A Harrogate mum has launched a series of information sessions following a rise in teenagers and pre-teens using potentially harmful skincare products.

Skin care specialist, Debbie Songhurst was so concerned after her 11-year-old daughter started asking for products which are not suitable for young skin that she is now trying to raise awareness of the issue among children and their parents. She said:

“Although I’m a skin specialist, I wasn’t really aware that children were using these products. I thought, this is quite scary. So I started asking people what products their children were using, then looking into those products and what was in them. I was so shocked at what I found.”

What Debbie discovered was a wide range of products using ingredients that are unsuitable or even damaging for young skin. Many have only ever been tested on adults and contain potentially harmful active ingredients intended for adults only. These include exfoliating acids and anti-ageing properties which can provoke serious side effects on young skin.

But with their appealing packaging and gushing reviews from social media influencers, these products are becoming must-haves for a younger audience. Added to that is the pressure teens and pre-teens feel to aspire to unrealistic images of flawless skin, and to buy products that all their friends are using. Debbie said:

“Children are talking about having ‘problematic’ skin or needing to use anti-ageing or firming products. They are using ingredients that are too strong and not safe for their young skin. This can cause skin irritation, early ageing and premature pigmentation. It can break down the skin barrier and can have long-term implications on their skin.”

“Approach children’s skincare with caution”

Debbie, a former pupil at Rossett Acre Primary School and Harrogate Grammar, trained as a medical tattooist and now works as a consultant for companies such as modelling agencies, educating people on how to look after their skin.

She said concerns around under-18s’ skincare is growing; a recent BBC report highlighted the issue, while the British Association for Dermatologists has warned of children as young as eight using skincare products that could leave them with irreversible skin problems. Debbie said:

“I wouldn’t let my children use the products that I use. Teen and pre-teen skin is much more delicate than adults’ skin and using unsuitable products makes it vulnerable. These products absorb a lot quicker into children’s skin and break down the protective barriers.

“When it comes to children’s skincare, it’s essential to approach it with caution and prioritise safety. Using gentle products specifically formulated for their age group is crucial.”

A ‘minefield’ – with added ‘natural’ confusion

Even with more education, Debbie said it can be hard for people to know exactly what the ingredients on a skincare bottle are, as there are so many different words for the same thing. One lady she worked with was using three different products that were basically all the same.

Adding to the confusion is the myth that ‘natural’ ingredients or products are safer. An example of this is the anti-ageing ingredient glycolic acid, sometimes called sugar cane, which is unsuitable for children’s skin. Debbie said:

“It’s a minefield. So many parents have said to me, ‘My kids are using this product because it’s natural’. But ‘natural’ doesn’t necessarily mean good, and often there are synthetic equivalents.”

Debbie Songhurst hosts one of her skincare seminars for teens and pre-teens.

Ingredients to avoid

Although there are so many ingredients out there that it’s hard to be specific, Debbie mentioned the following as being harmful for younger skin:

• Vitamin A / Retinol / Bakuchiol – Debbie said to think of retinol as like a volcano as it brings the base layer of the skin to the surface. It’s used in anti-ageing products because it’s increases cell turnover bringing the new derma to the top at a faster rate. She said: “Many people think that vitamins must be good for the skin. Most seem to have heard of retinol and some kids know that it’s not suitable for their skin. But they don’t know that it’s also called Vitamin A or that Bakuchiol is very similar and is also a potent active ingredient. Kids have got much thinner skin than adults and so their skin absorbs more, and these active products could break down their protective barrier. Even in adults, you would build up the retinol very slowly to allow the skin to get used to it and almost certainly have to include a strong SPF daily to protect the skin.”

• Glycolic acid / Sugar cane / AHA – Debbie said: “Glycolic acid is in quite a lot of products. It’s an exfoliant with a small molecular size, which allows it to penetrate the skin deeply into the skin, children don’t need such a strong exfoliant as this. A simple microfibre cloth will suffice and is much gentler on young skin.”

