Harrogate bonfire to return to the Stray this year

The organisers of the Harrogate bonfire have confirmed it will return to the Stray this year.

Harrogate and District Round Table said a traditional bonfire and fireworks display will be on offer at the event on November 4.

Visitors can look forward to live performances on the pop-up stage throughout the night — with Three Strikes Band already confirmed — and more to be announced.

There will also be a range food options, including traditional burgers and hotdogs, as well as a bar serving alcohol and soft drinks.

Organisers will be raising money for Harrogate Homeless Project for a second year running.

Matthew Firth, one of the Harrogate Round Table team, said they chose to fundraise for the homelessness charity again this year “because it is a great charity” and praised it for its efforts to end rough sleeping in the town.

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Last year, the organisers decided against holding a bonfire at the event due to costs and logistics but reversed the decision just weeks before Bonfire Night.

It reportedly costs over £13,000 to put on, with £5,000 spent on fireworks alone.

The schedule

The Harrogate Bonfire will take place on Saturday, November 4.

It will open at 4.30pm and entertainment will begin at 5pm.

The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and fireworks will follow at around 7.15pm.

Organisers expect the event to end at 8.30pm.

The event is free to attend and will be held on the Stray, near St Aidan’s Church of England High School.

Similarities seen in Yorkshire to how Lucy Letby whistleblowers were treated

Similarities to how whistleblowers were treated when raising concerns about convicted child killer Lucy Letby have been seen across Yorkshire hospitals, it has been claimed.

At a York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust board of directors meeting on Wednesday, September 27, concerns were raised about how comfortable staff are at raising issues of colleagues’ clinical practice.

NHS staff can raise issues through ‘speak-up guardians’ like York hospital’s Stefanie Greenwood, who presented a report to the board and told directors there are lessons to be learned from how complaints about Letby were treated prior to her arrest in July 2018.

Ms Greenwood said:

“Although it’s a very extreme case, there are some lessons we can learn.”

She added that cases like Letby’s show “the price that we pay if we don’t listen to our staff” and that “silence ultimately kills patients.”

Ms Greenwood said: 

“Our staff currently do not feel safe to raise concerns.

“They fear reprisal and this can lead to unsafe patient care.”

She added: 

“I have seen similarities in how the Letby case was handled and staff being shut down and told they need factual evidence.”

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Letby was jailed in August for a whole life term for murdering seven babies and trying to kill another six at Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.

Dawn Parkes, interim chief nurse at York and Scarborough’s hospital trust, said “any hint” of something wrong regarding patient care should be “explored,” even if there is no hard evidence of wrongdoing.

Jenny McAleese, a non-executive director at the trust, said: 

“There’s not many concerns raised about safety and quality and I just wonder whether we just need to have a bit of a conversation about that and make sure people know that the freedom to speak guardian is there.”

She added: 

“People are happy to raise concerns about people working while sick but there’s a bit of a reluctance to raise concerns about people’s clinical practice.”

Letby, 33, is only the third woman to receive a whole life order and is Britain’s most prolific child killer.

Many of her surviving victims have been left with life-altering conditions.

Dr Stephen Brearey told BBC Radio 4 in August that when he raised links between Letby’s constant presence during a spike in infant deaths at Chester hospital he was “put into mediation by senior managers.”

He said:

“I was put into mediation twice, once on fairly minor grounds and secondly with Lucy Letby herself and it seems to be a way of delaying action and investigating those concerns.”

Dr Brearey added that it is “a way of turning the things back to the clinician and suggesting that they’ve done something wrong.”

He added:

“It’s almost like weaponising that process.”

There has been an increase in concerns being raised across York and Scarborough hospitals in the last three years but these were mostly about ‘behaviours and relationships’ or ‘bullying and harassment.’

Simon Morritt, chief executive of York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: 

“How easy it is to raise concerns is really important to us.”

Harrogate man to lead set-up of North Yorkshire combined authority

A former Harrogate High School student has been appointed to lead the set-up of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

James Farrar, who grew up in Huby, will take up the position as interim director for transition.

