New supported living flats on Ripon Road in Harrogate look set to be completed by the end of 2024.

Harrogate Skills 4 Living is behind the scheme and now expects the project to be on track and finished by December.

The flats were partially built on the site, near New Park roundabout and opposite the former gasworks due to become a Tesco supermarket. One storey of the three-storey project had been built but was demolished earlier this month.

Hadyn Moorby-Davies, chief executive of Harrogate Skills 4 Living, said:

“It was necessary to demolish the existing structure so that the new contractor Studfold Ltd. could recommence the build.

“Hopefully, there won’t be any further delays and the project will be ready for occupation mid-December.”

The partially built flats at 212 Ripon Road

At the site, 212 Ripon Road, the charity aims to create assisted living accommodation for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

Plans submitted to North Yorkshire council show that the building is set to include six flats for people who need constant carer support, plus sleeping accommodation for staff. Harrogate Skills 4 Living was granted planning permission last year.

The plans approved by North Yorkshire Council said:

“The apartments are for accommodating adults with learning disabilities/ autism in order that they can achieve a better lifestyle in a supported living environment while benefiting from the independence that this environment provides.”

Computer generated images of the proposed HS4L site

Earlier this month, Mr Moorby-Davies said:

“The site has been demolished to allow new contractors to re-start the development.

“My understanding is that the building wasn’t being constructed as it should have been and so the decision was taken, to achieve the standard that Harrogate Skills 4 Living and its partners were entitled to expect, it would be best to start again hence the demolition of what had been built thus far.

“Whilst this may appear a backwards step, it had to be done for the project to move forwards.”

Read more:

• Trading Hell: ‘We cannot force people to do something’, says homeless charity
• Spofforth Golf Course re-opens after lengthy closure 

For the past few weeks, we’ve been introducing you to the team behind The Stray Ferret.

The spotlight is on John Grainger this week, our senior journalist.

Although John’s childhood ambition of being a stuntman may never have been realised due to a ‘keener sense of self-preservation’ as an adult, his career has still featured plenty of excitement – albeit the journalistic kind.  

25 years in the industry has meant he’s covered his fair share of genre-defining news events, but his first story is still one that he recalls as being of particular significance.  

“The first one I ever wrote – about the rise of Islamic finance – was a pretty big one in hindsight.

 “That industry was tiny at the time, and no-one was writing about it, but it’s now worth hundreds of billions of pounds and is very well established worldwide. It was like glimpsing the birth of a star.” 

 Longer-form, investigative content is one of the many areas that John is lending his expertise to at The Stray Ferret. 

Since he joined the team, he’s been responsible for raising important questions such as whether the Stray should be rewilded, as well as his slew of exclusives about the anti-social problems in Harrogate town centre.

 Explaining his approach to tackling such a vast and complex subject, John said: 

“I carried out a survey of more than 50 businesses and listened to shop owners and store managers as they recounted their experiences, then sifted through the data to pull out the main findings. 

“I also interviewed the manager of Harrogate BID and the area police commander, went out with police officers on patrol, and spoke with people living on the street to hear their stories.

“At the same time, my colleague Calvin Robinson combed through reams of government statistics, spoke to Shelter and Harrogate Homeless Project, and submitted multiple Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.

“The result is a piece of work that really sets a new standard for journalistic reporting in this district.”

John Grainger speaking to Chief Inspector Simon Williamson of North Yorkshire Police

Having both the time and resources available to fully follow every lead, to provide accurate, detailed and trusted journalism is very important to John, and an area he feels that The Stray Ferret truly shines.  

 He said:

“We’re the best at breaking news, but we also have time to put into more in-depth journalism about people and places you might not have heard about before. A lot of news outlets don’t have the resources to do that anymore.” 

 Originally heralding from Harrogate, John moved away when he was 18 before returning later in his career, having previously lived in cities across the UK and mainland Europe. 

 He believes that having lived in the area throughout many different stages of his life – ‘as a child and as an adult, as a school pupil and as a parent’ – have all given him a greater depth of insight into North Yorkshire life.  

 John added:

“Charles Dickens said that Harrogate was ‘the queerest place, with the strangest people in it, leading the oddest lives’. That is, arguably, still true today, and it makes my job all the more interesting. 

“We have two National Parks close by; the coast is a just a day trip away; Leeds, York and even Durham are all driveable. 

“Where I live, I can walk one way and get into town within 15 minutes, or walk the other way and be in the countryside within five. It’s on the right side of the Pennines – and the tap-water’s good.” 

 If you think you’ve got a story that might be of interest to John, you can email him at grainger@thestrayferret.co.uk. 

