Author ‘over the moon’ after winning Harrogate festival’s crime novel of the year

Chris Whitaker went home with the prestigious crime novel of the year award last night after being awarded on the opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.

The four-day event, organised by the arts charity Harrogate International Festivals, welcomes big names in the crime-writing world.

Mr Whitaker’s books We Begin at the End, follows a 13-year-old girl and the local police chief in a Californian town. The book meets them when a murderer is released from prison and returns to their town.

It is a story of crime, punishment, love and redemption – one that Mr Whitaker has been working on for 20 years.

Mr Whitaker came up with the idea for the book after he was stabbed and mugged in North London when he was 19. He said the book came about during a really dark time so he often forgot about it and focused on other projects.

But four years ago he returned to the file on his computer called Duchess, the protagonist’s name, and got to work.

We begin at the end

The book front.

He said he couldn’t put into words how much this award meant to him. For years he has been visiting Harrogate for thhe Crime Writing Festival never believing one day he would be recognised.

He said it was an “honour” to win the award surrounded by so many of his literary idols.

Mr Whitaker said:

“I haven’t stopped smiling. This book has been a long time coming so it’s a lovely way to end the journey.

“I’ve been visiting the Harrogate festival for years, listening to my idols. I’m so proud and grateful to have been recognised like this.”

Read more:

This is Mr Whitaker’s third book. He said he is currently working on crime fiction book and will spend much of the next year promoting We Begin at the End across the world.

The book is currently in development to be made into a film.

The festival continues until Sunday. Special guests include Mark Billingham, Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, Mick Herron, Clare Mackintosh, Val Mcdermid and Richard Osman.

Don’t miss Harrogate district’s Olympians cycling, diving and playing football

Four of the Harrogate district’s own are set to compete in the Tokyo Olympics from tomorrow.

The athletes will compete in football, diving and cycling and represent Team GB and Ireland in the delayed 2020 Games.

Here is the timeline for our local Olympians’ events:

Lizzie Deignan – Team GB

Ms Deignan has a home in Harrogate and already has a silver medal from the London 2021 Olympics.

She will compete in the Women’s road cycle race – 5am (UK time) on Sunday, June 25.

Jack Laugher – Team GB

Mr Laugher, from Ripon, made history at the 2016 Games in Rio by becoming the first ever Olympic diving champion for Great Britain.

He will first compete in the Men’s synchronised 3m springboard – 7am (UK time) on Wednesday, July 28 and again in the Men’s 3m springboard semi-final – 2am (UK time) on Tuesday, August 3.

If Mr Laugher gets through, he will compete in the Men’s 3m springboard final – 7am (UK time) on Tuesday, August 3.

Jack Laugher and Oliver Dingley

Oliver Dingley (left) and Jack Laugher

Oliver Dingley – Team Ireland

Fellow diver Mr Dingley grew up in Harrogate and studied at St John Fisher High School. He made the finals at the Rio games and finished in eighth place.

Men’s synchronised 3m springboard – 7am (UK time) on Wednesday, 28 July and in the Men’s 3m springboard semi-final – 2am (UK time) on Tuesday, August 3.

If Mr Dingley gets through, he will compete in the Men’s 3m springboard final – 7am (UK time) on Tuesday, August 3.


Rachel Daly – Team GB

Footballer Ms Daly, from Harrogate, will be competing in the Olympics for the first time but after racking up 36 appearances for England ,she has experience on her side.

She will join the team to compete in Women’s football, group E – 11.30am (UK time) on Saturday, July 24 and 12pm (UK time) on Tuesday, July 27.

If Team GB progress past the group stages, Ms Daly’s next appearance will be on Friday July 30 for a quarter-final match.

Harrogate Town promotion-winning goalkeeper joins Bristol Rovers

Harrogate Town goalkeeper James Belshaw has joined Bristol Rovers on a permanent transfer.

The shot stopper, who won two promotions with Town, held the number one shirt for his entire time at the club since joining from Tamworth in June 2017.

