Harrogate Town ‘relishing’ being underdogs in Blackburn clash

Harrogate Town are “relishing” being underdogs in tomorrow night’s clash against Blackburn Rovers, says manager Simon Weaver.

Town will take on the Championship outfit, who sit two divisions above Harrogate, in a Carabao Cup second round match at the EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road.

Tickets have been selling fast for the game in what is arguably the club’s most illustrious match ever.

The fixture will be the first time Harrogate has hosted a Championship club, with League One Blackpool and Portsmouth the previous highest ranked to visit.

Town are expected to be labelled as underdogs for the game. However, Simon Weaver, Harrogate manager, said the club will relish the tag.

He said:

“It’s an understandable tag to remain with us. At every level, we have always had that tag.

“But we relish being underdogs and having a bit of a chip on our shoulder. We love it when teams sing about Betty’s tea shops and when people expect it to be soft and flaky. Hopefully we can prove people wrong.”

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A place in round three of the competition awaits the winners, with more Premier League clubs added to the draw, including the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Town go into the cup tie off the back of a 2-0 win in the league against Morecambe on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Rovers narrowly missed out on a play-off place last season, finishing seventh in the Championship and missing the chance to return to the Premier League, which they won in 1994/95.

Blackburn go into tomorrow night’s fixture after defeating Watford 1-0 in the Championship on Sunday.

Tickets for the game remain on sale to Harrogate Town fans online who attended three or more games since the start of last season.

Tickets are on sale here, or in-person to all supporters from the club’s Commercial Street Store.

Man dies after crash between Harrogate and Ripon

A 59-year-old man has died following a collision on the A61 between Ripley and South Stainley last weekend.

North Yorkshire Police said the crash happened at 5.20pm on Saturday, August 26.

Three cars were involved in the collision, including a dark coloured Suzuki Bandit Motorcycle, a dark coloured Land Rover Discovery and a white Ford Transit Van.

The rider of the motorcycle, a 59-year-old man, died.

Police said the man’s family have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers.

The driver of the Land Rover Discovery and the Ford Transit both stopped at the scene to assist officers with their enquiries.

Officers believe that the motorcyclist was travelling with a group of unknown motorcycles immediately before the collision and he was at the rear of the group.

The road was closed for several hours to allow officers to conduct investigation work at the scene of the collision.

In a statement, North Yorkshire Police said:

“We’re appealing for information and witnesses following a fatal collision on the A61 over the weekend.

“We’re now appealing to anyone who may have seen the collision or who may have any dashcam footage of the collision or the vehicles prior to the incident, to come forward.

“Anyone with any information or footage is urged to preserve the footage and contact us on 101 quoting reference 12230161248.

“Alternatively, you can email ross.moralee@northyorkshire.police.uk.”

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Police release CCTV image after £250 theft in Harrogate

Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to following a theft in Harrogate.

The incident happened at Sainsbury’s on Leeds Road on Saturday, July 22 at midnight. 

The victim’s bank card was used to draw £250 without their permission.

A North Yorkshire Police statement added:

“Officers are now asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise the person in the image as they believe they will have information that will help the investigation.

“Anyone with any information is asked to email  IET@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Please quote the reference number 12230129543 when passing on information.”

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North Yorkshire Council to pick double-devolution winners in October

North Yorkshire Council will decide in October which parish councils to select for its double-devolution pilot scheme.

A central pledge in the case for local government reorganisation, which saw the abolition of Harrogate Borough Council, was that parish councils would be handed more powers if they could make a successful business case.

Twelve councils across North Yorkshire have made bids to be part of the pilot, including Ripon City Council which wants to take over the running of council-owned assets in the city, including the Town Hall and Market Square.

Knaresborough Town Council has also made a bid to run the town’s market.

Harrogate is excluded from the process because it doesn’t have a parish council.

Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he was expecting a decision on which six councils would be picked at a meeting of the Tory-run executive last week.

However, the council has said the winning parish councils will be revealed in October, with the pilots getting underway in April next year.

Cllr Williams said this left an “extremely tight window” for the council to set its precept in January, which sets out how much council tax residents have to pay in the next financial year.

