Former journalist Alastair Campbell paid a visit to sixth form students at St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate yesterday.

Mr Campbell, who became well known for being press secretary to Prime Minister Tony Blair, was in town to record the latest edition of The Rest is Politics podcast.

He visited the school give an interview to pupils from the PPE Society and answer questions from students studying history and politics A Level from the associated sixth form, Harrogate Grammar and Ashville

Among the topics covered were his views on the House of Lords, Brexit, the role of the media in politics and the prospects for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

A spokesperson for St Aidan’s said:

“Throughout he was patient and charming, answering each question with insight, honesty and humour.

“It was fantastic to have someone of his stature and experience in school, and there is no doubt he inspired the audience of young people to get involved in politics.”

Read more:

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A care home in Harrogate has been found to have “widespread and significant shortfalls in leadership” in a highly critical inspection report.

Avon Lodge on Harlow Moor Drive was rated ‘requires improvement’ by the Care Quality Commission, while its leadership was found to be ‘inadequate’ in a report published this week.

In the report, which followed an unannounced two-day inspection in February, inspectors downgraded Avon Lodge from its previous ‘good’ rating and said:

“The inspection was prompted in part due to concerns received about the quality of care being provided to people. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks… We have found evidence that the provider needs to make improvements…

“The provider acknowledged the shortfalls found during this inspection. They took some action following the first day of inspection to begin to address some of the shortfalls found regarding the environment and fire safety.

“The overall rating for the service has changed from ‘good’ to ‘requires improvement’ based on the findings of this inspection.”

The inspection assessed three key areas, asking if the service was safe, effective, and well-led. The latter was rated ‘inadequate;, while the other two were ‘good’.

The areas of ‘caring’ and ‘responsive’ were not assessed during the inspection and are still rated ‘good’, having last been assessed in 2019.

In their latest visit, inspectors found there were multiple breaches of regulations relating to administering medicine, reporting concerns about safeguarding, and carrying out risk assessments. They concluded:

“Some aspects of the service were not always safe and there was limited assurance about safety. There was an increased risk that people could be harmed.”

Personal care needs

Avon Lodge cares for adults with personal care needs, including some with mental health issues, learning disabilities and autism. It has space for up to 12 people and 11 were resident when the inspection took place.

At that time, the home was being run by a temporary manager, after its registered manager had left the post. A permanent replacement was being recruited, the report said.

Looking at the leadership of the care home, the inspectors said:

“There were widespread and significant shortfalls in service leadership. Leaders and the culture they created did not assure the delivery of high-quality care.”

They added:

“There had been no recent engagement with people or their relatives to gather their views on the service. All the relatives we spoke with told us they had not received a questionnaire or been asked for their views. One relative told us, ‘Not for a long while, we got invited to a meeting once that was cancelled.’

“Professional visits to the home or people’s visit to healthcare professionals were not recorded effectively therefore there was no oversight of this contact.”

Inspectors also looked at the way the Mental Capacity Act was used. It is designed to ensure people are allowed to make their own decisions where possible, and when they are not able to do so that the decisions made are in their best interests.

They found there was inadequate record-keeping relating to its use and decisions made for people who were unable to consent.

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Inspectors also found the environment of the care home was not always supportive of its residents.

They reported it was often loud and led to them being woken up, while some communal areas were out of use, and some soft furnishings to make it more homely, such as curtains, were missing.

There was poor record-keeping relating to residents’ allergies and family members said the meals provided at the home were not varied enough.

Inspectors made several recommendations in the report of ways in which Avon Lodge should be improved. They also said:

“The provider agreed with the shortfalls found during inspection and took some immediate action.

“The provider took on board the inspection feedback and discussed plans of how they would communicate with people and relatives about the inspection findings and action they were going to take as a result.”

The Stray Ferret contacted Avon Lodge and its owner, Care Network Solutions Ltd, to ask for a response to the report. However, we had not received a reply by the time of publication.

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.

A Masham brewery has made two new appointments as part of growth at the company.

T&R Theakston has hired new recruits in its sales department.

