Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 114 of 1035

Harrogate and Knaresborough Reform candidate included in list of ‘unsavoury rogues’

The Reform UK parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough has been included in a list of ‘unsavoury rogues’ selected by the party.

Richard Brown was one of eight candidates named in a Mail on Sunday investigation.

The article said the right wing party “has surged in the polls but the party harbours some unsavoury rogues – from a candidate who supports Tommy Robinson to a covid conspiracy theorist who likened Boris Johnson to Hitler and even another who’s a convicted animal abuser”.

Referring specifically to Mr Brown, it said he “made misogynistic remarks about Labour MP Jess Phillips, calling her a ‘bitch’ in 2022”, adding:

“Last year, Brown also shared the false claim that doctors refused to treat Boris Johnson on the basis that he didn’t have covid, and claimed the pandemic was an ‘illusion’ that had been ‘planned’ by the government ‘since 2016’.”

Reform UK polled 16% — just 4% behind the Conservatives — in a YouGov survey last week.

The party announced former chartered accountant Mr Brown as its parliamentary candidate in August last year.

He describes himself as a “passionate believer in the United Kingdom as an independent agent on the world stage, self reliance, small state, lower taxes for corporations and individuals, control of immigration and cancelling net zero” on Reform UK’s website.

The Stray Ferret has contacted Mr Brown for a response to the article but not yet had a response.

A Reform spokesman told the Mail on Sunday the article was “pathetic nit-picking”, adding:

“Reform UK’s candidates are real people living real lives. Like all parties, Reform UK has had a small number of candidates who have said or written something unacceptable.

“We are proud that, when made aware of unacceptable behaviour, we act, and if necessary immediately remove candidates that have gone beyond the pale. Again, this is not something you will often see from our political opponents.

“Richard Brown was rude about a politician. He also shared claims that at the time were reported as fact.”

Harrogate gallery to host Beatles exhibition

An exhibition of photos taken of The Beatles in 1968 will go on display at a gallery in Harrogate next week.

The Beatles: Mad Day Out will open on April 19 at RedHouse Originals on Cheltenham Mount.

It features 23 images by Tom Murray who was invited to assist renowned photojournalist Sir Don McCullin in capturing a new publicity campaign for The Beatles.

The Fab Four were in the midst of recording the White Album at the time and Murray, armed with just two rolls of film and a Nikon F:35mm, produced some of the most famous colour images of the band.

Speaking later, he said:

“It was as perfect a day as I could wish for. Getting to hang out with one of my favourite bands and take pictures was just sensational.”

The Mad Day Out portfolio consists of 23 images from the 195-print UK edition published in 2007. All prints are available to pre-order.

Just one example of each image, signed and numbered by Mr Murray, will be on display so the images are subject to availability.

The collection will be complimented by original artworks and rare 1960s ephemera, including pieces by German photographer Astrid Kirchherr, who was known for her association with The Beatles, and pop-artist Dudley Edwards.

The exhibition will run throughout spring.

All images by Tom Murray.

Birchfield Farm to get jam, honey and cake production building

Plans to create a new building for producing jam, honey and cakes at Birchfield Farm at Summerbridge have been approved by North Yorkshire Council.

The proposed single storey facility will complement the farm’s existing tea room and ice cream parlour.

Birchfield Farm is a family run working farm between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge with a range of children’s attractions, including sheep, pigs, goats, and donkeys. It also offers lamb feeding, a maze and ‘pick your own’ events including strawberries and a pumpkin festival.

Plans were submitted on behalf of the applicant by Skipton based rural property planning and development specialists David Hill.

Plans submitted to the council said:

“Over the past few years, the applicant has expanded the farming enterprise to meet demand, by increasing stock numbers and erecting new buildings, as well as improving the onsite ice cream parlour and tearoom.

“The proposal will create an area for producing jam, honey and baked goods as part of the existing farm diversification. This will support the existing business as well as helping the rural economy through the sale of the produce made on the farm.

“Jam will be made from the fruit grown on the farm and honey made from the bees kept on the farm.”

The building, which will measure 11.4 metres by 6.3 metres, will be situated in a concrete yard next to a farm building.

Case officer Edward Bainbridge’s planning report said:

“When assessing the development against the relevant policies and guidance highlighted above it is considered that the overall landscape and visual impact of the proposal, including its impact on the AONB is acceptable.”

