Captain Sir Tom Moore visited Army Foundation College in Harrogate today in his first visit as its Honorary Colonel.

The World War II veteran looked around the college, met and chatted with junior soldiers. The college also gave Sir Tom Moore his new Colonel’s rank slides.

He raised £38.9 million for the NHS after completing 100 laps around his garden during the coronavirus lockdown – becoming a national treasure.

Read more:

• Captain Tom Moore appointed Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College Harrogate
• Portrait of Col Tom Moore donated to Harrogate Army Foundation College
• Capt Tom Moore opens Harrogate NHS Nightingale hospital

Captain Sir Tom Moore said he was pleased to visit the college today:

‘‘It is a real honour to have been made Honorary Colonel. The skills I learnt in the army benefitted me throughout my life and it was wonderful watching the training in action today and speaking with the junior soldiers just starting out, I wish them all well.”

Captain Sir Tom Moore stands for a group photo.

Harrogate AFC prepares 16 and 17-year-olds for a career in the army. It appointed Captain Sir Tom as Honorary Colonel when he turned 100-years-old.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Farebrother MC, the College’s Commanding Officer, said:

“We were absolutely thrilled when Capt Sir Tom became our Honorary Colonel and this visit is the icing on the cake. He is an inspirational figure for the College Staff and Junior Soldiers who, like him, are fulfilling their potential in the British Army. A wonderful day!”

Captain Sir Tom Moore talks to some trainees during a visit to AFC Harrogate.

Junior Soldier, Daniel Barker, from 11 Platoon, Cambrai Company, stated:

“Sir Tom is an inspiration to me as I have seen first-hand the goodness that the NHS can do. In 2018 my Grandad had cancer. The treatment was unsuccessful, but the NHS were successful in every way. The money Sir Tom Moore raised will go to help families like mine. Speaking to him was an honour”.

Captain Sir Tom Moore engages with a senior officer during a visit to AFC Harrogate.

Lewis Sharpe, also a Junior Soldier of 11 Platoon, Cambrai Company, said:

“The inspiration that Sir Tom has demonstrated has inspired me to push myself further. Coming from a difficult background myself, the hard work Sir Tom has shown has proven to me what you can achieve with sheer determination. It was a privilege speaking to Sir Tom today”.

A small antiques shop has opened at The Knox pub in Bilton as a Harrogate woman aims to follow a new path after lockdown.

Foxy Antiques and Interiors will sell a range of items, from retro furniture to vintage collectables. The small shop is occupying a former storage cupboard at the pub.

Alex Clarke, who previously worked in housekeeping, decided during lockdown that she needed a new challenge. Since November, she has been buying and selling antiques, and decided to expand from a small unit in a local antiques shop to the larger space at The Knox.

The shop will sell a range of items, from furniture to candles.

She told the Stray Ferret that her previous job was impacted by coronavirus so she decided to pursue a new venture, following something she has always been interested in. She said:

“It’s completely new to me. I’ve worked in housekeeping for nine years but my wages went down as a result of covid so I decided to look for something else. I needed something new and fresh that would challenge me.”

Katie Swannie, owner of The Knox pub, hopes that the new shop will be the start of something great. She told the Stray Ferret:

“We hope both businesses will benefit each other. It’s always something we’ve wanted to do. I want to create a little complex of quirky things that all complement each other, so this is the first step. We are hoping it will bring something for the local people in this area.”

As well as the launch of Foxy Antiques and Interiors, last weekend also saw the opening of a new beer garden at the back of the pub. As well as providing somewhere to enjoy the sun, it will help the pub to follow social distancing guidelines.

During lockdown the pub was re-decorated and has had a new beer garden built.

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses after three men were arrested for fighting in Harrogate town centre on Saturday evening.

The incident took place between Skipton Road and Regent Parade between 7.50pm and 8pm on Saturday, August 1.

All three men have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Police are now trying to establish the full details of what happened, and are asking witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

Read more:

• Two cars were stolen from Westbourne venue, Harrogate – this is the second time in six weeks the street has been targeted.
• A family has expressed their heartbreak after their dogs were poisoned on a walk in Pateley Bridge, one later passed away. 

To give information to the police, call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Corrina Graham-Merrett. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Two cars were stolen from a driveway in Harrogate when thieves broke into the house and stole the keys.

The Audi Q7, registration YH66 MHR, has since been recovered, but the black Toyota Hilux, registration YF69 EYF, has still not been found.

The two-in-one burglary also saw a handbag containing a deep red Kate Spade purse and distinctive make-up bag taken from the home, on Westbourne Avenue. The handbag was found outside – minus the contents – following the theft, which took place on Tuesday, July 28 between 1am and 6am.

Police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward. A spokesman said:

“Anyone who has any information about the stolen vehicles, who may have seen the vehicles driving in the area or who has information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police.”

To contact police, call 101, select option two and ask for Liz Estensen, or email elizabeth.estensen@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively, to report information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200128831.

It is the second time in six weeks that a two-in-one burglary has been carried out in the same street. On June 20, a first-aid kit, a doctor’s bag and some handmade scrubs were taken from a home in Westbourne Avenue, and thieves took the keys for the BMW 220D on the driveway.

