Harrogate primary school appoints new headteacher

A Harrogate primary school has announced a new headteacher and deputy-head teacher.

Hookstone Chase Primary School has appointed James Hughes as the new headteacher and Hannah Norton as the new deputy headteacher.

Mr Hughes has been acting head since October 2023. He has worked in primary schools for 18 years.

Before starting at Hookstone Chase, he held the position of deputy headteacher at nearby Willow Tree Primary School for 13 years.

Mr Hughes said:

“I am thrilled to become the new Headteacher at Hookstone Chase Primary School and am committed to unlocking the potential of every one of our young learners.

“Alongside Hannah and our talented staff team we will nurture academic excellence and strengthen connections with our local community to cultivate a vibrant and diverse learning environment.”

Ms Norton joins the school from New Park Primary School, also in Harrogate, where she was assistant headteacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO).

Hookstone Chase Primary School

Hookstone Chase Primary School is part of Northern Star Academies Trust, a partnership of 15 primary and secondary schools across North and West Yorkshire, five of which are in Harrogate.

Harrogate High School, New Park Primary Academy School , Starbeck Primary Academy and Willow Tree Community Primary School are also in the trust.

The trust’s CEO, Jenn Plews, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome both James and Hannah to their new roles at Hookstone Chase Primary School and to support them as they lead the school into this new chapter.

“As a growing Yorkshire Trust we put people at the heart of everything we do and know that excellent education starts with excellent teachers. We take great pride in being able to provide career advancement prospects within our Trust partnership and are so pleased that both James and Hannah are taking the next step in their career at Northern Star.”

Hookstone Chase Primary School is also looking for a volunteer governor. If you  would like to find out more about the role contact governance@nsat.org.uk. 

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Harrogate district braced for further rail strikes

Passengers are set to experience rail disruptions next week and into the Early May Bank Holiday as unions carry out further strikes.

Train union ASLEF has announced its members will carry out “action short of strike” between Monday April 29 and Saturday May 4 in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Northern, which operates stations in Harrogate, Starbeck and Knaresborough, has warned passengers to expect late notice cancellations during the time period.

On its website, the company said:

“If travelling with Northern, or connecting onto other services across the country, check before you travel as industrial action may affect multiple parts of your journey.

“Between April 29 and May 4 (during ‘action short of strike’) we expect some late notice cancellations to services, particularly the first and last services of the day.

“The majority of services will be running as planned on these days, but please check before travelling, as close to the time as possible as short notice cancellations are likely.”

There are also disruptions predicted between May 6- 11 due to ‘action short of strike’ called by ASLEF, meaning almost two weeks of disruptions with a strike on Thursday May 9.

Passengers also faced disruptions on the last bank holiday, over Easter weekend.

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Access is a ‘shambles’ at purpose-built Harrogate flats, says disabled resident

A brand-new block of flats that was described as “setting the standard” for assisted living facilities when it was opened this month is “an absolute shambles”, according to a resident who moved in last week. 

St Roberts Grove, which offers residential care and support to people with a range of disabilities, was described as “what the future of care looks like” by Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones when he cut the ribbon on the Claro Road facility in Harrogate this month. 

But new resident Nick Moxon, 35, has highlighted one of the building’s shortcomings by filming himself trying to get into the lift he needs to use to reach his first-floor flat.

As shown in the video, which Mr Moxon shared with the Stray Ferret, he has first to go through a door and turn immediately right, stopping on a very small landing at the top of a flight of stairs. Then, he has to reverse his wheelchair and press the button to call the lift, before edging forward again to allow the first door to close behind him. 

Once the lift has come and the door opened for him, he has to reverse through 90 degrees into the lift. But the passageway is so narrow that the manoeuvre requires a lot of shunting back and forth, and in the video clip he shared, the attempt is in vain because the lift door ‘times out’ and closes automatically, meaning that Mr Moxon has to start the process all over again. 

He said: 

“I can use the lift, but it usually takes me a few goes. We tenants were only allowed to see inside the building a week before we moved in, and when I saw the lift, I thought ‘why on earth have they done that?’” 