Mr Farrar is is currently chief operating officer of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, a public-private partnership that drives economic growth.

The combined authority is due to be established this year but will begin operating in May.

An order will be laid before parliament in the autumn, which will include provisions for powers and funding tied to a devolution deal as well as paving the way for the creation of the authority.

The combined authority, which will be overseen by a directly election mayor, is expected to have powers to make decisions on matters such as economic development and transport.

Mr Farrar said:

“I am working closely with colleagues from both councils, the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, and the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. 

“We are all committed to a smooth transition into a new combined authority, ensuring that we all continue to deliver our services to the public without any interruption. Together, we will ensure it is an organisation that is ready to hit the ground running as soon as a mayor is elected.”

Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, said:

“Devolution is a long-held ambition for York and North Yorkshire, and will provide a host of benefits for hundreds of thousands of people.

“James has a great deal of experience and will be key in delivering the benefits of devolution and ensuring the combined authority runs as efficiently as possible, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with him closely at what is such an important time for York and North Yorkshire.”

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The proposed devolution deal includes a £7 million investment to drive green economic growth towards the ambition of York and North Yorkshire becoming the country’s first carbon negative region.

There is also proposed investment of up to £2.65 million to deliver affordable low-carbon housing, and £13 million for the building of new homes on brownfield land during 2023/24 and 2024/25.

The elected mayor will make decisions on investments in strategic priorities such as for transport, housing, and adult education.

The mayor will also have responsibilities for community safety and strategic responsibility for the totality of policing, fire and crime for York and North Yorkshire.

They will appoint a deputy mayor to carry out many of the powers and duties of the role currently known as police, fire and crime commissioner.

An election for the mayor will be held in May 2024. 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate accountancy firm hires 14 new trainees

A Harrogate accountancy firm has hired a string of trainees in its “biggest ever intake” of graduates and school leavers.

Saffrey, which is based on North Park Road, appointed 14 new starters this autumn as part of a recruitment drive.

The company said the new hires mark a “significant investment in the next generation of advisors”.

The move comes as the firm, which also has offices in London and Manchester, launched a rebrand this past month, which included a change of name.

Michelle Rapson, senior manager in the Yorkshire audit team at Saffrey, said: 

“This latest investment in people will broaden the diversity of our team and create opportunities for personal growth throughout the business.

“We are already seeing last year’s trainees step up to the next level with the support of senior colleagues, who are committed to helping each individual reach their personal potential.”

Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall wins AA award

The Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall has won a prestigious award this past week.

The fine dining restaurant, which is based at the estate near Ripon, was awarded the AA Four Rosette Award.

Held at a ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, the AA Hospitality Awards aim to celebrate excellence within the hospitality industry.

On receiving the award, Shaun Rankin said:

“I’m delighted that Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall has been awarded the prestigious AA Four Rosette Award.

“This is a testament to the dedication and passion of our incredible team. It’s a reminder that excellence is not a destination, but a continuous journey of crafting unforgettable dining experiences, one plate at a time.”

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Gyles Brandreth endures sleepless night in ’tilting’ Harrogate hotel bed

TV personality Gyles Brandreth has bemoaned the state of a Harrogate hotel after enduring a sleepless night on a tilting bed.

The author and raconteur appeared at the Royal Hall last night for his one-man show Gyles Brandreth Can’t Stop Talking.

His prolific tweets indicated the evening went well — until it was time for bed.

At about 7am this morning, he posted the following unappealing image and said:

“The view from right here right now … very little sleep on a bed that tilted to the left so that I had to cling on all night. The hotel is in King’s Road but has no number so in the dark we couldn’t find it. Taxi couldn’t find it either. Eventually we did. Rather wish we hadn’t.”

In response to a tweet suggesting he should have called reception, he said:

“There was no reception. At midnight we tried to book in to the Crowne Plaza opposite, but it was full.”

Mr Brandreth declined calls to name and shame the establishment to his 208,000 followers.