Residents who live in the shadow of Harrogate Convention Centre say they are struggling to park outside their own homes due to spots being taken by visitors to the facility.

John Birkenshaw told Harrogate and Knaresborough councillors that a group of 61 residents living on Springfield Avenue, Spring Grove, Spring Mount and Springfield Mews had signed a petition calling for parking restrictions to be toughened up around the area to stop the current system being “abused” by visitors to the town.

On these streets, the North Yorkshire Council allows motorists to leave their vehicles for up to three hours for free if they display a parking disc.

However, after 6pm parking restrictions end until the morning.

Mr Birkenshaw said spaces are being filled by people attending events at the convention centre and shows at the Royal Hall with the problem worsening in recent years.

He said:

“They regularly park in these streets, often overnight, to save on parking fees.”

Mr Birkenshaw said residents had purchased residential parking and visitor permits from the council but “can’t benefit from the privileges they are paying for.”

He added: 

“Many of us park hundreds of yards away which is a safety issue for residents when there’s poor weather, dark nights and uneven pavements.”

A statement was read out on behalf of senior council transport officer Melisa Burnham that said traffic regulation orders could eventually be issued on the streets.

However, she added there are several stages in the council’s process before it could finally be implemented.

Cllr Peter Lacey, Liberal Democrat councillor for Coppice Valley & Duchy division, said this illustrates the “tortuous” routes residents need to go through from the council to get a “blatantly obvious” solution to their problem.

He added: 

“The local group are not warriors, they just want to see sense. I’ve wanted to champion their cause because it’s perfectly reasonable and sensible.”

Read more:

• Trading Hell: ‘We cannot force people to do something’, says homeless charity 
• The Stray Ferret is moving into the heart of Harrogate town centre 

A Harrogate restaurant is set to reopen after being closed for several months.

Saranda Bar and Grill has been on Station Bridge since 2018 and offers Greek, Albanian and Mediterranean meat, seafood and à la carte dishes.

The restaurant was forced to shut in October 2023 due to rising costs and issues with staffing. 

Now, the bar and grill is set to reopen tomorrow (March 21) much to the excitement of its owner.

 Leonardo Mersinllari, who owns Saranda Bar and Grill as well as Espresso House on Beulah Street, said:

“I am really excited to reopen tomorrow and welcome back our lovely customers after a long time away. We’ve not even opened yet but we already have a lot of reservations for the next couple of weeks, so it is great to be back.”

The restaurant won Restaurant Guru awards in 2021 and 2022 for ‘Best Atmosphere in Harrogate.’

Saranda’s website said:

“Saranada Bar and Grill is the perfect place for those seeking a casual, warm, relaxed atmosphere.

“We look forward to welcoming friends, new and old when we reopen on Thursday, March 21.”

Read more:

• Trading Hell: ‘We cannot force people to do something’, says homeless charity 
• The Stray Ferret is moving into the heart of Harrogate town centre 

Bus fares for young people in the Harrogate district will be capped at £1 as part of a one-year pilot scheme.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive members yesterday accepted £3.5 million of funding from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Network North Bus Service Improvement Plan, which will be used to introduce the scheme.

The pilot will include expanded bus timetables, improvements to bus shelters and £1 travel fares.

£2.1 million of the money, which has been allocated to local authorities in the north and the midlands after plans for the HS2 rail project were halted, will fund additional weekday bus services during peak times across three Harrogate district routes.

These include:

• Services 21 and 22, which runs from Knaresborough to York via Ripon and surrounding villages.
• Service 70, which runs from Ripon to Northallerton.
• Service 1, which runs from Harrogate to Knaresborough via Aspin, Carmines, Starbeck and the Pastures.

A further £715,000 of the funding will be used to provide £1 bus fares for people aged under 19, which will apply county-wide, while £158,000 will be used to hire more staff to improve boarding times and information services at bus stations across the Harrogate and Scarborough districts.

Maintaining and improving bus stops, additional cleaning services and repairs to Ripon bus station’s waiting facilities will also fall under the scheme at a cost of £76,000.

Cllr Keane Duncan, the council’s executive member for highways and transport, said:

“As a result of our efforts, bus services in North Yorkshire have seen a significant reversal of fortune since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Passenger numbers are up and we’ve protected at-risk services. Now, I am pleased we can go further.

“With £3.5 million of extra funding, we are able to introduce lower fares for under-19s, invest in bus stops and fund expanded routes in all corners of the county.

“This is very welcome news for passengers, but it is of course vital that services are supported so they can continue in the longer term.”

The council has urged the public to “get on board with the pilot” to ensure the services will continue beyond 2025.

