A tough year lies ahead for charities in the Harrogate district after swathes of fundraising events were cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

From supporters taking part in the London Marathon to their own community activities, charities rely heavily on numerous events in their annual calendars. 

Now, with almost every event being cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis, many are left wondering how they will meet their costs. 

Stephen Tongue, director of fundraising at Henshaws, said:

“We have got all our usual costs and additional costs of getting back-up staffing and deep cleaning areas – that’s quite expensive.

“It’s a challenging time. We do have some money coming in, but there’s a huge question mark over so many events.”

The charity held an art auction in early March and, even then, attendance was only around half of what was expected. Meanwhile, several upcoming fundraisers have been cancelled, including Knaresborough Beer Festival in May. 

Stephen is hopeful two outdoor events – a golf day at Rudding Park and a Yorkshire Three Peaks walk – will be able to take place in June and July, depending on government advice at the time. Its corporate donations, however, may also dwindle over the coming weeks as SMEs in the Harrogate district – a key source of support to Henshaws – struggle to find spare cash. 

To make up the shortfall and meet the additional needs of its students during the crisis, Henshaws has launched a new fundraising appeal.

For Open Arms Malawi, which sends around £500,000 per year out to its projects in the African nation, the worries are just as severe. Founded by Harrogate couple Neville and Rosemarie Bevis in 2000, it still has strong links with the town and relies on local people to contribute to its work with orphaned children. 

Ashville College has been a long-term supporter of Open Arms Malawi, sending students to volunteer there last summer

Fundraising manager Claire Collins said: “We were having a really good year for fundraising and just starting to look at new and different activities. Everything has been cancelled – all the challenge events, runs, and activities in the schools which support us. 

“We have two corporate partners who do trips to Malawi to see how funds are helping and donate significant amounts to us. They still want to support us, but without the trips it’s very difficult: when people see the work, they become really big advocates for what we do.” 

The charity has two infant homes, 10 nursery schools and five family homes for older children, as well as an outreach programme supporting families in the community. As yet, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Malawi but, with high numbers elsewhere in Africa, all the homes and schools are taking extra precautions with hand washing and cleaning procedures. 

“HIV is still a big problem in Malawi, along with malnutrition,” said Claire. “Coronavirus is a huge risk on top of that. They’re taking it very seriously.” 

Claire has set up a new page on the charity’s website to keep supporters informed about the situation in Malawi. They are hoping supporters will still feel able to contribute, despite the difficulties being faced by many families across the Harrogate district. 

Harrogate Borough Council has defended its decision to allow today’s scaled down market in Knaresborough and tomorrow’s in Ripon to go ahead.

It comes after criticism on social media and from Knaresborough Chamber of Trade. The Chamber, a stalwart supporter of the historic market, said it was incredulous at the councils decision.  Bill Taylor, secretary and treasurer of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, said:

“In normal circumstances we support the market, but these are not normal circumstances. From our reading of the government’s advice on COVID-19, what is happening is flying in the face of everything the government is telling us to do, with the coronavirus crisis deepening.”

Yellow lines on the ground marked where shoppers were to stand

The market in Knaresborough today was small and only sold food today. A supervisor from the council had worked with the police to ensure government guidelines were followed as they set the stalls out this morning. A number of different social distancing measures had been set up  — at one set of stalls, yellow lines had been drawn in chalk on the ground 2 metres back from the stand. At another, tables had been set back from the stalls themselves (main picture) with traders bring bags of fruit and vegetables around to the shoppers who stood well back as they did so.

In a statement issued by the council explaining its decision, a spokesperson said:

“Knaresborough and Ripon Markets are open air, not enclosed spaces like supermarkets. While keeping people two metres apart can be a challenge, we believe our residents can be trusted to be mindful of the current advice and respect each other and our valued independent traders.”

When the Stray Ferret arrived at around 11.30am it did seem as though shoppers were keeping their distance. Two police officers were watching to ensure people kept to the guidelines. The Chamber of Trade has argued that there are other ways people can get access to fresh food such as  the umbrella group Knaresborough Connections but Sergeant Andy Graham, from the Safer Neighbourhoods Team in Knaresborough, said:

“The market is only selling food and following government guidelines. The people who come to the market tend to be older- they can’t get to supermarkets, haven’t got the facilities to shop online and may be alone with no family. It’s vital they get fresh food”

Sgt Andy Graham in the foreground watching todays trading

Traders and shoppers were pleased it had opened. Judy Matlocks, who runs a vegetable stall, said she was surprised it opened but she was operating within the guidelines. Shoppers too said they appreciated the market opening as it provides quality, affordable fresh fruit and vegetables.

