Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. See below for details on how to contribute.

It’s wrong to say pedestrians welcome the Otley Road cycle path

Tewit Well and Sun Colonnade are just two examples of gross disrepair

Malcolm Neesam is in the news again regarding ‘the slovenly attitude of the authorities towards maintaining Harrogate’s attractions’.

I, and I’m sure a very great many others, absolutely agree. But it’s not just the Tewit Well and the Sun Colonnade that have fallen into gross disrepair — what about the similarly iconic bandstand at the rear of the Mercer Gallery, adjacent to the public toilets? Its dilapidated and abused state makes it a health and safety accident waiting to happen.

Why do the authorities not appreciate the role that these buildings play in attracting visitors to Harrogate and do something about restoring and/or maintaining them?

Agreed, the floral displays are exquisite and rewilding of parts of the Stray is a good idea. But our pavements are strewn with litter and we have to manoeuvre our way over damaged paving and around waste/recycling bins; changes to our road systems are thrust upon us even though they are having and will have serious repercussions; and there is irresponsible and intimidating behaviour in our public spaces and on our roads.

Would it be too much to ask the authorities, who we elected to represent us and whose wages we pay, to take into consideration our wants, needs and expectations in the way they manage Harrogate?

Isn’t a councillor’s primary role to represent those who live in their ward and provide a bridge between the community and the council? But maybe I expect too much and will just have to get on my bike…

Val Michie, Harrogate

The amount of litter in Harrogate is a disgrace

I agree entirely with David Pickering’s comments published in Stray Views on September 5. I would further add that not only the amount of litter is a disgrace in the town centre but also the filthy state of the pavements. Our town should be in pristine condition for visitor and residence alike.

Also, David’s commented on the state of the roads in Harrogate. Again I wish to add a request to North Yorkshire County Council that monies are allocated to improve the roads and allocate a patching gang to fill in the potholes. When potholes are marked in white, why does it take up to 90 days (many go over this time span) to repair them?

Also I would like to ask Harrogate Borough Council why there are weeds and plants growing in kerbs and gutters? What has happened to the mechanical road sweepers?

David James, St. Georges ward, Harrogate

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

Ripon’s Royal Engineers exercised a right granted to them 72 years ago, with their annual freedom march through the city this morning,

The four sqaudrons of 21 Engineer Regiment were represented in the spectacular event, which saw them march past Ripon Town Hall, the famous Market Square and obelisk and down Kirkgate to Ripon’s ancient and iconic cathedral.

An advance party led the troops who, in line with tradition and the rights bestowed on them when freedom of the city was granted, marched in step to the sound of their military band with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.

The advance party paused outside Ripon Town Hall, where they were met by hornblower Allison Clark

Since 1949, Royal Engineers based at Claro Barracks have had the Freedom of the City of Ripon and this morning’s march followed a day on Market Square yesterday, at which they showed the public machinery and equipment used in supporting British armed forces in many parts of the world.

The march was a prelude to a ceremony at Ripon Cathedral marking Councillor Eamon Parkin’s continuance as mayor of the city – an historic event making, him the first to remain in office for three consecutive terms.

Cllr Parkin, told the Stray Ferret:

“I am honoured to serve this fine city and proud of the association that it has had with the Royal Engineers, for as long as I can remember.

“They do us proud here in Ripon and do the country proud, through their service around the world.”

The band set the beat for the marching troops

Yesterday, Lt Col Simon Graham, commanding officer at Claro Barracks, where 650 personnel are based, pointed out:

“A lot of our time in Ripon is spent behind closed doors and though our work takes us to many places around the world, we feel very much part of this community.”

He added:

“It’s marvellous to have the honour of the Freedom of Ripon and this weekend is a great opportunity to let let people know what we do.”

The troops pass the cathedral

Read more:

• Kirkby Malzeard schoolgirl’s day to remember at Hickstead
• TV screens still blank for thousands across the Harrogate district

The Royal Engineers have served on operations in Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, providing light role close support that enables the army to live, move and fight.

In Afghanistan, the regiment was deployed on Operation Herrick, the codename used for all British military operations in Afghanistan since 2002.

As the craft beer explosion continues in the UK, Harrogate is set to launch its first ever Beer Week. The town is firmly at the forefront of the industry, boasting five breweries in the HG postcode alone.

So what makes Harrogate beer so special? There’s definitely something in the water..

Harrogate is undeniably famous for its water. Its development as a prosperous and flourishing spa town dates back to the 16th century.

