Harrogate woman competes on MasterChef

A woman originally from Harrogate is competing on this seasons MasterChef.

Abi Kempley, 21, was born and brought up in Harrogate but now lives in Leeds and works in sales for her family’s business.

The BBC One cookery show, which sees UK chefs battle it out to win the MasterChef trophy, is now in its 20th series. It is judged and hosted by culinary duo John Torode and Gregg Wallace.

Abi appeared in this week’s firs episode (Series 20, episode 9) and made her way through to knockout week.

In the episode, Gregg Wallace said:

“In a room full of great cookery we did have two absolutely stand out contestants, and those contestants are going straight through to knockout week.”

He added one of those was Abi, who along with fellow chefs Dinta and Tom was put through to the next round.

At the end of the episode Abi said:

“I definitely want more than knockout week, you can’t just get to knockout week and get knocked out, that would be rubbish.”

In a previous interview with the BBC, she said:

“Food has always been a massive part of my life. My family have always enjoyed eating out, everywhere we went when I was growing up was influenced by where we could eat. I think this has massively impacted my own cooking style – I love to cook what I love to eat. I’ve always loved Japanese and Asian flavours, and this is always what I love to eat when out. In 2020 I started trying to recreate these dishes from home and my cooking has developed from there.”

She revealed her mum pushed her to apply for the show:

“I love cooking and I love food, and wanted a challenge and to see that I really can cook.”

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Harrogate residents say they’ve been ‘kept out the loop’ on plans for 4,000 homes

Residents have been “effectively kept out of the loop” on plans to build 4,000 homes in west Harrogate, a meeting heard this week.

About 10,000 people are expected to move into new homes being built on a patchwork of sites stretching from RHS Harlow Carr to Yew Tree Lane. 

Some have already been completed but construction has yet to begin on about 2,000 homes.

Frustration at how the process has been handled was expressed at Wednesday’s spring meeting of Harlow and Pannal Ash Residents’ Association. 

Hapara secretary David Siddans said it had “always acknowledged the need for housing” but added “this must be supported by the right infrastructure” and he said residents’ concerns had not been addressed. He added:

“Four thousand homes on the west side of Harrogate were agreed four years ago and still we have no clear idea on the transport implications.

“We have found the whole process opaque, high handed and illogical.”

A satellite map showing the 'Western Arc' of current and proposed development areas in Harrogate.

The ‘western arc’ of development areas in Harrogate. Image: HAPARA.

Mr Siddans said it was illogical in the sense that the planning process had been “turned on its head” because mitigation measures were being suggested before assessments and strategies had been carried out on key issues such as transport and healthcare.

He said:

“It’s rather like a doctor presenting a cure and some time later trying to find out what’s wrong with you.

“The whole process is led by developers who assess the impact they create and the remedies for them. Their focus, understandably, is on the bottom line. Therefore we look to the council to make their own assessments or at least to scrutinise.”

Mr Siddans added:

“I understand councils have limited resources but they should be doing this on behalf of the community.

“Yet we feel we have been effectively kept out of the loop because we are told it is ‘too complex’. All we get is a brief window to comment on the planning applications when they are published — that is the first time we get to see the impact.

“Maybe everything will be fine but the public deserves more openness.”

Hapara chair Rene Dziabas told the meeting, which was attended by North Yorkshire Council highways officials, 2,000 homes were due to built simultaneously on three sites. He added:

“It’s unbelievable. We have never seen anything like this before — to have work on 2,000 homes going on in one go is unreal.

Yew Tree Lane and Whinney Lane updates

The meeting also heard updates on other key issues in the area.

Mr Dziabas said phase three of the Otley Road cyclepath will go ahead, as reported by the Stray Ferret.

Regarding the former police training centre on Yew Tree Lane, where 200 homes are due to be built, Mr Dziabas said Hapara wanted to see a construction management plan adhered to.

