Harrogate’s Miss England contestant rescued after Yorkshire peak challenge

Harrogate’s very own Miss England contestant was rescued after getting lost on one of the Yorkshire three peaks.

22-year-old Chloe McEwen, who was last year crowned Miss Yorkshire, took on the challenge alongside another Miss England finalist on April 22 as part of their pageant campaigns.

The former Rossett School pupil was raising money for Mind, a local mental health charity, which she volunteers for following her previous struggles with bipolar.

The women set off at 9am and started their final climb at 6.30pm. However, by the time they reached the Ingleborough summit at 8.30pm, nightfall and cold weather had begun to close in.

Chloe said:

“It was pitch black at the top and we were terrified we would fall down one of the steep slopes. We were so grateful to get down in one piece.

“We got lost and it meant that we were on top of Ingleborough at night. The batteries on our phones had nearly died and we had no back up map and compass to guide us.

“We could have fallen at any point, and we feel very lucky to have climbed down safely.”

Chloe added her hiking partner, Lisa Ellis, managed to ring 999 before their phones died and emergency services called in a mountain rescue operation.

She said the rescue team was searching for the girls for “hours”, but the pair managed to “navigate their way down the peak safely”.

They eventually reached a farm near Clapham, which was a six-mile detour from their original route, where the mountain rescue team picked them up.

The Harrogate beauty queen also said:

“We are both physically fit and had packed food and warm clothing. Our mistake was setting off too late at 9am, which meant that we did not get to the final peak until nightfall. We were determined to finish the trek for the charities that we were supporting but we should have turned back or had an expert guide to show us the way.

“When our phones were about to die at the top, Lisa felt the safest option was to call the emergency services but we really didn’t want the challenge to end. We did think about bedding down on the top, but it was bitterly cold and we were worried that we might suffer from hypothermia.

“Thankfully we found a safe route down by using our torches and we were so relieved when we got to the farmhouse where we were picked up by mountain rescue. It was six miles from the route we should have taken because we had got lost in the dark. I am very grateful to the emergency services for their help and I would urge anyone attempting the three peaks to make sure they have an experienced walker with them, head home if the weather deteriorates and don’t climb after dark.”

Chloe and fellow Miss England finalist Lisa Ellis during their three peaks challenge.

Despite the ordeal, Chloe raised more than £1,700 for Mind during her three peaks challenge. She added:

“I learnt a lot along the way, too. I know that with a positive attitude, inner faith, gratitude and courage you can overcome your greatest fears and challenges.

“I love working with Mind and have found my purpose helping and inspiring those struggling with mental health.”

Chloe’s work with the charity comes after she suffered a breakdown aged just 16.

She was sectioned for eight months after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which led her weight to soar by almost four stone at the time.

She made it her mission to embrace a healthier lifestyle and dedicated fitness regime, leading Chloe to became a personal trainer and is now in the running for a national beauty queen title.

Chloe will compete against 39 others at the Miss England final at the Grand Station in Wolverhampton on May 16 and 17. The winner will qualify for Miss World later this year. You can choose who to vote for here.

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Harrogate charities urged to apply for share of £100,000

Charities and community groups in the Harrogate district have the opportunity to bid for thousands of pounds in funding.

A benefactor left over £100,000 in his will to Harrogate Brigantes Rotary, which raises money to help local and international communities.

The donation was given by a resident and member who wanted to see the funds being put to good use within the district.

Harrogate Brigantes is now preparing to give away £50,000 in the first wave of donations.

Groups are asked to outline why they should benefit. A second phase of funding, again offering £50,000, will be made available at a future date.

Brigantes president Bill O’Rourke said:

“Although we were very saddened to hear the news of our friend’s passing, we were honoured and delighted that they chose to bequeath such an incredible amount of money to us, which will in turn be used to help and support worthy causes across the Harrogate district. They understood our policy of ‘making a difference’ and wanted to ensure that we continued to have the ability to support local organisations which have a significant impact on the wellbeing of our community.

“In accordance with his wishes we are therefore making a first tranche of £50,000 available to local good causes, with another to follow at a future date. We are now seeking applications from organisations located within the former Harrogate Borough Council district and we are particularly keen to support those which have a strong connection to their local community and for whom a donation would make a significant difference.”

Matthew Stamford, director of estate agent Verity Frearson, Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals and Frances Elliot, chief executive of Harrogate and District Community Action, will draw up a shortlist of applicants.

Mr Stamford said:

“This is such a fantastic amount of money that can do so much good for many groups across the town and the district.”

Ms Canavar added:

“We know that Harrogate is home to a great number of wonderful charities and community groups, all of whom need financial support in these difficult times.”