Recommended skincare routine for teens

While she said it’s not a bad thing to have a skincare routine at any age, Debbie stressed that it’s not necessary for pre-teens and teens to use lots of products. She said skincare for children should be “really uncomplicated” and recommends this three-step routine using products designed for sensitive skin:

• Firstly, remove dirt and bacteria with a simple face wash and microfibre cloth.
• Then apply a moisturiser.
• Finally, and most importantly, an SPF should be used. Debbie said: “Twenty-five per cent of sun damage to your skin happens before you are 18. A lot of the ageing and damage to our skin that we are trying to treat with all these products as adults is down to not using SPF when we were younger.” She said SPFs are regulated and organic ones use a more natural approach to protecting the skin so are best for young more sensitive skin. She also warned against thinking that skin is protected from the sun’s rays if you use make-up containing an SPF, as the amount of SPF that ends up on the skin is not enough to provide sufficient protection. Instead, apply an SPF and then put make-up on afterwards.

Debbie added that other simple things can also help teen skin that’s prone to breakouts, such as changing pillowcases regularly and cleaning your phone as this harbours a lot of bacteria.

She added that if teens have especially problematic skin, they should see a specialist who can devise an individualised approach to address the issue.

Skincare education events

Debbie’s first two teen and pre-teen skincare information sessions, held in Harrogate last month, were so popular that she is planning a third event in June. She is also looking at potentially offering sessions for schools. She said:

“The aim is to raise awareness among children and their parents about the importance of looking at the ingredients in products, like we do with food. I don’t want to scare people; I just want to help them question the benefits and possible problems of putting certain skincare products on their skin.”

The next information session is on Tuesday, June 4, at the West Park Hotel in Harrogate. Book tickets here.

Read more:

• The local women raising awareness of the menopause
• The Harrogate hospital worker bringing cheer for 50 years

A Harrogate man has won a place in the grand final of Channel 4’s The Piano.

Eighty-year-old Duncan captured the hearts of viewers with an incredible love story and won episode 1 of series 2, securing him a spot in the final.

The show sees gifted amateur pianists perform at a street piano in a different railway station each week. It is hosted by Claudia Winkleman and judged by international pop star Mika and Lang Lang, a musician described by the Guardian as “the greatest living pianist”.

The critically acclaimed first series won Best Original Programme at the Broadcast Awards and the second series began on Sunday, April 28.

Duncan first began playing the piano aged four. At a young age he found that he could play the piano by ear and has practised for 76 years.

On the show, Duncan played A Theme for Fran, a romantic song he wrote 30 years ago for his wife. Duncan and Fran first met in 1964 and have been married for 42 years.

Duncan and Fran from Harrogate shared their love story with The Piano’s audience. Image: Channel 4

The pair were both born in Leeds but have lived in the district for many years, first in Birstwith and now in Harrogate. Duncan qualified as a solicitor and played the piano regularly at Betty’s in Harrogate until the covid pandemic.

He was scouted for the second series of Channel 4’s The Piano when a video of him playing was shared to social media.

Duncan has had Alzheimer’s disease for six years, but was only diagnosed with it two years ago, and now uses his musical talent as as a form of medicine.

Duncan and Fran attend a dementia hub in Burton Leonard run by Dementia Forward. The couple play and sing with community groups such as St Peter’s Church market days and at Harrogate’s Christ Church, where each Thursday a pianist with dementia plays. Duncan performs there monthly, and it was a video of this that the producers saw.

The first episode showcased the talented pianists of the North when a piano was installed in Manchester Piccadilly station. The judges said Duncan’s performance was “beautiful” and it sounded “like a piece from another time, very romantic.”

The judges and host of ‘The Piano,’ left to right: Lang Lang, Claudia Winkleman and Mika. Image: Channel 4

Mika said:

“There was one moment where we were able to understand why we are doing this all over again. Where the piano just had its place and music just made sense, and that was during the performance of Duncan.”

In an exclusive interview with the Stray Ferret, Fran said:

“It is an incredible privilege. It was a remarkable experience and it was so lovely listening to the comments of Mika and Lang Lang. It was stunning to listen to the other talent.

“It has given us an incredible experience and an opportunity, given Duncan’s age and Alzheimer’s it shows it is never too late to dream. To hear the feedback from Lang Lang and Mika gave him an extra sense of being appreciated for playing.

