Harrogate town centre shop closes as business continues to trade

A shop in the centre of Harrogate has closed suddenly this week.

The former Dizzy Duck shop in Albert Street is now being advertised to let by FSS at £22,000 per annum.

A sign in the window says the estate agency re-entered the premises on Monday, on behalf of the landlord. It adds:

“As a consequence of the re-entry, the lease is forfeited and the premises have been secured.”

However, Dizzy Duck continues to trade online and owner Louise Chesters has been posting on its Facebook page frequently this week.

The business had a stall at Ripon market today, and has posted about plans to attend markets in Masham and Thirsk next week.

It changed its business address and phone number before 9am on Monday to remove the Albert Street details.

The Stray Ferret contacted Dizzy Duck about its departure from the shop. The owner declined to comment, but said there would be news coming soon about the business.

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Knaresborough ecommerce firm acquired by Leeds agency

A specialist e-commerce firm in Knaresborough has been acquired by a digital marketing agency in Leeds.

Three members of staff from Audere Commerce have joined Ascensor as part of the deal, including managing director James Withers.

He said:

“The Audere Commerce team and I are very much looking forward to joining a larger, more established digital agency.

“Ascensor share our values of delivering advanced digital technology to clients looking to grow through conversion.”

It is the third acquisition for Ascensor in the last 12 months. Managing director Andrew Firth said:

“This is a very exciting deal for Ascensor, and presents an opportunity to build further our ecommerce client base. We will be able to extend the range of services offered to the new clients.

“The skills base represented by this acquisition complements our existing strengths.

“Audere Commerce are ecommerce software specialists, they’ve developed a specialism in B2B ecommerce.

“We will be able to provide the new clients with marketing services, and they’ll benefit from our focus on conversion rate optimisation, that helps website owners to generate the maximum possible value from their digital assets and grow through return on investment.”

Harrogate primary school set to close

The governors of Woodfield Community Primary School in Bilton put the wheels in motion today for the school to close.

They have asked North Yorkshire County Council to begin a consultation on closure after nearby Grove Road Community Primary rejected a merger.

Some parents have been offered places for children to start in September.  The proposal is for the school to shut during the next academic year, although a precise date is not known.

A council spokesperson told the Stray Ferret today places offered in September “still exist” but the full implications of today’s news remain unclear.

The governors said in a statement they had exhausted “every possible avenue” and they were moving towards closure “with a very heavy heart”.

The statement said:

“This has been a very difficult time for the school, parents, pupils, staff and governors and we were all hopeful a solution had finally been found with the proposed amalgamation with Grove Road Primary School. Unfortunately, that could not proceed.

“This has left Woodfield Community Primary School in a very vulnerable position and we have had to look again at what options are available for the school.

“The governors have worked incredibly hard to find a positive solution, exploring every available avenue. Unfortunately, it is our conclusion that we have exhausted all options that are available.

“It is with a very heavy heart that the governors of Woodfield school have had to ask the county council to begin the consultation process for closure.’’ 

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The school received an inadequate Ofsted rating following an inspection in January 2020, which required it to become a sponsored academy.

Woodfield Community Primary School, Harrogate.

Woodfield Community Primary School, Harrogate

The Regional Schools Commissioner was unable to secure a multi academy trust to sponsor the school, which led the governors to explore a merger with Grove Road.

Merger talks fail

The move, which would have meant Woodfield School technically closed and became part of Grove Road from September this year, fell through in March when Grove Road pulled out, citing concerns about the level of risk.

Stuart Carlton, North Yorkshire County Council’s director of children and young people services, said in a statement:

“The Directive Academy Order and the absence of a sponsor from the academy sector had left Woodfield Community Primary School in a difficult position.

“The county council hoped that the proposed amalgamation would provide a solution to retain education on the school site, but that was not to be.

“I would like to thank the leadership and governors of Woodfield Community Primary School for their diligence in exploring the issues and I share their sadness that closure must now be considered.

“We will now move at pace to seek approval to consult on a proposal that the school should close during the next academic year.

“We will communicate directly with the school’s parents in the coming days on the many questions they will have at this time.’’