Read more:

• North Yorkshire mayor to be paid £81,300
• Harrogate businessman charged with stalking

There’s plenty going on in and around Harrogate over the two-week Easter break – take the movie-themed mini crazy golf course and Springtime Live from our ‘5 things to do at the weekend’, for example.

But if you’re specifically looking for activities to keep the kids occupied during the school holidays, here’s a few fun family-friendly ideas to get you started.

An Easter trail and children’s theatre performance at Newby Hall

Newby Hall reopens to the public on 28 March, just in time for Easter. Explore the Easter trail – where fairies will help guide you on a theatrical adventure through the woods while meeting a few cheeky creatures such as Mr Fox along the way –  before enjoying a live children’s theatre performance.

Performed by members of Story Craft Theatre, The Case of the Missing Bunny is an interactive show that will bring puppetry and problem-solving together.

Various prices, the trail runs from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Easter Sunday March 31 and bank holiday Monday April 1 and is included free of charge with a Gardens Admission ticket, Season Ticket & Historic Houses Membership.

The live children’s theatre performances start at midday, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm on Easter Sunday March 31 and bank holiday Monday April 1. Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE.

Fun for all the family at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

(Image: RHS Garden Harlow Carr)

RHS Garden Harlow Carr has a whole host of goings-on this Easter; think a giant Easter egg hunt, adventure walks, forest school, clay modelling, Lego workshops, recycling workshops, orienteering and crafts – there’s sure to be an activity to suit everyone.

Various prices, times and dates, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, HG3 1QB. 

Lamb feeding at Yolk Farm

(Image: Yolk Farm)

Nothing says Easter more than little lambs, and if you’ve not yet fed one, it makes for a memorable experience as lambs enthusiastically suckle from the bottle. Before or after lamb feeding, pay a visit to the other animals on the farm and little ones will love the Yard at Yolk play barn too.

Lamb feeding £7, supervising adults do not need a ticket. Entry to the play barn is £2.50 per child, adults and under 1s are free. Various time and dates, Yolk Farm, Minskip Road, Boroughbridge, York, YO51 9HY.

Try a wellbeing, musical theatre or creative dance workshop for free

(Image: Enchantica’s)

This Easter, Enchantica’s is running free 30- to 45-minute taster sessions of some of the after-school courses that it puts on throughout the year, including Rising Stars – a combination of drama, yoga and mindfulness – Musical Theatre and Creative Dance classes, all of which are sure to inspire and get your kids’ creative juices flowing.

Be quick though – some of the sessions are already fully booked. 

Free, various times, April 3, Enchantica’s Workshop, Unit 9, Beech Avenue Business Park, Harrogate, HG2 8DS.

Go to a Wonka-themed tea party or Easter bunny bop party

(Image: Rascals Entertainment)

As a parent or caregiver, if you’ve not yet been to a Rascals Entertainment party, you’ve not yet lived. And this Easter it’s running both a Wonka and Friends Pure Imagination Tea Party and an Easter Bunny Bop Disco Party at The Crown Hotel on 29 March.

For the former think an Oompa Loompa dance show, Easter crafts and a Wonka’s chocolate fountain for the kids. For the latter there will be an Easter bunnies meet and greet, dancing and games, to name but a few of the activities on offer. Not forgetting bubbles… and more bubbles – a sure-fire winner for every age. 

Wonka and Friends Pure Imagination Tea Party, from £22 per child with food, £10 per adult (no food), 12-2pm. Easter Bunny Bop Disco Party, £14 per child, adults £6. Both on 29 March at The Crown Hotel, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RZ.

Go to one of three shows at Harrogate Theatre

(Image: Harrogate Theatre)

Harrogate Theatre has a trio of family shows this Easter holidays. Take your pick from Dear Zoo, a classic story with a cheeky monkey, a jumpy frog and a perfect puppy; channel your childhood nostalgia at Sooty: The 75th Birthday Spectacular! where beloved characters Sooty, Sweep and Soo are brought to the next generation; or enjoy a live action retelling of The Tortoise and the Hare by Northern Ballet, which recounts the renowned story about a cheeky hare who won’t boasting about how fast he can run, though the tortoise might just give him a run for his money.

Dear Zoo, from £17, 1.30pm, March 27, 10.30am March 28. Sooty: The 75th Birthday Spectacular!, from £21, 11am and 2.30pm, March 30. The Tortoise and the Hare by Northern Ballet, from £13, 11am, 2pm and 4pm April 6. Harrogate Theatre, 6 Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF.