“They loved the story as well as his playing. We feel that it will inspire others, no matter their age or condition. It shows people there is always something positive to pull out of life. It’s wonderful.”

Duncan playing ‘A Theme for Fran’ at Manchester Piccadilly Station. Image Channel 4

She added:

“A Theme for Fran was written 30 years ago, but it is still so relevant. Every time he plays it there is such a lot of love, I just have to whizz over to the piano and kiss him. It encompasses everything about him and our romance. It means a huge amount to both of us and to show everyone has made it even more special.

“It shows how magical music is. Music is a bridge that spans over fragmented thoughts and connects with feeling. When he is at the piano he is himself. The piano brings back his sense of self, when he plays there are no lost threads.”

Duncan added:

“Music to me is the most perfect melodies and beautiful harmonies.”

Duncan will play in the series finale at Aviva studios, where tickets have been sold to raise funds to install pianos in every railway station in the country. He added that he is available and would love to play in more fundraising events.

The moment Duncan won the episode and secured a spot in the grand finale. Image: Channel 4

To watch Duncan’s performance on The Piano, click here. The next episode of The Piano will air tonight (May 5) at 9pm.

Read more:

• Ripon’s Billie Marten set to perform at Glastonbury 
• Sketches by Magritte to go under the hammer in Ripon 
• Three arrested in fraud investigation at well-known Harrogate firm 

It was after finding her dad’s racquet as a child that Sophie Cousins first fell in love with tennis

The Ashville College tennis coach has spent her whole life invested in the sport, one way or another.

But it was not until recently that she became immersed in the ever growing sport of padel tennis.

The last 18 months have been a whirlwind for Sophie. From first stepping foot on a padel court for the first time to representing her country at an international tournament.

For her, the sport is addictive and one which she cannot get enough of.

Picking up the racquet

Born and raised in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Sophie was brought up in a sporting family. Her first interaction with tennis came when she found her dad’s old racquet at home.

“I had a very sporting family, so we were always playing games at home.

“I actually found my dad’s old tennis racquet. It was one of those wooden racquets in a press and I asked: ‘what’s this?’ And that’s how tennis started and we used to play all the time in the back garden.”

Her dad took her to a local club and she began to improve.

She began playing in junior tournaments and would travel to places like Solihull, Nottingham and abroad to compete. Among them was the junior Wimbledon pre-qualifiers, which she competed in aged 18.

Sophie would also try to qualify for the Sunday Telegraph Masters tournament, which was held in Boca Raton, Florida, and La Manga in Spain.

“It [the tournament] was such a huge incentive for juniors.”

Read more: 

• How Pateley Bridge man won two league titles with Leeds United
• Knaresborough Town pair championing women’s football after remarkable season
• How a Harrogate consultant helped change British elite sport

She grew up watching the likes of Steffi Graf and Rafael Nadal competing at the highest level of tennis. She still points to them to this day as examples of model professional athletes.

When Sophie turned 18, she began competing in more international tournaments and tried to work her way up the rankings.

She enrolled at Loughborough University, but her progress in tennis was halted by recurring knee injuries.

By this point, she also wanted to focus on her degree. As a result, tennis began to fall by the wayside.

“I had worked so hard to get into Loughborough, that’s where I always wanted to go to do sport science. I did not want to be going off playing tournaments at that stage. I wanted to concentrate on my degree.

“I knew I wasn’t going to be playing tennis as a career. I had contemplated going to America and going through that system and getting a scholarship.”

She continued to coach tennis after university and had a stint as an estate agent in London before moving into teaching, first at Harrogate Grammar School and then at Skipton Girls School.

She moved to Ashville College in Harrogate in 2014. It was here some years later where she was first introduced to the growing sport of padel.

Immersed in padel

Padel tennis first came into the picture 18 months ago.

Angela Crossley, a Wetherby-based tennis coach and now Sophie’s padel partner, first introduced her to the sport.

When Sophie joined Ashville, she struck up a friendship with Angela and they would work offering students sessions in the summer and helping to grow the tennis programme at the college.

One day, Angela brought up the subject of padel with her.

“She asked me: ‘Have you tried padel? I think you would be quite good at it’.