He said the plan should include issues such as onsite parking to prevent lorries parking on Yew Tree Lane, conditions on noise and light pollution, proper onsite washing facilities for lorries “so they are not chucking up muck everywhere” and lorries avoiding local roads at school drop off times.

Final planning approval was granted in January, but Mr Dziabas said developer Vistry Group was still in the process of acquiring the old police training centre site.

Mr Dziabas said Hapara wanted to see the public right of way reinstated on Whinney Lane, but some lorries by developer Stonebridge were still using it.

Council officers at the meeting said Pannal Ash Road would be resurfaced and traffic calming measures would be installed, hopefully at the same time. 

Harrogate business owner Rachel Woolford wins The Apprentice

The brains behind Harrogate’s North Studio, Rachel Woolford, was tonight named as the winner of The Apprentice on BBC.

Rachel, who began the 12-week process alongside 17 other hopefuls, has landed herself a £250,000 investment from Lord Alan Sugar.

The lucky winner, who set up her Cold Bath Road fitness business just last year, went head-to-head with Bognor Regis pie shop owner Phil Turner in tonight’s episode.

The investment will go towards expanding her business, which started in Leeds, across northern England. It offers small group fitness classes, including running, boxing, HIIT and reformer pilates.

For their last task, the two finalists had to launch their businesses.

The Apprentice finalists. Pic: BBC Pictures

Rachel Woolford and Phil Turner in the final. Pic: BBC Pictures.

Rachel’s team created a digital billboard and a virtual reality tour around one of her proposed gyms. She also pitched her business plan to Lord Sugar, aides Baroness Brady and Tim Campbell, as well as a room of industry experts.

In her presentation, Rachel said she planned to open five gyms in “bustling locations” in the north, including York, Manchester and Newcastle.

The Leeds woman, who called her company Studio Build in the episode, said her actual business — North Studio — focusses on “high energy and inclusive group fitness classes, which cost a little less than a personal trainer, but still offering that personal feel”.

But her success was not without hurdles, as she faced tough questions from fitness moguls, such as representatives from Barry’s, F45 and Rumble UK.

They questioned how Rachel could replicate the “personal and community” feel she said her business centres around, as well how she will ensure client and staff retention.

North Studio Harrogate

Once pitches were over, the candidates faced the infamous boardroom for the final time.

As Lord Sugar deliberated on his decision, Baroness Brady said about Rachel:

“This business is her life and her passion for it really comes across. The issue really is just how expensive it is to open gyms, and she’ll burn through your investment pretty quickly.”

Tim Campbell, the first ever winner of The Apprentice, added:

“I think the thing with Rachel is that she’s going into a great industry sector and she’s a great advocate for her product and service. It’s about the scalability of that. Can she systemise what she’s done very well at two gyms over at many, many more?”

The Apprentice final. Pic: BBC Pictures

Former contestants joined Rachel for the final episode. Pic: BBC Pictures.

After one last hit at persuasion from the two finalists, Lord Sugar made his final decision.

He said:

“Let me conclude here. This is a very tough decision, I’ve got to say because I’ve got two very, very credible people in front of me.”

“I’ve got Rachel who claims she’s making money and that she’s going to make even more when she gets the second gym up and running but gyms are with all due respect, two-a-penny.

“Specialist pies are not and it’s a market that I’m very interested in, but how can I be interested in it if there’s no light at the end of the tunnel? There’s a loss-making business at the moment which you tell me is going to turn around and be okay and that’s my dilemma.”

But it was northerner Rachel who took home the crown, and the money.

Lord Sugar concluded:

“It’s very, very hard for me. I’m having trouble here.

“But my gut feeling is telling me that, Rachel, you’re going to be my business partner.”

Now £250,000 richer and Lord Sugar’s newest business partner, Rachel Woolford is one-step-closer to expanding North Studio across the region.

Rachel said in the episode:

“To take part in the process has been incredible and to come out a winner is just something beyond my wildest dreams.

“I was 24-years-old when I started my business. I was just a girl from Leeds and now I cannot believe it, I’m going into business with Lord Sugar and he’s investing in me.”

