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.  

Walking in to Ellers Farm Distillery immediately brought up memories of growing up in Nigeria, as the smell of fermentation reminded me of the Palm wine my grandfather tapped on his farm. It was a happy memory and a great way to start my educational journey into the craft of vodka, gin and liqueur making.

It is one of ten distilleries that make their own alcohol out of 450 distilleries in the UK. The state-of-the-art distillery purposely built near York to be carbon neutral, is one of the largest in the country and its vision is to create incredible drinks with a positive impact on people and the planet.

This ethos shines through as Tabitha, the head of sustainability, was keen to show me the natural habitat they are creating to support nature in and around their orchard.

Yemi and Tabitha (R)

Ellers Farm’s ingredient of choice is apple, and they were the first to make vodka from the fruit –  rather than the traditional potatoes or grains.

Despite the UK being home to 2,600 variations of apple, our country is at risk of losing them as orchards are being re-purposed. For this reason, the distillery is on a mission to preserve the UK’s apple heritage by planting over 28 types of apple in their orchard – with plans for even more.

It is clear the team has given the end products a lot of thought, driven by the farm’s powerful and clear vision to make the world’s best spirits in the most sustainable way.

Great quality produce, copper-finished equipment for a smoother finish and the most-awarded distiller in the world, Jamie Baggott, have all contributed to Ellers Farm’s success so far.

The exceptional front of house team are just as passionate about educating customers on how to use distillery’s products, while creating cocktails with flair and pizzaz.

Fun facts from Jamie included ‘Dutch courage’ coming from British soldiers being given a pint of 60% alcohol to help them fight in the war, and London dry gin is a way of distilling gin – not a brand name.

In addition, he explained that whisky is aged for 3 years, with the 3% lost to evaporation described as the ‘angel’s share’, and the proportion absorbed by the cask is the ‘devil’s benefits’. The rest is for us mortals to enjoy.

I also learnt triple distillation is a minimum requirement, but Ellers Farm distillery don’t do minimum requirements – they go above and beyond with the distillation process…

I was very pleased to discover Jamie uses Rounton’s coffee in the coffee liqueur, as well rare spices, including Vietnamese wild forest or lai chau pepper, herbs and botanicals used in their flavoured gins.

The distillery has created a range of sublime products – which it is extremely proud of –  backed by world-class craftsmanship and minimal footprint and waste thanks to the sustainable practices.

More importantly, its award-winning products are delicious and easy to drink.

Their Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka and Espresso Vodka tasted amazing, and the wide range of liqueurs including Elderflower & Elderberry and Pineapple and Grapefruit, were all fantastic.

I was drawn to the labelling of their Sloe Gin which tasted beautiful, with a jammy sweetness that gives way to complex flavours of piney juniper, cardamom, and a warming ginger – finished with luscious notes of plums, raisins, and a moreish acidic tang.

You can also find their products in Morrisons, ASDA and on Amazon, and can even sign up to be one of the first to own a cask of their whisky.

The company is open to collaboration with chefs, as they have a versatile space, which is perfect for pop up events, where food can be paired with their drinks.

Here is a deliciously beautiful recipe for you to try – please drink responsibly.

Hero Serve

2 shots of Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka

2 dashes of orange bitters

Loads of ice

Slice of red grapefruit

Sprig of rosemary

Next week, I will bring you some highlights and recipes from the RHS Festival of flavours.

Read more:

• Yemi’s Food Stories: A ‘sweet day’ at Bettys Cookery School
• Yemi’s Food Stories: Memorable weddings with Blossom Tree Cake Company

Police closed several Harrogate town centre streets last night for several hours when a distressed man climbed on to a roof.

The man was on top of the Linley and Simpson building at the junction of Princes Square and Albert Street fro about 6.30pm until midnight.

Both streets were cordoned off, as were some other nearby routes, including James Street.

Police in Princes Square.

Crowds gathered in Princes Square and elsewhere last night.

North Yorkshire Police eventually published a social media post saying “our officers are currently speaking to a person in distress in Harrogate town centre” and urged people to avoid the area.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report said it responded at 6.32pm. It added:

“Harrogate crew assisted police with a male who had climbed on the roof of a property and refused to come down.”

Albert Street was among the streets blocked off.

The police cordons prevented people from visiting numerous hospitality businesses on a busy Friday night.

Some people were allowed to cross the cordons at certain point to enter restaurants but others closer to the incident were not.

In a social media post this morning, North Yorkshire Police said:

Read more:

• Harrogate men spend night in car after youth hostel refuses entry for lack of ID
• Man dies suddenly in Harrogate town centre

This email letter was sent to the Stray Ferret following our story yesterday: Crescent Gardens rough sleepers offered accommodation ‘daily’, council says. 

