Lifelong friends celebrate a year transforming faces in Harrogate

This story is sponsored by HGFace.

When Dr Lynda Allman and Jo Banks met 27 years ago at a party in Harrogate, they formed an instant connection, and a lifelong friendship was born.

After retiring from their respective careers in dentistry and nursing, they felt the time was right to create their own business together.

Realising they shared a mutual passion for facial aesthetics, they launched HGFace in 2021, and have just recently celebrated the business’ first birthday.

The medical aesthetics and skin clinic, located in Harrogate’s Windsor House, offers patients non-surgical treatments with a strong emphasis on professional, ethical and safe methods and techniques.

The wide range of treatments available include consultations for wrinkle relaxation treatments, dermal fillers, lip enhancements, PRP, microneedling, chemical peels and dermaplaning.

Lynda, who owned  her own dental practice, Acomb Dental and Implant Clinic, in York, for 20 years, explained:

“We have been great friends for so many years and we always thought we would do something together when the time was right.

“We both have continued with our professional registrations and with around 70 years of clinical experience between us in our previous careers, this has meant that the transition into facial aesthetics was a natural progression for us.”

Lynda first began carrying out medical aesthetics treatments whilst in a dental practice over 15 years ago.

She said:

“It has long been a passion of mine and ultimately what I have loved doing most.

“Aesthetics itself has evolved enormously in the time since I started out. It’s gone from being the treatment of isolated fine lines and wrinkles, to treating the face as a whole. We’ve continually expanded our knowledge and had the benefit of some world-class training. The subject becomes more and more interesting as the years go by.”

Self-confessed “skin geek” Jo added:

“The science and the psychology are so interesting and there is always so much to learn. It’s a good job that we are both life-long learners!

“Unlike the pressures of our previous careers, we can now give our patients the time that our aesthetic and skincare consultations and treatments require. There is no rushing here.

“Listening and understanding our patients is of great importance. We focus on building rapport and trust to make sure our patients are comfortable with and informed about their choices.”

The friends chose to base their clinic at Windsor House, on Cornwall Road. Both agree it is “a fabulous setting”, which is peaceful, discreet and also has parking available.

Whilst they both offer a full range of treatments, Jo tends to specialise in skincare and Lynda in the injectable procedures, such as wrinkle relaxation treatments and facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers.

Jo said:

“Skin care and injectable non-surgical aesthetic treatments go hand-in-hand.

“Well-proportioned features, along with a glowing complexion are the goal. Our aim is never to change a face, rather to enhance what is naturally there already.

Lynda highlighted the importance of good nutrition, hydration and appropriate supplementation.

She said:

“We retail a great range of supplements specifically for the skin. Jo and I would never be without our supplements now.”

Dr Lynda Allman (left) and Jo Banks.

Women tend to make up most of the patient list at HGFace, but the team are treating an increasing number of men.

Lynda said:

“There is a worldwide increase in men having aesthetic treatments. It’s not just the girls who want to look and feel great and full of confidence.”

A more recent addition to the treatment menu at HGface is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment.

This involves harnessing the regenerative powers of natural factors present in our own blood.

A blood sample is taken, centrifuged and the plasma removed. This plasma, rich in natural growth factors can be used in many areas of the body where healing and regeneration are required.

This is proving successful in treating hair loss in both men and women.

PRP can also be used as a great skin rejuvenator. The treatment is pain free and without any down-time.

HGFace is Save Face accredited annually, which means that the clinic has been assessed and has met ‘best practice standards’.

For more information visit www.hgface.co.uk

Community prepares for return of Birstwith Show this weekend

Visitors are expected to flock to the show field in Birstwith tomorrow for the first annual village show in three years.

Last held in 2019, the show is already attracting more interest than in previous years, with advance ticket sales up and a flurry of late bookings for trade stands in recent weeks.

Andrea Walwyn, a member of the organising committee, told the Stray Ferret:

“It’s going really very well. It has been a difficult couple of years and we haven’t had a show since 2019.

“This year we’ve had a real influx of volunteers and I think one of the reasons is because there has been a lot of new houses in the village. I think those people haven’t lived in a village before and they’re really excited to be involved in village life.”

As well as the traditional attractions, there have been a number of changes to this year’s show, which begins at noon.

When the show princess parades into the ring, for the first time her attendants will be two boys instead of two girls.

