Harrogate pub hosts free Pancake Day fun tomorrow

A Harrogate pub is hosting free Pancake Day fun tomorrow that gives people the chance to earn the title of ‘fastest flipper in town’.

The Fat Badger will provide pans and pancake mixes and anyone who turns up between 9.30am and 4pm is welcome to make their own treats and then see how quickly they can complete the course.

The event is being held in the pub’s beer garden on Cold Bath Road, adjacent to the footpath so people walking past can see it.

There is no charge to enter and the winner will receive Sunday lunch for two people, including a bottle of wine, at the Fat Badger.

Simon Cotton, managing director of the HRH Group, which owns the Fat Badger, said:

“The rules are simple; it’ll be against the clock and each person will need to make a regular size pancake and successfully flip it twice to be entered.

“One go per person but everyone can enter for free as it’s just for fun and community engagement.”

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Developer apologises for debris in River Crimple at Spofforth

A housing developer has apologised after debris from its site near Harrogate entered a nearby waterway.

Polystyrene and plastic from the 72-home Yorkshire Housing site at Spofforth was floating in the River Crimple in the village over the weekend.

Yorkshire Housing was granted permission to build the homes at Massey Fold in October 2021 after a long-running campaign by some villagers against the development.

Crimple Beck at Spofforth 2023

Litter strewn across the river and the nearby area. Pic: @spofforthmark

The organisation, which owns and manages about 20,000 homes, said in a statement:

“On Friday, some insulation blew open in the high winds and broke up. The contractor notified the Environment Agency straight away to let them know what had happened.

“Because of the stormy weather over the weekend it wasn’t safe to retrieve and clear-up the debris until this morning. We’re working quickly to do this.

“Windy weather isn’t an excuse and this shouldn’t have happened. We’ve discussed this with the contractor who will ensure any loose materials are secure to prevent this happening again.”

Signs on site say the development, known as Bridgewell, will consist of two, three and four-bedroom homes built in partnership with construction company the Jack Lunn Group and the non-departmental housing agency Homes England.

Villager Mark Lee raised concerns about the incident on social media.

Devastating pollution in Spofforth today, waste and debris from the new development by @JackLunnGroup @HomesEngland @yhousing @EdwardArch the river Crimple is actually blocked by your mismanagement and carelessness! @ClimateDesk @thestrayferret @Harrogate_News @UnderwaterMedia pic.twitter.com/IiszgX96hV

— mark lee (@spofforthmark) February 19, 2023

Conservationist Keith Wilkinson, who is chairman of Nidd Gorge Advisory Partnership and honorary secretary of Bilton Conservation Group, said the incident reinforced the need to look holistically at problems associated with Harrogate’s three rivers — the Nidd, Crimple and Oak Beck.

Mr Wilkinson said contamination from the Nidd tributaries inevitably impacted on the Nidd itself and therefore it would be better to adopt a more strategic view to managing water quality.

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New monthly market coming to Ripley

A new monthly food, drink and craft market is set to be held in Ripley.

Real Food Markets, which runs events in Ilkely, will host the new venture on the last Sunday of each month from April until November.

An additional Christmas market will be held on December 10.

The markets will take place in Ripley Castle courtyard. Entry is free and also includes access to the grounds of the castle and the castle gardens on market days. Entry to the castle is still subject to a charge.

Ripley Castle grounds, where the market will be held.

Ripley Castle courtyard, where the market will be held.

Rebecca Riordan, from Ripley Castle Estate, said:

“We are pleased to welcome Real Markets to Ripley Castle this year. We are looking forward to the castle courtyard being full of amazing local talent and produce. 

“We are pleased to confirm on Real Market days access to the castle’s gardens and grounds will be free of charge. 

“Well behaved dogs on leads will also be welcomed into the courtyard, if you wish to enjoy a castle guided tour a small supplement will be charged. We have chosen to work with Real Markets because of the lovely atmosphere of their markets, and the high quality of the stallholders.”

Lucy Allen, director of Real Markets, added: 

“Real Markets’ remit has always been to work hard on behalf of our stallholders and the community and bring people together over great produce and fabulous products in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

“We’re very proud of the range and quality of the stallholders at our markets and these two new venues will be wonderful opportunities for small traders to meet new customers.

“We’re happy to hear from producers who would like to work with us and also charities and community groups local to Ripley or Grassington who would like a free space at our markets to promote their work.”

