Bishop of Ripon set to move to new post in Newcastle

The Bishop of Ripon is to leave her post to take up a new role next year.

The Right Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley has been in Ripon since 2017, but has now been announced by Downing Street as Bishop of Newcastle, with her installation set to take place in early 2023.

The appointment was approved by Her Late Majesty the Queen this year following the retirement of the last Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Rev Christine Hardman. Since then, the Bishop of Berwick, the Rt Rev Mark Wroe, has been acting diocesan Bishop of Newcastle.

Bishop Helen-Ann, who grew up in the North-East, said:

“I am delighted to have been called to be the Bishop of Newcastle, and pleased that this move means we will be staying in the north!

“At the same time, I will miss the Diocese of Leeds and the diverse peoples and communities of the region I have served and worked with over the past four and a half years.

“There are so many thank yous to be shared, for so many people who have helped, encouraged and challenged me along the way — a very special thank you is due however to the remarkable running community, particularly Ripon Runners who have in so many ways kept me grounded and mostly fit!

“It has been an absolute joy to have been Bishop of Ripon, and I wish the region and diocese all the very best for the new season that lies ahead.”

Bishop Helen-Ann was born in Edinburgh and grew up in the Scottish borders, where her father was a Church of Scotland minister.

At a young age, she and her family moved to Sunderland, where she was educated, while her father became a priest in the Church of England.

Her own ordination was in 2005 as deacon of the Diocese of Oxford, becoming a priest a year later.

A relocation to New Zealand in 2010 was followed three years later by her election as Bishop of Waikato on the North Island.

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Her five years in Ripon have seen her engage extensively with the community and in support of the city’s residents.

In 2020, she received death threats after publicly criticising Dominic Cummings for breaking the government’s lockdown rules. The Bishop said she and her family had missed her father’s birthday as he recovered from cancer treatment in order to keep to the restrictions.

After Bishop Helen-Ann’s move from Ripon was announced, the Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend Nick Baines, said:

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve with Bishop Helen-Ann for the last four years. Our loss is Newcastle’s gain, where she will bring many gifts and broad experience to her new responsibilities.

“She will move on with my gratitude, prayers and blessing.”

The Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, added:

“I am delighted that Helen-Ann has agreed to become the next Bishop of Newcastle. Helen-Ann brings rich experience and a tremendous passion for communicating the gospel, as well as a deep commitment to championing those often under-represented in our society.

“Newcastle Diocese is truly blessed to have Helen-Ann as its new Bishop.”

Hollywood actor praises Harrogate as he runs laps of ‘extraordinary’ Stray

A Hollywood actor has praised the Stray in Harrogate after running laps around it during his theatre tour.

Richard E Grant was in town as part of his An Evening With tour, discussing his memoir, A Pocketful of Happiness.

Before heading off to Liverpool yesterday, he posted a video on Twitter of him running around the Stray, which he described as an “extraordinary parkland right in the middle of this beautiful city”.

https://twitter.com/RichardEGrant/status/1582656478090969088

The night before, the Oscar-nominated actor – who first found fame in the celebrated film Withnail and I – appeared at the Royal Hall in front of a sell-out audience.

He described the venue as “stunning” – and the audience seemed equally impressed with him, giving a standing ovation at the end of the night.

https://twitter.com/RichardEGrant/status/1582496498599591936

Mr Grant’s more recent work includes parts in Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, and Doctor Who. In 2019, he was nominated for an Academy Award, a Bafta and a Golden Globe for best supporting actor in Can You Ever Forgive Me?.

His memoir takes its title from his late wife Joan Washington who, before her death last year from lung cancer, challenged him to “find a pocketful of happiness in every single day”.

Starbeck and Bilton community libraries set for 10-year council deal

Community libraries in Bilton and Starbeck are set to be given 10-year leases to continue their services.

North Yorkshire County Council‘s executive will be asked next week to approve the proposal, which aims to give long-term stability to libraries run by volunteers.

Both Bilton and Woodfield, and Starbeck, were previously run by NYCC but difficulties with funding led them to handing over day-to-day running to the communities.

The county’s libraries budget fell from £7.8m in 2010 to £4.3m in 2017, prompting communities to rally to ensure their facilities stayed open. Across the county, 1,700 volunteers came forward.

Bilton and Woodfield was the area’s first community library, celebrating its 10th anniversary earlier this year.

The libraries have continued to receive support from the council with books and IT services, as well as support from paid library service staff.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for libraries, Cllr Greg White, said:

“We take great pride in the community-run model with our service being in the top 10 per cent of performance nationally. Working in partnership with communities alongside volunteers in all libraries allows the service to meet local needs.

