Hive of activity as Harrogate prepares for Great Yorkshire Show’s return

Harrogate has been a hive of activity today as organisers and contributors prepare for the return of the Great Yorkshire Show.

There has been some last minute shearing and pruning ahead of the grand opening at 8am tomorrow morning.

The show will run for an extended period from Tuesday until Friday. It will mean that the maximum capacity of 26,000 a day can spread out for social distancing.

The Stray Ferret will be at the show all week, with our coverage brought to you by Lister Haigh.

Harrogate charity seeking hosts for domestic abuse victims

Do you have a spare room in Harrogate that could host victims of domestic abuse?

The domestic abuse charity IDAS says too often people leaving an abusive relationship are unable to access emergency accommodation to help them plan for their future.

It runs a project called Safe Havens where hosts receive specialist training and provide accommodation for people who are escaping dangerous situations. They are also supported by a dedicated domestic abuse worker.

Pauline (not her real name), a survivor of domestic abuse, said:

“If I had known what help was out there when I was trying to leave, things would have turned out very differently for me. I was young and very scared of my then husband. My family not only did not recognise the abuse but wanted me to stay with my husband. It was only when he went on to remarry his second wife, who left him for the same reasons, that people began to realise what he was.

“I wish I could have taken my daughter and run, even just for a few days to get my head straight, but I had nowhere safe to go and he’d threaten me with awful things if I tried. I know now that IDAS would have helped, and I could have avoided 8 years of pain. Being offered a safe place, for a short time might have made all the difference to me and I’m sure it will make all the difference to people who are trapped with abusers now.”

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Anna Dinsdale, Local Area Manager IDAS, added:

“Escaping an abusive partner or family member is rarely straight forward, it takes tremendous bravery and courage. The IDAS Safe Havens hosted, emergency accomodation project aims to provide people with the option of short-term respite and relief in addition to our refuge accomodation.

“Safe Havens hosts will play a key role in assisting their guests by making them feel safe and welcome in their home, giving them time to consider their next steps.”

The charity is running a series of information sessions for members of the public who are interested in becoming hosts. For more information, please email Mel.Milner@idas.org.uk

County council publishes new plan to cut emissions

North Yorkshire County Council’s three-year plan to help the organisation become net carbon neutral by 2030 includes adding more solar panels to its buildings, cutting down on staff travel and reducing waste.

Senior councillors on the Conservative-led authority are expected to rubber-stamp a draft carbon reduction plan tomorrow that lays out how it plans to reduce emissions across its offices, libraries and care homes.

However, it has been criticised by local environmental group Zero Carbon Harrogate who says the measures don’t go far enough.

The council says it’s aiming for net carbon neutral by 2030, which means it won’t reduce carbon dioxide emissions entirely but will offset the remainder of any emissions through carbon sequestration programmes and tree planting. 

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The report says the authority currently spends £1.8m a year on energy bills but this figure does not include schools.

It also highlights a recent project to replace its 50,400 street lights with more environmentally friendly LED bulbs.

The report suggests that covid has forced the council’s hand in reducing emissions as around 40% of the estimated reduction is due to changes in working practices, such as working from home.

Zero Carbon Harrogate said the report contains many “appropriate and prudent” initiatives but questioned how they will be monitored and delivered.

It also said NYCC could go further than what it proposes in the report to tackle transport emissions:

“The plan, almost exclusively, discusses decarbonising the NYCC’s own estate, with no mention of the significant decarbonisation impact that the NYCC can leverage as a policy maker.

“This is a major omission from the action plan, as NYCC is the policy gatekeeper for many infrastructure changes that can unlock decarbonisation across the county, particularly for transport.”

New planters installed in Harrogate after fake grass saga

New planters are being installed on Cambridge Street in Harrogate town centre.

The move comes two months after Harrogate Borough Council placed fake grass in raised flower beds in the town centre.

Workers were seen installing the new planters today.

One worker told the Stray Ferret that the planters would have “flowers in spring and autumn and shrubs other times of year”.

A council spokesperson said:

“Over the years we’ve planted numerous varieties of plants and flowers in the planters. But sadly, nothing has lasted very long due to the trees’ roots structure soaking-up all the moisture and nutrients in the soil.

“These new bespoke plant beds, which sit above the root base, will have their own soil that is full of nutrients and should allow the plants to grow successfully every year.

“For the summer, they will be filled with bright cheerful geraniums (as shown in the photo). And in the winter we will plant spring bulbs and perennials.

