A mountain biker had to be rescued when he broke his leg riding near Harrogate this week.

The cyclist came off his bike at Norwood Edge, which is a popular location for on and off-road cyclists.

Volunteers from Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association were summoned to help the man on Monday.

Pic: Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association

In a Facebook post, the association said:

“We received a call from Yorkshire Ambulance Service to assist with a 43-year-old male mountain biker who had fallen off his bike sustaining a broken leg.

“First team members on the scene carried out a primary survey while waiting for the team vehicles and the ambulance crew.

“The team assisted the crew to package casualty and then carry off to waiting ambulance. We wish him a quick and full recovery.”

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A planning application has been submitted to convert Harrogate’s former Royal Air Force club on East Parade into four flats.

The club occupied the building between 1966 and 2022 and served to support ex-RAF servicemen and servicewomen throughout the Harrogate district.

The bar was open on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

The club’s members were part of the RAF Association, a registered charity that provides welfare support to the family of RAF members nationally.

But the club closed after over 50 years in June 2022 due to a dwindling membership locally.

Planning documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council also say there was also no disabled access to the building, which made it difficult for ageing members to access.

A statement from the club chairman last summer said the club was no longer viable and when sold, the proceeds would be given to the RAF Association.

Read more:

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A closing party was held at the club where people made donations to obtain some of its remaining military memorabilia.

Despite closing the club, the Harrogate district branch of RAFA is continuing with its charitable endeavours and remaining members will still attend annual events such as the Battle of Britain commemorative parade at Stonefall Cemetery and Remembrance Sunday parades.

Philip Crebbin, chairman of the club, outside the RAF club in Harrogate.

The National Reserve Club, also called The Nash, was a nearby club that formed in 1913 but closed in 2020. Planning documents say that declining membership numbers and maintenance costs mean working men’s clubs are struggling to survive.

However, the Ex-Servicemens Social Club, also on East Parade, is still open.

The plans for the RAFA Club include four two-bedroom flats and the demolition of an external toilet block.

Planning documents state:

“The falling membership of private members clubs such as The Nash and the RAFA Club, have rendered them unviable and works on the maintenance of those properties has declined.

“It is generally recognised that limited membership clubs nationally are in the decline and property maintenance is low down their priorities while trying to survive. The closure of these two nearby premises with no acceptable alternative use or substantial investment will result in the decline of the fabric of the buildings being accelerated to the detriment of the character of the conservation area.”

A new canopy and picnic benches have been installed in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.

Harrogate Borough Council put in the facilities, which cost £25,000, as part of its annual maintenance programme.

The council said the existing benches were in need of repair.

It added the new seats and canopy would “ensure visitors have adequate seating and shelter from not only the rain and snow but also the hot weather”.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council said:

“Valley Gardens receives more than four million visits per year, and the new picnic benches have been installed to replace the existing ones that were in disrepair, as part of our annual maintenance programme.

“To celebrate these new additions to Valley Gardens we are hosting a treasure hunt on Tuesday 14 February between noon and 4pm. The first 240 children to complete the treasure hunt will receive a free ice-lolly.”

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A monument over 5,000 years old between Ripon and Masham is set to open to the public free of charge.

The Thornborough Henges complex includes three large circular earthworks each more than 100 metres in diameter.

Historic England described the Neolithic site as “probably the most important single ancient site between Stonehenge and the Orkney Islands in Scotland”.

Construction firms Tarmac and Lightwater Holdings have gifted the site into the legal ownership of Historic England, which is a non-departmental public body, although it will be managed by the charity English Heritage.

The site is is located near West Tanfield, between Ripon and Masham, just outside the Harrogate district.

It falls within the Richmond constituency of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who said:

“The Thornborough Henges site has enormous potential to help tell the story of ancient Britain and I very much welcome this announcement about its future – its safeguarding and preservation for the nation.

“Comparatively few people are aware of its significance – both locally and nationally. I hope many more will come to appreciate this little-known gem of our history and while doing so provide a welcome boost to the local visitor economy.”

