Starbeck resident Hayley Wilson said she was “disgusted” to find five discarded needles, believed to be used for drug taking, when walking her dog yesterday morning.

She told the Stray Ferret she found the needles on Prospect Road in Starbeck and returned with rubber gloves to put them in a plastic tub after she took her dog home.

She said:

“I was walking my dog which went near them. I’m a care worker and I’m going to do the right thing. What if a kid had picked them up?”

Ms Wilson said it’s the first time she has found needles in Starbeck but urged people to be vigilant, especially after snow has fallen.

The needles were found in the road.

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Harrogate Borough Council says if someone finds a discarded needle or syringe in a public place, don’t touch it and contact them straight away on 01423 500600, or complete the online reporting form, giving us as much detail as possible about the location.

The council will safely and hygienically dispose of it, using a sharps box and protective clothing.

A police officer who drove through a red light in Harrogate at 50 miles per hour and then crashed into a car carrying two elderly women has been found guilty of dangerous driving.

DC Quita Passmore, 38, was driving an undercover police vehicle when she went through the red light at the junction of Otley Road and Cold Bath Road.

She was responding to reports of an officer in distress at 10pm on May 5, 2018 when the incident occurred.

Bradford Crown Court heard how Patricia Bulmer and Janet Roberton sustained severe injuries, including broken bones and a punctured lung.

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• Harrogate elderly women ‘thought they would die’ in police crash

The jury of 12 people retired for deliberations at about 1pm today and returned with a guilty verdict on two counts of dangerous driving at about 4.30pm.

DC Passmore, who pleaded not guilty, said in a statement that was read out during the trial:

“I was aware that I needed to give way for the red light. But I thought it was unlikely that anything would emerge as my colleague had passed through seconds before.

“As I went through the junction a red car emerged. My evasive action was not enough to avoid the collision.

“I am glad to hear that the two other people involved are making a recovery. I am very sorry this happened, it was never my intention.”

Patricia Bulmer, who was driving the vehicle that was hit, told police in hospital:

“We had spent the day at a friend’s house and left around 10pm. I had driven up Cold Bath Road and turned onto the junction with Otley Road.

“Then there was an almighty smash and bang. The airbag flew into me. My friend was then making moaning noises at the side of me.”

Janet Roberton, who was a passenger, told police:

“I heard a loud siren-type noise and saw lights to the right of the car. I just remember one of us shouting ‘oh my god, oh my god’.

“Then there was a loud bang, it was the most awful noise I have ever heard. My first thought was the we were going to die, it felt terrible.”

Judge Burn adjourned the court until tomorrow morning, when he will sentence DC Passmore for dangerous driving.

Beech Grove in Harrogate is set to close to through traffic in less than two weeks’ time.

Highways authority North Yorkshire County Council has written to residents in the area saying it wants to create a low traffic neighbourhood in the area.

Planters will be put in place at the junction with Lancaster Road, blocking the street.

The council intends to trial the scheme for six months from February 15 with a view to making it permanent, pending public consultation.

Residents, refuse collections and emergency services will still have access to the area. But motorists will no longer be able to get directly from Otley Road to West Park via Beech Grove.

It is hoped the move will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. It will also link to the new Otley Road cycle path, work on which is due to begin in spring.

Low traffic neighbourhoods have been put in place across the country, including in London and Manchester, to prevent drivers from using roads as shortcuts and rat-runs.

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The county council has proposed a series of measures to ease traffic congestion, including a park and ride bus service, Killinghall bypass and traffic calming measures in Bilton. The authority was also handed £1 million for three cycling schemes in Harrogate.

The proposed low traffic neighbourhood.

When the cycle route is completed, cyclists will be able to turn from Otley Road onto Beech Grove, which would be free from traffic and connect with another earmarked cycle route on Victoria Avenue.

The authority’s letter seeks comments from residents ahead of the measure being put in place. It said:

“The county council is seeking feedback on proposals to introduce a low traffic neighbourhood along Beech Grove, with the aim of encouraging more residents to choose active, healthy and sustainable forms of travel, particularly during the current covid pandemic between the western area of Harrogate and the town centre retail and commercial facilities.”

Beech Grove, which has been proposed to be closed off to traffic.

Kevin Douglas, chairman of Harrogate District Cycle Action, described the measure as “a start” in improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians. He said:

“I think it is a positive step forward.

“We were consulted on a number of options and this is the one that requires the least disruption and makes sense without having to cost a huge amount of money.

“It will certainly help pedestrians and cyclists on that road. At the moment, the parking has been difficult and it has been quite risky to go down.”

The scheme would be implemented through an experimental traffic regulation order and would be reviewed by the council after six months.