For now, Lord Sugar’s search for his next business partner is over.

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Plans approved for new tattoo studio in Harrogate

A planning application for a new tattoo studio in Harrogate has been approved.

Applicant Marco Giusti submitted a change of use plan to North Yorkshire Council last month. It was approved on Tuesday, April 16.

It proposed to convert the unit currently occupied by the Chihuahua Lounge café, on Knaresborough Road, into a tattoo studio.

Mr Giusti, who moved to York from Italy six years ago, told the Stray Ferret the company, which will be called Dark Lab Tattoos, will offer predominantly “black and grey realism and ornamental tattoos”.

He added:

“As a studio, we will be able to offer people the right artist for the type of work they are looking for.

“This includes for traditional, realism, lettering, geometric, blackwork and fine line tattoos. Any style is welcome.”

The business will be based in the Chihuahua Lounge unit.

Mr Giusti said Dark Lab Tattoos will also offer piercing services, as well as custom prints and clothing.

He said he decided to open in Harrogate because it a “beautiful town with a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere”.

The refurbishment of the unit will cost around £25,000, he added.

Mr Giusti said all tattoos will have a £50 minimum charge, but prices will range from £80 per hour up to £400-£500 for a full day of tattooing (around six hours). He added:

“Occasionally we will be hosting walk-in days, where some designs may cost less than the minimum charge.”

Dark Lab Tattoos is expected to open at the beginning of June.

It will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 6pm.

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Harrogate bus station to close temporarily at nights after 7pm

Alternative bus stops have been announced as Harrogate bus station prepares to close temporarily.

The Harrogate Bus Company, which is owned by Transdev, shared the news on social media last night.

It said the bus station, on Station Parade, will close after 7pm, from Sunday to Thursday between April 21 and May 23.

As a result, the 1, 2, 3, 7 and 36, which all offer evening services, will be affected.

A phot of a bus leaving Harrogate bus station.

The closures begin this Sunday.

The Stray Ferret asked the Harrogate Bus Company where exactly the alternative stops will be. A spokesperson gave the following information:

Services 1 and 7:

Services 2 and 3:

The 36:

A graphic of the alternative bus stops. Pic: The Harrogate Bus Company.

A Transdev spokesperson told the Stray Ferret the bus station will be closed while the operator carries out work to “support the infrastructure” of its new electric fleet, which is set to be introduced this summer.

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Bilton independent candidate leans on business experience in mayor campaign

Bilton resident Paul Haslam believes his extensive business experience stands him in good stead to be Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The Bilton and Nidd Gorge councillor was the last of six candidates to throw their hat into the ring to be the inaugural mayor.

Standing as an independent, Mr Haslam has centred his campaign around the economy and emphasised his business experience as his credentials.

Born in Lancashire before moving to Harrogate in 2006, he spent his career working for various businesses in retail management including New Look and Poundstretcher.

Mr Haslam set up his own consultancy firm, which specialises in areas such as change management, the circular economy and mergers and acquisitions. His clients have included Adidas and national supermarkets.

He was also chief executive of Leyland SDM, a London-based decorators’ merchants, which he helped to sell to Grafton Group in February 2018.

During an interview with the Stray Ferret, Mr Haslam pointed to this as an example of the experience he feels the mayor needs.

He said:

“One key things about this role is bringing private finance into York and North Yorkshire. The other thing that you have got to look at is what business clusters you are bringing in.”

Paul Haslam

Paul Haslam

Mr Haslam said the mayor needs to be able to help grow the economy and attract businesses to the county.

One area of business that has been of interest to him is food security. He said as mayor he would promote farms, food production and sectors such as agri-tech.

The topic has been included in his online manifesto, which includes pledges on affordable housing, tourism and adult education and skills.

He has also identified public transport as an area that he feels needs to be tackled.

One of the policies he has proposed is a single ticket for travel across North Yorkshire. As chair of Transport for the North’s scrutiny committee, he says he has pushed for such a ticket for five years:

“We have got to have this frictionless way of getting through.