After his show last night he hailed the “warm and wonderful audience” and said it was “a privilege to be be on the stage that both Ken Dodd & Marlene Dietrich once appeared on. Not together. (Though wouldn’t that have been glorious?)”.

He later praised The Ivy for its “delicious post-show supper: cheese soufflé followed by iced berries”.

Mr Brandreth added:

“Normally at this time of night, we’re perched on the edge of our bed in the local Premier Inn with a Pret sandwich. Tonight we’re in Harrogate being treated to this …. Thank you.”

However, his night appeared to go downhill once he left The Ivy.

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Harrogate hospital spends nearly £1 million on staff cover for strikes

Harrogate District Hospital has spent £923,000 on staff cover for industrial action since April.

The hospital has been hit by numerous strikes in the last five months, with consultants and junior doctors staging walkouts in disputes over pay.

In a report due before a trust board meeting today, Jonathan Coulter, chief executive of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said a “significant cost” had been spent covering for striking staff members.

In total, between April 1 and August 31, the trust spent £923,000 on bank and internal staff to cover for junior doctors and consultants. 

Bank staff are temporary workers who agree to work flexible shifts with a hospital trust. Some trusts keep a record of their own bank staff to call upon for shifts.

The trust said no agency workers were used to cover staffing during the strikes.

The Stray Ferret asked the trust how it intended to recoup the money spent during the industrial action.

A spokesperson for the trust said:

“The trust is in ongoing discussions with NHS England on the expectations regarding funding and managing this pressure.”

It comes as both junior doctors and consultants are set to carry out further walkouts in October.

Members of the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association and British Medical Association will strike from 7am on Monday, October 2, until 7am on Thursday, October 5.

In his report, Mr Coulter said it was important to remember staff were in dispute with the government, not the hospital trust.

He added:

“We need to always remember the impact that this industrial action is having and the cost for patients who have services disrupted and delayed, the actual financial cost of cover, and the more significant opportunity cost, as management time is necessarily taken up with planning and managing these periods of strike action safely.”

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Rachel Daly to open Rossett sports pitches named in her honour

England footballer Rachel Daly will return to her former school in Harrogate next week to open sports pitches re-named in her honour.

Tim Milburn, headteacher at Rossett School, said it was a “no brainer” to rename the 3G pitches at the school’s sports centre following her success in the Lionesses team.

The school announced it would be renaming the pitches in August and has now confirmed Daly will lead the official opening on Thursday, October 5.

School pupils will be able to watch the event but it will not be open to the public.

The girls’ football teams will also play an internal match to mark the occasion.

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Mr Milburn told the Stray Ferret staff hoped to give the homegrown superstar a tour of the school, but added this depended on her schedule.

He said:

“We are delighted to be able to welcome Rachel back to her school.

“She, along with the Lionesses, has been such an inspiration to us all. We are so proud that her journey started here.

“We hope that by naming the pitches after her is not only a great honour to bestow upon her, but it will provide future inspiration for the students of Rossett School and the Harrogate community.”

Daly was a member of the team that won the Women’s Euro 2022 last year and reached the final of this year’s World Cup.

She was named PFA women’s Players’ Player of the Year last month and was awarded the Golden Boot for being the Women’s Super League top scorer last season.

The Stray Ferret is backing a campaign by Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club, her former club, for Daly to receive a civic honour.

It suggested North Yorkshire Council should rename Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre, previously known as The Hydro, but the council has yet to indicate if it will do anything.

You can sign the petition to back the campaign here.

Knox Lane housing refusal has ‘strengthened community spirit’

Residents on Knox Lane in Bilton have said community spirit has been “strengthened” after a plan to build 53-homes in the area was rejected.

The proposal, which was tabled by north east developer Jomast, was refused by councillors on North Yorkshire Council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency planning committee yesterday.

It followed concerns about land contamination and the lack of a travel plan for the site, which is alongside a narrow road at the edge of Bilton and not close to a bus route.

The current road serving the site.