Mr Moxon, who previously praised the spaciousness of the flats themselves, said that the problems at St Roberts Grove aren’t just confined to the lift: 

“The flats are lovely, but the corridors and doorways you have to use to get to them are too narrow. In some places, two wheelchairs going in opposite directions can’t get past each other. Some people’s wheelchairs are too big to access all parts of the building, and some people can’t work the lift to see their friends because they have limited mobility in their hands.

“We were sold this idea of the building being completely accessible, allowing people to live independently, but it’s not – it’s an absolute shambles. It’s completely unacceptable for a 2024 building. The person who designed it just hasn’t put any thought into how wheelchairs can get about.” 

The £7.5 million St Roberts Grove development was built and is owned by Sheffield-based Highstone Housing Association, which specialises in supported living accommodation for vulnerable adults, in partnership with local authorities across Yorkshire. The new facility has 35 accessible flats and on-site support staff is run by Disability Action Yorkshire. 

Two of three planned blocks have been built, and the third, due to be built on the site of Disability Action Yorkshire’s current care home, is expected to be completed by spring 2026. 

Mr Moxon said: 

“Far from the promise of increased independence, the layout of the two current blocks of flats deeply undermines the overall objective of the project, which should ensure that disabled persons should be allowed to dream and aspire to achieve their potential, and not be hidden by archaic and outdated attitudes obviously held by the architect who was in charge of designing our new homes.”  

Mr Moxon has contacted Disability Action Yorkshire about the accessibility issues at St Roberts Grove and has presented a list of recommendations to Highstone Housing Association, which has said it will consider the matter carefully.

He added:

“I had a constructive meeting with Highstone and we’re trying to find an amicable solution. Watch this space.”

Andrew Jones MP and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson cut the ribbon at the opening.

The Stray Ferret asked Andrew Jones MP if he stood by his comment that St Roberts Grove was “what the future of care looks like”. He replied:

“The future of disability care is modern, flexible, aspirational accommodation which gives disabled people the chance to have their own tenancy, their own property and their own front door just the same as everybody else.”

He confirmed Mr Moxon had contacted him about the issue, but said the correspondence was confidential.

The Stray Ferret has contacted Jackie Snape, chief executive of Disability Action Yorkshire, for comment but not yet had a response.

Mr Jones added:

“I feel sure that Disability Action Yorkshire will want to work constructively with any tenant who raises concerns. I understand though that the chief executive is unable to comment until next week.”

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Public invited to attend Maltkiln consultation event

The developer hoping to build thousands of new homes between Harrogate and York will hold a public consultation in Kirk Hammerton next month.

Caddick Group says the event on Tuesday, May 7, at Kirk Hammerton village hall will be a chance for the local community to view its proposals for Maltkiln and to speak directly with the team developing the scheme. It will take place between 2pm and 8pm.

A minimum of 3,000 homes and two primary schools could be built near the villages of Cattal, Whixley, Green Hammerton and Kirk Hammerton.

This month, North Yorkshire Council submitted its Maltkiln development plan document (DPD) to the government’s Planning Inspectorate ahead of an examination.

Caddick says the scheme aims to address the “acute housing shortage” in North Yorkshire.

Proposals are also available to view and respond to on a dedicated consultation website.

An online form for feedback will open on Monday, May 6 and will close on Friday, May 27.

Chris Procter, director at Caddick Group, said:

“We have been liaising with North Yorkshire Council and other key political stakeholders throughout the DPD process, to ensure our plans are able to not only deliver much-needed housing, but are also able to provide a range of housing types and tenures, giving people the flexibility to live where they wish.

“Our revised proposals for Maltkiln will incorporate enhancements to transport infrastructure around the site, as well as bringing forward proposals for onsite amenities and a strategy to deliver biodiversity net gain, to deliver a sustainable and connected community.

“As the DPD process draws to a conclusion, we want to re-engage with the community to seek their valuable feedback on our revised plans.”

Arnold Warneken, Green Party councillor for Ouseburn, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he hopes people living in the area will attend the consultation as he said there were still unanswered questions regarding the scheme.

The developer still does not own a large section of land around Cattal Station with the council saying it would be willing to use a compulsory purchase order to force through a sale.

He also questioned the timing of the consultation event which is taking place before the DPD examination.

Cllr Warneken said:

“We have not resolved the situation about land. I’m not sure why the consultation is taking place so early in the process. The community will get a chance to respond to DPD, which is the right way to do it. I don’t understand the thinking but I’m not a developer.”