“I remember her hitting a ball, it coming off the back glass and shooting about two metres in front of me and I just looked at her and said: ‘What you expect me to hit that?’”

Sophie and her padel partner, Angela, at the World Championships in Spain.

The sport has surged in popularity across the UK. In Harrogate, padel tennis courts have opened at Hornbeam Park, Harrogate Spa Tennis Club and Harrogate Sports and Fitness Club.

Last year, Ripon Tennis Club unveiled two new courts at a cost of £180,000 following a wave of support from residents and businesses.

To date, the Lawn Tennis Association estimates that the UK has 175,000 active padel tennis players.

The interest in the sport is huge, but, for Sophie, the country is still finding its feet competitively.

“Padel has exploded in this country. But everybody is still very much finding their feet.

“Some players have come from squash, they’re a bit more comfortable with the ball pinging off the walls but they’re not as comfortable at the net. Whereas, in tennis we have got more transferability from the volleying and the net gain. But we need to learn to love and embrace the glass a bit more.”

Fast forward to April this year and Sophie was competing for Great Britain at the International Padel Federation’s Seniors World Championship in La Nucia in Spain.

Team GB women went on to finish a commendable ninth place out of 22 countries.

Joined by Angela, the competition was fierce – not least because the European countries had been familiar with the sport a lot longer than the UK.

For Sophie, the experience was vital and one that she hopes will continue in years to come.

“You watch teams from Argentina and Spain who have been playing for years and they know where the ball is going.

“Whereas we are still playing quite reactive. They just read the ball so well because they have played for years.”

‘Prepare to be addicted’

Sophie hardly plays regular tennis competitively anymore, but still coaches from time to time.

Despite tennis taking a backseat recently, she still describes it as a “sport for life” and one that can be taken up at any age.

When asked whether she finds that she enjoys padel more than tennis, Sophie says the mental side of padel is a huge draw for her.

“I enjoy the mental side of it. I enjoy the strategy of trying to work out how to unpick a problem and how you are going to win the point or manipulate the space.

“It makes you think a lot more than tennis.”

She points out that there is more to padel than just playing the game. There is also a social aspect to it, she says, which stems from its growth in Spain and South America.

“I’d definitely encourage people to have a go at padel. Prepare to be addicted.”

If you have any local sporting figures who you think should be featured in Sporting Spotlight, contact calvin@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Bamber & Brown is in an ideal location for a drink or bite to eat pre- or post-walk through the wooded valley of Birk Crag, but many don’t know that it exists. Until now.

And given the last few weeks the news in the locality has been all about the opening of The Harrogate Arms, which is only open to RHS visitors, this will be welcome news to many.

Other than Betty’s Harlow Carr or The Pine Marten, you might not think there’s anywhere else to eat and drink in the area. But fret not, there is Bamber & Brown.

And even though it’s been open since 2021 and was Highly Commended in the 2023 Stray Ferret Business Awards for Business Growth, you might not have heard of it as it’s still somewhat of a hidden gem to some.

To find it, simply follow the road that leads you to Betty’s Harlow Carr – Crag Lane – and continue, and you’ll find it on the right-hand side. It’s hard not to miss as there’s a huge tipi in the grounds from which you can enjoy food and drink.

Selling freshly brewed speciality coffee from a converted horse box along with other hot drinks, it also serves homemade cakes – its carrot cake is one of the most popular offerings – while ice cream, pastries, smoked salmon bagels and bacon and egg sandwiches are just some of what else is on the menu.

READ MORE:

• Did you know that Everyman in Harrogate screens National Theatre Live productions?
• The hidden stories behind Harrogate’s newest chocolate shop
• Great getaways less than three hours’ drive from Harrogate

And if you fancy a tipple or two, its new bar serves wine and beer from another converted horse box.

And from this weekend, wood-fired pizzas can be enjoyed on weekends and special occasions over the summer on its new decking, and it will also be serving its ice lattes and milkshakes that prove popular over the warmer months.

Owner Phillipa Brown has also said she will open for ad hoc warm evenings over the summer – just keep an eye on its social media accounts as for when.

Philippa said of why she decided to start her business:

“I wanted to bring back the historical old tea rooms at Birk Crag in some way  – war veterans used to drink tea on the nearby Crag – and decided a few years ago that now that my children have grown up, to go for it. And since then, it’s just expanded and expanded.”

