Rail services across the Harrogate district look set to be hit by cancellations over the half-term holiday as trade union members go on strike over pay and conditions.

The strikes are set to effect services to Harrogate and Knaresborough between Leeds and York.

Industrial action by ASLEF and the RMT unions will hit the region’s train services on three days next week. ASLEF, which largely represents train drivers, will stage its action on Wednesday, May 31 and Saturday, June 3. Customers are advised to avoid travel on those days.

The RMT union, whose 20,000 members work as caterers, train managers and station staff, has announced its own action on Friday, June 2. On that day, customers are advised to check revised timetables before they travel as only a limited service will be in operation.

Train operator Northern said that early-morning and late-night services on Thursday, June 1 would also likely be affected, due to the impact that strikes have on fleet displacement.

In a press release about the national industrial action, ASLEF said:

“Most of the drivers have not had a pay increase at all since 2019 and, with inflation still well over 10% and the cost of living spiralling, this is not acceptable.”

Travellers are advised to check revised timetables before leaving home.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said:

“The government is once again not allowing the Rail Delivery Group to make an improved offer that we can consider. Therefore, we have to pursue our industrial campaign to win a negotiated settlement on jobs, pay and conditions.”

Northern’s new summer timetable came into effect at the weekend. While most services will run as normal, the train operator is urging people who make regular trips on the same trains to use the Check My Timetable feature on its website to see details specific to their local station.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:

“We apologise, once again, for the disruption this action by ASELF and the RMT will cause to our customers.

“This latest round of industrial action looks set to hamper people’s opportunity to explore the region during the half-term holidays. It’s understandably very frustrating.

“We all want to see an end to this dispute and the uncertainty that on-going strike action causes to people’s confidence in the railway.”

• More rail strikes in Harrogate and Knaresborough this week
• Thousands of teachers descend on Harrogate as new strikes called
• No trains in Harrogate district today amid further rail strikes

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is after-work drinks at Manahatta, on May 25th at 5:30.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Two Harrogate companies have announced sponsorship contracts with Harrogate International Festivals.

Harrogate Family Law, which is based at Victoria Avenue, has signed up as premier partners for the festivals alongside Rudding Park, Nicholls Tyreman and Theakston.

Meanwhile, IT company Croft Communications has agreed to be communications partner for the event.

Andrew Meehan, managing director at Harrogate Family Law, said: 

“We are delighted to be renewing as a premier partner and supporting the festivals for another year. Harrogate International Festivals is renowned for putting on a selection of world class entertainment with some of the best industry talent.”

Sharon Canavar, Harrogate Festivals chief executive, pictured with Mark Bramley, CEO at Croft Communications.

Mark Bramley, Croft Communications chief executive, said: 

“As a new sponsor, our business is proud to be playing a part in the line-up of exciting events Harrogate International Festivals is due to be hosting.

“We look forward to seeing the amazing cultural experiences brought to life in Harrogate this year.”

Company sponsors Boroughbridge Junior football team

A Boroughbridge company has agreed a sponsorship deal with a local junior football team.

The Martin Bell Partnership, which provides strategic and practical support for healthcare, has sponsored Boroughbridge Juniors Under-16s boy’s football team.

It will see the squad wear the company logo on their kits next season.

Borougbridge Juniors Under-16s.

Martin Bell, owner of the company, said: 

“I am delighted to be able to support the team with sponsorship. They have had a solid year and can look forward to the new season with a strong squad of local lads who love their football. 

“The new kits will provide a boost to the players and give them confidence as they compete in the Harrogate and District Junior League and regional cup competitions.”

Chris Fahy, Boroughbridge Juniors FC chair added: 

“Without the support of the community and sponsorship from organisations like The Martin Bell Partnership we would not have such a thriving club, so we thank them for their support.

“That support allows us to provide football experiences for more than 150 children at the club aged six to 18 years.”

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North Yorkshire Council has revealed plans to open a school for autistic children on the site of the former Woodfield Community Primary School.

The school in Bilton closed at the end of last year and has been empty since.

A council report prepared for a meeting next week recommends consulting on plans to re-open the school in September next year.

The school would cater for up to 80 students with autism aged 11 to 19. A total of £3.5 million would be spent on upgrading the site.

