Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

I have been taking a friend to occasional appointments at the Harrogate hospital for several years.

Occasionally the barrier is up and therefore no charge is made.

On the December 27 this looked to be the case. I parked for 1 hour and 5 minutes. I didn’t look for and therefore didn’t see any signs that things had changed.

I then received a parking fine for £70.

The bollard at the entrance has not changed and is an intentional act to trick into not paying for parking as no ticket was issued.

It’s shameful trickery and I will no longer be able to take my friend for her appointments.

Al Hewitt, Harrogate

Read more:

• Stray Views: ‘Shame’ on councillors who voted for allowance rise
• Stray Views: Government should clamp down on homelessness tents

More letters

Please could we have more letters published in the letters section?  

Now that the Harrogate Advertiser has cut down its letters page to a paltry two or three per week, there is little opportunity for local residents to have their views made public and the Stray Ferret would be an ideal medium for offering more of this.

Carol Trueman, Harrogate

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

A group supporting the siblings of disabled children is set to have its first meeting in Harrogate this month.

The Sibling Group is an organisation offering a safe space for children with siblings who are disabled or have special needs. The first event in the area is set to take place January 20 from 10am-12pm at Christ Church.

The group for children aged six to 11 aims to “support their wellbeing and happiness”. The event will include activities and games to build positive relationships.

Grace Williams, founder of The Sibling Group created the organisation to support families who have children and siblings with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

She has a younger brother with special educational needs who is non-verbal, has a learning disability and autism. Grace has become devoted to supporting other families in a similar situation. She has a degree in special education, is pursuing a masters degree in autism and inclusion, and currently works as a specialist key worker for the NHS.

She said

“Growing up there was not much support available and there was a lot of stigma around this. It was very challenging for my family and I, as we had to take on a care giving role and adapt to my brother’s needs very quickly.”

Grace grew up in Harrogate and her brother attends Springwater School. She says that despite the large SEND community in the area she has always been “aware of the lack of support for families”, so when creating The Sibling Group, she “thought it would be a good area to work in.”

“Siblings are not thought about when services are created and offered to families, and I want to change this. Siblings experience extreme stress, isolation and miss out on things other children their age are doing.”

“The Sibling Group offers a safe space for children to come and meet other children with similar experiences. We offer fun activities such as arts and crafts, singing and dancing, sports and games.”

The meetings are free of charge and will be running during the school holidays and on Saturdays. To book a place at the event click here.

Read more:

• Children’s Corner is the only double winner at Family Business Awards
• Harrogate charity raises £75,000 for critically ill newborns

[the_ad id=”182785″]

This week’s photograph was taken by Julie Valentine, capturing heron making the most of the flooded ponds in Hookstone Woods, Harrogate.

Photo of the Week takes centre stage in our new-look nightly email newsletter. The newsletter drops into your inbox every evening at 6pm with all the day’s stories and more. To subscribe click here.

Julie Valentine

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

[the_ad id=”182785″]

Tim Forber says it will be the honour of his 27-year career if he becomes the most senior police officer in York and North Yorkshire.

The current deputy chief constable of South Yorkshire Police will present himself for the first time to councillors on the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel next week in Northallerton.

Mr Forber is set to replace the outgoing chief constable Lisa Winward who is officially retiring in March but ended her role before Christmas.

He has been chosen as the preferred candidate for the £154,000 position by Tory crime commissioner Zoe Metcalfe.

This is despite advice from councillors that the appointment should be delayed until after elections in May when her brief will become the new mayor’s responsibility.

Ahead of the meeting, Mr Forber has submitted a personal statement that outlines his background and motivations for applying for the top job at North Yorkshire Police.

Cross-party councillors on the panel will quiz him about the role and make a recommendation on his appointment.

Born and bred in St Helens, policing runs in the family as his father served as an officer for 36 years before retiring in 2000.