READ MORE: 

• Did you know there’s a hidden Spa Room in Harrogate’s Turkish Baths?
• 5 things to do in Harrogate and the district this weekend
• The cherry blossom is in full bloom on the Stray, Harrogate
• Gallery: photos of the Stray’s cherry blossom from our readers
• Great getaways less than three hours’ drive from Harrogate

A Harrogate-born gymnast has won silver at the European Championships.

Harry Hepworth, 20, was part of the Great Britain men’s artistic gymnastic team which competed at the tournament in Rimini, Italy, this past weekend.

Great Britain led heading into the final stage before being pipped to gold by Ukraine, who recorded an overall score of 255.762.

Harry, along with his teammates Courtney Tulloch, Jake Jarman, Joe Fraser and James Hall won silver with a score of 255.249.

Andrew Hepworth, Harry’s dad, told the Stray Ferret that he was delighted with his son’s performance.

He said:

“I am delighted for him. It has been a long journey and it has not been straight forward at all.

“There has been ups and downs. He has been resilient and stuck to it.”

Mr Hepworth added that Harry now has his eye on securing an Olympic spot in Paris this summer.

Read more: 

• How Pateley Bridge man won two league titles with Leeds United
• Knaresborough Town pair championing women’s football after remarkable season
• How a Harrogate consultant helped change British elite sport

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

In a world of diverse cultures and traditions, food serves as a common ground that transcends boundaries. Sharing a meal with loved ones or strangers alike is an act of communion, where stories are exchanged, laughter is shared, and bonds are strengthened. Food has the remarkable ability to evoke emotions, ignite nostalgia, and create unforgettable experiences.

Some words transcend all languages and they include ‘yummy’, ‘yum’ and deep sighs of ‘hmmm’. When you hear them, you immediately know the deliciousness of a dish is the subject matter. Looks are shared, smiles are exchanged and heads are nodded towards strangers when one is enjoying great food. That is the power of food.

Food also has a role in healing and connection due to its remarkable ability to heal and uplift spirits during challenging times. Whether it’s preparing a comforting dish for a loved one or sharing a meal with neighbours, food acts as a conduit for empathy and compassion. In times of celebration or sorrow, a shared meal has the power to bring solace, foster camaraderie, and remind us of our shared humanity.

Growing up in Nigeria, many vegetables, roots, spices, herbs and seeds were used to nourish people back to health, fatten brides ahead of their wedding days or help a nursing mother to produce enough milk for the baby. Some dishes helped mothers regain their bodies after child birth. Some dishes’ aromas were reputed for making your spouse stay at home.

Food is best enjoyed when shared with others and it really doesn’t have to be fancy. A simple green salad with grilled chicken, boiled potatoes tossed in herby butter and a dressing followed by a bought-in dessert is enough to share with others.

Many of us wait for the perfect time to get together with others but it rarely ever happens that all the stars are aligned. I haven’t hosted a barbecue in recent years but I’m hopeful that this is my year.  

Here is what you can do to get ready for entertaining at a moment’s notice:

Set the stage

Get your barbecue out, give it a good clean, and make sure you have gas. Alternatively buy a disposable one and have it ready. Spring clean your kitchen.

Source your ingredients

Get your ingredients ready and store them in the freezer; season what can be seasoned. This can include prepping your chicken, fish and buying your sausages or part baked breads. Ketchup and mayonnaise have a decent shelf-life so you can buy in advance and homemade chilli oils will last a couple of weeks.

Invite others

Let people know in advance that you are committed to sharing a meal with them and pencil in some tentative dates. Watch the weather reports and be ready to enjoy the sunshine at short notice.

Leverage shortcuts

Ask people to bring a drink, side dish or salad so it’s not all on you; most people would want to bring something anyway. Prepared salads and dips will lighten your workload. Elevate shop bought baguettes with garlic butter, balsamic glaze or chilli oil.

Asparagus and Ricotta Tart

Connecting over food takes intentionality but we can make it happen. As the world gets more insular with loneliness a societal challenge, we can leverage the emotive power of food to connect, uplift, and inspire through gathering around the dinner table with family or new friends.