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What’s new for the 2024 Harrogate Spring Flower Show

Above image: making seed bombs, Meadow in my Garden

Harrogate Spring Flower Show is back and is taking place this week over four days from Thursday April 25 to Sunday April 28. It is one of the most popular events in the area, attracting up to 90,000 visitors each year.

Get garden inspiration aplenty thanks to plant and floral nursery displays, garden designs, talks and demonstrations. There will also be stalls selling everything you could possibly need to make your garden the sanctuary you’d like it to be – the perfect inspiration as we (hopefully and eventually) head into warmer climes.

And this year visitors to Harrogate Spring Flower Show can partake in a complimentary class led by seasoned plant experts.

All you need to do is head to the Plant Workshop stand in the Grand Floral Hall and sign up. But be warned: places are limited to one class per person, are subject to availability and are sure to go fast.

Create a mini spring floral arrangement

Leafy Couture

Arrange a spring flower posy at this workshop by Leafy Couture.

Attendees will learn about the flowers that will be used for the posy that will likely be a mixture of double, frilly and parrot tulips, ranunculus, blossom, wallflowers and foliages, and then be shown step-by-step how to arrange them.

Every day, 11.15am-12 noon.

Make seed bombs

Meadow in my Garden

Meadow in my Garden is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that promotes gardening for wildlife.

Its workshop will impart some useful tips about flower meadow creation including seed selection, methodology and maintenance, and will provide a breakdown of the best way to produce seed balls to become a guerrilla gardener.

Every day, 1.15pm-2pm.

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Dive into the art of mossarium crafting 

York Terrariums

Learn all about the history and science behind these self-sustaining ecosystems before getting a chance to build your own.

The workshop by York Terrariums will start with a short introduction explaining the history and science that goes into building a terrarium, from the different plants you can use to why activated charcoal is a special ingredient.

Then you can roll up your sleeves and create your own, filling a terrarium jar with various plants, pebbles, and moss.

At the end of the session, take away the miniature garden home and watch it develop over the next few months and years.

Every day, 3.15pm-4pm.

Make sure you check out… the Houseplant Zone

Image: Pixaby

Looking for new houseplants? Then head to the Houseplant Zone, also new for 2024.

Featuring a backdrop based on the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon created by Leafy Couture Flowers, here you’ll discover perfect plants for every corner; whether it’s a shady hallway yearning for greenery or a sun-drenched windowsill begging for life.

Any finally…

A visual of Harrogate Hospital’s show garden

The long-awaited show gardens are back for 2024. Featuring inspirational garden design, they will also showcase local organisations’ work through horticulture, including Horticap, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

It will also host the Creative Borders category, supported by the Association of Professional Landscapers, that will have innovative ideas and creative concepts for the smallest of spaces.

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Former Harrogate Arms to reopen as café tomorrow

The historic Harrogate Arms is set to reopen as a café tomorrow.

The grade two-listed building, which closed a decade ago, will finally be brought back to working order.

Originally built in 1844 by Henry Wright, the then-owner of the estate, the Harrogate Arms and Bath House were set in pleasure gardens, which are now part of The Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden Harlow Carr.

The Harrogate Arms had several faces during its time, including a hotel, inn, nightclub, restaurant and pub, before closing to the public in 2014.

But the RHS was granted listed building consent in 2019 to convert the site into a café.

The horticultural charity today said it has been “working hard to restore the premises”, which will offer indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a menu focused on “seasonal ingredients”.

It added the café will offer a breakfast, lunch and an all-day menu, along with artisan coffee.

The new landscape of RHS Garden Harlow Carr by planners Gillespies.

In a press release, the RHS said:

“Each day will feature a special menu utilising produce directly from our Kitchen Garden to champion the use of fresh ingredients.

“It will also showcase some fantastic ways for preserving foods from the garden from the summer so they can be used in the colder and less productive months. Think anything from pickled cucumber to chilli oils and kimchi!”

New jobs will be created as part of the café opening, the charity said, adding it hopes to use as much locally sourced produce as possible.

Liz Thwaite, head of RHS Garden Harlow Carr, also said:

“We can’t wait to re-open this building which holds so many memories for members of the local community and really look forward to welcoming them back to the brand new Harrogate Arms Café.

