Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 1092 of 1156

“Newby Hall will be superb” says Harrogate Antiques Roadshow expert

Independent jewellery specialist Susan Rumfitt told The Stray Ferret that she is delighted BBC One’s Antiques Road Show is coming to Newby Hall this summer.

Susan joined the team of specialists on the Roadshow in 2006. As well as being on the show, she is also a Freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company and has her own gallery in Harrogate.

In an interview with The Stray Ferret, Susan reflected on some of her favourite pieces she has seen as well as voicing her excitement for the upcoming show at Newby Hall.

When asked what it is like to work for the Antiques Roadshow, Susan told The Stray Ferret:

“Working for the show is just great fun and although we are all individual specialists with our own areas of expertise, we work really closely as a team, from production, through to camera men, through to specialists. It’s about everyone putting in 100% to get the effects that everybody sees on the television.”

Susan Rumfitt pictured with a client at Buckfast Abbey.

Despite the current climate, Susan said that the show may look a bit different but will still have the superb Antiques Roadshow charm. She told The Stray Ferret:

“From a clients perspective coming to the show, they will still get the same attention as they normally would do. We are all looking forward to doing it in whatever format we are able to. The fact that it is coming back to Yorkshire at such a beautiful spot will showcase our area so well…I am delighted it is coming to Newby Hall.”

Susan was approached by the team at the Roadshow two years before joining, due to her extensive background in antique jewellery. Since then she has seen a number of fascinating pieces, with one of her favourite’s being a gold bracelet originally belonging to Queen Victoria.

BBC’s Fiona Bruce on unearthing treasures on the Antiques Road Show

The BBC’s Antiques Road Show is set to come to Newby Hall this summer – sadly the show is closed to the public due to coronavirus.

In this Q and A presenter Fiona Bruce answers some questions about the fun of uncovering hidden treasures and other memorable moments

What has been your personal highlight from working on Antiques Roadshow?

I feel incredibly lucky to have spent the last 13 years working on the Antiques Roadshow. I love doing it and I’ve had so many highlights from over the years. My personal favourite would probably have to be when a man of the cloth turned up with a painting, which he thought might be a Van Dyck. I looked at it – and I was making a programme about Van Dyck at the time – and I thought it had the look of the genuine article. And so we had it examined and my hunch turned out to be right. It has been proven to be the case and it is now being exhibited as a Van Dyck. I can’t imagine that will ever happen to me again in my lifetime and it’s definitely a highlight for me.

Why do you think the show continues to be so popular?

I think it’s amazing that the Antiques Roadshow is essentially the same as it has been for more than four decades and it’s still hugely popular. What makes it eternally popular is probably what I love about it – that we all hope that we could have something gathering dust on the mantelpiece or in the attic that either turns out to be very valuable, or has an amazing story. It happens week-in, week-out and you’d think that the well would begin to run dry and it hasn’t. We still find amazing things every week. You can never predict what will turn up once a visitor brought along a vanity set that had been on Donald Trump’s yacht. It was as tasteful and restrained as you might expect – that’s to say it was fabulously bling.

What is your earliest memory of the Antiques Roadshow?

I still remember watching Antiques Roadshow as a child with my parents, on a Sunday night, sitting in our 1970s living room. I gradually came back to it as an adult and then I was asked to present it which I had no idea was coming! I was absolutely thrilled. It’s not often that you get asked to work on a programme you’ve watched for so long and genuinely watch at home.

Has any of the experts’ knowledge rubbed off on you?

I’ve certainly learnt more about antiques. I have my own collections. I have paintings. I collect things called “samplers” which are Victorian pieces of needlework usually done by children in a workhouse to show that they have a skill, which can be used in service, stitching household linen or that kind of thing. I think they’re very humble and very beautiful. But our experts are like walking Wikipedias! They’re incredible. And they just fish knowledge out of their brains, which is a marvel to behold.

What is the most surprising item someone has brought to a valuation day?

If I had to pick the most unusual thing that’s turned up in the time that I’ve been working on the show – could it be the man that turned up with an case full of loo chains, just a small sample of his collection? Could it be the man that turned up not once, but twice with a foetal membrane dried onto a piece of A4 paper that had belonged to his great-grandfather. It’s called a “caul” and it used to be a talisman against drowning and it used to have some value! Or could it be the lady who brought along a potty that had a picture of Hitler on the bottom and when you did a little “tinkle” into it, it played its own little tune. And because it was rare, I think it was worth over £1000 from memory.

