A touring theatre company is making its return across the Harrogate district this autumn – and doing so on a scale it has never attempted before.
Badapple Theatre specialises in bringing shows to small venues and usually tours three shows a year, with a break between each.
But a “post-covid lag” has left the company putting on three productions almost at the same time.
Two one-hander shows, Yorkshire Kernel and The Land Girl, complete their tour in Harrogate next weekend, just after The Frozen Roman gets under way in Aldborough on Friday. Meanwhile, rehearsals continue for The Marvellous, Mystical, Musical Box, which runs throughout December.
The busy season aside, artistic director Kate Bramley said the company had managed to keep operating during the pandemic, when many arts organisations struggled.
“We have been very lucky, or perhaps enterprising, or both, over the last few years. We went outdoors when we did some filming, some podcasting, we brought the youth theatre back outdoors and then indoors when we could.
“We really had to think very hard about it. Very early on we had to cancel our big tour. The Arts Council have funded us for a long time, now through our projects and they were amazing with the level of understanding about what was happening.”
Kate Bramley of Badapple Theatre
As restrictions began to be relaxed, Badapple was able to respond quickly and take advantage of any change in regulations. It went from online work to outdoor performances to socially-distanced indoor theatre.
What was less possible was performing in its usual small venues: Badapple specialises in pop-up theatre in “your village hall or aircraft hangar or wherever”.
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Now, with all restrictions lifted, its small teams of three actors and a stage manager can get back to the kind of venues they are used to. Village halls in Tockwith, North Stainley and Bishop Monkton, along with the Green Hut on Harrogate’s Harlow Avenue, are typical of the places to be visited by the upcoming tours.
Kate said:
“We went back to our theatre roots during covid and now we’re returning to the ‘theatre on your doorstep’ concept.
“I just really like going to places where people don’t expect us to be. It does tend to be a social event, more than a theatre event, and that breaks down some of those misconceptions people have about going to the theatre and how you have to behave and what you have to wear and so on.”
Alongside its performances, the team at Badapple did all they could to ensure the thriving youth theatre was kept alive through the pandemic. Having rehearsed outdoors for some time, its 35 members – all aged between seven and 14 – are now back to their usual weekly classes and ‘play in a week’ summer school.
Badapple’s thriving youth theatre
One of the appeals of the youth theatre is that it is treated with the same respect as a touring production. Full costumes, proper lighting and good set design are all on show when the youngsters put on their performances at Green Hammerton Village Hall.
There are no auditions or casting calls and it is open to all children, whether they are keen to be actors or want an encouraging space to boost their confidence.
The youth theatre may be back to full strength, but Kate said the wider theatre industry is still seeing audience numbers around 20% lower than before. With the company’s 25th anniversary to be marked next year, she is hopeful things will continue to improve.
A tour of Badapple’s popular show Eddie and the Gold Tops will begin in the spring to start the celebrations. Kate said:
Harrogate town centre restaurant not expected to reopen“Beyond that, we’re just waiting to see. This autumn and winter season will help everyone figure out what’s best for community delivery and live events. Everyone’s coping with the cost of living and what if covid comes back.
“We just need to see what happens next. I’m hoping it’s a new, buoyant bubble, people keen to come out and have a life and enjoy themselves with friends. We’re low threat, as a theatre event. I’m cautiously optimistic.”
A restaurant which opened in central Harrogate earlier this year is understood to have closed permanently.
Samsons began welcoming customers in mid-March, offering fine dining with seasonal Yorkshire produce from the former home of Le Bistrot Pierre in Town Centre House on Cheltenham Crescent.
However, it closed in the summer, when a spokesperson said the closure was temporary for “essential works”.
Now, the Stray Ferret understands, the restaurant will not reopen.
Its website is still taking table bookings, but there have been no new posts on its social media feeds since the end of July.