Judy Matlocks serves a customer at her vegetable stall

Harrogate Borough Council said it was not the only council in North Yorkshire currently permitting open air markets to continue but would continue to “review these arrangements on a daily basis, in line with the advice we receive from government”.

Police have warned motorists that they are cracking down on those who are driving at “highly-excessive speeds” on the near-empty Harrogate district roads.

During the coronavirus pandemic, North Yorkshire Police has seen more people risk their lives by using their phones while driving or by speeding on key routes.

Officers believe that less traffic on the road is encouraging some drivers and motorcyclists to flout the law and drive unsafely.

They are urging motorists not to tie up valuable police or NHS resources by committing “dangerous but preventable” offences.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker said: “These actions can have fatal consequences which tie up emergency service and medical resources at a time when they are needed most.

“We have a duty to uphold the law and keep our roads safe for everyone, regardless of the wider situation nationally. And we continue to uphold that duty of care to prevent casualties or fatalities.”

“Let me be very clear – motorcyclists and drivers should be staying at home unless their journey falls into one of the essential criteria outlined by the government.”

People in the Harrogate district are adjusting to life on the coronavirus lockdown but many still have questions about how it will work.

Last night, prime minister Boris Johnson said that people will only be permitted to go outside to shop for food or medicine, to exercise once a day and to travel to and from essential work.

North Yorkshire Police will, from Thursday, be able to disperse gatherings and fine people caught flouting the rules between £30 and £1,000.

There is still some confusion about the rules with the police looking to “obtain the details of the new legislation.”

We put up a post on social media post last night asking people how they felt about the new lockdown rules and here is what they said:

Richard Corfield: “It’s a shame this has been needed, as sensible behaviour could have allowed us to leave it advisory. But then we saw the stockpiling for no need and we’ve seen the massive groups out and about. The advice on pubs was a bit woolly and the advice on going to the country “all the parks are free!” was maybe wrong.”

Helen Bainbridge: “It is definitely necessary. We were busier than ever yesterday. I work in a bank and it was madness.”

Ann Speed: “Sad but necessary. Maybe if people had listened and acted responsibly earlier it would have slowed it down. We have pretty much been self isolating for two weeks now. Only going out for food or a drive for a bit of different scenery”

Rachel Demain said: “Been out of for my first walk of the new rules. It was nice to get out and will make the world of difference to my Mental Health that will give me the resources to cope. I am definitely not going to push my luck with my health or incurring a fine.”

Michelle Recchia: “The problem is the word necessary. If he had said only key workers are classed as necessary. That would have made it clear. We all now know who fall into this category. For me necessary is if the only way you can make a living as you cannot work at home and you can still maintain the 2m guidance ect. For many self employed particularly in the construction industry could still work for now.”

So far there are 24 confirmed coronavirus cases in North Yorkshire with one death at Harrogate District Hospital.

Harrogate District Hospital has been overwhelmed by the rapid response to its call for volunteers to help during the coronavirus pandemic.

On Saturday, the trust that runs the hospital said it urgently needed volunteers after some of its staff had been forced to stand down from their roles.

The volunteers will largely be assisting in administrative and manual handling roles but it’s unclear how long they will be needed for.

Today a spokesperson for the hospital thanked people for sharing their original appeal.

“An overwhelming response. Thank you, Harrogate. We have what we think we need currently so no need to share further. Again, thank you.”

A family from Harrogate have ‘made the decision’ to live apart for 12 weeks. Leah Coates is a care worker and her husband Mark is in the ‘extremely vulnerable’ group after having a Kidney transplant 20 years ago. Leah told The Stray Ferret that ‘it is a very upsetting time, especially for our three year old son, but as a carer I need to be there for my patients too.’

Police in the Harrogate district have insisted that they will enforce the coronavirus lockdown with fines up to £1,000 if people are caught flouting the restrictions from Thursday.

As of last night, people will only be permitted to go outside to shop for food or medicine, to exercise once a day and to travel to and from essential work.