Here is an easy recipe that comes together quickly allowing you to entertain friends at a moment’s notice.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Baby plum tomatoes sliced in half
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Roll out the puff pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a border around the edges.
• Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears on top of the ricotta in a single layer.
• Dot the tomatoes around the gaps, cut sides up.
• Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and season with additional salt and pepper.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the asparagus is tender.
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
• Slice and serve this delightful asparagus and ricotta tart as a shared springtime treat.

Read more:

• Yemi’s Food Stories: top tips for cooking with limited ingredients
• Yemi’s Food Stories: a taste of France at Kendell’s Bistro, Leeds
• Yemi’s Food Stories: embracing spring by celebrating seasonal produce
• Yemi’s Food Stories: making healthy eating delicious and irresistible

It was, by far, our most commented-on story of the week. An event that drew gasps.

Not the mayoral election, of course, but news that a naked walk is returning to the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park this summer.

British Naturism, which is organising the event, helpfully sent us PG-rated, buttock-only photos of naturists along with the request that ‘they must be used exactly as they are. No censorship — blurring, pixellation or covering with clip-art for example’.

Pic: British Naturism

The most shocking angle for me was not the nudity but the prospect of freezing to death between Ripon and Masham.

The Conservatives were stripped of their political ambitions this week when Labour’s David Skaith swept to victory in the North Yorkshire mayoral election.

Two hours later, Mr Skaith popped up on TV alongside Labour leader Keir Starmer on the pitch at Northallerton Football Club.

It was a great day for Labour and a crushing first ever electoral defeat for Tory Keane Duncan, who instead of sloping out a side door as many politicians do took it on the chin and answered every question posed by a long line of journalists.

The bathing season gets underway this month and those making a beeline for Knaresborough Lido on the River Nidd will be delighted to know they can now check almost real time data on sewage being pumped into rivers by Yorkshire Water. Perhaps naked walks are safer…

Read more:

• Tense day ends in clear victory for Labours Harrogate-born mayor
• Ripon campaigners prepare for post D-Day battle with the bulldozers
• Brew York to open today in historic Knaresborough pub

“We have not been doing the basics,” said David Skaith to reporters huddled around him after becoming the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

It was a seismic victory for Labour over the Conservatives, with a 14,794 majority.

The result at Harrogate Convention Centre on Friday afternoon was the culmination of two competing campaigns.

On the one side, Keane Duncan, for the Conservatives, led an ambitious campaign which included pledges such as buying Scarborough’s Grand Hotel for regeneration.

He also promised free car parking in towns and cities across the county.

Much of Mr Duncan’s campaign was focussed on utilising social media to promote his pledges. He published high-production videos and pictures to push his message.

He also went on a tour around the county in his van, which notably did not include anything which mentioned that he was a Conservative.

The 29-year-old emphasised the fact that he was out meeting people and published photographs of himself with residents in North Yorkshire’s towns and villages on his social media pages. His campaign appeared to focus on himself as an individual, rather than his political background.

During the campaign trail, Mr Duncan told the Stray Ferret that he had “bold ambition” for York and North Yorkshire. However, on the day, that did not help his election prospects.

Keane Duncan, with Prime Minister RIshi Sunak in Ripon in April.

In fact, Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, the Liberal Democrat candidate, said she felt making pledges which “no-one believes” did not help the public’s trust in democracy.

She said:

“If you don’t take elections seriously that reflects badly on politicians. If you pledge to do things that no-one believes, it can and should backfire on you. It devalues politics. The feedback I get is that ‘you’re just another politician’.”

Specifically on the Grand Hotel, she said:

“That’s just one of them. There have been a series of headlines nobody believes. It was just grabbing headlines without anything behind them.”

In the end, Mr Duncan fell to a clear defeat. When speaking to the press afterwards, he defended his campaign, including the pledge on the Grand Hotel, and said he felt focussing on the coast was “important”.

Regardless of the majority involved, Mr Duncan was magnanimous in defeat and was seen applauding Mr Skaith after the declaration.

A traditional campaign

By comparison, Mr Skaith’s campaign offered little in terms of marquee pledges.

