Harrogate College meets local firms to fix skills gap

More than 30 businesses from across the Harrogate district attended the first Employers’ Network at Harrogate College to help shape the future workforce.

The college invited local businesses to the launch event today. Businesses from the likes of health and social care, hospitality and manufacturing all turned up to explain their needs.

Harrogate College will now use the information it has gathered to alter its existing courses and create new courses to fit that demand.

Principal Danny Wild told the Stray Ferret:

“It’s gone really well. The idea of the employer network is to find the key skill gaps that local businesses have.

“We want people leaving the college to have the right skills to get jobs. We also want to help those employers looking to grow.”

“This is the start of the Employers’ Network. It has an infinite timeline as businesses grow and change.”

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Kit Lacey, director at eDub Services, attended and added:

“We are a growing business in a niche market in converting classic cars to electric. One of our biggest struggles we find, as we want to grow, is recruiting.

“When the industry is brand new it is difficult so getting in at the grassroots level with the college is a good first step for us.”

Mike Kaye, managing director at Energy Oasis, also said:

“I have come here because I really want Harrogate College to be at the forefront of renewable technologies.

“I want them to be able to develop a curriculum that will facilitate the young people in Harrogate, to be able to get secure jobs in the green environment.”

Harrogate hospital invests £110,000 in staff and dementia care

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded £110,000 to fund better dementia care support, improved outdoor spaces and wellbeing projects.

NHS Charities Together, the national charity raising funds for hospitals, awarded the sum to the trust.

The trust used some of the money to buy new DVD players and tables for dementia patients at Harrogate District Hospital for entertainment and to help them stay in touch with family, especially when the hospital has to limit visits.

Hospital patients and visitors will also notice that some outdoor spaces have been transformed with physical and mental wellbeing in mind.

The new look includes fresh seating, garden pods, planting, wind chimes and even an outdoor barista. The spaces can be used as an escape for both staff and patients.

Funds have also been used by the hospital on microwaves, coffee and tea making facilities for staff.

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Matron Tammy Gotts said:

“It is important our patients never feel lonely and the tablets will help improve how they can communication with their friends and family.

“It also means that our patients would still be able to communicate with their loved ones should we ever face another lockdown.

“Having access to more entertainment options will also improve the hospital experience for patients. The outdoor spaces also provide the opportunity for patients to spend more time outside the wards in a pleasant environment.”

Sammy Lambert, business development, charity and volunteer manager, said:

“The funding we have been awarded is helping us to further improve the high level of care we are able to provide.

“Whilst it is wonderful that the funding will be of benefit for patients suffering from dementia, we are also pleased that it will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our NHS colleagues who have worked tirelessly over the pandemic.

“Their wellbeing is vitally important and simple changes, such as developing outside spaces where they can relax for a moment, will ensure they feel well, healthy and happy at work.”

Harrogate army college ‘outstanding’ in new Ofsted report

Harrogate Army Foundation College has been rated outstanding in a new Ofsted report.

The army college’s result was released alongside 13 other centres, all inspected under a new framework.

The college, on Penny Pot Lane, Killinghall is the only basic training establishment for 16-19 year olds in the British Army.

The Ofsted report praised the college for its “very good training .. immaculate facilities”.

It also gave positive feedback on its safeguarding saying the college investigated incidents throughly and made necessary improvements.

In recent years the college had been in the spotlight following bullying and assault complaints by soldiers and their families. In 2018, the Guardian revealed college staff were accused of 50 cases of assaulting or mistreating teenage recruits between 2014 and 2017.

This week’s report said recruits said “there is no bullying at college” and believed staff would deal with any incidents that arise.

Areas for improvement

A common reason for recruits leaving training was down to not understanding the demands of the army. Ofsted said the college needs to give accurate information.

It also pointed out the recruits’ poor diet, adding that the soldiers should be taught the importance of healthy eating.

Persistent weaknesses across the 14 sites in resources, infrastructure, accommodation and improvement planning were found.

Ofsted said the same problems had been identified for the past two decades. The inspecting body has called on the MoD to put measures in place to prevent repeating failures.

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New vision for the college

A new Commanding Officer was employed in July 2020, Lt Col Simon Farebrother MC, with a new vision for the college.

The report added his ethos of “emotional and psychological safety, inclusion and teamwork is firmly embedded” within the college.

He said:

“I’m absolutely delighted, the grade reflects the hard work of my military, civilian and contractor staff at all levels. I’m enormously proud of them, continuing to deliver throughout an extraordinarily challenging period.

“The junior soldiers depart with valuable qualifications, a bunch of new friends and walk into a brilliant career, full of opportunity.”

The inspection was carried out in May 2021.

Harrogate Theatre appoints new panto director after tragic death

Harrogate Theatre has appointed a new director to direct the pantomime this Christmas after the sudden death of Phil Lowe.