Cameron Bell and Zak Spence have joined the brewery as sales development managers and will be tasked with focussing efforts on northern cities and North Yorkshire.

On joining Theakston, Mr Spence said:

“As a proud North Yorkshireman, I’m delighted to be working for such a well-known business which combines a strong heritage with exciting future focused plans.

“Taking over from Barry means I have some big shoes to fill but I am definitely looking forward to working with our customers to continue to deepen the strong relationships that he fostered.”

Mr Bell added:

“I’m looking forward to be working for Theakston and helping to drive forward its growth plans.

“There are plenty of exciting developments in the pipeline this year, which provide the perfect opportunity to increase awareness and availability of the brewery’s beer range across Northern cities and introduce our diverse range of products to new consumers.”

Simon Theakston, joint managing director at Theakston, said:

“We started 2023 with the announcement of growth within our team and, following a busy first quarter, we’re pleased to be further expanding as we look to deliver on our growth ambitions for this year and beyond.

“It’s wonderful to welcome both Cameron and Zak to our T&R Theakston family at such an exciting time for the business, as we prepare to launch more seasonal beers, announce new partnerships and continue to look toward to our bicentennial celebrations in 2027.”

Mercedes-Benz car dealer wins retailer award

A car dealership with an outlet in Harrogate has won an award for retailer of the year.

JCT600, which has a Mercedes-Benz dealership on Leeds Road, won the prize from the car manufacturer for outstanding performance.

The team at JCT600

The award was based on performance in car sales, customer service, approved used car sales, workshop retail hours and customer retention.

Gary Savage, chief executive and managing director, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK, said: 

“JCT600 performed consistently strongly across all areas of the business and the team’s collaboration was nothing short of outstanding, with remarkable engagement and positivity.”

Pictured above: Gary Savage, chief executive and managing director, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK; James Knowles, JCT600 Mercedes-Benz head of sales; Michelle Caveney, JCT600 Mercedes-Benz brand director; James Jarman, JCT600 Mercedes-Benz head of business – York; Joe Tordoff, JCT600 Mercedes-Benz head of business – Harrogate; and host, broadcaster Dermot O’Leary.

Read More:

• Business Breakfast: Boroughbridge company celebrates long-service staff milestone
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A former maths teacher has been jailed for 18 years for raping and sexually assaulting a young girl at a boarding school in the 1990s.

John William Renel, 68, pinned the girl down and raped and indecently assaulted her in a locker room at Cundall Manor School near Boroughbridge, prosecutor Rupert Doswell told a jury at York Crown Court.

The victim, who can’t be named for legal reasons, didn’t report the matter to police until 2021, more than 20 years after the alleged sexual abuse.

She said that before the alleged rape at the fee-paying independent school, she and Renel were “joking about something” in the school kitchen when he picked her up and joked that he was going to “throw her in the bin”.

He then carried her out into the corridor and touched her on the thigh near an intimate part of her body, said Mr Doswell.

Mr Doswell added:

“He then took her into a side room – a changing room or locker room – where (pupils) hang their clothing.

“He put her down on the ground on her back. He was on top of her and she remembers him wearing a tweed jacket.”

She said she turned her head “to stare at the wall” as Renel allegedly raped her.

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A family member later noticed that the victim, who was very young at the time of the offences, had become withdrawn and in adult life she had developed post-traumatic stress disorder which led to counselling and therapy.

Mr Doswell said that about five months after the victim’s first police interview, she contacted them again about the incident in the school locker room.

She said she could remember that during the rape, she felt as if Renel’s “body (was) crushing her” and that she was struggling to breathe.

According to the victim, Renel “simply walked away” after the incident, “leaving her on the ground”.

Mr Doswell said:

“She (told police) she had one further memory of another incident (at the school) when she was older.”

She said that before this incident, Renel again picked her up and dropped her on a bed in a dormitory. 

He then laid down next to the victim, sexually assaulted her and then forced her hand onto an intimate part of his body. 

Mr Doswell said:

“Her next memory is of the defendant’s face close up to her.

