Harrogate’s ‘best kept secret’ club has just appointed its first female president

It’s perhaps one of Harrogate’s best kept secrets, a private members’ club first established in the 19th century, tucked away in one of the beautiful properties on Victoria Avenue.

But inside the walls that house The Harrogate Club, significant events are taking place; they’ve appointed their next club president and honorary secretary – and they’re both women.

Fiona Movley, the chair of Harrogate International Festivals, was elected as president by unopposed members’ vote on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, alongside Catherine Wormald who took up the mantle of honorary secretary.

This is the first time in the club’s history that a woman has held either position which is no small feat considering it has been in existence since 1857.

(L) Fiona Movley (R) Catherine Wormald

This appointment is timely, not in the least because another notable historical club, the Garrick in London, has recently announced that it is revising its men-only policy, which has been in place since 1831.

Following public backlash after a leaked list published by The Guardian revealed that many of the members were involved in promoting inclusivity and diversity – while being part of an organisation that has denied women acceptance for nearly 200 years – the notoriously secretive club had to break its silence on the matter.

In this respect, The Harrogate Club is ahead of the curve; women have been able to join since 2012 and to date, they have a diverse membership of nearly 200 people, with an age range from mid-twenties to mid-nineties.

However, Fiona’s recent presidential appointment marks a new chapter in the history of the club, and one that is another step forward for progression.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret, she explained:

“As the first female president of the Harrogate Club, along with Catherine Wormald, the first female honorary secretary, we’re thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone in the Club’s rich history.

“Times have certainly changed. We have recently introduced a variety of new events and offerings to enhance the Club experience. The response has been wonderful, resulting in a surge of interest in membership, reaffirming The Club’s relevance and appeal.”

‘A public reading and news room’

Not only would a woman never have dared to darken the door of The Harrogate Club in the 19th century, but membership was strictly limited to wealthy, white men.

36 Victoria Avenue (Image: The Harrogate Club)

The club was first established in the lounge of Gascoigne’s Hotel on February 13, 1857, as a way for esteemed members of the Yorkshire business elite to meet up, read and discuss newspapers and journals.

It proved to be a popular concept, attracting the attention of businessmen across the region and beyond; so much so that the hotel built a billiard room for the club to enhance their entertainment options.

In 1885 the club moved to 36 Victoria Avenue, where its headquarters can still be found today. While it has still retained much of its historical charm and period features, there have been some modern updates throughout the years, such as the introduction of Wi-Fi.

That might not sound revolutionary, but many private clubs still don’t allow their members to use phones, and laptops have to be left at the door.

The club has still maintained its period features (Image: The Harrogate Club)

The Harrogate Club, however, puts the emphasis on being a social place where members have the option to chat, relax or quietly work – therefore internet access is a welcome inclusion.

Notable club members

One of the first members of The Harrogate Club was Sir Titus Salt, mayor of Bradford and the industrialist behind the creation of Salt Mill and Saltaire model village. He joined with his brother Henry in 1857.

Cuthbert Brodrick, the architect who designed many iconic Yorkshire buildings, including Leeds Town Hall, the Corn Exchange, and Scarborough’s Grand Hotel, also was known to attend, as was engineer and inventor Samson Fox.

It wasn’t just industrial giants; Arthur Conan Doyle’s name crops up in the visitor’s ledger, and it’s rumoured, although not confirmed, that J.R. Tolkien may have even crossed the threshold.

(L) Samson Fox (M) Titus Salt (R) Cuthbert Broderick (Image: The Harrogate Club)

Today, members come from a diverse range of businesses, backgrounds, and locations. Individuals don’t have to be a Harrogate resident to join – but there is a waiting list, and hopefuls have to be approved before they can count themselves amongst the ranks.

Present day and the future

It’s clear that The Harrogate Club has been through many changes over the years, transforming from an exclusive group for prominent gentlemen to a club that strives towards diversity, according to their newly appointed president.

While the opening of the club to female members in 2012 might still be classed as relatively recent history, many equivalent organisations up and down the country are still yet to take this step.