What are your most memorable moments whilst working on the series?

Some of the most moving stories stick in my mind, many I will never forget, such as the man who brought along a set of GI medals from the Second World War. His story began with his finding a cache of love letters written to his mother by an American GI who had had an affair with her while his father was away serving in the Second World War.

The letters revealed that his mother had had a baby with this man and it became apparent to him that he was that child. He tracked down the GI’s family in Virginia who welcomed him with open arms and filled in the gaps. They told him that his father had agreed to forgive the infidelity and bring the baby up as his own – and indeed loved him as such all his life – and the American GI decided reluctantly to stay away so as not to make a delicate situation even more difficult. The GI’s descendants knew all about the baby being brought up in Britain and were thrilled to meet him at last. It was a very moving experience for all of them.

The man came to the Roadshow with his American GI father’s war medals, which the family had decided should go to his newly discovered son. As the man told me this story he was moved to tears – and who can blame him?

Fiona Bruce pictured outside Castle Howard.

Is there anywhere that you still yearn to take Antiques Roadshow to?

New Zealand! We would find extraordinary things there; I’m sure from antiques belonging to British settlers to Maori culture.

What are your hopes for the future of Antiques Roadshow?

That it continues to be as popular as it is now, continues to find extraordinary items and continues to have a place in people’s hearts.

Tea pots and glass bottles: fascinating facts about the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow

This summer BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow will be returning to our screens, with Newby Hall named as one of the eight venues.

This will be the roadshows 43^rd series, but the show may look a little different to previous years due to measures put in place. For Fiona Bruce, this is her 13^th year presenting the show.

Here are 10 fascinating facts you may not know about Antiques Roadshow:

There have been five hosts of Antiques Roadshow; Bruce Parker, Angela Rippon, Hugh Scully, Michael Aspel and Fiona Bruce.
The Roadshow has featured many celebrity owned objects; a diamond bracelet from Rita Hayworth, Marc Bolan’s guitar, even a loo roll rejected for use by the Beatles. A jacket once worn by JFK and valued on the show for £2-3,00,000 will come up for sale in the USA soon.
Legend has it that the greatest let down in Roadshow history was the evaluation of a glass bottle which the owner had paid handsomely for but was in fact an olive oil bottle from Tesco. The embarrassment was not shared on camera.
The highest audience figure for an Antiques Roashow was 15 million in the 1990’s. Even today a loyal 6 million regularly watch the show.
Perhaps the most moving object seen on the series is a small ring that was kept hidden under the tongue of Zedenka Fantlova who survived four concentration camps in World War II.
Graffiti artist Banksy’s donation to a Bristol boys club was valued by Rupert Maas and was later sold for more than £400,000 to a private collector.
The Roadshow has visited numerous international venues including Canada, Australia and major European cities. Even at the Australian events the Roadshow’s most dedicated follower, John Dallimore, clocked up the 9,500 miles to attend.
An important lost work by artist Richard Dadd came to light at the Roadshow in 1986. It was eventually sold to the British Museum for £100,000
A family teapot brought in by avid Roadshow fan Norah Ambrose during the programmes early years proved a life changing moment when she bought her council house on the proceeds of the sale.
Between 15 and 20,000 items are scanned at each show by the experts from which 50 are filmed for inclusion in the two shows made at each location.

The team at Antiques Roadshow invite you to uncover your hidden treasures for this summer’s series at Newby Hall. To get in contact, visit www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow.

The Antiques Roadshow normally welcomes thousands of visitors to each venue.

‘We’re off to Wembley!’ Harrogate Town win historic play off semi

Jack Muldoon’s 65th-minute goal sent Harrogate Town to Wembley for a historic play off final next Sunday.

Town beat Boreham Wood 1-0 at the CNG Stadium this afternoon in the National League play off semi-final.

Despite not playing in the league since March 7, Town dominated the game and looked the much sharper of the two teams.

In the social distancing era it was a low key experience watching Town’s biggest game in its 101-year history.

Walking up Wetherby Road, there was not the usual congregation of Town fans wearing yellow and black, discussing predictions for the game or excitedly planning which pub they might go to might go after the game.

But Town’s fans were here in spirit — with the supporters club organising a 20ft X 10ft flag covered with fan’s faces. And there were over 100 cardboard cut out ‘crowdies’ sat in Town’s new family stand.

A lot has changed in the world since Town last played and both teams took a knee before kick-off in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Town started the game sharply and swarmed the opposition several times in the first twenty minutes.

