Hundreds of teenagers spent the afternoon seeing their friends for what they think will be the final time in a big school blow out on the Stray.

There were jubilant scenes on the West Park side this afternoon with some of the pupils drinking.

It was a gathering organised online between teenagers from the town’s secondary schools with some fearing it will be their last party.

Some of them, whom we cannot name, told The Stray Ferret that they were worried about what the future holds now exams have been cancelled.

One of the teenagers said with a can of Strongbow dark fruits in hand:

“These are dramatic scenes but it feels like something has been ripped out of our hands.

While we complained about A-levels and the work, it was the only thing we were doing.

There’s nothing we can do, we’re just going to be stuck in our homes,”

Some of them were drinking Corona beer.

A second, who seemed worried that things were getting out of hand, added:

“Some are more responsible than others. We have tried to keep our bit quite tidy but some are really quite partying a lot. I think as long as everyone is sensible it’s okay.

Everyone knows the risks, well some of us know the risks. I think it will calm down.

Because school was cancelled so last minute it was the final opportunity for everyone to say goodbye, particularly for those in Year 13.

We don’t know what’s going on with the exams just yet. I think a lot of people are gutted that the exams aren’t running.

It’s a shame but it is what it is and it’s out of our control. The plan is to self isolate from tomorrow but make the most of it today. I’ve heard some people say that they would put themselves through for exams next year because they really do care.”

For many it will be the last time they see their friends for a while.

Another added:

“We’ve got nothing to do because our exams have been cancelled and school has been cancelled.

“It really sucks for us all. People keep asking whether we are happy about exams being cancelled but no it’s ****.

“We’ve got nothing to look forward to, we didn’t even get our last day.

“We were told last night at about 7pm that today wasn’t happening. We just had no time to prepare or say goodbye.”

“But at the end of the day: **** it, we are done.”

All leisure centres in the Harrogate district including the Turkish baths and swimming pools will close tonight and will remain closed until further notice.

Harrogate Borough Council made the decision to close its community centres today to try and “encourage greater social isolation.”

Swimming pools, community centres, tourist information centres, Turkish Baths Harrogate, both museums in Harrogate and the Mercer Art Gallery will close.

The Turkish Baths will close tonight.

Anyone who is a member of those venues will not be charged for April or May and their membership will be suspended.

The council said that its other service will continue to run as normal as the number of coronavirus cases in North Yorkshire rises to 13.

People who have existing bookings or lessons will be contacted by the council over the coming days.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council said: “This is with effect from tonight and these buildings will remain closed until further notice.

“The decision is in line with updated government guidance and reflects the need for us to do what we can to encourage greater social isolation in light of the spread of the coronavirus.”

The coronavirus pandemic is forcing schools to close to most pupils and the council to close all of its leisure facilities.

It comes as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Yorkshire rises by two to 13 – with one death at Harrogate District Hospital.

If you have been affected by school closures or the call to arms from the NHS then reach the team on social media or by sending an email here.

4pm – Mother Shipton’s closes over coronavirus

Mother Shipton’s in Knaresborough has closed temporarily today and will remain that way until “the current situation has improved.”

A spokesperson for the attraction said they were saddened to make the difficult decision.

https://twitter.com/Mothershiptons/status/1241011764562665473

3pm – Harrogate hospital: Warn staff if you have self-isolated

Harrogate District Hospital has told patients that they should warn its staff over the phone if they have been in self-isolation.

If patients have been in self-isolation they will likely be given a remote appointment by telephone to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Robert Harrison, Chief Operating Officer at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Even when self-isolating, patients may still require care and treatment for other conditions, and we aim to ensure that continues as best as possible in the circumstances.

“Alternatively, if it is essential that a patient must be seen face-to-face, clinicians will make that decision and can prepare with the appropriate personal protective equipment.

“We really need people with appointments to tell us in advance, by telephone, if they are in isolation.

“We can support them based on that information and in many cases we can be flexible with the types of appointment we can offer. We will discuss this with each patient, based on their individual needs.

“More generally, it’s really important to remember that if someone is in isolation, that they stick to it. We need help from members of the public to enable us to focus on providing care for our sickest patients and ensuring staff remain well enough to be at work.

“Please, do not come to hospital or otherwise break your isolation if you have Coronavirus symptoms, don’t yet have the all clear or have not completed the full period of isolation required.”

A busy hospital ward.

1pm – North Yorkshire Police brace for coronavirus impact

North Yorkshire Police is bracing for the impact of coronavirus, with plans expected to come into place in the coming weeks.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker is leading the local policing response to the outbreak which includes extensive planning and monitoring.