He will now join the fellow League Two club, who are managed by former Manchester City, Newcastle and Burnley midfielder Joey Barton.

Belshaw was part of the historic promotion-winning side from the National League and played in the 3-1 play-off final win over Notts County at Wembley last year.

He was also named in the National League North Team of the Year, National League Team of the Year and was Supporters Club Player of the Year on two occasions.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Town said:

“Off the pitch, Belshaw has played a big part in the local community, inspiring a generation of young goalkeepers through sessions at our Player Development Centre.

“The departing stopper has undoubtedly been a big part in our success in recent years and for that we would like to place on record our sincere thanks for his efforts.”

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Harrogate Town welcomed keeper Mark Oxley from Southend United at the beginning of July, one of seven new signings announced this summer.

Appeal after woman in wheelchair hits three-year-old girl

A woman in a wheelchair hit a toddler near a Harrogate school yesterday and police are appealing for witnesses.

North Yorkshire Police (NYP) said a mother reported that a woman in an electric wheelchair stopped her while she was pushing her three-year-old daughter in a buggy on Skipton Road, at about 10.30am on Wednesday.

The suspect allegedly grabbed the girl, pinched her ear – which caused fluid to appear – then hit her on the head three times. The toddler did not require medical treatment.

Officers have appealed for anyone who was near Grove Road Community Primary School between 10.20am and 10.30am who may have witnessed the incident, or caught anything on dash-cam footage, to come forward.

The woman was described as being white, in her 40s, with short brown hair and a “chubby” build. She was wearing dark glasses and a short-sleeved pink T-shirt, NYP said.

Potential witnesses can email ryan.rudd@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101.

Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting the reference number 12210164772.

Read more:

Portrait of Olympic gold medallist Jack Laugher inspires Ripon students

With the Tokyo games now underway, a portrait of Olympic gold medallist diver Jack Laugher is providing inspiration to Ripon Grammar School students.

The former RGS pupil became an Olympic champion alongside partner Chris Mears at Rio 2016, when the duo made history in three-metre springboard synchronised diving.

Having become, with Mears, the first GB Olympic divers to win gold, he went on to take silver in the men’s individual three-metre springboard competition.

The painting by artist and RGS parent Fiona Scott, which features Jack holding his medals from Rio, now has pride of place at the school.

The school, along with sports fans across Great Britain, will be cheering him on as he competes in Tokyo.

Photo of the portrait of Jack Laugher at Ripon Grammar School

An inspirational painting – artist Fiona Scott (right) with, from the left: RGS headmaster Jonathan Webb, Dan Brown and Eliza Polito

The synchronised event will be broadcast live on the BBC on Wednesday morning (7am UK time).

The individual event begins with the preliminary round at 7am UK time on August 2, with the semi-final and final respectively starting at 2am and 7am UK time, on 3 August.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb is thrilled to have the stunning oil painting of the Olympic gold medal winner hanging in school, particularly as it was installed just before the games. He said:

“Students and staff are all very excited and we’ll all be willing him on.”

Ms Scott, who arranged a sitting with Laugher at Leeds Aquatics Centre, said he was delighted to hear the painting was now on show at his old school.

Keen swimmer Darcy Harper was among the students who met the sporting hero when he returned to RGS to present prizes to pupils three years ago.

The 15-year-old, who has competed in national schools finals, said:

“I found it inspiring to hear his story and how far he’s come.”

Laugher, who left RGS in 2013, has also inspired Dan Brown, who has represented RGS in county swimming championships, athletics and tennis.

Read more:

The 14-year-old, who is aiming for a career in sport, said:

“He has shown how it’s possible to combine a professional sporting career while managing his schoolwork, which I really admire.”

Eliza Polito, a 14-year-old swimmer and runner, added:

“I think it’s so cool to know that Jack Laugher came to this school and has gone on to achieve so much.”

Artist Ms Scott’s daughter Lily Wainwright is a Year 10 boarding student, whose two older brothers also studied at RGS.

The Laugher painting was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters‘ annual exhibition in London in May last year before the exhibition was cancelled due to covid.