Prime minister Boris Johnson also said that the police will be able to fine people between £30 and £1,000 and disperse any gatherings of more than two people – excluding those from the same household.

There is still some confusion about when and how the police will be able to enforce the rules. North Yorkshire Police said today that it was working to “obtain the details of the new legislation as it becomes available.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the outbreak.

“The new and significant restrictions announced by the Prime Minister on Monday evening spell out very clearly what each and every one of us must do to save lives. The message is clear and the warning stark. Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

“These are the lives of the people we know and love. Our partners, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, grandparents. You may never be in such a position again where your simple actions will lead directly to saving lives.

“Alongside the new restrictions, the Government announced new powers to enforce them. I know the vast majority of people will follow the restrictions without question, as they have done so already and we will work with local communities to help reinforce the message should it be necessary.

“We sincerely hope that we will not have to resort to enforcement measures, but if we have to, we will. In the meantime, we are working with national police colleagues and the Government to obtain the details of the new legislation as it becomes available.

“Please continue to look after each other, try and make the most of the time spent with your loved ones, and remember we are here for you if you need us.”

The Police Chief Constable, Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Chief Fire Officer also released a joint statement on new measures to stop the spread of coronavirus today.

“It is our job to keep North Yorkshire safe and we can only do that if you follow the instruction to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

“We know the vast majority of you have already been taking action to stop the spread of Coronavirus, and we thank you for those efforts. But some have not – and the crowds we saw in some parts of North Yorkshire this weekend illustrated that all too clearly.

“Now there is no ambiguity, there can be no question – if you do not need to be outside for an essential reason, to buy food or medicine or to exercise once a day, you must stay at home.

“Anyone who thinks this does not apply to them is putting lives at risk. North Yorkshire Police will use all powers we have to stop that, to keep us all safe and to ultimately save lives.

“Our emergency services will be here to protect you throughout this national emergency. We know these are unsettling times. They are unprecedented times. But across North Yorkshire we stand together, and together we’ll get through it.”

At 1.30pm today, the police will hold a “public accountability meeting” live on YouTube to focus on the county’s reaction to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a letter to the Stray Ferret, Paul Baverstock, a former Director of Communications for the Conservative Party, who lives in Harrogate accuses the council’s conservative Leader, Richard Cooper, and local MP, Andrew Jones, of a lack of leadership and poor visibility during the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Baverstock, who now works  at a senior level in the health sector, says he contacted Mr Jones to put himself forward to help after the MP announced he wanted to create “an army of volunteers” but says he received a generic email response. Mr Baverstock argues that the MP is well meaning but out of step with the urgency of the situation and how local people feel.

Since the advent of Covid 19, both Harrogate’s MP Andrew Jones and the leader of our borough council Richard Cooper have been nigh on invisible and practically silent. ..Andrew Jones, our MP, needs to take the lead and grab the council by the scruff of its neck and get it moving. The people of Harrogate are crying out for it.

Andrew Jones MP

He offers Mr Jones some communications advice:

He should work with local radio station Stray FM to comment immediately – “down the line” – following the PM’s daily briefing. This could become an opportunity for local residents to dial in and discuss their concerns with their elected representative. Mr. Cooper, the leader of the council should join him too. They could live stream these from their respective isolations so we can see them, as well as hear them, becoming truly accountable.

• Mr Baverstock’s letter to The Stray Ferret in full

He urges both Cllr Cooper and Mr Jones to start bring together local experts to provide clear and free advice, use technology and social media to connect people and get their messages out. He ends with:

So come on Mr. Jones and Mr.Cooper.  Get up and onward, get brave, get visible, get creative and give us the energetic leadership and accountability you were both elected to provide, for Harrogate in Westminster and for Harrogate Borough at home. This is not a time for business as usual. Nothing will ever be the same again. We need and deserve better, now and tomorrow.

The Stray Ferret asked both Cllr Cooper and Andrew Jones MP to respond to Mr Baverstock’s letter. Neither has yet done so.

This is the full version of the email letter sent to the Stray Ferret’s Editor:

Dear Madam,

In splendid isolation I look forward to today’s 5pm televised press conferences held by the Prime Minister, flanked by his impressive scientific and medical experts. Like millions of Brits I am anxious for knowledge, for guidance and for reassurance in the daily battle against the silent killer, Covid 19.