“One of the other things is because we have different operators doing different things, compared to London it can make it up to four times more expensive to get the same distance here than it does in London because you’re changing operators.

“You can bring the cost of the tickets down by just having one ticket that goes right through.”

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Mr Haslam has also been a keen proponent of introducing new railway stations in areas such as Claro Road. He says the station would be a similar size to Hornbeam Park and would help to ease car journeys during rush hour.

Mr Haslam admits the scheme would be expensive, but believes it would be good value for money.

He said:

“It’s not just about putting a train station there, you’ve got to look at what it is going to do to Skipton Road for example.

“A lot of the people that live around Claro Road, whether it’s the Kingsley side or the Woodfield and Bilton side, actually work in Leeds every day. We have to accept that every day there is a mass exodus south out of Harrogate down to Leeds where people work.

“If you could get on the train there, you could go straight to work in Leeds.”

‘A step change’

Last month, Mr Haslam resigned the Conservative whip to stand for mayor.

As part of his campaign literature, he says that as an independent mayor he would be “free from party shackles”.

However, he faces the prospect of campaigning against established parties on the election trail.

When pressed on why specifically he decided to stand for mayor, he said he felt the role offered an opportunity for “a step change” in North Yorkshire:

“There are five other very capable candidates going for this role, but what I want to make sure is that all the things that I think are important get out there and see the light of day.

“Even if I’m not the one who implements those ideas at the end of the day, those ideas are out there.”

The York and North Yorkshire mayor will be chosen by residents of the region in an election on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

The full list of candidates is:

The Harrogate Vet to open 24-hour animal hospital

The Harrogate Vet is set to open a new 24-hour hospital.

The practice, which opened on Leeds Road in 2019, is owned by parent company and integrated veterinary services provider CVS UK Ltd.

It shared the news on social media this afternoon.

The post said building work on its new “state-of-the art veterinary hospital” on Ripon Way had begun and it was due to open this summer.

Veterinary surgeon Diane Cole told the Stray Ferret the new site will include five consult rooms, two surgery theatres, a dental suite, a CT machine and on-site parking.

Ms Cole added:

“Katherine, the founder and clinical director, set up the practice in 2019 and I joined shortly after. We’ve always wanted to open a second site that offers 24-hour care.

“We’re all about providing the best possible service and we know to do that we need to offer 24-hour care. I’d come from working in that environment, so it was something we’ve both always wanted to do.”

The existing Leeds Road site. Pic: Google Maps.

Ms Cole also said her and Katherine Jacklin felt there was a “gap in the market” for emergency veterinary services in Harrogate town centre, adding:

“It just doesn’t seem fair to have to refer people to practices in Wetherby, Leeds or Ripon when they live in Harrogate.

“We’re also hiring more vets with specialised certificates, so we’ll be able to deal with much more specialised cases and complex surgeries at the new site.”

She said the practice will be expanding its team of vets, nurses and receptionists as part of the expansion.

The Harrogate Vet treats all small animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and tortoises.

Only existing clients of the practice will be able to use the services to begin with, Ms Cole added.

She also said:

“Because the building is already there, we’ve been able to really take the time to plan the layout of the new site. The rooms need to be as coherent and stress free as possible for both the owners and animals, especially when they’re coming in for a sad reason, so we’ve put a lot of effort in to make that happen.

“We’re just so excited about opening.”

Ms Cole said the practice does not have an official opening date for the new site yet.

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North Yorkshire Council issues ‘call for sites’ for new planning blueprint

North Yorkshire Council has begun the process of developing a new planning blueprint for the county.

The local authority is now accepting call for sites submissions as part of its plans to draw up Local Plan.

The Local Plan will set out where development can take place across North Yorkshire over the next 15 to 20 years.

The Harrogate District Local Plan was adopted in 2014 and was set to be in place until 2035.