Council officers will monitor the effect of the scheme on neighbouring roads, including Victoria Road, Lancaster Road and Queen’s Road.

The authority said it has no plans to alter or remove the current disc parking arrangements in the area.

Harrogate Neighbours and a Bilton primary school have joined forces to tackle isolation during National Storytelling Week.

Lockdown has left many people of all ages feeling lonely. Studies suggest intergenerational activities can have a positive impact on mental health in both older and younger people.

Older people have been more isolated than ever during lockdown and many younger people who have been unable to attend school have spent more time alone staring at screens.

Harrogate Neighbours, a charity that helps older people, and Richard Taylor Primary School have collaborated by exchanging stories during National Storytelling Week, which ends on Saturday.

Ten pupils from the school will record a short story or poem, which will be played this week to residents looked after by Harrogate Neighbours.

The residents will also record messages about the past for the pupils.

It is hoped the activity will be fun and break down barriers between generations.

Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours, said:

“Storytelling in all forms is a key part of caring for the elderly and we know what a positive impact it has on our residents when they engage with the younger generation.

“We hope this initiative will be mutually beneficial to both our residents and the children taking part.”

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Andrew Symonds, head teacher at Richard Taylor, said:

“We were delighted when Harrogate Neighbours contacted us about the initiative. Storytelling is central to our curriculum.

“As a school, we are heavily involved in the community and pre-lockdown we would invite elderly members of the community into school for tea and a talk with our pupils. We believe strongly in the importance of intergenerational activities.”

Tributes have been paid to the former chair of governors at St Aidan’s School in Harrogate, who has died from cancer.

Claire Kelley, 64, held the position for 21 years, as well as working for Lord Willis of Knaresborough during his time as MP for the area.

Daughter Emily Murphy said, in all her work, she was motivated by a desire to put things right. Her involvement in local politics began soon after the family moved to Harrogate, where son Alex was born.

“She was always interested in politics, ever since university in Sussex. I think in a way, having children, she started thinking ‘I want to do something that makes a difference’.

“There were quite a lot of problems in the community in Harrogate and there was a lot that needed to be addressed. Having young children and seeing that made her want to do something about it and do some good.”

Claire met Harrogate councillor Reg Marsh through his work as a financial advisor. He persuaded her to get involved in supporting the Lib Dems, first through leafleting and later by standing as a candidate herself.

She won election to Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council and, in 2010, stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate to replace Phil Willis when he retired as MP, eventually losing out to Andrew Jones by just over 1,000 votes.

During the campaign, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After successful radiotherapy treatment, Claire returned to work, taking up a post in the office of Leeds North MP Greg Mulholland.

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As well as politics, Claire became involved in the schools her children attended. She was a governor of Oatlands Infant School before becoming chair of governors at St Aidan’s in 1998. Five years ago, she chaired the trust board when the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust was established, uniting St Aidan’s with seven local primaries.

In 2018, after falling ill with suspected gallstones, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She underwent a complex operation which led to a long recovery.

A gruelling programme of chemotherapy treatment followed, which forced her to step down from her role at St Aidan’s in 2019.

Soon after, Claire was told the disease had come back and spread to her lungs. Last year, she decided not to undergo any further chemotherapy.

Her remaining months were spent with her family, enjoying playing with her two-year-old grandson and anticipating the arrival of a second grandchild. Emily said:

“She said to her friends she wanted to meet her second grandchild, which she did.

“We’re very lucky. My brother and I are really close and he has been incredible. Mum had such a huge support network – her neighbours, her colleagues, there are so many people she’s had close to her who helped enormously.”

Former St Aidan’s chair of governors and local politician Claire Kelley, who has died aged 64

After her condition deteriorated in January, Claire moved to St Michael’s Hospice, where she died a short time later, with Emily and Alex by her side.

She also leaves two grandsons, her brother and sister, and former husband Paul Kelley with whom she remained good friends and who was an invaluable support to her and their children through her illness.

Paying tribute to her, St Aidan’s headteacher Chris Burt said:

“Claire was an exceptional chair of governors who had a deep understanding of the school, the community it serves and the national context within which we operate. Her ability to see the most appropriate direction for the school to take, often in relation to the most difficult decisions, was extraordinary.

“Despite the challenges of the roles that she performed, Claire always had an incredibly joyful and positive outlook. Even during the period of her illness, Claire has maintained her active involvement in the work of the governing body and her dignity and resolve has been an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of working alongside her.”

Claire’s funeral will take place at Christ Church in Harrogate next week, led by Rev Matthew Evans and the Ven Paul Hooper, a family friend. The congregation is limited to 30 people because of covid restrictions, but friends and family will also be able to watch it online.