Read more:

• Police commissioner Zoe Metcalfe rejects appointing interim chief constable
• Tim Forber set to be North Yorkshire’s new top cop
• North Yorkshire chief constable announces retirement

He studied for a law degree before joining London’s Metropolitan Police Service in 1996.

In 1997, he won a Royal Humane Society award after he rescued a woman from drowning in freezing waters in the River Thames.

During his time at the Met, he worked as a detective and was commended for helping to bring to justice a criminal gang who committed high value antique burglaries against elderly vulnerable victims across the country.

In 2005, he first came to Yorkshire when he joined West Yorkshire Police on the force’s homicide and major inquiry team.

Five years later he moved to Greater Manchester Police where he was was chief superintendent.

In 2016 he returned to Yorkshire as the assistant chief constable at South Yorkshire Police and helped oversee a turnaround where it’s now one of the highest rated forces in the country.

He is married to a serving detective constable in West Yorkshire Police and has a daughter and two sons.

Mr Forber said:

“I am passionate about policing, and it is all I have ever known in terms of my professional career. I believe that North Yorkshire Police has the potential to be truly outstanding.”

Progress at the new Starbucks site in Harrogate grinds on, but its planned opening date is still not known.

The Stray Ferret first reported that the former Leon site on Wetherby Road would become a Starbucks in August, when North Yorkshire Council granted planning consent to change the branding on the unit.

Starbucks advertised for new staff at the drive-through coffee shop in December, and then this week, new signage finally went up, giving coffee aficionados hope that the new outlet might brew its first espresso sometime soon.

But a Starbucks spokesperson told the Stray Ferret:

“We are always looking for new locations and opportunities to bring the Starbucks experience to customers in the UK, but at this time we have no updates to share about plans in Harrogate.”

Signs have gone up on Wetherby Road.

The Stray Ferret will continue to monitor developments at the site.

Starbucks currently has only one presence in the district, on Cambridge Street in Harrogate town centre.

Read more:

• Starbucks recruiting staff for new Harrogate drive-through
• Developers silent over planned Harrogate Starbucks
• Former Harrogate Leon site to become Starbucks

Georgina Johnstone was just one year old when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and her family have been raising money and awareness to help children like her ever since.

In August 2022, Georgina became tired and grouchy and started to be sick each morning. Her mum, Issy Rowe, a teacher from Harrogate, thought recently prescribed antibiotics for an ear infection were to blame. But when the tablets stopped and the sickness continued, the family became worried.

Issy took her to the GP, who thought it might have been a virus or urinary tract infection. After five more days of sickness, Issy knew things weren’t right. They were referred to Harrogate District Hospital after their third visit to a doctor.

At first, the hospital had no major concerns and suggested a return visit a week later. Yet Issy persisted and an MRI scan was done the following day.

The scan found a significant cancerous mass on Georgina’s brain, and she was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary.

The SATS showed that the tumour was a quarter of the size of her brain. The tumour was cutting her brain off from her body and her family were told they would need to operate to remove it or Georgina would die.

The next day, the doctors operated on her for five hours and removed the 16cm tumour. After surgery, a 56-week treatment plan was put in place, involving high-dose chemotherapy, in seven cycles over eight weeks.

It all meant that going to nursery had to be put on hold until she was better. In December 2023, Georgina was given the all-clear.

Issy said:

“Its early days still – she only came off medication eight weeks ago, but her last scan was all clear. It’s been amazing to adjust back to family life and reality. She’s full of energy, which is lovely. You don’t realise how poorly they are until you see them better.”

Throughout her daughter’s treatment, Issy raised funds and awareness for The Brain Tumour Charity and friends and family also supported the fundraising. They have raised over £21,000 so far through completing the Three Peaks Challenge, sponsored runs, quizzes and a wellness retreat.

This year, the family have chosen to raise funds for Candlelighters, children’s cancer charity. Issy said they wanted funds to go to a local charity this year to directly help the children on the oncology ward at Leeds General Infirmary.