Now, with the appointment of the first female president and honour secretary, The Harrogate Club has reaffirmed their statement of intent to respect the club’s history, while adapting for the times.

Inside the dining room of The Harrogate Club (Image: The Harrogate Club)

Fiona added:

“Since 1857 the Club has provided a welcoming space for members to connect and exchange ideas. Preserving this tradition as a private members club is a priority for us, while also embracing diversity and celebrating the different cultures that make our club special.

“Today the club blends tradition with modern lifestyles, catering to all. It’s truly remarkable to think that the visionaries of Harrogate established the building as a club, and now, generations later, it continues to serve its original purpose.”

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Harrogate woman admits ‘out of control’ dog caused injury

A Harrogate woman has pleaded guilty after her dog injured someone while out of control.

Danielle Romanus, 58, of Scargill Road, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on April 12.

She faced one count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place, which caused injury.

According to court documents, the incident, which occurred on Oakdale Glen, happened on October 26, 2022.

Romanus pleaded guilty to the charge and was released on unconditional bail.

She will be sentenced at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on May 3.

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Harrogate roads to close for St George’s Day parade this weekend

Several roads will close in Harrogate’s town centre this weekend as the traditional St George’s Day parade is set to return.

The parade, which will take place on Sunday (April 28), will see the Harrogate and Nidderdale Scouts lead the march through the town.

They will be joined by hundreds of Cubs, Beavers, Squirrels, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows for the event.

According to North Yorkshire Council’s roadworks map, the parade will begin on Beech Grove and will make its way to Christ Church Track.

Both roads will be closed during the event, as well as Victoria Avenue, East Park Road, Queen Parade, North Park Road and Coach Road.

The road closure notice on Victoria Avenue.

The roads will be closed from 2pm to 2.30pm. A spokesperson for the Scouts said the parade will commence at 2pm.

There will also be a Scouts and Guides St George’s Day service held at Christ Church High.

The church’s online calendar said the service will run from 2.30pm until 3.45pm.

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The Harrogate hospital worker bringing cheer for 50 years

Graham Cloake has been a friendly face at Harrogate Hospital for half a century.

As he marks 50 years as a porter and more recently a post room worker, Graham is one of countless behind-the-scenes employees who hold the fabric of the hospital together. And he’s always done it with a listening ear, a smile and a joke.

With an ethos of treating everyone as he would a family member, not to mention a talent for witty poems and joke-telling, Graham has brightened the days of thousands of staff, patients and their families during his amazing five decades of service at the hospital.

It’s not a role he’d imagined when he left Granby High School aged 15 back in July 1967.

He joined the West Yorkshire Road Car Company repairing buses before moving on to a job as a panel beater and sprayer with a local garage. By the age of 21, he was still panel beating while also working at the Intercon nightclub in the basement of Copthall Towers (now The Exchange) on Station Parade.

And it was at the Intercon one night in December 1973 that he got chatting about nursing to a group of nurses on their Christmas party. They encouraged him to talk to the hospital’s head of teaching, Mrs Broughton, who invited him for a chat.

It didn’t quite go as planned. Graham recalls:

“I asked about nursing at first and Mrs Broughton said, ‘I see you’ve got some tattoos on your arms. I don’t think patients need to see tattoos.’ She said there were lots of other opportunities, and would I consider being a porter as they do a wonderful job.”

The early days

He started at the old Harrogate General Hospital on February 4, 1974. His first duties were on the cleaning and domestic side before he was shown the ropes by the head porter, Ernest Clark. His role involved taking patients between the theatres, wards and casualty, as well as transporting items to and from the laundry and sterile services at Scotton Banks Hospital. He says:

“I was taught not just what to do but how to care about people. I didn’t know before I started the job that I was that caring person, but it just seemed right.

“I’ve always had the approach of not mollycoddling patients but I still look after them. If I know they are going for a big operation, I try to look on the bright side. Some people are frightened and like to hold your hand when they are going to theatre.”

