North Yorkshire Police urged to say sorry over LGBT+ ‘witch hunt’

The chief constable of North Yorkshire Police is being urged to apologise for her force’s past “witch-hunting of the LGBT+ community”. 

The call comes in a letter to North Yorkshire’s top officer, Lisa Winward, from the veteran gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell. 

In the letter, Mr Tatchell, who is director of the human rights organisation the Peter Tatchell Foundation, acknowledges North Yorkshire Police’s “current supportive policies towards the LGBT+ community”, calling them “excellent progress”.

But he adds: 

“The North Yorkshire police force was very homophobic in past decades and went out of its way to target consenting, victimless behaviour that harmed no one. It wrecked the lives of many LGBT+ people.” 

The foundation is spearheading the #ApologiseNow campaign, urging all chief constables to say sorry for what it calls their “past anti-LGBT+ witch-hunts”.

In his letter, Mr Tatchell describes behaviours he says were frequently exhibited by the police:

“In the decades before the full decriminalisation of homosexuality in 2003 in England and Wales, your officers went out of their way to target and arrest gay and bisexual men for consenting, victimless behaviour. They were often excessive, harsh, vindictive and cruel.

“There was a de facto policy of sometimes releasing the names, addresses and workplaces of arrested men to the media, which led to public humiliation, ostracism, evictions, sackings and even violent attacks.

“In some cases, gay bars, clubs and even private birthday parties were raided. Same-sex couples were arrested for kissing, cuddling and holding hands in the street. Heterosexual couples engaged in similar behaviour were not. This was malicious homophobic policing and it wrecked lives.

“Upon conviction, these men were often jailed and beaten in prison. Others were hit with huge fines. Many lost their jobs, homes and marriages. Some were bashed by homophobic mobs, driven to mental breakdowns and attempted or committed suicide.

“With the stigma of a criminal conviction for a homosexual offence, a lot of the victims of police shaming had great difficulty in getting jobs and housing. Their lives were ruined by the police targeting consensual acts that harmed nobody.”

Mr Tatchell added:  

“I hope that a formal apology will be made to the LGBT+ community. It would help further improve LGBT+ trust and confidence in the police, which is what we all want.

“We do not expect an apology from the police for enforcing historic homophobic laws. What we are requesting is an apology for the often abusive and threatening way those laws were enforced – ways that would be deemed illegal and unacceptable today.

The Metropolitan Police has already apologised for its past behaviour, and backed it up with a new LGBT+ plan for London and the appointment of LGBT+ community liaison officers in every London borough. Similar apologies have also been made by the chief constables of Sussex and South Yorkshire, but West Midlands Police has said it will not apologise.

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The Chief Constable of Northumbria, Vanessa Jardine, is the lead on LGBT+ policy among UK chief constables and has written to all chief constables supporting calls for them to say sorry. The appeal is also endorsed by the National Police LGBT+ Network, which is made up of serving LGBT+ officers.

Asked about the force’s response to Mr Tatchell’s letter, a North Yorkshire Police spokesperson told the Stray Ferret: 

“North Yorkshire Police has committed itself to an array of inclusion and diversity initiatives of late, and much of that has been publicised. 

 “In relation to the [Peter Tatchell Foundation’s] press release, we’re aware of what other forces have done and are keeping it under consideration.” 

In 2000, North Yorkshire Police was one of the first forces in the UK to establish a helpline for lesbian and gay officers and civilian staff.

More recently, its Equality Objectives 2020-24 document lays out several aims affecting the LGBT+ community, including: increasing awareness and reporting of hate crime and providing victims with appropriate support; improving the treatment of victims of crime, especially those with protected characteristics; and increasing the representation rates of LGBT+ employees in senior police roles. 

Learn ‘How to Think’ with Salon North in September

Three expert speakers will be giving talks on How to Think as part of Harrogate’s Berwins Salon North in September.

Berwins Salon North is a cabaret-style series of events sponsored by Harrogate-based Berwins Solicitors, which renewed its sponsorship at the beginning of this year.

Martin Whincup, associate director at Berwins, said:

“We are very excited for our September Salon North, which is set to show yet again that there’s more to thinking than we might think!