A memorial will be planned by the St Aidan’s community when restrictions allow.

The former Army captain who opened the NHS Nightingale hospital in Harrogate has died aged 100, his family has announced.

Captain Sir Tom Moore was the guest of honour at a virtual opening of the facility last April, in recognition of his fundraising work.

He raised almost £33m for NHS Charities Together by walking lengths of his garden in Bedfordshire, hitting the headlines in the process.

Having been raised in Keighley, West Yorkshire, Captain Sir Tom was made an honorary colonel of the Army Foundation College in Harrogate last spring. He later visited the college to speak to junior soldiers and was invited back for their graduation in September.

In a statement posted on its social media accounts, the college said:

“It is such sad news to find out about the death of Sir Tom Moore, our honorary Colonel, and a great inspiration to all at the Army Foundation College. Our thoughts are with his family in this difficult time and our support is always here if they want it.”

His family confirmed his death today on his Twitter account. He had been taken into hospital on Sunday, after being diagnosed with pneumonia before testing positive for covid last week.

pic.twitter.com/4QHUcwrHiH

— Captain Sir Tom Moore (@captaintommoore) February 2, 2021

Tributes poured in from across the UK and beyond as soon as the news was announced.

The Captain Tom Foundation, set up to continue his legacy, issued a statement to its “founder and inspiration”:

“Captain Tom’s actions inspired people across the world and he was extremely honoured that the foundation might inspire a new generation of Captain Toms. We can all make a difference and through our continued work we will aspire to ensure Tom’s message of hope becomes an enduring legacy.

“Whilst we mourn his loss, we celebrate his life and will be forever grateful for his optimistic philosophy and wonderful spirit.”

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “RIP. A true British hero.”

Watch now:

• Capt Tom Moore opens Harrogate NHS Nightingale hospital
• Harrogate Army Foundation College welcomes Colonel Tom Moore as a ‘phenomenal’ role model

It may not be the Alps but this skier is more than happy to dig out his skis and head around Harrogate in the snow.

Harrogate resident Tomas Munoz has become a familiar sight on snow days in his signature bright orange jumpsuit.

You may have seen him in videos or photos, or even in person skiing by your window as he makes his way to the Stray.

Great to meet Tomas today for @thestrayferret. He's missed his skiing holidays so when it snows in Harrogate he grabs his skis and heads out with a big smile on his face. pic.twitter.com/SBcLQ8xSwo

— Connor Creaghan (@connorcreaghan) February 2, 2021

There has been lots of snow in the Harrogate district so far this year, which means he has had plenty of opportunities to brush up his skills.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret on the Stray today, he said:

“I am a ski fanatic, I love skiing. I have been to France and Switzerland for ski trips but mostly to the United States.

“No ski trips over the last year. It’s a little bit of a let down but I get out and get my hour of exercise a day so it’s very fun.

“I am grateful every time I see snow out the window so I want to take advantage of it. For sure, I am just about as excited as the kids when it starts to snow.”

Mr Munoz, who has about 30 years of skiing experience, says kids love to see him on his skis and will often laugh and take videos.

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• Lockdown leads to a new lease of life for crafting teacher

A primary school teacher in Harrogate has turned her hobby into a new business after launching a project in the first lockdown.

After setting up online tutorials last year, keen crafter Felicity Jennings said interest in her work has soared – and she is now being invited to teach sessions around the world.

As president of Spa Sweethearts WI, Felicity said she was completely taken aback by how quickly everything changed in 2020.

“At our last WI meeting in March, I stood there saying, ‘People say we’re going to have to close down. I don’t think that’s going to happen!’

“That was on the Thursday, and we were locked down the following Monday, so it shows what I know! But I moved our craft sessions online straight away.”

Soon, word began to spread about Felicity’s online craft tutorials, both among local WIs and in Facebook groups for WI members around the country.

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Although her crafting abilities were proving popular, Felicity said her technical skills were not up to the same standard – but youngest son Frank, 15, soon stepped in. He helped to create a home studio where she could do all her filming, and set up cameras to show close-ups of the crafts she was demonstrating.

He also created a YouTube channel for all the videos, making it easier for people to find them and watch as many as they liked, all completely free.

Meanwhile, Felicity was leading live, interactive sessions for groups via Zoom. By September, demand was so high that, with advice from Spa Sweethearts treasurer Sam Pugmire, she set up a business, Felicity Crafts. She said:

“I totally didn’t expect to have a different carer at this age.

“My experience in the classroom has definitely helped. Because I’m a teacher, I’m used to things falling apart! The computer doesn’t work or the kids don’t understand what you think they will – you just adapt and keep going.