Mr Kirk Wilber-Moran has also circulated his letter to his MP, Andrew Jones, North Yorkshire Council leader, Carl Les , The Harrogate Homeless Project and North Yorkshire Police.  

Read More: 

• Concerns over encampment of rough sleepers in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens
• Local streetlights could be switched off at night to save money

Two Harrogate men were forced to sleep outdoors on Wednesday night when they were refused a bed for the night at a youth hostel in the Lake District. 

John France and Mick Murphy had just completed a 15-mile walk up three mountains when they turned up at dusk at YHA Patterdale, where they planned to stay the night. 

But staff at the hostel said Youth Hostels Association (YHA) policy required visitors provide some official form of identification, such as a passport or driving licence. John had a driving licence, but Mick did not, so staff members said John was welcome but Mick was not. 

Not wanting to leave Mick out in the cold, John refused his offer of a bed and both men slept in their car. 

John said: 

“Patterdale has one B&B and it was full, so we had to sleep outside. It was cold and raining and we were drenched, so it was a very uncomfortable night. 

“We thought it was just the staff at Patterdale being inflexible, so when I finally got home on Thursday I called the YHA head office, but they confirmed that the policy had been correctly enforced. 

“But what if we’d been teenagers and it had been winter? There’s a big difference between a hotel in a town and a youth hostel in an isolated area. If they carry on like this, someone is going to perish out there – within sight of a youth hostel.” 

When visitors book places in YHA hostels online, they are told that “all guests aged 18 or over will be required to show a valid form of photographic ID upon arrival”.

It also warns: “We reserve the right to refuse accommodation at our discretion.” 

Forms of identification accepted by the YHA include a passport or driving licence, a student ID card, a Travelcard, UK CitizenCard, an EU resident’s ID card, YOTI digital identification, or government-issued identification for members of local authorities, the police and fire services, the NHS or the armed forces. 

But some walkers arrive at youth hostels without booking, so may not be aware of the requirement to show ID. 

Asked about the policy, a YHA spokesperson told the Stray Ferret: 

“YHA’s number-one priority is safeguarding the thousands of young people that stay with us each year. As such, and as per the industry norm for accommodation providers, all guests are required to have proof of ID when arriving at the hostels. This has been the case for a number of years. 

“The ID requirement is clearly stated in the pre-stay communication guests receive and also in our booking terms and conditions on our website.” 

They added: 

“Under no circumstance would YHA turn anyone away from its site if there was a risk to life.” 

But John said he did not accept the YHA’s explanation of its ID policy. He said: 

“This is not about safeguarding. Turning 18-year-olds away, most of whom won’t have photo ID, is not safeguarding them.

“The YHA have lost sight of the ethos they were founded upon. It’s a charity that is supposed to ‘help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside’.

“But the prices have rocketed beyond the means of most young people and they’re acting like any other branch of the hospitality industry. It’s crazy – the YHA have lost the plot.”

Read More: 

• Crescent Gardens rough sleepers offered accommodation ‘daily’, council says
• Local streetlights could be switched off at night to save money

A father-of-five from Harrogate has launched a campaign to raise funds for his own medical treatment after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. 

Stuart Gray, whose father is Leeds United legend Eddie Gray, has stage four cholangiocarcinoma – a cancer that forms in the bile ducts. He has been told that by the time this cancer begins to show symptoms, it is usually too advanced for surgery, which is currently the only known cure. 

Complicating the situation, he has also been diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a chronic liver disease with no known cure, which doctors believe was a likely contributing factor in the development of the cancer. 

Writing on the GoFundMe page set up by his brother Nick, Stuart said: 

“The severity of my illness means that doctors expect my life expectancy to be significantly reduced. However, treatments are available for the cholangiocarcinoma that can prolong life expectancy, and in some rare cases even cure this terrible disease, and I am determined to do everything I can to fight it with everything I have.” 

By Friday afternoon – just a few days after launch – Stuart, 49, had already raised over £30,000 of his £100,000 goal. 

In an update posted today, Stuart said: 

“To all the people who have donated and sent messages and good wishes, I want to say how deeply thankful I am to each and every one of you. It means the world to me and my family to see the support we have. Love Stuart x” 

Some of the treatments for Stuart’s illness are widely available on the NHS, but some of the newer and more experimental treatments are less readily available and very costly. 

In addition, Stuart’s treatment could include biopsies and testing, CT, MRI scans and X-rays, the fitting of stents to relieve pain, alternative wellbeing therapies, and travel and accommodation costs when seeing consultants in London or abroad. 

Stuart said: 

“Unfortunately, time is not on my side, and to wait for approval of these various experimental treatments, and then for the treatments to be administered by the NHS, will likely take years. Accessing these drugs and treatments privately is costly and can be difficult. 