An impressive attacking move saw on-loan winger Jack Diamond, who was a threat all game, through on goal but his shot was saved comfortably by Boreham Wood goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore.

After 25 minutes, Jack Muldoon drilled a shot low that was pushed wide for a corner.

Lloyd Kerry nearly put Town ahead five minutes later when his shot was again turned wide by Ashmore.

The physically imposing Boreham Wood began to put some pressure on Town towards the end of the first half, with two chances.

After half time, Boreham Wood came out strong and a Keiron Murtagh shot was well saved with his feet by Town keeper James Belshaw.

Boreham Wood almost took the lead when a Matt Rheed header led to desperate scramble before the ball was ultimately cleared off the line.

But it was Jack Muldoon on the 65th minute who sent Town fans watching at home into dreamland when he scored after a corner.

The final whistle sent Town players in ecstacy, cheering and embracing each other in an eerily quiet CNG.

Town players left the field to their makeshift changing rooms in the 1919 bar and could be heard singing “We’re off to Wembley” – almost making up for the lack of supporters.

They will play the winner of Notts County vs Barnet which kicks off later this afternoon.

No further coronavirus deaths at Harrogate District Hospital

Today’s figures showed there was only one recorded death in the Yorkshire and North East region with none in the Harrogate district. The total number of deaths at Harrogate District Hospital of patients with coronavirus is 82 — this is the 10th consecutive day without a reported fatality.

A further 25 people, who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,272.

Patients were aged between 52 and 93 years old. All had known underlying health conditions.

Biggest game in Harrogate Town’s history today

Harrogate Town is gearing up for the biggest game in the club’s 101-year history.

At 2.30pm today at the CNG Stadium, Town will play Boreham Wood in the National League play-off semi-final. If they win, Town will head to Wembley on August 2 for the chance to play in the English Football League for the first time.

The game today will be a bittersweet occasion for Town supporters who are not allowed into the ground due to social distancing guidelines.

However, fans will be able to watch the game from the comfort of their own home as the game will be broadcast live on BT Sport.

Town finished the season in 2nd place after the league was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic and decided on a points-per-game ratio.

Simon Weaver’s men will be hoping to quickly shake off any ring rust as they have not kicked a ball in the league since drawing with Bromley 1-1 on March 7.

Boreham Wood, who finished 5th, beat Halifax Town 2-1 in their first playoff game last week.

This season the Hertfordshire side has the best away record in the league and Town has the second-best home record.

The two teams played to a 0-0 draw at the CNG Stadium in September. In December, Boreham Wood beat Town 2-1 at Meadow Park.

Writing in today’s programme, manager Simon Weaver said he hoped the game will be a day to remember for the fans.

He said:

“Today is a huge game for both sides. We haven’t got the advantage of having our fans with us but we will be making every attempt to get the win that they are hoping for.

“Many will be glued to the television and watching the game live on BT Sport. We owe it to them to give it 100% effort to reach the final”.

The winner of today’s game will play the winner of Notts County vs Barnet on August 2 at Wembley.

Column: Can you force an employee back to work?

This article is written for the Stray Ferret by Harrogate employment lawyer Richard Port. Richard is Principal Solicitor and Founding Director at Boardside legal. Over the next 3 weeks he will explore the issues raised for employers and employees returning to work post furlough. This article is not legal advice – more a look at the complexities of the current situation.

Recent government announcements have suggested that the current furlough guidance might shortly be changed and that those who can go back to work safely should now do so. It is worth noting that it is currently a criminal offence for a person to go to work, when such work can reasonably be done from home.

However, if the changes are made, I’m sure that many people will want to return to work straightaway, but there will be many who do not. Indeed, I have dealt with a number of company clients in the last few weeks who are having to grapple with the conflict between ending furlough and dealing with reluctant returners: in my case a food production business (ABC Ltd) and the reluctant ‘Fred’.

First and foremost, the place of work needs to be covid safe, to reduce the potential for transmission as much as possible. This means providing adequate PPE and having a robust hygiene system in place, and compliance with social distancing rules.

Imagine that ABC Ltd has done it all; it is the paragon of compliance and hygiene. Nonetheless, despite his employer being an essential service, Fred is reluctant: he is worried, claiming that he has a ‘new’ medical condition (understood to be asthma) for which he must take steroids. Fred considers himself to be clinically vulnerable, though he does not have any form of medical certificate signing him off work. ABC Ltd has kept in touch with Fred during furlough and is now asking him to return to work. Sometimes getting hold of Fred has been quite difficult, despite being “house-bound”. We understand that Fred enjoys his golf.