Get crafty at Ripley Castle

(Image: Rhythm Camp Events)

As well as a Children’s Easter Trail where kids go in hunt of the bunnies in the gardens and grounds of Ripley Castle, there will also be a Children’s Easter Crafts workshop held by Rhythm Camp Events at the Castle’s Stables. Kids can forage for their supplies in the gardens and grounds and turn their findings into a unique artwork or memorable memento to take home with them.

Children’s Easter Trail, £3.50 per child (children must be accompanied by an adult, entrance to the grounds are £9.50 per adult, free for children 12 and under), March 23 to April 8. Children’s Easter Crafts, £12.50 per child, one-hour slots from 10am-pm, March 31, Ripley Castle, Ripley, Harrogate, HG3 3AY.

Read more:

• 5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend
• What’s on
• The hidden stories behind Harrogate’s newest chocolate shop

This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly.   

This week, we spoke to Zara Jackson, founder and CEO of Harrogate-based Network Scientific.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does. 

We help scientific business grow. We offer recruitment services, sales and marketing, all aimed at helping clients to grow their sales.

What does it require to be successful in business? 

A good work ethic and a thick skin. Being prepared to just get stuck in, no matter what you’re doing.

What drives you to do what you do every day? 

Relentless ambition! I recently found out that I have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and one of its features is that you just keep on going. I don’t stop from morning to evening.

I want more – nothing’s ever enough. We’ve achieved at least 20% growth in turnover and profitability each year since Covid, but this year I want to reach 30%.

What has been the toughest issue your company has had to deal with over the last 12 months? 

Recruiting our staff. Hiring good commercial scientists is quite a challenge. That’s why I’ve set up a model of hybrid working where everybody can work from home, so long as they work in the office at least once a week. We employ people based as far afield as Huddersfield and Teesside, and we can’t expect them to come in every day.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why? 

Impression Recruitment – we’ve worked with them from day one and they’ve helped us with our recruitment.

Also Extreme Creations – it’s really inspired me to see how they’ve grown their business.

Cloud Nine‘s growth is very impressive, and I saw they also got voted one of the best places to work in the Sunday Times.

And I can’t forget Artizan – I love that business! I used to do a lot of volunteer work with differently abled people when I was younger (and had more time available!). We need more of those companies that bring inclusivity into the town centre.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders? 

I have no idea. I’m coming up blank!

What could be done locally to boost business? 

I think the council needs to invest more in the high street. It’s struggling, it’s tired, and more investment is required to attract people into the town centre. Harrogate BID is doing a lot, but we need more if I’m to be able to get people to relocate here.

Also, with Viper Rooms closed, there’s no nightlife any more. When I first came to Harrogate in 2006, the nightlife in Harrogate was one of the things that really attracted young people here. But that’s gone now, and people go to Leeds instead – and that makes selling the town to young scientists that much more difficult.

We also need more inclusivity to boost local business. I have two employees who are currently observing Ramadan. We offer a private space for them to use as a prayer room here but we’ll be moving offices soon, and when we do, we won’t have that space. Harrogate Islamic Association are currently fundraising to develop a building in town into Harrogate’s first mosque. We’ll be donating to their efforts during Ramadan this year.

Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate? 

There’s a good business community in Harrogate that’s really supportive and close-knit. I’m quite cut off from it now that I have young children, but when I was first starting out it was a big help. Harrogate also very picturesque. If I’m having a stressful day, I’ve been known to have a walk round the Valley Gardens – and it helps.

The worst thing is trying to recruit younger employees. It used to be OK, and I’m sure it could be again.

What are your business plans for the future? 

Growth. I’ve never wanted to have any external stakeholders. Network Scientific was launched from my back bedroom and I’ve built it up from there, so I just want to carry on growing it organically. I’ll be happy if we stick to growing at 20% a year, but I want more.

We’re quite well known now in the UK, so we’ll be targeting more European and US work.

What do you like to do on your time off? 

Spending time with my family and getting muddy with my children. Nidd Gorge is brilliant, and in the summer we take our bikes to the greenways and cycle to Ripley.

I’m a footie mum as well. I thought having two girls that I might be spared standing on the sidelines in the rain, but my eight-year-old plays football six times a week!

Best place to eat and drink locally? 

I like the Smith’s Arms at Beckwithshaw. It’s relaxed and the food is good, so we always seem to end up going back there.

I like the Giggling Squid and Lucia too, but that’s closing and reopening soon, so I hope the new restaurant is as good as the old one was.

• If you know someone in business in the Harrogate district and you’d like to suggest them for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk. 