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning and happy Friday it’s Leah with you this morning giving you updates every 15 minutes on the road and rail links near you.

The blog, brought to you by the HACS group, will show you where the traffic hotspots and temporary traffic lights are and tell you of any train and bus delays.

Services from Leeds to York, Leeds to Selby and Leeds to Hull are delayed due to a points failure at Leeds. Disruption expected until 09:45

9am – Full Update

That is it from me this morning. I will be back with you bright and early on Monday morning with updates every 15 minutes from 06.30. Have a lovely weekend!

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic hotspots

Traffic is starting to build in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Services from Leeds to York, Leeds to Selby and Leeds to Hull are delayed due to a points failure at Leeds. Disruption expected until 09:45

Buses

8.45am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic hotspots

Traffic is starting to build in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Services from Leeds to York, Leeds to Selby and Leeds to Hull are delayed due to a points failure at Leeds. Disruption expected until 09:45

Buses

8.30am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic hotspots

Traffic is starting to build in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Services from Leeds to York, Leeds to Selby and Leeds to Hull are delayed due to a points failure at Leeds. Disruption expected until 09:45

Buses

 

8.15am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic hotspots

Traffic is starting to build in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Services from Leeds to York, Leeds to Selby and Leeds to Hull are delayed due to a points failure at Leeds. Disruption expected until 08:30

Buses

8am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is starting to build in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Services from Leeds to York, Leeds to Selby and Leeds to Hull are delayed due to a points failure at Leeds. Disruption expected until 08:30

Buses

7.45am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is starting to build in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is starting to build in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.15am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is starting to build in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

6.45am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but make sure to keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

Harrogate Festivals chief angered by removal of promotional banners

The chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals has vented her frustration after banners promoting a major event were promptly removed by North Yorkshire County Council.

Yesterday was the first day of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, which attracts hundreds of crime writing fans to Harrogate.

The four-day festival, which is attended this year by the likes of Ian Rankin and Richard Osman, is one of the first events since the pandemic that the arts charity has been able to full stage.

So Sharon Canavar was less than impressed by what she regarded as a lack of support from the county council after numerous banners put up across town on Wednesday were removed by midday yesterday,

Ms Canavar tweeted:

“When you put your banners up welcoming guests to Harrogate last night and North Yorkshire County Council are snipping them down before midday this am. How come everyone else gets away with it for weeks?

“Don’t have time to follow him round to get them back for use this weekend. So £s wasted. Great, like this gig isn’t hard enough at the moment.”

The events industry has been hit hard during the pandemic. Large events are only just beginning to go ahead as lockdown restrictions ease.

Ms Canavar said last month it was nerve wracking making decisions on events due to the uncertainty of the roadmap out of lockdown.

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The county council said it supported local events, especially after the pandemic, but road safety was paramount.

Melisa Burnham, highways area manager, said:

“Banners attached to barriers or fencing beside the highway can create a safety hazard. At such locations, banners can distract drivers and other road users or obstruct visibility.

“We assess the risks before taking action to remove such banners, and high-risk areas such as those mentioned are prioritised.

“If event organisers contact the highways office, we will always be happy to advise them.”

Harrogate woman in dispute with care home over visits to 99-year-old dad

A Harrogate woman has spoken of her frustration after her application to become an essential care giver for her 99-year-old father was dismissed by his care home.

According to government guidance, essential care givers should be enabled to visit care homes in all circumstances, including if there is a covid outbreak.

But Judy Bass’ application to be an essential care giver for her father in The Granby care home, Harrogate, has not been accepted.

The home is not convinced Ms Bass, who isn’t included in her father’s care plan, meets the criteria.

This is once again severely limiting the amount of time she can spend with her dad, who will turn 100 next month.

Ms Bass said this was the “final straw” after months of infrequent visits and disagreements with the home.

Before the pandemic Ms Bass visited her father, Tom Wilkinson, every day and was therefore never included in his care plan. But since her visits have become less frequent she says his condition has deteriorated.

Judy Bass with her dad

Judy Bass and her dad.

