Rumours Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds could attend Harrogate Town game

Superstar actor Ryan Reynolds could swap Hollywood for the EnviroVent Stadium in Harrogate on Saturday afternoon.

The Deadpool star is one of the most famous actors in the world but in an unexpected plot twist he and fellow actor Rob McElhenney recently bought Wrexham AFC.

Wrexham have been drawn to play Harrogate Town in the first round of the FA Cup this weekend, in a match that could see some stardust sprinkled around Wetherby Road.

Reynolds, who has 39 million Instagram followers, and McElhenney both attended their first Wrexham game against Torquay on Saturday.

Rumours are now swirling that they may stick around in the UK to see their new club take on Simon Weaver’s gladiators, who will be hoping to put on an Oscar-worthy performance and book a front-row ticket to the second round.

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Harrogate Town and Black Sheep Brewery launch new beer

Harrogate Town FC and Black Sheep Brewery in Masham have collaborated to launch a new beer.

Called Yellow Black Army, the launch is part of the brewery’s official sponsorship of the club.

The beer, which is a session IPA, will be available to buy online and from the club’s shop on Commercial Street from Monday.

Simon Weaver, manager of Harrogate Town, said:

“I’m sure our fans will be delighted to be able to drink our very own, official beer.

“Just like our club, Black Sheep does things its own way and has created a unique sense of identity in the process. We can’t wait to see our fans’ response to Yellow Black Army, and give them another chance to enjoy how far our club has come in recent years.”

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Charlene Lyons, chief executive of Black Sheep Brewery said:

“We’ve been working really hard behind-the-scenes to create a beer that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Harrogate Town AFC, and we think fans will absolutely love the final result.

“Given the club’s recent promotion to the Football League for the first time in its history, we felt it was only right to celebrate Harrogate Town’s success in true Black Sheep fashion – with its very own, official beer.

“Our deal with Harrogate Town is the first time Black Sheep has sponsored a football club.”

The sponsorship deal is for two years with an option to extend. It’s the first time the company has sponsored a football club.

Roadworks on Harrogate’s Ripon Road delayed for third time

The completion date for the Northern Gas Networks roadworks on Ripon Road in Harrogate has been put back again.

Traffic lights were initially due to operate for four weeks from September 6 on the busy route into Harrogate town centre for what the company described as “essential work to modernise the gas network in Harrogate”.

But they were still in place when a major gas leak, which affected 3,000 homes for 48 hours, occurred on October 15.

North Yorkshire County Council has already granted roadwork extensions until October 22 and October 28.

Now Northern Gas Networks has said it expects work to continue throughout this week.

Scott Kitchingman, business operations manager at Northern Gas Networks, said:

“We had expected to remove temporary traffic lights on the Ripon Road at the end of last week, however we have encountered a delay in completing the final stages of our work and traffic management will remain in place this week.

“We know that no one likes roadworks and we would like to thank everyone for their patience while we complete this essential work.”

Northern Gas Networks said on October 17 it would carry out a “full investigation” into the gas leak but it has not released any details since, despite requests from the Stray Ferret.

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Taylor Swift fans assemble in Harrogate for album release party

A die-hard Taylor Swift fan from Harrogate has arranged a party in town for fellow Swifties to celebrate an upcoming album release.

The party on November 13, timed to coincide with the new album, will include Prosecco, pizza, a Taylor Swift-inspired tarot card reader, cakes and a lifesize cut-out of the American superstar herself.

Swifties, as her fans are called, will assemble at the Starling Bar Cafe Kitchen on Oxford Street to sing the night away to Taylor’s new album, Red (Taylor’s Version).

Organiser Tiffany Snowden has been a fan for 15 years and said being a similar age to Taylor meant her songs often resonated with her own life.

A 10-minute version of her favourite song, All Too Well, is included on the new album.

Ms Snowden said:

“There’s nothing like a proper breakup Taylor Swift song to get all your emotions out. This album is really exciting.