Mr Elliot said:

“This money can really make a difference to people and groups within our community, and I would urge anyone who thinks they can make good use of it, to apply.”

Harrogate Brigantes is part of one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world, with around 1.4 million members across 200 countries and geographical regions.

To find out more click here and to apply for the funding click here.

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Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens set to become private road

A bid to close Crescent Gardens road in Harrogate to the public looks set to clear its first hurdle next week.

North Yorkshire Council has recommended councillors approve an application to install bollards and planters at either end of the road to prevent public access.

The move would involve the loss of 35 public car parking bays and could also eventually lead to the closure of the pedestrian footpath on Crescent Gardens.

Impala Estates, which bought the former Harrogate Borough Council headquarters for £4 million in 2020, submitted plans to close the road to the public last year.

The firm was granted planning permission to convert the building into offices, a gym and a restaurant / bar, and to construct a two-storey roof-top extension in May 2022. However, work has yet to begin.

The public parking bays lost would be retained for the private use of businesses using the building.

A 12-page report by case officer Gerard Walsh to councillors on the Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee recommends they approve the scheme when they meet on Tuesday, May 7.

The planning application would see the road running between Swan Road to the west and Montpellier Road to the east closed. Block paving would be installed on the road in front of the building to “form a clear pedestrian connection between the building and the Crescent Gardens park opposite”, the report said.

If approved, the Secretary of State for Transport could then issue a stopping up order extinguishing the public right of way.

The report said:

“Officers consider that the proposed development will have a minor positive impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area and no significant impact on the setting of nearby listed buildings.”

It added:

“The council’s highways team have no objection to the proposed development subject to proposed conditions requiring the submission of a bollard and access management plan, a construction phase management plan, and provision of a tactile pedestrian crossing at the junction of Crescent Gardens / Swan Road to improve the pedestrian facilities on the remaining highway.”

The view from the Swan Road junction.

The report said the loss of parking bays “is not a significant concern and would not warrant refusal, as there are sufficient alternative on-street parking facilities nearby, in addition to an abundance of available off-street parking options in the town centre”.

But Harrogate Civic Society, which lodged one of seven objections, said:

“Loss of public access to the parking spaces on the road would compound the previous loss of parking beside the Royal Hall.

“Crescent Gardens is important as a highway for two-way traffic to ease the passage of vehicles to Ripon Road and to and from Swan Road and the Duchy estate etc. The fact that a route other than Crescent Gardens exists is not a reason for stopping up this right of way.”

The planning committee will vote whether to accept Mr Walsh’s recommendation.

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Harrogate College’s £22m rebuild plans approved

North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to demolish the main building at Harrogate College and build a hub to train students in green technology.

The £22m proposals will see new state-of-the-art facilities at the Hornbeam Park college including a mock hospital ward, digital technology suite, electric vehicle workshop and a construction centre focused on modern building methods.

The college said it hopes it will become a “centre of renewable and sustainable excellence”.

Harrogate College, part of the Luminate Education Group, caters to a range of full and part-time students, including offering apprenticeships as well as education for adults.

The plans were approved by a council officer last week and the project is expected to be completed by July 2025.

Planning documents state the main office block that was built in the 1980s has fallen into disrepair.

The replacement will be 2,000 square metres smaller than the former building which documents said will make education more efficient and streamlined for students.

The plans received 28 objections with some people unhappy with a reconfigured car park that will see the number of spaces reduced from 242 to 88.

However, the college said there is an over-provision of parking at the current car park of 48%.

Danny Wild, principal of Harrogate College, said the approval was “great news for the college, town and North Yorkshire.”

He said:

“This £22 million redevelopment will enable us to upgrade our campus to enhance our industry-standard training facilities, including an electric vehicle workshop, mock hospital ward, and a renewable energy technology hub.

“It will help us provide even more targeted support for local employers by tailoring our training to produce the skilled workers they need to plug gaps and prosper. The main building phase of our project is set to be completed for the 2025-26 academic year and we look forward to welcoming students, parents and guests into our new campus.”

Mr Wil added:

“To minimise any impact in the local area we are instructing staff not to drive to college but to switch to public transport instead, and we will be covering the parking costs of all colleagues who do so.

“We will also be employing staff to patrol the local area to ensure things go smoothly, and disruption is kept to a minimum, during the construction. We’ll be formalising those details, and other arrangements including those for our contractors, as part of the conditions attached to the planning permission.”

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Harrogate named as one of UK’s best shopping destinations

Harrogate has been named as the 17th best shopping destination in the UK in a new study.