The report says there is “no short to medium-term need to re-establish additional mainstream places in Woodfield” but the number of young people with identified SEND and an EHCP has increased by over 110% in North Yorkshire since 2016.  It adds:

“The site at Woodfield offers the opportunity to create this provision and give this group of children access to suitable peer groups and academic challenge in order to reach their aspirations.

“This would provide children and families with a more local offer of provision than is currently unavailable without significant travel.

“The planning assumption is that the new provision would ultimately operate with a capacity of around 80 pupils and would serve an age range of 11 to 19.”

The report adds there will be “no changes” to the community library and children’s centre on the same site.

Councillors will vote next week on whether to accept the recommendation and begin consulting on the plans.

Read more:

• Still no decision on future of Woodfield school site
• Councillor outlines plans for new train station in Harrogate

Whether you’re a parent worrying about keeping your children entertained this half-term or just looking for a bit of early-summer fun, the Harrogate district and beyond has lots on offer to keep a smile on the whole family’s face.

From a day at the races to castle tours, we have collated a list of activities taking place over and around the May half-term period.

Fun for all the family: Doncaster Races

Derby Day Rocks feat. Magic Queen

If you’re looking for something to keep both parents and children happy, Derby Day Rocks at Doncaster Racecourse could be the perfect way to spend the half-term weekend!

With 8 races to be enjoyed, as well as a live streaming of Epsom Derby to watch, and even a Queen Tribute act, it’s no doubt your day will rock.

Derby Day Rocks will take place on Saturday, June 3 – gates open at 11.30am.

And if that wasn’t enough, the Stray Ferret has teamed up with Doncaster Racecourse to bring you discounted County tickets! Watch all the races from the second floor of the main stand – the perfect place to see your winning horse cross the finish line.

To buy your discounted tickets, click here – be quick!

Superhero Family Fun Day Raceday

If you’re thinking of merging some belated half-term fun with Father’s Day celebrations, then Doncaster Racecourse has another event which will be sure to make the whole family smile!

While parents can enjoy 7 horse races, children can meet their favourite superheroes, dance at the disco, and even go on the fairground rides! What more could you ask for?

Superhero Family Day will take place on Sunday, June 18 – the first race begins at 2.15pm.

The Stray Ferret has teamed up with Doncaster Racecourse to bring you discounted tickets Grandstand admission! This gives you access to public bars, eateries, betting outlets and views on the racing action including the parade ring and pre-parade ring.

Get your discounted adult tickets here — be quick! The tickets will sell out fast.

For a little bit of history…

Ripley Castle

If you’re interested in embracing both the history our local area has to offer, as well as some beautiful gardens in bloom, then Ripley Castle will be the perfect solution!

Enjoy six of the Castle’s rooms on your guided tour and bring a taste of history to life this half-term.

Take a stroll around the Castle’s Walled Gardens to discover the beauty nature has on offer, including an extensive collection of hyacinths, a variety of tree specimens and an abundance of spring flowers. The range of hot houses contain an impressive range of tropical plants, ferns and cacti, whilst ancient wisteria and clematis trail across the south-facing walls.

The Walled kitchen garden contains an extraordinary herb bed and many rare vegetables.

Get lost in the deer park in the grounds of the Castle and meet plenty of wildlife along your way — including fallow deer and herons.

To add to all the excitement, the Stray Ferret has teamed up with Ripley Castle to bring our readers 2-for-1 admission over the half term period — meaning two adults and two children can enjoy a guided castle tour, as well as the gardens and grounds for just £15! Now that will be a happy half-term…

Click here to buy tickets.

One for the parents in need…

Whittaker’s Gin

If you’re a parent looking to let off some steam this half-term — or simply just love gin — then Whittaker’s Gin will be exactly what you’re looking for!

Whittaker’s Gin Distillery, the home of all things gin (and now whisky), is located in Dacre Banks, just outside Harrogate.

Enjoy a complimentary G&T on arrival followed by a tour with the Whittaker’s distillers around the distillery, where they will go through the gin and whisky production process, and then into the whisky barrel warehouse.

When you get back into the bar area, there will be a  sit down tasting of 9 different gins with delicious nibbles of Weatherheads Butcher’s pork pies.

To round off, there is another complimentary G&T of your choice or alternatively you can take a 5cl bottle home to have your G&T later.

With our exclusive offer, Stray Ferret readers can enjoy two tickets for the price of one! The voucher offer grants you and a guest access to the guided distillery tour, as well as the extras mentioned above.