The car and most of the items were later recovered, but a personalised thermometer, child’s car seat, Ray-Ban sunglasses and a make-up bag were taken from the car.

Read more:

• BMW and handmade scrubs stolen in Harrogate burglary
• Police appeal for witnesses after fatal accident near Ripon

Girlguiding North Yorkshire West has launched an online auction to help raise funds to complete the build of its new residential centre.

The building of the Birk Crag Centre on the outskirts of Harrogate is in its final phase but needs an additional £30,000 to finish.

The new centre will include a hall seating 120 people, activity and meeting rooms, a dining room and kitchen, as well as residential accommodation sleeping 40.

An online auction was launched on Saturday and will remain open until August 8. People can bid on a range of items and experiences including a Grantley Hall spa day experience, family tickets to local attractions such as Harewood House and the Jorvik Viking Centre, as well as a two-hour career coaching session from Sea Light Development.

Read more: 

• Ripon charity set to grow despite coronavirus 
• Horticap receives help to transform gardens as well as build a new cafe and shop

County commissioner Angie Lockwood said:

“We’ve come so far in our journey to build Birk Crag Centre, but there’s a real risk we won’t get this last phase of the build completed. We need to raise an additional £30,000 for doors, internal walls, staircase and fire alarm, and the auction marks the start of our activity to achieve this.”

Artist’s impression of the new Birk Crag Centre.

The new centre will be used by girlguides from across the district as well as members of the local community. For more information and to make a bid visit https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/auction/detail/auction_id/4517/. 

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Littering in the Pinewoods is still a problem and has increased since lockdown was eased, according to a local conservation group.

The Pinewoods Conservation Group said the relaxation of restrictions has resulted in large gatherings coming to the woods and leaving rubbish behind.

It said volunteers are often out cleaning up the litter, but added that this “should not be necessary”.

The news follows similar complaints made about large gatherings on the Stray in June.

Read more:

• The Stray in disarray: ‘Biggest mess for six years’
• Fly tippers target secluded Ripon site
• Rudding Park volunteers pick up 400kg of rubbish

Empty beer cans, pizza boxes and laughing gas canisters were left overnight in what was described as the “biggest mess for six years”.

It comes as a Freedom of Information request by Clean For Britain, a campaign to reduce litter and fly tipping, found that Harrogate Borough Council handed out no fines for littering in 2018/19.

Rubbish left on the Stray following a large gathering in June.

Pinewoods Conservation group called on the borough council to take the matter seriously.

A spokesperson for the group said:

“Litter in the Pinewoods is a continual problem and did increase coming out of lockdown. 

“Our volunteers and supporters do an amazing job at keeping the litter down but really shouldn’t be necessary. We know there is no real enforcement even when there are large groups congregating and it is obvious who is generating the litter.

“It is also the case that, in the woods, litter then leads to more serious damage and anti-social behaviour. It is time that the council started to take its enforcement responsibilities seriously.”

A spokesperson for the borough council said:

“Thankfully, by and large, there is very little litter in the Harrogate district. Where there have been isolated issues, such as on the Stray, our parks and environmental services team have worked tirelessly to have it cleared as quickly as possible.

“We have also added signage and additional bins/collections to remind people to be respectful of the beautiful surroundings we have in the district.

It’s mission accomplished for Harrogate Town players and coaching staff who are heading off for a two week holiday.

Whilst they can enjoy a richly deserved break after beating Notts County 3-1 in the National League play-off final at Wembley yesterday, work behind the scenes to prepare the club for League Two football will begin immediately.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret at Wembley after the game, chairman Irving Weaver said promotion to league football was always the aim, but it’s come a lot earlier than anyone at the club had ever imagined.

Mr Weaver confirmed that the team will begin the 2020/21 campaign playing home games at the Keepmoat Stadium which is home to Doncaster Rovers.

This is because Harrogate’s 3G pitch, that was only laid in 2016, will be dug up and replaced with grass as the EFL forbids clubs to play on the artificial surface. It is expected to take ten weeks.

When Simon Weaver became manager of Town in 2009, Bolton Wanderers were playing the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League whilst Town were plying their trade in the sixth tier of English football. Next season they will be playing in the same division and Town fans will be desperately hoping that coronavirus statistics are low enough for them to make the trip to the ground that was once known as the Reebok.

There will also be a tantalising Yorkshire derby against Bradford City, who also have played in the Premier League.

Town will surely be looking to tie down on-loan Sunderland winger Jack Diamond to at least another season at the CNG Stadium. His eye-catching performances in both the semi-final and the final earnt plaudits and his technical skill looked worthy of a higher division.

Simon Weaver said last week that he’s not looking to “rip up” his winning team but said he will look to add strength in depth to the defence.

Veteran striker Jon Stead knows his way around League Two and will be hoping to have done enough to earn a new contract. In both the play-off semi final and final he came on at around the hour mark and his influence changed the course of both games.