“My family and I will be posting regular updates along the way and will be partaking in various fundraising efforts to help pay for any treatment that may be needed in the coming months and, God willing, years. 

“Any help or support you can offer during this process would be appreciated more than you will ever know.” 

Stuart will also donate a percentage of the funds raised to AMMF, the cholangiocarcinoma charity. He added: 

“If/when treatment is no longer needed, for whatever reason, all of the surplus funds will also go to the AMMF.”

Like his father and his famous uncle, Frankie Gray, Stuart is also a former footballer, having played for various clubs including Celtic and Reading, as well as making seven appearance for Scotland at under-21 level.

Read more:

• Harrogate cancer charity pays tribute to ‘staunch supporter’ Sir Michael Parkinson
• Masham woman sets up fundraiser for bus driver involved in fatal A61 collision
• Ripon fundraising tops £31,000 for orphaned Ukrainian teenager

This story is sponsored by Vida Healthcare.

James Rycroft, Managing Director, discusses how Vida Healthcare is leading the way in the provision of care for people living with dementia.

Supporting the dementia journey

When we founded Vida, our aim was to create a safe place for people living with dementia and their families, where our staff would be trained as dementia ambassadors. Over the years we’ve looked into and deployed a range of alternative approaches and techniques. This innovation has given us the tools to provide outstanding care to our residents. We’re so proud to play a part in people’s dementia journeys. We’re always looking out for new approaches that support their wellbeing.

Our care is centred around taking the time to get to know our residents and support them as individuals. By learning about their family and friends, hobbies and interests, likes and dislikes, we can make meaningful connections. That helps people to feel at home. We are also passionate about providing the most effective care by keeping up to date with the latest research and findings, alongside drawing on our high level of clinical expertise.

We continue to secure numerous awards and accolades as a result of our continued drive for excellence. As of June 2023, all three care homes are rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.

Our specialist houses

We have worked closely with healthcare experts, specialist architects, interior designers and landscape gardeners to help create unique environments in our homes. Every element, from our residents’ bedrooms to our outdoor spaces, has been designed with our residents’ health and wellbeing in mind.

Residents are made to feel at home.

Within all three of our homes there are multiple, smaller houses which allow us to provide tailored care for our residents no matter where they are on their journey with dementia. In total we have 20 specialist care homes across our three buildings. Each house has a similar look and feel but offers a different level of care and support. Should care needs change over time, our residents do not have to experience the upheaval of moving to a completely different care home.

Our staff

Every member of the Vida team has been selected because they share our values. Vida treats everyone with respect and dignity. We are transparent, honest and fair at all times. We support people to make their own decisions so that they can lead independent lives where possible, and we treat everyone equally.

Our in-house Learning, Performance and Development team that form our bespoke staff training programme, Vida Academy, are always on hand to support our staff to excel. They provide our staff with multiple opportunities to learn new skills, develop in their roles and achieve career progression. Vida Academy supports all our staff, from new starters through to senior managers. The academy promotes lifelong learning and establishes our team as dementia ambassadors.

Communicating with families

As we have developed and grown as a provider we have recognised the importance of clear and engaging communication channels in order to inform and update family members, and build their trust in our ability to care for their loved ones.

Effective communication with families is essential which is why we have developed our own in house app, Family Team Talk. The app offers a lifeline for our families, giving them a digital platform and news feed to keep up to date with daily life through text, video and image posts from staff. Originally launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the app continues to raise the morale of relatives, residents and staff and give everyone a greater feeling of connectivity and reassurance.

For more information, please visit www.vidahealthcare.co.uk or contact admissions@vidahealthcare.co.uk. You can view the life inside Vida by visiting us on our social media pages.

A Harrogate crematorium has donated £12,000 to two charities as part of a county-wide metal recycling scheme.

Stonefall Crematorium raised the funds through the recycling of metals recovered from cremations — with the consent of bereaved families.

Parts used to construct coffins and orthopaedic implants including hip, knee, and replacement joints were all retrieved to be recycled.

North Yorkshire Council bereavement services raised £82,000 in total from its four crematoriums, which besides Stonefall also include Skipton Crematorium, Maple Park in Thirsk and Woodlands Crematorium in Scarborough.

The council partnered with the Institute for Cemetery and Crematorium Management and BRUCE Metals to choose which local charities receive donations.

Stonefall donated £6,000 to Candlelighters, a children’s cancer charity, and another £6,000 to The Friends of Harrogate Hospital which raises money for advanced hospital equipment and services the NHS cannot provide.

Cllr Michael Harrison, the charter mayor of Harrogate, presented the cheque to the Friends. He said:

“The charity, run by volunteers, helps ensure patients of Harrogate hospital have the most pleasant experience possible, often during an unsettling time.