The company was incorporated in March 7 this year by Thomas Shotton, Duncan Bell and Mark Morris, who was its general manager. Mr Morris resigned as a director on March 23.
On the same date, he resigned as a director of Harrogate Industries Ltd, a company he co-founded last October with Mr Shotton. Mr Bell was then appointed director.
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When the business launched, executive chef Josh Whitehead said it would offer “a taste of Harrogate”. He said, having begun his career in Harrogate, he was looking for a new challenge when he saw the Samsons role advertised and it “stuck out like a sore thumb”.
He was joined in the kitchen by his friend and former colleague Andy Castle, previously head chef at the Ox Club in Leeds.
The Stray Ferret approached Samsons for a comment but had not received a response by the time of publication.
Oatlands community artwork to be unveiled in Harrogate this weekendA ceramic tree mural created as part of a community arts project will be unveiled this weekend in Harrogate.
Oatlands Community Centre was awarded funding from the Arts Council to run the project in June, marking the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
Local ceramic artist Anna Whitehouse ran free workshops at the centre, teaching people about the history of brickworks in the Oatlands area and how to process the locally-dug clay.
They then created pieces of art themselves, putting together a ceramic tree mural which will go on display outside the community centre. Anna said:
“The tree design was chosen for its symbolism, with Oatlands Community Centre being rooted firmly at the heart of the community.”
The centre and its volunteers are the supportive framework; the roots, trunk and branches, but can only grow leaves and flourish through the engagement of the community and their sense of ownership.”
Oatlands Community Centre was previously a Methodist chapel, located near the top of Mount Street, just off Leeds Road. The street used to be the access road to the Harrogate Red Brick Company, which operated from 1860 to 1936.
The church itself was built using bricks from the works, which were taken from the heavy clay which lies in the ground across the area.
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Since the workshops were held in June, the ceramic pieces have been dried, fired in the kiln and assembled into a mural ready for the unveiling tomorrow between 10am and noon.
Anna will be on hand to talk about the project, and Oatlands Community Centre will be offering coffee and cake to visitors.
Funding was organised through Two Ridings Community Foundation. Its CEO Jan Garrill said:
“This was a great and very creative way to celebrate Her Majesty’s platinum jubilee. All credit to Oatlands for embracing both the spirit of the jubilee and the Let’s Create funding from Two Ridings.”
Progress could finally be made in plans for a Knaresborough museum next month after “protracted” negotiations with Harrogate Borough Council.
Knaresborough Museum Association (KMA) said it had been offered a year-long rent-free period on the ground floor of the former Castle Girls’ School building, while it spent money refurbishing the rooms and setting up the museum.
However, when the proposed lease was delivered in the spring, the rent-free period was set begin on April 1, even though the rest of the details had yet to be agreed and there were several more months of negotiation ahead.
KMA chair Kathy Allday said:
“They set the start date at April 1. They just made that decision, we had no forewarning.
“We were really upset, because we thought it was going to be a genuine rent-free period. We’re going to have to start paying rent before the museum is open and bringing in money.”
Harrogate Borough Council argued it had been “completely supportive” of the plans for a long period. A spokesperson said:
“Despite a successful Knaresborough castle and museum already existing in the town, we have been completely supportive of the museum group and have worked tirelessly to help accommodate their endeavours.
“A rent commencement date was agreed at the start of the negotiations, something the group were fully aware of. We have also kept the building vacant for them for more than two years while they finalise their plans – at a time when another community group or organisation could have rented the building – as well as agreeing to a concessionary rent over the first five years of the lease.”
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The group said it had disputed a clause which obliged it to pay £12,000 to the council in order to take up a single parking space to install a lift to create an accessible entrance. After negotiation, the fee was reduced to £6,000.
Ms Allday added:
“Elsewhere, when parking spaces have been used, for example for bicycle racks by the town council, they didn’t have to pay a fee.
