Harrogate barbershop group encouraging new singers with fun course

Harrogate Harmony Barbershop Chorus is encouraging men to take up barbershop singing through a fun five-week course.

The course, which will take place at St Peter’s Church on Cambridge Road, is aimed at both newcomers and those who already enjoy singing.

There are no auditions or a need to read music and no experience is necessary. Men of all ages are welcome.

The course culminates with a concert to entertain family and friends in the final week.

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The course begins on Wednesday July 27 at 7.30pm.

It costs £10 for the five weeks, which includes all course materials and tuition.

Greg Tunesi, a member of Harrogate Harmony, said:

“Being part of an ensemble, creating a harmony in music and in friendship is good fun, relaxed and informal. When you sing well amongst 16 to 18 other men, it’s an amazing feeling and produces a beautiful sound.

“Those attending will have singing in four-part harmony explained and demonstrated to them. They will then be guided as to which voice part, tenor, lead, baritone or bass best suits their voice”

For more information visit www.harrogateharmony.org.uk or contact Harold Blackburn at haroldblackburn2@outlook.com or on 07949 267344 to book a place.

Pop-up veg stall proves a hit on Starbeck High Street

A greengrocer who set up a pop-up stall in Starbeck says it has proved a hit with locals – and boosted other nearby shops too.

George Churchill has been running George’s Greens outside the Prince of Wales pub every Friday for the last month.

Enthusiasm from local residents has been huge, he said, and is giving his business a new direction.

“It’s really busy. Because we’re only there once a week, I quite like the excitement of the one day. People know if they don’t get to us then, we’re not back for a week.”

Not only do customers appreciate being able to get fruit and vegetables fresh from the market that morning, but they are also spending more time shopping nearby, he said.

Other local businesses have reportedly had busier days on Fridays than before, he said, helping to boost their fortunes too.

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The idea for the stall came from George’s supplier, Jak Lister, who told him there was a gap in the market for a fruit and veg retailer in Starbeck.

“Jak grew up around there. He said it was busy and there’s a lot of takeaways but they don’t open until later so it’s quiet during the day.

“It was down to the people in Starbeck who said I should speak to Alison who runs the pub. It’s down to her that I’m there.”

George, 26, entered the trade as a shop assistant in York when he was just 14. Just before he turned 21, the opportunity came up to buy the shop and he grabbed it with both hands – while his friends were spending their wages buying their first cars.

Since then, he has established stalls in some villages near York, but said he was nervous about travelling to Starbeck, with the cost of fuel impacting on any money he might earn and a 2am start needed to get to the market.

However, the success of the last few weeks has been beyond his expectations, with customer numbers rising week on week.

Now, George hopes the business will expand as he builds on the new model of pop-up stalls at new locations around the area.

“For us, it proves the model works, so we can push it to more pubs in different areas.

“I feel like it’s a way forward. You aren’t committed to a long-term rent on a shop – if you try somewhere and it doesn’t work, you move on.”

George’s Greens is outside the Prince of Wales pub on Starbeck High Street every Friday from 9am to 4pm.

Travellers arrive on Oatlands Park in Harrogate

Travellers have set up a camp on Oatlands Park in Harrogate.

Vehicles, which arrived last night, are believed to have gained access from Hookstone Road.

A post preventing traffic from entering the park was lying on the ground this morning.

Travellers on Oatlands Park

Where the vehicles are believed to have entered.

Almost 20 vehicles are parked on the grass, at the side of the field.

The Harrogate Borough Council-maintained park includes public toilets, a play area for children and is a popular place for football matches.

The Stray Ferret has approached Harrogate Borough Council to ask if it is taking any action.

Travellers on Oatlands Park

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Harrogate bus firm prepares to mark 20 years this weekend

A day of free bus rides and a gathering of old vehicles will be held this weekend to mark the 20th anniversary of a local business.

Connexions buses was founded in 2002 by Craig and Julie Temple, who still run the company today.

To celebrate the occasion, Connexions is hosting a running day at Wetherby Racecourse on Sunday, with modern and vintage buses on show. The oldest will be from 1948, with a number from the following decades and one brand-new bus.

Mr Temple said:

“It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this, but as it’s our 20th anniversary I thought we would make a bit of an effort.”

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Having run the business for two decades, Mr Temple said the last few years have been among the most challenging.

As the company began its recovery from the covid pandemic, while an industry shortage of drivers has put extra pressure on.

“Covid has a lot to answer for. It made people realise they could live on less money or they didn’t want to work as much and preferred their time at home with family.

