The sight of queues at the bar were nowhere to be seen at lunchtime in Harrogate today, despite the lifting of all remaining social distancing restrictions.

Drinkers have got used to table service over the past 12 months and it appears many pubs in the town centre have opted to keep the measure.

I took a walk around the town this afternoon to gauge the feeling as Harrogate experienced Freedom Day.

The atmosphere seemed to be one of caution, rather than cramming to get to the bar.

It felt as though many bar owners had one eye on the soaring covid rate, which is now almost at its highest ever.

Read more:

• Vaccine passports for nightclubs ‘impractical’, says Viper Rooms boss
• People urged to respect businesses’ wishes as face mask order dropped

In Wetherspoons, punters were allowed to go up to the bar but they also had the option to stay in their seat to order via a QR code.

However, screens are in place between tables to protect customers and hand sanitiser remains at the entrance, along with a queuing system.

Wetherspoons in Harrogate, which still had a queueing system outside and hand sanitiser on hand this afternoon.

The keeping of table service and hand sanitiser was replicated across bars in town.

North Bar on Cheltenham Parade, has gone one step further by encouraging customers on its Facebook page to wear masks while moving around the bar.

Similarly, bar staff are on hand at Threes’ A Crowd, West Park, to serve customers where they sit — though they are still welcome to order at the bar.

The feeling among some pubs owners in the town centre is probably best summed up by the Disappearing Chin, on Beulah Street.

On Sunday, the bar took down its screen which had covered the length of the bar since last year.

However, despite taking the decision to remove it as restrictions were lifted, a post on its Facebook said:

“It’s been so tough with all the restrictions and unfortunately it doesn’t feel good that they’re finally being lifted. 

“We’re excited to get back to normal but we’re not pushing it.”

The parent of a diver who uses The Hydro has expressed frustration that two diving boards have been out of action for over six months, forcing members of a local club to travel to West Yorkshire to train.

Olympic divers such as Jack Laugher trained at the Harrogate Borough Council-owned pool but aspiring athletes have been unable to use the boards since November last year.

The pool, which caters for high board and springboard divers, reopened on April 12 but diving remains affected after the council found cracks in the concrete that supports the boards during a routine inspection.

Neil Blackburn told the Stray Ferret that his 11-year-old daughter is part of the Dive Harrogate club that trained twice a week at the pool pre-covid restrictions.

He said divers have been forced to train in Shipley, near Bradford, and believes there is “little appetite” to get the Hydro diving boards fixed. He estimates the cost of repairs could be a quarter of a million pounds.

Mr Blackburn said:

“The club are really good at keeping us informed and they have full backing of Swim England, but it does appear there is little appetite to get the concrete towers repaired from either the Hydro or the council any time soon.

“As always this appears to be about funding and it’s starting to become a worry that they may not bother at all. The estimate for the repair is £250k. For a club which has produced divers who are currently in Tokyo for the Olympics this seems a real shame.”

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A council spokesman said:

“Unfortunately, during a routine inspection of the diving board platform at The Hydro in Harrogate, cracks in the concrete were discovered.

“A further independent survey was carried out to establish the stability, integrity and durability of the diving structure.

“Results show that the diving platform should not be used until work has been carried out.

“We are exploring possible options and will have an update in due course.”

The planters on James Street in Harrogate and the cones in Knaresborough are to be removed imminently as part of today’s lifting of lockdown restrictions.

However, the Ginnel in Harrogate is to remain closed to traffic for an unspecified period of time to support outdoor hospitality.

The planters and cones were introduced last year as social distancing measures for town centre shoppers.

However, they have proved unpopular with some businesses, which say the loss of parking spaces has affected trade.

Traders opposed to the cones in Knaresborough.

Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at North Yorkshire County Council, which is the highways authority, said:

“It is our intention to remove all the social distancing measures and parking suspensions next week.

“I cannot confirm that it will happen on Monday since there may be some clearance work needed on the highways after the Great Yorkshire Show, which closed on Friday evening, but I do hope it may all be completed on Monday.

“The closure of the Ginnel in Harrogate is the only social distancing measure likely to remain in place.”