Our economy, society and the communities that comprise it are faced with Britain’s greatest peacetime challenge. A situation in which poor decisions and confusing communication will…not might…but will cause thousands of deaths and untold human suffering. A time, if ever there was one, for individual leadership, serious communication and bold example from our elected politicians in order to bring people together in common action and common cause.

Many of the measures announced in parliament and at the Prime Minister’s daily press conference to tackle Coronavirus are to be implemented by our local councils, in this case Harrogate Borough, working with their respective MP’s.

Since the advent of Covid 19, both Harrogate’s MP Andrew Jones and the leader of our borough council Richard Cooper have been nigh on invisible and practically silent.

Andrew Jones, our MP, needs to take the lead and grab the council by the scruff of its neck and get it moving. The people of Harrogate are crying out for it. No time now for limp lettuce consultation and back room intra-party squabbles. We need a local leader to match the energy, clarity and accountability being shown by our national leader, Boris Johnson.

Mr. Jones’ efforts so far appear to be a “Be the best neighbour you can be” round robin email asking the people of Harrogate to volunteer their ideas and help by email or by phoning his office. For those who respond to his office with an offer of help, a second generic email arrives saying thank you for your offer and we are working on matching these individual offers of help with the need for help and we’ll be in touch again. This is well meaning but seems oddly out of step with the scale, urgency and impact of the challenges we all face.  So, in the absence of leadership here are a few ideas offered in helpful spirit. All practical, all costing virtually nothing but time and effort.

Mr. Jones could and should provide a daily briefing for the people of Harrogate, this to join the dots between national government policy and local government implementation.  By so doing, he will energise and amplify our local efforts.

He should work with local radio station Stray FM to comment immediately – “down the line” – following the PM’s daily briefing. This could become an opportunity for local residents to dial in and discuss their concerns with their elected representative. Mr. Cooper, the leader of the council should join him too. They could live stream these from their respective isolations so we can see them, as well as hear them, becoming truly accountable.

Following Boris Johnsons’ lead, Andrew Jones and Richard Cooper could and should bring together relevant local experts, such as the Chief Executive of Harrogate Hospital, the Head of Mental Health charity Mind in Harrogate, or local employment lawyers or employee representatives, to provide clear and objective information and advice, free from partisan political concerns.

Using virtual meeting technology such as Zoom or Houseparty, Andrew Jones should be calling together the local Church, Third Sector and business leaders of Harrogate to place himself visibly at the head of a volunteer army to help deliver care, food, virtual conversation, to provide a loudspeaker for the myriad of local initiatives, Facebook pages and support groups springing up around town. Jones’ army should be morning briefed and tasked everyday with an urgency worthy of the consequences of Covid 19.

So come on Mr. Jones and Mr.Cooper.  Get up and onward, get brave, get visible, get creative and give us the energetic leadership and accountability you were both elected to provide, for Harrogate in Westminster and for Harrogate Borough at home. This is not a time for business as usual. Nothing will ever be the same again. We need and deserve better, now and tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Paul Baverstock

Former Director of Communication for the Conservative Party

Louise Pullan, Owner of The Flock and Fold cafe near Thurscross Reservoir

Louise Pullan pleads with people to stay at home comes after almost record numbers visited Thruscross yesterday and walkers returned again today. After yesterday’s crowds at Thruscross and Fewston amongst others, Yorkshire Water said it was shutting its reservoir car parks and urged people to be responsible and stay away.

Louise and her husband Richard run the Flock to the Fold cafe at Breaks Fold Farm -they followed the governments advice and closed the cafe but were astounded at what they witnessed yesterday and again today . Over the weekend, Louise said, so many cars arrived that they had to shut and padlock the farm gates to stop people parking in their yard.  North Yorkshire County Councillor, don Mackenzie tweeted:

Sorry @YorkshireWater to report that residents telling me Thruscross reservoir car park full of cars again this morning. This may be because there is no gate or other means to secure the area in which case please post ‘closed’ notice at very least. @JulianSmithUK @northyorkscc https://t.co/Os3wMMWscS

— Don Mackenzie (@Mac1Don) March 23, 2020

Yorkshire Water responded by saying it was doing everything it could but it had 29 car parks and only a small team that was able to shut them.