William Slingsby discovered the first spring in 1571 in the area now known as High Harrogate. It was named the Tewit Well Spring and the water was found to be medicinal. People, rich and poor, began to flock to the town to test the curative powers of the waters.

Perhaps it is therefore unsurprising to learn that the district’s water – and Yorkshire water as a whole – is perfect for brewing some of the best craft beers in the country.

More breweries have been opening in Yorkshire than anywhere else in the UK, including London.

And Harrogate now boasts five breweries within the HG postcode – internationally-renowned Roosters; rising star Harrogate Brewing; Turning Point, which chose Knaresborough for its expansion two years ago; Daleside, the town’s longest-standing local brewery; and Cold Bath Brewing, which is making waves across the town with its beers, bar and clubhouse space.

The brewery at Roosters Brewing Co.

To celebrate the town’s growing brewing culture, as well as the bars, pubs and restaurants which support the breweries, this month Harrogate is launching its first ever Beer Week from September 20 to 26.

Harrogate beer communications specialist Rachel Auty, who founded Women on Tap and has secured backing from Harrogate BID to help bring the idea to fruition, said:

“I have been told by breweries that Yorkshire is a key place for brewing because of the water. Harrogate is known for its water so it’s a nice link. It is known for its water history and heritage and it is now attracting breweries to the area.

It [Beer Week] is something we have wanted to do for quite a few years now. We were hoping to get it off the ground las year, but Covid put a stop to holding any events.

“I have seen the beer scene in the town explode over the last seven or eight years. It has got really interesting. We have really exciting beer here actually being brewed.”

With special beer weeks being held in places like Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield, Rachel, who is delivering the event under her specialist food and drink brand TASTE, said Harrogate’s beer scene was strong enough to rival the cities. It’s thought Harrogate is the only town in the country set to host such an event.

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A programme of special events and initiatives will be hosted at bars, brewery taps, and eateries across Harrogate. The event will culminate in a big beer weekend in the town centre. Other features on the programme will include an ‘Indie Beer Trail’, live local music, and a home brewing competition, with some big names in UK beer heading to Harrogate to host a range of talks and tastings.

Guest headliners include award-winning beer writer Pete Brown presenting ‘Craft: An Argument’ at Cold Bath Clubhouse, a beer tasting and reading with author Matthew Curtis at Roosters taproom, a Conversation on Harrogate Beer with award-winning writer Melissa Cole and Discovering Harrogate Beer with beer sommelier Annabel Smith also at the Cold Bath Clubhouse.

And for those who have ever imagined beer and donuts as the perfect combination, there will even be a chance to try sour and stout-filled doughnuts at The Tap on Tower Street, which has commissioned Harrogate business Doe to create the unique flavour especially for the event.

A collaboration between all the local breweries will also see a special beer produced for Beer Week – a West Coast IPA brewed at Turning Point.

Co-owner of the Cold Bath Brewing Co Jim Mossman, who also sits on the board of Harrogate BID, said:

“I have been very receptive to the idea of putting something positive together with regards to an event in Harrogate, promoting not only breweries in the town, but all the local great independent bars and restaurants as well.

Harrogate is internationally famous for the quality of its water, so it’s by no coincidence you see some great breweries and gin distilleries in this geographical area. They are using it to make quality beer and gins.

We are hosting a series of events in Cold Bath Club House and we are really looking forward to a number of things, from just generating community spirit and bringing venues together, which is great after 15 months of the pandemic – from live music events, to some really credible industry speakers coming to town to do beer tastings and talks.”

Jim said the Harrogate brewing scene was mainly about craft beer, which has seen an explosion in the UK, including lager, pilsner, pale ale and West Coast IPA, but said it was impossible to choose a favourite due to the vast amount of different brewing processes and flavours.

However, he said Cold Bath Brewery was in the process of launching new barrel-aged beers. These are beers that have been aged in oak barrels, allowing the wood to impart extra flavour.

He said:

“We have launched a barrel-aged process in terms of flavours you can create, for example we are using old bourbon barrels.”

Cold Bath Brewing Co.

Pubs, bars and eateries taking part in Harrogate Beer Week include:

The Harrogate Tap

Starling Independent

The Tap on Tower Street

The Little Ale House

Major Tom’s Social

Cold Bath Clubhouse

The Disappearing Chin

Roosters Brewery and Taproom

Blind Jack’s, Knaresborough

Cold Bath Deli and Wine Bar

HUSK Beer Emporium

Turning Point Brewery and Taproom

Since 1949, Royal Engineers based at Claro Barracks have had the Freedom of Ripon and the right to enter the city, with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.