However, following the abolition of Harrogate Borough Council and the formation of the unitary authority, North Yorkshire Council is now in the process of drawing up the new North Yorkshire Local Plan, which will replace existing plans for former district authority areas.

As part of the process, landowners or developers have until June to offer their sites for consideration for the new Local Plan.

The council said in a statement sites can be “put forward for any use or designation”. These include housing; employment and commercial development; retail and leisure; renewable energy generation and other environmental enhancement schemes.

Those submitting sites are advised to provide as much detail about the land and intended use as possible, the council said, adding this would enable the local authority to “consider the impacts of the site”.

The council also said it will take “expert advice” on the impact of each proposed site, including the effects on local schools and health services, sewage capacities, wildlife and the infrastructure of surrounding roads.

Nic Harne, the council’s director of community development said:

“The call for sites represents a crucial early stage in our local plan preparations and we welcome submissions from across North Yorkshire.

“However, submitting a site for consideration does not necessarily mean it will be taken forward for development. This exercise is not the planning application process and at this early stage, it is often the case that more sites are submitted than are needed to meet the future needs of the area.”

The council said it would be a “lengthy process that will take several years to complete, including an independent examination of the plan and all of the proposed sites by an appointed planning inspector”.

It added:

“When submitted, these sites will be carefully assessed by planning officers with advice taken from both internal and external specialists on a range of matters from flooding and heritage to impact on the local roads, schools and ecology.”

The news comes just over a month after councillors backed a plea to exclude Knox Lane, in the Bilton area of Harrogate, from the new Local Plan.

Teeside developer Jomast’s plans to build 53 homes off Knox Lane (pictured) were refused last September. However, the Stray Ferret revealed this week the developer has now lodged an appeal with the government’s Planning Inspectorate against the decision.

North Yorkshire Council aims to adopt the revised Local Plan by late 2028.

People will be able to comment on submitted sites at a later date.

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Harrogate businessman denies stalking allegation

A Harrogate businessman is to face trial by jury after denying allegations of stalking and breaching a restraining order.

Jason Shaw, 55, of Rutland Drive, appeared at York Crown Court via video link today when he pleaded not guilty to the two allegations.

The prosecution alleges that Mr Shaw – who owns Pineheath, the historic, 12-bedroom mansion on Cornwall Road – stalked a woman named in court between November 2023 and March this year, causing her to fear that violence would be used against her, in that he drove past her, turned up at her workplace and her home, and sent notes to her and left her a gift.

He is also accused of breaching a restraining order by entering the woman’s home in February this year.

Judge Simon Hickey set a trial date of September 2. It is due to last three days.

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General Tarleton goes on the market for £1.2 million

One of the best known gastropubs in the Harrogate district has gone on the market for £1.2 million.

The General Tarleton at Ferrensby, near Knaresborough, closed several months ago.

Leeds business broker Christie & Co is now marketing the freehold for the property, which comes with 15 en-suite bedrooms, a 90-seat restaurant and a private dining and function room. The 0.8-acre site also includes a car park and outdoor terrace.

The marketing details say:

“This impressive and imposing coaching inn boasts a wealth of period charm including oak beams and exposed stone walls and flooring and has been recently refurbished and upgraded to an excellent standard by the present owners, and very much deserving of its AA five-star inn accreditation.”

Father and daughter Jonathan and Sarah Morris spent £500,000 refurbishing the venue after taking over from previous owners, Suzanne and John Topham, in 2021.

The marketing information adds:

“The sale represents an excellent opportunity for an owner operator or hospitality-led group to capitalise on the significant capital investment made by the current owners, as well as the enviable reputation and client base, and to take the business to the next level.

“The business has only been trading in the hands of the current owners since mid 2021 but in that time, they have carried out a significant revamp and overhaul or the building and the operation. Turnover for the 12 months to the end of October 2023 is around £850,000 with trade splits as follows: food 42%, drinks 26% and rooms 32%.

It also says the site has “the possible option of further expansion and development, subject to appropriate planning permission”.

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