“People have had nearly a year off driving and it’s appalling how rude and aggressive a lot of people are on the roads now. We see it every day.

“When drivers have left us, it’s not for a driving job somewhere else, it’s to do something totally different.”

Rising costs and expectations

Meanwhile, technology has been revolutionised in the last 20 years, while Mr Temple said customer expectations have also risen significantly.

In the last few months, fuel prices have added to the challenges facing the company. Mr Temple said:

“Fuel prices have massively affected us. We’re a relatively small operation – we have a fleet of 40 vehicles.

“We are paying nearly £12,000 a week more than nine months ago.

“It’s incredibly hard because the customers are the only place it can come from. We’re a good alternative to having to pay more for the car fuel, but us having to put our prices up isn’t helping.

“We get what’s called the Bus Service Operators Grant, a subsidy on the fuel, but it’s 10 or 15 years since it was changed, despite the fuel price having increased. It isn’t helping us very much.”

Setting aside the challenges they face, Sunday will be a day of celebration Craig and his team – including his 19-year-old son, who has joined the family firm as a driver.

Free shuttle buses will run every half hour from Harrogate railway station to Wetherby and the racecourse, then on to York.

The gates will be open from 10am to 4pm and anyone is welcome to attend free.

Village show season set to start in Harrogate district

Get set for melting ice creams, home-grown marrows, dog shows and death-defying display teams… the village show season is about to begin.

After two covid-ruined years, these quintessentially British events are returning to the Harrogate district.

The Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally, which includes a Lancaster bomber fly past and dancing differs, takes place today and tomorrow.

The action comes thick and fast then. Here’s what’s happening.

July 24: Aldborough and Boroughbridge Agricultural Show

The show at Newby Hall celebrates its 107th anniversary this year.

It will feature Yorkshire produce, crafts and livestock as well as attractions and events ranging from dog, cattle and sheep showing classes to horse, pony and donkey events and hay making demonstrations.

There will be crafts, cream teas, heavy horses, baking, handicrafts, horticulture, flower arranging, photography and farm produce.

Aldborough and Boroughbridge show

Aldborough and Boroughbridge Show.

The grand ring will host children’s races, terrier racing always and a dog show.

Catherine Park Peyton, chair of the show:

“Our show is one of the biggest community events in the area and we are very pleased to work in partnership with Newby Hall where the parkland provides the perfect backdrop for a country show.”

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July 30: Birstwith Show

The village show in Nidderdale will be staged for the first time in three years.

The highlights include a bicycle display team, Pete White and his Suitcase Circus, dog agility classes, a pony show and a dog show.

First held in 1867, it is one of the mainstays of the show season.

July 31: Weeton Show

Weeton Show, which was created just after the Second World War, was one of the few to take place last year and was rewarded with a huge turnout.

This year’s event features Dangerous Steve in the main ring, terrier racing, vintage tractors and a farrier demonstration.

August 7: Tockwith Show

Tockwith Show will return for 2022 in August.

The show features plenty of agriculture and horticultural attractions. There is also a sheep show, a farmers market and working crafts.

Tockwith Show 2019 pic credit: Steve Ross

Tockwith Show 2019 pic credit: Steve Ross

The show, which dates back to 1945, takes place on Cattal Moor Lane in Tockwith.

August 14: Ripley Show

The show, initially held in 1849, will be staged for the first time in three years.

Among this year’s attractions are Savage Skills, who are the UK’s leading freestyle mountain bike and BMX stunt team.

There are also jumping classes, fancy dress, vintage machines and dog classes which include dog agility, companion dog and friends show, terrier racing, gun dog retrieve and sheep dogs.

Ripley Show is traditionally held on the second Sunday in August at Ripley Castle Park.

It is organised by Ripley and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show Ltd, a member of the Yorkshire Federation of Show Societies.

September 19: Nidderdale Show

The Annual Nidderdale Show, held in the picturesque surrounds of Bewerley Park, Pateley Bridge, is one of the county’s foremost agricultural shows.

It regularly attracts crowds of 15,000 and traditionally marks the end of the agricultural show season.

Homelessness in Harrogate — what’s the best way to help?

Few topics arouse greater emotions in the Harrogate district than homelessness.

Most residents are highly sympathetic to people sleeping in shop doorways in places like Harrogate’s Parliament Street.

But some regard them as a blight on the town’s image and call for the ‘tramp camps’ to be dispersed.

And there is widespread confusion over whether it’s cruel or kind to give money to people on the streets.