The Stray Ferret has approached Birchfield Farm for comment.

Harrogate Choir Festival to take place this weekend

Harrogate Choir Festival will take place this Saturday (April 13).

Eight choirs are preparing to participate in this year’s festival at the Royal Hall in Harrogate.

The event showcases choirs from Harrogate and the surrounding area. During the evening, each choir will perform songs of their choice before coming together on stage for a finale.

The choirs taking part are The Stray Notes, The Daytones, Harrogate Male Voice Choir, Knot Another Choir, Love Pop Choir, St John Fisher’s Junior School Choir, The Skipton Choir and Yorkshire Voices.

Royal Hall, Image: Jim Counter

The first choir festival took place last year at Harrogate Theatre. The event is moving the larger Royal Hall this year to enable more choirs to take part. There are also plans to add a matinee performance next year.

The festival is being hosted by The Stray Notes, a Harrogate-based community choir, and is the brainchild of its musical director, Elizabeth Linfoot.

Elizabeth Linfoot

Ms Linfoot said:

“We have so many amazing community choirs in and around Harrogate. My aim was to unite them under one roof to celebrate the power and joy of singing together, so it’s wonderful to see how the festival is growing each year.

“Being part of a choir has been proved to be good for people’s health. Among other benefits, it improves breathing, as well as promoting better physical and mental health, not to mention the social and emotional connection with other choir members.”

The event starts at 7pm on Saturday April 13. Tickets from £12.50 are available here.

Harrogate gallery owner creates woodland in memory of Sycamore Gap tree

An artist with a gallery in Harrogate has created a woodland in memory of the felled Sycamore Gap tree.

Lucy Pittaway painted an image of the famous tree with a Northern Lights backdrop after being moved by its destruction in September.

In December she vowed to plant a tree for every print sold and sought the help of a landowner to use the trees to create a public woodland. Almost 2,400 paintings have been bought so far.

The newly created Lucy Pittaway Sycamore Gap Trail near Masham will be publicly accessible and aims to bring new life to an area of the Swinton Estate devastated by larch tree disease.

Visitors to the trail will follow a pathway formed by chippings from the felled larch trees on a woodland walk which will also feature artistic installations, areas to relax and education boards.

Lucy Pittaway at the easel with her Sycamore Gap Tree painting.

Ms Pittaway, whose Harrogate gallery is on James Street, said:

“Like everyone else I was so saddened to hear about the felling of the tree, to now see this new woodland coming to life is wonderful and I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped us come this far.”

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, owner of the Swinton Estate, answered the call for the help of a landowner and she joined Ms Pittaway in planting the first of the new saplings.

Ms Cunliffe-Lister said:

“Like many areas of the countryside we have lost so many trees from larch blight and so regenerating the area through this project is a perfect fit, I think we are appreciating more and more the importance of conservation and the positive impact that trees and the countryside have on our well-being.”

Lucy Pittaway (left) with Swinton Estate owner Felicity Cunliffe-Lister.

The first 600 saplings will be planted during April, mainly sycamore along with oak, rowan, hazel and other native trees. The estate’s forestry team will then plant hundreds more saplings over the coming months and more mature species from the autumn.

The new woodland will regenerate part of the plantation that surrounds a 200-year-old folly known as the Druid’s Temple. In recent years the area has lost many trees to the fungal disease phytophthora ramorum that has ravaged trees across Britain.

Ms Pittaway added:

“I hope this is an area that can be used for relaxation for generations to come, If it can inspire people’s interest in art and the countryside then the legacy of the Sycamore Gap tree will be a positive one.”

Harrogate Rugby Club secure promotion at first attempt

Harrogate Rugby Club won promotion to the National League 2 North at the first attempt last weekend.

The club defeated Driffield 45-27 to secure top spot in the Regional 1 North East league by two points.

A four-try haul by Kristan Dobson helped Harrogate to victory in a game which was held at Driffield due to an unplayable pitch at both Rudding Lane and Knaresborough.

The result saw Harrogate clinch the title and earn promotion back to the National League 2 North after suffering relegation last season.

It will see the club take on the likes of Sheffield Tigers, Otley and Hull next season.