They have set a target to reach £5,000 – the same goal as last year – but are hoping to exceed it and even beat the £21,000 already raised.

Issy added:

“We definitely want to get more people involved and raise more money.”

They have a few fundraising events planned already involving the Three Peaks Challenge on May 11, another wellness weekend in October and one of their first events is set to be a sporting morning. The event is to be held on January 14 by Harrogate Strays Walking Football Club, a team for over-50s where Georgina’s grandfather, Derek Rowe, is a manager.

To donate to Georgina’s page click here.

Read more: 

• Ripon woman to climb Yorkshire three peaks to mark one-year ‘cancerversary’
• Ripon tinsel tractor run raises £1,500 for Yorkshire Cancer Research

A Harrogate Grammar School student has published her first novel — at the age of 12.

Sula Stanhope wrote the 371-page book before bed each night. It took her four months to finish.

Sula said:

“Mum and dad said I could have some extra screen time if I was working on creative projects.

“They were slightly surprised when I presented them with the first draft of my novel.”

The Alchemist’s Prophecy is a dystopian fantasy about a girl sent on a magical quest in a dangerous world.

The book is almost 150 pages longer than the first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Storytelling runs in the family.

Sula’s dad Alex said:

“Sula’s grandmother is a writer.

“When I was growing up I was hopeless at English but I always liked telling stories. I used to tell stories to Sula; the storytelling part stuck.

“She now tells stories way better than me!”

After Sula wrote her manuscript, Alex started the process of self-publishing it.

He said:

“I just wanted to give her a chance to hold her book in her own hands.”

Sula also developed creativity playing games with her twin sister Delphi.

Together they would invent characters, arguing about what they looked and sounded like.

Alex said:

“It didn’t always feel very creative when I heard their arguments, but I love what came out of it!”

Teachers at Oatlands Junior School, where Sula used to study, noticed her talent early.

Year 5 teacher Ms Coyne said:

“When I heard about Sula writing her own book, I was not surprised.

“During her time at Oatlands Junior School, Sula showed such creativity, talent and always had her head in a book — sometimes hidden under the table.

“She was an avid reader who clearly loves books and responds with great maturity to the texts we explore. I cannot wait to read it.”

Sula’s Year 6 English teacher Rosie Doyle said:

 “I would say I am surprised, but I’m actually not.”

Staff are so proud of their former student they have purchased a copy for their school library.

Read more:

• Book Club Save the World at Park Playground in Leeds
• Harrogate headteacher releases book on school leadership

In the future, Sula would like to continue writing books.

She sees The Alchemist’s Prophecy as a trilogy and is hoping to complete it one day.

Alongside creative writing, Sula also plays the piano and attends acting classes. You can buy The Alchemist’s Prophecy on Amazon.

A new vets looks set to open in Pannal next week.

Claro Hill Vets, which is based on Thirkill Park off Thirkill Drive, is due to open on Monday (January 8).

The new practice will be open Monday to Friday, 8am until 6.30pm, and Saturdays 8.30am until 12.30pm.

The vets will offer such services as preventative healthcare, medicine and vaccinations.

Laura Keyser, who has been a qualified vet for 15 years, is behind the new business which she says will be a “perfect location” for pet owners in Harrogate, Wetherby and north Leeds.

She told the Stray Ferret in May last year:

“I decided to open the business as I wanted to offer a real high standard of care and service.

“We are independent, so have none of the constraints of being corporate.”

The move to open the business comes as North Yorkshire Council approved the proposal in May 2023.

Read more:

• New law firm opens in Ripon
• Free events revealed for Harrogate’s first self care week

The holiday season usually brings an array of festive treats and indulgent feasts, leaving us feeling undeniably satisfied, but perhaps a tad overindulged.

As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time to reset and refocus on nourishing our bodies with wholesome and nutritious dishes.

Enjoy a post-holiday recovery with these delicious and comforting recipes, that will leave you feeling revived.