Click here to buy your ticket — hurry…these are selling fast!

For some summer air… 

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden:

May half-term Trail

For those that enjoy that great outdoors, Fountains Abbey’s May half-term trail may be a good option.

Visitors can explore the ‘sanctuary for nature’ in the Deer Park. Learn about the variety of wildlife that resides in the grounds by exploring grassland, freshwater, woodland and much more!

No booking is needed, and the trail is free to enjoy.

The trail will take place within the Deer Park from May, 27, to June, 4, between 10am and 4.30pm.

Find more information here.

Create your own mini bug house!

Fountains Abbey is also hosting a drop-in workshop in which visitors can design and create their very own bug house.

Once complete, attendees can explore the estate to gather some wriggly residents for their bug house! The perfect recipe to combine fresh air and crafts…

The workshop is free to attend but normal admission charges for the venue apply – a family ticket is £27.

The workshop will take place in Swanley Grange – located near the Visitor Centre – from May 27 to June 4, between 11am and 3pm.

Click here for more information.

Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park:

Flower Power Nature Weaving

To continue the mixture of fresh air and creativity, Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, near Ripon, is inviting families to take part in its Flower Power Nature Weaving.

Visitors can pick up a collectors bag from the ticket office and venture through the park to see what nature provides to weave into the Earth Loom.

The event will take place daily from May 27 to June 4, from 10am.

For more information, click here.

To shelter from the (potential) rain…

Harrogate Theatre: The ‘Not So’ Grimm Twins

For those of you looking for a potential rainy-day activity, Harrogate Theatre’s production of The ‘Not So” Grimm Twins could be a good option for you.

Storytellers, Jake and Will Grimm, will guide you through some re-worked versions of your favourite fairy tales and will need the audiences help along the way!

The play will take place on Saturday, May 27 at 11am and 2pm.

Tickets start at £12 – click here for more information.

Harrogate District Hospital has pledged to ensure services are maintained ahead of a planned 72-hour walkout by junior doctors.

The British Medical Association announced it will take action after talks with government over a pay increase broke down.

Staff will walkout at 7am on Wednesday, June 14, until 7am on Saturday, June 17.

Officials at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust have said that a “strike planning team” will be set up to maintain services during the industrial action.

Patients will be urged to attend appointments as normal unless contacted to reschedule.

A spokesperson for the trust said:

“In response to the recent announcement that junior doctors, who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA), are set to undertake 72 hours of industrial action in June, we will be establishing a multi-professional strike planning team to develop plans to ensure essential services can be maintained on the strike days, and to minimise as much as possible any impact on our services, staff and patients.

“Patients should continue to attend appointments as planned unless contacted to reschedule. We will be re-arranging any postponed appointments as a priority. We appreciate this situation is frustrating for patients affected and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“Nobody should put off seeking urgent or emergency care during the strike, and key services will continue to operate.”

Read more:

• Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dems call for Yorkshire Water overhaul
• Harrogate knee surgeon’s breakthrough gains national interest
• Almost 500 appointments cancelled at Harrogate hospital due to junior doctors’ strike

The walkout will be the third time junior doctors have taken strike action this year.

In April, 470 appointments and 21 operations were cancelled and rescheduled at Harrogate District Hospital as a result of the second round of strikes.

The move comes as the BMA described the latest government pay offer of a 5% increase for junior doctors as “in no way credible”.

Dr Vivek Trivedi and Dr Robert Laurenson, co-chairs of the BMA junior doctors committee, said the government “would simply not accept the fundamental reality of the pay cuts” staff had faced.

It is disappointing that @BMA_JuniorDocs have decided to call for more strike action.

We made a fair and reasonable offer, and were in active discussions on a range of issues.

I am still keen to continue talks if these hugely disruptive strikes are called off.

— Steve Barclay (@SteveBarclay) May 22, 2023

In response, Steve Barclay, health and social care secretary, described the news of the walkout as “disappointing”.

He said:

“We made a fair and reasonable offer, and were in active discussions on a range of issues.

“I am still keen to continue talks if these highly disruptive strikes are called off.”

North Yorkshire Council looks set to loan £500,000 to a Harrogate housing company to cover “high expenditure costs”.

Bracewell Homes was set up by Harrogate Borough Council in 2019 but is now fully-owned by North Yorkshire Council following this year’s local government shake-up.

