BREAKING: Body found in River Nidd as viaduct remains closed at Bilton

Police have confirmed a body has been found in the River Nidd near the viaduct in Bilton.

The area had been closed off since this morning, with numerous police vans and fire engines in attendance.

North Yorkshire Police has now issued a statement confirming that the body of a man had been seen and reported to police around 8am today.

Officers said the body was that of a white man, believed to be in his 40s, who is yet to be identified. A spokesperson said:

“Please avoid the area at this time.

“Enquiries are ongoing and further updates will be provided when available.”

Anyone with information can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote reference NYP-15102022-0081.

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Police close Nidd Gorge viaduct in Bilton

Police have this morning closed the viaduct over Nidd Gorge in Bilton while they deal with an incident.

There was a heavy police presence around 9am but officers did not say how long they had been on the scene.

The viaduct is closed in both directions and numerous vehicles are stationed at the southern side towards Bilton Lane, behind a police cordon.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is reported to be on the scene as well.

It is not known how long the area is likely to be closed.

The gorge is popular with dog walkers, cyclists and runners.

The Stray Ferret has requested information from North Yorkshire Police but had not received a response at the time of publication.

We will update this story when further details are available.

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Nurture your child’s abilities at Queen Mary’s School

This article is sponsored by Queen Mary’s School.

Choosing a school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you will make as a parent.

Finding the right place to nurture your child’s young mind, delivering everything from the best possible academic teaching to support for their growing talents and passions, can be tricky.

At Queen Mary’s School, that balance of academia and extra-curricular opportunities is the highest priority.

The results speak for themselves: But as all parents know, school is about so much more than numbers and letters on a piece of paper before you leave.

There’s much more to Queen Mary’s.

Queen Mary’s offers outstanding opportunities for young people from the age of four to begin exploring the things they enjoy. That might be acting, horse riding, tennis, computing, lacrosse, science, languages, dance, or any number of other skills.

Pupils are given the support and encouragement to find their passions in life and Queen Mary’s School is more than willing to adapt its offering to suit their needs.

From musicals to opera to rock band

Take music, for example.

Queen Mary’s has introduced new scholarships to enable talented young musicians to develop their skills, with contributions to paid instrument lessons included.

Budding choristers can join the Chapel Choir as part of their scholarship. The Choir, which was formed 40 years ago, has been featured on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4. Some members of the school community have performed at the Royal Albert Hall.

Former chorister Emilia Jacques was one of the BBC Young Choristers of the Year in 2018. She then went on to receive a choral scholarship to study music at Queen’s College Oxford.

Pupils are also encouraged to take exams on their chosen instruments, with many achieving Grade 8 before the age of 16.

The production of Dido and Aeneas.

Last year, one pupil who achieved the milestone with distinction on the flute then went on to achieve her Diploma. Another achieved the Diploma as a singer at just 12 years old and has her sights set on a career as a professional singer.

Queen Mary’s has also put on numerous productions including Matilda the Musical Junior, Sister Act Junior, and the opera Dido and Aeneas. This year they are rehearsing for Mary Poppins.

Head Carole Cameron said:

“Music is one of our priorities at Queen Mary’s, and not just because of the enjoyment it brings to those performing and hearing it.

“Research shows that studying music and playing instruments are beneficial to academic studies.

“It also provides opportunities for children to learn additional skills, building their confidence and giving them experience in performance which is helpful for their future careers, too.”

Opportunities in classrooms and outside

Naturally, it is not just about the music. The school excels in sports, with a brand new astro pitch and sports pavilion on site, and has a British Horse Society-approved equestrian centre.

Girls are encouraged to compete in their chosen sports both regionally and nationally.

Pupils excel at sport.

That focus on extra-curricular activities is not to the detriment of academic time: at Queen Mary’s, the focus is on learning to balance the two.

Facilities in the school are also outstanding, with planning permission granted for a brand new learning resource centre. The design will reflect the acres of countryside surrounding the school, which lies between Ripon and Thirsk.

