Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 778 of 1189

Harrogate boy with half a heart wishes to be ‘ghostbuster for the day’

A national charity has called for more funds to help make a wish come true for eight-year-old Harrogate boy George Hinkins, who was born with half a working heart.

George lives with a rare congenital heart defect called Ebstein’s Anomaly and had his first open-heart surgery at just 36 hours old. The defect means he can’t pump blood to his lungs as well as other people and struggles with oxygen levels.

In his eight years, George has had three major open-heart surgeries “to correct as much as they can”, said dad Matthew Hinkins.

With more surgeries inevitable, George has asked Make-A-Wish UK to help him become a ‘Ghostbuster for the day’.

However, due to the pandemic, the charity has had a 40% drop in funding. It said it needs £155,000 to grant the wishes of the 62 children living with a critical condition in the North East.

George Hinkins dressed as a ghostbuster.

George’s love for the Ghostbusters franchise started when he was six years old. He took his Ghostbuster figurines into his third surgery in March 2020.

George’s mum, Jane Hinkins, said:

“We can’t go out with George very much, especially in winter as his heart makes it difficult for him to regulate his temperature. So we’ve had to find alternative ways to keep him entertained.

“Ghostbusters really captured his imagination – he talks about the characters being brave, facing the unknown, going into scary situations. It’s been an amazing tool for us to talk about how he’s feeling.”

George said:

“When I’m in hospital, it’s a bit scary. But just like the Ghostbusters, I try to face my fears. I try to be brave.”

His family said more surgeries are inevitable and a transplant may be considered when George is older.

The charity has said it hopes to raise the money by World Wish Day on April 29. In total, there are 503 critically ill children waiting for a wish to be granted in the UK, which would cost £1.25 million.

To find out more or donate to Make-A-Wish UK, click here.

Election 2022: Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate candidate preview

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division which will see five candidates standing for election.

Sam Gibbs, Conservative

The Conservative candidate for the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division will be Sam Gibbs.

Mr Gibbs currently sits Harrogate Borough Council representing the Valley Gardens ward.

On his priorities for standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Gibbs said:

“My priorities are tackling anti-social behaviour, promoting town centre investment, protecting green spaces and ensuring Harrogate remains a great place to live and visit.

“As a borough councillor since 2018 I have campaigned to protect Rotary Wood, to tackle town centre anti-social behaviour and to keep our streets tidy.

“Harrogate has recovered well from the pandemic. Our retail vacancy rates are at 8.2% – well below the national average and the council distributed over £93m to local businesses during covid. The Convention Centre brings around £30m into the local economy annually and underpins thousands of jobs. We must support it.”

He added:

“Parking charges should be kept low. Most have not been increased in eight years and parking is far cheaper than York and Leeds.

“As a trustee of Harrogate and District Community Action, and through my work with the Local Fund, I have supported community groups who do fantastic work and help our most vulnerable.”

Paul Ko Ferrigno, Green Party

Paul Ko Ferrigno will be standing for the Green Party in the division.

A scientist in biology and biochemistry, Mr Ferrigno coaches grassroots football and is a governor at two local primary schools.

He also founded Wetherby-based Avacta Life Sciences. Mr Ferrigno said he felt strongly about cuts to local government funding, which he believes has “negatively impacted” education.

He said:

“The Green Party is the only party to put the future first. What I have learned is those small decisions can lead to massive changes.

“I want to take this lesson and apply it to every decision made by the new council so that we can improve our local communities by thinking about the long term impact of each proposal on our children and their future.”

Lucy Gardiner, Independent

Local businesswoman Lucy Gardiner will be standing as an independent in the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division.

Ms Gardiner said among her priorities will be to improve infrastructure, clean up the town centre, support businesses and reduce congestion.

She said:

“I hold Harrogate very close to my heart. I am very proud that it’s my hometown, where I have my interiors business and where I bring up my family. We must protect its future.

“For far too long the councils haven’t been transparent nor fully engaged with the residents and businesses. Rather than towing a party line, I wish to use the wealth of knowledge at our finger tips by engaging with local people, businesses and groups to protect our heritage, while encouraging positive change for the future.”