“In the coming weeks they will start to compliment Harrogate’s award-winning floral displays that we take enormous pride in looking after.”

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It follows a fierce backlash to the artificial grass installed on Cambridge Street in May, which residents and campaigners described as “cheap and tacky”.

Council officials initially claimed the move received “lots of positive feedback”, but later removed the grass and apologised.

It was later revealed that the council had spent £800 on the artificial grass.

However, Cllr Andrew Paraskos, cabinet member for environment, defended the saga at a full council meeting last week.

He said that the fake grass was removed “straight away” and that the authority had to “try new ideas”.

Harrogate outdoor cinema positive about restrictions ending

An outdoor cinema company that is due to show films in the district says it isn’t worried about losing its audience once restrictions are lifted.

Blue Sky began screening movies throughout lockdown to give people an opportunity to leave their homes without fear of catching covid.

The company is due to hold eight movie screenings in Harrogate rugby club at the end of the month.

But with government restrictions set to be lifted on July 19, outdoor cinemas could start to see their audiences leaving for mask-free indoor options.

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Outdoor cinema

However, Ian Taylor, managing director of Blue Sky, says he and his team remain positive:

“People have gotten into the habit of entertaining themselves, which has become a problem with a lot of sectors. But opening up allows for people to invite their friends and show them the stuff they’ve been doing during the lockdown.”

Mr Taylor also predicted people will enjoy drive-in cinemas more than indoor ones during the winter:

“Drive-in cinemas are a good option in the winter months when we get closer to October time. You can stay warm but also talk to your family or friends without disturbing anyone, you can bring your own food and drink.”

 

Malcolm Neesam History: The birth of the Great Yorkshire Show Ground

This history is written for The Stray Ferret by celebrated Harrogate historian, Malcolm Neesam. 

This week sees the 70th anniversary of the establishment in Harrogate of a permanent site for the Great Yorkshire Show. Since its premiere in 1838 at Fulford, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society had held its annual show at various locations in Yorkshire, including Harrogate, when its invariable location was on the Stray.

First Hound Show in Yorkshire 1859  Photograph: Yorkshire Agricultural Society

On one occasion, in July 1873, a special track was laid across the south Stray to assist the Great Yorkshire Show.

According to the press:

“Special railway constructed on south Stray in connection with Great Yorkshire Show. Line reaches Stray over Paley land before crossing Stray near the highest of the two bridges before curving round to opposite Prince of Wales Hotel where it reaches a block composed of tons of ballast timber.

“About the centre of the rails a large landing stage has been erected. Up to this landing stage a double line of railway has been laid, about 320 feet long. From the landing stage to the block two and three sets of rails are laid; whilst there is a small line at either end for shunting and other purposes…

“Now it is completed – and probably today the first load of implements will run along. The siding is about equidistant from Leeds Road and the show yard. Therefore everything will have to be carted the short distance from the landing stage to the show yard, which, we apprehend, will be entered at a gate on the west side.”

In the event, the Great Yorkshire Show at Harrogate was a huge success and the turnstile receipts for 38,491 people being over 3,000 more than any previous show. But it is well that nobody has tried subsequently to build a railway line across the south Stray.

The event returned to Harrogate in July 1926 and the Royal Show followed in June 1929, when it was attended by the Duke of York, later King George VI.

Great Yorkshire Show 1937  Photograph: Yorkshire Agricultural Society

By the middle of the 20th century, the show’s governors felt it was time to have grounds of their own, and in June 1949 they wrote to Harrogate Borough Council to say that they wanted to make the “Hookstone site” their permanent showground.

In making this approach, it was clear that the Yorkshire Agricultural Society was seeking the help of the corporation in acquiring the land. The council had already set up a special sub-committee to consider the terms on which the society’s application might be recommended to the Finance Committee.

The council welcomed this application with open arms, as it would bring an important attraction to Harrogate on an annual rather than a sporadic basis, and also took the Stray out of the matter, where opposition to any enclosure had become an embarrassment.

As well as an agreement with the council, the society had to acquire land from Hookstone Wood owned by a Mr Otty. In October 1950 the town clerk advised the Finance Committee that agreements had been reached both with the corporation and with Mr Otty.

Things then progressed with some speed, as the society intended to hold its 1951 show at the new permanent site. At the 1951 AGM, the show director, Sir John Dunnington-Jefferson, announced that there had been increases in all sections of the show, following the news of the permanent site of 200 acres.