Commercial real estate company Newmark analysed the health of 1,000 UK retail centres based on factors including retail unit vacancy rate, the change in vacancy rate, space being adapted for other uses, shopper spend per annum and footfall figures.

The company’s Vitality Rankings, which have been produced annually since 2014, this year ranked Harrogate in the top 25 best places to shop — ahead of York and Leeds.

The top 25 was dominated by southern locations. Cambridge city centre was named as the best place to shop, ahead of Cobham in Surrey and then five London locations.

The only northern locations to finish higher than Harrogate, which was ranked 15th last year, were Chester city centre in eighth and Ilkley, in 13th.

Newmark director Andy Metherell said in the introduction to the report:

“Luxury destinations have performed better this year than in the past: the demise of tax-free shopping may be affecting overall sales in these locations, but their retail vitality compared to other centres is stronger – particularly benefiting from tourism and the presence of high-net wealth individuals who are unaffected by cost of living.

“These specific trading dynamics may being boost luxury locations specifically, but overall the health of retail centres across the UK is looking better than at anytime in the past three years.”

 

Newmark Retail Vitality Rankings 2024, Top 25 Retail Centres. Source: Newmark

Read the full report here.

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Cycle lanes scrapped and new traffic measures proposed for Harrogate’s Victoria Avenue

North Yorkshire Council has scrapped plans to create cycle lanes on Harrogate’s Victoria Avenue.

The council today announced it was holding a month-long consultation on proposals to change the wide avenue where the library is located.

The proposals include making the junction with Belford Road left-turn only and measures to prevent drivers illegally travelling straight ahead from Beech Grove to Victoria Avenue.

The consultation will focus purely on pedestrians and motorists — even though the council had identified Victoria Avenue as a “priority route” for cycling and announced last year it intended to create segregated cycle lanes 1.5 metres wide and buffer zones on both sides of the avenue.

A letter to residents announcing the consultation said:

“Unfortunately budgetary constraints mean that the previously envisaged cycle lanes cannot be included within this initial phase of this Victoria Avenue scheme.

“Following advice from Active Travel England, we have therefore concentrated on improvements for pedestrians and improvements to the public realm.”

The new proposals include:

It is hoped the work will take place in autumn this year.

Victoria Avenue

Victoria Avenue

Victoria Avenue was regarded as a key part of plans to create a joined-up, off-road cycling route from the train and bus stations to Cardale Park.

But with the second phase of the Otley Road cycleway abandoned, along with traffic calming measures on Beech Grove, today’s news is another blow to those campaigning for a greener town centre better suited to cycling.

Active Travel England, the government body that promotes walking and cycling, awarded the council funding to deliver a scheme on Victoria Avenue  in November 2020.

Today’s announcement said “design development work has been ongoing” since then.

The letter to residents said:

“The works proposed support North Yorkshire Council’s desire and vision to increase active travel in and around Harrogate town centre by proposing a number of measures to increase pedestrian safety as well as improved bus provision.

“Whilst unfortunately is it not possible to include the desired cycle lanes within this proposed scheme, the proposed works will not prevent the installation of the cycle lanes in the future, and this will be the ambition within a future funding bid. North Yorkshire Council is committed to delivering a cycle scheme on Victoria Avenue.

Consultation on the proposals ends on May 12. As part of this, an engagement session will take place from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, May 7 at the council office. The address is Stray Room, St Luke’s Mount, Harrogate HG1 2AE.

To comment, you can email Area6.Boroughbridge@northyorks.gov.uk using ‘Victoria Avenue ATF 2 Consultation’ in the title of your email or letter.

Or post comments to: NYC Highways, Area 6 Boroughbridge Office, Stump Cross, Boroughbridge YO51 9HU

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Harrogate house fire family launches crowdfunding appeal

A Harrogate family whose home was devastated by fire has launched a crowdfunding appeal.

Mikey Donald said his parents’ home insurance had lapsed a month before Friday’s fire, which ripped through the garage and house on Avenue Close in Starbeck.

You can read about the incident here.

In his appeal post, Mr Donald posted photos showing the impact of the fire and said he was “reaching out for support during one of the toughest times my family has faced”.

The car and garage were ruined by fire.

 

The bedroom

He said his dad Mike Donald, 58, was disposing of paperwork when fire broke out:

“A sudden gust of wind sparked a fire that engulfed our garage and home. Miraculously, no one was harmed, but the flames ravaged everything we held dear, leaving behind only memories amidst the ashes.

“To add to the hardship, we learned that our insurance had lapsed just a month before the incident, leaving us vulnerable and without coverage. Now, we’re faced with the daunting task of rebuilding our home from scratch, a journey filled with uncertainty and challenges.”