She added:

“We need proper infrastructure before any more house building is passed. Smarten up our town centre and support our businesses, to lead the way on the high street.

“Reduce congestion with well connected travel schemes for all not the few. Protect our Stray and gardens for a greener brighter future.”

Andrew Williamson, Labour

Andrew Williamson will be standing for the Labour Party in Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate.

Mr Williamson has lived in Harrogate for most of his life and works in the private sector, but has previously worked for Harrogate Borough Council.

He said he wanted to get involve with the Labour Party due to his concern over the loss of the district councils.

Mr Williamson said he felt the best way to represent those who may be affected by the abolition of the lower-tier authorities was to stand himself.

He said:

“I have been an active member of the Labour Party for about six months now. I wanted to get involved because I’m concerned about what impact the abolition of North Yorkshire’s district councils might have on local services and amenities.

“I believe strong Labour representation on the new unitary authority is the best way to protect the services our communities depend upon.”

David Johnson, Liberal Democrat

David Johnson is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division.

A Harrogate resident for 30 years, Mr Johnson works as a librarian and was the secretary of the local Liberal Democrat constituency party.

He said he takes an interest in library policy issues, but has also campaigned on issues such as the European Union, fracking and children’s food allergies.

Mr Johnson said:

“There needs to be more done to deal with congestion on our roads and improve the local bus services. There is a need for more social housing in Harrogate.”

Team of four to cycle the distance of ‘Harrogate to Monaco’ in memory of late friends

Four Harrogate friends are to team up and cycle 1,573km on stationary bikes to raise money for charity after the death of two close friends.

Henry Bartle, Ollie Ward, Joe Braham and Jeremy Butterfield will collectively cycle the distance of Harrogate to Monaco within 24 hours in time for the Grand Prix.

The money will be raised in memory of James Hindmarsh and David Brown, who both passed away last year.

All four of the group will cycle at the same time on May 27 and will aim to complete 16km every hour, then will rest the remaining time of the hour.

Jeremy Butterfield, a close friend of James and David, said:

“Both James and Dave loved F1 so it was only right we all ‘travelled’ to the Monaco Grand Prix this year.

“James and Dave never gave up in their fights and we will continue their legacies to help others fight the challenges they are facing.

“Every cycle of the bike they will be with us (probably with a smile and a Peroni in hand). Forever in our hearts James & Dave, we love you and we will make it to Monaco together.”

James Hindmarsh (left) and David Brown (Right)

Read more:

James passed away from a rare form of cancer in 2021, whilst David lost his battle with covid last December.

Half of the funds raised from the bike ride will be donated to Leeds Hospitals Charity, who will allocate it to Leeds Cancer Centre.

Jeremy said:

“This was a centre that was very close to James’ heart. The money raised will go towards support and help for others fighting the same fight our best mate did so bravely.”

The other half of the funds will be donated to The David Brown Foundation.

Jeremy added:

“Dave was the most thoughtful, caring, gentle and humble human who did so much for children and teenagers across the district. We will follow on in Dave’s footsteps and support children’s education across the UK.”

Last year, the four friends took part in three marathons in three days, a ski tour and climbed the three peaks. They initially tried to raise the money for James’ treatment, but as he died they decided to donate the £33,275 to the Sarcoma charity.

The cycle will take place in the window of Rocca, Harrogate. You can donate to the #DOIT4JAMES&DAVID page here.

‘More needs to be done’ on food education, says Harrogate nutrition coach

A Harrogate personal trainer and nutrition coach says there isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to calories being listed on menus.

Lyndsay Wells said one of the benefits of the new regulations was that people might actually change their order to something they would enjoy more.

However, she said it would be more beneficial for people to understand their own needs and the nutritional content of what they ordered, rather than a simple calorie count.

She said:

“There are occasions where someone might assume a dish is low calorie because it’s a salad or fish dish for example. However, by the time you’ve added in oil, butter, cheese or dressings, you might find that a burger is around the same energy value.