If you have a child at Woodfield school and have a view on what’s happening, email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Starbeck computer shop owner opens new ice cream parlour

A Starbeck computer shop owner has swapped microchips for chocolate chips and opened an ice cream parlour.

Jim Ghazani has converted part of PC City, on High Street, into his new venture, which launched this week.

Café Gelato offers 10 flavours of Italian ice cream in cones or tubs, as well as milkshakes and soft drinks.

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Mr Ghazani, who has owned PC City for 20 years, said:

“It’s a bit different to computers. I prefer working here as I can eat all the ice cream!

“People can come and get an ice cream on a walk to Knaresborough. There’s also a school near here, so we thought children might like one on their way home.

“We wanted to add something to the community and local high street and ice creams are always popular – especially in summer.”

The shop opens daily from 1pm to 6pm during the spring and summer months.

Mr Ghazani, who lives in Harrogate, said:

“My favourite flavour is the coconut Bounty one, but the kids like the bubblegum flavour.”

Vigilance urged after attempted theft at Harrogate antiques shop

Antiques shops and dealers are being urged to be vigilant after an attempted burglary of a shop in Harrogate this week.

The shop at 27 West Park was targeted between 6pm on Tuesday and 6am on Wednesday this week, when a culprit or culprits attempted to enter via a side window but did not gain access.

A shop on Main Street in Hawes was also targeted in the early hours of today. Between 1.10am and 1.20am, a main broke into a shop on Main Street and stole items from inside.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:

“As a precaution, shops and businesses — particularly those dealing in antiques — are urged to be vigilant, and check their security measures. You can contact your local neighbourhood policing team for bespoke crime prevention advice.

“Officers are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the two incidents.

“In particular, we are appealing for residents and businesses to check any CCTV systems or doorbell cameras that may have captured footage of suspects or any vehicles driving away from the areas.”

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The suspect in the Hawes burglary is described as around 5ft 6ins to 5ft 7ins in height, of skinny build and wearing black clothing with a lower face covering. Police have not issued a description of a suspect in the Harrogate attempted burglary.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation at Harrogate can email ian.mason@northyorkshire.police.uk, quoting reference number 12220079988.

For the Hawes investigation, email heather.campbell@northyorkshire.police.uk, quoting reference number 12220080576.

Alternatively, call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and speak to the force control room, giving the relevant reference number. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Praise for Harrogate district nurses on International Nurses Day

The manager for community nurses in the Harrogate district has praised their hard work and resilience during the pandemic.

Holly Southcott said she wanted to thank her team on International Nurses Day, a global celebration of the nursing profession.

She said:

“It’s been a really tough couple of years and it would be nice to see what they do recognised.

“I want to say a big thank you to all of the nurses – both locally and internationally – for their care and compassion every day over the last two years.”

Ms Southcott, who is the clinical locality manager for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT), also wants to promote nursing as a potential career choice.

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She said:

“It’s a really important role. It’s a professional role and it can be inspiring.

“The nurses in our trust are really skilled for providing holistic care in the community.

“We want to support future nurses to come forward and train. We will be offering alternative routes where people can progress without going to university.

“It’s such a varied and interesting role and you can get a lot of job satisfaction out of it.”

Ms Southcott said the nursing team pulled together during the pandemic.

She said:

“I went back to visiting people in their homes in the Knaresborough area. It has been a really tough and worrying time for our community.

“The nursing team has worked so hard. The courage they have shown has been amazing and I want this to be recognised.

“They played a crucial part in going into the homes of patients who wouldn’t have been able to access services otherwise.

“Everyone has really worked as one big team.”

International Nurses Day acknowledges and celebrates the commitment and bravery of nurses around the world.

This event, coordinated by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), is celebrated on May 12 every year on the anniversary of the birth of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale.

Henshaws Beer Festival back this weekend after two year break

Henshaws Beer Festival is back this weekend after a two year absence.

The event, on Saturday and Sunday, is a vital fundraiser for the Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough which works with disabled adults from across the district.