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Ambulance workers in Harrogate district on strike again today

Ambulance workers in the Harrogate district are staging another one-day strike today.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff who are members of the GMB union have set-up another picket line outside the ambulance station on Lancaster Park Road in Harrogate, close to the hospital.

Paramedics, emergency care assistants, call handlers and other staff are among those taking part in the industrial action, although ambulance workers will continue to respond to the most serious incidents.

Further ambulance strikes are planned on March 6 and 20 and Harrogate District Hospital will be hit by a two-day nurses’ strike beginning on March 1.

GMB national secretary Rachel Harrison urged the government to “talk pay now” and claimed ministers were unwilling to solve the dispute.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay said the strikes “only cause further disruption for patients” and he remained “keen to keep talking to unions about what is fair and affordable”.

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Stray Ferret Business Awards: Business Growth Finalists

The Business Growth Award is sponsored by Raworths. 

Raworths delivers legal excellence to the people of Harrogate and North Yorkshire.

The firms offers specialist services covering business, dispute, property, individual and family law.

The Business Growth Award recognises businesses that have seen significant growth over the last three years, measured across financial turnover, employee expansion and market share increase.

The Finalists

Evolve Psychology Services

Evolve Psychology Services is an independent psychology and neuro-developmental clinic offering forensic and clinical services.

The clinic now has 30 clinicians, a services manager and 5 business centre staff to provide premium services.

In 2022, the clinic was awarded two NHS contracts for neuro-developmental assessments.

Evolve’s team is now able to offer 70 community assessments per month, which has seen the business grow more than 100% yearly since its foundation.

Dr Laura Powling, consultant clinical psychologist and director, said:

“We are extremely honoured to be shortlisted for the Business Growth Award. The business growth allows us to increase our capacity to provide much needed assessments and services to all the clients that are referred to us, which in turn allows them to access the appropriate support moving forward.

“We are extremely proud of the growth achievements we have made, and being shortlisted for the award is fantastic recognition and validation of the importance of the development of essential services”.

Harlow Consulting

Harlow Consulting provides detailed research to develop the client’s outputs, efficiency and effectiveness.

Harlow Consulting has seen swift revenue growth, with financial turnover going from strength to strength each year.

The team has expanded from the original two founders to seven highly-qualified staff members.

The business has also significantly expanded its office space at Cardale Park, Harrogate.

Jennifer Brennan, Director, said:

“Harlow Consulting feel very grateful to be shortlisted for the Stray Ferret Business Growth Award.

“It is great to be recognised alongside the other amazing nominees. We are very proud of our team, who have worked hard and given their all, resulting in the rapid growth we have experienced.”

Bamber & Brown

Bamber & Brown began in 2021 selling speciality coffee from a converted horse box at the entrance to Birk Crag.

Since then the company has seen exceptional financial growth and has become a hotspot for takeaway coffee.

In 2022, a horse shelter at the site was developed to serve fresh pizzas to the public.

The company has recently also acquired a premises license, which will be used to create a Prosecco Bar.

Philippa Brown, Founder, said:

“To say we’re over the moon about being finalists is an understatement! It was very unexpected and a marvellous recognition for my team’s dedication.

“I have wanted to bring back the historical old tea rooms at Birk Crag in some way for 25 years and decided it was now or never. A huge thank you to my lovely loyal and supportive customers who have made it happen!”

TMR Foods

TMR Foods, founded in 2019, supplies premium quality fish and seafood across Yorkshire.

During covid, the new business began doing private deliveries, which resulted in a loyal customer base.

TMR has since added two more vans onto the roads and established a base in Ripon to work from.

TMR Foods is now developing pre-packed ranges to supply to retailers.

Tony Rushton, Co-Founder of TMR Foods, said:

“We are thrilled to have been recognised for our hard work and dedication to providing the finest seafood from the east coast.

“As a family-run business, being shortlisted for the award is a testament to the passion and commitment of our team, and we are grateful for the support of our customers who have made this achievement possible.”

IDR Law

IDR Law is the only legal firm in the UK that deals exclusively with contentious probate work.

IDR Law began in Harrogate, but has since opened offices in Manchester and Bristol.

The team has grown from just two employees to 18 staff members in 2023.

The firm also launched ‘IDRU’ – a university-style training programme – that offers staff 24/7 learning resources curated by top barristers and legal experts.