“This is where it might help people move away from demonising certain foods and choosing something that they would enjoy more.

“This is again dependent on whether the focus of an individual is to create a calorie deficit or just be more mindful of consumption.

“The other thing to note is that lower calorie doesn’t equal more healthy.

“There are plenty of low calorie, but highly processed, carbohydrate snack foods with little benefit to our body, where avocado or nuts, for example, would be much more nutritious but also much higher in calories.”

Lyndsay’s comments follow a Stray Ferret report yesterday on a top Harrogate hotelier’s views on new rules that mean the calorie count of dishes must be published on some restaurant menus.

Under new regulations, restaurants, cafes and takeaways with more than 250 staff must print how many calories are in meals on their menus, websites, and on delivery platforms.

The new rule, which was brought in at the start of the month, is part of Government plans to tackle obesity by helping people to make healthier choices.

Mrs Wells said she could see it could be problematic in some instances, such as for people with eating disorders.

She also said there was no evidence that it will improve people’s choices when eating out.

She said:

“For this to truly work, an individual would firstly need to know their daily energy needs and be motivated to stay within these parameters, either for overall health and weight maintenance or with a deficit for fat loss.”

Even if people know their energy needs, Mrs Wells said values on menus could be inaccurate and should only be used as a guide.

She said calorie counts should only form part of the decision, with individual needs and overall nutrition also to be considered.

She added:

“I might still have something with a higher calorie value because I’m focused on eating for health and strength.

“I totally appreciate that my goals are completely individual and we are all different, this is why I feel there’s no right answer.

“But we have to make some changes to encourage restaurants to improve the way they prepare foods and reduce portion sizes, which are often far bigger than they need to be. This is often more problematic.

“We live in an increasingly obesogenic environment. I do think more needs to be done to update education on nutrition guidance and the ‘whys’ of moderation and the benefits of eating more whole foods, protein and vegetables.”

Bettys and Taylors win Queen’s Award for Enterprise

Bettys and Taylors have won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.

The business, based in Harrogate, is best known for its Yorkshire Tea and Bettys tearooms has a global tea and coffee supply chain which works in partnership with more than one million farmers and workers in 22 countries.

The award recognised the company’s work to integrate sustainability and collaboration with suppliers, partners, and the wider industry, to address social and environmental challenges within the industry.

Amongst these were projects in developing countries to install clean water systems; support tree planting partnerships; improve living and working conditions of workers, and to provide training to women in business management, entrepreneurial, literacy and financial skills.

Planting trees in Kenya Credit: Bettys and Taylors

Keith Writer, Supply Director at Taylors, said:

“Over the last five years, we’ve relentlessly focused on securing quality tea and coffee in partnership with our suppliers on the social and environmental issues they face, alongside addressing the systemic challenges across the tea and coffee supply chain through industry initiatives.

“We acknowledge there is always more to do, however we are honoured to be recognised for our ongoing efforts.”

The Queen’s Awards are presented in four categories and are decided each year by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister and her panel of judges. The winners are announced on the Queen’s birthday, and are valid for five years.

B&T also received a Queen’s Award in 2001, 2007, and 2017 for its commitment to sustainability.

New Leeds Bradford flights link Harrogate district passengers with North America

Two new daily flights have been announced to help travellers from the Harrogate district reach Ireland, the USA and Canada.

Emerald Airlines will be operating its Aer Lingus Regional flights on the route from Leeds Bradford Airport to Dublin from today.

As well as visiting the Irish capital, the route gives travellers the option to pre-clear US immigration at Dublin Airport, allowing them to enter North America as a domestic passenger and avoid lengthy queues on arrival.

Nicola McMullen, aviation director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said:

“As passenger levels return to normal, the connection between LBA and Dublin remains an important one for our region, with many passengers travelling for both business and leisure.

“The route will provide a valuable connection to the US with pre-clearance, meaning passengers can travel through immigration smoothly.”

Flights will depart Leeds Bradford at 8.35am every day, as well as 7.40pm every day except Saturday. Return flights depart Dublin at 6.50am daily and 5.45pm every day except Saturday.