Read more:

• Knaresborough businesses call for social distancing cones to go
• Elderly woman waits two hours for ambulance after James Street fall

Asked why the narrow street would stay closed to traffic when the government is lifting all social distancing measures tomorrow, Cllr Mackenzie said:

“The Ginnel is a very narrow, little-used street where closure will remain a little longer to support outdoor hospitality.”

Lucy Gardiner, co-founder of Harrogate Residents Association, said it was “extremely pleased” to hear the planters were going. She added:

“After months of writing to the councillors and expressing the many concerns from the retailers and residents it is absolutely the right thing for them to do, to actually show they are listening.

“Convenience is an integral part to the high street, which was highlighted by Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association in his recent presentation to the chamber of commerce.

“There is still demand for traditional shopping methods and Harrogate needs to lead the way for the high street — not became like every other pedestrianised place.”

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.

Why my friends won’t be returning to Harrogate

Station Gateway: economic concerns need addressing

Independent Harrogate, which represents more than 180 businesses. supports the proposed ‘Station Gateway‘ in general but we do have some serious concerns that it might have a negative impact on the local economy.

The scheme fails to address the need for park and ride schemes, a large number of electric car charging points and extensive safe cycling routes away from traffic that link with low-traffic neighbourhoods, therefore reducing congestion and in turn reducing carbon emissions.

And, to prevent congestion and an increase in carbon emissions, Station Parade must retain its two lanes, with enhanced cycling facilities reserved for East Parade.

We support James Street remaining fully open whilst supporting the narrowing at its junction with Station Parade to aid pedestrians crossing the road.

We urge North Yorkshire County Council to meet groups to discuss the finer details of the proposals.

William Woods, Independent Harrogate

Why is Kex Gill work taking so long?

Given that it is now more than two years since the Kex Gill route was finalised and finance was put in place, it is staggering that North Yorkshire County Council is now warning the scheme could be delayed because it hasn’t bothered to secure the land, in precisely the same way no one thought to consult the Duchy of Lancaster regarding the much-delayed Otley Road cycle path. Do they never learn?

David Howarth, Harrogate

Read more:

• £10.9m Harrogate Station Gateway scheme moves to design stage
• Public inquiry could delay £60m Kex Gill scheme by 15 months

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.

A Harrogate person went to hospital with a burnt arm yesterday when a barbecue got out of control.

Firefighters from Harrogate and Knaresborough were called to Stone Rings Lane, Rossett Green, at about 5.30pm, as temperatures soared close to 30 degrees centigrade.

According to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, flames spread from the barbecue on to nearby hedging and fencing.

Its incident log adds:

“Crews extinguished the fire, with the occupant attending hospital with an arm burn as a precaution.”

Two hours later last night, Knaresborough and Harrogate firefighters responded to calls saying there was a small fire by the side of the A1 northbound near Knaresborough.

However, the incident log says that when they arrived they did not find a fire.

Temperatures are forecast to reach 27 degrees this afternoon and remain high all week.

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• Firefighters battle blaze at farm in Beckwithshaw
• Dramatic pictures show firefighters tackling Follifoot blaze

Newcastle United are to bring an under-23 team to Harrogate tomorrow rather than a first team squad due to covid.

The Premier League side announced the news this afternoon after goalkeeper Karl Darlow tested positive.

Although every other player and staff member within Newcastle’s first team group has returned negative tests, fellow goalkeepers Mark Gillespie and Freddie Woodman have gone into isolation for 10 days after being identified as close contacts.

Consequently Newcastle will send a first team to York tomorrow and an under-23 team to Harrogate to minimise mixing between the groups.

Magpies manager Steve Bruce said:

“I have spoken to Simon Weaver, who was very understanding, and I would like to apologise to any Harrogate supporters who have bought tickets thinking first team players were coming.

“Ultimately, we have to follow the advice from medical professionals and take proactive steps to protect players and we simply can’t mix up the dressing rooms, which was our initial plan.”

The first ever match between Harrogate and the six-times FA Cup winners was the pick of Town’s pre-season friendlies.

Kick off is at 2pm tomorrow  at the EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road.

Read more:

• Harrogate Town bolsters squad with two more signings
• Rossett students win football scholarships in America

The one-day Harrogate grab-a-jab centre opened to a steady stream of local residents this morning but doctors say they have the capacity to do more.

Around 100 covid vaccines were delivered this morning at the centre but with a capacity to give 500 doctors have called on residents to come get the covid vaccine.