Founder and Director, Martin Holdsworth, said:

“Despite being very well known in our sector, I’ve always thought we were not well known locally – Harrogate’s best kept legal secret! There is much to celebrate after a stellar year of growth – taking us to 15 specialist lawyers and offices in Manchester & Bristol – but it remains deeply satisfying to have been recognised in our own Harrogate backyard!

“Despite several national award nominations this year, getting a finalist listing for a local award feels very special.”

The Soundproofing Store

The Soundproofing Store provides professional soundproofing solutions on a national scale.

The company has recently began working with commercial clients in the construction sector, as well as domestic customers, which has resulted in significant growth in revenue and network.

The Soundproofing Store recently created the only soundproofing floor mat without the need for an over boarding layer. Sales of the mat amassed to over 11,000.

Tamzin Jefferson, Marketing Manager, said:

“The Soundproofing Store has seen significant growth over the last 3 years and is now the largest online only retailer of soundproofing materials in the UK.

“It has been a challenging few years for many businesses, but we’ve continued to invest in our website, the service we offer and the soundproofing solutions we supply – whilst ensuring we have a clearly defined point of difference within the market”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

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Harrogate’s Rachel Daly scores twice as England beat Italy

Harrogate’s Rachel Daly scored twice as England beat Italy in the Arnold Clark Cup.

Daly, who made her first start up front, secured the Lionesses their second win of the competition with two headers in a 2-1 victory.

The tournament is hosted by the Football Association and sees four teams play against each other during the February international break.

The 31-year-old was given the start up front after scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances for Aston Villa this season.

Daly’s performance will prove a headache for head coach Sarina Weigman ahead of the final game of the Arnold Clark Cup on Wednesday.

Sunday’s victory over Italy sees England top the tournament table on six points.

The Lionesses will play Belgium for the Arnold Clark Cup at Ashton Gate, Bristol, on Wednesday at 7.45pm.

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Harrogate hotel begins recruiting — three weeks after laying off 76 staff

The St George Hotel in Harrogate is recruiting staff — just three weeks after it closed with the loss of 76 jobs.

The hotel is due to re-open in about 13 weeks as a pub with rooms rather than a traditional hotel. That is the preferred model of The Inn Collection Group, a Newcastle-based company that bought the historic venue in February last year.

The company is now advertising for a general manager on a salary from £45,000 and a head chef on a salary from £42,000.

A spokesman said the venue was still due to re-open in mid-summer. Scaffolding has gone up outside the building.

Asked about the decision to recruit so soon after making redundancies, the spokesman said:

“There were unfortunately delays to our refurbishment programmes as a result of problems within the construction industry and associated supply chain having a knock-on effect.

“This unfortunately meant in some cases we have had to make some redundancies in order to secure the long-term future for the sites.”

The Inn Collection Group also owns the Ripon Spa Hotel, Dower House in Knaresborough and Dean Court in York, among others.

The St George Hotel, which is opposite the Royal Hall on Ripon Road, grew out of the Chequers Inn and was renamed after George III’s gift of the Stray to the people of Harrogate in 1778. 

It was enlarged several times during the 19th century and renamed the St George shortly before the First World War. 

It was badly damaged by fire in 1927 and requisitioned by the Post Office and Air Ministry during the Second World War before re-opening as a hotel in 1952. It acquired a spa facility in 1985. 

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Business Breakfast: Six Harrogate firms report post-pandemic growth

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club!

The second in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is an After Work Drinks event on February 23 from 5.30pm. Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district, get your tickets now by clicking or tapping here.

Six Harrogate businesses, all based in Windsor House, have reported growth following the covid pandemic.

Angela Swift Developments, Bluewave Select, Wild & Co Chartered Accountants, The Notary Solution and Evolve Psychology Services, have survived the challenges of the last three years and grown.

Angela Swift from Angela Swift developments said:

“We found more opportunities because of covid. The pandemic demonstrated the level of need that exists for our builds and what we do in the care sector”.

And Vincent Dunlop, co-founder and director of the IT business Bluewave Select, reports:

“Turnover has increased from £500k in year one to £18million today”.

Liz Wild, founder of Wild & Co Chartered Accounts, said her business doubled its turnover since the start of lockdown.

Katharine Beckett, from The Notary Solution, had to work especially hard during the pandemic. She said:

“Company directors could not travel so they had to sign documents in the UK and have them notarised and attested.

 “To find a notary you usually have to look locally. However, we have always innovated and used technology to allow us to operate our services in multiple locations”.

Evolve Psychology Services, were busy during the lockdowns. Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Laura Powling said:

“Over the pandemic we have also seen an increase in referrals for mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions”.

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Harrogate cleaning business on track to be carbon neutral 

 Harrogate company, ‘It’s Clean’, says it is on track to achieving carbon neutral status.

The commercial cleaning brand operates, which operates in Harrogate, York and Leeds, believes it is one of only a few similar businesses in Yorkshire to have scope one and two carbon neutral accreditation.

There are three “scopes” in achieving full carbon neutral status. It’s Clean aims to be completely carbon neutral by 2025.

In a message to clients, Managing Director David Whan, said:

“We are committed to changing the perception of the cleaning industry so that it’s universally valued as integral and business critical to everyone we work for and our employees know their work is highly valued”.

 

Boy, 16, arrested for attempted murder in Harrogate

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an incident in Harrogate early this morning.

Police were called to a home on Claro Road at 12.15am after a man in his teens received what officers have described as “significant injuries”.

A North Yorkshire Police statement this evening added the man was taken to hospital by paramedics and continues to receive treatment.

The statement added his family are being supported by specially trained officers and urged people to respect their privacy.

The boy was arrested  at 12.25pm and remains in police custody.

Claro Road

There was a heightened police presence in the area around Claro Road today.

Detective Inspector Nichola Holden said:

“We know local residents are likely to be concerned by this incident and I hope the quick arrest of a suspect will go some way to reassure them.

“We believe this to be an isolated event with both teenagers known to each other and we are carrying out a full investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding it.”

“Several witnesses have been spoken to or interviewed by officers investigating this incident and we are confident we have spoken to everyone we need to. However, if you have any other information which you feel may be relevant, please contact police as soon as possible.”

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The police statement added:

“We know many people may wish to comment on this incident, especially on social media, we do ask speculation is avoided as not only can this be detrimental to the investigation but can also cause upset to the family and friends of the victim at this deeply upsetting time.”

Police urged anyone with information to call 101 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference 1223001009.

Stray Views: Otley Road cycleway a “scandalous waste of public money”

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

‘Harrogate’s Otley Road cycleway has cost £2.2m so far’. If this headline is correct, and the figure seems to be confirmed in the details in the article, then this is a scandalous use of taxpayer money.

Do we really have a partly finished and largely dysfunctional cycle track, which is avoided by most cyclists, at such outrageous cost? And how is this supposed to support ‘National Productivity’ which is the name of the the fund from which the money was drawn, even if it was completely operational, which it isn’t?

And why has the lion’s share of the cost gone to surveys, reports and studies rather than work on the ground?

I do hope that I have misunderstood the figures, but I fear I haven’t. Maybe someone in authority from the County Council can explain how we got into this fix.

Tim Hurren, Harlow Hill, Harrogate

Solution to Ripon Cathedral plans

At a recent council meeting at Ripon town hall, the subject of the planned annex for Ripon Cathedral was the major item under discussion. I was dismayed to see the reaction and the split within the Ripon community over the proposed siting of the building.

With that in mind, I would like to offer a solution that should benefit all parties, one that would allow for the business expansion aspirations of the cathedral and the preservation of a much-loved green space.

My suggestion would be to use the buildings to the right of the cathedral, being Minster House, the old coach house complex and another building. As this is already cathedral property, the saving financially to the cathedral would be huge as there would be no need to purchase any land.

The buildings in question are closer to the cathedral than the proposed annex on the other side of Minster Road and there is safe and level access. There would be no crossing of the public highway to access these facilities.

I estimate that the floor space of the three buildings in question is 939m2 which falls just short of the 1000m/2 that the cathedral requires. But I believe that this could be regained with use of the car parking area or the extensive gardens.

My idea is:

1.     The ground floor of Minster House be used for the retail outlet and the refectory

2.     The 1st floor be used for the song school with the installation of a lift for the disabled choristers

3.     The stable block to be used as the toilet block and changing area

4.     The other building to be used as storage and meeting rooms

Other combinations are possible.

This then would negate the need to destroy the green space.

I hope you agree with this possible solution and I ask that the cathedral re-submit plans.

Kevin Hill, Ripon