Ciarán Smith, head of commercial at Emerald Airlines said:

“We recognise the vital importance of regional air connectivity and the key role that this air link to Dublin provides for business, tourism and leisure travel.

“In addition, we’re excited to add additional capacity to our existing service from Leeds to Belfast City from mid-May, and I am sure this additional capacity will prove popular for business customers.

“In particular, the new morning and afternoon flight facilitates day return options.”

Garden seeks artist for year-long residency in Harrogate

Artists across the Harrogate district are being sought by RHS Harlow Carr as the garden aims to appoint its next artist in residence.

The year-long appointment would see the chosen artist encouraged to take inspiration from the landscape, as well as the charity’s scientific and biological work.

Education and learning manager Kirstie Blything said:

“We are looking for an artist to present a personal interpretation and perspective of Harlow Carr, creating new work that is innovative, pushes boundaries and inspires well-being.

“We hope this new work will inspire the public to examine their own vision of the gardens and encourage them to engage in new, creative conversations, continuing the development of Harlow Carr as a site that inspires creative practice.”

The artist would spend at least three weeks on site, carrying out research and demonstrating their practice at the garden.

They would be able to work closely with the garden’s team as well as discussing their work with the public. The role includes creating a programme of workshops, talks, open studios and more to encourage visitors to take inspiration from the gardens for their own creativity.

The year would end with an exhibition at the RHS Harlow Carr Flower Show in 2023.

Previous artists in residents include Nel Whatmore and Anita Bowerman.

For further information about the role, click here. Applications close on Friday, May 20 at noon.

Election 2022: Coppice Valley and Duchy candidate preview

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Coppice Valley and Duchy division which will see five candidates standing for election.

Graham Swift, Conservative

Graham Swift will be standing as the Conservative candidate for the Coppice Valley and Duchy division on North Yorkshire Council.

Mr Swift sits on Harrogate Borough Council and is the deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development on the authority.

He currently represents the Harrogate Duchy ward on the borough council, to which he was elected in 2018.

Mr Swift moved to Harrogate in 2010 after spending most of his working life living and working abroad for a large food company.

Mr Swift, who is the only candidate who lives in Coppice Valley and Duchy division, said:

“I have a proven and long track record of correspondence with and action for residents and I don’t just turn up at elections.

“Actions include improving public space, liaising with police to reduce crime and supporting residents in getting better services. I am already an established district councillor and the future unitary council will strengthen my ability to support residents on a much wider range of issues.”

Leighton Regayre, Green Party

Leighton Regayre is set to stand for the Green Party in Coppice Valley and Duchy ward.

Mr Regayre is a climate science researcher at the University of Leeds and has lived in North Yorkshire for more than 20 years.

He said he was standing because he wants to tackle the climate emergency and cost of living crisis.

He said:

“We subsidise hugely profitable fossil fuel companies rather than taxing them fairly. Yet, a Green New Deal offers a huge economic opportunity.

“With a Green New Deal, we could put people to work insulating our nation’s homes and investing in future renewable technologies.

“The Green Party is committed to making these things happen. Yorkshire has an important role in any progressive future vision for the UK.

“I want to help Yorkshire lead the implementation of a Green New Deal that brings near-term prosperity to our region and long-term security to our nation and planet.”

Daniel Thompson, Independent

Daniel Thompson is standing as an independent candidate in the division on May 5.

Born and raised in Harrogate, Mr Thompson said he wanted to “bring new energy and ideas to the table” which would be “unconstrained by a political party”.

He said:

“During this campaign I could talk about potholes and dog poo but we have to tackle the elephant in the room, housing.

“The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have signed away our green fields to national developers with a town plan that was never fit for purpose.

“They talk of sustainable homes but where are the locally sourced building materials; solar panels, electric charging points; cycle lanes? Where are the new schools; new doctors surgeries, new dentists? Where is the funding for greater capacity in our NHS A&E?”

Mr Thompson, who also runs a business in the town, added that he would be “fighting for an immediate halt and reversal to all multi home planning approvals”.