It was created to generate a profit for the council and to intervene in Harrogate’s pricey property market by delivering much-needed rental and shared ownership homes at affordable prices.

It is currently marketing two-bed properties at Hughlings Close, Green Hammerton, and two and three-bedroom homes at The Willows on Whinney Lane in Harrogate.

However, the company requires a “drawdown” in order to cover high expenditure going into this financial year.

Council officials said it would cover costs before “high income amounts” are received.

A report due before North Yorkshire Council’s executive on Tuesday will recommend approving the loan.

It says:

“A drawdown of £500,000 is now required urgently in order to pay final invoices on sites that Bracewell are already in contract for.

“The loan will cover the high expenditure costs forecast for the beginning of the year before the high income amounts start to be received.”

Read more:

• Harrogate councillor appointed county’s climate champion
• Harrogate Station Gateway: new report reveals financial risks

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council which sites the loan is designed to pay invoices for and when it expects the sum to be repaid, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

The move comes as questions have been raised over the performance of Bracewell Homes.

Last year, the company paid no dividends despite the now-defunct borough council budgeting to receive £267,000.

At the time, Paul Foster, who was head of finance at the council, said the company was still “extremely profitable” and that it had continued to sell properties, although at a smaller percentage of shares than expected.

He said: 

“The company isn’t able to pay a dividend this year and the reason for that is a proportion of the shared home properties it has sold have been at shares of 25% and 30%.

“It would need to have sold shares of up to 50% for them to have enough cash to provide a dividend.

“In December, four or five properties were sold at a lower share than the company was forecasting and as a result there is less cash in the company.

“The company is not underperforming in particular. It is just not selling the larger shares which make it more cash rich.”

Green Party councillors have accused the Conservatives of putting party politics before the climate crisis following the appointment of a climate champion for North Yorkshire last week.

At a full meeting of the council in Northallerton, Conservative councillor for Bilton and Nidd Gorge, Paul Haslam and Green Party councillor for Ouseburn, Arnold Warneken made pitches about why they were best suited for the role, which involves encouraging positive action on the climate.

This led independent councillor for Filey, Sam Cross, to put forward a motion that would see the job shared, adding “the more brains fighting climate change the better”.

Councillors voted on the job share but it was narrowly defeated by 43 votes to 42 after the Conservatives, which is the largest party on the council, rejected the proposal.

Cllr Paul Haslam

Cllr Haslam then defeated Cllr Warneken by 46 to 38 in a second vote to become climate champion.

Speaking this week, Cllr Warneken said he was disappointed the Conservatives denied the job share. He said:

“Like many Greens, I am used to working alongside others and establishing good working relationships even when we disagree occasionally.

“This was a real opportunity for the ruling group to show that they want to work with others in order to help make the new council stronger. They comprehensively failed that task.”

Read more:

• Claim North Yorkshire Council ‘not in people’s faces’ about climate change
• North Yorkshire County Council finally declares climate emergency
• Harrogate councillor appointed county’s climate champion

Before the job share vote, Cllr Gareth Dadd, the Conservative member for Thirsk, sought clarification from the senior legal officer Barry Khan on whether the arrangement would go against the council’s constitution.

Mr Khan confirmed there was nothing in the constitution to prevent the two councillors from sharing the role and the allowance that comes with it.

Cllr Kevin Foster, leader of the Green group on North Yorkshire Council, added:

“We heard from the Conservatives on numerous occasions about working in collaboration, we in the green group have always been open to working with any parties and we still stand by that.

“The green group want a new politics and want to work in a way that will take all views in to consideration. Unfortunately the Conservatives just want more of the same. The public made it clear in the last election they think politics is broken and we want to fix it. It really is sad that the Conservative thirst for power is more important than a balanced view.”

Despite Mr Khan’s comments last week, Conservative council leader, Carl Les, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he believed the constitution does not allow for two climate champions or for a job share agreement.

He added:

“It could be looked at in the future, but the opposition members were determined to push for a vote. Both candidates made speeches in favour of their suitability for the role, and I and my colleagues supported Cllr Haslam. That’s democracy in action.”

Harrogate’s first Polish Heritage Day took place at Harrogate High School on Sunday.

Open to people from all backgrounds, it promoted integration and raised funds for the Polish Saturday School, which meets every two weeks at the high school.

Anna Chojnowska and Katarzyna Gorczak from the Saturday school led on organising the event.