The show ring will have displays including 3Sixty Stunt Team, Harrogate District Dance Company and Pete White’s Suitcase Circus, and entries will be welcome on the day for the dog classes.

And while there will be the usual array of classes for everything from children’s baking to crafts, there have been some new trends in the entries received.

Ms Walwyn said:

“We’ve had a lot of entries, particularly in cookery classes. The fruit and veg classes are down, probably because of the weather this year, but cookery classes are up.

“We only usually get three entries in the painting class and this year we have got about 20. We wondered if people during lockdowns have been painting and cooking more.

“It’s interesting how things have changed in terms of our exhibitions.”

Tickets for the event will be available on the gate at £5 per adult, while children go free. Following the daytime entertainment, three bands will provide live music in the marquee from 6.30pm.

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Meanwhile, Weeton Show also takes place this weekend, with the gates opening at 9am on Sunday.

Brass bands, vintage tractors, rural craft demonstrations and a bar featuring Daleside Brewery’s exclusive show ale Weeton Wiggle will all be on offer.

Tickets are only available in advance via the website and organisers have warned people to book early after last year’s show sold out. Entry is £10 for adult and £5 for children, with those under five going free.

County council boss set to be appointed chief executive of new North Yorkshire Council

The chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council is set to be appointed as the head of the new unitary authority next month.

Richard Flinton, who has held his current role since 2010, was today named as the preferred candidate to take the helm at North Yorkshire Council.

Mr Flinton, who lives in Ryedale, will be paid up to £197,000 for the role,

The recommendation comes from NYCC’s cross-party chief officer appointments committee, which conducted the selection process.

The final decision will be made by councillors at a full meeting of NYCC on Wednesday, August 17.

The committee chairman, Cllr Carl Les – who is also leader of NYCC and will become leader of the new authority next year – said:

“Our new council will be one of the largest authorities in the country but we are building it around the needs of people, communities and businesses; so it will also be one of the most local.

“The successful candidate for the role of chief executive will be in charge of ensuring that the county’s 600,000 residents, and tens of thousands of businesses, get the best possible service and value for money.

“The person will also manage a revenue budget of around £1.4 billion and an ongoing capital programme of around £350 million while driving the transformation programme to bring public services together in a way that is effective and practical. This programme is estimated to make significant financial savings, which will then be used to help finance frontline services.

“As you would expect for a job this important, the process to select a preferred candidate has been competitive and robust and involved all political parties. It is now for wider councillors to make the final decision when they meet in a few weeks’ time.”

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Mr Flinton, who was born in Scarborough, has worked for NYCC since 1987, initially in trading standards. He rose through the ranks to become corporate director of business and environmental services in 2008, before becoming chief executive two years later.

The county council said the recruitment process for his new role was open and promoted nationally.

He said:

“I am humbled to have been chosen as the preferred candidate for the role of chief executive officer of the new North Yorkshire Council. The move to the new authority represents huge challenges and opportunities, and to be able to play a part in that would be a huge honour.

“There are so many hugely talented people across all of the eight councils which will become one next year, and it would be a real privilege to work with them.”

He will take up the post on April 1, when the new North Yorkshire Council comes into effect.

At that point, the 90 councillors elected in May to NYCC will transfer to the new authority where they will serve the first four-year term before another election is held.

At the same time, North Yorkshire’s seven district councils – including Harrogate Borough Council – will be abolished.

Police warn of increase in house and car thefts in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police has urged people in the Harrogate area to be vigilant after an increase in house and car thefts.

The constabulary issued the alert this morning, saying the number of incidents had risen “over the last few weeks”.

No further details were released.

In a post on social media, the police added:

“Please ensure you keep your homes and vehicles secure.”

Over the last few weeks there has been an increase of theft from insecure vehicles and homes across the Harrogate area. Please ensure you keep your homes and vehicles secure. If you have any information on these crimes call NYP on 101 or crime stoppers anonymously on 0800555111

— North Yorkshire Police – Harrogate (@NYP_Harrogate) July 29, 2022

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Lego Wonderland aims to draw visitors to Harrogate this summer

Children are being invited to hunt around the centre of Harrogate this summer for classic children’s characters with a difference.

An Alice in Wonderland Lego trail is being launched tomorrow, with 15 large characters in locations around the town.