“I’d like to thank those families who, during a difficult time, have consented to us recycling metals recovered. By raising this money, everyone involved has done their bit to helping local charities.”

John Fox, chair of the Friends, added:

“We are extremely grateful for this generous donation to support our future work.

“As well as thanking the ICCM for their generosity, I’d like to thank our former mayor, Trevor Chapman, for nominating us and the council’s bereavement services.”

Read more:

• Man dies suddenly in Harrogate town centre
• Concerns over encampment of rough sleepers in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens

North Yorkshire Council has said it has provided a group of rough sleepers in Harrogate‘s Crescent Gardens with daily offers of accommodation.

The group, which it is claimed contains up to 10 people at various times, took over the pavilion near the public toilets a week ago.

The Stray Ferret reported yesterday anti-social behaviour concerns among nearby residents.

One resident, Eileen Dockray, said she had reported the group to both the council and North Yorkshire Police on Tuesday but was passed between the two.

Andrew Rowe, the council’s assistant director for housing, yesterday said:

“We are aware of a group of people sleeping rough in this area and have been engaging with them daily with offers of accommodation made to them all.

“In the evening there is a larger congregation but those visiting the site are not homeless.

“A multi-agency meeting takes place weekly and this site is on the agenda for actions by everyone involved. Reports from the public of anti-social behaviour have been minimal, but it is important that we are notified to enable the police to pursue any appropriate actions needed.”

The pavilion has been used by rough sleepers for a week.

Mr Rowe added:

“The council is committed to its work with rough sleepers in the county and will continue to engage with this group, in an attempt to secure a suitable housing outcome.

“The area is monitored by our community safety team and any issues of an anti-social nature should be referred to the police.”

One resident from the nearby Grosvenor Buildings, who asked not to be named, said this morning the group were “talking, yelling and laughing” between 3am and 4am this morning.

The resident added:

“It has been like this for a few days. They are occupying a central public space, depriving residents of its use and causing day-to-day nuisances to the neighbourhood.

“I called the police and was told it is a council issue.

“A few residents in my building are also frustrated by the lack of action from any authority to remove the encampment.

“This Crescent Gardens pavilion attracted a few entrenched homeless people before and now even a large group — over 10 during certain times — so should be identified as a ‘vulnerable site’.”

Read more:

• Concerns over encampment of rough sleepers in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens
• Knaresborough resident says council was warned about collapsed wall

This story is sponsored by Jules B

After opening its doors for the first time in September 2022, the team at Jules B Harrogate are all set to celebrate its first birthday. To mark the milestone, the designer womenswear store is planning a special event this coming weekend.

On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September, the Harrogate team are welcoming visitors to join in the celebrations with cake and refreshments in store. Those who make a purchase on full-price items can also expect another exclusive treat.

Jules B Harrogate is the youngest of five Jules B stores selling a handpicked selection of designer brands like Barbour, Holland Cooper and OSKA.

Located at 5 Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate, fashion enthusiasts can find luxury clothes, shoes and accessories covering two whole floors. And it’s fair to say it’s been a successful first year with an incredible response from all involved.

Founder Julian Blades said:

“It’s been an enjoyable first year in Harrogate getting to know our new customers and building a fantastic enthusiastic sales team here, and it has not disappointed! We are really excited about our new autumn/winter collections, introducing some amazing new brands to our portfolio. 

“It makes all the hard work worthwhile when you have such an appreciative audience, and we are looking forward to continuing the progress we have made so far.”

If you’re in the area this weekend, drop by to raise a glass and discover the new arrivals awaiting. To discover more about the first year, read this interview with store manager Lynne Markham.

A man died suddenly in Harrogate this morning, police have announced.

The Stray Ferret reported this morning North Yorkshire Police had put up a cordon around one of the cabman’s shelters on West Park Stray.

North Yorkshire Police has now confirmed a body was found.

A spokesperson said:

“Ambulance and police were called to the sudden death of a man on Prospect Place, Harrogate, at 7.15am.

“The area was cordoned off while police investigated the circumstances. The fire service assisted in providing a screen around the scene as the man was found in a public place.

“Following enquiries, the death is not believed to be suspicious. The man’s family have not yet been informed.”

Prospect Place is the short road parallel with West Park Stray that passes Hotel du Vin.

The spokesperson said the scene was clear by 8.40am, adding:

“Officers are compiling a report about the death on behalf of the coroner.

“Anyone with information that could assist should call 101, select option 4, and speak to the force control room. Please quote reference NYP-15092023-0075.”

Read more:

• ‘Save the Station Gateway!’: Harrogate cycling campaigner issues plea
• Huge interest in new group for Harrogate parents of neurodiverse children