The covid pandemic and lockdown, brought a halt to mass attendance events and meant that the 2020 freedom weekend could not go ahead.

But it was back in force today, with information stalls and a display of heavy machinery and equipment for the public to see.

Lance Corporal Craig Kerr with Erin Price, in front of the Terrier engineer tractor

Lt Col Simon Graham, commanding officer at Claro Barracks, where four 21 Engineer Regiment squadrons and 650 personnel are based, told the Stray Ferret:

“A lot of our time in Ripon is behind closed doors and though our work takes us to many places around the world, we feel very much part of this community.”

He added:

“It’s marvellous to have the honour of the Freedom of Ripon and this weekend is a great opportunity to let let people know what we do.”

Tomorrow morning, the Mayor of Ripon Cllr Eamon Parkin, will take the salute as the Royal Engineers march past in Market Square and today, he and the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, visited the square to meet with Lt Col Graham and his colleagues.

Sappers TJ Dockerty (left) and Nathaniel Blakey, with the giant Able vehicle that the Royal Engineers use to build bridges

The Royal Engineers have served on operations in Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, providing light role close support that enables the army to live, move and fight.

In Afghanistan, the regiment was deployed on Operation Herrick, the codename used for all British military operations in Afghanistan since 2002.

Sgt Ross Mellon of the 21 Royal Engineer Regiment light aid detachment, that keeps the troops moving

The operation included the British contribution to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.

It also supported military action on the US-led Operation Enduring Freedom, principally within the Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan.

In recent years, the engineers’ main focus has been on support to UN peacekeeping operations. This has included deployments to Cyprus, Somalia and South Sudan, as well as Afghanistan.

Read More:

• Curzon Ripon prepares for reopening
• Curtain up at new Ripon Arts Hub

Ripon’s military links go back over many decades and in 1915, when its population was under 9,000, an army camp was created in the city to accommodate 30,000 troops.

Up until the end of World War I more than 350,000 soldiers passed through the camp – among them the famous war poet Wilfred Owen.

Harrogate library will host an activities fair from 10.30am to 2pm on September 23.

The fair will feature activities such as arts and crafts, dancing and photography. Anyone can drop in.

Cllr Greg White, executive member for libraries at North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“Getting out, taking part in activities and meeting people is a really good way to boost your mood and combat loneliness.”

Groups taking part include Harrogate Chess Club, St Paul’s Art Group and Harrogate Photographic Society.

Read More:

• Summer reading challenge set to return to Harrogate district libraries
• Harrogate library turns back time on town landmarks

Groups that are unable attend on the day will still have information available for those attending to see.

The library, on Victoria Avenue, hopes the activities fair will be an opportunity for Harrogate district residents, especially retired people, to meet new people and learn new skills.

For more information see the Harrogate Library Facebook page.

A Harrogate business organisation has criticised “mindless idiots” for vandalising planters on the town’s Beulah Street.

Business owners on the street arrived this morning to find the planters had been damaged overnight and they had to clear the mess up themselves.

The planters were put in place last year by Harrogate Business Improvement District in an effort to improve the look of the town centre.

Around 20 businesses were given floral displays as part of the project in October. The BID also installed 120 hanging baskets across the town, including Beulah Street.

Read more:

• ‘New normal’ will be good for Harrogate, says new BID manager
• Harrogate BID launches new town centre app to help businesses
• Business group: New housing means Harrogate Tesco could be needed

A spokesperson for Harrogate BID told the Stray Ferret that it was now in the process of replacing the planters and working with Harrogate Borough Council to look at CCTV from the street.

They added:

“We are very disappointed by this. This was some mindless idiots who do not care for the town centre. Our remit is to make the town centre good.

“We are not going to be put off by some idiots.”

A bit about me: I’m not a Stray Ferret staffer, I’m a consumer journalist who loves shopping and loves Harrogate. This month, I’ve been looking at all the lovely things you can buy for children.

The items I have picked are my personal choices – I haven’t been paid to feature them.  

BRIDESMAIDS DRESS, Monsoon, St James St.  From £55.

This is understated and elegant, as these frocks go, in ivory with accents of pink in the waist sash and corsage.  And great value, especially if you have a whole bevvy of bridesmaids to kit out.