Richard Flinton, chief executive of the council, said:

“Our pilot project to explore opportunities for town and parish councils to manage certain services and assets on behalf of North Yorkshire Council – known as double devolution – remains on schedule.

“Last year, town and parish councils were invited to submit expressions of interest in being involved in the project. That invitation set out a timeline that stated the intention was to take a report to North Yorkshire Council’s executive in autumn 2023.  This timescale was reiterated in an email to town and parish councils in May this year.

“While it was thought that it might be possible to accelerate this process, it was important to take the available time to thoroughly evaluate all expressions of interest. This work is now nearing completion and a report is expected to go to executive in October, as per the intended timeline.”

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Police issue CCTV image after assault in Harrogate shopping centre

North Yorkshire Police has today issued a CCTV image of a person that they want to speak to following an assault in Harrogate.

The incident, which occurred in the Victoria Shopping Centre, happened on Wednesday 21 June 2023 at approximately 12.30pm.

The suspects spat at one of the victims and removed the second victim’s  glasses and then stamped on them.

Officers have now appealed to the public to get in touch if they recognise the person in the CCTV image.

A police statement added:

“Officers are now asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise the person in the image as they believe they will have information that will help the investigation.

“Anyone with any information is asked to email Georgia.Ladly@northyorkshire.police.uk  or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, and ask for Georgia Lady.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12230114298 when passing on information.”

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Line-up for Harrogate literature festival revealed

The line-up for this year’s Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival has been announced today.

Authors and thinkers will descend on the Crown Hotel in Harrogate for the four-day event produced by Harrogate International Festivals and sponsored by Harrogate law firm Raworths Solicitors.

Speakers at the festival, which takes place from October 19 to 22, range from leading authors Victoria Hislop, Alison Weir and Andy McNab to ex-cricketer Monty Panesar and media star Dr Hilary Jones.

For lovers of historical literature, Ms Hislop will introduce her new novel, The Figurine and historian and author Ms Weir, author of the Sunday Times bestselling Six Tudor Queens series, will explore the life of one of Britain’s most infamous monarchs, Henry VIII, the subject of her latest historical novel.

Royal correspondent and author Robert Hardman will share insights from his account of Elizabeth II’s reign,Queen of Our Times and ex-England cricketer Monty Panesar will recount stories from his sporting career.

Andy McNab, who has written three best-selling books about his life in the SAS, will give the inside line on his latest fictional thriller, Down to the Wire and comedian Rosie Holt will share the story behind how she became an internet sensation.

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Dr Hilary Jones will join a panel exploring the challenges currently faced by the NHS and husband and wife team Carrie and David Grant tell the tale of their extraordinary family, explored in their new book A Very Modern Family.

Rachel Tunnicliffe, senior partner at Raworths Solicitors, which is sponsoring the event for the 11th year, said:

“This year’s line-up of literary names is outstanding – a true celebration of great books, thinking and writing. We are proud to play a part in bringing such a prestigious event to our town.”

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said the festival “features a terrific mix of fiction writers, TV broadcasters, sports personalities, historians and journalists, with more thrilling programme announcements coming soon”.

More information is available here.

Petition submitted to push council to honour Harrogate’s Lioness

A petition to honour England footballer Rachel Daly in Harrogate has been submitted to North Yorkshire Council after attracting more than 700 signatures.

There are now hopes it will be debated by the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, and local councillors can push officers for action.

The petition forms part of a campaign by Killinghall Nomads, backed by the Stray Ferret, to ensure the Lioness was recognised after playing in the World Cup Final.

As well as being available online, paper copies were signed by attendees at the club’s World Cup watch party last weekend.

Her former football club has called for Harrogate’s Hydro leisure centre to be named after her.

Following a 16-month refurbishment, it is set to open next week under its new name, Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre.

North Yorkshire Council has said it is “urgently” looking at creating a policy for recognising successful local people.

Ripon’s new leisure centre has already been named after the city’s Olympic gold medal winner, diver Jack Laugher.

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Killinghall Nomads, which has honoured Daly by naming its cafe after her, said it is important that there is a public recognition.

That sentiment has been echoed by her former school.