The event has been organised by Harrogate BID and the characters made by Yorkshire charity Fairybricks.

The six builders took six months and more than 514,000 Lego bricks to create the masterpieces, which will be in place until Saturday, August 20.

Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:

“Last year’s Lego trail, featuring a number of well-known Harrogate landmarks, was a huge success, hence its return this summer.

“This time we have gone for an Alice in Wonderland theme, and the models created by the Fairybricks team are simply stunning, and I can’t wait to see them in situ.

“These 15 models haven’t been displayed anywhere before, and after their Harrogate debut they will then be heading off to different events and venues all over the world.”

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The three-week event is designed to bring people into town during the summer, supporting the BID’s levy payers and other businesses in the area.

Sculptures include Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and the Dormouse, and will be at locations including the Victoria Shopping Centre, the Everyman cinema, the Turkish Baths, and the Harrogate Town FC shop on Commercial Street.

The trail can be downloaded via the LoyalFree app, which is free to download from the App Store or Play Store.

Last year’s Lego trail attracted more than 5,500 people to take part using the app, with others enjoying seeing the sculptures while they were in the town centre.

Mr Chapman added:

“We are really excited to be bringing back the Harrogate Lego Trail. It was certainly one of our highlights of last year, and one that help take visitors into different parts the town.

“And with our ongoing Floral Summer of Celebration – featuring a stunning trail, colourful shop window displays and fascinating exhibition – coupled with brilliant shops, bars, restaurants and beautiful gardens and open parkland, Harrogate town centre really is this summer’s must-visit destination.

“I’d also like to thank all the businesses that are participating in the Alice in Brickland Harrogate Lego Trail, who have made room within their premises to display one of the sculptures.”

‘Devastated’ parents miss son’s wedding celebration after passport delay

A “devastated” Harrogate mum was unable to attend her son’s wedding celebration because of a delay in receiving her passport.

Alison Johnson was due to fly to Sweden with husband David last Thursday ready for the event on Saturday, which would also have been the first time she met her daughter-in-law’s family.

She applied for a new passport in early May, as soon as the event was arranged – around the recommended 10-week window before travel – after realising she could not find her old one.

The Passport Office confirmed it had received it within two days and asked a friend to verify the photo.

However, with no sign of the new passport by early July, Mrs Johnson was beginning to worry.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“Every time I tried to contact them, the phone went dead. When I did get through, I was promised call-backs that never materialised.

“I got a message earlier in July telling me not to keep contacting them because it slowed the process down, so I stopped.”

After sending off the passport, Mrs Johnson said she heard nothing until she was told the photograph she had sent had been rejected just 10 days before they were due to travel. She sent a new one immediately, then heard nothing more.

After paying to upgrade to a fast-track service, last Monday, July 18, she received a call from the Passport Office reassuring her that the new passport would arrive by special delivery before 9am on the Wednesday, July 20.

Mr and Mrs Johnson were due to travel to Manchester that afternoon, ready for their flight the next day.

Mrs Johnson said, with the promise of the passport’s arrival, she even baked a wedding cake for her son Matt and his new wife Linn. They were married at New Year, but decided to have a celebration for the whole family in the summer in her native Sweden.

“It was going to be in the most idyllic setting at a place called Osby. He’s allergic to nuts, so I made a traditional English wedding cake without the nuts, cooked with brandy.

“I iced it on the Tuesday on the morning of the awful heat.

“Then the passport didn’t turn up on Wednesday. The cake is now in a cake box in a case and it’s going to have to stay there.”

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With no passport, Mr and Mrs Johnson were left with no option but to cancel their flights. She said they could have rearranged their travel plans, but the cost of doing so was too much for them to afford.

It was also made more complicated by the fact Ms Johnson has ME and requires a mobility scooter. Arranging for it to be taken on a plane can be complex even with a lot of notice.

She said:

“I am just devastated. He is our only child and we just wanted to be there.

“I’ve been there for every other milestone of my son’s life. This was a bit special – a highlight after a few awful years.

“We haven’t seen them since the beginning of January and they’re going away on honeymoon now, then they’re both working flat out when they get back so I don’t think we’ll see them until next year.

“There’s another celebration planned in London next year so we can go to that and take the cake, but that’s no compensation for what we’ve missed.”