Read more:

• Business Q&A: Dan Simpson, Harrogate Organics
• Business Q&A: Laura Dudley, Painting Pots
• Business Q&A: Victoria Clark, French Soaps

Harrogate Fake Festival will make a comeback this summer – with somewhat familiar faces along the way.

Six professional tribute bands will take to the stage on the Stray to perform renditions of some much-loved rock and pop classics.

Among the fake band headliners are Blondie tribute Blondied, Vicky Jackson as P!NK, Ultimate Green Day, Bon Jovi Experience and Fore Fighters – a Foo Fighters duplicate.

Ultimate Green Day. Pic: Fake Festivals.

Organisers said:

“Fake Fest in Harrogate is always special, but last year was a whole new level.

“This year will be a full day of non-stop adrenaline-pumping anthems that are just screaming to be rocked. If last year is anything to go by, it’s going to be straight up heaven.”

Fake Festival, which was first held in Harrogate in 2015, is a family-friendly event and welcomes people of all ages.

As well as the music, there will also be rides, stalls and entertainment to keep children happy.

Food traders and a bar will also be on offer.

Fake Festival Harrogate will take place on Saturday, July 13, from 11.45am to 11pm.

Tickets start at £27.50 and are on sale now.

Read more:

• Trading Hell: ‘We cannot force people to do something’, says homeless charity
• Harrogate businessman charged with stalking

Get out and about with our guide of the top activities and things to do this weekend.

Play crazy golf at a movie-themed course in the Yorkshire Dales

At The Stray Ferret we like to publish events that are slightly out of the ordinary – and if a movie-themed crazy golf experience isn’t that, then we don’t know what is.

Taking place at Uredale Mill in the picturesque Dales village of Askrigg, channel your inner Happy Gilmore and get competitive with friends and family on this 18-hole course that’s themed around films.

Dance the can-can at the Moulin Rouge or get a miserly score that would make The Grinch proud. This fun activity is one to pop on the weekend list – or as it runs for two weeks, it could be one for the Easter holidays too. 

Children under 12 £8, adults £10, discounts for group bookings are available – email tickets@incredibleartists.uk, various time slots, March 23 – April 7, Uredale Mill (ex Carrs Billington Yard), Station Road, Askrigg, DL8 3HZ.

 Listen to the soundtracks of the silver screen performed by a live orchestra

(Image: London Concertante)

This week’s ‘5 things to do in and around Harrogate’ has a slight film feel (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is also being released on 22 March, 40 years after the original – book your tickets at The Everyman or The Odeon), while Ripon Cathedral is also hosting a Music from the Movies by Candlelight, performed by London Concertante.

Be mesmerised by the orchestra who will play some of the most iconic film scores of all time, including the suave sophistication of James Bond, the ethereal sounds of ET and the dark allure of The Godfather, to name but a few.

From £19, March 23, Ripon Cathedral, Liberty Court House, Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QT.

Visit Knaresborough Wellness Festival

(Image: Pixaby)

Think about your mind, body and soul at Knaresborough Wellness Festival, which is being held for the fourth year running. Featuring something for everyone including treatments such as reflexology, aromatherapy, reiki, and Indian head massage, to live music, aura photography and tarot card reading, you’ll be sure to find your inner zen here.

There will also be activities such as yoga, workshops and talks so you can learn more about a wide variety of wellness practices, and there will also be plenty of crystals too.

Free, March 24, 10am-4pm, Knaresborough Wellness Festival, Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, 50 Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AL.

 Go to Springtime Live at the Great Yorkshire Showground

(Image: Springtime Live)

The event for all the family is back. This year attendees won’t be disappointed as there will be a spaniel dog show, a crazy climbing wall, Mini Land Rover rides, tractor trailer rides and a sheep show. That’s not to mention all farm animals you could possibly imagine, as well as hands-on workshops and demonstrations, which are just some of this year’s highlights.

And once you’re inside the event, all of the attractions are free. Bonus. Be quick though as some of the tickets have already sold out.

Pre-booking is necessary, children £8, adults £12, March 23, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ.

Meet the extreme artist and explorer Philip Gray

(Image: Philip Gray)

Irish artist Philip Gray combines his love of painting with his passion for exploration and discovery. He often embarks on challenging expeditions for his art and paints these scenes from across the world, whether it’s tropical rainforests or icy mountain peaks.

Join him at Clarendon Fine Art Gallery where he will launch his Harrogate exhibition and tell the tales of some of the adventures he’s been on. It’s sure to make for an awe-inspiring evening.

Free, 6-8pm, March 23, Clarendon Fine Art, 1a James Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QS.

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:

• 7 Easter activities to keep the kids entertained
• What’s on
• The hidden stories behind Harrogate’s newest chocolate shop