Historic England said in a statement:

“The earthworks are thought to have been part of a ritual landscape and are probably the most important single ancient site between Stonehenge and the Orkney Islands in Scotland.”

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Thornborough Henges will join various Roman sites on Hadrian’s Wall and Stonehenge within the National Heritage Collection.

The deal started to come to fruition in 2016 and has finally been settled after years of controversy over quarrying in the surrounding area of the monument.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England said:

Thornborough Henges and their surrounding landscape form part of the most important concentration of Neolithic monuments in the north of England. They are a link to our ancient ancestors, through thousands of years, inspiring a sense of wonder and mystery. We are thrilled to have acquired this highly significant site for the nation, ensuring that these magnificent monuments are safe and will be preserved for generations to come.

Find out more here.

Two people were taken to hospital after a collision on the A658 near North Rigton last night.

The collision happened around 8pm last night, at the junction with Hall Green Lane, and involved two cars.

Sgt Paul Cording, of North Yorkshire Police‘s roads policing team, posted images of the damage to the cars on social media, adding:

“Amazingly no serious injuries although two taken to hospital by our [Yorkshire Ambulance Service] colleagues.

“Huge thanks to the off duty student nurse who stopped to help.”

Emergency services remained on the scene to deal with the situation for some time.

A flying start to the nightshift too as we turned out straight away to a 2 vehicle RTC on the #A658 near North Rigton. Amazingly no serious injuries although two taken to hospital by our @YorksAmbulance colleagues. Huge thanks to the off duty student nurse who stopped to help pic.twitter.com/mGGytqlZWR

— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) February 3, 2023

Read more:

• Two Rossett pupils seriously hurt in collision remain in hospital tonight
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A report has laid bare the stark health inequalities that separate men and women living in different parts of the Harrogate district.

Councillors in the Harrogate borough met this week to discuss an annual health report written by North Yorkshire County Council’s director of public health, Louise Wallace.

The report draws on government public health data that breaks down average life expectancy levels by council ward boundary.

These figures show that men in Bilton Woodfield live, on average, until 74 whereas just a few miles away in Oatlands they live to 87.

Bilton Woodfield is the most deprived ward in Harrogate whereas the Oatlands ward includes some of the most expensive streets in Yorkshire, including Fulwith Mill Lane.

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Ms Wallace said there is a higher prevalence of factors such as smoking in more deprived areas and that employment types and education can contribute to the differences in life expectancy.

The data also reveals that women live to 91 in Claro, which includes villages north of Knaresborough. However, in Knaresborough Eastfield the average life expectancy for females is far lower at 78.

The average life expectancy for men in England is 79 and for women it’s 83.

Improving lifestyles

The report also said the number of higher risk drinkers in England has increased since the pandemic, with the heaviest drinkers and those in lower socioeconomic groups increasing their consumption the most.

John Mann, Conservative councillor for Pannal, asked Ms Wallace what the council is doing to help people stop drinking and drug-taking in the Harrogate district.

He said:

“I’m interested in reducing excessive drinking, I mean we all like a drink, but some people go to excess which is not good for you. 

“Drinking at home or socially is a bit addictive and does affect family life and career progression and health.”

Ms Wallace said the council is currently drafting a new alcohol strategy to replace the previous document from 2014-2019. 

She added:

“When people need support around alcohol we have a commissioned service with Horizons but we need to get some whole population messages out there. 

“You’re absolutely right for the potential of excessive  drinking and what that might mean. We’re seeing an increase in alcohol-related admissions or illnesses as a result of excessive alcohol use.”

Commuters in the Harrogate district are set for further disruption this morning as no trains will operate due to strike action.

Members of train drivers’ union the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) and the RMT union are set to walk out today in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Northern, which operates services between Leeds and York, has confirmed no trains will run throughout the day.

The operator added that some services on Saturday (February 4) after the strikes may be also be affected.