“This project has been a long time in the making, as we wanted to create something fresh and exciting for our visitors that celebrates our rich heritage.”

The Harrogate Arms Café will open to the public from around 11am tomorrow (April 25), an RHS spokesperson said.

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18-month Harrogate road closure to end

A Harrogate road that has been closed to traffic for 18 months will reopen in less than two weeks.

Vehicles have been blocked from crossing the bridge where Kingsley Road meets Bogs Lane since November 2022.

By law, temporary road closures can only last for a maximum of 18 months, which means the route, off the busy A59 Knaresborough Road, will reopen on May 6.

North Yorkshire Council considered permanently closing the road — a move welcomed at the time by the local councillor who said it would end the “Kingsley rat run”.

But this option is no longer being pursued.

Barrie Mason, the council’s assistant director for highways and transport, said:

“The temporary closure of Kingsley Road and Bogs Lane will come to an end on Monday, May 6, once the resurfacing is completed and traffic signals go live.

“We will not be progressing the permanent road closure as part of the developer-funded works.”

The decision to reopen the road means it will once again be an alternative for emergency vehicles when the level crossing barriers are down at Starbeck on the A59.

A 12-month temporary prohibition of traffic order was issued from November 7, 2022, to enable developer Redrow to carry out work at its 133-home Kingsley Manor development.

North Yorkshire Council extended the order by six months in November last year to enable Barratt Homes, which built the nearby Kingsley Meadows development, to construct a footway along Bogs Lane to make the area safer for pedestrians.

Mr Mason said:

“The construction of a footway on Bogs Lane will conclude current developer obligations. This is due to be completed for the road reopening, subject to weather conditions.”

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5 things to do in Harrogate and the district this weekend

Head to Harrogate Spring Flower Show

Harrogate Spring Flower Show is back and is taking place this week from Thursday to Sunday. It is one of the most popular events in the area, attracting up to 90,000 visitors each year.

Get garden inspiration aplenty thanks to plant and floral nursery displays, gardens designs, talks and demonstrations. There will also be stalls selling everything you could possibly need to make your garden the sanctuary you’d like it to be – the perfect inspiration as we (hopefully and eventually) head into warmer climes.

From £25, 9.30am-5pm, April 25-28, Great Yorkshire Showground, HG2 8NZ.

Listen to live music at Three’s A Crowd

Elena May

Listen to the laid-back music of Elena May as you drink or dine at Three’s A Crowd this Friday. Or on Sunday enjoy a roast until 7pm all to the background of self-accompanied piano vocalist Beth Ibbotson, who will be playing a range of feel-good favourites.

Elena May, 8pm until late, April 26; Beth Ibbotson, 6pm-9pm, April 28. 11 West Park, HG1 1BL.

Beth Ibbotson

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Go to a personal styling event

Are you unsure of what to wear or what suits you and looking for new clothes? Then head to local personal stylist Anna Mewes, who is hosting an evening of styling and shopping and will be taking clients through the hottest trends for spring and summer.

This will be followed by a chance to shop the Mint Velvet collection in store with a glass of bubbles in hand.

£20, 6.30-8.30pm, April 25, Mint Velvet, 29-31 James Street, HG1 1QY.

Attend a local wine fair

Local independent wine merchants Ake & Humphris is putting on its annual spring wine fair this Sunday.

Simply pick up a tasting glass on arrival and work your way round the table where you can sample more than 50 styles that include floral whites, new champagnes, decadent reds, fruity rosés and natural wines, as well as spirits.

These include wines from new origins including Slovenia and Bulgaria, new grape varieties such as Zelen and Zibibbo, plus some prestigious bottlings by wineries including Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs and Elderton Estate from Barrossa, Australia, not forgetting spirits from local distillers, Noble Spring.

£25, 12-2pm, 3-5pm, 6-8pm, April 28, Balcony Sports Bar, Harrogate Cricket Ground, Saint George’s Road, HG2 9BP. Places are limited so visit the website to reserve your space. For over 18s only.

Go to a duo of choral concerts

Voces Seraphorum choir

Formed in 2015, chamber choir Voces Seraphorum performs regular concerts at cathedrals and churches. Singing in a variety of styles, this Saturday they will perform well-known choral masterpieces alongside some lesser-known songs all to the background of brass band Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band at St James Church Birstwith on Saturday.

