrogate this morning..

The Stray Ferret understands a vehicle mounted the pavement and hit a wall along Yew Tree Lane around 8.45am.

An air ambulance attended the scene and the boys from Rossett School were taken to hospital.

Yew Tree Lane remains closed and North Yorkshire Police officers are still at the scene.

Here are today’s developments.

11.53am 

Rossett School has issued a statement. It says:

“Earlier this morning there was a road traffic accident near to the school involving two of our students.

“We are working with the emergency services and supporting the families of those involved.  We would like to thank the staff of Ashville College for their quick response and the care that they provided at the scene.

“Rossett School staff will be providing support to our students during the course of the school day if needed.”

11.22am

Staff from Ashville College gave first aid to the injured teenagers until emergency services arrived on the scene, it has emerged.

In a statement issued just now, Ashville headteacher Rhiannon Wilkinson said:

“Two pupils from a nearby school have sadly been injured in an incident outside the college.

“Staff from the college administered first aid to the casualties and dealt with the scene until the emergency services arrived, which included an air ambulance.

“We have written to our parents informing them of the incident, which happened on Yew Tree Lane as the children were making their way to school at around 8.45am. Our thoughts are with the pupils involved and their families.”

10.56am

Police have put a cordon in place as Yew Tree Lane remains closed after the serious collision this morning.

North Yorkshire Police said:

“Road and path closures are in place, so please plan your travel accordingly.”

10.52am

Police confirm both injured boys were pedestrians and were hurt when the vehicle collided with a wall on Yew Tree Lane.

Both boys have been taken to hospital and their parents have been informed.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police added:

“This will have been a distressing incident to witness, and we urge anyone affected to seek help if needed. If you can help with our investigation, please contact us on 101, reference NYP-02022023-0100.”

10.47am

Two 15-year-old boys have been left with serious injuries after this morning’s incident.

North Yorkshire Police has confirmed officers were called to the scene at 8.46am by a member of the public.

https://twitter.com/NYorksPolice/status/1621097533467418626

10.32am

A cordon has been set up around the scene along Yew Tree Lane, as the road remains closed after this morning’s incident.

North Yorkshire Police are still there and the pick-up truck involved remains embedded in the wall.

All ambulances which had previously been in attendance have now left.

10.21am

Nearby residents have told the Stray Ferret they have heard a lot of sirens all morning as the incident unfolded.

One resident of Yew Tree Lane said:

“I saw a lot of flashing lights and heard the air ambulance. I wondered what had happened.”

10.19am

Rossett School has told the Stray Ferret it is dealing with the incident and will provide an update when information is available.

It is not yet known which school the injured students attend.

10.10am

The air ambulance has now left Ashville’s field. It is not known whether it had any casualties on board.

9.40am

Multiple police cars and ambulances are on the scene and a fire engine is also understood to have attended.

A number of people are understood to have been injured, including three school children, in the incident which happened before 9am today.

A message has been sent to parents from Ashville headteacher Rhiannon Wilkinson, saying:

“We are writing to inform you that there has been an incident on Yew Tree Lane, which has now been closed.

“Three non-Ashville children were involved in an accident, which involved a car mounting the pavement. Emergency services are on site, including an air ambulance, and the area has been contained.”

A major road through Harrogate has been closed this morning after a collision that has left a car on its roof.

It is not known whether anyone has been injured in the incident, which happened at around 6.30am.

Police have closed the stretch of Hookstone Road between Hornbeam Crescent and Oatlands Drive while they deal with the scene.

The scene at about 7.30am today.

The road is likely to remain closed until at least 8.30am.

Traffic is diverting down Hornbeam Crescent, Wheatlands Road East and Oatlands Drive, with school buses and commuters likely to be affected during rush hour.

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A young Harrogate man died when his car left the A59 as he drove home after drinking heavily, an inquest has heard.

Samuel Ronald Gibson, known as Sam, was 24 when the fatal collision occurred in the early hours of March 13 last year.

His Peugeot 208 spun off the road, collided with a tree, lifted up and landed in a ditch close near Poppleton at around 3.30am, today’s inquest was told by a police investigator.

A toxicology report after his death found he had 201mg of alcohol in his blood, against the legal limit of 80mg.

A statement from his colleague and friend Sophie Rothwell was read at the inquest held at the Coroner’s Court in Northallerton this afternoon. She said:

“When Sam was sober, he knew drink driving was wrong. However, when he went out it was like there was no controlling or stopping him and it wasn’t possible to reason with him…

“I would describe [Sam] as an unsafe driver [even when sober]. He drove very fast, exceeding the speed limit and I didn’t feel safe as a passenger.”

