Strayside Sunday is our weekly political opinion column. It is written by Paul Baverstock, former Director of Communications for the Conservative Party. 

A Russian, an Englishman and an American.  No, not the first line of a bad joke but rather friends with whom I have discussed our current predicaments during the last 7 days.

The Russian reminded me of a saying of which her family in the Urals are fond.  “The cow that moo’s loudest”, they say, “bares no milk.” This in the midst of a discussion about the merits of political leadership here at home and across the pond.  Boris Johnson and Donald Trump being the most vocal bovines in their respective cow stalls.

Boris has always had a lot to say, and of course he says it with an almost unmatched elan and a vocabulary matched only in its breadth by its intermittent obscurity.  For some though, Boris is no more than a highbinder, an empleomaniac, a fustilarian snollygoster, in short, a bit of cockalorum.  Or at least that’s how we talk about him, round our way.  The thing is, what we actually need now is sensible political leadership and prosaic policy.  Less show; more go.  A steady hand on the tiller from which we can all draw confidence and succour.

And confidence, it seems, is a commodity in short supply in the parliamentary Conservative Party at the moment.  For months now the government has been unable to get out ahead of the exigencies created by Covid-19.  It has lurched from one panic policy announcement to the next, led by the science, which is itself modelling the unknowable.  For Conservative MP’s not in government, they must follow the party whip into the voting lobbies and are then left to explain their flip-floppery to angry, frustrated and frightened constituents.  Collective responsibility breaks down when contradictory changes of direction happen too often and expose those bound by it to the charge of hypocrisy.

So for once I find myself in sympathy with Harrogate MP Andrew Jones, who this week voted with the government to support a national lockdown, having declared at the end of October, again in support of the government, that local measures were now needed and that a national lockdown would be “wrong.”  The discomfort Mr. Jones may feel at his public change of mind is the price he pays for his loyalty to party, an unfashionable virtue in modern politics, especially in a tribe noted, at the best of times, for behaving like ‘ferrets in a sack’.

Is a second national lockdown actually the right thing to do?  Steve Russell, the Chief Executive of Harrogate Hospital believes so.  In an interview in these pages this week Mr Russell pointed out that the existing (local tiered) lockdowns were not “slowing the pressure enough” under which Covid-19 infections are placing our hospitals.  Indeed, the one consistent part of government policy and communication throughout the crisis has been its protection of the NHS and its bed capacity.  NHS staff face the coming months with real anxiety, aware as they are of the dangers of what policy makers call “winter pressures.”  The only way for us to help is to do our bit and comply with the inconveniences of lockdown.

Is there any other way?  Perhaps, but it would involve targeting specific groups – the clinically vulnerable and those over the age of 65 – and imposing differential measures upon them.  There is precedent.  During the Second World War 1.5m children were separated from their families and evacuated, for their safety and the national good, from our major cities.  An Englishman I know, a highly successful septuagenarian, undeniably an establishment figure, is of the opinion that he and his peers should be locked down to enable the rest of the economy to function freely and give young people a better chance of getting employment. Is that feasible? I’d be interested to know what you think.

Notwithstanding the current maelstrom at home, I thank my lucky stars and stripes that I live in Britain, rather than the United States.   This week I have been exchanging transatlantic emails with my distraught American university roommate, a Delaware native and lifelong follower and booster of Sleepy Joe.  John was four years old when Mr. Biden was first elected to the Senate from his home state, so he grew up watching him closely, voting for him early and often and, like Joe, he believes passionately in consensus, moderation, dialogue and tolerance.

As legal firearms and ammunition flew off the shelves during the last weeks of the US election campaign, and the sitting President, through force of personality from the bully pulpit was advocating the uniquely American proclivity for litigation to undo the same democratic process through which he was elected four short years ago, my friend and I communed in angst.  We worry that the world is becoming ungovernable, that our challenges are so acute and our divisions are so deep rooted that reason and compromise are falling out of reach, and that we are seeing a world in which to say something untrue frequently enough and with sufficient gusto will transform the lie to factual truth.

For my part I believe now is the time to double down on the collectivist spirit and to cherish community. Division needs no excuse to take root in difference, from whichever land you hail. We really are all in this together and that is never more true on this day, above all others, when we remember the fallen and their act of sacrifice for all of us.

That’s my Strayside Sunday.

Read More:

• Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones criticised by Lib Dems for lockdown U-turn 
• “Momentous” single council proposal for North Yorkshire submitted

This column is written for The Stray Ferret by the Bishop of Ripon The Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley.  Today is Remembrance Sunday– at 11am there will be a two minute silence to remember the fallen. 

A few days ago, a friend posted an image on social media which bore the words: “We are not all in the same boat, but we are all in the same storm: support each other, don’t judge, be kind”.  When I have a Zoom-free moment to reflect on the past months, I’ve seen all those elements in play: support, judgement and kindness.  Quite a lot of that has been on social media, but some of it has been in my own experience: things I have observed, conversations I have had, feelings that have bubbled up inside me.  As we plunge into another lockdown in England I am having to dig deep and ensure that support and kindness are front and centre in all that I do, and that any hint of judgement is put firmly to one side.  I wonder how you are feeling at the moment?