“With recent events selling out quickly, it’s great to see the continued enthusiasm of people in Harrogate to come together and learn something new about themselves and the world.”

The speakers, hosted by Salon North founder Helen Bagnall, will have 25 minutes to deliver their TED-style talks at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate. Talks will be spaced by intervals that provide an opportunity for attendants to get drinks and chat.

Comedian, writer and broadcaster Robin Ince, will explore his lifelong love of books and bookshops, and reveal what goes on inside the head of a bibliomaniac.

Sophie Scott, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London, will explore how the brain affects our personalities and behaviours.

After a decade of living with panic attacks and anxiety, writer, poet and musician Tim Clare will share his experiences of what did and didn’t work, and how he came to rethink anxiety.

The event is produced by Harrogate International Festivals.

Tickets for the event, which takes place on Thursday, September 7 at 7.30pm, are available from the Harrogate International Festival website or by calling the box office on 01423 562303.

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Harrogate boy, 9, walks 200 miles for Ataxia UK

A nine-year-old Harrogate boy is walking 200 miles, inspired by his dad who has Friedrich’s ataxia.

He aims to raise money for Ataxia UK, a charity that funds treatment and provides support for those with ataxia.

Ataxia is a term for a group of neurological disorders that affect balance, coordination and speech

His mum, Helen Gibson, explained the impact of his dad’s condition on Jack:

“Jack and his dad are very close but Jack sometimes struggles as his dad can’t do all of the things he would like him to because of his condition and tires easily.”

Jack attends young carers events in Harrogate. After smashing his original goal to walk 126 miles, he chose to increase his goal to 200 miles.

He has been walking at least three miles a day for four weeks to complete his goal. Some days he has walked as far as 8 miles.

Jack’s inspiration to walk was explained by his mum,

“He chose walking as he said it was something that was free and something that his dad can still do at the moment.”

Jack and his dad

Jack’s walks have been local, on the Stray or at Fountains Abbey. On holiday, he has completed his walks at Alton Towers or nearby National Trust locations.

He also walked the coast where his parents are originally from.

Both family and friends have joined Jack on his walks.

The family have a goal of £500 and have already raised £435.

If you are interested in donating to Jack’s fundraiser, there is a Just Giving page.

Dashcam appeal after runner injured in collision with car in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information after a car collided with a runner in Harrogate.

The runner, who has not been named, suffered minor cuts and bruising.

The incident occurred on Knaresborough Road between the Prince of Wales roundabout and the Empress roundabout between 7.30am and 7:50am on Friday, August 25.

A police statement said:

“Police are now requesting the public’s assistance to help identify any possible witnesses, or anyone that may have dash cam footage of the collision.

“In particular, officers are appealing for information about the vehicle involved in the collision which is believed to be gold in colour.”

Anyone with information can email Joseph.Schramm@Northyorkshire.police.uk or dial 101, select option 2, and ask for Joseph Schramm.

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

Quote reference number 12230160877.

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Politicians back campaign for council to honour Rachel Daly

Politicians from both sides in Harrogate and Knaresborough have backed Killinghall Nomads‘ campaign for Rachel Daly to receive a civic honour.

The club — supported by the Stray Ferret — set-up a petition for North Yorkshire Council to recognise the achievements of the Harrogate-born England footballer.

Daly won Euro 22 last year and was this year awarded the Golden Boot for being the Women’s Super League top scorer, as well as playing in last weekend’s World Cup final.

Nomads have suggested renaming the council-owned Hydro leisure centre, which is close to the pitches where Daly and thousands of young people have played, after the England Lioness. The council is keen to promote community fitness at its leisure centres.

This week Rossett School said its sports pitches in Harrogate will be named after the former pupil.

Headteacher Tim Milburn described the decision as a “no brainer” but both he and Mike Sweetman, the former Rossett coach who spotted Daly’s potential, said this didn’t absolve the council of responsibility to confer a civic honour on Daly.

Mr Milburn said:

“The town is clamouring for something to have in her honour. The Hydro probably fits that bill – a place that inspires people to get fit and active.”