The refusal of the plan has been welcomed by residents in the area.

Sue Wrightson, of Keep Knox Natural campaign group, said local people had worked hard to make the council listen to their concerns.

She said:

“Local residents have worked very hard over the last three years to ensure that council officers were aware of the many valid reasons why this development is entirely inappropriate. 

“We have struggled to make them listen and we are very grateful to those planning committee members who have supported our case. 

“Its been a learning curve as far as planning regulations are concerned but we have enjoyed the collaboration of several local experts.

“This whole episode has really strengthened local community spirit and resolve.”

Knox Lane in Harrogate.

Councillors questioned the plans at a lengthy meeting at Harrogate’s Civic Centre yesterday.

Cllr Paul Haslam, a Conservative who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge, spoke on behalf of residents at the meeting. He said:

“There have been over 500 objections to this application from residents. Not because they are ‘nimbys’, but because they believe the council is making a mistake.”

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Liberal Democrats Cllr Chris Aldred and Cllr Hannah Gostlow raised concern that no travel plan had been submitted as part of the application.

Cllr Aldred said “insufficient information” was submitted in regards to a travel plan for councillors to make a decision.

Prior to the meeting, a report by council case officer Andy Hough said the plan was “considered to now be in compliance with development plan policy” and should be approved.

It added that the reasons for deferral at the last meeting would “not form reasonable reasons for refusal”, which indicated Jormast might successfully appeal the decision.

The Stray Ferret has approached Jomast to ask whether it is considering an appeal but had not received a response by the time of publication.

Police appeal for missing teenager who could be in Harrogate

Police have appealed for information about a missing teenager who may be in Harrogate.

Lucas Harwood, 15, was reported missing at 4.30pm on September 21.

West Yorkshire Police said he was last seen on a football pitch near Toller Lane in Bradford.

Officers say he has links to Harrogate, Leeds and Bradford.

He is described as mixed race, around 5ft 9ins tall, slim build, with short black hair and a slight moustache.

He was last seen wearing a blue tracksuit, long sleeved top and trousers in navy blue with a white stripe, he also had a black Adidas bag with him. 

A West Yorkshire Police statement added:

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or use the Live Chat facility at
www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus, quoting log 1268 of 21 September.”

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Concern over number of York ambulances diverted to Harrogate hospital

Hospital managers in Harrogate have raised concern over the sustainability of taking in ambulance patients from York.

In a report due before a Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust board meeting, Jonathan Coulter, chief executive of the trust, said the issue was having an impact on both patient safety and staff at Harrogate District Hospital.

Mr Coulter said Harrogate had taken in more than 1,500 ambulances from York over the last 18 months.

He said:

“In the spirit of challenge and improvement, we have raised our concerns about the sustainability of the current situation, in particular the impact on patient safety and the impact on colleagues.”

Under a previous agreement, the hospital took in ambulances which had been diverted away from York Hospital during times when the organisation’s emergency department was under pressure.

Harrogate took in patients in an “ad-hoc” manner, meaning that ambulances would request support from hospitals which had the capacity at any given time.

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The trust agreed with Yorkshire Ambulance Service and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to amend the agreement in May 2023 and redraw the boundaries between the two hospitals and to take patients in a “planned way”.

However, in a statement to the Stray Ferret, the trust said it still receives ad-hoc requests from ambulances some four months later.

A spokesperson said:

“Following a constructive review with both Yorkshire Ambulance Service and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in May 2023 we agreed to redraw the geographical boundaries between hospitals in Harrogate and York. Ambulances that previously would have gone to York now come to Harrogate, but in a planned, rather than ad-hoc way.

“Despite this new arrangement, there is still significant pressure across our health system and we continue to receive ad-hoc requests to divert ambulances to Harrogate.

“Providing the best possible healthcare for people who need our help is our main priority and we are in discussions with system partners to see what solutions can be introduced to alleviate pressures before we enter the winter period.”

Members of the hospital trust board will discuss the report at a meeting on Wednesday (September 27).