“The entrance is actually a fire escape route and there’s a fire escape used by the tenant above, the Scouts. [The council] have plonked two car parking spaces right underneath it.”
The council spokesperson said the fire escape was fully compliant with regulations. He also said the charge for the parking space was £6,000 over 10 years, equating to less than £2 per day.
He added:
“We have a responsibility to look after and maintain our assets to generate funds and help support the delivery or frontline services, while also supporting community groups.
“And sadly, despite working extensively with this group and offering them a significant number of incentives to use this building – that could otherwise be occupied by another group for the benefit of the town – they continue to be dissatisfied with what has already been agreed.”
Despite the disagreements, more than six months on from its official start date, the lease should be agreed in the next few weeks.
Fundraising has been slower than expected because of the covid pandemic. Costs have also risen, meaning the association is still fundraising to ensure the project will be completed.
Staff from Succession Wealth in Harrogate have volunteered to help with the preparatory work for the project and KMA is keen to hear from anyone else who can help.
An artist’s impression of how the museum’s exhibits could look
Planning permission has already been granted to improve the building and work is expected to begin in the new year.
The museum will feature a replica Marigold boat, a 3D model of Nidd Gorge in prehistoric times, a wartime Knaresborough display featuring part of a Nissan hut, and plenty of interactive elements.
Ms Allday said:
“Knaresborough has been hiding much of its geology, archaeology and social history under a bushel resulting in much of the town’s history not being told.
“By showcasing the amazing geology and archaeology of the town along with its fascinating social history, Knaresborough Town Museum will complement and dovetail with what is displayed at the Court House Museum.
“It is a really exciting opportunity for the two museums to complement each other and we hope by continuing to engage with HBC’s museum service that the benefits of a new heritage quarter for Knaresborough can be realised.”
KMA hopes the Knaresborough Town Museum will open in late summer 2023.
No Bonfire Night event in Tockwith this yearThe organisers of the annual Bonfire Night celebrations in Tockwith have said the event will not take place this year.
Tockwith and District Agricultural Society has previously used the bonfire and fireworks to raise funds for the village show in the summer.
However, the committee has decided not to run it this year because of the amount of work involved and the difficulties of using the showfield site.
Committee chair Georgina Watson said:
“It was a hard decision for the committee but ultimately our focus as an agricultural society is making sure we can put on the annual Tockwith Show.
“We have just held an incredibly successful show in August, but organising it, staging it on the day and most importantly clearing up the field afterwards involved a tremendous amount of work by a relatively small group of volunteers, and the burden of organising the Bonfire Night event would have fallen on the shoulders of that same group.
“Unlike the show itself the Bonfire Night event is totally at the mercy of the weather but still involves the same amount of hard work, so given both reasons we have with regret decided to cancel the event.”
The event was held last year, after a gap in 2020 because of the covid pandemic. In 2019, it had to be called off at the last minute when heavy rain left the showfield waterlogged.
The waterlogged field in 2019. Photo: Tockwith and District Agricultural Society
The announcement this week follows a decision by Harrogate’s Round Table to alter the format of its event on the Stray.
Rather than a bonfire, the volunteers said they would offer family entertainments including fairground rides, as well as the popular firework display.
A survey of the public after last year’s event found people were ambivalent about the bonfire, which the Round Table said was expensive and challenging to organise.
Are you putting on a community Bonfire Night event? Email the details to us for our round-up next month.
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Business Breakfast: Harrogate firms listed in UK legal guide
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Seven Harrogate law firms have been included in the Legal 500 Guide for 2023.
Berwins, LCF Law, McCormicks and Raworths are all listed across a number of areas of law, including corporate and commercial, employment and private client work.
Harrogate Family Law and Stowe Family Law are listed for their work in this area, with Raworths, LCF Law and McCormicks also included.
McCormicks is mentioned for its sports law, Berwins for its IT and telecoms law provision, and Hempsons for its work in healthcare and with charities.