Harrogate Homeless Project has been on the frontline of helping rough sleepers for 30 years.

Francis McAllister, the new chief executive, is keen to extend its services and raise the charity’s profile in the town.

Emergency accommodation

Harrogate Homeless Project, which employs 29 staff, is best known for its Bower Street hostel, which provides emergency accommodation for up to 21 people in 16 rooms. If people turn up with nowhere to go at 2am, the hostel takes them in.

Mr McAllister, a Northern Irishman with a strong background in the voluntary sector at charities including Barnardo’s, the NSPCC and St George’s Crypt in Leeds, describes the hostel as “the revolving door of homelessness”, helping people with damaged, chaotic lives and multiple addictions.

The organisation also provides ‘move-on’ accommodation and support for people who want to get off the streets.

It also offers services at Springboard Day Centre, which operates out of the Wesley Centre in Harrogate. Anyone can turn up Monday to Friday lunchtimes and receive a meal, no questions asked.

Wesley Centre

The Wesley Centre

For many it’s their only decent meal of the day. The hostel also provides a GP drop in, psychotherapy and counselling, a hairdresser, a podiatrist and even a drop-in vet service.

Mr McAllister wants to extend this further by getting more agencies involved to help those keen to make the transition to independent living. Cookery lessons are one example. He says:

“People ask, ‘what’s the formula for stopping homelessness?’ It’s not that straightforward. A lot of people struggle to have the skills to maintain a tenancy.

“Giving them keys to a house isn’t the solution — it’s more about giving them skills.”

If Harrogate Homeless Project is to broaden its impact, it needs more volunteers and funding.

It currently receives about £500,000 a year. About 10% to 20% comes from statutory sources, including Harrogate Borough Council; the rest is mainly from trust and grants.

Very little comes from public donations, which seems strange given how visible and emotive homelessness is.

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Giving to rough sleepers

The charity recently appointed its first professional fundraiser and Mr McAllister hopes this will not only generate funds but also help to raise awareness of the organisation and its work so that it becomes as natural a cause for local people to support as, for example, Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Does he recommend giving to people in the street, many of whom have addictions?

“That’s a difficult one. I wouldn’t give them money. But I would give money to Street Aid or a cause that’s helping them.

“If you want to do something for someone on the street, get them a sandwich or a cup of coffee.

“Sometimes what they really need is someone to talk to.”

With the cost of living crisis, Harrogate Homeless Project is set to get busier.

It hopes local people will rally to its cause. Mr McAllister says:

“We are local. The money we raise gets spent in Harrogate. We are co-operating with a lot of agencies and I really hope we can do more.”

New Harrogate Station Gateway details revealed today

The councils behind the Harrogate Station Gateway said it was time for the town to “seize the opportunity” today, as new details of the project emerged.

A media briefing was held in Harrogate today before a third phase of consultation on the latest proposals begins on Wednesday.

Key elements of the scheme, including the part-pedestrianisation of James Street and some of Station Parade being reduced to single lane, remain in place and are non-negotiable, councillors said.

But the briefing did reveal some changes:

Odeon roundabout

The Odeon roundabout

Conservative councillor Keane Duncan, the executive member for access and transportation at the county council, told the briefing it was time to “crack on”.

He said:

“We want to continue with this scheme. It’s an exciting opportunity for Harrogate. We are at the stage where we either seize the opportunity or lose it.

“We need to take this scheme forward. If we didn’t it would be a travesty for Harrogate.”

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The scheme aims to encourage cycling and walking and make the town centre a more pleasant place to visit.

But business groups fear the loss of parking spaces and potential congestion could deter shoppers.

Cllr Duncan said the council didn’t want a “war” with businesses, which have expressed major doubts about the initiative.

He said the gateway would attract more people into the town centre and be good for business.

‘First major investment in Harrogate for 30 years’

Councillor Phil Ireland, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, said the scheme was a “fantastic regeneration project and the first major investment in Harrogate in 30 years”.

Cllr Ireland added that if it didn’t succeed, after months of wrangling, it could “affect how Harrogate is looked upon when future funding is available”.

He said the average car journey in the Harrogate district was less than 2km and this scheme would encourage more people in the town centre vicinity to walk or cycle. Those who didn’t, he added, still had 6,000 parking spaces, many of which are free.

The Harrogate scheme is one of three in North Yorkshire, and 39 nationally, being funded by the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Tania Weston, Transforming Cities Fund programme manager at the county council, hailed the public realm benefits, such as completely revamping Station Square to include a water feature and new seats.