Today is Remembrance Sunday.  Usually I would be in the Spa Gardens in Ripon at a Civic ceremony, followed by a service in Ripon Cathedral.  This year I will be at home.  When I became Bishop for Ripon, one of the objects I was given at my welcome service was a porcelain poppy made by pupils at St Aidan’s school in Harrogate.  That poppy is currently outside our front door which has seen much less visitor footfall than usual, but it’s important it’s there.  I am aware that some Remembrance events are going ahead, but I am also aware of many that have either been cancelled or have moved online.

In every respect however, this is a Remembrance Sunday like no other, and it’s particularly difficult for those veterans who are increasingly frail and anxious at this time.  Back in August, on Yorkshire Day, I was delighted to be able to meet Captain Sir Tom Moore at a special (COVID-secure) gathering of various groups and agencies to hear about his new Foundation.  Sir Tom may be 100, but his spirit radiates kindness, support and positivity.  His attitude reminds me of another phrase which is on a card that sits on a bookshelf in my office, and which relates to words at the start of this reflection: “We cannot control the wind but we can direct the sails”.  In other words, attitude matters, and there’s the challenge: to use this time of lockdown to nourish kindness towards those in need but also to be kind to ourselves, and through that to be bearers of hope in our communities.

Read More:

• Empty Ripon market reveals a city in lockdown
• Smaller scale for Harrogate Remembrance service at Stonefall

The latest figures from Public Health England show there have been 70 new positive covid cases in the past 24 hours.

It brings the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic in the district to 2, 835.  In Yorkshire and North East NHS figures published today showed 82 further deaths of people who had tested positive for coronavirus — none were in the Harrogate district.

On Thursday, the district reported its record daily case increase with 96 positive tests confirmed.

Read More: 

• Harrogate hospital coping well with second covid surge says chief executive
• Harrogate council scraps off street parking charges during lockdown

Health bosses said this week that 24 patients were being treated for coronavirus at Harrogate district hospital and that it is coping with the increased number of patients.

Meanwhile, care home visits will continue in North Yorkshire. The county council restricted visits during October but advised homes they could relax the rules in November to allow one designated visitor for each resident.

Officials have said the measure will continue through lockdown, but homes which report an outbreak will have to restrict visits.

A Harrogate pub has won the CAMRA pub of the year award after just one year of opening.

The Disappearing Chin, Beaulah Street, has been awarded the prize for the Harrogate and Ripon district.

Owners Hannah and Jack Woodruff opened the pub in April 2019 and say they pride themselves on their loyal customers and good beers.

The Campaign for Real Ale award looks to recognise those pubs which serve quality beer and are “worth seeking out and visiting”

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• Pub champion backs campaign to save Kirkby Malzeard inn
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But this year has seen pubs fall on hard times due to the coronavirus pandemic, with 10pm curfews and closures during two national lockdowns.

Hannah said the award was a ray of light during dark times for the pub.

She said:

“It has been really positive for us.

“For us to be recognised that we are serving good beer, that is really important to us. We never thought that we would get it in our first year.”

Like other pubs in the district, the Disappearing Chin had to make alterations in order to be covid secure and keep customers safe.

A screen had been put up along the bar so punters can still chat with the bar staff and space was created both inside and outside.

The pub was hoping to celebrate its first birthday this year, but the celebrations fell victim to the first national lockdown.

Hannah and Jack had specially brewed beers from the north east prepared, as well as a cake.

Instead, the occasion was commemorated with a Zoom call amongst the pub’s regulars. Hannah said it was a “real boost to morale”.

Now, Hannah is looking forward to when restrictions are relaxed and pubs can return to normal.

She said:

“I’m looking forward to taking a mallet to that screen on the bar.

“I cannot wait for the point when we can get back to normal and get more people in.”

A Harrogate group has stepped up its support with care packages to support new mums during lockdown.

Hey Mama is an online community designed to be a place for mums to share their experiences and open up about mental health.

Now that we have entered a second national lockdown the group’s founder has set up care packages to give a boost to those in need.

The packages include treats for mum’s like chocolates, tea, face masks, affirmation cards and bullet journals.

Read more:

• Christmas Eve Doorstep Jingle goes global
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It has been made possible by donations from the Tesco community fund and the Two Ridings Community Foundation.

Trish Pedley, who founded the group nearly three years ago after struggling with postnatal depression, told the Stray Ferret that mums need support more than ever:

“It is hard at normal times to be a mum. Lockdown makes it three times or four times worse. The lockdown takes away that support network that is so vital.

“The group lets mums open up about their experiences with others. It shows them that they aren’t alone and that others are going through the same thing.”

As well as the care packages they are set to launch a text message service on Sunday. It is designed to give any mums struggling a direct line to help.