Daly and mum Louise, who lives locally. Pic: Rachel Daly Instagram

The Stray Ferret sought the views of local politicians this week.

Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said Daly was an inspiration whose CV “is much more than being part of our world cup final team”.

He said:

“We should certainly recognise her achievements here in her hometown.

“She was a pupil at Rossett School and she played for Killinghall Nomads.  The Stray Ferret have set up a petition giving the Hydro as an example of the type of place that might bear her name.

“A representative of Killinghall Nomads has asked for other suggestions on Facebook and Ms Daly will need to be consulted too.

“I think it is absolutely right that the town marks her achievements in a big way and whatever local honour is settled upon will have my wholehearted support.”

Tom Gordon, who will stand for the Liberal Democrats against Mr Jones at the next election, said he supported the petition.

“As part of the renovation currently underway the centre is due to be renamed, dropping the Hydro, becoming Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre.

“We have the opportunity to recognise Rachel’s achievements as a world cup finalist, a Euro 22 winner, and as a top flight professional footballer from this town.“

Council’s lukewarm response

Whether it happens will depend on the Conservative council’s ruling 10-person executive.

The executive, which is 80 per cent male, so far appears lukewarm on giving Daly the same recognition diver Jack Laugher received in Ripon, where the leisure centre was renamed after him.

Jack Laugher displays his Olympic gold medal at the opening of Ripon leisure centre.

Leader Carl Les acknowledged the council “need to find a fitting way” to celebrate the Lionesses achievements and pledged to come up with a  policy on recognising local people at an unspecified date.

He said:

“For clarity, our sense of urgency is linked to our commitment to consider a policy for how we recognise and celebrate the achievements of local people, not to renaming a leisure centre that will reopen in a few days’ time, as I am sure people will understand.”

The only Harrogate councillor on the executive, Michael Harrison, who represents Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate, declined to give an opinion when asked by the Stray Ferret.

He suggested we try fellow executive member Simon Myers, whose culture, arts and housing portfolio covers such matters.

Cllr Myers, who represents Mid Craven for the Tories, told the Stray Ferret he had only just learned of the situation and “will have to speak to a number of people to get their views before coming to any of my own”.

‘We should encourage girls to stay active’

Killinghall Nomads petition, backed by the Stray Ferret, has surpassed the 500-signature threshold that makes it eligible for debate by the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, an advisory body that can put pressure on the council leadership.

We emailed all 13 local councillors on the committee, which consists of seven Lib Dems, five Conservative and one Lib Dem, to ask if they felt the council should recognise Daly and if they supported the Hydro petition.

All five of the Lib Dems who replied backed the idea.

The Hydro is due to reopen under a new name on September 4.

Cllr Monika Slater, whose Bilton Grange and New Park division includes the Hydro, said:

“The positive influence that the Lionesses have had on women’s sport should not be underestimated.

“We should be doing much more to support and encourage girls and women to stay active and participate in sports so yes I whole heartedly support this.”

Cllr Chris Aldred, who represents High Harrogate and Kingsley, said it was a “great idea”.

Cllr Matt Walker, who represents Knaresborough West, said positive role models in sport helped to “get people active early for good health and wellbeing throughout their life”. He added:

“In principle I’m supportive and to be consistent then the new Knaresborough pool would need a suitable sports person. Perhaps Beryl Burton?”

Cllr Pet Marsh, the committee chair who represents Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone, said she supported it but would prefer to see a football ground recognise Daly.

Cllr Peter Lacey, who represents Coppice Valley and Duchy, said:

“I do believe that the renaming of the Hydro at this point would be a fitting tribute to Rachel’s contribution to sport and would therefore be in support of the proposal.”

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Two Conservatives replied.

Cllr John Mann, who represents Oatlands and Pannal, said he had signed the petition, adding:

“I think she has done a lot for women’s sport and indeed sport in general and Harrogate should, indeed is, proud of her achievements.  I would support the Hydro leisure centre being renamed after her.

Paul Haslam, the only other Conservative to reply, said it was a “peoples’ decision not a councillor one and I would not wish to influence this is anyway”.