Based at the Wesley Centre, the appointment-free service will be available until 4pm today.

It is offering first and second doses of Pfizer. To be eligible for a second dose, it needs to have been at least eight weeks since your first jab.

It was a slow start this morning but picked up again round lunchtime. The volunteers told the Stray Ferret their main target is 18 to 30-year-olds who may have been putting it off.

Convenience seemed to be the main reason many chose to come to the Wesley Centre today. Talking to the Stray Ferret, a number of people said it was easier than waiting for somewhere further away.

Also, with the so-called ‘Freedom Day’ arriving on Monday others said they wanted to get it done before then.

Read more:

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• Union criticises Harrogate district MPs for backing compulsory vaccines

Dr Waheed was pregnant when her colleagues were first offered the jab so wanted to get her’s as soon as she could:

“It was convenience for me and they were really good in there, it was really easy. With kids I’m super busy and I didn’t want to have to drive miles away and this was just super convenient. Now I can just go home and knowing the first one is done.”

Sam Polinsey, 20, said he came to grab-a-jab today because it was so easy:

“I just want to be able to go out and do things again, I’m the last one in my friendship group. It was really quick and easy. gave them my date of birth and then got it done.”

The new owners of The Coppice guesthouse on Studley Road have reopened it with a twist – it will be the first in Harrogate that caters primarily to coeliacs.

Coeliac disease is a condition where the immune system attacks human tissue when the body eats foods containing gluten, which can include bread, pasta, and cereals.

Coeliacs have to follow a strict diet but finding hotels that offer an exciting menu of appropriate food is difficult, as Joel Thompson and Mindy Shergill discovered on a road trip a couple of years ago.

The couple are both coeliacs and moved up to Harrogate earlier this summer after pursuing careers down south in HR and publishing respectively.

Joel said:

“We went on a very beautiful road trip of northern England and Scotland. It was our first experience driving through the country. 

“But even if you get basics right, you’re not being spoilt or celebrated with choices that you do get with. You feel like a burden.

“So we had a desire to set up a gluten-free guesthouse.”

Mindy said non-coeliacs will be welcome too, but every ingredient that will come from the kitchen will be gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

She said there is often a lack of understanding about the condition:

“A lot of people are undiagnosed, it can affect you quite badly. Symptoms vary – it can get quite serious and you have to be quite strict.”

Read more:

• ‘We’re not giving up on our Harrogate B&B dream’
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They will cook up everything you’d expect from a four-star B&B, including continental breakfasts, porridge and cereals, but all no ingredient will contain gluten.

They may even open up their kitchen for gluten-free takeaways to non-hotel guests if the demand is there.

Joel said he believes their refurbished Coppice is one of around 12 gluten-free hotels in the country, and he hopes he can win everyone over with his nutritious and unique fare.

“It might enlighten people. We’re very good at making gluten-free food, we might convert a few people!”

The guest house is open for bookings now. To enquire, contact info@thecoppiceharrogate.com or call Joel on 07858 840789.

Weeton Show is set to go ahead under blazing sunshine tomorrow and organisers are encouraging people to book tickets before they sell out, as people cannot buy them on the day.

It is one of the only local district shows going ahead, with many others choosing to cancel due to covid restrictions.

Sharon Waring, a member of the show committee, said all the volunteers have been working for months to make sure the event could be held under social distancing restrictions.

Have you ever seen a sheepdog herd ducks? Just head to the Weeton Show…

She added the size of the village’s show ground meant visitors will be able to spread out.

Hand sanitising stands will be in place and this year tickets have been capped at 2,000 and must be pre-booked.

Mrs Waring said the family-friendly event has ‘something for everyone” – this year’s programme includes Yorkshire terrier racing, sheepdogs herding ducks and welly wangling.

‘Dangerous Steve’ – a show regular – will also be performing his daredevil stunt act.

Dangerous Steve is looking forward to appearing at Weeton Show – He promises a non-stop, thrill-a-minute show with Fire and Chainsaw juggling, Giant Unicycle, Ladder Balancing and Blindfold Motorcycle riding.#weetonshow #dangeroussteve #preparetobethrilled pic.twitter.com/fh0OpJ5ymw

— The Weeton Show (@WeetonShowNews) July 8, 2021

Stallholders will sell local food, drink and crafts and the Guiseley Brass Band is booked to entertain visitors in the afternoon.