Since setting up three years ago Hey Mama has slowly built up a solid group of volunteers and mums.

In the future Trish hopes that they can set up Hey Mama groups all over the UK and branch out into a group for dads as well.

Anyone who wants to donate towards the group’s efforts can do so by clicking or tapping here.

EnviroVent has earmarked a new multi-million pound business park in Harrogate to relocate its head offices.

The company, which installs ventilation systems for homes and other premises, is currently based at Hornbean Park.

According to a planning application submitted to Harrogate Borough Council, the company plans to relocate to a new business park off Burley Bank Road which is seeking final planning permission.

The site was handed £1.5 million in funding in August as part of the government’s Getting Building fund.

Read more:

• Lockdown ‘at worst possible time for retail’ says Harrogate bookshop

• Lidl plans to open first Harrogate store

The document, submitted by ID Planning on behalf of EnviroVent and Teakwoods Development Ltd, say the company wishes to expand and relocate to the 75,000 square foot unit.

It says:

“Envirovent are currently located at Hornbeam Park, Harrogate. They are a leading manufacturer and installer of ventilation systems for homes, property and employment premises. 

“The company is expanding and wishes to relocate to purpose- built premises at Burley Bank Road. 

“The new building will comprise 75,820 sqft (approx. 7044 sqm) in total with 16,845 sqft (1565 sqm) for use as offices, 13,725 sqft (1275 sqm) as assembly and 30,250 sqft (2810 sqm) to be used for storage.”

The reserved matters proposal forms part of phase one of development on the site.

The borough council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

Libraries in North Yorkshire have closed again for lockdown — but people can still order books and collect them from the entrances of the buildings.

North Yorkshire County Council revealed yesterday it would operate its select and collect service, which began this year.

The service enables library members to call or email libraries to order books and then pick them up.

Select and collect is available at council-managed libraries in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon. Some community libraries will also offer the service.

Computers available

It is no longer possible to browse libraries but members can book computers for essential use only. A council statement said:

“Workstations will be cleaned between each use and hand sanitiser and wipes will be available.”

The home library service and mobile library will continue to operate during lockdown, although books from the mobile vehicle must be pre-ordered online.

Read more:

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• New app kicks off Libraries Week

Library membership grew during the first lockdown.

Current loans extended

All books issued before the current lockdown have had their loan period extended to January 11.

County Councillor Greg White, executive member for library services, said:

“Libraries can be of significant benefit to people’s wellbeing, and it was clear from the last lockdown how much people relied on and missed library services, so I am pleased that has been recognised and that some services will be able to continue.”

With near empty streets today, Harrogate is clearly a town in lockdown.

Shops selling goods deemed non-essential are closed for the next month so there are fewer reasons to visit.

Some people are still walking and driving around town but there has a dramatic shift over the last 24 hours.

We filmed at the same spots in the town centre at about 3pm yesterday and today to see what had changed.

Harrogate at the same time on Wednesday and Thursday. The day before and first day of lockdown.

The gardens and grounds of Ripley Castle and Harewood House will remain open to the public during the coronavirus lockdown.

The castle and house closed to the public today but the outdoor areas remain open. Both venues will provide takeaway food and drinks.

Ripley Castle will be open daily from 10.30am to 3pm with last entry at 1pm. Adult tickets are £3; entry for children is free.

The owners are also considering keeping the gardens and grounds open up to Christmas. They usually close during winter.

Read more:

• Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey to stay open
• Gardens centres and RHS Harlow Carr will stay open

Booking is currently unavailable online but tickets can be bought from the tea room. There is free parking in the main village car park, which is open from 9am to 6pm daily.

Harewood House will also keep its grounds, gardens and adventure playground open during the lockdown.

It will be open 10am to 4pm daily with last entry at 3.15pm. Pre-booked tickets are required.

Santa taking a break

Ripley Castle has also confirmed it will not be running a Santa experience in the run-up to Christmas this year.

The big man has decided to take a break this year so he won’t be in his grotto at the castle.

Harewood House has also cancelled its Lord Whitney’s Upon a Christmas Wish this year. However, it will be replaced with Christmas at Harewood.

Other places still open in lockdown

RHS Harlow Carr, Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey will also remain open for outdoor walks during lockdown.

They will all operate a takeaway service to keep people warm and fuelled for their autumnal and winter walks.

Garden centres are also open.

German supermarket chain Lidl has unveiled plans to open a new store on the site of the former Lookers car showroom on Knaresborough Road in Harrogate.

The company has yet to submit a formal planning application but has opened a public consultation for the store, which they say will create about 40 jobs.

The 1,263 sq metre supermarket would have an in-store bakery and 94 car parking spaces.

It would open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Read more:

• Lockdown ‘at worst possible time for retail’ says Harrogate bookshop

• Boroughbridge farm shop hopes to boost trade with artisan market

Lidl entered the UK market in 1994 and now has over 800 stores across the country, including one in Knaresborough.