Following the victory, the club said in a statement:

“Congratulations should go to all 41 players who represented the team during the season, and to the coaches, support staff and supporters who made this possible.”

Mayoral candidates to take part in climate hustings in Harrogate

Some of the York and North Yorkshire mayoral candidates will take part in a climate change-focussed hustings next week.

The event, which is being held by climate action charity Zero Carbon Harrogate, will invite the candidates to put forward their environmental policies and discuss the actions they propose to take.

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister (Liberal Democrat), Keith Tordoff (Independent) and Paul Haslam (Independent) have agreed to speak at the event, and later take questions from the audience.

Zero Carbon Harrogate told the Stray Ferret Green Party candidate Kevin Foster was unable to attend due to a “personal commitment”, but Arnold Warneken , the Green councillor for Ouseburn, would represent him.

Tory candidate Keane Duncan and Labour candidate David Skaith both have “other campaigning commitments”, the charity said, but added they have been invited to send a representative in their place.

Zero Carbon Harrogate today said in a press release:

“The hope is that the hustings will provide mayoral candidates with a constructive opportunity to engage with local residents and business people around the climate agenda.

“This is a new departure in electoral terms, placing new powers in the hands of single successful candidate. It’s a great opportunity to hear the views of those who wish to serve the public good in this way.”

The organisation, which is part of the North Yorkshire Climate Coalition, hopes to work with elected representatives and campaign for effective climate change policies.

It works towards transitioning to a net zero economy, cleaner travel and warmer homes.

The hustings will take place on Wednesday, April 17, at 7.30pm.

It will be held at the Wesley Chapel in Harrogate and the charity said anyone is welcome.

People must register to attend and can submit any questions to candidates here.

The mayoral election will take place on Thursday May 2.

5 things to do in Harrogate and the district this weekend

Lead image: Pixaby

Stuck for ideas of what to do at the weekend? Here’s the Stray Ferret’s top picks of cultural activities from April 11-14.

Harrogate Dog Show

Harrogate Dog Show

Taking place for the third year running, Harrogate Dog Show is back on Saturday.

Held at Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza, you can show up on the day with your dog and enter him or her into some of the categories that include Handsomest Dog, Fanciest Female, Cutest Puppy, Best Purebred, Best Cross Breed/Heinz 57, Best Trick and Dog the Judge Would Most Like to Take Home, all of which are judged by a surprise guest star.

New for this year are dog training workshops, alongside firm favourite the mini dog park.

Free, 10am-4pm, April 13, Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza, Station Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1AE.

Visit the Spring Food, Home and Garden Show

Spring Food, Home and Garden Show

Get your home spring ready inside and out with ideas from the Spring Food, Home and Garden Show held at Ripon Cathedral. Discover the latest trends in home décor for ideas to revamp your living space and gather garden inspiration aplenty. There will also be garden related talks and demonstrations in the library.

Make a day of it and have a bite to eat in the pop-up café or from one of the vendors at the local food stalls. There will also be a live choir singing, children’s activities and even farm animals in front of the cathedral to see.

£5, 10am-4pm, April 13, Ripon Cathedral, Liberty Court House, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT.

Take part in a Miss Marbles Mystery event

Murder Mystery event

What could be better than taking part in a whodunnit, dining on a three-course meal all aboard a steam train?

The murder mystery has an unusual horticulture theme and during the evening participants have to search the space for clues, evidence to uncover and suspects to interrogate, trying to out the people who might be connected to the crime in order to get to the bottom of the mystery.

£72 per person, lunchtime performance doors open at 12.30pm and starts at 1pm, evening performances doors open at 5.30pm and start at 6pm, Friday April 12, 6pm, Saturday April 13 1pm & 6pm, Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, BD23 6AF.

Visit the two baby camels at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Two male Bactrian camels were born at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in March and the youngsters have recently ventured out into the reserve to join the rest of the herd.

“We are overjoyed by the two new additions, and we cannot wait for our visitors to see them,” says Ayshea Seston, hoofstock team leader at the 175-acre park.

“It is really lovely to welcome the new arrivals at the same time – they will grow up together and create such a strong bond.”

Go visit the fluffy calves along with the rest of the animals at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park this weekend.

From £20.99 per person, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Lane, Doncaster, DN9 3QY.

