The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Tickets will be available later this week.

A Harrogate builders’ merchants is supporting an online training course to teach builders about retrofitting homes.

GH Brooks is hosting a sign-up event at its branch on Claro Road to help the initiative to make buildings more energy efficient.

The course is being launched by the charity Zero Carbon Harrogate on July 7 between 7am and 11am.

It is designed to help prepare the local building trade for home retrofit specifications.

John Kerr, Zero Carbon Harrogate’s retrofit programme manager, said: 

“We are so pleased that GH Brooks are helping us spread the word about retrofit and the free training we have on offer.  

“A big part of retrofitting homes is supported by good suppliers like them and supporting their customers. We really hope that the local building trades take advantage of this training, preparing them for both demand from homeowners and new legislation in home efficiency measures.”

For more information on how to sign up for the online course, visit the Zero Carbon Harrogate website here.

Rudding Park wins at industry award ceremony

Rudding Park Hotel and Spa has won an award at the annual Good Spa Guide awards.

The spa, which is based on Rudding Lane, picked up the best spa for the eco conscious award.

The ceremony was held at the Spa Life Convention in Gloucestershire on July 3.

Sarah Johnson, Rudding Park head of Spa, collecting the award with members of her team; Lorraine Kennedy, Emma Sorby and Megan Ainsworth.

Rudding Park was one of eight finalists, which also included The Spa at Carden Park and Swinton Country Club & Spa.

Sarah Johnson head of Rudding Park Spa said:

“As a responsible business the environment and sustainability is a key focus for us combined with ensuring we provide guests with an exceptional spa experience.

“Offering guests something new and embracing our natural environment is really important, so we are absolutely thrilled to have won the award for the best spa for the eco conscious.”

Firefighters were summoned to a Harrogate hotel today when a person trapped in a lift suffered a panic attack.

A crew from Harrogate were called to the hotel on Ripon Road at 9.21am this morning.

According to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report, three members of staff were stuck in a lift.

The report does not say which hotel it was or how long they were trapped.

It said:

“Crews gained entry to the lift and administered oxygen to one occupant who was suffering from a panic attack.

“Incident then lift with life engineer.”

Read more:

• ‘Do it for David’ Harrogate Festivals boss set for Great North Run
• Historic Harrogate hotel reopens after 152-day transformation

A well-known figure in Harrogate’s cultural life has set herself a new challenge to support a cause close to her heart.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, is aiming to complete the Great North Run to raise money for the Stroke Association.

She has chosen the charity after leading Harrogate businessman David Simister suffered a life-changing stroke in early March.

Having set a target of £1,500, she is already more than a third of the way there, just 24 hours after setting up her fundraising page – and said she hopes to raise even more before the event in September.

Sharon said:

“David is so well-loved. He was involved in so much and really cared about everything he worked on. Particularly over the pandemic, he was great with keeping the show on the road.

“I don’t think I’ve met anyone with a bad word to say about him.”

After growing up in Harrogate and attending Ashville College, Mr Simister trained as a journalist before founding Different PR with former schoolmate Richard Chew.

As well as working with a number of high-profile clients, he was heavily involved with Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce and became its chief executive in 2021. He has stepped back from his current roles as a result of his illness.

Sharon Canavar in green next to David Simister and the HIF team

Having done the Great North Run three times previously, Sharon said it will be emotional running for a close business connection and personal friend.

She has not run regularly since suffering an injury during the covid pandemic, and credits the Harrogate Town Running Group with getting her back to training to be ready for the Great North Run.

However, she has the small matter of HIF’s busiest few weeks of the year to get through first.

The summer season was launched at the weekend, with the flagship Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival scheduled for two weeks’ time.

This year’s events also include a children’s festival on July 15 and 16, and the Harrogate Carnival on July 30, which falls just six weeks before the run.

Sharon said:

“Running is quite good for stress relief. It’s good to get out and go for a stomp and work things through in my mind.