“She remembers feeling terrified. He was staring at her and scowling. He told her not to tell anyone, before leaving the room.”

Guilty on all counts

Renel, of Main Street, Sessay, near Thirsk, was brought in for questioning in 2021 but denied even knowing the girl. 

He told police he had always taught in a tweed jacket but denied raping or sexually assaulting the girl. 

He was charged with one count of rape and four counts of sexual assault against the girl. He denied all offences but was today found guilty on all counts.

Recorder Anthony Hawks moved straight to sentence and jailed Renel for 18 years.

The former teacher was also placed on the sex-offenders’ register for life and made subject to a sexual-harm prevention order for the protection of children. That order will also run indefinitely.  

Following his sentence, Detective Constable Alison Morris, of North Yorkshire Police’s non-recent abuse investigation team, said:

“John William Renel is a predatory child abuser who has caused unimaginable trauma to the courageous victim in this case.

“I truly hope the outcome at court along with the significant custodial sentence handed to her perpetrator, provides comfort, strength and hope for the future.”

In 1997, a few years after Renel left Cundall Manor, he was convicted of three counts of indecently assaulting a girl at another school in Keighley. 

North Yorkshire Council has flattened an unofficial bike track created by off-road cyclists in woods near Harrogate.

Cyclists have ridden the makeshift route in Oak Beck Park, which runs alongside Oak Beck on land behind Aldi and Pets at Home, for years.

But the council has removed parts of it following complaints about “vandalism and unauthorised structures”.

Its actions have led to concerns of heavy-handedness towards young people pursuing their hobby.

Cyclists have used Oak Beck Park for years

Barrie Mason, the council’s assistant director for parks and grounds, said:

“We have acted in response to complaints from the public and local conservation groups about vandalism and unauthorised structures in Oak Beck Park over recent weeks.

“The structures have been built over and along footpaths, in areas of high footfall, putting other park users at risk.

“The building of these structures has damaged the surrounding park, including the digging out and removal of three large sleepers from a set of steps, large holes dug into the woodland embankment and across the woodland floor and trees cut down and damaged.”

Mr Mason added excavating large quantities of soil and rock, creating unstable structures and riding bikes over footpaths “is damaging to the local ecosystem and creates hazards and conflict with other park users”.

He added:

“There is an existing historical informal bike track, which is still in situ and has not been dismantled. The structures removed are only those that have been recently created.

“Our action is led solely by the desire to protect the environment and for the safety of everyone who uses the park.”

The council’s actions led to comments on social media saying bike trails and jumps had been “completely demolished”, ruining a healthy hobby among young people. One said:

“Then the council go on about kids up to no good. No wonder, there is nothing else to do. Don’t see anything wrong with them having a bike trail.”

Another added:

“They just want to ride their bikes and chill out.”

Oak Beck flows through the woods

Cllr Monika Slater, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Bilton Grange and New Park said “it was a real shame” to lose something that was “used regularly and enjoyed by many young people”.

She said she was talking to the council to try to find a solution, adding:

“I realise its unofficial, but it’s not doing harm and it has been there for a while.

“I want to keep dialogue open with the council to get something back in place, but that’s in it’s early stages.”

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Three times more businesses oppose the £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway than support it, according to a survey.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce revealed the results of a members’ questionnaire at its monthly meeting last night.

Asked whether they were in favour of the scheme, seven respondents said ‘yes’ while 21 said ‘no’.

Members were also asked if they felt the scheme, which would see James Street partly pedestrianised and a section of Station Parade reduced to single lane to make way for a cycle route, would make business in the town better or worse.

Eighteen said it would make it worse, four said better and six either felt it would be the same or expressed no opinion.

Nineteen opposed the pedestrianisation of James Street, while nine supported it.

Asked whether the scheme would “encourage you or your team to participate in more active travel”, five replied ‘yes’ while 23 said ‘no’.

Martin Mann, acting chief executive of the chamber, said:

“No-one’s in any doubt the town centre needs some work, but the answer is not this design.”