He said: “At the moment the public won’t see a difference in policing in the county other than increased hygiene practices, protective equipment if necessary and other practical measures taken to protect our workforce.

“However, this may change over the coming weeks and plans are in place to respond to what is a rapid and fast-moving situation.

“We know the communities of Harrogate will look after each other and that’s the message from all of us at North Yorkshire Police, please take care, look after one another, particularly the vulnerable, and keep up to date with the Government’s advice.”

North Yorkshire is bracing for the coronavirus impact.

12pm – All leisure facilities in Harrogate to close

All leisure centres in the Harrogate district including the Turkish baths and swimming pools will close tonight and will remain closed until further notice.

Harrogate Borough Council made the decision to close its community centres today to try and “encourage greater social isolation.”

Swimming pools, community centres, tourist information centres, Turkish Baths Harrogate, both museums in Harrogate and the Mercer Art Gallery will close.

The Turkish Baths will close tonight.

11am – Former workers told: ‘Your NHS needs you’

The NHS has officially started its recruitment driver to get former workers back onto the frontline to help with the coronavirus outbreak.

Senior officials have sent out tens of thousands of letters to nurses and doctors and told them: “Your NHS needs you.”

Are you a retired NHS worker planning to go back to work? Speak to the team by sending an email here.

A desperate plea from NHS workers.

10am – Last day of school for many pupils

Today marks the last day of school for many pupils in the Harrogate district as the government tries to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Some schools will remain open with fewer staff members to look after the children of key workers and vulnerable pupils.

This year’s academic exams will not go ahead. Have you been affected? Speak to the team by sending an email here.

It’s the last day of school for many.

Betty’s will deliver afternoon tea this Mother’s Day weekend for the first time in the company’s history as coronavirus forces the cafes to close.

The service will only be available this weekend from 10am on Saturday and Sunday but Betty’s may keep it running in the future if it proves to be popular.

Harrogate, Harlow Carr, Ilkley, York, Stonegate, and Northallerton Betty’s stores will all be delivering afternoon tea over the phone.

It comes after Betty’s was forced to close down all six of its cafes and its cookery school in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus.

A spokesperson for Betty’s said: “This weekend, for the first time in our 100-year history, you can order and collect a takeaway afternoon tea from Bettys!

“With freshly made cakes and sandwiches, and a scone with jam and clotted cream, it’s a perfectly pretty and delightfully delicious take-home treat for mums, couples, and families.”

Betty’s is one of many cafes and restaurants in the Harrogate district adapting to stay open whilst adhering to government-imposed social distancing guidelines.

Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate has become the first of the town’s hotels to temporarily close as a result of the government’s announcements on stricter “social distancing” measures. Cedar Court has 100 rooms and is one of the town’s larger hotels.

The Managing Director of Cedar Court, Wayne Topley this afternoon posted on the hotel website that:

It is with great regret, that as of Friday the 20^th March, the decision has been taken to temporarily close the Cedar Courts: Bradford, Huddersfield, and Harrogate. We have taken this, enormously difficult and unprecedented, decision in a direct response to the Government’s advice around ‘social distancing’ and our ongoing duty to protect the health and the wellbeing of our customers and our teams within the business. We are taking new bookings from the 1^st of May onwards – unless Government advice changes. As a business and a team of people, we hope for happier times, but for now, the safety and welfare of guests and team alike is of paramount importance.

The hotel will be contacting all its customers and suppliers in the coming days, and said it would  “do our upmost to move contracted business and honour our obligations where we can”

The Ivy on Parliament Street

Last night The Ivy Restaurant in Harrogate which opened in November 2017 announced  last night it was shutting immediately until further notice. A notice on its website said:

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that due to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the advice from our government and the World Health Organisation, we are left with no option but to close as of 7pm today, Thursday 19 March

This extraordinary measure has been taken in the interest of both employee and guest safety which are of utmost importance to us.

Debbie Smith has run Twisted Cakes on Kings Road in Harrogate for 3 years.  She is pregnant and  has 3 children, her 15 year old son, Sam, has chronic asthma. Last year Debbie lost a baby boy, Theo, when he was only 27 days old to whooping cough. Debbie told the Stray Ferret that the coronavirus has left her terrified. Debbie acted before any government announcement and took the decision to pull her children out of school on Monday.  