The Bilton and Nidd Gorge councillor added:

“Rachel is no doubt an outstanding athlete. I do note that Rachel plays for Aston Villa and left Harrogate in 2012. We do have other female sporting celebrities such as Charlotte McGuinness or from the past Beryl Burton for example.”

Independent Cllr Mike Schofield, who represents Harlow and St George’s, said he supported Rossett Sports Centre celebrating Daly “as it was the school which she attended and has a rich history of producing sports people” but did not say whether he felt the council should do anything.

You can still sign the petition here.

 

Cow found wandering around Harrogate’s Valley Gardens

People enjoying the sunny weather in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens today were shocked to stumble across a wandering cow.

Lucy Emma Renshaw-Martin was one of many dog walkers going about their morning routine at about 8.30am when she saw the beast.

It was casually ambling around the central section, appearing to head in the direction of the Magnesia Well Tea Room.

The cow heads towards the tea room.

Lucy managed to photograph the cow from distance and later got a more close-up image when she was safely behind the barriers on Valley Road.

She told the Stray Ferret she had no idea how the cow, which appears to be a Holstein or Friesian, ended up in the 17-acre gardens, which are not particularly close to any fields.

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She said:

“The police were there but just herding it around from what I saw.

“It’s not every day you see a cow on your morning dog walk.”

Do you know more about the cow and how it ended up in Valley Gardens? If so email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

 

Police were dispatched to help. 

North Yorkshire Police pledge bank holiday blitz on motorbikes

Motorcyclists in North Yorkshire will be targeted this bank holiday weekend as part of a police operation.

North Yorkshire Police will use a H2 Kawasaki Ninja unmarked motorbike equipped with cameras to gather evidence for prosecutions.

It will also deploy several marked and unmarked police bikes and cars and speed camera vans on key routes across the county.

The force said the “engagement and enforcement” was part of a National Police Chiefs’ Council operation on motorcycle safety this weekend.

It said the main priority was to reduce the number of road casualties.

Motorcyclists represent almost a quarter of fatal or serious injury collisions in the UK, despite making up three per cent of vehicles on the roads.

Many bikers take to the county’s vast road network for days out over the bank holiday.

Superintendent Alex Butterfield said:

“Everyone has the right to travel on the road safely. We believe that no one should be killed or seriously injured as a consequence of using our road network and we will continue to work together to prevent harm and make our communities safer.”

North Yorkshire released this video about the weekend campaign.

Missing Harrogate man found ‘safe and well’

A man who went missing from a Harrogate care home has been found safe, North Yorkshire Police has said.

Police issued an urgent appeal for help find the man on Saturday when he went missing at 6.30am.

It asked people to report sightings.

But officers later said the man had been found “safe and well”.

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Harrogate tennis friends begin 24-hour challenge

Harrogate friends Liz Hickling and Jon Hipkin will begin a 24-hour tennis and padel challenge today to raise money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Harrogate Spa Tennis Club. 

Liz and Jon will play alternating hours of tennis and padel and have asked fellow tennis club members and non-members to join them for hour-long matches.

They were due to begin their marathon at Harrogate Spa Tennis Club at Claro Park at midday and finish at the same time tomorrow.

They will have breaks for the first 10 minutes of each session. 

The pair set out to raise £1,000 for their chosen causes and have already had £1,300 pledged.

Liz said:

“At 3am on Sunday morning, the thought that we still have nine hours to go will be tough but knowing we can make just a little difference to people’s lives by raising money through this challenge will help inspire us to keep going.” 

Harrogate Spa Town Tennis Club has recently undergone renovations, opening two new padel courts as well as a new clubhouse, café and bar.  

The air ambulance provides emergency response services for over five million people across Yorkshire.  

Liz said:

“We wanted to raise awareness of the club and its new facilities as well as raise some money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. We chose Yorkshire Air Ambulance as it is a service that any of us could need at any time.” 

If you are interested in supporting Jon and Liz, they have a Just Giving page. 

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Yemi’s Food Stories: A visit to Rudding Park’s kitchen garden

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in last year’s BBC TV’s Masterchef  competition. Every Saturday Yemi will be writing on the Stray Ferret about her love of the district’s food  and sharing 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.  