If you know a little girl who loves all things sparkly, she’ll find shoes, bags, party dresses, hair accessories and everything else in pastels, sequins and jewels here.  Plus Monsoon does a couple of really smart non-sparkly ‘Sunday best’ coats which take me back.  I believe it’s compulsory to complete that look with some patent shoes, which Monsoon can also supply you with.

QUILTED JACKET, JoJo Maman Bebe, Oxford Street. £32

Speaking of Sunday best, a young chap could do worse than sport this navy smart-casual number.  Sized from 6 months to 6 years – never a scruffy moment for the very young man about Harrogate.  Wouldn’t look out of place on a small royal, surely?  In fact, I think heir-but-three to the throne (and 49 on GQ’s list of ’50 Best Dressed Men in Britain’) Prince George of Cambridge might have worn this look, if not the garment itself.

You don’t need me to tell you that JoJo Maman Bebe is an upmarket, French-inspired chain.

Great swimming accessories and bathtime ranges too.

HAMISH HIGHLAND COWS, The White Company, St James St. £22

There’s a really strong selection of gifts for children to be had here – and the range is particularly good for babies and infants.  Plus, it being The White Company, they’re excellent quality.

Everything feels super soft, smells lovely and is very tasteful.  So if there’s a newborn to be celebrated or a little one to spoil, this is a good place to start.  Real cows, particularly ones with horns can be quite scary, especially to us city folk, but these are adorable.

PIRATE SHIP IN A TIN, Jespers, Oxford St. Around £12

There are loads of crafts, games, puzzles and art materials in Jespers to keep children creative – and happy.  The ‘gift in a tin’ range is fantastic: you can build a pirate ship or a fighter plane, press some flowers, sew a lama, or start your first garden. Great for gifts, or just for a long journey.

Plus, adults who have a ‘thing’ for stationary (eg me) can indulge their inner geek by browsing Jespers superb collection in the impressively refurbished store.

It’s been in Harrogate since 1901 and still has the feel of a lovely, loved, family firm.

VINTAGE BIRTHDAY CARDS, Space Vintage, The Ginnel. £2 each

I love the 50s/60s vibe of these cards, and the simpler, more innocent times they take you back to.   So what if the adults appreciate that more than the kids on the receiving end?  Buying vintage is much better for the planet – a consumerist version of recycling – so is a good thing.

Space Vintage also stock old Ladybird books and toys from times gone by.

DONKEYS, Maturi Bag and Baggage, Parliament Street.  prices vary, from about £18

Editor’s pick: “I love a donkey.  My sister and I had very similar ones, with the dark eyes and cute noses.  We loved them so much they went bald from excess handling in the end.”

What an interesting, old fashioned store.  Besides bags and baggage, Maturi also sells hundreds, maybe thousands of ‘collectable’ soft toys for children.  All the big names in teddies are here: Hermann, Aurora world, Jellycat plus many, many more.

But beware: an animal soft toy collecting habit is potentially very expensive as there are no end of them.  In this store alone, two full walls of the things.

DOLLS, Tiger Fifty7, Cold Bath Road.  £35 each

Just gorgeous and highly original, these are dolls to be kept, treasured and passed down the generations. From ‘RosieGirl London’, Rosie also makes a RuPaul Drag Race doll, Frida Kahlo, David Bowie, Vivienne Westwood, NHS workers, and Dolly Parton dolls (a one-off in the collection – she’s got boobs) that you can buy online. So perhaps RosieGirl is also on her way to becoming collectable.  She deserves to be.

Tiger Fifty7 is a fantastic independent shop if you’re looking for toys, clothes, gifts, for newborns to teens.  They will also sell your ‘pre-loved’ designer children’s wear for you.

BABY VEST, Sophie likes… Beulah Street. £15

Sophie (I presume) sells ‘quirky girly gifts’, including a nice selection for babies and children, including personalised jewellery.

My personal favourite though – what every baby needs – is a vest or bib celebrating their birthright and good luck at hailing from ‘god’s own country’. (Warning – disputed title of course.  See also: New Zealand, parts of the US and Zimbabwe, and the rest)

There’s also an ‘ey up’ and an ‘ow do’ vest and bib combo which would cover you if you’re generically northern, not exclusively Yorkshire.

That’s all from your secret shopping champion for now, but I’ll be back in December with a Christmas special.

A contract worth up to £20 million is being advertised to progress major transport schemes in Yorkshire, including the Harrogate Station Gateway.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which works in partnership with local authorities to improve transport and stimulate economic development, wants to bring in a strategic development partner for its Transforming Cities projects.