In June 2020 Henshaws announced the centre would be closed for the “foreseeable future” . Almost a year later the charity received a grant from Arts Council England from the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, which allowed the centre to reopen.  Henshaws said it needs to raise £200,000 of non-statutory income a year to keep the centre running.

Henshaws said the beer festival will be bigger and better than ever.  Five local breweries have joined forces to present the best of beer, including a specially brewed Henshaws Ale. Wines, gins, cider and low-alcohol beer will also be on offer.

The weekend will also feature sets from a range of local performers and a DJ . There will be a special acoustic stage on the Sunday.

There will be five different types of food and a range of family activities. Daytime family-friendly sessions take place on both days and there is an adults-only evening on the Saturday.

Fundraising development manager Helen Donkin said:

“Ticket sales are going well and we are beginning to get quite excited! The Arts and Crafts Centre offers a unique outdoor setting for the festival, with a large stage area, undercover spaces and outdoor and indoor seating. The event has been incredibly well supported in the past and, given the pressure that all charities are under, we hope for even more visitors this year. During our first event, we welcomed over 750 guests and pulled more than 2,500 pints and this year we want to do even better!

“We are already hugely grateful for the support of our sponsors including our title sponsor, Berwins Solicitors, and from the local breweries taking part, Cold Bath Brewery, Daleside, Harrogate Brewery, Turning Point and Roosters.”

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Martin Whincup, Head of marketing at Berwins, said:

“We’re delighted to be associated with this popular event as it returns from a pandemic enforced absence.

“This festival represents a fantastic opportunity to come together as a community and to raise money for a very important cause – Berwins is proud to support the work of Henshaws in this way.”

Tickets are available at Henshaws Beer Festival 2022 – Henshaws and each adult ticket receives a limited edition souvenir pint glass and two half-pint tokens, while children’s tickets come with a complementary soft drink voucher.

 

Success for Harrogate cafe and home care company
Hustle & Co

Staff from Hustle & Co collect their award.

A Harrogate start-up company’s efforts to overcome the challenges of covid have been recognised.

Hustle & Co was one of three finalists from 24 nominated organisations in the new business starter of the year category at Yorkshire Choice Awards.

The awards ceremony, attended by 700 people in Leeds, recognised independent businesses in Yorkshire.

Hustle & Co, which is co-owned by Nici Routledge and Jo Bradshaw, opened in December 2020 on Prince Albert Row.

Ms Routledge said making the top three was recognition of the tenacity of everyone at Hustle & Co during a difficult period for start-ups due to covid and Brexit.

Bishop Thornton home care company recognised as one of UK’s best

Carefound Home Care

Carla Hainsworth (left) and Lorna Miles from Carefound.

Carefound Home Care has won an award for being one of the top 20 home care groups in the UK.

Nearly a million disabled and older people receive care at home so they can stay living independently. This includes help with getting dressed, washed, preparing meals and drinks and administering medication.

Carefound was named as one of the top 20 home care providers in the UK based on reviews given at care reviews site www.homecare.co.uk.

Oliver Stirk, managing director of Carefound, said:

“This award is especially welcomed because it is based on actual reviews from our clients and their friends and family, who clearly recognise the outstanding care our home care team provides across Yorkshire.”

Amanda Hopkins, reviews manager of homecare.co.uk, said:

“Carefound has proved that it provides a high standard of care and we’d like to congratulate it on being a top home care group.”

Carefound operates in North Yorkshire, Cheshire and Nottinghamshire.

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Harrogate police begin two-week gun amnesty

Police are urging people in the Harrogate district to hand in any weapons, including guns, knives and tasers, during a two-week amnesty.

Anyone with weapons can surrender them at Harrogate police station, at Beckwith Head Road, anonymously without the threat of prosecution.

The amnesty, which starts tomorrow and ends on May 29, is part of a national campaign to tackle serious crime.

A North Yorkshire Police press release today said some people may be unaware that firearms kept at home for years are illegal. Others are legally held but no longer required and some are used to cause harm. The press release said:

“The surrender gives people the chance to dispose of firearms or ammunition by simply taking them to a local police station and handing them over.”

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The amnesty includes: illegally-held guns and ammunition, imitation firearms and air guns, tasers, stun guns and CS gas.