Mrs Waring said:

“It’s incredible that we are going ahead. In its history the show has only been cancelled three times; foot and mouth disease, bad weather and last year due to coronavirus.

“It’s fantastic especially this year when so any others locally have cancelled.”

Read more:

• Free, revamped nature trail opens at Harrogate’s Horticap
• Image Gallery: Prince Charles and Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall visit the Great Yorkshire Show

The first show was held in 1945 and often attracts thousands of visitors from across the county.

Gates will open from 9am on Sunday. To book tickets, click here.

Neil Renton, the headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School, was in Marks & Spencer in Leeds on his wedding anniversary one weekend recently when his phone rang.

He was told a student on a coach trip to Flamingo Land had tested positive for covid and a decision had to be made on which children should isolate the next day.

He called Dr Dora Machaira, a health improvement officer in North Yorkshire County Council‘s public health team, who has been the go-to woman for schools needing advice on covid, and, after numerous calls, made the necessary arrangements.

The episode sums up what life has been like running a school during the last 16 months. Face masks, lateral flow tests, bubbles, test and trace and isolate have become as much a part of the lexicon of education as maths, English and science.

The lowest point came just before Christmas: the second wave was taking off and the school received news of more infections, which meant closing an entire year group. Mr Renton recalls:

“On a Sunday night I was wondering ‘how are we going to tell 290 students that they are not coming in tomorrow?’ There’s nothing more painful than having to go to parents and say, ‘your child will have to isolate’.”

At the same time Kirsty Moat, the associate headteacher who Mr Renton describes as “my co-pilot”, tested positive and about 50 other staff, some of whom were badly affected by the disease, were also absent.

Attendance fell to 47 per cent

Mr Renton thinks about the current academic year in covid phases rather than terms.

During phase one, in September and October, case numbers were low.

“There was a feeling of confidence that we had reopened and things were back to normal.”

November to January was the second and most difficult phase. At one point pupil attendance fell to 47 per cent as more and more children isolated. All of years 11 and 13, which have about 300 students each, were closed at some points.

The January lockdown that followed, which was the third phase, was almost a relief because the school had learned from previous remote learning and felt confident it could cope, especially as every student has an iPad.

The return-to-school fourth phase in March was relatively smooth, with low case numbers. But the fifth phase since half-term has been almost as tough as pre-Christmas. He says:

“We haven’t had any year group closures in the latest phase but today we have 159 students isolating.”

‘Pushed to the limit’

Mr Renton is fulsome in his praise for North Yorkshire County Council’s public health team; but less so for the Department for Education, which he says has “pushed headteachers to the limits” with last minute, complex guidance and U-turns.

“We hear the PM announce something then guidance comes out two days later.”

Read more:

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Harrogate Grammar, which is one of 13 schools in north and west Yorkshire belonging to Red Kite Learning Trust, is one of the largest schools in the north of England with 2,018 pupils.

Its size means it has been better able to assimilate the financial cost of covid than some smaller schools. It has employed extra cleaners, had to cover for absent teachers and even put up a marquee to improve social distancing.

The remarkable generation

Throughout it all not one child has been seriously ill. Mr Renton mentions several times during the interview how selfless and mature pupils have been in responding to a pandemic that doesn’t predominantly affect their generation.

“We should call them the remarkable generation, not the covid generation.”

He acknowledges, however, there is a “growing sense of frustration” among young people at the sacrifices they’re making, especially when they watch packed crowds at football matches.

Terms ends on Friday and, with covid infections rocketing, he admits the school is “limping” towards the finishing line.

He’s looking forward to a week away during the six-week holiday and, hopefully, a quieter 2021/22 school year when the NHS will assume responsibility from the school for pupil test and trace.

Mr Renton, who hasn’t had covid although his son in year 10 at the school had to isolate for 10 days, started as headteacher in September 2019 in what now seems like a golden bygone pre-covid era.

He chuckles at the memory of an early planning meeting to discuss arrangements for the Tour de Yorkshire.

“Now we look back at that time and laugh because every week we are dealing with much bigger and more complex logistical problems.

“My first two years of being a headteacher has been a crash course in leading through crisis and changing circumstances.”