This story is sponsored by Howard Conrad.

Yorkshire’s number-one Apple specialist repair company is offering Mac owners a free software tune-up this summer.

The service, which is like a “digital spring-clean”, would normally cost £49, but Howard Conrad, an independent firm based in Harrogate, is offering it free of charge throughout the month of July, with absolutely no strings or obligations.

Steve Murray, who has been a Mac technician at Howard Conrad for over six years, said: 

“A lot of people don’t realise how easily they can accumulate years’ worth of redundant software updates and applications; ultimately they will clog up your system and slow it down. We’ve even seen people lose personal data due to software faults caused by storage issues.”

All Howard Conrad’s repairs come with a three-year warranty.

Steve said:

There’s long been a myth that you can’t get a virus on a Mac, but it’s not true. They maybe less common than they are on windows computers, but they adapt and overcome defences, and can still infect Apple devices. You shouldn’t just rely on your Mac’s security software – it’s no guarantee of safety.”

Howard Conrad, which is based on Leeds Road, was founded over a decade ago and specialises in repairing iPads, iPhones and Macs. All its repairs come with a three-year warranty. 

Steve said: 

“We’ve built up a really good reputation across the region and put a huge amount of effort into keeping up to date on all the latest Apple technology. A lot of our time is spent learning and researching, and we all help each other keep on top of developments. 

“It’s more of a passion project than a job, to be honest, because we’re all massive Apple fans, so that definitely helps.” 

Find out more: 

Howard Conrad’s free Apple Mac software tune-up offer can only be accessed using the Stray Ferret link – just click here.

To find out more about Howard Conrad’s services, visit the website or speak to a Harrogate-based technician on 01423 228420. 

Police have re-opened a Harrogate street after a suspected First World War artillery shell was discovered this afternoon.

A cordon was put up after the discovery at Rossett Avenue in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police tweeted at 2.33pm this afternoon:

“Cordon in place after munition found in Harrogate.

“We’re at a location on Rossett Ave after the discovery of a suspected WW1 shell.

“A cordon is in place to keep everyone safe, so please avoid the area.”

But the road re-opened quickly after officers discovered it was a decommissioned shell filled with sand.

Police tweeted:

All clear on Rossett Avenue 👍

We've established that a suspected First World War artillery shell found earlier today at a property on Rossett Avenue, Harrogate, had been decommissioned, and is no danger.

The cordon's been lifted and everything is back to normal. pic.twitter.com/nIfKaWlJoM

— North Yorkshire Police – Harrogate (@NYP_Harrogate) June 28, 2023

Read more:

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A military helicopter was involved in a near-miss collision with a model airplane over Harrogate.

The UK Airprox Board, which investigates the risk of aircraft collisions, has published a report into the incident, which happened on April 17 this year.

It involved a model aircraft flying directly towards a Chinook helicopter as it prepared to land.

The report said the pilot, who was 150ft above ground level, saw the model aircraft come into “close proximity”.

It said:

“A crewman spotted the model aircraft as it flew directly towards the [Chinook] from the nine o’clock position. As the model aircraft approached, it dived below the [Chinook] either by the force of the downwash or under the control of the remote operator.

“It was the flash of the change in the wing profile that made the aircraft visible as the wing cross-section increased.”

It added:

“Once on the ground at Harrogate, the crew discussed the event and elected to continue with the sortie as it was a model aircraft and had not interfered with the [Chinook]. 

“The model was described as a green/brown replica historic model aircraft without lights.

“The UK Airprox Board secretariat contacted the local scale-model flying club but efforts to trace the pilot were unsuccessful.”

Despite the crew reporting that the risk of crash was low, the board certified the incident as a B risk rating – the second highest rating.

Seven of 18 monthly incidents were given a B risk by Airprox — all the others were rated lower risk.

The board resolved that safety had been “much reduced” during the incident and had “not been assured”.

It added:

“The board considered that the pilot’s overall account of the incident portrayed a situation where safety had been much reduced below the norm to the extent that safety had not been assured.”

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Hampsthwaite Methodist Church, which closed in October 2021, has been put up for sale for £175,000.

The church, which dates back to 1904, has been a feature of Hampsthwaite life for more than a century. It served as a Sunday school as well as a place of worship.

It is among a group of churches being sold by Nidd Valley Methodist Circuit in Harrogate. The asking price has not been revealed.

Rev Ben Clowes, superintendent minister of the circuit, said:

“Hampsthwaite chapel stood at the heart of the community for over 100 years and the work of the people there is remembered very fondly by many across the area.

“The time has come to sell this property as our mission to the village of Hampsthwaite continues from our other local churches.”

The single-storey building on Hollins Lane includes a main hall, two school rooms, a kitchen, toilets, a small basement and garden space at the front.

The organ was relocated to another Methodist church in Hebden Bridge by a specialist company from Norfolk, W & A Boggis, which dismantled it, transported the parts and then rebuilt it in situ in Hebden Bridge.

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Commercial property consultants Lambert Smith Hampton, which has been instructed to find a buyer, has said the site has development potential for a variety of uses, subject to planning permissions and other consents.