“I just lost it when I found out we were going to hear the full version. This night could be the highlight of my year.”

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The party idea started after Ms Snowden asked a local Facebook page if fans would be interested in getting together. One hundred comments later and the event was planned.

She said 22 tickets have already been sold, with people of all ages getting ready to listen to the album.

“There’s a real range of ages coming and parents have bought them for the kids too,

“I can’t wait to be in a room with people who also know all the words instead of me singing alone!”

The event will begin at 7pm, tickets can be bought here.

Covid poetry raises funds for Harrogate hospital

A book of poetry and photography about covid has been published to raise money for Harrogate hospital.

The book, called Focus on the GOOD, was compiled by author Leah Knight and Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity.

The charity has been collecting thoughts, anecdotes, stories and photographs from colleagues, volunteers, patients, service users and families about their experiences over the last year. They formed the basis of the book.

Contributors include staff from The White Hart Hotel, Little Dragons Day Nursery, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, Ashville College, Belmont Grosvenor School, Mike Brown Art, Stacey J Evans Photography and the Cedar Court Hotel.

Author Leah Knight said:

“Focus on the GOOD is filled with poetry inspired by stories of people we can all relate to, which is one of the many reasons it will always hold a special place in my heart.

“I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.”

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Sammy Lambert, business development, charity and volunteer manager at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“The last 18 months has been filled with much sadness, but there have also been times where we can laugh and smile too.

“This book reflects on what has been gained as well as lost, where hope and positivity overcame fear, and how through challenging times a sense of community spirit has shone through.”

All proceeds from the book, which costs £12.99, will go towards the charity. It can be bought here.

 

Harrogate’s Damn Yankee restaurant closes

The Damn Yankee restaurant on Station Parade has closed, just six months after the popular American diner was revived in Harrogate.

The restaurant was a mainstay in Harrogate from 1972 until it closed in 2017. It then became Burgers and More @ Original Damn Yankee in 2019.

Thanos Xhallo and his family reopened the restaurant at its original location in May this year.

In recent months it had received good reviews online from customers but a post on its Facebook page yesterday said that due to “unforeseen circumstances” it had now closed.

The future of the Damn Yankee brand in Harrogate now appears uncertain but the post suggests it will be changing hands to new owners.

“Reopening The Damn Yankee has been an amazing adventure, and we’ve loved sharing this time with you and listening to all your stories of previous visits. We’ve worked as a family to welcome all of you into a restaurant that we have become very fond of and we hope we gave all of your families some great new memories to share for years to come.

“Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances we have no choice but to close and the restaurant will be changing hands. Today is our last day running the restaurant and will be open at 5pm! Will also call everyone that has reserved tables! Stay tuned for more information, we will keep you in the loop as much as possible and update you on the next chapter of this restaurant’s journey.”

The Stray Ferret approached the Damn Yankee for comment but we did not receive a response at the time of publication.

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The Damn Yankee was originally opened in 1972 by Denise Wiand and her American husband, Mike, who worked at Menwith Hill.

Ms Wiand told the Stray Ferret this year that the restaurant was a huge success when it first opened with queues of excited people down Station Parade looking forward to classic American fare and the lively atmosphere that it became famous for.

It was also owned from 2000 to 2017 by Nikki and Mick Triffit.

Disabled learners hold art exhibition in Harrogate

A Harrogate charity has held an exhibition to showcase the artistic work of its disabled learners.

Disability Action Yorkshire staged the event last month at its Hornbeam Park training centre.

The exhibition included art and photographs by 14 students based on the theme of heraldry and quiet places.

Students designed coats of arms reflecting their personalities and shot images of quiet places.

Harriet Walker, the charity’s deputy training manager, said:

“We were delighted to have held our first ever photography and art exhibition, which demonstrated the creativity of our learners.

For the last few months, they had been working on the theme of heraldic art and quiet places, which they captured on paper and in ‘megapixels’.

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Founded 84 years ago, Disability Action Yorkshire helps disabled people live the life of their choosing.