“David has been such a key part of my personal and festivals life, it’s really giving me the motivation to keep going and raise as much as possible to support him and other people affected by strokes.”

To support Sharon’s fundraising for the Stroke Association, click here.

The councillor responsible for highways in North Yorkshire has defended a review into speeding amid concern the local authority is delaying the introduction of 20 miles per hour speed limits.

Campaigners, headteachers and local councillors have called for a timescale on bringing in 20 miles per hour speed limits in Pannal Ash and Oatlands areas in Harrogate.

But Cllr Keane Duncan, the executive councillor for highways at North Yorkshire Council, said today the authority would not support default 20 miles per hour zones within the county.

It will instead draw up a speed management strategy to “guide a countywide review of speed limits across towns, villages and rural road”.

Cllr Duncan said this “tailored approach” to road safety measures that would not delay road safety measures.

Read more:

• Harrogate school road safety petition handed in to council
• Stray Views: Drivers use Badger Hill as ‘speed track’

Hazel Peacock, of the Oatlands Road Safety and Active Travel Campaign, and Dr Jennie Marks, of Pannal Ash Safe Streets, told the meeting 20 miles per hour limits in their areas were “urgently needed” and called for timescales on implementation.

Councillors on the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee passed a motion supporting the campaigners’ plea last year.

Earlier this week, leaders of 13 schools and education settings in Harrogate also backed the measure.

But it required the support of the council’s Conservative-controlled executive today.

Headteachers, councillors and campaigners united to call for urgent road safety measures this week.

In response, Cllr Duncan said measures were already being considered for the areas which are “not narrowly limited to 20 miles per hour limits only”.

He added:

“Work on these measures is already in progress and nothing within today’s new approach to setting speed limits will delay work that is already ongoing nor prevent implementation of appropriate 20 miles per hour zones in Pannal Ash and Oatlands.”

Cllr Duncan added that proposals for the Otley Road sustainable transport package would go before the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee in September.

Meanwhile, further consultation on the delayed Oatlands feasibility study, which aims to cut congestion in the area, would be carried out later this year.

A missing Harrogate woman has been found, police have said this afternoon.

The woman, was reported missing by her family on Tuesday, June 20 — six days after she was last seen by neighbours at her flat in Starbeck on June 14 .

North Yorkshire Police issued an urgent appeal for help finding her that day.

The force have now said:

“The 56-year-old woman who went missing from the Starbeck area on Wednesday 14 June has been found.”

Read more:

• Lib Dems withdraw support for Harrogate’s Station Gateway
• Starbeck children urge drivers to switch engines off at level crossing

The Liberal Democrats have withdrawn their support for the Station Gateway proposal in central Harrogate.

The move was announced by Cllr Chris Aldred at North Yorkshire Council’s executive today, after several of the party members voted in favour of the scheme in May.

He said their support had been on condition that North Yorkshire Council engaged in a meaningful way with residents, businesses and the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee over the plans.

Cllr Aldred, who represents High Harrogate and Kingsley division, said:

“It is with disappointment that I am speaking here today. Disappointment at the failure of this executive to engage with business and residents in a meaningful way.

“Disappointment at the failure of this executive to respect the recommendations of Harrogate’s democratically elected Councillors on Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Committee.

“And disappointment that those most closely affected are left feeling ignored, with their genuine concerns sidelined.”

The issue had already split the party, with area constituency committee chairman Cllr Pat Marsh voting against the plans, while several other Lib Dems supported them.

Cllr Marsh then went to a meeting of the executive to ask its members to drop the proposal, despite her committee having voted to ask the executive to proceed.

Read more:

• Harrogate businessmen give council notice of Station Gateway legal action
• Council spends £2m on consultants for Harrogate’s Station Gateway

Cllr Aldred said the executive had failed to meet a deadline of June 30 to set up a working group of the area constituency committee and to arrange face-to-face meetings with concerned residents and businesses.