Graham Cloake has worked at Harrogate Hospital for 50 years

Left: Graham in 1981 at a charity jump for the Special Care Baby Unit and Children’s Ward. Right: Graham with his portering colleagues in the 1980s. From left are Cyril Jones, Michael Hodgson, Chris Sadler and Graham.

When Graham started his job, the current Harrogate District Hospital was under construction, the first phase of which would open in January 1975 with staff gradually transferring over during the following years. Graham moved there in 1979. He says:

“It was totally different to the old hospital but people were friendly. Everyone was an equal – the doctors, nurses and cleaners were so friendly. I used to go drinking with the doctors and they were all good close friends. I was even the best man for Dr Graham Garrod at his wedding in 1979.”

A lifetime at the hospital

Graham’s work at the hospital has crossed over into other areas of his life, too. He met his late first wife, Sally, when she was working in the catering department and they went on to have two children. He has known his present wife, Debra, whom he married in 2020, since she started working at the hospital in 1976.

Graham Cloake has worked at Harrogate Hospital for 50 years

Graham today with his wife Debra.

He ended up taking his bus driving licence in 1986 after ambulance driver Stan Beer recognised his caring nature and asked if he would be interested in taking elderly people out on day trips from some of the local nursing homes.

His bus driving would later open up other opportunities for him. He started coach driving at the weekends when he was not working at the hospital, and this led to a six-month stint with a local company driving qualified East Germans who were looking for work from Berlin to Harrogate and back after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. He later also worked as a school bus driver for Abbots of Leeming.

Now 71, Graham took semi-retirement when he reached 60 and in recent years has worked in the hospital’s post room. He continues to work beyond retirement age because he enjoys making a positive difference to peoples’ lives.

Reflecting on the many changes over his five decades at the hospital, he thinks the respect and close working relationships between the ‘back-room’ workers and managers has been lost under the pressure of the work and the lack of staff. He’s had little acknowledgement from the hospital of his 50 years’ service. He says:

“It’s changed now, everyone is so stressed out. There’s not enough staff these days and a lot of pressure. In the early days, I was always talking to people. Now, you don’t get the chance so much. So many people I knew have retired now. But the job keeps me happy; I still enjoy it.

“I still love trying to cheer people up. Most of my jokes are ad lib, and I started writing poems for some of the departments. They can have a bit of wit in them. I wrote one recently for Orthotics and they’ve put theirs on the wall.”

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Yemi’s Food Stories: one year of celebrating Yorkshire’s food

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.

Yemi’s Food Stories was a year-old last week and it’s a perfect time to reflect on my journey since pitching the idea for a food column.

There have been many highlights over the past year, and I have been privileged to meet amazing chefs and independent food retailers. I have loved dining out and writing about my experiences and enjoyed sharing my recipes and stories.

Readers have been supportive with many of you sending in recommendations of places to go, pointing out the odd mistake and giving feedback that have made me a better writer. Some readers, like Ann Townson, have become friends and others have dropped my name when visiting places to encourage the food retailers.

A fruity entrement made by @babnaspatisserie to celebrate the anniversary milestone

I want to take this moment to appreciate everyone of you for coming along with me on this journey and taking time to read my posts.

After taking part in MasterChefUK 2022 competition, where I finished in the top six as a semi-finalist, I wanted to give back by recognising those behind the scenes of our food and drink: from farmers, producers to retailers by championing their produces, products and events.

More festivals

Despite having lived in Harrogate for over ten years, I never made it to the Great Yorkshire Show until last year when I was covering the event for my food column. This was a brilliant opportunity to meet those I wanted to write about, and I can’t wait to see them again this year and discover new products.

This year, I will be doing a chef demonstration on the main GYS cooking stage and covering the event.

A standout cauliflower dish

I visited many food festivals including the RHS Festival of Flavours, Harrogate, Wetherby, Ripley and Yorkshire Dales where I did food demos and covered the events.