A spokesperson for HM Passport Office said:

“Between March and May, we processed approximately three million applications, and 98.5% of applications were completed within 10 weeks. But we cannot compromise security checks and people should apply with plenty of time prior to travelling.”

Mrs Johnson said although she has missed out on the important family event, she hopes other people will learn from her experience and apply as early as possible or pay to receive their passport sooner.

Business Breakfast: Care provider adds 120 staff to Harrogate team

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A pay rise of 30% has helped a specialist care provider recruit 120 new members of staff.

Vida Healthcare is deploying the new team members across its three care homes in Harrogate in roles including care assistants, registered nurses and wellbeing staff.

The pay increase has seen qualified care assistants increase their hourly rates from £9.61 to £12.32, while nurses have gone from £18.50 to £22.50.

James Rycroft, managing director at Vida Healthcare, said:

“Recent Skills for Care data found that filled posts in adult social care dropped for the first time ever and the number of vacant posts had increased by over 50%.

“It’s really important to us that we demonstrate to our team how much we appreciate and value them so that we can continue combating this crisis.

“Establishing various benefits including the pay increase and our bespoke training platform ‘Vida Academy’ also supports our colleagues in providing the best care to our residents. A role in social care isn’t just a job, but can be a very successful career.”

Vida Healthcare employs more than 470 staff to care for more than 200 residents living with dementia.

Its third care home, Vida Court on Beckwith Head Road, launched last year and features a cinema, sweet shop and hair salon.

Newly-employed team leader Jayne Christie said:

“It’s been a challenge to find a role in the sector which can provide the support that I need both in my job and out of work.

“Joining Vida was a no brainer thanks to the amazing things that are available to support myself and my colleagues like the pay increase and the amazing surroundings in the care homes.

“Social care is a really rewarding career, but it can be incredibly demanding both mentally and physically. Knowing that my employer cares about me and my wellbeing means a lot.”

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New director for Harrogate-based Eye Airports

A new director has been appointed to the head of an airport advertising firm in Harrogate.

Rachel Davies joins Eye Airports as one of three new appointments for parent company CP Media.

The outdoor advertising specialist has also added Ed Armstrong and Richard Eccles to its board as head of marketing and group chief operating officer respectively.

It follows a year of growth for the firm, with a 40% increase in group revenues to £6.8m in the last financial year.

Mike Brennan, CEO at CP Media, said:

“Rachel is the most experienced and successful regional airport advertising manager in the UK. Her promotion to the main board will strengthen both the company and the management.

“Ed has been with us for many years and now runs one of the most successful marketing departments in our industry.

“Richard has done outstanding work for the entire group over the last 10 years and thoroughly deserves this promotion.

“He has been my successful number two almost since the beginning and we wouldn’t be here without him. He is a vital part of our future growth.”

CP Media was named one of the 50 fastest growing Yorkshire companies by Ward Hadaway and number 78 in the UK in the top founder-led private businesses of 2022, awarded by FEBE Growth 100.

It has offices in Halifax as well as six of its 40-strong team being based in Harrogate, where Eye Airport is based. CP Media acquired the brand in 2019, taking advantage of its advertising rights for 19 regional airports.

Memories and tributes at much-loved Harrogate historian’s funeral

The funeral of much-loved Harrogate historian, Malcolm Neesam, took place this afternoon at Christ Church on the Stray.

The humanist service saw friends and family pay tribute to Mr Neesam, whose work to document and archive the history of Harrogate has been so admired.

Mr Neesam wrote some of the most comprehensive histories of the town. His last chronicle Wells and Swells: The Golden Age of the Harrogate Spa 1842-1923, was published in April.

He died in the early hours of his 76th birthday.

In her introduction the celebrant, Michelle Burns, talked of Mr Neesam’s “devotion to conservation” and how his family and friends were so important to him.

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Amongst those who spoke were friends Edward Barnwell and fellow Harrogate historian, Anne Smith.

Mr Barnwell said Mr Neesam “had been an important part of my life. Harrogate has lost a great man, I have lost a dear friend.”

Professor Paul Jennings said Mr Neesam’s work had been a “magnificent achievement” and that very few English cities and towns had a historian like Malcolm Neesam.

At the wake after the service, Stuart Holland, of Harrogate Civic Society said Harrogate Borough Council had committed to creating a lasting memorial to Mr Neesam, but a decision on what that would be was yet to be decided.