Police stations in Harrogate, York, Scarborough, Malton, Skipton, Selby, Northallerton and Richmond are taking part in the surrender.

Knife amnesty

In addition to the firearms surrender, Operation Sceptre will run from May 16 to 22.

As part of this coordinated week of activity, which aims to keep knives off the street, knives can also be disposed at Harrogate police station.

Assistant Chief Constable Elliot Foskett, said:

“I want people to take advantage of this campaign and know they are disposing of a potentially dangerous item in the safest way possible, without getting into any trouble.

“It’s a chance to do the right thing and a chance to potentially save a life”.

 

Woodlands pub to keep its name after £200,000 refurb

Heineken hopes to complete a £200,000 refurbishment of the Woodlands pub by Christmas — and the name will stay the same.

Star Pubs and Bars, who’s parent company is the Dutch brewing giant, first unveiled plans to give the pub a facelift in December 2020 that included a new outdoor seating area.

But it planned to give the pub a controversial new name, West Riding Harrogate, which didn’t go down well with some local residents.

Pat Marsh, the Liberal Democrat borough councillor for Harrogate Hookstone, said local people were attached to the Woodlands name and she hoped the owners would rethink plans to change it.

Cllr Marsh believed there had been a pub called the Woodlands on the site since at least the 1940s.

The name will stay

Last week Heineken announced it has earmarked £2.3m for investment into some of its venues in Yorkshire and Humber.

Jez Scott, North East investment manager at Star Bar and Inns, told the Stray Ferret he expects £200,000 of this will be spent on the Woodlands.

But he said the refurb will only begin once they have found a new landlord for the pub. It has been advertising the role for the last 18 months.

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Mr Scott said:

“We are in talks with a couple of interested parties, it does take time to find the right operator and to align our shared ambition for investment of our tenanted public houses and agree terms.

“We are hoping to be able to agree terms, get board approval and re-launch the site in time for Christmas.

He confirmed that the company no longer plans to call the pub West Riding Harrogate.

Mr Scott added:

“We are looking at incorporating the Woodlands name into the final scheme, the feedback from the local community was appreciated and we listened.”

Labour admits ‘challenging’ elections in Harrogate district

Harrogate’s Labour Party has admitted last week’s local elections were “challenging” after failing to elect any councillors in the district.

Labour failed to finish better than third in any divisions in the Harrogate district.

Chris Watt, acting chair of the local party and candidate for Fairfax and Starbeck, said the party was still proud of its “positive campaign” despite the results for the new North Yorkshire Council.

He said: 

“Our message of positive change has resonated, with many saying they were voting Labour for the first time and others strengthening their support for their local Labour candidate.

“Whilst we were disappointed not to make any gains, people clearly decided to kick the Tories by voting Liberal Democrat.”

There was success for Labour elsewhere in North Yorkshire as the party trebled the number of councillors it has serving the county.

Overall, the Conservatives narrowly maintained their control of North Yorkshire by electing just one more than the minimum number of councillors required for a majority.

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The Tories won 47 seats, while Labour and the Liberal Democrats took 12 each as five Green councillors were also elected.

Thirteen independents were also voted in, as well as one Liberal Party councillor.

Mr Watt added: 

“We are delighted that Labour made gains across the new North Yorkshire Council.

“We meet regularly with North Yorkshire’s Labour councillors and will ensure that the important voice of Harrogate and Knaresborough is not ignored.”

Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Party had five candidates – including two in Harrogate – but did not see success in the May 5 vote.

The party’s leader Bob Buxton said: 

“John Hall’s result in Spofforth with Lower Wharfedale and Tockwith was encouraging, so that’s clearly an area in which to build the party.

“It seems likely that there will be a North Yorkshire mayor next year. While the Yorkshire Party views mayors as largely powerless and budget-less, it is slightly better than no devolution at all.

“We finished third in both the South Yorkshire mayor election this year and West Yorkshire mayor election last year – people like our ideas on devolution and our demand for real powers and fair funding.

“In the meantime, there’s a parliamentary by-election in Wakefield, an area where we’re strong, giving us another opportunity to grow the Yorkshire Party.”