The latest version of the guide was welcomed by Raworths, whose managing partner Simon Morris, pictured above, said:
“We’re extremely proud to be recognised once again in the Legal 500 Guide, as this cements our reputation as one of the leading law firms based in the north of England delivering a genuinely integrated service to business and private clients.
“The guide highlights our commitment to delivering a high-quality service through our genuine team approach. We feel that our personal approach to looking after our clients sets us apart, and it certainly has helped us to build trusted, longstanding relationships with our growing client portfolio.
“Half of our lawyers are referenced in the guide across various practice areas, which is a testament to their knowledge and skills. It is particularly gratifying as the results are based on independent feedback and reiterates our approach which puts clients first.”
Chief executive Paul Berwin said he was particularly pleased the guide described Berwins’ support for clients, adding:
“I am naturally delighted to see the firm recognised in this way. We have some outstanding lawyers and it is a testament to them that their teams have been recognised as regional leaders.
“Essential though this deep expertise is to the way we support clients, what is particularly pleasing to see is the way the guide have identified Berwins’ high standards of service.
“From day one, we have had two overriding mantras – that care for the client is paramount and that, if we cannot do something well, we won’t do it at all. This outstanding directory recognition, built as it is on the feedback of clients and commentators, affirms the fact that we are being successful in both.”
The prestigious guide, which lists the top legal practices for each region of the UK, is independently researched and uses data from in-house peers.
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Late businessman behind coach donation to Knaresborough special school
A school in Knaresborough has been given a coach thanks to the generosity of a late businessman.
The Forest School received a special Variety Sunshine Coach in memory of Paul Ziff, a Yorkshire philanthropist who was a lifelong supporter and former regional chairman of Variety.
The children’s charity has helped to provide more than 5,700 coaches for SEND schools and other non-profit organisations working with disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK since it was founded in 1949.
At The Forest School, 94% of pupils have speech, language and communication needs, and the specially-adapted minibus will give them the chance to visit new places and gain experiences which will support their development.
Mr Ziff’s widow Lea said:
“Paul had a lifelong passion to help others, and in particular to champion young people and unlock their full potential, no matter what their circumstances or disabilities. That’s why he was so dedicated to working tirelessly for Variety for so many years, having the same aims at heart.
“I chose Forest School to be the recipient of this sunshine coach, as Paul himself suffered from severe aphasia for 20 years so we both knew how challenging language and communication impairments can be.
“I really hope this bright new sunshine coach will broaden horizons for all the children at Forest School and give them the freedom and opportunity to experience many wonderful educational and recreational days out.”
Paul Ziff’s widow Lea hands over the Sunshine Coach keys to The Forest School
Paul James, co-headteacher at The Forest School, said:
“We are extremely grateful to our sponsor and Variety, the Children’s Charity for providing a Sunshine Coach.
“A donation such as this means our pupils will benefit for many years to come by having transport to allow them to take part in opportunities such as horse riding, swimming, learning in the community, theatre visits and school residentials. Thank you so much.”
Mr Ziff was made chairman of the Leeds committee of Variety from 1975 and continued his support for the charity until his death in 2020, aged 84. As well as helping to organise coaches for schools across the region, he set up numerous events including the sportsman of the year dinner and the first ever woman of the year awards.
New Lidl store in Harrogate to open in two weeks’ timeThe new Lidl store in Harrogate will open on Thursday, October 13 at 8am, the company has confirmed.
Construction has been under way since February on the Knaresborough Road site, previously home to Lookers Ford car dealership.
The company said the shop will create around 40 new jobs and will offer an in-store bakery, customer toilets including baby changing facilities, and parking for cars and bicycles.
It will be open daily from 8am to 10pm, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
A spokesperson for Lidl GB said:
“It is fantastic that we are able to open our doors and welcome everyone into our new store in Harrogate.