Transform your unworn jewellery

Legacy Jewellery

Most people have unworn pieces of jewellery sitting at home that they may no longer wear, or they may have inherited and don’t know what to do with.

Discover the potential of how they can be created into new pieces at Legacy Discovery Session with Antiques Roadshow dealer Paul Hollis so that you wear them time and time again.

Free, 11am-2pm, Palm Court, Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, HG1 2PW.

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

Read more:

Exclusive: Council spent £1.9m on consultants for scrapped Harrogate Convention Centre plans

Almost £2 million of taxpayers’ money has been spent on consultants to come up with plans to upgrade Harrogate Convention Centre that have now been scrapped.

North Yorkshire Council and its predecessor Harrogate Borough Council have hired various consultants since 2016 as part of the long running saga to redevelop the convention centre.

So far none of the work has been carried out and last month North Yorkshire Council revealed it had abandoned previous plans drawn up by Harrogate Borough Council and recruited another firm of consultants called 31ten to carry out ‘soft market testing’ on the future use of the events and exhibition complex.

North Yorkshire Council refused to reveal at the time how much it had paid the 31ten — prompting the Stray Ferret to submit a freedom of information request.

We asked not only how much had been awarded to the London firm but also how much had been spent on consultants for all work involving the possible upgrade of the convention centre.

The response said 31Ten had been paid £23,000 plus VAT for work that is expected to be concluded by ‘late spring’. This figure pales in comparison to the overall sum awarded to consultants since 2016.

The freedom of information response said besides funding awarded to 31Ten “the remaining £1,948,590 relates to historic spend committed by Harrogate Borough Council”.

Harrogate Borough Council was abolished a year ago and succeeded by North Yorkshire Council.

The response added:

“It is North Yorkshire Council’s intention to use internal resource to support future proposals for Harrogate Convention Centre, and minimise spend with external consultants, wherever possible.”

‘More affordable’ way forward

North Yorkshire Council’s Conservative-controlled executive agreed last month to scrap a two-phase development plan for the building drawn up eight years ago after being told the cost of the first phase had soared to £57.2 million.

Instead it agreed to come up with a “more affordable” way forward. Centre director Paula Lorimer, who last year called for the refurbishment, said she had now changed her mind and agreed with the new approach.

The way forward will be guided by 31ten’s findings. The freedom of information response said:

“The aim of the soft market testing is to assist North Yorkshire Council in assessing the options for the future development and operation of Harrogate Convention Centre. Options may include, but are not limited to, alternative delivery and funding models, partnership working, alternative uses for parts of the site, and asset ownership.”

North Yorkshire Council currently subsidises the convention centre to the tune of £2.7 million a year.

The centre opened in 1982 and has a 2,000-seat auditorium and 13,000 square metres of exhibition space.

The Stray Ferret to move to a subscription service

The Stray Ferret is to introduce a small subscription fee shortly after we launch our new website and app in May.

The new website and app will include many features that readers have asked for — more investigations, notifications, more lifestyle content and the ability to comment on stories on the website rather than just on social media.

Subscribers will also benefit from exclusive discounts from local businesses which aim to cover subscription costs and will not be offered anywhere else.

Since 2020, we have taken pride in covering the stories that matter most to residents across Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Pateley Bridge.

We passionately believe that a quality, local news service for the area provides an important, trusted platform for debate and information for local people.

The media landscape is financially tough and while we’ve previously adopted an advertising only model, it has not been enough to meet our costs.

We have watched as other local news organisations have cut the number of journalists, lowered the quality of the stories they publish and covered pages with pop-up ads which make it unreadable. We didn’t want to do this.

By paying a small fee you will be investing in an improved news service. By keeping adverts, we can keep the subscription price to readers as low as possible.

We did not take this decision lightly, but we feel this is the only way to keep serving the area to the standard it deserves, by providing a platform to raise awareness about issues that affect local people.

We’ve also moved into Harrogate town centre, so we can help anyone who has problems with signing up to the subscription service, the app or newsletter.

So from May we will be asking readers to subscribe to the Stray Ferret for £4.99 a month. Or you can pay annually at £49.99 which would save you about £10 a year.

In the coming weeks, we will be explaining how the subscription service will work and how to sign up, as well as tackling any frequently asked questions.

We hope you subscribe — by doing so you will be investing in quality, local journalism.