RAF Menwith Hill on the outskirts of Harrogate is reportedly the United States’ largest overseas surveillance base.

It was built in the late 1950s during the height of the Cold War when America hoped espionage would give it the upper hand over the Soviet Union.

Over the last two decades, the base has been a key intelligence outpost for the War on Terror, with Edward Snowden’s leaks alleging it has provided intelligence that led to deadly drone strikes in the Middle East.

With Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the base is expected to be playing a role in intelligence gathering that support military operations against Vladimir Putin’s army.

Richard Norton-Taylor is a veteran journalist who wrote for the Guardian about defence and security from 1975 to 2016. He reported on RAF Menwith Hill throughout that time and continues to do so.

The Stray Ferret spoke to Mr Norton-Taylor about what role Menwith Hill might be playing in the invasion.

Richard Norton-Taylor

The current role of Menwith Hill

Mr Norton-Taylor said he believes the satellites at the base will be trying to intercept intelligence from Moscow and find out the broader movements of Russian forces.

This might be ships in the Black Sea, or troops in the area around Russia.

He said:

“They will be picking up on how it all relates to Ukraine. It’s not about what the immediate impact in next hour or two, its lower grade in a sense.”

“[Menwith Hill] won’t be involved in the attack function. It will be general eavesdropping what the Kremlin is telling its forces.”

He added:

“It can coordinate acitivirs and targets, or relay info to GCHQ in Cheltenham or National Security Agency (NSA) headquarters in the US, its a kind of information exchange hub as well as receiving info from satellites.”

Could Menwith Hill be a target?

Last month Mr Norton-Taylor wrote an article for the defence journalism website Declassified UK about $2.8bn plans to expand the United States’ military bases in the UK.

Following a recent Parliamentary question from Leeds North West Labour MP Alex Sobel, it was revealed $40M of this will be spent at Menwith Hill.

Mr Norton-Taylor’s article included comments from Lee Baker, a former NSA satellite engineer. Mr Baker said in the event of a conflict, Menwith Hill would become a “significant military target” for an enemy.

It’s an argument been made by critics of the base for a long time, but with Vladimir Putin using the rhetoric of nuclear war, are Mr Baker’s words hyperbole or something now more realistic?

Mr Norton-Taylor said:

“Its either hyperbole or stating the bloody obvious. It’s not a secret the base is a big NSA station, so much has been written about it now.

“In a sense, in a pre-nuclear attack, it certainly would be a target. It’s also nearer Russia than NSA headquarters, it’s not hidden.

“Lee Baker made it quite clear what a priority target the base is, but it’s hypothetical.”

Read more:

• Menwith Hill upgrades part of £2.8bn programme
• Menwith Hill involved in ‘significant number’ of deadly US drone strikes
• Upset and anger at plans to remove MP’s memorial tree at Menwith Hill

Prod like mad

Throughout Mr Norton-Taylor’s career as a journalist, he said it has remained difficult to glean information about what really goes on at Menwith Hill.

However, he said asking questions and persistence is still worthwhile.

“It’s worth prodding like mad, even even it seems like bashing your head against brick wall.

“It should be in their interests to say this is a useful outfit. If it is doing such a good job, why don’t they say so? But they don’t give examples. It’s ridiculous.”

The Snowden leaks revealed the base collects vast streams of information that is sent back to NSA headquarters in Maryland, USA.

But how much of this information is actually useful is unknown.

Mr Norton-Taylor said:

“With the Russians, it’s good knowing what they are doing, of course it is. I’m not against intelligence gathering, but we want to know the operations, capacity and general nature of the intelligence gathering at Menwith Hill, who is controlling it? Do the British bother to question the Americans?

“If it’s there to know what the Russians are thinking, that’s good, but we don’t know whether it’s that or wasting time on other things.”

Unanswered questions

The secretive nature of intelligence gathering means to it is difficult to answer the question of whether Menwith Hill makes us safer in the event of war.

It’s possible we will never really know.

Mr Norton-Taylor said:

“It is good we have intelligence gathering with the Americans [at Menwith Hill], it’s a question of keeping an eye on it, and knowing in general terms what it is up to.

“It’s a powerful intelligence gathering outfit, but it’s there in who’s interest? Is it for the security of British and American people, or the elite? It’s a question that should be answered.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:

“The MOD can confirm that RAF Menwith Hill is part of a worldwide US Defence communications network, with the base supporting a variety of communications activity.