Mrs Cameron said:

“We always say we offer academic excellence and extensive extra-curricular activities in a nurturing environment, but even knowing that, families are always surprised by the warmth of Queen Mary’s when they visit.

“It’s such a pleasure to show people what we offer and to demonstrate how our flexible approach will give the right support for their child’s future.”

Visiting Queen Mary’s allows you to experience first hand the unique atmosphere, exciting curriculum and the fantastic range of opportunities on Prep and Pre-Prep Open Day on Friday November 11, 2022 and Senior School Open Day on Saturday November 12, 2022.

Harrogate widow’s claim against Ramus estate rejected by judge

A high court judge has blocked a Harrogate widow’s attempt to receive a regular income from the estate of her late husband, a well-known businessman.

Christopher Ramus was found by a coroner to have taken his own life aged 72 following the breakdown of his 48-year marriage to Elizabeth Ramus, and difficulties in other relationships.

The couple were the founders of Ramus Seafood, which operated for many years from Kings Road until the couple sold it and retired. Despite their separation, Mr Ramus’s will still made provision for his wife, entitling her to an income from his estate for the rest of her life.

However, the income was at the discretion of the three trustees, including the couple’s daughter, Claire Holt, and two family friends. Mr Ramus wrote a letter of wishes in September 2019, stating:

“My current matrimonial circumstances are uncertain. If my wife survives me I still wish that she will have a right to income from the trust fund to the extent that it prevents hardship and enables her to maintain her lifestyle. I would like this to continue for as long as you feel necessary.

“If her own resources are such that she does not require that income then you should consider exercising your powers to remove her right to income in all or part of the Trust Fund.

“I do not wish for my wife to receive capital payments from the Trust Fund in order to protect the fund for future generations.”

The letter also made reference to the couple’s son, Alistair, saying:

“Whilst Alistair’s financial and business circumstances are not settled and do not have a firm footing, I do not wish for Alistair to receive capital payments from the Trust Fund. I would like you to consider making income payments to Alistair to prevent him from living in hardship, but not to fund an extravagant lifestyle.

“In regards to my daughter Claire I would like you to consider exercising your powers to benefit Claire, about whom I do not have the same concerns.”

Mrs Ramus took her daughter to the High Court under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975, stating she did not want to be at the mercy of Mrs Holt, with whom she had a difficult relationship.

The hearing reflected the challenges between them, such as over the sale of the business premises on Kings Road.

Mrs Ramus and her daughter also disagreed over the home she would buy, with court documents showing Mrs Ramus wanted somewhere with enough space for visitors and a garden for her to enjoy. The documents stated:

“She did not want to live in a small house or flat which her daughter deemed ‘suitable for a lady of advanced years who lives on her own’ and again Mrs Ramus foresaw difficulties ahead with her daughter as trustee if she believed that her mother had unnecessarily spent money on a home which she considered to be too big.”

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Regular monthly income

Mrs Ramus, 77, had said in order to maintain her lifestyle, she would need a regular monthly income from Mr Ramus’s estate, otherwise she would use up her own assets and risk running out of money.

She submitted to the court a list of monthly outgoings which totalled more than £5,000, against income from pensions of £1,800 and other assets including bonds and ISAs.

However, sitting in Leeds, Judge Mark West found Mrs Ramus’s own assets of more than £1.6m were significantly more than the value of Mr Ramus’s estate, at just under £1.1m. He said:

“Standing back and looking at the matter in the round, this is a case of an applicant who in all likelihood would not have received anything on divorce, and who, even after the purchase of a three-bedroomed house for £750,000, would have financial autonomy and still have net assets not far short of £900,000.

“In addition, her case was that she requires a monthly income to enable her to pay her outgoings without using the capital which would be left after her purchase of a new home.