The court heard a statement from Sam’s mother, Jennifer Perkins, who said he had “always had a strong work ethic”, beginning with a paper round in his teens. He later moved into hospitality, working at Revolucion de Cuba and then Sainsbury’s in Harrogate.

The former Rossett School student had been manager at the Cosy Club bar in York for three-and-a-half years before moving to the Ivy in early 2022.

After passing his driving test at 18, Sam lost his licence aged 20 when he was convicted of drink-driving. When he had his licence back, Ms Perkins said he was “always very careful and cautious about not driving when he knew he would be drinking”.

However, in the few months prior to his death, she said there had been a couple of occasions when he had driven home after drinking.

Friends also said Sam was known to drive after drinking. Some had tried to hide his car keys to prevent him doing so, and others had stopped socialising with him.

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In statements, colleague Sophie Rothwell and her boyfriend Max Bradford said they had been out with Sam in York on the night he died.

They said he had drunk lager, prosecco, wine, beer and spirits between around 8pm on Saturday, March 12 and 1.30am the following day.

Ms Rothwell said:

“He was so drunk that, at one bar, he couldn’t stand up properly and kept falling down.”

Sam stayed out after his friends went home, and he went to a nearby food van for something to eat.

Sam’s car was discovered in a ditch by the A59 around 7am the next morning.

The inquest heard he had suffered a “catastrophic” brain and spinal cord injury, described by the doctor performing the post-mortem as “an entirely unsurvivable event” which would have killed him almost instantly.

Forensic collision investigator PC Richard Barker said Sam had been wearing a seatbelt but the airbags in the car had not deployed, showing signs that they had previously activated and not been properly repaired.

Although he could not say for certain how fast the car was travelling, PC Barker believed it was in excess of the maximum speed at which the car could navigate the bends of the road.

North Yorkshire coroner Jonathan Leach concluded Sam had died as a result of the collision, saying:

“It would appear that Sam was driving along the A59 at speed and, I suspect as a result of the alcohol he had drunk, his concentration and his ability to drive properly was impaired.

“I suspect he over-reacted, left the road and struck a tree, and died at the scene.”

‘Devastation’

In their statements, both Ms Rothwell and Mr Bradford described Sam as a reliable friend and a good colleague who was the “life and soul” of both his workplace and any party.

Ms Rothwell added:

“Sam was the most reliable friend you could have asked for. He was the person you could call at any time and losing him has left a massive hole in my heart.”

Ms Perkins’ statement said Sam was a “nice young man” who had looked after her when she lost her sight and had taken gifts to an elderly neighbour who had moved into a care home. She added:

“While Sam made bad judgements and mistakes in relation to driving, this is the kind of loving, caring person Sam was and how I wish for him to be remembered.”

She added:

“I can’t express in words just how much devastation losing Sam has left behind. The whole family are suffering as a result. I can’t believe he has gone.”

A long-standing Knaresborough hotel is set to be renamed as part of a revamp by its new owners.

The Dower House on Bond End will become The Knaresborough Inn, in line with other premises in The Inn Collection Group‘s portfolio.

The chain is currently carrying out a refurbishment to turn the building into a “pub with rooms”, and has even been given its own coat of arms to fit in with its stablemates.

A spokesperson for ICG said:

“Following the brand style being adopted for all sites belonging to The Inn Collection Group, a new coat of arms has been created for the inn with iconography relevant to the history of both the town and the building itself.

“Made up of a shield flanked by two griffins, acknowledging the links of the building to the Slingsby family, the design sees the left-hand side contain a recurring pattern that combines a historical emblem related to St. Robert of Knaresborough and the white rose of Yorkshire.

“The right-hand side of the shield features further reference to the builders of the original Dower House with a white chevron, and a leopard’s head taken from the Slingsby family crest.”

ICG acquired the Dower House in December 2021 and announced it would close its gym and spa last summer.

A planning application was submitted last year to extend the building and replace its leisure facilities and increase the total number of bedrooms to 57.

The hotel is currently closed while refurbishment work is carried out, with a planned completion and reopening date around the end of the summer this year.

ICG’s marketing manager Zoe Cooper said:

“We’re excited to confirm the new identity of The Knaresborough Inn as its reopening draws closer.

“We have embraced the history of the building and the site, as well as the wider area and we hope the new look will create a talking point that serves as a link to the past while the site embarks on an exciting future.”

The Inn Collection Group has also acquired Ripon Spa Hotel and the St George Hotel in Harrogate in the last two years.

The latter closed for refurbishment this week, with the loss of all of its 76 staff. The company said the work is expected to take 16 weeks.

Ripon Spa Hotel is due to reopen this spring.

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