They will also be performing at St Michael & All Angels’ Church Beckwithshaw on Sunday but without the brass band.

From £12, 7pm, April 27, St James Church Birstwith, Lackon Bank, HG3 2NG. £10 per adult (children are free), 4pm, April 28, at St Michael & All Angels’ Church Beckwithshaw, 4 Otley Road, Beckwithshaw, HG3 1QW.

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

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Business Q&A: Jack Schofield, Atlas Helicopters

This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly.

This week we spoke to Jack Schofield, managing director of Atlas Helicopters in Harrogate.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does. 

Atlas Helicopters provides private helicopter charter in the UK and near continent. We buy and sell aircraft and offer private management services for helicopter owners, so we can guide you through the buying process and then take care of your helicopter for you. We can also put your helicopter on our charter fleet to help you offset the running costs.

What does it require to be successful in business? 

You need determination and a great team of people around you to make sure everything runs well – that’s crucial.

Our business is definitely not nine-to-five, so we put a lot of time and effort into being available 24/7.

Having said all that, I’ve never really thought of myself as a businessman. I was a pilot and ended up running the business and spending more time in the office than in the air.

What drives you to do what you do every day? 

I enjoy getting involved with all aspects of the business. As a pilot, I like making sure customers get everything they need, and I also work with the operations team and spend time training pilots.

It can be hectic – we often have lots of people all wanting to fly on the same day, so it can be a logistical nightmare, but we work well together and that gives me a strong sense of satisfaction.

What has been the toughest issue your company has had to deal with over the last 12 months? 

All aircraft have to be fully serviced every 50 hours of flying time, and parts get replaced all the time. But recently, getting hold of spare parts for aircraft has been very tricky.

We’ve just had to spend a lot of time tracking down a spare part for a helicopter that would have grounded it, had we not been able to find one. The helicopter company, Leonardo in Italy, had said it would take a year to get the part to us – it’s hard to understand why – so we had to source one by other means, otherwise it would have caused chaos in the fleet.

Getting spare parts has definitely been a lot worse this year, possibly as a knock-on effect of the global microchip shortage.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why? 

We work closely with a company in Harrogate called MEC Chauffeurs. It’s a similar company to ours, but with cars rather then helicopters. If our customers need cars to get them to their final destination, we use them. It’s only been around for a year, but it’s a top service.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders? 

Sorry – I’ve got nothing on that one!

What could be done locally to boost business? 

It’s a good question, but I don’t have an answer to that either. There’s a lot of demand for helicopter charter, so business is good for us.

Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate? 

We’ve got helicopters all around the country, so we could be based anywhere. We’re based in Harrogate because it’s where I live. I’ve lived here all my life and it’s a lovely place to live and work.

The worst thing is probably the cost of living here.

What are your business plans for the future? 

We started last year with three aircraft and now have seven, so we’re growing.

Demand is slowly increasing to be driven around in larger aircraft, so we’re looking to get one. At the moment, we tend to fly small, light two-seaters, but we’re now looking to add a bigger aircraft to the fleet that can seat nine or 10 people.

We’re always looking to get new aircraft on the books and grow our charter business.

What do you like to do in your time off? 

I don’t have a huge amount of spare days, but when I have the time I like to go to the gym. I try to go every day.

I come from a family of six siblings and we all live in Harrogate. We’re quite close, so when I have a day off I like to meet up with them for walks (we all have dogs), or maybe to watch the rugby at the weekends.

Best place to eat and drink locally? 

My favourite pub is Three’s A Crowd on West Park. It’s got a nice atmosphere and on sunny days it’s nice to sit in the big windows, or outside on the pavement when it’s really warm.

My favourite restaurant is Pranzo on Cold Bath Road. I love the pasta there – it’s so good!

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Police seek man after Harrogate supermarket fraud

North Yorkshire Police has issued a CCTV image of a man it wants to speak to about fraud at a Harrogate supermarket.

The force said today the incident related to a fraudulent exchange of cash.

It happened at Sainsbury’s supermarket in Harrogate in February this year. No further details have been revealed.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement:

“We believe he will have information that could assist our investigation. If you can help to identify the man in the image, please contact us via email at IET@northyorkshire.police.uk.”

To pass on information quote reference 12240045890 and call 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

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