He also said that the civic society was keen to work with others to erect a plaque in the town in his memory.

 

 

Harrogate squash club strongly represented at Commonwealth Games

Diver Jack Laugher may be the biggest name in the Harrogate district at the Commonwealth Games but the area will also be strongly represented at another sport.

Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre at Hookstone Wood Road has played a major role in developing international talent at squash.

James Willstrop, who lives in Harrogate, will be defending the gold medal he won at the last Commonwealth Games in Australia in 2018.

Harrogate’s David Pearson is coaching Scotland and Aidan Harrison, who turned professional at the age of 16 while based in Harrogate, is coaching Barbados.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret shortly before today’s opening ceremony in Birmingham, Mr Harrison said the Harrogate club had a worldwide reputation for producing talent thanks largely to Mr Pearson:

“A lot of people here in Birmingham have Harrogate connections.

“Harrogate has had a great reputation as a club since the 1980s and 1990s with many people going there to be around David Pearson and to seek his advice.”

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Mr Harrison, who attended St John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate, captained England to the world junior championships in 1990 and broke into the world top 50 as a senior before retiring at the age of 23.

He moved to Dallas in America in 1991 to pursue a career in coaching, which has included a stint as head coach of the American women’s junior team. He was named USA Olympic Squash Coach of the Year in 2002.

Aidan Harrison

Aidan Harrison coaching the Barbados players.

Three months ago he was appointed to help the five-member Barbados team in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games, which is the sport’s premier event.

Mr Harrison said New Zealand, England, Australia, India, Wales, Scotland and Malaysia were the top squash countries at the games but Barbados had the chance of a medal in mixed doubles. He said:

“These players that we are coming up against are top 10 in the world and I would love for our players to make a statement and show that they have what it takes to medal at such a major event.”

Mr Harrison’s parents and sister still live in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area.

He last visited in Harrogate in 2019 but has no plans to return full-time. At the end of August he will be moving to New York to start a new coaching role at Westchester Country Club.

Sickness outbreak prompts concerns River Nidd is not safe for swimming

Parents have expressed concerns about the safety of swimming in the River Nidd after a spate of children falling ill.

There have been widespread reports on social media of young people suffering sickness and diarrhoea since they went in the river to cool down during last week’s heatwave.

Most of those affected had been in the water at Knaresborough.

Environment Agency figures revealed raw sewage was pumped into the Nidd for 16,713 hours last year. Parents say there should be more signs alerting people to danger.

Jennyfields mum Lisa Poole, whose three sons are still unwell 10 days on, said there is a public health risk that needs highlighting. She said:

“My boys went swimming at Conyngham Hall on the Sunday (July 17) and are still not right. They’ve had vomiting and explosive diarrhoea.

“At least 50 people have said on social media that the same thing happened to their families.

“My family won’t ever swim in the river again so what happens now makes no difference to us but we think something should be done to warn other people of the danger.”

River Nidd at Knaresborough

The River Nidd at Knaresborough

Harrogate mum Julie Mills, who was among the first to highlight the issue on social media, agreed.

Her teenage daughter and three friends swam near Conyngham Hall last week. She said:

“My daughter is a real water baby who is used to the river but she and her friends were all ill.

“Nearly everybody we have spoken to who went into the river was ill afterwards. Something’s not right.”

‘Legitimate questions’

David Clayden, honorary secretary of Harrogate Fly Fishers’ Club, said there were legitimate questions about water quality considering the amount of raw sewage being pumped into the Nidd.

He said the problem was exacerbated at times when the water level is low, such as now, when the river needed a good flush.

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The Stray Ferret asked Yorkshire Water, which treats water on the Nidd, if it was aware of an outbreak of sickness among river swimmers during the heatwave.

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said:

“The river is a natural environment and contains bacteria from a variety of sources that may cause illness if swallowed.

“We have checked the performance of our equipment in the area and have found no evidence of any discharges from storm overflows or combined sewer overflows in the days before Friday 15th, or since.

“Our wastewater treatment works have continued to treat wastewater and return it to the environment as normal.”

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire County Council, which is responsible for public health, said it wasn’t aware of any issues.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said it wasn’t aware of any recent pollution incidents on the Nidd but advised people against swimming in rivers unless they were designated bathing areas.