“One of the things that’s odd about teaching on Zoom is you’re teaching into the void. You’re just having to do it and hope they’re keeping up. You can keep flicking back and seeing what they’re doing and slow down if they’re all still working, but you don’t get that direct feedback as you go.”

The advantage, however, is that Felicity can teach almost anywhere. After the end of a school day last year, she found herself teaching a session for a WI on the Isle of Wight, while enquiries have come in from groups in Canada, New Zealand and Nicaragua.

Christmas workshops proved popular for Felicity, though were sometimes interrupted by her cats

In the run up to Christmas, Felicity was leading sessions almost every night of the week. She expected interest to tail off in January, but she’s now booked up two or three times a week for most of the year.

Meanwhile, she continues to post videos for people to follow in their own time, including a week-long course teaching crochet for beginners, which went live on Monday. The first session was seen by almost 700 people in just one day.

The secret behind her success, says Felicity, is that crafts can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter what their personal circumstances.

“There are going to be some people who just want to carve out one hour to make something really simple. They’re trying to work at home with a small child and just want something to do that’s just for themselves.

“Others want something they can go mad with – they’re at home on their own or need to be occupied because they’re anxious or missing their grandchildren.”

Knowing her work is helping other people through lockdown also gives Felicity a sense of purpose. Even if lockdown restrictions are eased, Felicity intends to continue her online videos and workshops as long as possible. She added:

“I only started it to have something to do and show people how to do crafts. It’s amazing it has turned into a job and a career and a business.”

It is a simple question: can I drive to beauty spots like Swinsty reservoir in the Harrogate district for exercise? But a clear answer appears elusive.

Harrogate Borough Council’s newsletter last week said:

“Driving to the other side of the district, into the Nidderdale AONB or to either of the national parks is not acceptable.  If you do, you run the risk of a fine.”

Swinsty, Fewston and Lindley Wood reservoirs — popular spots with walkers and dog owners — are all located within Nidderdale AONB and the council’s comments prompted a fierce debate on Twitter.

Some questioned whether legally people could in fact be fined.

Another person tweeted it was ‘bizarre’ that you could join ‘droves of people in Valley Gardens but a quick hop up to deserted Nidderdale is risky and the coppers might fine you’.

But others said there had been a huge increase in local walkers and supported fines.

Today the Stray Ferret attempted to get clarity.

We approached the council, which said it was simply “amplifying North Yorkshire Police’s messaging about what local means”.

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North Yorkshire Police sent us two links when we asked for clarification.

The first was a quote from Superintendent Mike Walker, who leads the force’s response to covid:

“If the officer finds that the individual has travelled multiple miles to exercise and it’s outside of their local area, where there is plenty of provision and open spaces to exercise close to home, the officer has the option to encourage adherence or enforce the regulations dependant on the circumstances.”

There is no further explanation on how far “multiple miles” is. But Superintendent Walker adds that getting “embroiled in detail” can mean we “lose focus of the real reason we are being asked to limit movement”.

The second link referred to a reply by chief inspector Charlotte Bloxham to a resident’s question about what was classed as local travel.

“In relation to travelling for exercise it’s really clear that the message is to stay local in order to do that.

“You can exercise once a day and with one person from another household but the guidance is to stay local to reduce the spread of the virus.

“Local is defined as in your village, your town, your city or locality.

“We are not trying to be the fun police and try spoil people’s activities but it is for a really important reason.”

Some Twitter comments referred to recent guidance on the stay local message from the National Police Chiefs Council, which represents police chiefs.

“UK government guidance strongly requests that people do not leave their local area. However, the covid regulations which officers enforce and which enables them to issue fixed penalty notices for breaches, do not restrict the distance travelled for exercise.”

Government’s coronavirus guidance states:

“Outdoor exercise should be done locally where possible. But you can travel a short distance within your area to do so if necessary.

“For example, to access an open space.”

A man has been charged with the murder of former Ashville College student Anna Reed.

Ms Reed, 22, was found strangled in her bed in a Swiss hotel in April 2019.

The Sunday Times reported last weekend that Marc Schatzle, a German traveller, has been accused of murder, fraud and theft.

It is believed Mr Schatzle met Ms Reed when she was travelling around the world as a 21st birthday present from her father, Clive, a Harrogate racehorse breeder.

They are thought to have been dating for several months.

A spokesman for the Swiss prosecutors office said:

“He is accused of intentional homicide, theft, fraud and drug offences.

“Covid permitting, he will go on trial later this year.”

A spokeswoman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said:

“Our consular staff are assisting the family of a British woman following her death in Switzerland, and are in contact with the Swiss and UK police.”

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