The day began with a Poland vs England football. match, which the English team won 3-2, and included numerous stalls and activities showcasing Polish life.

Aleksandra Timberlake, a teacher at the Polish school, said there are an estimated 2,000 people of Polish descent in the Harrogate area and four Polish shops.

Ms Timberlake said:

“The event was an absolute blast. We couldn’t ask for a better result.

“Everyone had a fantastic time, from all the great independent businesses, that were there, to lots and lots of lovely people, who came round for a bit of fun.

“We managed to raise great amount of money, that will help us run our Polish Saturday School. As a charity every little help goes a long way.”

Here are some photos from the day.

There was a display of some classic Polish cars.

The Poland vs England football teams

(left to right) Kasia Gorczak, Magda Blazewska and Emilie Beles selling treats

Paintball was among the attractions

Patryk Gowin, vice-consul at the Polish consulate in Manchester, visited

There was no shortage of delicious food.

Traditional Krakow costumes

The event took place at Harrogate High School.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s first Polish Heritage Day to be held tomorrow
• Councillor outlines plans for new train station in Harrogate

Hotels, pubs, restaurants, care homes and communities are being called on to be part of a floral competition in Harrogate for the first time since before the pandemic.

Harrogate in Bloom (HIB) has launched its annual contest for businesses and community organisations this summer.

It will be the first time the competition has been run in full since 2019, after being called off in 2020.

HIB member Mary Mann, who helps to organise the competition, told the Stray Ferret:

“We couldn’t meet or go round to see the gardens during covid.

“We did a small competition last year, but we’re determined it’s going to get back to normal this year. We used to have masses of entries before covid.”

The competition has four categories: bars and restaurants, hotels and guesthouses, residential communities, and communal gardens.

The latter is aimed at public places such as churches which have outside space, while residential communities are often blocks of flats with communal gardens.

Read more:

• Regal floral art wows visitors at Harrogate Flower Show
• Harrogate school pupil’s flower bed design for Queen’s Jubilee wins trophy

The size of the garden is not important in any of the categories – the judges will be looking at the way the space is maintained and the use of flowers, including those in containers.

Each entrant will be judged against RHS criteria and given an award for the standard it achieves, from a certificate of merit up to a gold award. A winner will be announced in each category in September.

Judging will be carried out by Chris Beard and Roger Brownbridge, both experienced Yorkshire in Bloom and Harrogate in Bloom judges.

To find out more about the competition, or enter by the deadline of June 30, click here.

Meanwhile, Harrogate is also gearing up for judging in the regional Yorkshire in Bloom contest.

Members of HIB and other organisations have been working hard to ensure the town is shown off at its best over the summer, maintaining its long tradition of success in floral competitions.

Harrogate BID, meanwhile, has been selected for Britain in Bloom after winning gold in last year’s Yorkshire Contest. The business organisation will be supported by members of HIB to prepare for judging.

Ripon firm Econ Engineering is launching its first electric gritter at a trade show in Harrogate today.

The Electric Quick Change Body has a demountable bodywork, which enables the vehicle to switch from gritting to tipping in 15 minutes.

Econ’s research and development team worked with Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland and truck dealer Crossroads to create the prototype, which is built on a 19-tonne Volvo FE Electric 4×2 chassis.

Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ, which is the UK’s leading manufacturer of winter maintenance and highways vehicles, said:

“We have spent a long time developing the new E-QCB, undertaking comprehensive redesigns and trialling it, to ensure that we can offer a fully electric solution for our customers that can be used all-year round.

“The vehicle operates best in urban environments, where daily mileage is typically less than some longer distance motorways or rural routes.

“As it is easy to switch body types with this model, customers can benefit from operating the vehicle all year-round.”

Econ supplies gritters to many local authorities, which are increasingly demanding green vehicles to meet zero-emission targets.

The gritter will be unveiled today on the Econ stand at the two-day winter highway maintenance conference Cold Comfort 2023 at Harrogate Convention Centre.

Christian Coolsaet, managing director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said:

“Every part of the transport sector needs to have its sights set on achieving net zero, and gritting and snowploughing is no exception.

“The team at Econ has developed an exceptional new product with our FE Electric chassis at its heart; this is going to allow gritter fleets to reap the benefits of operating cleaner, quieter and more efficient trucks.”

Read more:

• Bird flu kills 70 birds at nature reserve near Ripon
• Council orders deep clean for Ripon War Memorial