“For operational security reasons and as a matter of policy, neither the MOD nor the DoD publicly discuss specifics concerning military operations or classified communications regardless of unit, platform or asset. US forces maintain robust civilian and military cooperation with the United Kingdom and manage all base activities in accordance with the agreements made between the United States and Her Majesty’s government.”

A new cocktail bar promising a “sanctuary away from the madness” of Harrogate’s Parliament Street will open on March 18.

Roland’s Bar is situated in the former Moss Bros unit in the heart of the town’s nightlife.

It will be the second Roland’s Bar, following on from the flagship venue in Leeds.

Amanda Keegan, events and marketing manager at Roland’s, said besides cocktails, the venue would serve “the best Guinness in Harrogate” as well as a wide selection of beers, including some from the town’s Cold Bath Brewery Co.

Roland’s Bar Leeds. Pic: Roland’s Bar

Asked what would differentiate it from the many other bars in the area, she said:

“The warm welcome, the high quality of drinks and the easy, relaxed atmosphere. It will be a sanctuary away from the madness.”

Ms Keegan said the family-owned business would decide the opening times next week. She added:

“We hope to bring the same energy, warmth and experience to our beautiful new home on Parliament Street.”

Read more:

• New Harrogate cocktail bar given go-ahead
• Sneak Peek: Cheese, wine and charcuterie bar opens today in Harrogate

A team of volunteers hopes to fill more than a thousand sandbags in Harrogate tomorrow.

Harrogate Borough Council keeps a stockpile of around 3,000 sandbags to support communities across the Harrogate district when they’re threatened with flooding.

The recent floods have depleted its stock so the council wants to prepare for future floods by filling up sandbags from 7am at its depot on Claro Road in Harrogate.

During floods in Pateley Bridge in February, some residents reported difficulties in getting hold of sandbags to help protect their properties.

Volunteers will come from Ready for Anything, which is a database of North Yorkshire County Council volunteers that are called upon in times of emergency.

If you are interested in coming along contact Harrogate Borough Council’s emergency planning officer Ash Demaline at ash.demaline@harrogate.gov.uk

Read more:

• Mother Shipton’s delays reopening due to flood damage
• Flooding reveals ‘major unresolved problem on West Park Stray’

The Stray Ferret celebrates its second birthday today.

The website launched on March 4, 2020 — less than three weeks before the first national covid lockdown.

Much has changed since then, and the Stray Ferret has been first with the news that matters to people in the Harrogate district.

In December last year we launched our App which can be downloaded here. The Stray Ferret website and app now attract more than a million page views a month and an average of  210,000 users. We have a very engaged social media following of more than 24,000 who comment on stories, debate the issues we report on and tell us what they think of our journalism.

Readership has grown consistently and we look forward to continuing to serve the people of Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham, as well as all points in between.

Thank you for your support. Keep sending us your news to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

We thought you might be interested to see which stories got the most attention in the past year.

Top 10 most-read Stray Ferret stories

1. Live blog on Jennyfields gas leak
2. Live blog on last month’s floods
3. St Aidan’s school in Harrogate rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted
4. Harrogate Food Hall to close after just six months
5. Guide to fireworks display in the Harrogate district
6. Live blog: Fuel Watch
7. Taylor Wimpey responds to TV report of ‘nightmare’ Harrogate new build
8. Delivery van gets stuck on Harrogate’s Stray after attempting shortcut
9. Harrogate Christmas market cancelled
10. Arrest warrant for former Coach and Horses landlord

From Tuesday, the rules for people visiting patients in Harrogate and Ripon’s hospitals will be relaxed following a decline in covid infections.

On December 23, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust tightened visitor restrictions because of the Omicron variant and the subsequent rise in infections. At one point the Harrogate district had the highest covid rate in North Yorkshire.

Visitors were only allowed for patients on end of life care, patients with a learning disability or severe cognitive impairment such as dementia. Parents or carers of children and birthing partners were also permitted.

But from Tuesday, patients can have one visitor, by appointment, between 2-4pm for 30 minutes.  Only two visitors will be allowed in each bay at any one time.

Visitors are asked to book appointments by phone from Monday.

Bookings should be made directly with the ward where a patient is staying.

For Harrogate District Hospital call 01423 885959. For Ripon Community Hospital call 01423 542900 between 10am and 4pm and ask to be put through the relevant ward.