“For these reasons, and taking into account all of the relevant factors… I am satisfied that the disposition of Mr Ramus’s estate under the terms of his will is such as to make financial provision for Mrs Ramus in the circumstance of the case and that the claim fails.”

Praise for ‘lovely’ attitudes at Harrogate nursery after Ofsted visit

A nursery in Harrogate with 70 children on its register has received praise from Ofsted for its “homely” atmosphere and improved environment.

Rating Harcourt Day Nursery ‘good’, inspectors said the cosy den, soft play room and role-play areas have helped children to play calmly.

They said children were encouraged to become independent, from taking off their own coats to pouring their own drinks. They also found the nursery encouraged children to develop good physical skills and staff helped them to learn and become confident with mathematics.

The report said:

“Children arrive content and thoroughly enjoy their time at this homely nursery. They happily leave their parents on arrival and quickly engage in their play. Children feel safe and secure knowing that their needs will be met.

“Children are familiar with the routines of the day. They know what is expected of them. Children demonstrate good manners and remind each other if they forget. As a result, children’s behaviour and attitudes are lovely.”

During the inspection at the end of August, Ofsted said some children were joining a story part way through, after finishing lunch. This, they said, could mean they struggle to understand the structure of stories.

Inspectors also said nursery staff should communicate more clearly about which children were in different rooms in the nursery.

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The report said the nursery, on Harcourt Road, had a “positive” partnership with parents, who were kept informed about their children’s activities via both an app and face-to-face conversations. Inspectors added:

“Managers support staff’s well-being and provide them with mentoring through regular supervision meetings. Staff share any concerns which they may have and are supported in taking appropriate action.

“They are encouraged to develop their skills and knowledge by attending a variety of training courses. Management check that staff understand and can implement any new learning to improve children’s outcomes.”

The report maintains the nursery’s rating from its last inspection in 2016. Nigel Corner, who has owned Harcourt Day Nursery for 16 years with wife Charlotte, who is also the manager, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted. It has been really hard, with all the EYFS [early years foundation stage] changing, to make sure we have taken on board the changes as well as constantly trying to move forward.

“This report just confirms all the staff are doing a great job.”

Cafe-bar and record store plans submitted for Cold Bath Road shop

A new cafe-bar and vinyl records shop could open on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road if planning permission is granted.

Plans have been put forward to convert the ground floor of 129 Cold Bath Road, which has up to now been used by a travel agency.

The proposals state that the travel agency would continue to trade from the two floors above, while the ground floor – stretching to 52m sq – would be used as a cafe, bar and shop selling records and clothing.

The business would create three full-time jobs and five part-time roles. Its proposed trading hours are 9am to midnight, seven days a week.

Cold Bath Road new shop

The site on Cold Bath Road.

The application has been made by John Caladine, who founded Audio Archtct Experience Ltd in February, along with David Swallow.

To view or comment on the application, visit the planning pages of Harrogate Borough Council’s website and use reference 22/03540/FUL.

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Community sentence for Pateley Bridge man caught masturbating in Harrogate car park

A Pateley Bridge man has been given a 12-month community order for masturbating in a public car park in Harrogate.

Thomas Christopher Watson, 29, of Millfield Street, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court this afternoon having already pleaded guilty to one count of outraging public decency.

The court heard a member of the public had called police on September 3, after she had seen Watson masturbating in his car in the car park on Station Parade.

When officers arrived, Watson was compliant and admitted the offence when questioned at the police station.

Defending, Brian Nuttney of McCormicks Solicitors said it was important not to conflate Watson’s actions with indecent exposure, where the act is targeted towards someone else. He said:

“In short, he describes this as a terrible decision. It was not something that was planned and it was not something that was thought through.

“It was not something that was going on in response to anything or anybody around him… Intent isn’t something that can be shown in any way here.”

Mr Nuttney said Watson was “shocked” by his own behaviour and had done some work to address whether he needed help.

The court heard Watson, an office worker who was based mainly at home, had received a police caution for a similar offence in 2010.