A statement from Northern urged passengers to check services before they travel this weekend.

Meanwhile, LNER has also told commuters to check services before travelling during the strikes.

Read more:

• Union predicts some Harrogate district schools will close due to strike
• Nurses and ambulance workers set to strike in Harrogate on same day

Besides train drivers, nurses and ambulance workers are set to strike in the Harrogate district on Monday.

Unless strikes are averted, the Royal College of Nursing plans to carry out two days of industrial action on February 6 and 7.

Unite has scheduled another ambulance strike in Harrogate on the same day.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis, will be held on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate. Early bird tickets are available until next Friday. The event will celebrate success and business excellence across the Harrogate district. It’s a night not to be missed! There’ll be a fabulous prize draw for all attending and Richard Flinton, the incoming Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council, is guest speaker.

New café opens on Cardale Park 

Serviced offices, 1 Cardale Park, has opened its own coffee shop.

Paul’s Café @ Cardale is open to both tenants of the offices and the public, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

The café, which is owned and operated by Paul Ulett, has a selection of handmade sandwiches (courtesy of Thug Sandwich), salads, cakes and pastries. A variety of breakfast options will also be on offer, with a range of choice for different dietary requirements.

Paul Ulett said:

“We’re delighted to be opening at such a fantastic location. It’s a great asset to both residents and local businesses in the Harlow Hill area of Harrogate, as not only are they able to sample great quality food and drinks at reasonable prices, but it is also the perfect spot for them to come and grab a delicious lunch on the go, or enjoy a break from their working day”.

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Harrogate Homeless Project awarded major funding

Harrogate Homeless Project has been awarded a 2-year grant totalling £50,000 from the Lloyds Bank Foundation.

A payment of £25,000 each year will be used to expand and improve the services currently provided at its day centre, Springboard.

The Springboard Day Centre provides food, washing facilities and medical services. It also offers help with housing applications and access to other services.

The organisation says, “the funding will help to increase the capacity of Springboard to host more organisations, extend the opening hours and expand the food service”. The funding will also be used to further develop their therapeutic services and staff training.

The Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is an independent charitable trust that partners with small and local charities who help people overcome complex social issues.

 Firefighters release the trapped person.

Ambulance and police were also in attendance

Harrogate Business Improvement District is encouraging local people and visitors to ‘share the love’ of the town in a new Valentine’s campaign.

Neon lights, a pop-up love heart and other props have been installed in Montpellier Street, on Swedish-inspired coffee house Fi:k’s exterior wall, as part of the We Love Harrogate initiative.

From tomorrow, passers-by will be invited to share just why they love Harrogate by posting photographs on social media platforms. Those doing so could win a range of prizes.

The campaign has been created by BID project manager Jo Caswell, who has worked with Fi:K and town centre florists Blamey’s to create the love heart made from artificial roses.

Harrogate BID manager Matthew Chapman said:

“Harrogate is a lovely town, and this campaign is all about people, residents and visitors, sharing their love for it.

“We have chosen Montpellier Street as we want to attract visitors to different parts of the town, so they can explore the great shops, bars and restaurants this area has to offer.

“We want to see pictures of individuals, couples, families, friends and pets, getting into the spirit and sharing their photographs on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.”

Read more:

• New chair to take the reins at Harrogate BID
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Blamey’s is giving away a floral bouquet to the person who correctly guesses the number of roses used in the creation of the love heart.

The competition can be entered by scanning a QR code near the display.

Those entering who include the hashtag #sharetheloveHG1 will also be in with a chance of winning a £150 Harrogate Gift Card and a £60 Bettys afternoon tea voucher.

A selection of photos will be framed and hung alongside the love heart from Tuesday next week.

The We Love Harrogate campaign builds on last year’s I Love Harrogate video, where primary school children from St Peter’s, Coppice Valley, Birstwith & Admiral Long, Oatlands, Richard Taylor, and Western spoke about what they loved most about their home town.