“We have received overwhelming support from local residents, and we would like to thank all those that have played a part in delivering this new store. We now look forward to serving our multi-award winning products to everyone within the local community.”
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The Harrogate travel specialists helping to create life-long memories
This article is sponsored by TravelGate.
A husband and wife team in Harrogate are making it their mission to create the best possible memories for people across the district.
Phil and Melanie O’Boyle founded TravelGate to deliver the kind of service they would want to receive from a travel agent: personalised, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile.
The pair have been running the firm for seven years and are just completing their busiest summer ever. Phil said:
“It can take a huge amount of time to book your own holiday, and it can be stressful, trying to coordinate all the elements and get exactly what you want.
“Using an independent agent takes all that away, especially for people who are time poor.
“We get a lot of repeat custom from people who’ve appreciated the service they get from us, letting them just turn up and enjoy their holiday.
“And the more we work with people, the more we get to know them and can make recommendations of places we know they’ll love.
“It’s fantastic when you reach the stage where they just say, ‘you tell me – where should we go?’ and you know exactly the right thing.”
One of the most remarkable things about TravelGate is the huge range of holidays it can offer to customers.
From simply booking flights for those who might be staying with family abroad, to delivering tailor-made, once-in-a-lifetime adventures around the world, they have seen and done it all.
Independent travel agents
Not only can they make their own recommendations, but their close contacts in the industry mean they are always able to source new hotels and resorts which they know will be a good fit. As independent travel agents, they can access deals which aren’t always open to others, building relationships with hoteliers and reps around the world.
They also keep in touch with customers old and new, hearing about their experiences and using their tips to make recommendations to others. Melanie said:
“We get emails from people while they’re on holiday telling us how much fun they’re having – even sending us holiday snaps.
“It’s really lovely knowing we’ve made sure they got what they wanted and are creating memories.
“That feedback also helps us to make recommendations for them in the future, and to other customers who are considering the same destination.”
When it comes to destinations, Phil and Melanie cover the whole world, and have customers flung far and wide at any given time.
As well as traditional summer package holidays from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, they work a lot with people who want to visit sout-east Asia, make the most of a trip to Australasia, or try a roadtrip across America.
Keeping everything on track
Though nobody likes to consider what happens when things go wrong, it is in these cases that a knowledgeable, independent travel agent comes into their own.
Whether it’s a cancelled flight or queries over transfers, dealing with any minor hiccups on holiday can be stressful, especially taking into account language and other barriers.
Phil and Melanie are always on hand – even having a phone at home to take out-of-hours calls – to step in and ensure things get back on track.
“We’re getting a lot of new customers at the moment who have never spoken to us before, but who perhaps haven’t been away for a few years and just want that added reassurance of having someone to contact if they need anything.
“Booking without an agent is a risk: you don’t know whether it will live up to the promises you see online or in a brochure.
“Whatever your budget and wherever your destination, a holiday is a big deal. You want it to be right and you want to feel you’ve got value for your money.
“That’s what we’re all about: making sure that investment delivers the experiences and memories that make it all worthwhile.”
You can contact TravelGate by phone on 01423 210 580, email on enquiries@gotravelgate.co.uk or message the TravelGate Facebook page.
What the customers say
There’s no better recommendation than that of someone who has used the service themselves.
TravelGate has hundreds of happy customers who are more than happy to return – and recommend the company to their friends.
Some recent comments sent to Phil and Melanie from around the world include:
Australia and New Zealand
“This is our last night of what has been an unforgettable trip. You know we were very nervous about travelling to Australia and New Zealand but the time you spent with us putting the trip together and going through everything with us a few days before we travelled put us at ease.
“It was a complicated itinerary but everything has gone so smoothly. My sister recommended you to us and we will definitely be using TravelGate for all our future holidays. Thank you both so much.”
Canada
“Wow wow wow – Canada is amazing. Beyond all our expectations.
“There are so many highlights. The Rocky Mountaineer has always been on our bucket list and did not disappoint.