 

If you are looking for recommendations for a place to go for a special occasion, spa or golf days or an amazing meal, Rudding Park hotel always makes the list and quite often is at the top of the list. It’s the reason my 49th birthday celebration was there.

Multi award winning Rudding Park, set amongst 300 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and woodland with stunning sculptural pieces, is one of the most beautiful hotels in Harrogate offering 90 stylish bedrooms, award winning spa, three AA Rosette Horto Restaurant, and two AA Rosette Clocktower Restaurant, kitchen garden, gym, private cinema, golf course and events venue.

With a Best Fine Dining Restaurant amongst its many awards, I was intrigued by the kitchen garden, which plays a key role in making great dishes happen.

Horto Restaurant offers contemporary fine dining using ingredients from Rudding Park Kitchen Garden with the menu prescribed by nature, the creativity of the chef and the skill of the gardener.

Spending the day with Emma Pugh, kitchen gardener, was eye opening. I was impressed by the pivot from her previous career as a physiotherapist to becoming a gardener, from lifting limbs to lifting plant pots and helping them to grow or recover. Her passion for nurturing and growing things shone through.

Working closely with the chefs, the gardeners influence their dishes by supplying them with in-season produces or growing new plants for fresh ideas and they reward their hard work by creating stunning dishes for the guests who enjoy the results of this collaboration.

There was so much to learn about the different plants that were in season with my mind blown by many varieties of produces that are out there. There were plants that Emma was still learning about and some she was growing for the first time.

I loved tasting the different plants to identify the flavours, notes and coming up with ideas on how they might be used for a sweet or savoury dish with some drawing raised eyebrows and different facial expressions from Emma.

Yemi and Emma Pugh at Rudding ParkYemi and Emma exploring the kitchen garden

I discovered Orach which reminded me of Swiss chard but with a slightly salty taste, and can be used to replace spinach in recipes or stuffed like cabbage leaves. I love cooking coarsely blended red peppers, onions, chilli and garlic with olive oil and seasonings until all the water is evaporated and the sauce is well fried releasing all the oils before adding my spinach.

Spinach releases a lot of water when cooked so to reduce this, I rub the leaves with some coarse sea salt to draw out the moisture before rinsing and squeezing out the juices. Orach would work really well in this recipe.

I was introduced to ying-yang beans, and red and green borlotti beans which I had only ever seen the canned versions before.

Sweet Sicily was an interesting herb to taste with the seeds, leaves, flowers, and roots all edible. The young leaves would bring a fresh taste to a salad and can be added to sauces whilst the root can be used as a sweetener. The flavour profile reminded me of fennel, anise seed and liquorice.

This plant would make for a nourishing cup of tea with health properties that are said to help with asthma, breathing problems, digestion issues, cough, chest and throat infections and urinary tract infections.

Sea Kale and Okahijiki (land sea weed) were plants that I had never used before and found them eye-opening. Okahijiki is often used for sushi, and can be added to a salad to introduce pops of saltiness and it would pair well with fish and white meat. I would suggest adding them to sauces just before serving so the crisp texture is retained. I reckon the pops of light saltiness they provide would provide contrast and relief from overly rich and sweet sauces.

I love showcasing colours in my food and cooking with chillies and peppers in many of my sweet and savoury dishes so I was particularly excited to see Hungarian black and purple peppers. I will definitely attempt to grow some of these to elevate the colour and flavour profiles of my dishes.

I left Rudding Kitchen Garden with my head full of new ideas for sweet and savoury dishes, herbs and garnishes. From blue Kuri squashes, butterfly sorrel, purple sage, blackcurrant sage and apple marigold which I think would make great dessert flavours to the weird and wacky looking ice plant.

Nature and great produces inspire chefs to curate new, exciting and delicious menus creating award winning dining experiences. This and so much more is what is waiting for you at Rudding Park hotel.

Next week, I will be writing about my day at Betty’s Cookery School.

I’m also checking out Samira Effa’s new menu at Bar & Restaurant EightyEight at Grantley Hall and going behind the scenes at Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, so look out for these posts in the coming weeks.

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