Richard Corby, director at Lambert Smith Hampton, said:

“We are excited to be marketing this outstanding opportunity to acquire an important historical asset in the beautiful North Yorkshire village of Hampsthwaite, just 5 miles from Harrogate.

“Several individuals have already come forward with a wide range of proposed uses for the building, so we need to assess what will be the best outcome for the church.”

The government has approved a plan to convert a former Post Office in Harrogate into 23 holiday apartments.

The Post Office on Cambridge Road controversially relocated to WH Smith in 2019 amid claims by Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones the service was being “downgraded”. The building has stood empty since.

In December last year, Harrogate Borough Council rejected plans by Leeds-based Priestley Group to convert the building into self-serviced holiday flats with a commercial unit on the ground floor.

At the time, the council cited poor residential amenity, lack of information on waste disposal and “a significant adverse impact on the vitality or viability of the retail offering” as reasons for refusal.

However, the government’s Planning Inspectorate has now approved the plan after Priestley Group appealed the decision.

Read more:

• Masham brewery Theakston returns to profit
• Plan to convert former Harrogate post office into 11 flats approved

In her decision notice, Susan Hunt, a planning inspector, said although the apartments would not be suitable for long-term residents, those living in the flats would be “temporary and transient”.

She added that a condition could be set for waste disposal to “appropriately deal with the council’s concern”.

Ms Hunt also said the addition of a commercial unit would add to the vibrancy and vitality of the town centre.

She said:

“I have had regard to the comments that the council’s economic section and the advice from a commercial agent that a smaller unit would be more affordable for and attractive to individual and independent retailers. 

“There is a lack of evidence before me to suggest that smaller retail and commercial units would harm the vitality and viability of the town centre. Accordingly, I consider that a variety of sizes of unit would add to the choice within Harrogate town centre.”

The move comes as the developer had previously had plans for 11 flats at the site approved in February this year.

The Stray Ferret asked Priestley Group whether it would now proceed with the latest approval for holiday flats for the site, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

Plans to create a Harrogate town council look set to go ahead after a second consultation revealed the majority of respondents support the idea.

Letters were posted to 35,583 homes in Harrogate inviting them to have their say on the subject.

The results, published today, reveal 65.5% said they were in favour of the move — which would lead to the creation of a new council tax charge.

However, just 1,698 responded, which represents just 4.7% of households.

North Yorkshire Council launched the second consultation as part of a community governance review in March.

Harrogate and Scarborough are the only parts of the county not to have a parish or town council.

The areas in Harrogate which are set to pay extra council tax to fund the town council.

The first consultation in Harrogate, which began in August last year and received only a 3.5% response rate, revealed 75% supported a town council — so support has waned.

In a report due before councillors on Wednesday, a recommendation will be made to refer the responses to full council later this year.

Cllr David Chance, executive councillor for corporate services at the council, said:

“The public consultations which have been carried out in the areas under review have shown that there is support among residents who responded to the consultation for town councils to be created for both Harrogate and Scarborough.

“Full consultations have been conducted to gauge the public’s opinions on the proposals, and the recommendation is now for a full council meeting to discuss the plans for the two new councils.

“If the decision is taken to introduce the town councils for both Harrogate and Scarborough, this will provide more democratically-elected voices for both areas to ensure that the views of local people are heard effectively to help us deliver key services.”

Read more:

• Second consultation to be held on whether to form Harrogate town council
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Establishing a town council, with yet to be determined powers, is expected to create an additional annual council tax charge of between £40 and £60 for the homes affected.

The town councils would be formed for administrative purposes from April 2024, and the first elections would be on May 2, 2024, when councillors would be elected for a reduced term of three years. Elections would then take place every four years from 2027.

The parish would be divided into divisions, based largely on the divisions that now apply since North Yorkshire Council was established in the spring.

A total of 19 members would be elected to the town council.

Police are urgently appealing for information to find a Harrogate woman who has not been seen for two weeks.

Felicia Dunkley, 56, was last seen by neighbours at her flat on Spa Lane in Starbeck just before 6pm on Wednesday, June 14.

She was reported missing by her family on Tuesday, June 20.

North Yorkshire Police said last night concerns were growing for her welfare following enquiries in both North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.

It said in a statement:

“Felicia previously lived in Leeds and she is known to travel by bus to Leeds Bus Station.

“As well as her home in Starbeck, she has also lived in the Euclid Avenue area of Harrogate and often visited the Aldi supermarket on Oak Beck Road.

“She tends to go to busy areas such as shopping centres where she likes to sit down on benches or in seating areas.”

It added:

“Checks have been made with transport hubs, hospitals and homeless shelters without any sign of Felicia.

“It is not known if she has access to money and she does not have a mobile phone.”

Police are urging people to come forward if they have potentially seen Felicia at any point since June 14.

Felicia is described as black, aged 56, 5ft 6in tall, stocky build, medium-length black hair, and she wears glasses.

She is likely to have on a knitted grey cardigan, all dark clothing, and green trainers.