“There continues to be interest from other local authorities and central government as it is proven to retain high standards whilst delivering savings. The original leases of five years were introduced as the new model was unique and unproven. However, it has been a great success so we are proposing to introduce longer leases which will avoid costs around future renewals.”

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Around half of North Yorkshire’s book-lending is via community libraries across the county and almost 40% of active library users belong to them.

During the summer, more than 1,000 people visited community libraries to claim household support fund vouchers, while 3,500 children used them to complete the summer reading challenge.

Libraries manager Chrys Mellor said:

“During the pandemic many of the community libraries became the base for community support organisations who were vital in the delivery of food, prescriptions and books.

“During the cost of living crisis our libraries are offering warm spaces for vulnerable people in their communities, providing a range of activities.

“Residents should be proud of their communities and library service for retaining such a high-class service which is delivered at a local level.”

‘Use it or lose it’ warning as bus passenger numbers fall across Harrogate district

Bus services across the Harrogate district are under “unprecedented” pressure thanks to dwindling passenger numbers, leaving some routes at risk of being cut.

North Yorkshire County Council has issued a stark warning that, faced with passenger numbers of only around 80% of their previous levels, additional funding would be needed to maintain services.

The authority’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said unless more people travel by bus, the new North Yorkshire Council may be unable to maintain the existing services.

A planned cut of funding from the Department for Transport has been delayed from October until March, but local authorities face reduced income and rising costs even before the money runs out.

Cllr Les said:

“We are in a time of immense pressure for bus services nationally and North Yorkshire is no exception.

“Throughout the pandemic, the government has provided significant support to commercial companies to keep services running in North Yorkshire that would otherwise have been lost.

“While it is very welcome that this has been extended until March, we know many routes are continuing to struggle and companies tell us it will be impossible for these to continue operating without significant additional funding.

“The stark reality is that the survival of many services across the county are on a knife edge. We know how important public transport is for many residents but we are in a use it or lose it situation.”

The drop in passenger numbers follows the covid pandemic, with more people now thought to be working from home or using other modes of transport.

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NYCC has already tried to mitigate the impact of the pressures on bus services by setting up an enhanced partnership agreement, which met for the first time in August.

It sees the council work with bus operators to improve facilities and introduce measures to enhance operating conditions.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said the problems were down to the drop in passenger numbers, making many more routes unsustainable. He said:

“This is an unprecedented situation with around a third of the network at risk of seeing a reduced level of service or ceasing altogether unless patronage levels improve.

“We have already seen several routes cease, often at short notice, and the unfortunate expectation is that others may follow unless usage improves.

“While the council uses £1.6m each year to support services that are not commercially viable, this cannot meet the scale of the challenge we are now experiencing from routes operating without council subsidy.

“The council has been successful in lobbying government for extra financial support, but we accept this will not continue in perpetuity. We are working closely with operators to encourage passengers to use services and protect them for our communities.”

Police say Harrogate town centre ‘is safe’ despite highest anti-social behaviour rate in county

A senior police officer has insisted Harrogate town centre “is safe” despite it having the highest rates of anti-social behaviour in North Yorkshire.

Chief inspector Alex Langley told a council meeting on Monday that the town centre is the “busiest” ward for North Yorkshire Police, but added the area’s crime figures are considered relatively low when taken in context of the large population.

He explained there have been a total of 243 anti-social behaviour incidents in the area across 12 months, saying:

“That is less than 0.6 incidents a day.”

He added:

“When you look at the amount of people and potential issues, I think it is actually quite a reassuring number and that it really is a safe place to be.”

Chief inspector Langley also said the entire Harrogate district had seen a “steady reduction” in all crimes over a one-year period, including a “phenomenally low” robbery rate with an average of one incident reported every two months.

However, he was warned by councillors that crime was becoming an increasing concern in certain areas and that the force may be unaware of hotspots because of residents’ reluctance to report incidents.

This includes Harrogate’s Bower Street which was highlighted by councillor Chris Aldred, who said anti-social behaviour “does seem to be getting worse” in the area with regular complaints of “rowdy” individuals drinking from 9am.

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On Friday (October 14), a man was reportedly stabbed in a fight on Bower Street and a 23-year-old man from Harrogate has since been charged with assault on a person occasioning actual bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and wounding with intent.

The area outside Harrogate’s McDonald’s restaurant on Cambridge Road has also been flagged as a concern after two community support officers were allegedly assaulted by two teenage girls on April 1 this year.

A 13-year-old and a 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have since been charged and are due to appear in court on October 28.

Chief inspector Langley said his officers were “well aware” of problems in the two areas as he also stressed the importance of people reporting incidents.

He added that a problem-solving plan was being made for Bower Street.