When speaking to the Stray Ferret two weeks ago, the Labour candidate focussed on matters such as transport, a High Street fund and a cost of living fund.

While the policies will resonate with some of the electorate, they were not headline grabbing pledges.

Rather, Mr Skaith appeared to take a traditional campaign route. He was seen canvassing with senior Labour politicians such as Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor of the exchequer, and Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves and North Yorkshire mayoral candidate David Skaith campaigning with Labour Party workers in Harrogate.

After his victory on Friday, he told reporters that he would focus on building affordable housing and improving transport links. However, how that looks in practice remains to be seen.

The campaign has had the desired affect and now Labour has metro mayors in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and further west in Greater Manchester and Liverpool.

Much of Mr Skaith’s 15,000 majority could be attributed to the city of York which includes students and a Labour-controlled city council.

The national picture cannot be overlooked either, with the Tories lagging behind in the polls. One of the candidates, Paul Haslam, was also a former Conservative who threw his hat in the ring as an independent.

However, Labour will not see it that way and will spin it as a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in his own back yard.

The party has parked its tanks on traditional Conservative ground in a year which promises more elections to come. 

Read more:

• Labour’s David Skaith pledges to ‘get basics right’ as mayor
• Tense day ends in clear victory for Labour’s Harrogate-born mayor

(Lead Image: Usplash)

Upcycling can be a great way to breathe new life into old furniture, which is not only better for the environment, but also beneficial for your bank account too.

Social media is awash with time-lapse videos showing people turning preloved tables and cabinets from drab to fab – and while satisfying to watch, those ten second reels don’t fully represent the time and effort applied to each transformation.

It can be a daunting prospect to pick up a paintbrush or sandpaper and give it a go, but everybody has to start somewhere. The Stray Ferret spoke to Yorkshire artists and enthusiasts involved in upcycling and sustainability, to share some handy tips.

 Don’t be afraid to experiment

Jodie with one of her creations (Jodie Flavell Artist)

 Last month the Stray Ferret spoke to Harrogate-based artist Jodie Flavell about her background and the imminent opening of her new shop on Mayfield Grove. Although she had no formal training in interior design or art before she started working on preloved furniture, she managed to take what was a creative outlet and make it into a fully-fledged business.

She also shared some of the key learnings she’s taken from her experience, especially lessons she had to discover for herself along the way. Her first tip would be to carefully choose the right ‘canvas’ or item of furniture to work on.

Jodie said:

“Proper wood, even veneered wood is better as it can be sanded down, but cheaper, laminated wood effect is much harder to upcycle, and doesn’t take on paint as easily.”

Secondly, upcycling is all about experimenting – Jodie recalled that through her own trials and errors she realised ‘you don’t need to paint things one colour’ and that a light touch is needed.

“Sometimes people feel like they need to get as much paint on there and can be heavy-handed which is what causes drips and streaks.”

Start simple

Before and after (Image: Jessie Parker)

According to upcycling enthusiast Jessie Parker, an easy route into upcycling requires two simple variables: a spray can and a flat surface.

She explained:

“I’m a big fan of making my home look lovely, but I’m not a big fan of buying new. That’s why I love finding items in charity shops that look a bit sad but, with a bit of work, have real potential.

“Things like mirrors and old metal picture frames can be easily revived with a bit of spray paint.”

Jessie’s favourite colour to use is metallic gold as it can instantly make an item of furniture more vibrant. She recommends thoroughly sanding down the surface first and wiping it over with a damp cloth to remove any dust, so the colour has the best chance at holding.

Equally as important is to make sure when spraying the item, it’s placed on a flat surface, otherwise the risk of bumps, drips or uneven coverage can increase.

She added:

“You then want to shake the spray paint for at least a minute to avoid the fluids separating. I usually do three coats but you can experiment with this to get your desired results.

“You’ll soon have the spray painting bug and always been on the look out for new things to upcycle and rehome.”

First impressions aren’t everything

(Image: Usplash)

 It can be easy to see a chair upholstered in a loud 80s fabric or a careworn table and immediately write it off as unsalvageable – or simply too ugly to transform. However, learning to look past the dated exterior and consider the potential in the piece is something that James Gascoigne from Leeds realised the hard way – and it left him kicking himself on the missed opportunity.