Mr Lowe, who had been instrumental in the success of the pantomime since he took charge in 2007, died last week.

The theatre issued a statement to say it was “devastated” by the news but that this year’s production of Cinderella will continue in his honour.

Joyce Branagh, who is the sister of Sir Kenneth Branagh and a celebrated pantomime director in her own right, has taken up the mantle.

Ms Branagh will use the Cinderella script written by Mr Lowe but will hope to bring her own spin on the classic fairytale story. She said:

“I know what a huge shock this is for the theatre to lose such a talented colleague and friend, especially at this time of year.

“However, Phil has left us an amazingly funny script, and I feel honoured to be able to step in and help the cast and team here bring his wonderful gags to life.

“In the words of Phil’s heroes Morecambe and Wise, we’ll bring some sunshine, laughter and love back into the theatre. It’ll be our tribute to him.”

Cinderella will open on November 24 and runs until January 16, 2022. The pantomime show will be the first performance at Harrogate Theatre since March 2020.

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Delayed Harrogate Theatre roof works

Audiences will notice that the scaffolding, which was due to come down in November, will remain in place throughout the pantomime season at Harrogate Theatre.

Due to the complexity of the work, difficulties in sourcing building materials and staff shortages the roof replacement work is now due to finish in March 2022.

The building work will continue into the new year but construction will work around scheduled performances, including those of community groups.

Cllr Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said:

“Our significant investment in this local asset will allow the fantastic performances to continue, promote cultural activity in the town, attract visitors and support the local economy at a time when it is needed the most.

“Although the scaffolding will be up until the new year, while we complete these delicate and complex restoration works, the theatre is very much safe to use and I hope visitors enjoy the wonderful performance of Cinderella.”

David Bown, chief executive of Harrogate Theatre, said:

“We look forward to welcoming back audiences in November to Cinderella and to our spring programme in 2022.

“Although the building might not be looking its best until works are complete, the theatre will be filled with the joy of live performance once again and that’s something we are all looking forward to.”

Police arrest five in Harrogate as part of national county lines action

North Yorkshire Police arrested five people in Harrogate as part of a national week of action to tackle county lines drug dealing.

The week started on Monday last week when officers stopped an 18-year-old man who was riding an illegal motor scooter.

Officers stopped him after smelling cannabis and seized 15 packages of the Class B drug.

They then arrested the man on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply before releasing him while under investigation.

Later that day officers arrested two women in their 30s in the Starbeck area on suspicion of possessing heroin with intent to supply. Again the suspects were released under investigation.

On Friday police arrested a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man on Jennyfield Drive after they earlier ran away from officers.

When the officers caught up with the pair, the officers seized ketamine, cannabis, £300 in cash and equipment police believe was being used for drug supply.

They arrested the two suspects on suspicion of possessing ketamine with intent to supply and possessing cannabis with intent to supply. They were released while under investigation.

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The activity was part of a national “week of intensification” led by the National Crime Agency that saw police forces across the country work to bring down drug dealers and safeguard vulnerable people.

Detective chief inspector Lorraine Crossman-Smith who coordinated the week of activity in North Yorkshire, said:

“This week’s action gives a glimpse of the work that goes on the target county lines drug dealing all year round.

“Thanks to these national weeks of action, we are able to draw on additional resources such as our British Transport Police colleagues, the Regional Organised Crime Unit and local partner agencies to tackle what is a major priority for us.

“In addition to enforcement activity, a major focus for North Yorkshire Police is protecting vulnerable people who are drawn into the world of drug dealing. Whether young people who are forced to sell drugs on behalf gangs. Or those who are forced to let drug dealers use their homes as a base for selling drugs in a form of exploitation known as “cuckooing”.

“It requires support from a number of agencies including local authorities, community safety partnerships, housing providers, charities, health workers and drug rehabilitation services. My thanks go to all the agencies who supported the week and for their ongoing efforts throughout the year.”

State of Harrogate’s New Zealand gardens ‘dishonours’ airmen

A representative of Harrogate International Partnerships has expressed “disappointment” at the state of the New Zealand gardens in the town and says it “dishonours” the airmen it commemorates.

The section of Valley Gardens commemorates Harrogate’s twinning with Wellington and the country’s airmen being stationed in the town during World War Two.

But, Kate Spencer, who is set to go on an official visit to Wellington to present a gift to the mayor from Harrogate, said she felt nothing had been done to improve the state of the garden.

Last year, sculptures in the garden were damaged by vandals. A private donor later offered £2,000 to replace them.

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But Ms Spencer, a dual national who is due to visit New Zealand on Sunday for three months, told the Stray Ferret that the current state of the garden “dishonoured” the airmen.

She said:

“They should have done it before now, it is still the same.