Mr Donald said his father’s partner Rhona Andrew, 57, was an NHS nurse who had “devoted her life to caring for others” and was awaiting kidney and pancreas transplants due to declining health.

He added his father, a joiner, was “always lending a helping hand in our Starbeck community”.

Mr Donald said:

“Your kindness and support mean everything to us during this dark chapter. Every contribution, no matter the size, will directly aid my dad in rebuilding our family’s home and restoring hope in our hearts. Thank you, from the depths of our souls, for considering to stand by us in our time of need.”

More than 120 people had donated a total of around £2,500 by last night. You can donate here

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Harrogate farm submit plans to create wildlife ponds

Plans have been  submitted to create three wildlife ponds at Breaks Fold Farm in the Washburn Valley.

The farm has submitted the propsoal to North Yorkshire Council to create the ponds, as well as the creation of scrape habitat and associated trenches, dams, spoils.

According to planning documents, the farm covers 90 hectares and the site has been used as agricultural land for more than a century.

The farm also runs a glamping site of tents and campervans. Johnny Vegas previously tried to set up a glamping site on the farm but left after ‘struggling to cope’ with the weather. 

In the application document, questions were raised about how necessary the ponds are for agriculture.

Breaks Fold Farm plans for wildlife ponds

The applicants responded:

“Increasing biodiversity on agricultural holdings through wetland creation provides environmental income, therefore justifiable for the purpose of agriculture.

“Wildlife ponds are designed to provide enriched habitat and contribute to sustainable drainage.”

The Stray Ferret has contacted Breaks Fold Farm for further details but has not yet received a response.

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Harrogate chip shop set for new management

A Harrogate fish and chip shop looks set to come under new management.

The Wharfe of Harrogate published a statement on social media on April 26 announcing it will be “leaving The Wharfes and trading from Bradleys” from May 12.

It is believed the owner of Bradleys fish and chip shops has been running The Wharfe of Harrogate until recently.

The post also said:

“On behalf of The Wharfe, we would like to thank all of our loyal customers who have supported us in the past few years.

“We just wanted to give people the heads up that Saturday, May 11, is our last day at The Wharfe chip shop on Skipton Road.”

The Wharfe of Harrogate is the trading name of Ocean Crown Harrogate Ltd, a company that entered liquidation in February.

According to online public records journal The Gazette, Restart Business Turnaround Insolvency Limited was appointed to wind-up the company on February 29.

A statement of affairs, uploaded to Companies House, shows HMRC was among creditors and was owed more than £228,000 in VAT payments by the company.

Bradleys – which has sites in Starbeck, Northallerton, Scarborough and York – took over the iconic Graveleys of Harrogate unit in February.

It is understood The Wharfe will continue to trade under new management.

The Stray Ferret has tried extensively to contact The Wharfe of Harrogate for further information about the changes, but has received no response.

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Business Breakfast: Boroughbridge business wins employer of the year

Boroughbridge based Green-tech has been awarded the title of ‘Employer of the Year’ at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024.

Green-tech is the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping and forestry products and is based at Rabbit Hill Business Park, just off the A168 near Boroughbridge.

The ProLandscaper Business Awards recognise outstanding achievements and innovation across the landscaping industry.

Green-tech was among six finalists for the award. The awards ceremony was held in London on April 19.

Green-tech’s managing director Kris Nellist said:

“We are incredibly honoured to be named Employer of the Year at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024. Green-tech strives to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where our employees can thrive and reach their full potential. Winning this award not only validates our efforts but is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of the Green-tech team for working to get Green-tech where it is today.”

Harrogate law firm promotes new head of family law

Head of family law at LCF Law, Harjit Rait

A Harrogate law firm has announced a new head of its family law department.

LCF Law’s has confirmed that Harjit Rait will lead the department following her promotion. She is a Resolution accredited specialist family lawyer.

Ms Rait said:

“During my time at LCF Law I have been fortunate to help many people at difficult times in their lives. My clients and my work, are both hugely important to me. In my new role I will continue to work with my own clients and support everyone in the family law team, but I will also become more involved with the strategic development of the department, which is something I’m looking forward to.”

LCF Law’s managing partner, Ragan Montgomery, said:

“I’ve known Harjit since our university days, and I can confidently say she has the right personality and skills for the role. She builds excellent relationships with her clients, is a fabulous networker and is very supportive of the development of others. Her talent for forging and maintaining excellent working relationships during her 22-year legal career will stand her in good stead as she continues to build on the successes of our trusted family law team.”