He explained:

“I moved into my first home in August 2022, and I was pretty hard up after buying a house, but I didn’t want to just buy cheap for-now pieces that I didn’t really like and would end up replacing quickly.”

James turned to Facebook marketplace for some of the larger items of furniture and came across a chair that he liked the look of – despite what he described as its ‘poor condition’.

However, after sending the picture to his partner he was dissuaded from buying it. It wasn’t until a several weeks later, when he mentioned it to a friend that he realised just what he’d passed up on.

“I showed this friend and they said they thought it was worth something and it looked pretty vintage – she thought it was a Ming chair, a famous style of furniture.

“When I Googled it, she was right – although we didn’t know how old the one on Facebook marketplace was, some of the high-end stuff goes for upwards of £400 and this had been sold for a fraction of that. Oh yes – it was sold straight away, no doubt to someone who didn’t hesitate.”

James didn’t make the same mistake twice and has successfully turned his hand to many other upcycling projects since around his home. His advice would be to at least view the item if you’re unsure – it’s a good way to check out the vintage credentials.

Not all projects are created equal

(Image: Pixabay)

With previous experience transforming preloved furniture to sell on as a passion project, Harrogate-based Steph Flint has several pearls of wisdom to share with budding upcyclers.

Explaining why she enjoys the process of giving furniture a new lease of life, she said:

“I can never find a piece of furniture in a shop that I like enough to purchase. I prefer old furniture with character that has stood the test of time.

“It’s very satisfying seeing an old dark unloved cabinet that nobody wants, become the focus point in a room, with a new purpose. I find painting furniture very relaxing, and I enjoy the creativeness. It can become quite addictive.”

In her time, she’s found that dark, ‘post-war’ furniture takes on paint easily, and is often sold cheaply, as it isn’t considered to be in fashion. But the right type of furniture isn’t everything; using the correct tools is important to the success of the project too.

Steph added:

“Start with something small – a small table or a chair. I prefer to use chalk paint.  It is very forgiving and there is no preparation required before you start.  Top tip – use synthetic paint brushes, they don’t shred and clean very easily.”

Read more:

• Discover the Harrogate artist transforming furniture as part of the ‘upcycling revolution’
• From Beyonce to Birstwith – meet the new chef at The Station Hotel

Keane Duncan has defended his campaign for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire after the Conservatives lost the election to Labour.

Mr Duncan admitted that the national political picture “inevitably” affected his race to be mayor, but said Rishi Sunak should stay on as Prime Minister.

Labour’s David Skaith won the election by 14,794 votes on a disappointing day for the Tories.

Speaking after the result at Harrogate Convention Centre, Mr Duncan was magnanimous in defeat and defended his campaign, which included ambitious pledges such as buying the Grand Hotel in Scarborough.

He said:  

“I am proud that I got to stand in this election. I am proud of my campaign. I thank everyone who has supported me in every corner of York and North Yorkshire.”

When asked whether he felt he overpromised on the Grand Hotel and if he regretted the pledge, he said:

“No, I’ve focussed on the coast. I think the coast is very important.

“I’m not going to have the opportunity now to deliver on my pledges and my promises. But I feel proud of the campaign that I have been able to run.”

Mr Duncan added that he did not feel that he could have done anymore with his campaign. When asked if the national political picture affected his race to be mayor, he said:

“I think the national picture has inevitably affected this campaign.”

He added that he would stay on as a North Yorkshire councillor and said he felt Mr Sunak should remain as Prime Minister, despite the election defeat.

Read more:

• Labour’s David Skaith pledges to ‘get basics right’ as mayor
• Tense day ends in clear victory for Labour’s Harrogate-born mayor

Labour’s David Skaith won the inaugural mayoral election with 66,761 votes.

Tory candidate, Keane Duncan, came second with 51,967 votes and Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Liberal Democrat, finished third with 30,867.

Meanwhile, Green Party candidate, Kevin Foster, won 15,188 votes and Keith Tordoff, independent, finished fifth with 13,250 votes.

Harrogate independent, Paul Haslam, won 12,370 votes.

The turnout for the York and North Yorkshire mayoral election was 30%.