Read more:

• Harrogate Town’s history boys promoted after Wembley win

• Harrogate Town fans ecstatic after Wembley promotion

Promotion to League Two will give the club a welcome financial boost which could help pay for some new signings.

Each League Two club receives £472,000 a season as a “basic award” from the EFL which is their share of the league’s five-year £595m broadcasting deal with Sky Sports.

The Premier League also gives clubs £430,000 as a “solidarity payment” — which is designed to trickle some of the league’s riches down the football pyramid.

For the first time in its history, Town would also play in the League Cup, entering in round one. If the club made the draw for the second round, it would be in the hat for potential money-spinning ties with some Premier League clubs — including newly-promoted Leeds United.

Town fans who play the videogame FIFA will also rejoice, as the club will be included in the FIFA 21 edition for the first time ever.

Harrogate has rallied around local charity Horticap to help transform its garden as well as its new cafe and shop ready for the return of students.

The charity helps adults with learning disabilities to train in horticulture and crafts but they have not been able to attend since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.

Coronavirus has been tough for Horticap as it has missed out on key fundraising events. However, the people behind the charity have used it as an opportunity to grow.

The new cafe and shop building at Horticap.

Using a legacy left by a former student of 20 years, Peter Hopkins, Horticap has built a brand new shop and tea room. To go along with the build, the charity planned to flatten the garden and pond but had no funds to get the job done.

Read more:

• Harrogate charity launches bid for welly wanging world record
• Knaresborough yoga charity needs £10,000 to reopen
• Ripon charity plans further expansion despite coronavirus

That is where local businesses have come in. Phil Airey, the operations manager at Horticap, has called in all his favours to get the help the charity needs.

“Coronavirus has hit us hard, but it has hit everybody hard. We are very fortunate that people are coming together for us. I have been blown over by it all. There was a point where we didn’t think we could pull it off and then everything came together.”

The garden plans with coronavirus in mind.

The charity has not yet been given the go-ahead to welcome students back but the managers hope that, when they do, they will be able to surprise them with a new garden ready for the students to help with planting.

It will make a big difference to those with physical disabilities as the garden will be made accessible to all. The garden will also have pods for people to sit and enjoy the space.

Nicholas Edward Fryer is overseeing the project. Johnsons of Whixley, New Park Trees, Johnny Clasper, Creation Sculpture, Sherwood Carving, Marshalls, GH Brooks, Castacrete, Plasmor, Millboard, HACS, and Green Tech are all donating time and/or materials.

Horticap was established 35 years ago after the charity bought the land from a farmer. Its patron is Alan Titchmarsh, who is planning to visit the site soon.

Harrogate Town fans were left ecstatic this afternoon after the club secured Football League status for the first time in its history.

A 3-1 win over Notts County at Wembley saw the club win their second promotion in three seasons.

Fans flocked to pubs across Harrogate to watch their side make history and were left delighted come five o’clock this afternoon.

Chris Thorpe celebrates Harrogate Town securing Football League status for the first time.

Chris Thorpe watched the game at a packed Harrogate Cricket Club and said he hopes Town can build on the promotion.

He said:

“I’m so delighted with the performance. We were the best team by far.

“We should have been two or three up by half time and were unlucky to concede inside the second half.

“We were absolutely class and were the best team by a mile. I can’t wait to play league football.

“Unfortunately we won’t be able to watch the guys next season, but we will watch them on TV maybe and we’re looking forward to pushing onto League One.”

Read more:

• Harrogate Town’s history boys promoted after Wembley win

• The 10 years that changed Harrogate Town’s fortunes

Town’s victory leaves them in league football for the first time in their history and 10 years on from facing relegation to the seventh tier.

Goals from George Thompson, Connor Hall and Jack Diamond ensured Harrogate will host League Two football next season.

For the fans, they have trips to Bradford City, Bolton Wanderers and Oldham Athletic to look forward to, should social distancing guidelines be relaxed.

Town are going up! pic.twitter.com/O25P92ppgr

— The Stray Ferret (@thestrayferret) August 2, 2020

Mike Burrett, who also follows Leeds United, said the win also means a lot for the town.

He said:

“I think it’s brilliant, because when I was a kid I went to Harrogate Town and they had crowds of about 300.

“Obviously it is different now and I think they can go from strength to strength. 

“It was always said that Harrogate could not sustain a league football team, but I think that has been disproved.”

Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate will keep its ‘Tipi on the Stray’ until the end of August after a month of bumper bookings.

The managers opened the tipi on ‘Super Saturday’ on July 4 and had only planned to keep it open for one month.

After opening the hotel said it was flooded with enquiries from people booking tables and hiring out the whole thing.

Read more:

• Beaches, tipis and coffee: Harrogate back to life on Super Saturday
• Historic Killinghall pub reopens

The tipi can hold up to 38 people inside and has seating outside for 34 other people.

Wayne Topley, managing director of Cedar Court Hotels, said:

“The uptake in bookings has been so strong, it was a no-brainer for us to carry on. We wanted to offer up something a little different that would put a smile back on people’s faces and a Tipi seemed a good place to start!”

Here is how Harrogate welcomed back pubs, cafes, and hotels with open arms on Super Saturday: