Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 442 of 1203

Village show season set to begin in the Harrogate district

As the summer continues, it can only mean one thing…village show season is due to begin.

From vintage tractors and giant tortoises to handwriting competitions and terrier racing, we’ve collated a list of village shows happening across the district this summer.

If you have something to add to the round-up, email us the details.

Weeton Show

Titled “The Greatest Little Show in Yorkshire”, Weeton Show offers locals a jam-packed day of guaranteed fun.

The village show will host a wealth of entertainment throughout the day, with food stalls, live brass bands, a Punch and Judy performance, farrier demonstrations and much more.

The day will also include over 200 classes of horses, sheep, dogs, produce and horticulture.

Weeton show has been an integral part of the village since 1947 and still promises to be fun for all the family.

The show will take place on Sunday, July 30.

Tickets start at £7 – more information can be found here.

Pic: Valeria Mather from Weeton Show website.

Birstwith Show

This year marks the 127th annual Birstwith Show and, after all these years, it still has lots on offer.

For any local horticulturists, the village show has an extensive list of classes to enter or enjoy, ranging from pansies and delphiniums to hydrangeas and hanging baskets.

The show will also showcase a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Children can also get involved in classes and can show off their photography, baking, or even sock puppet-making skills.

Birstwith Show will take place on Saturday, July 29.

Find more information here – ticket prices begin at £7.

Pic: Sarah Jane Osler

Ripley Show

Ripley Show takes place in the grounds of the iconic Ripley Castle and, too, offers a day of agricultural fun.

The show offers a wide range of events and classes, including ferret racing, a companion dog show, children’s fancy dress, and much more.

This year’s attendees can also expect some updates to the schedule – from donkey classes to novice gardener classes.

Ripley Show will take place on Sunday, August 13.

Click here for more information – tickets start at £6.50.

Pic: Ripley Show Facebook page

Tockwith Show

Tockwith Show will also host a day of agricultural and horticultural excitement.

The village show – which was established in 1945 – will hold over 800 classes throughout the day.

Attendees can expect to see giant tortoises, trade stands, Farlavale gun dogs, farm animals and demonstrations.

There will also be pony club displays, a tractor parade, and a dog dash.

The show will take place on Sunday, August 6.

More information can be found here – tickets cost £10.

Pic: Tockwith Show Facebook page

Nidderdale Show

Nidderdale Show (affectionately known at Pateley Show) boats one of the finest exhibitions of animals in the UK.

The show will host a variety of animal competitions, show jumping, horticulture, crops, dry stone walling and more.

People can also enjoy a cricket match, funfair and live music.

There will be a two-course carvery lunch, as well as other hot meals, afternoon teas, sandwiches, and hot beverages available. There will also be mobile catering units and bars located around the showground.

Sunflowers Day Nursery will have staff on-hand to provide a relaxing family area for children (and parents) when necessary.

The show will take place on Sunday, September 24.

Find more information here – tickets cost £13.50.

Harrogate schools trust celebrates training 1000 new teachers

A Harrogate-based teacher training organisation has celebrated training more than 1,000 qualified teachers.

Red Kite Teacher Training reached the milestone after the graduation of its ninth cohort.

The association was founded in 2015 and is part of the Red Kite Learning Trust, which works with schools across North and West Yorkshire, including Harrogate Grammar School.

This year, 150 successful trainees were recommended for Qualified Teacher Status, bringing the total number of qualified teachers trained by the association to 1,049.

Director of Red Kite Teacher Training Victoria Lickley said:

“We are immensely proud to have supported so many newly qualified teachers.

“Our school-centred approach equips trainees with the skills and confidence to become innovative and passionate teachers who go on to enjoy brilliant careers.

“this year’s trainees will be future mentors and facilitators across our courses.”

Ellie Rowe, the 1000th trainee to qualify from Red Kite Teacher Training, was proud of her achievement and added:

“Teaching is the profession that teaches every other profession.”

The trainee teachers from this year’s cohort came together to celebrate their graduation at an event hosted by Harrogate Grammar School.

Photo of the Week: Thistle above the crop

This week’s photograph was taken by John Brown, capturing a thistle above the crop not long before sunset at Nidd Gorge.

John Brown

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

Harrogate homes flooded and struck by lightning in storm

A house was struck by lightning and others faced flash flooding, as the Harrogate district felt the wrath of last night’s storm.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service night shift summary reported crews from Harrogate and Knaresborough were summoned to a home on East Parade in Harrogate that had been struck by lightning at 22:38.

One occupant suffered shock as a result and was treated by a paramedic but was otherwise unharmed.

Police then cordoned the property due to “an unsafe chimney stack with some debris falling into the road”.

Boroughbridge crews also attended a power line in Ingmanthorpe after it had been struck by lightning, causing it to arc near trees. Crews remained at the scene until it was safe and “left the incident in the hands of power grid engineers.”

Throughout the night, multiple houses within the district were hit by flash flooding.

Summerbridge firefighters were called to a house on Crab Lane in Harrogate following reports of flooding inside the basement. Crews pumped out water using an ejector pump. This was then left in the hands of the owners.

A house on East Park Road in Harrogate, was also flooded during the storm. Crews assisted occupants in using buckets to remove the water.

Firefighters also attended reports of flooding on Skipton Road and Devonshire Place.

Find more information here.

Council to launch ‘once in a generation’ North Yorkshire economic strategy

North Yorkshire Council is set to launch a “once in a generation” economic strategy in an effort to support growth in the county.

The authority’s proposed economic growth strategy, which will first be considered by the council’s transport, economy, environment and enterprise scrutiny committee on Monday (July 10), has been drawn up to recognise the area’s unique scale and character and reflect the diversity of its component parts.

The document states:

“This economic growth strategy is a key milestone, marking an exciting new phase for our economy.

“One where we take the lead on tackling some of the big economic challenges of our time such as net zero and energy security, and harness our strengths to combine accelerated economic growth with a carbon negative economy and outstanding quality of life.”

The document states the proposed strategy would provide business, investors, and other partners with a clear sense of North Yorkshire’s growth ambitions.

It adds:

“These can only be achieved by partners from all of these groups working together in partnership to realise our collective ambitions for this great place.”

A final round of consultations, to be completed this month, is focusing on feedback from councillors, council bosses, and key external stakeholders to ensure the strategy aligns closely with other council strategies and plans for the new mayoral combined authority to be launched next year.

Cllr Derek Bastiman, the authority’s executive member for open to business, said the launch of the authority in April had presented a chance for a strategy that would not have been possible with seven different district council strategies.

He said:

“I am quite excited as this document will benefit the whole of North Yorkshire.

“When there were seven different district authorities the boundaries did not give the ease and freedom to deliver a strategy targeting specific areas like this.”

He said it was important north-south A1 corridor and east-west A59 and A64 corridor connectivity was identified as it would be the driving force for the economy of the county.

Cllr Bastiman said:

“We must not take our eyes off what the market towns and larger villages, along with what smaller picture postcard coastal villages offer us.

“It is extremely important we take cognisance of all the area and the peculiarities, and I mean that in the nicest of ways, of such areas are taken into account because we don’t want to leave anybody behind with this. We want to bring people with us and consult all relevant bodies throughout the whole of North Yorkshire.”

Cllr Bastiman said he hoped the mayoral combined authority would play a supportive part in what North Yorkshire was trying to achieve.

“We do know the city of York will work with us on it, which is vitally important in delivering a cohesive, well thought out plan for the whole of North Yorkshire.”

Edinburgh Fringe debut for Ripon singer-songwriter

Next month’s Edinburgh Fringe will provide a high profile platform for Ripon singer-songwriter Alannah Creed to unveil a newly-created repertoire of original songs.

Her Fringe debut will see the 20-year-old classically-trained singer perform 12 songs written in collaboration with her mother and co-lyricist Kathryn Creed, a counsellor and hypnotherapist, who is also a Reiki master teacher and practitioner.

The duo have combined their musical and therapeutic skills to compose pieces designed to be in harmony with the healing power of nature.

Living close to the Studley Royal Deer Park, where they regularly walk Yorkshire terrier Katie, there is plenty in the natural environment to inspire them.

Alannah and Kathryn Creed with Yorkshire Terrier Katie

Alannah told the Stray Ferret:

“The songs, which I describe as classically inspired pop infused with electronica, draw on many different uplifting personal experiences, such as seeing the sun shining through trees and hearing the sound of birds singing.”

She added:

“I believe that music is a superpower for stress relief, enjoyment and healing and I want those who come to my concerts to feel happy, empowered, energised and renewed. “

Pianist Alannah, who also plays acoustic guitar, is currently an unsigned artist but has been working with producer Grant Henderson at Loom Studios in Birstall near Leeds, with the aim of releasing her work this autumn or in the spring of 2024.

Her 11 shows at Edinburgh Fringe will be staged in venue six at the Lauriston Halls complex and before heading to the Scottish capital, she will provide a sneak preview of her original works in the Harrogate Theatre Studio on the evening of July 21.

Alannah will also perform her repertoire in Ripon Arts Hub on Allhallowgate all 8pm on August 4, where tickets will be available on the door.

Those who go to see her in Edinburgh, Harrogate or Ripon, can expect dramatic performances as she is also an actor and dancer who trained in Contemporary Performance at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, before studying acting at the Stella Adler Academy in New York.

Hotels in Harrogate district jump on rising ‘ecotherapy’ trend

In the past few weeks, three local hotels have opened new outdoor spa experiences to customers.

Swinton Estate, Grantley Hall and Rudding Park are hoping to attract guests with the promise of ‘reconnecting with nature’.

In June, Swinton Estate offered up a new wild swimming experience in its private lake at the heart of the hotel’s grounds.

A week later Grantley Hall opened a ‘Nordic spa garden’ complete with outdoor ice baths and a sauna for immersion therapy.

Gillian McGraffin, spa and wellness manager at Grantley Hall’s Three Graces Spa, said:

“With the increasing trend of cold-water immersion therapy making more noise in the wellness space recently, we knew that we wanted to offer guests something new that had many incredible health benefits.”

Shortly after Grantley announced this new spa addition, Rudding Park opened a woodland spring bathing experience, equipped with mineral-enriched freshwater tubs.

Sarah Johnson, head of the hotel’s spa, said:

“Woodland spring bathing is a wonderful way to relax; the stillness of the water promotes a sense of calm, heightening the connection with nature.

“Offering guests something new and embracing our natural environment is really important.”

All three additions demonstrate the increasingly popularity of outdoor spa and wellness experiences – often referred to under the broader term of ‘ecotherapy’.

It encompasses a number of therapies and practices which promote interactions with nature as valuable tools for improving psychological and physiological health.

The demand for outdoor spa experiences has grown significantly since covid.

According to data collected by the People and Nature Survey last year, nearly half of adults in England spent more time outdoors than they did before the pandemic. Meanwhile, 39% also said that after the pandemic, nature and wildlife had become more important than ever to their well-being

Commenting on the trend, Ms Johnson told the Stray Ferret:

“The popularity of embracing the outdoors to boost well-being shows no sign of slowing down.”

Nurse retires after 50 years of service to Harrogate hospital

A nurse in Harrogate has retired after more than five decades of service to the NHS.

Lynne Henwood spent 50 years working for Harrogate hospital, 37 of them in the operating theatre.

She then transferred to the outpatients department where she worked until she finally retired after 54 years in the NHS, which this week marked its 75th anniversary.

She told the Stray Ferret things had changed considerably during her career:

“When I first started, we didn’t have the instrumentation, the knowledge, the technology. Things changed and evolved into a completely different world.

“The skill base is completely different. You just evolved. As they say, you never stop learning and I would say every day was a school day.

“Working within the team changed. When I trained, doctors were doctors and nurses were nurses. Then it became that doctors and nurses were part of the team.

“We supported the doctors and our knowledge was respected by the doctors.”

Mrs Henwood trained as a nurse in her home city of Liverpool at the age of 18, in January 1969. She said the training in those days was on the wards, with the 42-hour weeks over six days preparing her and the other student nurses for the hard work their first jobs would entail.

Training on the wards in Liverpool

However, she didn’t get off to the smoothest start.

“My first day on a ward, I fainted. I remember thinking, ‘that’s me done, I’m out now’. I had seen nothing in life, I was quite naive.

“But the sister said, ‘that’s quite normal, you’ll be fine’. And I was – it never happened again.”

After working in Liverpool for three years, Mrs Henwood took a job in Wakefield for just a few months before relocating to Harrogate in 1973, where she remained for the rest of her career.

She was quickly promoted to sister the following year and was based at Harrogate General Hospital until it closed.

Mrs Henwood transferred to the district hospital and worked at several satellite units around the district over the years.

Right, in scrubs, meeting the Queen when she visited Harrogate District Hospital

After almost four decades in the operating theatre, she moved downstairs to the outpatients department, working in clinical investigations as a staff nurse.

She reduced her hours 13 years ago with a plan to retire in summer 2020 – but everything changed with the arrival of the pandemic in March that year.

“I stayed in the outpatients setting, where we were still face-to-face with patients. I just decided I should stay.

“Some people said, ‘why aren’t you leaving like you planned?’ but I felt I should be there.”

In PPE during the covid pandemic

Three years on, Mrs Henwood decided it was finally time to retire. She said:

“I just thought I would like to do pilates on a Wednesday! I thought the only way I could do that was by fully retiring.”

Also awaiting her in retirement is more time with her husband and two daughters, as well as the opportunity to go walking, enjoy her garden at home in Boroughbridge, and read more books.

Her final week of work, however, was reminiscent of her first day as a trainee. A fall on a day off left her with a broken elbow and bruising on her face, meaning she missed her last shifts.

But her colleagues in outpatients ensured she had a good send-off, with a lunch in the department followed by drinks in Harrogate on the Friday evening, and a fitting collection of gifts and flowers.

Reflecting on her career, Mrs Henwood said:

“It was just a train journey I didn’t get off. I didn’t regret any of it and I wouldn’t tell anyone not to be a nurse, but I would say it’s not easy.

“I would like to thank everyone who I have worked with over the years for all their support and kindness.”

Sainsbury’s to close Harrogate store all next week for refurb

Sainsbury’s supermarket on Wetherby Road in Harrogate will close its doors all next week to make improvements to the store.

It traditionally closes for the duration of the Great Yorkshire Show, which this year runs from Tuesday, July 11 to Friday, July 14.

However, it is going to be closed from Monday to Friday, to allow more time for changes inside and to its petrol station.

The work will include updating the signage and fixtures, improving the fresh food and produce areas, relocating the sushi bar, and extending the clothing department.

Behind the scenes, staff areas are also being improved “to help foster a more interactive and inspiring workplace”.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said:

“We hope our customers in Harrogate enjoy their new look store once the works are complete. We’d like to thank everyone for bearing with us while we complete this extensive project and we look forward to hearing what our customers think.”

After closing as usual at 4pm tomorrow, the store will reopen at 7am on Saturday, July 15.

Yemi’s Food Stories: A Lamb Affair at Yorkshire Farmers Meat Company

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.

Saturday morning brought a mini disaster as my pair of glasses broke in half and went in two different directions; it was like watching a slow motion movie as it took my brain a moment to figure out what was happening. It was a relief to know that it was my glasses and not my eyes that were moving.

After an emergency optician appointment, I made my way to the Yorkshire Farmers Meat Company which was just down the road. They provide high quality and locally sourced meat products. I enjoyed my banter with the butcher and other staff members. I was delighted to hear they read my food feature.

I wanted some chicken sausages which they didn’t have but after looking at their wide range of products, I left with lamb mince and some Barnsley lamb chops.

I was craving a challenge and wondered what I could do with the lamb mince that was more than the usual bolognese, burgers and shepherd’s pie. Lamb is a wonderful meat and minced lamb is very easy and quick to cook. It lends itself to many flavours and spices such as mint, cumin, coriander, curry and pairs well with peas, rice, potatoes and beetroot.

A well made shepherd’s pie is one of the most comforting food you can eat during the cold months and a French trimmed lamb rack is a stunning centrepiece for a dinner party.

After racking my brain for some ideas, and challenged by some recent changes to my diet, I had to get a bit creative. My first dish was inspired by middle Eastern and Indian flavours so I made lamb mince with, caramelised onions, shallots, garlic, peppers, cumin, Aleppo chillies, coriander, curry powder and smoked sea salt.

I served this along with roasted aubergines and some toasted cumin seasoned yogurt dotted with golden caramelised onions, a sprinkle of onion skin powder and some Korean chilli flakes. It was a gorgeous and delightful meal. See picture below.

My second idea for my leftover mince was a simple Yaji inspired meatballs. Yaji is an extremely popular Nigerian spice that is used to season meat grilled on hot coals giving the most amazing aroma.

The cooked meat called Suya is often eaten as a snack with cold drinks. The fiery, smoky and flavoursome Suya, a true culture icon is popular in many other West African countries and around the world.

Making Suya seasoned beef for a food critic was one of the highlights of my MasterChef UK 2022 experience.

Yaji spice is made from peanut powder, bouillon seasoning, smoked paprika, ground ginger, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cayenne pepper, white pepper and kosher salt. Some recipes also include cloves and calabash nutmeg.

The recipe originating from Northern Nigeria is a closely guarded secret and many chefs have tried to recreate it with limited success. The good thing is you can simply buy the Suya spice mix.

My meatballs turned out juicy with a red hue from the smoked paprika and Korean chilli flakes. You can buy Suya spice online so have a go at making the recipe or use the spice on any cut of meat, fish or vegetables before grilling.

**This is not for anyone with a nut allergy.

Here’s my recipe for Suya spiced meatballs

Ingredients

350g Lamb mince

1 Tbs of Suya spice

½ tsp of Onion powder

½ tsp of Ginger powder

½ tsp of Garlic powder

1 tsp of Gochujang (Korean Chilli flakes)

2 tsp of Smoked paprika

1 tsp of kosher Salt (The suya spice has some salt)

Method

Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well with a wooden spatula
Make your meatballs into golf ball sizes
Place a non-stick pan onto medium heat stove and when it is hot, add the meatballs; you don’t need any oil as there’s enough fat in the lamb
Cook until golden brown on all sides
Baste constantly with the released oil to keep them moist
Check to make sure they are cooked through (use a meat thermometer or simply cut one in half). Rest for a few minutes
Serve with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and Korean chilli flakes

Tip, you can finish this in a cream based or tomato sauce and serve with potatoes, rice or pasta; alternatively add them to flatbread with some pickled carrots, a side salad and any sauce of your choice.

Next week, I will be bringing you some food highlights from the Great Yorkshire Show.

Staff at the Yorkshire Farmers Meat Company, Beulah St, Harrogate

Weeton Show

Birstwith Show

Ripley Show

Tockwith Show

Nidderdale Show

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