Calling for more engagement with the local councillors over the Station Gateway plans, he added:

“Liberal Democrat members will continue to monitor every aspect of this scheme, on behalf of our residents and hold the executive to account for every pound of public money spent on it.

“But we simply can not support a scheme that is being driven by an administration determined to ignore residents, businesses and councillors alike – an administration who constantly fall short of what is expected.

“This administration seems more focused on clinging to power and has prioritised its own political backroom conversations aimed at maintaining a majority in the chamber, above getting a grip on this controversial issue.

“We have given you enough opportunities to demonstrate you are sincere and competent. Sadly, you have clearly demonstrated that you are neither.”

The declaration prompted a row between the party’s councillors from across the Harrogate area and the ruling Conservatives on the executive.

In response, Cllr Keane Duncan, the Conservative executive councillor for highways, described the move as “playing politics” with the gateway scheme.

He accused Cllr Aldred of “rowing back” on his support to achieve “harmony within the Liberal Democrats” – which Cllr Aldred denied.

Cllr Duncan said:

“We are drawing up an engagement plan, that will determine who we are going to speak to in terms of businesses and residents throughout the construction period.

“A decision has been taken at this executive to support the gateway scheme. We are delivering on the support that you gave and that the majority of your colleagues gave.

“We will engage and we will ensure that we deliver this plan. We are very clear that the Conservative group on this council and this executive supports the gateway. The Liberal Democrats have now been clear that you do not.

“We will see in the long term how that plays out. I believe we have a fantastic scheme and I believe that this investment should be made in Harrogate for the long term and long lasting benefit of residents.”

The former St George Hotel in Harrogate reopened yesterday after a 152-day transformation.

The hotel has new owners, a new name and a completely refurbished look and feel, which it is hoped will attract local people to eat and drink there.

Now called the Harrogate Inn, it has adopted a country pub feel that is the hallmark of owners the Inn Collection Group.

The Newcastle-based company has added the venue to its portfolio of 32 locations that also includes the Black Swan at Helmsley and the Wordsworth Hotel in the Lake District.

Closer to home, the Inn Collection Group also owns the Ripon Spa Hotel and Dower House in Knaresborough, which are due to reopen under new names the Ripon Inn and the Knaresborough Inn this summer.

The Harrogate Inn

The Harrogate Inn, which closed at the end of January for refurbishment, has a new entrance, a new bar and restaurant, six extra rooms, two new outdoor patio features. Meals are available from 11am to 9pm.

Louise Stewart, property director at the Inn Collection Group, said:

“The works have been extensive with a total refurbishment of the old function rooms and reception area of the old St George Hotel, the creation of the new grand entrance and remedial works to the building’s roof.

“It has delivered a venue which has been warmly received by those we have shown around prior to reopening, and I hope that the inn is going to delight guests going forward.”

The Harrogate Inn project has been managed by Silverstone Building Consultancy and delivered in partnership with 7Formation.

Read more:

• Sneak peek: Transformed Harrogate hotel to re-open on Monday
• Historic hotels in Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough set to re-open

The A61 at Ripley has reopened this morning after a collision involving a lawn mower caused a gas leak last night.

As well as closing the road, emergency services advised nearby residents to close their windows.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said a crew was called to the scene just after 6.30pm.

Its incident log said:

“A crew from Harrogate and an officer from Ripon responded to reports of a grass cutting machine that had impacted a large gas main and caused it to rupture creating a significant leak.

“Crews stood by and assisted with traffic management whilst gas engineers excavated to locate the leak and worked to isolate the supply.”

Northern Gas Networks was on the scene soon after and firefighters issued advice on social media.

https://twitter.com/SierraZero4/status/1675929780955258904?s=20

Traffic between Harrogate and Ripon was diverted through the village as engineers worked to repair the rupture.

The road is open this morning.