Detoxifying green smoothie

I know the words ‘green smoothie’ can sometimes seem uninviting but trust me when I say this one is delicious and revitalising!

Blend together kale or spinach, cucumber, a pink lady apple, lemon juice, and a handful of mint. Add coconut water for hydration and a boost of electrolytes – and you’re done!

Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this green smoothie helps flush out toxins, promotes digestion and provides a refreshing start to your post-holiday mornings.

You could also add some ginger for kick and sweeten with a touch of honey.

Soothing spinach and lentil soup

After weeks of festive feasting, a nutritious soup is the perfect winter warmer that will leave you feeling nourished and refreshed.

Try a spinach and lentil soup; a green-packed bowl of goodness that provides essential vitamins and fibre.

Sauté onions, garlic and celery, then add lentils, vegetable broth and a generous amount of fresh spinach.

Simmer until the lentils are tender, season with black pepper and finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Garnish with fresh herbs to finish.

This soup is rich in iron and antioxidants, supporting detoxification and revitalisation. I like to infuse some heat to mine by adding a habanero or scotch bonnet pepper and removing it before serving.

Yemi’s turmeric latte.

Turmeric golden milk latte

Combat holiday fatigue and support your immune system with a warm and golden turmeric latte.

Combine coconut milk, turmeric, ginger, a pinch of black pepper and a touch of honey for sweetness.

The turmeric infuses the drink with anti-inflammatory properties and the cosy flavour makes it an ideal addition to your diet or nightcap.

Quinoa and roasted vegetable buddha bowl

For a delicious and nutrient-dense main meal, treat yourself to a quinoa and roasted vegetable buddha bowl.

Roast a colourful medley of vegetables – sweet potatoes, beetroots, carrots, onions and bell peppers – and toss them with cooked quinoa.

Drizzle with a zesty tahini dressing for a burst of flavour and an extra dose of healthy fats.

You could also swap the tahini dressing with a pomegranate vinegar dressing and some fresh pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of sweetness.

This colourful nourishing bowl is packed with fibre, protein, and essential nutrients.

Chia Seed Pudding with Mixed Berries

If you’re still craving something sweet, a chia seed pudding featuring mixed berries will hit the spot.

Combine chia seeds with almond milk, a touch of vanilla extract and maple syrup.

Set in the fridge, then layer it with berry compote and a vibrant mix of berries like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.

Top with some crunchy granola for texture.

Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, making this dessert both yummy and healthy.

Adding these recipes into your weekly routine will support your body’s recovery and introduces a variety of flavours and textures to keep your meals exciting.

Remember to stay hydrated, prioritise whole foods and savour the joy of nourishing your body from the inside out.

As you embrace these delicious and wholesome recipes, you will rediscover the pleasures of balanced and nutritious eating.

Here’s to a vibrant and rejuvenated start to the new year!

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 writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the district’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.

Read more:

• Yemi’s Food Stories: Cheers to a yummy new year
• Yemi’s Food Stories: Bringing a taste of Syria to the Harrogate district
• Yemi’s Food Stories: Let’s talk oil

The owner of Harrogate firm Weetons has applied to replace signage at Crimple in Pannal.

The Stray Ferret reported in December that the owner of Weetons had bought the garden centre, food hall and gift shop on Leeds Road.

It’s not known how much the TGH Property Group, which is owned by Tim Whitworth, has paid to acquire Crimple.

TGH, which is based at Bramham, near Wetherby, also owns Weetons, whose flagship Harrogate food hall on West Park opened 20 years ago.

An example of the signage submitted to North Yorkshire Council.

Now, TIM Group Holdings, of which Mr Whitworth is a managing partner, has applied to North Yorkshire Council to replace the signage on the site.

The plan includes various signage to the front of the main building and an additional two totem signs behind the entrance walls showing Weetons branding.

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the signage plans at a later date.

Read More:

• Crimple applies to serve alcohol and play music until 2am
• Harrogate’s Crimple bought by Weetons food hall owner