This year I am going further afield to East Anglian Game & Country Fair, Manchester food festivals and Mountainview food and wellness festival at Kilkenny in Ireland so I will be bringing you any fabulous food and product finds.

More experiences

Some of my highlights stand out for reasons over and above the food and drink. For the scenery and scenic drives, the Himalayan Gardens, Bar & Restaurant EightyEight at Grantley Hall and Cocoa Joe’s in Boroughbridge were memorable.

For behind the scenes, visiting Rudding Park Kitchen Garden, baking at Bettys Cookery school and spending time with Chef Mehdi Boukemach at Fodders were fun and educational.

A dessert made by Samira Effa of Bar & Restaurant EightyEight

Some places have become the heart of the community where great food, drinks and friendly faces are waiting for you; visiting Folk Coffee House along Leeds Road was fantastic and felt like hanging out at a friend’s place.

More fine dining

For fine dining and exceptional classical cookery, Bar & Restaurant Eighty-Eight at Grantley Hall was a definite highlight for me along with Paradise Café at Daleside nursery, Kendell’s Bistro Leeds and Rhubarb Harrogate. Check out Ake & Humphris along Leeds Road for excellent wine selections and expert advice.

For great experiences and wonderful gifts ideas for your ‘foodies’, Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours, Yolk Farm & Minskip Farm shop and a tour of Ellers Farm Distilleries with a tasting of stunning cocktails are perfect.

Dining at Rhubarb

The Afghan and Syrian kitchen experiences are fantastic values and the perfect way to learn about new cultures and food whilst listening to people’s stories.

I had a fantastic brunch at the Hideaway in Boroughbridge where chef Ben Keightley is delighting the locals who would actually like to keep the place hidden in plain sight – but their secret is out, and we can all enjoy the brunch experience.

More future stars

Meeting cake designer, Kean Ong from Blossom Tree Cake Company was special. From the sublime flavours of cake, the intricate handmade flowers to their timeless and elegant designs, I can see why they are chosen by many couples.

At Harrogate Ladies College

Speaking of future stars, spending the day mentoring some students at Harrogate ladies College was a brilliant experience.

More to come…

There is more to come in this new year, so please get in touch if you want me to check out your restaurant, shop, coffee house, products, produces or events. Keep sending in your recommendations and thank you for your continued support.

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Editor’s Pick of the Week: Tim Stedman returns, a new mayor awaits and Ripon prepares for 1,300 homes

No corner of the Harrogate district has been immune to new housing in recent years but the sheer scale of the 1,300-home Clotherholme development will alter Ripon forever.

Planning approval was passed by a whisker last year. Since then, the government agencies behind the scheme have said little so this week’s planning update contained some key insights.

There are now just five days until North Yorkshire elects its first mayor. Confused? Read senior reporter Calvin Robinson’s article about the main manifesto differences and look for a recap this weekend of his interviews with all six candidates. We will provide live coverage at the count in Harrogate on Friday.

There are 241 days to Christmas, but Harrogate received one of the best possible festive presents this week with the news that Tim Stedman will return to the town for his 24th panto season. Tim is so loved he would have probably been elected mayor if he’d stood — or at least livened up the sometimes tedious hustings.

Contrary to appearance, Tim is well into his 50s and the slapstick tomfoolery of a lengthy panto, often twice a day, must be exhausting. We should treasure him while we can.

Sadly his long-term double act partner Howard Chadwick won’t be back for what is always a seasonal joy, whatever your age.

Pateley Bridge Cemetery. Picture: Bill Boaden.

Pateley Bridge Cemetery. Picture: Bill Boaden.

Finally, there can be few better places to rest for eternity than Pateley Bridge Cemetery. Look at that view. So plans to create hundreds of new plots this week will be welcomed by Nidderdale folk. The plans even cater for new natural burial sites.

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Fairfax Wellbeing Hub set for £278,000 upgrade

Fairfax Wellbeing Hub in Harrogate is in line for a major upgrade.

North Yorkshire Council has approved awarding a contract worth £278,397 to Nottingham firm Universal Civils & Build Ltd to refurbish the building.