Ms Weston added empirical evidence suggested there was widespread misconception about the impact of active travel schemes on businesses, with them usually having a “positive or neutral” impact.

One Arch

One Arch

She said there would also be a focus on making One Arch “pleasanter” by improving the landscaping and introducing lights with a “shimmering” effect inside the tunnel.

Drop-in sessions will be held from 9am to 5pm at the Victoria Shopping Centre on August 4, 5 and 6 as part of the consultation. An online event will be held on August 10 at 6pm.

 

Harrogate fields valued at £5m sold as ‘development opportunity’

Thirty acres of land valued at £5m on the outskirts of Harrogate has been sold.

Land agents Lister Haigh had been marketing the green fields, which are adjacent to Forest Lane and Forest Moor Road, as having potential for future development subject to planning permission.

The company said the location benefited from nearby commuter access to Leeds and York from Starbeck and Knaresborough train stations.

The fields between Harrogate and Knaresborough are designated as green belt land to prevent urban sprawl.

Current planning rules prohibit housing from being built on the green belt unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Other exceptions are for agricultural and forestry buildings and some outdoor sports facilities.

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The land is not allocated in Harrogate Borough Council‘s Local Plan, which sets out where development can take place until 2034.

The fields are in the division of Liberal Democrat county and district councillor Pat Marsh.

Cllr Marsh said:

“The land in question is green belt and therefore protected from development. There are exceptional circumstances such as a sports pitch and the needs of forestry workers, other than that the only other reason would be lack of housing land and Harrogate is certainly not short of that. I am keeping a firm eye on the land.”

The Stray Ferret asked Lister Haigh for more details on the sale but it did not respond.

Plan to convert former Markington pub into house

Plans have been lodged to convert a former Markington pub into a house.

The Cross Keys Inn, High Street, closed in 2016 after declining turnover and profitability.

Now, plans have been tabled to Harrogate Borough Council to convert the pub into a home.

ID Planning, who have lodged the plan on behalf of Leeds-based Lotherton Property Services, said in documents submitted to the council that the building had been extensively marketed.

It added that potential buyers had little interest in reopening the pub.

The documents said:

“No party expressed any interest whatsoever in reopening it as a public house or indeed any other use other than residential.”

The proposal would see the former pub converted into a four bedroom house along with three car parking spaces.

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

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‘Crazy Russian’ found guilty of murder at Harrogate’s Mayfield Grove

A man nicknamed the ‘crazy Russian’ has been found guilty of brutally murdering Gracijus Balciauskas at a flat on Mayfield Grove, Harrogate in December last year.

After two days of deliberation, the jury at Leeds Crown Court found Vitalijus Koreiva guilty by a majority verdict of 11-1.

Polish national Jaroslaw Rutowicz was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by a majority of 11-1. Judge Rodney Jameson QC told him he will also receive a “substantial custodial sentence”.

Mr Balciauskas, from Lithuania, was just 41 years old when he was killed.

Body wrapped in a rug

The trial began last month with the court hearing how Mr Balciauskas’s body was found wrapped in a rug after a lengthy drinking binge involving the three friends turned violent.

CCTV footage was shown of the men leaving the flat to buy more alcohol on several occasions in the hours leading to the murder.

Rutowicz told the court how Koreiva, who is Lithuanian, erupted during a drunken game of chess with Mr Balciauskas at 5am, which led to Koreiva punching and then kicking him.

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Harrowing video footage taken on Rutowicz’s phone of a bloodied and bruised Mr Balciauskas was shown in court. The clips showed him being kicked by Koreiva whilst he was laying defenceless on the floor pleading for help.

In one of the videos, Rutowicz was heard shouting at Mr Balciauskas in Polish, “Why the f*** did you send us there? Now you look like this”.

‘The crazy Russian’

During the trial, Rutowicz said he had been threatened by Koreiva with his life if he called 999 after Mr Balciauskas died. He said Koreiva’s nickname in Harrogate was the “crazy Russian” and he had an unpredictable character.

However, prosecuting barrister Peter Moulson QC poured scorn on his claim and accused Rutowicz of lying.

Last week, Koreiva pleaded guilty to manslaughter after telling the court he had been an alcoholic since he was 13. He argued he was not in control of his actions on the night Mr Balciauskas died, which the jury ultimately rejected.

Mr Balciauskas died of internal bleeding after being kicked in the spleen. The prosecution told the jury he could have been saved if either man had called an ambulance sooner.

Instead, the pair carried on their drinking session.

Koreiva and Rutowicz will be sentenced next month.