Of course, there will be a wide variety of reasons (supported by various legal protections) why employees may be reluctant to return to work which should be taken seriously. In other cases, like Fred, employees may have no good reason for refusing. Leaving this aside, what options does ABC Ltd have in relation to Fred? As difficult as it might be, ABC Ltd needs to tread carefully. Employers should work on a case-by-case basis and ensure that they have carried out thorough risk assessments and implemented relevant covid safety measures.

Ultimately, ABC Ltd may seek to stop paying Fred in the circumstances, or even to dismiss him, but both of these courses of action for refusing to return to work are fraught with danger and could lead to employment tribunal claims being raised, particularly if the employer’s health and safety processes are short of what is reasonably practical to put in place.

It is a complicated subject, but my experience is that many organisations are now reviewing their working practices and looking at ways to create a more adaptive, innovative and resilient workforce. If ABC Ltd gets this right, it will ensure its long-term viability and the health and well-being of its workforce, with better morale and higher productivity.

Next week, Richard looks at the rights of the employee and looks at the case of Fred.

Farm shop opens in Harrogate after demand soars at cafe

The owners of a bohemian-style cafe in Harrogate will open a farm shop today after the demand for groceries soared in the coronavirus lockdown.

Kyrensa Bentley set up 53 Bo’Grove Cafe, based on Grove Road, just under a year ago and it has been growing ever since.

The grand opening is tomorrow.

Following in the footsteps of the antique shop, the refill shop and the garden centre, the new rustic farm shop also has an environmentally-friendly focus.

53 Bo’Grove Farm Shop will officially open its doors today at 10.30am with a selection of fruit and vegetables as well as oils, chutneys, jams, bread, cakes, and more.

The farm shop is based at 53 Bo’Grove.

The shop will have a mix of Yorkshire-based suppliers as well as some continental offerings. Ashley Johnson is taking up the reins as manager and said:

“We’ve got balloons, we’ve got banners and we’re giving away some big fruits and cheese hampers. It will be a great day to celebrate, we are still in the coronavirus lockdown but we can enjoy something a bit closer to normal.”

It will sell fresh fruit and vegetables.

The cafe had set up a cart out front to sell fruit and vegetables and it went so well they decided to set up a more permanent offering in the farm shop.

Kyrensa Bentley, the owner of 53 Bo’Grove also told The Stray Ferret:

“We started planning for a little farm shop about halfway through lockdown. This project didn’t start out with a lot of money, we have just saved up as it has grown. It has grown quite organically.”

WATCH: How do you feel about wearing face masks in shops?

Today was the first day wearing face masks is mandatory when visiting shops in England.

The Stray Ferret has been asking people how they feel about having to wear face masks in shops.

Kate Baker is a nurse and said:

“I can’t understand it, it makes me said. I think people think its finished and all over and they aren’t realising what can happen. We don’t know whats going to happen in the next few months.

I think we should absolutely be wearing them in shops but for how long is up to the scientists. As a nurse it feels wrong not having one on because I’m used to wearing them at work.”

A nurse from Harrogate said she feels “sad” when she sees people not wearing masks in shops.

Mask wearing has been called for by some people since shops reopened on last month.

The government has introduced this mandatory rule which could leave people with a £100 fine if they choose not to wear one.

Four days of live music at Ripley Castle

Live music will return to the grounds of Ripley Castle as lockdown restrictions begin to ease.

Sounds in the Grounds will see performances from bands including the Bootleg Beatles, Beyond the Barricade and Abba Mania.

Taking place over four days, it will see the New York Brass Band perform each night as the support act to the main performance.

Tickets include a designated picnic patch for up to six people, enabling social distancing across the site, and there will be food and drink stalls available. Each will be defined by painted lines, with a metre’s distance between each patch and two metres’ distance in aisles between the rows.

Organiser James Cundall said:

“Sounds in the Grounds offers the opportunity to get together and enjoy a fun night of live music in a stunning setting in a socially distanced way. From ABBA to The Beatles and from the greatest musicals to Country and Western I hope we have something for everyone.

“Importantly it’s an opportunity for musicians to showcase their talent again after weeks of inactivity during lockdown.

“Visitors will need to bring their own chairs, and can bring a picnic, though we advise leaving tables at home for space reasons.”

Sounds in the Grounds will take place at Ripley Castle from Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 6. Tickets cost from £59 plus booking fees for a two-person picnic patch.

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