Theakston’s Brewery continues cricket sponsorship

Simon Theakston, chairman of Theakston’s Brewery.

T&R Theakston is set to sponsor the Nidderdale and District Amateur Cricket League for another season.

The brewery has sponsored the league for over a decade. England Test player Jonny Bairstow and Yorkshire players Ben Coad, Jonny Tattersall and Finlay Bean all started their junior cricket careers in the Nidderdale League.

This year marks the 130th anniversary of the league’s founding, making it one of the oldest and largest village cricket leagues in the country.

Chairman of Theakston’s Brewery, Simon Theakston said:

“We’re very proud to be entering our 15th season of supporting the Theakston Nidderdale Cricket League. The League, under the expert guidance of Sir Thomas, is the cornerstone of North Yorkshire community sporting activity and has been for very many years. Much like the local pub, the village cricket club holds a significant role as a place to feel welcome, to belong, meet friends and share experiences. With Theakston beers on hand to toast their successes and commiserate any losses, we wish the teams taking part in this year’s league all the best for the season ahead.”

Harrogate Clothes Bank announces new Business Club initiative

Harrogate Clothes Bank

Harrogate Clothes Bank  has announced a new business sponsorship club to help support its operations.

The charity, which offers free secondhand clothes to people in need, is looking for business sponsors who can contribute towards their rent.

Based Hornbeam Business Park, the organisation is looking for sponsors who can each donate, or pledge to fundraise, the equivalent of one month’s rent of its warehouse premises.

A spokesperson for the charity said:

“We are 100% funded by charitable donations and rely on support from businesses and the community. Harrogate Clothes Bank is run entirely by volunteers who sort donations, run our public-facing sessions and fundraising events, as well as provide invaluable behind-the-scenes expertise. We serve Harrogate and the surrounding communities and people find us through organisations such as social services, homelessness housing support, food banks, GPs, churches, schools, colleges, refugees and asylum seeker support groups.”

“We could not continue to run our vital service without this amazing local support.”

Jespers manager celebrates 30 years at the store

Jespers of Harrogate’s manager Lynn Cummings outside the shop in the centre of town.

Lynn Cummings is celebrating her 30th year with Harrogate business Jespers.

She joined the firm as a sales assistant on April 18th, 1994, before being promoted to second assistant retail manager two-and-a-half years later.

In 1997, she was sent to manage the York store, and returned to Harrogate in 1999 to take up the role of manager, which she has held since.

Ms Cummings said:

“I’ve seen a lot of changes at Jespers over the three decades. We had manual tills and I remember all the typewriters on display in the shop window. It was a different type of era, more traditional. We used to do printing, rubber stamps, and we had the pen counter, which was seen as a privilege to be asked to work on. Although much has changed, our traditional values of high-quality products and personal customer service remain. And the pen counter is still here, making us one of the few shops in the north of England to display an extensive range of pens that customers can try out.”

Harrogate Town partner with mental health charity

Wellspring-Pitch Positive

Harrogate Town AFC has embarked on a partnership with North Yorkshire mental health charity Wellspring Therapy & Training

The EFL League Two club hosted Wellspring at one of its popular Pitch Positive sessions held at Rossett Sports Centre.

The Pitch Positive evenings, which involve five-a-side football matches followed by informal group discussions over coffee, tea and biscuits, are designed to promote men’s mental health and wellbeing. Wellspring was represented by interim chief executive Nick Garrett and his colleague Robert Beaumont.

Lee McArthur, activity leader of Harrogate Town’s Community Foundation and one of the organisers of Pitch Positive, said:

“Thank you to Wellspring for your time, expertise, and dedication to supporting those navigating mental health challenges. Your presence truly made a difference and we are immensely grateful for the partnership between Pitch Positive and Wellspring.”

Coffee Lounge launches evening opening hours

Tom Gordon & Leda

Westmoreland Coffee Lounge has announced new evening opening hours.

In addition to their usual 8am-4pm hours, the shop will now be open 8am – until late Thursday to Saturday’s serving a range of alcoholic drinks including wine, spirits and cocktails.

Local businesses and residents from Westmoreland St & East Parade attended the launch event on Saturday 20th April.

Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidate, Tom Gordon, attended the launch evening.

He said:

“It was fantastic to be at the launch for Westmoreland Coffee Lounges new evening opening hours,  and supporting Leda & the team. It’s a lovely little spot to work and relax, and it’s one of my regular places – just round the corner from where I live. Their coffee has always been fantastic, and I can confirm their espresso martinis are great too. I’m so thrilled to see this local business thriving & the fantastic turn out for the launch on Saturday evening.”

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