Read more:

• Chimney fire at Boar’s Head in Ripley
• Three homes damaged in major fire in Ripon

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories.  Tickets will be available later this week.

A Ripon advertising firm has agreed a sponsorship deal with bus company Transdev.

Adverta Transport Advertising, which specialises in bus and tram adverts, will promote local attractions and businesses across the company’s fleet as part of the deal.

The agreement will see Transdev, which operates Harrogate Bus Company, promoting destinations along its bus routes to encourage greater use of sustainable travel.

Adverta is one of the UK’s largest bus and tram advertising specialists representing 30 bus companies and was acquired by Yorkshire-based outdoor advertising company CP Media in 2022. 

Mike Brennan, chief executive of CP Media and Adverta, said: 

“When we acquired Adverta it made total sense to extend its model into optimising sponsorship revenues as well. Transdev is one of the most prestigious and respected transport companies in the country and we are thrilled to be working with them.”

Matt Burley, commercial manager of Transdev, said:

“It is really important for us to promote the destinations we serve along our routes to our customers and to form great relationships with these attractions.”

Healthcare practice to takeover Harrogate parkrun

A healthcare practice is set to takeover Harrogate parkrun as part of the 75th anniversary of the NHS.

Moss Healthcare, which is based at King’s Road in Harrogate, will have staff and patients acting as volunteers at the weekly run around the Stray this Saturday.

The Harrogate parkrun is one of many ‘parkrun for the NHS’ events happening across the country to celebrate the milestone anniversary.

James Sharratt, business manager at Moss Healthcare Harrogate, said: 

“We have managed to get our staff and patients, including our patient participation group, involved – whether volunteering or taking part in the run itself.”

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Harrogate Town announces community scheme sponsor
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate care company launches new day centres

Henshaws has retained its ‘good’ rating in an inspection report published today.

The independent specialist college in Harrogate, which provides education and training for learners with profound and multiple disabilities and complex needs, was praised for its “effective and caring support”.

The three-day visit by three inspectors in May was Henshaws’ first Ofsted inspection since 2018.

Their report said:

“Learners behave well in lessons and around the college as a result of the effective and caring support of staff.

“Learners are respectful towards each other, staff and visitors. Staff create a calm environment, which enables learners to flourish.

“Learners know that staff will not tolerate poor or unkind behaviours, such as swearing and name calling.”

They added “staff support learners well to become active citizens and members of their communities” and that leaders and managers have a “clear vision” that enables learners to build confidence, develop independence and achieve their aspirations.

The report said:

“They support learners, for who it is appropriate, to prepare for employment or to participate in volunteering opportunities.

“They help learners to make friends, learn to live more independently and to look forward to a positive future.”

Safeguarding is described as “effective”. However, Ofsted said a small number of sessions “are not age appropriate” and urged the college to “ensure that the pace of learning in all lessons is appropriate to enable learners to make the progress of which they are capable”.

Besides its overall ‘good’ rating, Henshaws was assessed as ‘good’ in five of the six sub-categories. It was rated ‘outstanding’ in the sixth, which was for personal development.

‘Wonderful to be recognised’

The college on Bogs Lane provides day and residential provision for 66 people. Most learners are aged 19 years and over and all have an education, health and care plan coordinated by their local authority.

The personalised curriculum includes subjects such as art, music, dance, horticulture, English, mathematics, a forest school and swimming.

Sally Daniels interim chief executive and director of education and care services, said it was delighted by the outstanding mark, adding:

“The new inspection framework is generally viewed as being more challenging and we are very pleased to have maintained our overall ‘good’ rating.

“In addition, our safeguarding processes were rigorously challenged during the inspection and found to be highly effective.

“We work tirelessly to provide our students, their families and their carers the best support and curriculum we can and it is wonderful that this has been recognised by our regulator.”

Read more:

• Harrogate businessmen give council notice of Station Gateway legal action
• Harrogate High School ‘requires improvement’, says Ofsted