“I understand that some people think I’m over–reacting but I’ve already lost one son already and people don’t understand the panic you feel when you think you might lose another and I’m also pregnant”  

Like many people struggling to cope in this crisis, Debbie can’t afford to stay at home with her children. She runs her business alone, is self-employed and her family is dependent on her:  

“I can’t stay at home. I have to support the children by working. If I don’t put keep my business going no one is going to feed my children if I don’t”.  

Her cupcake shop has seen a dramatic 90% fall in business –all but one order remains. Her shop has stayed open but she’s had no customers.  

Debbie, though, hasn’t given up. She has launched a new delivery service and has produced a cupcake home decorating kit to entertain children who will be off school and bored. She is prepared to deliver the boxes for free.  

Debbie has seen a 90% drop in sales

She has welcomed news that she might get some financial support but isn’t sure how or when she’ll receive it. She thought it might be in April. 

“We just have to wait until the money comes to us. I just don’t know how we’re going to apply for it. I heard it would be through the local council but I’m not sure.”  

For information about how to get in touch with Debbie at Twisted Cakes click here

The Stray Ferret wants to hear your story of how the coronavirus is impacting your business

The famous Knaresborough bed race and two major venues in Harrogate have fallen victim to coronavirus as the council pumps in £1 million to help the most vulnerable.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in North Yorkshire has risen by three to a total of 11, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.

It comes after the first COVID-19 patient at Harrogate District Hospital has died, just a couple of days after the hospital confirmed their first case.

4pm – Local council pumps in £1m to help vulnerable.

North Yorkshire County Council will make available at least £1 million from its reserves to help those most at risk because of Covid-19 to access food and other household essentials.

County Council Leader Councillor Carl Les said: “Supporting those in need in our communities is one of the most important things we can do as a council. We have a vital role to play in helping our residents deal with the challenges ahead over the next few months.

“This new fund will help those most in need with life’s essentials at what is already a very trying time.”

2.30pm – Curtain call on Royal Hall and convention centre

The Royal Hall and the Harrogate Convention Centre has postponed all of its events in spring over coronavirus.

All of the events which were due to be held will be rescheduled for later in the year and both venues will now close.

Paula Lorimer, the director of Harrogate Convention Centre, said: “It’s the correct time to make this decision in the spirit of staff and public safety.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation in line with government guidelines and will review our position again on April 4 2020.

“We look forward to reopening the Convention Centre and our beautiful Edwardian Theatre when circumstances permit.”

The Royal Hall.

2pm – Famous Knaresborough race put to bed

Organisers of the Knaresborough Bed Race has announced that the 2020 event will no longer go ahead.

A spokesperson said today: “We are very sorry to have to announce that the Knaresborough Bed Race 2020 has been cancelled because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

“Teams and sponsors will be hearing from us in the next few days. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at Bed Race 2021.”

The Knaresborough Bed Race draws in lots of visitors. Photo: Andrew Hawkes/Knaresborough Bed Race

12pm – Trains cancelled as commuters stay at home

Northern has cancelled its fast trains between Harrogate and Leeds as commuters stay at home during the coronavirus outbreak.

The trains, which are 15 minutes past the hour from Leeds and 2 minutes past the hour from Harrogate, will no longer run today.

Northern has said that it was sorry for the inconvenience but it’s unclear how long the cancellations will run for.

A Northern train on track.

11am – Number of COVID-19 cases rises in North Yorkshire

Official figures from the Department for Health and Social Care has revealed that the number of coronavirus cases is on the rise in North Yorkshire.

Currently, there are 11 people in the North Yorkshire area with COVID-19, which is a jump of three from yesterday.

There have been no further deaths in the area since an elderly patient with underlying health conditions died at Harrogate District Hospital on Tuesday.

Across the UK, there are 2,626 confirmed coronavirus cases and 103 deaths so far.

The NHS 111 pods outside Harrogate Hospital.

10am – All schools across Harrogate district to close

All schools in the Harrogate district will close from Friday as part of the government’s response to try and contain the coronavirus outbreak.

It will mean that students will no longer sit A-level or GCSE exams and the government is still working out how students will be graded.

Some schools in the Harrogate district have already closed or partly closed to some year groups as they struggle with staff numbers.

The Stray Ferret will be talking to parents outside schools today to see how the move will affect them and their children.

Kids walking to school across Stray.

For the self-employed in the district these are very worrying times and some have already experienced a serious loss of income due to the coronavirus crisis.

With flights and holidays cancelled and the Government advising against all ‘non–essential travel’ for at least 30 days it’s has been very challenging time for taxi drivers. Daniel  Williams, who lives in Harrogate and has been a taxi driver and is now a chauffeur, told the Stray Ferret:  

“Most of my work is airport transfers for airline staff and holiday makers, so it’s pretty bad… I was the main earner in my household a month ago and now I’m barely making any money. We have rent to pay, which I fear will be impossible.. I am even worried about putting food on the table for my wife and kids.” 