She says it is important for her dad to have constant communication with his family due to his dementia. Currently Ms Bass sees her father for just 30 minutes, once a week.

She said:

“I’m at a loss. I just want to see my dad. It’s very draining on us all, it’s so upsetting. He’s just lying there alone once again. I just can’t understand why they can’t see how essential my visits are.”

She said the lack of contact was affecting her health because she can’t be there for him all the time.

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The home is scheduling a meeting with Ms Bass to review her father’s care plan. Those at the meeting will decide if Ms Bass’s support would improve Mr Wilkinson’s health and wellbeing and, if so, essential care giver status could be reviewed.

A spokesperson for Four Seasons Health Care, which owns the home, said:

“We fully understand how difficult it is for all loved ones at this time and our absolute priority is to care for the health and wellbeing of every resident.

“The Granby is currently in outbreak status and is following the government’s guidance on providing window visits and video calls.

“Our hard working team members are doing everything they can to ensure residents and relatives stay connected during this time, including providing essential care giver status where this is in the best interests of the resident.”

Chris Whitaker wins top crime novel award in Harrogate

Chris Whitaker’s book has won the prestigious crime novel of the year award on the opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.

The four-day event, organised by the arts charity Harrogate International Festivals, is widely recognised as the biggest in crime writing.

We Begin at the End, a story of crime, punishment, love and redemption set in California, is credited by Whitaker for saving his life after he was mugged and stabbed as a teenager.

Whitaker, who received the prize at the Old Swan Hotel tonight, was nominated for the award for the first time. He was chosen by a public vote, the prize academy and a panel of expert judges.

He received £3,000 and an engraved oak beer cask.

Northern Irish author Brian McGilloway’s political thriller The Last Crossing, which explores The Troubles from the perspective of former operatives who like to think they have moved on, was highly commended.

Read more:

Simon Theakston, executive director of T&R Theakston, said:

“The contest for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year award has been fiercely fought – a reflection of the outstanding quality of all the longlisted and shortlisted crime fiction published within the last year.

“I offer Chris Whitaker my hearty congratulations for clinching the title on his first ever nomination for his powerful and insightful We Begin at the End.”

Special presentations were also made to Ian Rankin and Mark Billingham, the winners of the outstanding contribution to crime fiction award for 2021 and 2020 respectively.

Mr Rankin said:

“It’s such a privilege and an honour to receive this award, and especially to be in Harrogate to receive it in person.

“I’ve been a published writer for over thirty years but this past year has been uniquely challenging – for writers, readers and booksellers. It’s heartening to see the Theakston festival rise like a phoenix. Books continue to provide us with that wonderful mix of food for thought and escapism. I couldn’t be prouder to be a crime writer.”

The festival continues until Sunday. Special guests include Mark Billingham, Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, Mick Herron, Clare Mackintosh, Val Mcdermid and Richard Osman.

New Sainsbury’s in Harrogate town centre gets green light

A plan to open a new Sainsbury’s store in Harrogate town centre has been approved.

The Sainsbury’s Local store is set to open in the former Topshop unit at 33-37 Cambridge Street, which has been empty since 2017.

The disused unit is set to be divided into three retail spaces, which will enable Sainsbury’s to set up in the largest outlet.

The store is also expected to bring 25 new jobs to the area.

Harrogate Borough Council has now given the go-ahead for the proposal.

Skipton Building Society has also submitted plans to lease the central unit and refurbish it to include open plan public space, office spaces, toilets and staff space.

Sainsbury’s already has four stores in Harrogate: a large store on Wetherby Road and smaller Local stores on Leeds Road, King’s Road and Cold Bath Road.

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The new store will be just a minute’s walk from the Tesco Express on Cambridge Road.

Patrick Dunne, property director at the supermarket chain, said in March it hoped to open by late summer.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said:

“Naturally we are very pleased with Harrogate Borough Council’s decision to approve our planning application.

Our new Local will represent an opportunity bring new jobs and to offer high quality products at greater convenience for residents and visitors in Harrogate town centre.”