He told Monday’s meeting of Harrogate Borough Council’s overview and scrutiny commission:

“We are alive to this and trying to use all the powers that we have got, but again if we don’t get the reports, we will struggle.

“My plea is that if there is a problem, tell us about it.”

Earlier this year, Harrogate BID launched a campaign to encourage people to report incidents in the town centre to ensure police crime statistics reflected the situation being experienced by business owners.

New owners prepare to open cafe at Millstones on A59 near Harrogate

A landmark restaurant on a major road near Harrogate will reopen under new ownership this autumn.

The former Millstones restaurant on the A59 near Kettlesing has been bought by Mark and Teresa Trickett, who have already begun work on the site.

As well as renovating the accommodation to create a family home, they are transforming the restaurant into a large cafe, with new kitchen, toilets and more.

It will be known as the Outside Inn, but the site will continue to be known as Millstones in recognition of its history.

Mark said:

“It’s a behemoth of a coffee shop. Most days we’ve been working until two in the morning for the last six weeks.

“What we’re doing to it reflects our personality: it’s not on trend, it’s just us – an eclectic mix that we like.

“I’m hoping when we open the doors people will say they like it and they will come back for another cup of tea.”

The couple have run a motorhome business for the last few years. However, they were looking for a new site after struggling to get the right permissions to operate the business from their home, just half a mile from Millstones.

Mark approached the former owner of Millstones, which was on the market, and the sale completed in July. The couple got straight to work with their plans for the site.

Aiming to be as sustainable as possible, they are re-using as many of the fittings as possible, such as repurposing skirting boards to create a counter in the ladies’ toilets.

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Millstones was well-known over many years for catering for large groups, from local organisations to coach trips passing by on the A59.

More recently, it had begun offering fish and chips, and had added a farm shop. However, Mark and Teresa plan to simplify what the venue offers and ensure it is good value, with Teresa drawing on her previous experience in the catering industry.

The couple said they hope to open the doors in the next few weeks. They have a clear vision of what they want the business to offer, as Mark explained:

“We’ll have a bit of retail but not a farm shop with veg and a butcher. If you’re trying to integrate into a community, you don’t want to tread on toes, and there are three or four farm shops around here already.

“The one thing Millstones did excel at was the Sunday carvery. We’re trying to reignite that for this side of Harrogate.

“We’re very nervous, because of the way things are going with the economy, but we’re excited because we feel we’ve got something where people would genuinely want to come.

“It’s my wife’s baby. She wanted somewhere that people could come and have value. If people can come here and have tea and cake for £5, £6, £7, and it’s good, they can walk out of here thinking, ‘that wasn’t half bad’.”

It’s official: Independent guide selects Myrings as among UK’s best estate agents

This article is sponsored by Myrings.

How do you choose the right estate agent for your property?

Selling your home is one of the biggest decisions you will make – and whatever your reasons for doing so, you want to be sure it’s in the best possible hands.

Equally, if you have a property to rent out, you need to be confident your agent will work with you to find the right tenant and get the best price for your investment.

When you start looking for an agent, chances are you’ll be seeking a firm that’s established and reliable. Its fees will be a consideration and the way it responds to your initial enquiry will also play a part in your choice.

But even then, can you be confident the estate agent will deliver the best service and get the results you need?

Best Estate Agent Guide

Luckily, there are ways to make your choice based on independent research. One of these is the Best Estate Agent Guide – which now features Harrogate estate agency Myrings.

The guide lists the top agents across the country and is designed to be an independent resource for sellers and landlords to find the best sales and lettings agencies in their area.

Director Gemma Myring said:

“We are delighted to have been included in the Best Estate Agent Guide 2023. Agents cannot enter or pay for this award – the assessment is industry-wide and only those that meet the very highest standards are included. We are thrilled to have been recognised as among the best in the country.”

Myrings is a family-led firm with a wealth of experience in the property market.

From all its team members living in the Harrogate district to supporting local sports teams, including Harrogate Town, Myrings is invested in the community, and has also recently launched a new relationship supporting Martin House Children’s Hospice.

Its directors and staff are on hand to guide you through the process of selling or letting your home and ensure you achieve your goals, whether that’s achieving the best price, delivering in a quick time frame, or finding the perfect new home for your family.

To find out more, visit the Myrings website. You can call the sales department on 01423 566400, or contact the lettings team on 01423  569007.

Ofsted praise for Harrogate training centre’s new salon-based approach

A Harrogate training centre for people in the hair and beauty industry has received praise from Ofsted in its latest inspection.

Rating Intuitions Ltd ‘good’, inspectors said the “high-quality training” was delivered by staff who have “care and passion”.

The business has recently moved to a new model of delivering training, with most of its lessons delivered one-to-one or in small groups in the salons where apprentices are training.