In last night’s speech Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a £300bn package of financial measures to shore up businesses against the coronavirus impact. But Daniel said he feels left out: 

“He mentioned help for home-owners and people with small businesses, but there was no mention for people like me.. My wife works for a company that supplies cleaning staff for gyms, if the gyms close, she will be out of work as well.” 

Charlotte Wilson is a make–up artist based just outside of Harrogate. She told The Stray Ferret that in last 48 hours alone she has had 5 wedding cancellations due to coronavirus. 

Charlotte Wilson Harrogate make up artist

“This week has been very strange. I normally see 10 clients a day but I’ve only seen that in a week. My dad’s health isn’t good at the moment so I really don’t want him to get it ill ... I have been sterilizing all of my products after each use, but I see different people each day and when I’m doing makeup and eye–lashes, I am close to people so it is more of a worry. I have told clients not to come if they aren’t feeling well, but I just hope my business will bounce back to how it was once this is all over.” 

Social distancing and working from home is a real issue for the beauty industry with many appointments requiring close contact and a high volume of clients coming in and out each day.  

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’][/author_image] [author_info]Ami Miller[/author_info] [/author]

Ruth Maddon, is a self–employed hairdresser, in Harrogate. She told the Stray Ferret she has the added concern of being 6 months pregnant: 

“I rent a chair in a salon 5 days a week but I have had to stop working as people were coming in with cold and flu symptoms. I told people to only to come if they were 100% well, but I don’t think people understand when to quarantine.” 

Are you self-employed and worried about the impact of coronavirus? Tell us your story and get in touch below.

Some schools across North Yorkshire closed today and the hospital in Harrogate has suspended non-urgent operations as the fall out over the coronavirus outbreak continues.

It comes after the first COVID-19 patient at Harrogate District Hospital has died, just a couple of days after the hospital confirmed their first case.

There are currently eight people in North Yorkshire with coronavirus, according to the latest numbers from Public Health England.

Many businesses and schools are trying to limit the spread of the coronavirus by either closing or adapting and The Stray Ferret has a list of everything that happened on Wednesday.

4pm – Tractor Fest cancels over COVID-19 fears

The Tractor Fest due to be held at Newby Hall has decided to cancel over coronavirus fears.

It was expected to bring in more than 12,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibits this year, but organisers have said to expect a bigger event next year.

In light of the latest government advice, we have sadly cancelled this year's show @NewbyHall. We are sorry to disappoint our loyal visitors, exhibitors & traders but sure you understand. We look forward to a bigger & better show in 2021 @HgateAdvertiser @moreRipon@moreHarrogate pic.twitter.com/UVwgCSLp4g

— Tractor Fest (@thetractorfest) March 18, 2020

3.30pm – A full list of coronavirus school closures in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire County Council has released a full list of school closures as headteachers try to protect pupils from coronavirus.

• Outwood Academy Easingwold Open to Y10, 11 & 13 only
• Eskdale School Open to KS4
• Ryedale School Open to Y7 and Y11 only
• Pickering Community Junior Closed
• Lealholm Primary School Closed
• Forest Moor School Closed to 2 x KS3 classes
• Nidderdale High School Closed to Y9/10 and open for Y7 8 11
• Selby PRS Partial Closed
• Tadcaster Grammar School Open for Y7, 11 and 13
• Bentham CP School Closed to nursery children
• Reeth CP School Closed
• Scarborough PRS Closed to Y10
• Harrogate Hookstone Chase Primary School Closed to R, KS1 and EMS provision
• Gunnerside Methodist Primary School Closed
• Norton College Closed to years 8, 9, 10 and 12, and to open only to years 7, 11 and 13
• Skipton St Stephen’s Primary School Closed to Y1/2, Y2/3, Y4/5
• Welburn Hall School Some classes closed due to reduced staffing
• Nidderdale High School Closed to Y9 and open for all other year groups
• Boroughbridge High School Open to Y7, Y10, Y11, Y12, Y13
• Boroughbridge High School Open to Y8, 9, 11, 12, 13 (From March 20)
• Austwick Primary Closed (From March 20)
• Thirsk Secondary School Closed (From March 20)
• Ryedale School Closed (From March 20)

Kids walking to school across Stray.