The hub is run by council-controlled leisure company Brimhams Active. Its main hall is used for sports such as basketball, netball, indoor tennis and badminton.

The venue on Fairfax Avenue also hosts exercise classes.

Stuart Wilmslow, head of operations at Brimhams, said:

“The improvement work will partially remodel the interior of this community centre to provide a new exercise area, accessible toilet, improved reception and office.

“The remodel will allow the centre to increase opportunities for our community. Working with partners, including the NHS, we will be able to increase our delivery of specialist programmes for people living with long term health conditions, in a space that is local, welcoming, and accessible.”

The main hall

Mr Wilmslow added the centre has been running at capacity for several years, adding:

“So the introduction of an additional exercise space will allow us to impact more people, allowing them to manage their condition, living well for longer.”

According to the council’s website,  the scheme work on site is expected to begin next month and last three months but Mr Wilmslow said:

“We are waiting for a start date on site.”

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Who are North Yorkshire’s mayoral candidates?

Voters will head to the polls in five days time to elect the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The Stray Ferret has profiled each of the six candidates vying for the role on May 2.

Each major party is contesting the election, as well as two independents.

Below, you can find each candidate on the ballot paper plus a link to our interview with them.

Keith Tordoff, Independent

Keith Tordoff.

Keith Tordoff.

Keith Tordoff is no stranger to the election scene.

The Pateley Bridge businessman stood for North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner twice and has now put his name forward again for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Initially standing for the Yorkshire Party, Mr Tordoff will once again be contesting the election on May 2 as an independent.

Read more on our interview with Mr Tordoff here.

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Liberal Democrats

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister

Felciity Cunliffe-Lister has not been in the political arena for long — but she feels she is the strongest candidate to become the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The co-owner of the Swinton Estate in Masham is the Liberal Democrat candidate on polling day on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Ms Cunliffe-Lister here.

Kevin Foster, Green Party

Kevin Foster.

Kevin Foster.

The Green Party’s Kevin Foster says he does not see himself as a politician, more of an “ordinary person done good”.

Mr Foster’s background includes serving in the British Army reserves for 30 years before moving into politics.

He will be tasked with winning the mayoral role for the Greens on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Mr Foster here.

Paul Haslam, Independent

Paul Haslam

Paul Haslam

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.

Read more on our interview with Mr Haslam here.

David Skaith, Labour

David Skaith, Labour Party candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

David Skaith

David Skaith is tasked with winning York and North Yorkshire’s mayoral election for Labour on May 2.

The York-based businessman joined the party in 2015 after becoming “fed up” with the way the country was going politically.

Read more on our interview with Mr Skaith here.

Keane Duncan, Conservative

Keane Duncan

Keane Duncan believes he has a “bold ambition” for North Yorkshire.

The 29-year-old candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is tasked with securing the position for the Conservative Party on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Mr Duncan here.

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Gallery: photos of the Stray’s cherry blossom from our readers

Above: Thanks to Anna Chern

Thank you to all who sent in their snaps of the cherry blossom following on from our article last week.

Here’s our latest gallery of photographs that were sent in from our readers.

A few words of advice: enjoy it while it lasts…

Thanks to Len Downes

Thanks to Len Downes

Thanks to Len Downes

Thanks to Laura Candelier Vargas

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Thanks to Laura Candelier Vargas

Thanks to Laura Candelier Vargas

Thanks to Cathy Burrell

Thanks to Lain Crabb

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Police called following concerns over man’s ‘behaviour towards women’ in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police were today called to the Cheltenham Crescent area of Harrogate after members of the public raised concerns about a man’s behaviour.

In a statement issued by the force, police said officers were called to a “disturbance” involving a man whose behaviour was “causing alarm among members of the public, in particular, his behaviour towards women”.

It added:

“The man became aggressive towards officers and was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

“However, he was taken to hospital initially due to concerns about his health and intoxication.”

No further details have been revealed.

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