“Memories of watching grizzly bears from our lodge in British Columbia will stay with us forever. We can’t wait to get over to Niagara Falls on Tuesday.
“Everything has been perfect so far and we cant thank you enough for everything you have done for us.”
Europe
“I just wanted to say thank you finding such a brilliant holiday for us. The resort was fantastic, Lake Geneva was beautiful and the hotel was stunning.
“The temperature was just right for us and there was the perfect mix of activities to keep everyone busy. We would definitely go back and if you know of any other resorts like this we could try them too!
“Thanks for all your help and hard work on our behalf.”
Ski trip
“Just wanted to say we’re having a lovely time skiing this week. The hotel you chose for us is absolutely great, plenty of snow and even the sun is shining. Thank you for organising another great family holiday!”
Beach holiday
“Just wanted to send you a quick message to say what a find this hotel is. We are currently sitting on the private beach which is stunning. We are loving it and it’s just perfect! A big thank you!”
Florida
Grantley pair charged with smuggling criminal cash out of UK“We arrived in Longboat Key yesterday after an action packed Disney week. It all went brilliantly well and we all created life long memories.
“Our apartment at Longboat Key Resort is exceptional. We all love it here. Great choice of resorts guys. Thank you for all your help.
“The boys and I are playing golf tomorrow and the girls are going horse riding on the beach.
“Magical!”
Two people from Grantley. near Ripon, have been charged with smuggling cash out of the UK as part of a major national investigation.
Jonathan Johnson, 54, and Jo Emma Larvin, 43, appeared before Uxbridge Magistrates Court yesterday charged with removal of cash from England and Wales which they knew or suspected was acquired through criminal conduct.
It follows an investigation by the National Crime Agency into the smuggling of millions of pounds of cash, which has seen a total of 12 people from across the country charged.
They are all suspected of being cash couriers, responsible for transporting large amounts of money in suitcases on flights from the UK to Dubai.
All 12, aged between 24 and 54, were bailed to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on October 27.
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Celebrity guest for village yoga session near Ripon
A surprise guest with a film crew brought a bit of fun to a village yoga class near Ripon last week.
Hugh Dennis, best known as a comedic actor including in sitcom Outnumbered, was in Studley Roger filming for archaeology show The Great British Dig.
The TV crew asked if they could join Kirsten Agar Ward’s Iyengar yoga session at Studley Roger Village Hall, so they could invite participants to help with the dig.
While there, Hugh and co-presenter Natasha Billson joined in the class, which was all filmed by the production company. Kirsten told the Stray Ferret:
“I’ve been filmed quite a bit before, not for TV but I’m fairly used to it, up to a point. I was a little bit nervous, I have to admit, but once I’d started I just got into what I was doing.
“It was a very unusual situation. It was fast-paced and fun, and they said they’d enjoyed it and seemed quite relaxed at the end.”
The session proved fruitful for the visitors, who recruited a number of locals for their dig, which will be shown as part of a new series of the programme next year.
Kirsten hopes some of their yoga session will be included in the final edit, not only to raise the profile of her classes but also to spread the word about Iyengar yoga.
She trained extensively in India and is a senior level three teacher, travelling around the world to deliver classes as well as setting up the Bath Iyengar Yoga Centre in 2000.
Now based back in Yorkshire, she leads sessions in Ripon and Harrogate too, along with online classes which attract international participants from Tasmania, Costa Rica and elsewhere.
She said:
“I’m very committed to teaching this method. it’s very structured and progressive and safe. The teachers are rigorously trained.
“It’s very good for meeting people’s needs, because you aren’t just doing one thing, you can adapt and grade it according to people who are coming, whether they are old, young, bendy, stiff, have health problems or whatever.
“I’m very pleased they came to film the class. Part of the Great British Dig is they’re trying to build community and that’s what I’m trying to do too, so it was a good mix.”
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