Read More:

• Harrogate covid vaccination centre set to close in March
• Harrogate district covid rate continues rapid fall

Also from Tuesday, outpatients will be allowed to have one person accompany them to a hospital appointment.  All visitors will have to wear a mask and sanitise their hands when they arrive.

Harrogate district residents can apply for grants of up to £1,000 for events that celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

Harrogate Borough Council announced today it has launched a £15,000 community grants scheme to help people enjoy the extended bank holiday from June 2 to 5.

Applications can be made for grants of between £200 and £1,000 for events and activities taking place over the Jubilee bank holiday.

Organisations can also apply for up to £2,000 for legacy projects that must be completed by September 30.

Council leader Richard Cooper said:

“I’m delighted that we can offer grants to help celebrate the Her Majesty The Queen’s platinum jubilee.

“We’re looking for some really creative ideas that will remember the impact this momentous event has across the country. Whether that’s an art project, street decoration or legacy project, we want you to apply before the closing date in April.”

Read more:

• Street party fees waived in North Yorkshire for Queen’s jubilee
• Knaresborough reveals plans to celebrate Queen’s platinum jubilee
• Ripon gala concert will celebrate the Queen’s jubilee

A council press release said applicants must be able to show a clear link to the jubilee celebrations. It added:

“Proposals are welcome from parish and town councils, voluntary and community groups and schools that are wanting to host a community activity or legacy project that benefits the wider community.”

Guidance notes and an online application form are available here.

The closing date for all applications is noon on Friday April 8. Applicants will be notified of the decision the week commencing April 25.

Harrogate Borough Council has approved an application to convert the former Home Guard club in Harrogate into the town’s first mosque.

The building on the corner of Tower Street and Belford Road has stood derelict for several years but Harrogate Islamic Association plans to bring it back into use as a place of worship for Muslims.

The association, which was set up in 2011, has been looking for a permanent home for several years, with previous attempts at securing a site falling through. Around 100 Muslim worshippers currently meet in the Quakers’ Friends Meeting House on Queen Parade.

The association also organises prayer sessions at Chain Lane Community Hub in Knaresborough.

Sustainable travel

The planning application was submitted in December and received 107 letters of support and 68 objections.

Several objections said the Mosque would increase traffic in the area and that there would be a lack of car parking spaces, but these points were dismissed by council officer Arthama Lakhanpall in his report.

He wrote:

“The site is well connected to transport links and lies within a sustainable location for travel and access. It would promote walking, cycling and sustainable travel in this town centre location. It would therefore be accessible.

“There is no requirement for the proposal to provide off-street parking provision, although the site benefits from nearby short stay and long stay parking areas including the West Park pay and display and multi-storey car parks, and on-street parking on Belford Place, Belford Road and Victoria Avenue.”

The council tweeted the news this morning.

We know there has been a lot of interest surrounding planning application 21/04557/FUL (conversion of vacant former home guards club to place of worship).

We can confirm approval was given (subject to conditions) today under delegated powers. pic.twitter.com/BdMBtQXmWd

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) March 4, 2022

The HIA will run religious, community and charitable events at the building. It will also support Syrian and Afghan refugees who have moved to the area.

Read more:

• Malcolm Neesam History: the colourful past of what could become Harrogate’s first mosque
• Harrogate district church leaders back mosque

Whilst the HIA has obtained planning approval, the next stage is raising money to purchase the building from the current owner.

£200,000 fundraiser

It hopes to raise £200,000 and has set up a fundraising page here where people can donate.

Harrogate Islamic Association said:

“We are grateful to everyone in the Harrogate community who supported us, including those at Harrogate Borough Council who engaged with us regularly to alleviate any concerns during the process.

“We view this as a success for everyone in Harrogate, not just ourselves. We can’t wait to welcome one and all for a cuppa.

“Our next step is to raise the balance of funds necessary for us to purchase the property outright. Although we have raised most of what we need, we had a number of pledges that were dependent upon planning permission being granted.

“So for the next 30 days, we will be collecting these pledges, inshallah. We are also re-launching a crowdfunding campaign to make up the difference.”

A YouTuber with 472,000 subscribers has described Harrogate’s Thug Sandwich as “the biggest 10 I’ve given so far, just outstanding”.

Danny Malin, the man behind Rate My Takeaway, visited Harrogate on Wednesday.

Mr Malin has reviewed over 200 takeaways and isn’t afraid of giving an honest opinion but he raved about Thug, rating it the “number one takeaway”. He said:

“It’s slipped into number one for me. I don’t think I’ve tried something so tasty in a while. It’s the biggest 10 I’ve given so far because I can’t stress to you how gorgeous these flavours are.”