Great Yorkshire Show, 1953 Photograph: Yorkshire Agricultural Society

Access to the site would be through a 21ft carriageway at the southern boundary, which Harrogate Corporation, at its own expense, would continue through Hookstone Wood. This demonstrated the corporation’s enthusiasm for the project.

When the 1951 Great Yorkshire Show opened at its permanent Harrogate site on July 10 1951, the three-day event attracted 63,900 visitors and entrance fees of £20,000.

Another aspect of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s move was that it, together with Hornbeam Park and the privately owned Rudding Estate, acted as a much-needed barrier to the expansion of housing estates to the south of the town.

This year’s Great Yorkshire Show starts on Tuesday – the Stray Ferret will be covering the event every day as well as bringing you comprehensive travel updates from 6.30am.  

Our thanks to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society for the fabulous archive photographs in this history.  

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WATCH Harrogate keeps high spirits despite England’s loss last night

Harrogate came out in force to support England last night and stayed optimistic after the team’s defeat.

England started off strong with a goal in the first five minutes but a further goal by Italy in the second half meant the England squad had to face penalties.

This was where Italy grabbed the trophy leaving England fans gutted.

The loss didn’t dampen Harrogate’s appetite for victory too much with many football fans staying positive for a win in next year’s World Cup.

Read more:

Harrogate celebrates post-Euros

Jymbo and Johnny are keeping their hopes high for next year’s World Cup.

Live: Harrogate traffic and travel

Good morning. It’s Leah with you this beautiful Monday morning updating you every 15 minutes on how the transport links are near you.

These blogs, 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.

Let us know if you experience any delays via DM.

9am – Full Update 

That is it from me this morning, The Great Yorkshire show starts tomorrow, expect busier traffic than usual! Have a lovely day!

Roads

The roads are starting to look busier this morning, keep checking in.

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to look busier this morning, keep checking in.

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to look busier this morning, keep checking in.

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

8.15am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to look busier this morning, keep checking in.

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to look busier this morning, keep checking in.

Traffic hotspots:

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

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Buses

 

7.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to look busier this morning, keep checking in.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are starting to look busier this morning, keep checking in.

Traffic is building here:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7.15am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

6.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning but keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

  • Skipton Road, Harrogate, between the Old Spring Well Pub and Chain Bar Lane
  • Otley Road, near Harlow Moor Drive, Harrogate
  • Hollins Lane, Hampsthwaite, between West Lane and Brookfield
  • A series of works in place between the Summerbridge and Thruscross areas

Trains

  • Services on the Leeds, York, Harrogate and Knaresborough lines look to be running on time so far this morning

Buses

  • Buses also appear to be running well in the Harrogate district with no delays or cancellation

 

Stray Views: Ditch the Station Gateway scheme

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.

Ditch the Station Gateway scheme!

Harrogate Civic Society’s comments on the proposed Station Gateway are correct. There is no overall traffic scheme for Harrogate, which has congestion problems, and this scheme will result in more traffic on the A59 as people try and park elsewhere because of this ill-thought-out scheme.

We do not need any changes on the pretext of more people cycling and walking, as most will need to drive in and park somewhere first before doing either. The population of Harrogate includes a lot of older people who cannot walk or cycle into town and this ‘scheme’ does not cater for this at all and should be ditched.

John Holder, Harrogate

Time to get life back to normal

I read with interest your article on the ‘rocketing’ Covid infection rate in the Harrogate district.

Can we not just accept that this whole charade is over and get back to normal? Even the never-used Nightingale Hospital has disappeared.

I personally have been vaccinated twice. What more do I need to do, for heaven’s sake?

I say this with genuine sympathies to anyone who has suffered with, or who has lost a loved one to this virus.

James Colin Harrison, Knaresborough

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Police need to check car number plates

Regarding your article on police taking action against noisy cars.
It is not only the noise these cars make but they are normally driven without a front number plate too. The police need to address this issue too.
Adrian Day, 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.
WATCH: Harrogate public give their predictions for today’s Euros final

We asked the Harrogate public for their predictions on today’s Euros final.

This is the first time in over 50 years England has made it to the Euros final and their success so far means excitement is building in Harrogate.

Shoppers in Harrogate this week predicted different outcomes; with some seeing victory for England whilst others thought Italy would take home the trophy.

Keep an eye on the Stray Ferret throughout the day for regular football coverage.

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Who do you think will come home with the trophy?