Anyone with information about Felicia’s whereabouts during the past two weeks should contact North Yorkshire Police without delay on 101, select option 1, and speak to the force control room.

For immediate sightings, dial 999.

Quote reference number 12230113606.

Read more:

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• Starbeck Baths to close at Christmas for £29,000 heating repair work

Staff well-being and culture have rapidly risen up the priority list for many employers.  At the next Stray Ferret Business Club  we’ll hear from award winning employer, LCF Law, on how organisations can ensure their teams are productive and happy. 

The lunch event is lunch at Manahatta, on June 29th at 12.30pm. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Ripon business organisation held its first networking event this past week as traders shared their concerns with the town’s MP Julian Smith.

Ripon Business Improvement District hosted the session at the Town Hall which was chaired by Stuart Gill of the Newby Hall Estate.

It included a question and answer session with Mr Smith as well as discussion over anti-social behaviour in the city, business rates and banking facilities.

Lilia Bathurst, manager at Ripon BID, said:

“Ripon BID would like to thank all those who attended, Stuart Gill for chairing the meeting and Janet Moore from Wakeman’s House Café who provided the excellent buffet lunch and looks forward to being able to host another networking event soon.”

Knaresborough firm wins award for fourth time

A Knaresborough car finance firm has won an award for the fourth time in a row.

Oracle Car FInance, which is based on Manse Lane, won the best specialist finance provider at the Credit Strategy Car Finance Awards 2023.

Staff from Oracle Car Finance at the ceremony.

Held at Lancashire Cricket Club, the event aims to recognise dealers, brokers and independent lenders in the car industry.

Oracle picked up the award after winning it in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

A spokesperson for the firm said:

“The win is a huge testament to the hard work and dedication that everyone at Oracle Finance put into ensuring that we remain the ‘gold standard for car finance’ – not our words, the words of a number of our lenders on our expansive panel.”

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Architects have been appointed to lead a major long-term redevelopment at Harewood House.

The scheme will see a new playground and visitor centre created and the gardens overhauled at the historic home of the Earl and Countess of Harewood.

Harewood House Trust, the charity that maintains the stately home between Harrogate and Leeds, said today the project will “deliver fantastic enhancements to Harewood’s visitor offer”.

It has declined to reveal the cost but said the project will be partly funded by the Lascelles Family Will Trust and by fundraising.

More than 250,000 visitors a year visit the grade I listed house, gardens and landscapes designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

This year the bird garden closed after more than 50 years and more major changes are now in the pipeline.

The bakehouse, a grade two listed building, will be converted to a welcome centre with visitor facilities and a family activity space.

The old play area will be replaced with what the trust described as “an imaginative and inclusive playground with appeal for all ages and abilities”.

The gardens and landscapes will be reimagined by the Landscape Agency in partnership with garden designer Matthew Wilson.

Read more:

• Harewood bird garden to close in just nine days’ time
• Former stables and cricket pavilion to be demolished in Harrogate 480-home plan

Leeds firm Bauman Lyons Architects has been appointed to lead the scheme.

Rachel Crewes, chief executive of the trust, said:

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of such impressive teams at the outset of this project. Their combined experience of creatively developing public heritage spaces, with great sensitivity to conservation, sustainability and accessibility, will undoubtedly deliver fantastic enhancements to Harewood’s visitor offer.”

The trust hopes to apply for planning permission late this year and begin work on the playground first next year.

The Stray Ferret has asked the trust, which is fundraising for the project, how much it is expected to cost.

Primary students in Starbeck have urged local drivers to turn off their engines while waiting at a level crossing.

Pupils took part in a competition organised by the Starbeck Residents’ Association to design a banner asking motorists to “Stop Idling”.

The Starbeck level crossing is known for being one of the most congested areas in Harrogate.  It is used on average by over 14,000 vehicles daily, many of which keep their engines running whilst waiting for a train to pass.

This is not the first time Starbeck Primary Academy has campaigned on the issue, having participated in an educational campaign on the same problem last year.

Chris Watt, Chair of the Starbeck Residents’ Association, commented:

“People using our High Street are being subjected to unnecessary air pollution which could be improved if drivers simply turned off their engines while waiting at the level crossing.

“They would also save on their own fuel bills.”

Approximately 40,000 deaths a year in the UK are linked to air pollution, according to the Royal College of Physicians. 

Emissions are particularly harmful to children’s growing lungs.

Headteacher, Garry de Castro-Morland said:

“This is a vital topic that we continue to discuss with our pupils and work closely with the community to tackle.”

He also emphasised the importance of a curriculum with a focus on environmental issues that could leave a positive impact on local communities.

The winning banner design, created by enthusiastic year five pupil Freya, 10, has recently been unveiled near Starbeck station where it is now visible to motorists.

Mr Watt added:

“The entries to our competition were amazing, showing huge imagination and creativity and we are delighted with the final banner.”

The Residents’ Association hopes that the school’s contribution will serve as a lasting reminder to drivers to switch their engines off at the crossing.

Read more

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