“We are supposed to be honouring those airmen.

“It is a true disgrace and I feel embarrassed to see that my fellow countrymen in New Zealand are being ‘dishonoured’ rather than ‘honoured’.”

Ms Spencer added that she was unsure of what her response would be to the Mayor of Wellington if she was asked about the garden.

She said:

“This garden was there for them when links were made in the 50s. What’s happening? How can I tell the Mayor of Wellington, when he will no doubt ask [about it].”

The garden dates back to 1954 and chainsaw sculptor Mick Burns carved the Marlin, Kiwi, and bench in 2010.

In response, a spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council said:

“We have an ongoing conversation with Harrogate International Partnership about links to Wellington, New Zealand and are waiting for information from them on arrangements for placing a stone to mark the New Zealand Airmen in Stonefall Cemetery.

“Whilst at this time of year gardens are dying back for the winter it is disappointing to hear the feedback HIP are proposing to take to New Zealand, instead of using the opportunity to confirm the links we have been making over the previous period with the team at the Botanical Gardens in Wellington or the extensive planting of New Zealand daffodil species that took place last year despite the Covid restrictions.

“As has been communicated previously, the sculptures in the New Zealand gardens are soft wood and had already started to rot independent of any vandalism that has taken place.  We would welcome any support or fundraising ideas from Harrogate International Partnership for the replacement of these with something more sustainable and robust for the location.  Equally if there is anyone who would like to help with maintenance of the space we would be happy to arrange volunteering sessions in conjunctions with our own team or the Friends of Valley Gardens who provide fantastic support in maintaining this space.

“More widely we are in the process of agreeing a Valley Gardens Development Plan to continue to improve these spaces over the coming years.”

David Harewood confronts Earl of Harewood House over slavery past

Actor David Harewood sat down for a difficult conversation with the current Earl of Harewood House, whose family kept his four times grandparents as slaves.

The extraordinary moment was captured for a new Channel 5 documentary series 1000 Years A Slave, which aired for the first time last night.

Harewood House, an 18th century stately home near Harrogate, has been trying to take on the estate’s colonial past for more than 25 years.

In the TV programme Mr Harewood travelled to Barbados where he discovered the names of his ancestors, Richard and Betty.

He also discovered that they were slaves on a plantation owned by the Harewood Estate so set up a meeting with David Lascelles, the eighth Earl of Harewood.

The pair looked through the second Earl of Harewood’s account of slaves where Mr Harewood’s ancestors Richard and Betty were listed.

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David Harewood, who was the star of Homeland and Blood Diamond, told Mr Lascelles:

“So my great-great-great-great grandparents were slaves on your family plantation. This is a fine house on beautiful grounds but it was built on the proceeds of slavery.

“Do you feel any guilt or shame about that?”

In reply Mr Lascelles explained that he does not feel guilty for the actions of his ancestors but added that he is accountable:

“I don’t feel that feeling guilty for something that you have no involvement with is a helpful emotion. I think we need to take responsibility for our own actions.

“Although I do feel accountable. There is nothing you can do to change the past but you can be active in the present.

“What I am responsible for is what I try to do about that legacy. To try in a small way to make that a force for good today.”

In a statement after the programme aired a spokesperson for Harewood House said:

“The Trust and the Lascelles family have been at the forefront of acknowledging the estate’s colonial past for over 25 years.

“Being transparent about colonial history and ensuring the Trust hosts much-needed, and sometimes difficult conversations is vital to calling out racism, and to forging new connections with visitors and the communities of the cities and countryside around.”

Harrogate murder accused had ‘impaired judgement’, court told

A man accused of murder on Harrogate’s Mayfield Grove had “impaired judgement” before killing his victim, a court heard.

Daniel Ainsley, 24, of no fixed address, is on trial charged with murdering 48-year-old Mark Wolsey in his bedsit on March 5.

He denies murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility due to an “abnormality of mental functioning”.

John Harrison QC, for the defence, called Dr Harry Wood, a clinical psychologist, to give evidence to Leeds Crown Court this morning.

Dr Wood told the court that after interviewing Mr Ainsley he concluded that the defendant had a personality disorder that stemmed from “his traumatic upbringing”.

He also told the court that his opinion was that Mr Ainsley interpretation of the events inside Mr Wolsey’s flat before the alleged murder were “directly influenced by his personality”.

Dr Wood said:

“He considers himself vulnerable and believes that others are likely to behave in an abusive and attacking manner towards him.”

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Dr Wood said that if Mr Ainsley’s account were to be accepted then his judgement “would be impaired as a result of a personality disorder”.

When questioned by prosecutor, Mark McKone QC, Dr Wood said he accepted that Mr Ainsley’s actions in the lead up to the alleged murder showed he was “in control”.