The projects include the £10.9 million Station Gateway scheme in Harrogate, which could see the town’s James Street pedestrianised and Station Parade reduced to one lane.

The contract seeks to commission a company to provide technical details for all the schemes that are part of the Transforming Cities programme and move them to a full business case stage.

According to the government procurement site, the contract is worth between £5 million and £20 million and would last until October 2023.

Read more:

• Work on £10.9m Harrogate Station Gateway could start in February
• Harrogate business organisations launch Station Gateway survey

However, the Stray Ferret understands that, while North Yorkshire councils would have access to the service provided by the contractor, county council officials do not anticipate using it.

The Harrogate Station Gateway project is currently at the design stage and will be subject to further public consultation.

It is one of numerous schemes being funded by a £2.45 billion central government fund to boost cycling and walking in towns and cities.

The Stray Ferret reported in July that work could start on the Harrogate scheme in February 2022.

According to a county council report, construction would start when final approval is received from West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce has said a new Tesco on Skipton Road could be needed due to the “unprecedented” amount of new housing on that side of Harrogate.

The Stray Ferret reported this week that Tesco had revived plans to build a supermarket on the old gasworks close to the New Park roundabout. Multiple sources told us a formal planning application is expected before the end of the year.

David Simister, chief executive of the chamber,  told the Stray Ferret the housing landscape around Skipton Road and Killinghall had changed since Tesco first submitted plans to build on the site over a decade ago.

Mr Simister said:

“Since Tesco first put in an application more than a decade ago, that side of Harrogate has seen an unprecedented amount of house building.

“At the moment, the only large supermarkets serving this area are Aldi, on Oak Beck Road, and the Co-Op on Jennyfield Drive, and having another big name may well cut down on car journeys across town.

“Until we see the planning application, it’s impossible to know if there are any other employment or retail opportunities for the site.”

Tesco received planning permission to build a supermarket there in 2011 but pulled out in 2016, citing market conditions. At the time it faced opposition from business groups, including the chamber, which represents many businesses in the district.

In 2014, the chamber’s then-vice president Peter Jesper called on the supermarket chain to pull out due to safety fears related to the old gasworks and its impact on local businesses.

He said:

“We still strongly believe that this is not a suitable place for a new superstore.”

It is believed the supermarket, which would be built on land between Electric Avenue and Oak Beck, would be smaller than the one previously proposed.

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• Lidl supermarket in Ripon set for go-ahead

A 20-year history

Tesco has harboured ambitions to build on the site for almost 20 years.

Land Registry documents reveal the supermarket bought the site for £2.8m in 2003 and still owns it.

It submitted a proposal to build a supermarket there in 2009, which was approved by Harrogate Borough Council in 2011.

However, Tesco pulled out in 2016. An Aldi supermarket opened on the retail park just off Skipton Road in 2016.

In a media statement in 2016, Matt Davies, Tesco’s UK chief executive at the time, said the site would be sold.

In 2018 Consolidated Property Group said it had agreed to buy the site from Tesco to develop a retail park but the plans never materialised, despite obtaining planning permission.

Harrogate’s Woodfield Community Primary School is taking “effective action” to improve after being placed under special measures by Ofsted.

Ofsted inspectors rated the Bilton primary school as “inadequate” in January last year.

They found children were not attending school, lessons did not “follow a logical sequence” and there was no strategic plan to allocate funds for disadvantaged pupils.

Inspectors recommended that the school be put in special measures as it was “failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education” and added that those responsible for governing the school were not “demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement in the school”.

When a school is placed in special measures it is given an action plan to improve and is inspected regularly by Ofsted to ensure it is improving.

However, officials now say the school is taking action to improve.

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• Rossett school bus ‘chaos’ and ‘shambles’ due to overcrowding

Ofsted visited the school in June and said staff were working well with management to systemically improve.

It added that parents were positive about the school. All those who responded to an Ofsted online questionnaire would recommend the school to other parents.

Woodfield Community Primary School

Mathew Atkinson, executive headteacher at Woodfield, said: 

“There are many things to celebrate in the report: attendance, SEND, behaviour and the curriculum have all improved and we have clear areas to continue to develop. 

“We are taking the right actions towards the removal of special measures and we are looking forward to another great year at Woodfield.”

Jo Marwood, head of school, said:

“We are proud of the report from Her Majesty’s inspectors and it confirms all the hard work that our students, staff, parents and governors put in to making Woodfield such a great school for our community.

“We would like to say thank you for the dedication of staff, the children, parents and governors and the support we have received from the local community.”