Read more:

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• Council in discussions with Harrogate Station Gateway contractor

Pat Marsh, the Liberal Democrat leader in Harrogate and Knaresborough, told the chamber meeting North Yorkshire councillors should visit the affected area before deciding whether to proceed with the gateway on May 30.

Cllr Marsh, who was one of three councillors to oppose the scheme when it was voted through by North Yorkshire Council’s area constituency committee this month, said:

“If this was a planning decision we would be having a site visit and we would walk the route before making a decision. The same should happen.”

“I’m so against this scheme, I can’t tell you.”

A Eurovision party to celebrate links between the Harrogate district and Ukraine raised more than £700 towards a final aid trip.

Union flags and Ukrainian colours were out in full force at the Majestic Hotel event, organised by Chain Lane Community Hub and Harrogate District of Sanctuary.

A raffle of prizes donated by local businesses proved popular with the 170 attendees, with proceeds going to guest of honour Bob Frendt.

He has take seven lorry-loads of medical aid and other supplies to Volodymyr in western Ukraine since the Russian invasion last February. His eighth and final trip will begin next week.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret today, Mr Frendt said:

“I can’t believe so many people were there supporting me and what I’m doing. It was overwhelming.

Maureen and I needed that night out, and Sue Vasey and the girls at Chain Lane Hub did a fabulous job organising it.

“They also raised £704 for my trip with the raffle and I can’t thank them enough.”

Bob and Maureen at the Eurovision party

As well as raising money, the event was a celebration of unity between Ukrainians who have arrived in the Harrogate district over the last year, and their many supporters in the area.

Attendees waved flags for both nations and danced together throughout the 26 performances.

The biggest cheers were reserved for performances by Ukraine’s Tvorchi and the UK’s Mae Muller, who came sixth and 25th respectively.

After building links between his home town of Knaresborough and Volodymyr, Bob successfully called for the two towns to formalise their links. Plans to officially twin have been approved by both and a twinning agreement is now being drawn up.

Bob and wife Maureen will set off for Volodymyr next Wednesday. The final trip will see them deliver laptops and other IT equipment to the school in Volodymyr, as well as further medical supplies for the hospital.

He is also hoping to take sweets to hand out when he arrives on June 1, when Ukraine marks Children’s Day. Anyone who would like to donate can call him on 07836 514952.

Read more:

• ‘Just one more trip’ for Knaresborough’s Ukraine aid hero
• Support for plans to twin Knaresborough with town in Ukraine

Harrogate Town have frozen adult season tickets and cut prices for juniors for the 2023/24 season.

The club announced today adult tickets will remain at £349 for standing and £395 for seating.

Concessions will also be frozen at £285 for standing and £322 for seated.

Under-18s and under-12s tickets will be cut in price for the 2023/24 campaign.

Under-18 standing tickets will be priced at £132 for standing and £162 for seated, while under 12s will be priced at £99 for standing and £138 for seated.

The price represents a drop from £179 standing and £209 seated for under 18s and £129 standing and £159 seated for under 12s.

The club has also announced a family bundle option, whereby supporters can purchase multiple season tickets, such as one adult and one under-18, and save 10% off the combined cost.

Season ticket renewals for adults and concessions will remain frozen at last year’s prices. Renewals for under-18s and under-12s will be cut to the same price as new supporters.

Prices for new season tickets at Harrogate Town for 2023/24.

The club have also confirmed that supporters will be able to pay the cost in instalments.

Current season ticket holders have until June 16 to renew before the ticket is released on general sale. New season tickets will go on sale to all supporters from Monday, May 22.

In a statement, Harrogate Town said its decision to cut junior prices was “part of our commitment to being a family club”.

It added:

“With further developments currently underway, the club remains committed to continuing to grow the crowds by increasing the number of seats to 2000, and will have more facilities to cater for a growing fan base as we prepare for our fourth season in the Football League.”

Harrogate Town secured their EFL status last month with a 3-2 win at Newport County.

It means Harrogate can prepare for a fourth campaign in EFL League Two since their historic promotion in 2020.

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