3pm – Harrogate homeless charity stops accepting most donations

A Harrogate homeless charity has stopped accepting the majority of donations in a bid to protect its vulnerable service users from coronavirus.

The Harrogate Homeless Project will only accept sealed food, sealed toilet roll, cleaning products, hand sanitiser and handwash from today.

A notice on the charity’s site reads: “We are also currently unable to collect any donations and will only be able to accept donations at the door.

“We have an intercom and are happy for you to press the bell and step away if you wish to leave donations from our ‘accepted’ list on our doorstep instead.”

The Harrogate Homeless Project has stopped accepting most donations.

2pm – Harrogate hospital suspends non-urgent operations

Increased demand as a result of coronavirus has forced the hospital in Harrogate to suspend all non-urgent operations.

Harrogate District Hospital said today that the emergency measures were likely to be in place for the next three months at least.

Please see the image for an update on #coronavirus planning and the impact on elective operations. Thank you for your understanding. #WashYourHands #CoronaVirus #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/o4WZqw5hSl

— Harrogate NHS FT (@HarrogateNHSFT) March 18, 2020

Urgent and emergency cases, as well as cancer treatments, will carry on as normal. The hospital will contact everyone affected.

Harrogate District Hospital suspends all non-urgent operations.

1pm – Business as usual at Harrogate council

It’s business as usual at the council in Harrogate despite businesses in the district closing down over coronavirus.

Harrogate Borough Council has told The Stray Ferret that it will not hold any emergency public meetings on COVID-19 but said it is holding daily internal meetings.

The council building on St Luke’s Avenue remains open to the public, as does the customer services desk.

It’s business as usual at Harrogate Borough Council.

12pm – Harrogate hospital places restrictions on visitors

Coronavirus has forced Harrogate District Hospital to restrict the number of visitors and has even limited them to just an hour a day.

Visitors must be immediate family members or carers and must not have symptoms of COVID-19, be over 70-years-old, be vulnerable as a result of their medication or have a chronic illness.

Patients are limited to just one visitor unless they are receiving end-of-life care, the visitor needs to be accompanied or they are a partner and birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour.

All of these measures will be in place for the foreseeable future and the hospital has urged people to consider keeping in touch in other ways.

The NHS 111 pods outside Harrogate Hospital.

11am – Enjoy the outdoors as National Trust opens for free

People are being invited to get some fresh air and explore National Trust sites as they open up to the public for free.

The National Trust will be closing its houses, cafes, and shops this week but the gardens and park will remain open.

A spokesperson said that the move was to help “the nation use open spaces to relax and refresh, while following the government’s social distancing guidance.”

National Trusts sites are opening for free.

10am – McDonald’s closes restaurants, takeaways only

McDonald’s is the latest company to close down all of its restaurants to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The international chain has restaurants in Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough, which have all changed to delivery and drive-thru only.

A spokesperson for McDonald’s said they would continue to remain open for takeaways “for as long as it is safe to do so.”

A few people are still picking up food in the Harrogate McDonald’s.

All of McDonald’s seating areas are now closed.

9am – Conservative spring forum in Harrogate cancelled

The Conservative Party has decided to cancel the spring forum over coronavirus, which was due to be held at the Harrogate Convention Centre in early April.

Anyone who has paid a registration fee can apply for a refund by clicking or tapping here for more information.

The party apologised for any inconvenience caused but said the health and safety of delegates was its main concern.

Harrogate Convention Centre’s was set to host the Conservative Party Spring Forum in early April.

A chef in Harrogate is trying to help people cook up fresh meals with whatever food they have left in their kitchens as supermarkets are raided by panic buyers.

Darren Gladman made his name as the head chef at Rudding Park and has since been forced to retire with illness but is now using his expertise to get people cooking free of any charge.

Many supermarkets in the Harrogate district no longer have basic food like potatoes, pasta, and rice but Darren thinks there’s plenty you can still do.

Got a full grocery cupboard but not sure what to cook?

He told The Stray Ferret:

“I am in self-isolation because I have underlying health problems but I still want to help people, it’s nice to see the community pulling together and I want to do my bit.

“The first things to go are always the easiest things to cook but when people are just eating pasta and ready-made sauce they are not getting a decent meal.”

Darren has been inundated with requests but The Stray Ferret thought we’d test him out and asked him what he would do with an aubergine, coconut milk, and some eggs.

Without missing a beat he suggested roasting the aubergine, cooking up a spiced coconut sauce and egg fritters for a quick and fresh Thai-inspired meal.

Anyone scratching their heads over what to cook can get in touch with Darren on The Square Bar and Restaurant Facebook page.