Thug Sandwich, on Albert Street, is a popular lunch spot in Harrogate. After calls from his followers to visit, Mr Malin decided to find out what the fuss was about.

He ordered an onion bhaji scotch egg, a pig in duvet, lamb belly fingers and the Reuben and KFCaesar sandwiches.

The much-loved KFCaesar sandwich is the shop’s best seller. After just one bite, Mr Malin said:

“This sandwich is what dreams are made of, I can see why it’s the most popular. It’s so tasty. That is how fried chicken should be.”

The KFCaesar sandwich. Photograph: @thugsandwichco, Instagram

Describing Albert Street as having a “New York feel”, he said the small, independent takeaway was leaps ahead of its big brand neighbours, including Yo! Sushi and Pizza Express.

In just 16 hours the video has had over 67,000 views and in usual Danny Malin style the majority of it is shot with him sitting outside the takeaway at a folding table and chairs.

After finishing his £23 haul, he said:

“If I’m honest, dare I say it, that homemade scotch egg is absolutely outstanding. The sauces are gorgeous and the lamb belly fingers are a dream. I’m dribbling — it’s that good. I must have the best job in the world sampling this food.

“The pastrami in the Reuben has better flavour than the pastrami bagel places in London. It just hits you. Do not let the name deceive you. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this.

“Get down here and try it out.”

Read more:

• New restaurant to open at former Bistrot Pierre site in Harrogate
• Sneak Peek: Cheese, wine and charcuterie bar opens today in Harrogate

Daniel Bell, owner of Thug Sandwich, said:

“I thought that Danny and the Rate My Takeaway team might pay me a visit at some point with him only being from Leeds. But that still didn’t stop me from being a little starstruck when he walked in after regularly watching his videos for several months.

“To my surprise he said we were the best takeaway he’d ever visited.

“It makes it worth it to hear from someone who has ‘eaten it all’ that we’re doing it right.”

Delays of up to 10 minutes are being reported along Ripon Road through Killinghall and on Knaresborough Road heading towards the Empress roundabout.

Be aware of the three-way traffic lights on York Place which could increase your queuing time after getting over the Empress roundabout.

It may be best to leave a little earlier if possible if you’re driving into Harrogate town centre this morning.

Keep us posted with any traffic updates on our social media channels or via contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

The Stray Ferret has changed the way it offers Traffic and Travel alerts.

We will now notify you instantly through app notifications and flash tweets when there is an urgent alert. This could include heavy traffic, dangerous weather and long delays or cancellations of public transport.

The alerts are sponsored by The HACS Group.

A new women’s shoe and accessory store is opening on Montpellier Mews today.

Aideen Fox has been working in fashion for multiple years, initially as a buyer for online stores before going going full-time with her business in October 2019.

Before that, Ms Fox set up Fennec and Darwin in 2018 by doing pop-up shops around the North of England.

She said it was her most recent pop-up in the Victoria Gate centre in Leeds that prompted her to look for her own shop. She said Harrogate was her “number one place to have a shop”.

Tucked away in the corner on one of Montpellier courtyards, next door to Montpellier Mews Antiques Centre, Fennec and Darwin has taken over the space giving it a fresh and elegant look with the shoes taking centre stage.

Ms Fox said:

“It’s an absolutely brilliant location, it just all fell into place and I fell in love with the space.

“I’m really excited to be in Harrogate, I’m based in Leeds so I visit Harrogate alot so it should be really good and I’m excited.”

Brands including Carmela and Vanessa Wu will be sold in the shop

Known to her friends and family as the “shoe monster” Ms Fox is excited to continue her online shop whilst also having a physical space for her customers to visit.

She will be stocking brands such as Carmela, Vanessa Wu and XTI. Customers can expect everything from trainers to knee-high boots to chunky sandals and wedges; something for all the seasons.

She added shoes would range from £25 to around £100 for leather boots.

Read more:

• Sneak Peek: Cheese, wine and charcuterie bar opens today in Harrogate
• Success of Harrogate pop-up shop continues

Going full-time just before the pandemic hit she said was “tough” but her background it online sales meant she was able to boost that side of her business.

Moving into a retail space of her own is something she’s looking forward to:

“I decided to just go for it myself and give it a go. Of course I love shoes so it just makes sense. I just hope people in Harrogate like what I have to offer, I think they will.”

The shop opens today at 10am.