Ofsted inspectors said:

“Apprentices studying the level two hair professional standard, who are new to the profession, quickly develop their understanding of the high standards of professional behaviours expected in the salons in which they work.

“They behave professionally, and are mature, polite, courteous and respectful to other staff, educators and clients.

“Educators encourage learners and apprentices to take pride in their work, and this is evident in learners’ well-presented portfolios. They are effective role models and have a wide range of industry experience, which inspires learners and apprentices.

“Educators ensure that their appearance reflects professional industry standards, and this reinforces the expectation of apprentices to adhere to the expected standards of dress code in their salons.”

Inspectors said trainees were quick to improve their skills and were pleased with what they achieved even at an early stage of their training.

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However, they recommended staff could do more to develop their other skills, such as by correcting spelling in all written work and giving more comprehensive careers guidance.

The report added:

“Targets set by educators following frequent and comprehensive reviews of work are focused, and apprentices are clear about the progress that they are making.

“Educators clearly identify strengths and areas for improvement, and apprentices know what they need to do next. They share the information with employers in comprehensive reports.

“Apprentices are supported well by their employers, which contributes to the good progress that they make.”

Now based in Wizu Workspace at Royal House on Station Parade, Intuitions was founded almost 30 years ago. It has been run by Michelle Oliver since 2000 and has grown significantly during that time.

Intuitions Ltd is now based at Wizu Workspace on Station ParadeIntuitions Ltd has a new home on Station Parade, but delivers most of its training in salons.

Following the challenges of covid, Ms Oliver told the Stray Ferret the new model of delivering training has been well-received.

“We’re enjoying delivering the new model. It’s nice to be able to go into a business and see the learners using their skills in a real setting.

“That’s what we’re here for – to create the hairdresser for the salons. That’s the beauty of apprenticeships: they’re in the workplace, earning money – not much, but it could be £200 a week, which is a lot when you’ve just left school.

“They’re seeing professional people working alongside them and learning from them all the time.”

Ms Oliver said her own experience of working in a salon while training showed her the value of learning how to behave in a workplace and how to engage with clients.

She said she hoped the supportive comments from Ofsted and the professional standards on show from the learners might encourage more people, as well as local high schools, to do more to promote apprenticeships as a potential career path for their students.

Former Spofforth teacher launches guided meditation to improve children’s mental health

A former teacher turned holistic therapist has launched a new project designed to help children improve their mental health.

Debbie Ross spent many years working as a teaching assistant, nursery nurse and special educational needs coordinator at Spofforth Church of England Primary School.

Among her favourite memories was a trip to Bewerley Park outdoor education centre, when she and the pupils enjoyed a guided meditation session. She said:

“The children are now grown up with their own children, but I’m still in touch with some and they remember doing it. It’s something they enjoyed and they’re now using those skills as adults.”

Now a holistic therapist and reiki practitioner, Debbie, who lives in Ripon, has created her own guided meditations designed to help children aged between five and 12 to relax.

She said each of them encourages the child to visualise a scene and use their imagination to help calm their minds. Debbie has paired each meditation with a crystal to add to the experience.

She said:

“I’m really driven to use crystals with the meditation. They’re very tactile and if the children learn what the crystal can help them with, they have got something to take away with them.

“Some children take the sodalite crystal into school with them because it’s small. They’ve all said it really helps them to stay calm.”

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Research has shown that the covid pandemic has had a negative impact on children’s mental health, with one in six having a diagnosable mental health condition in 2021 compared to one in nine just four years earlier.

Debbie said she hopes her guided crystal meditations will help children to develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

She is speaking to local schools about introducing them for their pupils and also hopes to approach hospitals about using them for young patients.

Meanwhile, they are also available on Debbie’s website.

New gym set to open on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road

A gym company from Leeds is set to expand to a second site on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road this year.

North Studio is planning to open in Wellington House, the building that is already home to cycling brand Prologue.

Posting an image of the new premises on Instagram, the company said:

“We are super excited to finally announce our expansion into Harrogate at the end of this year.

“Keep your eyes out for more details over the coming weeks!”

North Studio’s existing Leeds venue in Roundhay offers a strength room with weights and cardiovascular equipment, and a cycling room where spin classes take place.

It also has a more relaxed studio for yoga, pilates and barre classes, and the gym sells shakes, smoothies, teas and coffees on site as well.

Classes are £15 each with discounts available for block bookings, and membership starts from £70 per month.

It is the third business this week to confirm plans to open on Cold Bath Road. A new pet shop will open in the former home of the Refilling Station, while plans have been submitted to create a cafe-bar and record store further up the hill opposite Valley Drive.

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