“In truth, we need to be ambitious, proposing a new settlement near to road and rail links, surrounded by new woodland and benchmarked by the highest standard of sustainable construction.”

Patricia Foxall, Labour

The Labour Party candidate for Coppice Valley and Duchy will be Patricia Foxall.

Ms Foxall has lived in in Harrogate for more than 40 years and brought her children up in the town.

She spent most of her working life in local government, but has since retired. Ms Foxall said she would fight to reverse cuts to council grants.

Ms Foxall added that she would also make housing one of her priorities.

She said:

“The council have finally produced a housing plan.

“However, it fails to address the desperate need for affordable housing and the need for local services to keep pace with development. That said, I am in favour of all parts of the district taking a share of new housing.”

Peter Lacey, Liberal Democrat

Peter Lacey will be standing for the Liberal Democrats in the division on May 5.

Mr Lacey runs a strategic consulting business in the health and care sector and is also the executive committee member of Knaresborough’s Chamber of Trade and a director of the Community Land Trust.

He said he believes strongly in “the need to devolve more decision making to local communities”.

Mr Lacey said:

“Building community engagement and doing more to support neighbours is important to developing stronger local communities.”

Mr Lacey, who is a local methodist, is also chair of Knaresborough Connectors, a community development organisation that has grown out of the covid response working with the county council’s Stronger Communities department.

He added:

“I will work to see a clear, locally owned and deliverable strategic plan developed for the town that embraces all elements from tourism to manufacturing, which are key to bringing high quality, well paid jobs to our area.”

Election hustings

The Stray Ferret is hosting an election hustings at the Wesley Centre on Tuesday, April 26, at the Wesley Centre in Harrogate.

The event is a chance for you to ask your local election candidates who will be standing in divisions in Harrogate the questions that matter to you.

For more information and to book your free ticket for the evening, visit our Eventbrite page.

Harrogate architecture firm expands to Leeds city centre

Harrogate-based S&SA Architects will be expanding the company to Leeds city centre.

The architect practice, which operates out of a head office in Harrogate, will open its new office at Park House in Park Square in April.

The company had continued to grow during the pandemic and received several notable commissions in the healthcare and residential sectors, which created a demand for its expansion.

Inside the new office at Park House Credit: S&SA Architects

It plans to recruit people in roles at all levels, including in apprenticeship and senior positions.

Chris Paraskos, associate architect at S&SA Architects, said:

“We’re incredibly excited about this expansion. The office location is easily accessible for our diverse London and Leeds clients, being only a few moments’ walk from the station.

“It also offers all our staff the ability to work flexibly at home and across both offices. It will encourage collaboration between teams and better wellbeing, which is a part of our cultural response to the changing world of hybrid work post covid.”

S&SA Architects specialises in residential, retail, logistics, healthcare, sports and leisure sectors. Clients include Tesco, Keepmoat, Exemplar Healthcare and Broadacres.

Plan approved to convert former Harrogate restaurant into craft bar

Plans have been approved to convert a former restaurant in Harrogate into a craft pub.

Husk Beer Emporium, which has a shop on King’s Road, lodged the proposal to change the unit on Station Square into a bar.

The vacant unit was previously home to Greek restaurant Souvlaki and is opposite the Queen Victoria monument.

Now, Harrogate Borough Council has approved the plans.

Danny Duckworth and Tom Gill, who own the Husk Beer Emporium, told the Stray Ferret previously that the aim of the bar will be to showcase the best craft beers from across the UK and abroad.

Husk Beer Emporium owners Danny Duckworth and Tom Gill.

It would also offer live music, meet the brewery nights, food, outdoor seating and an ‘Aladdin’s cave’ of unique beers.

Mr Gill told the Stray Ferret in March that he hopes Husk bar can be part of a Harrogate craft beer trail, boosted by the Station Gateway scheme that would see the outside area at the end of James Street pedestrianised to allow for al-fresco summer drinking.

He said:

“More and more people are seeking places like this out.”

Mr Duckworth added:

“The craft beer scene in Harrogate is buzzing for us to open, we hope they can support us.”