But, he told the court that the defendant’s judgement when arriving at those decisions was impaired.

Dr Wood said:

“The judgement Mr Ainsley made was irrational because of the bias in his thinking that comes from his personality disorder.”

He told the court that the defendant’s view of a “proportionate response” was “distorted”.

The prosecution argued that Mr Ainsley “knew what he was doing was wrong” and was capable of making rational decisions.

The trial continues.

How can Harrogate achieve a net-zero carbon economy?

The crucial aim of Harrogate achieving a net-zero carbon economy by 2038 has been brought into sharper focus this month with the launch of the district’s first Climate Action Festival.

But what is a net-zero carbon economy and how can Harrogate achieve it?

Put simply, net-zero means the district’s economy will no longer be adding to the total amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

So, are we moving fast enough towards this aim?

Stephen Scales of campaign group Zero Carbon Harrogate says not.

“Locally we do need to move much faster in our carbon reduction. The urgency to decarbonise cannot be stressed enough,” he said.

“Global temperatures have already risen to over 1°C warmer than pre-industrial levels and the chances of staying below 1.5°C are getting slimmer.

“The difference between 1.5°C and 2°C in simple terms is a doubling of the economic and human suffering as well as biodiversity loss.”

Retrofitting homes to make them more energy efficient and cutting car use are just two things Mr Scales says can be done to counter the devastating impacts of rising global temperatures.

The past decade was the warmest on record and governments agree urgent collective action is needed.

That is why the upcoming COP26 summit in Glasgow at the end of the month is being seen as the most crucial yet if climate change is to be brought under control.

Most countries will set out their plans to reduce emissions, with the UK government this week announcing another big push towards electric vehicles, more tree planting and £5,000 grants for homeowners to replace their gas boilers with low-carbon heat pumps.

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Action is being taken locally too – although there are clearly questions over the urgency at which it is being taken – with residents, businesses and local authorities all having a role to play.

Councillor Phil Ireland, cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability at Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“Achieving net-zero and meeting our local carbon budget must involve the efforts of local authorities, businesses, industry, individual consumers and national government.

“2038 is sooner than the national target set by the Climate Change Act and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – both 2050 – and I believe our challenging target date reflects the urgency of the issue and is achievable with everyone working together.”

Major council projects such as Harrogate’s £10.9m Gateway scheme and North Yorkshire’s £116m Bus Service Improvement Plan are all indicators of the direction of travel local leaders believe we must take.

There are also other active travel schemes including Harrogate’s first Low Traffic Neighbourhood on Beech Grove with cutting short car journeys being a key aim for the town’s congested roads.

These projects of course require a delicate balancing act to support the local economy – and Zero Carbon Harrogate’s Mr Scales believes more people are now “starting to grasp the benefits of making the changes we need to go carbon net-zero.”

He said: “I’m hopeful for the transition to a low carbon economy, as so many people now understand what is at stake.

“The Harrogate district is dynamic and forward thinking so I hope we will continue to seek to lead here.”

A council pledge to plant thousands of trees covering more than 40 acres and an aim to get 10,000 electric on the roads by 2023 are two other areas of how Harrogate hopes to achieve carbon net-zero.

But still there are concerns that the district will miss its key targets without more decisive action.

A spokesperson for the Harrogate and District Green Party said:

“Harrogate’s position as a social and economic hub should put it in a fantastic place to lead the way in developing a new green economy.

“The Green Party believes that transformative change is possible, that positive actions will build momentum as beneficial progress is recognised, and that the vision of a green circular economy is developed, supported and shared.

“We fear that without political change, a lack of imagination, and poor consultation, we will see further procrastination and deliberation by local government and business decision-makers.”

Harrogate Borough Council will next month launch a public consultation on its revised carbon reduction strategy, while progress on North Yorkshire County Council’s carbon reduction plan is to be discussed by councillors on Thursday.

Plans to plant 1,800 trees across Harrogate and Knaresborough

Harrogate Borough Council has outlined plans to plant around 1,800 trees in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The council identified Bilton Fields in Harrogate and Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough as key places to increase canopy cover and biodiversity.

The new trees will form part of the new White Rose Forest project for North and West Yorkshire, which will be one of 10 community forests in England.

Government funding to the tune of £3.7m will enable 218 hectares of trees to be planted – 17 hectares of which will go to Harrogate and Knaresborough.

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Oak, hornbeam, hazel, alder, cherry, crab apple and other native trees would be used if the council goes ahead with the project as planned in the 2021/22 planting season.

The tree planting season runs between November and March in the UK.

Harrogate Borough Council has opened a public consultation into the tree planting project, which has a deadline of November 7 for feedback.

The first White Rose Forest trees were planted in the Harrogate district last year in Nidderdale by the Rotary Club of Harrogate, Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Ashville College.