Magistrates imposed the community order along with a requirement to complete 30 days’ rehabilitation activity, designed to help him address his problems.

They ordered him to complete 120 hours’ unpaid work and to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and costs of £85.

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Introducing Smiths of Harrogate: the new brand with 115 years of history

This article is sponsored by Smiths of Harrogate.

A family business in Harrogate is set to step into a new era this Autumn.

For more than 115 years, Smiths has been recognised as a leading retailer of furniture, beds and upholstery across the Harrogate, Yorkshire and beyond.

Its familiar building on Dragon Road and its blue delivery vans have borne the name “Smiths The Rink” since 1935, when the Smith family took over the former roller rink which became its home.

However, the fifth generation of the Smith family has decided now is the time to update and move forward, ensuring the brand is recognised even by those who don’t know its history.

Company director Olly Smith said:

“The link to the roller rink was such a long time ago and for a very brief amount of time compared to the business’s history, which goes back to 1906.

“There are very few people who recognise the reason for the name these days – most people assume it was an ice rink.

“We’ve been changing the business significantly over the last five to 10 years into what it is now, and this is the final piece of the jigsaw.”

The new name, Smiths of Harrogate, maintains the historic family link as well as serving to continue the company’s reputation for quality, trustworthiness and style.

Updated branding

That service includes a huge showroom and knowledgeable staff with 70 beds and impressive displays of sofas, chairs and more. Its furniture range covers everything from bedside tables to dining sets, while the flooring department has carpets, wooden flooring and luxury vinyl  floors.

Smiths Of Harrogate offers an impressive range of brands to suit all tastes, including Ercol, Amtico, Duresta, Himolla, Parker Knoll, Hypnos, Vispring and many more.

Once customers have selected their furniture, it is delivered by Smiths’ own team in their recognisable vans – now carrying the new name and logo.

The Smith family is looking forward to introducing the refreshed business to customers old and new over the coming weeks and months. Olly added:

“Anyone who comes through the door is wowed by the scale of the building and our product offering.

“We have a lot of people coming to us from some distance away, having found us online. This is a great opportunity for local people who only know our old brand to meet the modern business and see for themselves what’s behind the doors.”

Crown court trial for man charged with Harrogate town centre attacks

A man will face trial at York Crown Court after allegedly carrying out a series of attacks in central Harrogate.

Vaughn Ellis, 40, of Grove Park Terrace in Harrogate, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court this morning facing six charges relating to incidents on April 19 this year.

He has been charged with two counts of assault by beating against two people in Oxford Terrace, as well as criminal damage to a door in the same location.

He also faced two charges of attempted robbery, to which he indicated not guilty pleas, on West Park, along with one count of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress, also on West Park.

Magistrates ordered that Mr Ellis be sent to York Crown Court for trial on all six counts. He was given a preliminary date of November 14, when he will be asked to enter formal pleas.

In the meantime, he was bailed and ordered not to make direct or indirect contact with any of the alleged victims.

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Police appeal as investigations continue into Cold Bath Road cyclist collision

Investigations into a collision between a car and a bicycle on Cold Bath Road are continuing, two months after the incident happened.

North Yorkshire Police said a woman in her 50s was arrested and released under investigation while officers continue to make inquiries.

It follows the collision at the junction of West Cliffe Grove on Friday, August 12, between a white Vauxhall Viva travelling up Cold Bath Road from the Crown roundabout and a pedal cyclist coming down the road in the opposite direction.

The cyclist – a man in his 50s from the Richmond area – was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

An air ambulance landed on the Stray and most of Cold Bath Road was closed for several hours while police dealt with the scene.

At the time, officers appealed for the driver of a dark-coloured hatchback who stopped at the scene to come forward. They have now said they have traced the driver.

However, they are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who saw either the car or the bicycle.

Witnesses to the collision or anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 122201422867. Alternatively, email 001282@northyorkshire.police.uk quoting the same reference number.

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