While Rossett School will name its sports centre’s 3G pitches after her, both the headteacher, Tim Milburn, and her former coach, Mike Sweetman, said a civic honour was needed.

Mr Sweetman added:

“Killinghall Nomads have done their bit and we are doing our bit. I still feel the council needs to do something for her.”

Daly was a crucial member of the England squad, playing in all of the group stage matches, as well as the last 16, quarter final and semi-final matches.

She played the first half of the final against Spain, before being substituted at half time. The Lionesses went on to lose 1-0, finishing as runners up in the tournament.

Young Rachel Daly fans from Killinghall Nomads watch the World Cup Final

Business Breakfast: Transport leaders to reveal plans for Harrogate

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Prominent local transport leaders will discuss their future plans with Harrogate businesses next week.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting on September 11 includes key speakers from the bus, rail and aviation sectors.

They include Henri Rohard, managing director of Harrogate Bus Company, Tony Baxter, regional director east at rail operator Northern, David Flesher, commercial director of LNER and Vincent Hodder, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport. 

A chamber spokesman said:

“Harrogate businesses rely on dependable transport, and so this event is an invaluable opportunity for members to ask travel-related questions to experts.”

The event at the Cedar Court Hotel begins with networking at 5.30 pm and ends at 8pm. You can book a spot to attend here.

 

Harrogate agency recognised by World Land Trust

The environmental charity World Land Trust has recognised a Harrogate research agency as a valued and significant supporter

The agency, which was established by Jennifer Brennan and Clare Vokes in 2019, donates a percentage of its annual turnover to the trust.

Its contribution was mentioned in the charity’s latest annual report.

Ms Brennan said:

“Even if you’re too busy running your business, there are easy steps you can take, like supporting organisations like the World Land Trust to protect biodiverse habitat and help offset your organisation’s carbon footprint. If businesses act collectively, we can make a difference.”

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Fire station open day set to draw crowds in Harrogate

Harrogate Fire Station will welcome members of the public to its popular annual open day next weekend.

The Skipton Road site will open its doors on Sunday, September 3 from 10am until 3pm.

Visitors will be able to see a variety of fire engines, including some demonstrations and interaction, and speak to members of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Children will have the chance to pretend to be a firefighter, as well as learning basic first aid from St John Ambulance.

North Yorkshire Police, Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue and the Red Cross will also be represented, along with some police vehicles on site too.

The open day is free, though there is a charge for some of the activities.

A bouncy castle, refreshments and a raffle will all be held, and donations can also be made to the Fire Fighters Charity.

 

 

Visitors get to know the emergency services at last year’s open day

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The 1980s pop star now pursuing her Five Star career in Harrogate

One of the most British successful musicians of the 1980s is back in the headlines — and now lives in Harrogate.

Deniece Pearson was the lead singer of Five Star, which had over 20 top 30 UK singles, including System Addict and Rain Or Shine. The group is the youngest British act to have a number one album.

Deniece was just 15 when Five Star, which consisted of four siblings, was set up in 1983 as Britain’s answer to the Jackson 5.

A Brit Award and a Grammy nomination followed as the band enjoyed hit after hit. She met the Queen twice.

After a break to raise her two children, Deniece is now forging the next stage of her career from her new home in Harrogate.

She moved to the town about 18 months ago purely by fluke — she was visiting a friend in Leeds and came to Harrogate for a massage. Deniece explains:

“I thought ‘this place is really lovely’ and started thinking ‘I might just come and live in Harrogate’.

“It’s just gorgeous. It’s the happiest place in the UK to live. It was beautiful at Christmas last year and I’m a real Christmas girl.”

Deniece returned to the stage in the 2000s, which included performing in the West End production of the Michael Jackson musical Thriller Live.

She’s now preparing for a 40th anniversary Five Star show at Pizza Express Live in London on September 30.

Deniece has also released a new single called Forever Young, which is taken from an EP also featuring new versions of Five Star classics System Addict and Rain or Shine.

She will be on tour in the UK this autumn and a solo album is expected next year.

Where does she like to relax when she’s back home in Harrogate?

She mentions The Ivy and Valley Gardens, adding:

“I haven’t really got to know Harrogate that well yet but from what I’ve seen I love it. It’s such a great town.”

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