It has headquarters and a training centre on Hornbeam Park, a residential care home on Claro Road, and a holiday lodge in Lincolnshire.

Guy Tweedy, who joined Disability Action Yorkshire board of trustees last month said:

“During the short time I’ve been a trustee with the charity, I’ve also met staff and customers at its Claro Road care home and have been incredibly impressed by the dedication of all involved.”

The photo shows (left to right) disability learner Ian, Disability Action Yorkshire trustee Guy Tweedy, disability learners Emma and Charles, and Disability Action Yorkshire staff member Sammi.

Harrogate’s bodybuilding barber set for world championships

Harrogate’s bodybuilding barber David Steca is preparing to fly to Italy this weekend to take part in an over-60s world championships.

Mr Steca, 62, wrote another remarkable chapter in his story last weekend when he finished second at the IBFA British Championships in Gateshead.

The result qualified him to compete at the world championships in Rome.

Mr Steca owns male grooming salon Steca No 6 in Princes Square, Harrogate.

Besides bodybuilding, he also competes at polo.

David Steca

Showing tremendous rear conditioning.

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Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning on this rainy Monday morning, welcome back to the traffic and travel blog, it’s Leah with you today to help make your journey as smooth as possible.

Keep checking our blog every 30 minutes for full updates on the roads and public transport. I’ll let you know about any delays, traffic hotspots or roadworks.

You can get in touch if you spot anything, and it’s safe, on 01423 276197.

The morning blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

Caution Penny Pot Lane flooded on approach from Dutchy Road, avoid if possible.

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8.30am – Full Update 

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8am – Full Update 

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The roads are looking busier this morning, with no hotspots just yet.

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7.30am – Full Update 

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The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no hotspots just yet.

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7am – Full Update 

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The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no hotspots just yet. Watch out for Standing water at Plumpton Rocks on the A661.

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6.30am – Full Update 

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The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no hotspots just yet. Watch out for Standing water at Plumpton Rocks on the A661.

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More than 500 excess deaths in North Yorkshire during coronavirus

There have been 559 excess deaths in North Yorkshire during the coronavirus pandemic, new figures have revealed.

Excess deaths are a measure of how many more people are dying than would be expected when compared to previous years and can be used to show the overall impact of the pandemic.

Figures presented to a meeting of North Yorkshire’s Outbreak Management Advisory Board showed 11,347 deaths from all causes were expected during the weeks of the pandemic based on the five-year average.

A total of 11,906 deaths from all causes were recorded up until 1 October – giving an excess of 559.

Dr Victoria Turner, public health consultant at North Yorkshire County Council, told today’s meeting that these figures were “largely reflective of the national position”. She said:

“The largest peaks of excess deaths, unsurprisingly, were during covid’s first and second wave.

“This was followed by periods where deaths were actually a bit below the expected number, however, those periods were not enough to offset the very high numbers of excess deaths that we saw during both wave one and two.”

According to Public Health England figures, there have been a total of 1,227 deaths in North Yorkshire where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

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The recent rate of Covid deaths and hospital admissions has increased slightly since the end of summer, however, the figures are lower than previous waves.

20 patients still in intensive care

Despite this, Sue Peckitt, chief nurse at NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said the heath service was still facing “unprecedented” demand with 171 Covid patients currently in the county’s hospitals.

She told today’s meeting that the majority of these patients were over-65 and that 20 were in intensive care:

“We continue to see high demand into our primary and emergency care departments.

“Whilst we are seeing high numbers of Covid infections in our younger population, it is the older population that is presenting into hospital.”

Ms Peckitt also said the vaccine rollout was continuing with a focus on booster jabs for over 50s and increasing uptake for 12 to 15-year-olds who will be offered their single dose by the end of November. She added:

“The schools programme for 12 to 15-year-olds is now rolling out through our provider Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, but we have also opened up three sites on the national booking system.

“These are the pharmacy site at Knaresborough, the Askham Bar site at York and the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.”