Harrogate Business Improvement District has appointed a new business and marketing executive.
Bethany Allen, an event management graduate, joins after two years working for West Yorkshire Police advising businesses on security measures.
The BID aims to improve footfall in Harrogate town centre to boost business.
Ms Allen will work with businesses, BID partners and board members to organise activities.
The former Harrogate Grammar School pupil grew up in the town and worked at the Turkish Baths while studying at university.
BID manager Matthew Chapman said Ms Allen’s local knowledge will be an asset to the BID:
“She knows the town centre incredibly well, which is a real plus for this role.”
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Ms Allen said:
Youths set fire to roof in Harrogate“Harrogate is my hometown, and I count myself incredibly lucky being born here, schooled here, and now working here as part of the Harrogate BID team.
“Harrogate is the jewel in Yorkshire’s crown. It’s a town that is famed for its shops, restaurants, bars and conference facilities.
“I’m looking forward to playing my part in the evolving Harrogate BID story.”
Two fire crews were called to Ainsty Road in Harrogate last night following reports that youths had set fire to the roof of a building.
When firefighters arrived just after 6pm, they found two chairs on fire in the car park as well as the roof fire, which had already gone out.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said in its incident log:
“Crews extinguished the fire and passed the details of the incident onto the police.”
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Later on last night, Harrogate firefighters responded to reports of a young person on a roof believed to be under the influence of alcohol.
The incident, on Forest Lane, happened around 12.30am this morning.
The young man was already down from the roof and with police when the firefighters arrived.
Only 12 of 500 complaints against Harrogate builders led to prosecutionTrading Standards has received 500 complaints against Harrogate district builders or contractors since 2012 — but only 12 prosecutions have taken place.
The Stray Ferret obtained the data from North Yorkshire County Council through a freedom of information request.
The request also revealed that 338 separate investigations have taken place following the complaints. However, the number of investigations each year has fallen sharply: in 2013 there were 72 and the number fell to just 16 in 2020.
The findings, along with the experiences of some of those who have filed complaints, have led to concerns about the value of taking action.
Jon Fallis, who filed a complaint after Harrogate cowboy builder James Moss left a £30,000 conversion in a poor state, said the figures “were not a surprise at all” and raised questions about the effectiveness of Trading Standards in tackling rogue builders.
Trading Standards, which is run by North Yorkshire County Council, has the power to investigate cases of poor work or allegations of fraud against builders.
Mr Fallis added:
“The numbers fit our experience. They have been difficult and obstructive. There’s no feeling they are on the side of the taxpayer.”
We spoke to another person who was so defeated by his dealings with Trading Standards he didn’t bother making a complaint after being unsatisfied with the quality of another Harrogate builder’s work.
The man, who asked to remain anonymous, called the department a “toothless tiger”.
Trading Standards is prevented by law from providing information about individuals or businesses, but its list of prosecutions against builders in Harrogate includes prison sentences, community service and compensation.
The full data is below:
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The Federation of Master Builders, a trade association for builders, conducted a national survey that found 56% of people who commissioned building work had a bad experience with their builder.
The body has called for the government introduce licensing to stamp out rogue traders.
Trading Standards response
In response to the FOI request, Matt O’Neill, assistant director growth, planning and Trading Standards at North Yorkshire County Council, said:
International stamp experts head to Harrogate for centenary event“Our trading standards service is determined in its enforcement work, not only to protect the residents of North Yorkshire as consumers, but also to ensure a level playing field for the many legitimate businesses in the county.
“The service receives about 7,000 complaints from consumers each year. Officers assess these to determine which should be investigated. Following an investigation, enforcement may range from advice and guidance to prosecution and confiscation or forfeiture of assets following conviction.
“In deciding whether to prosecute, the service must first be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. A decision to prosecute is not taken lightly. Prosecution is a serious step with considerable repercussions for those who face criminal charges.
“The service has a strong track record. For example, a joint operation with colleagues from other agencies last year saw the courts order offenders to give up £140,000 in proceeds from their crimes to compensate their victims.
“There are occasions when the standard of businesses’ work does not meet consumers’ expectations. This is not acceptable and consumers could take action in the civil courts for breach of contract. However, such conduct would not necessarily amount to a practice over which the trading standards service could take action.
“Equally, businesses sometimes fail. This is recognised in law, with provision for the management of bankruptcy and insolvency. A business failure alone will not amount to conduct about which the trading standards service could take action. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has a remit to investigate sole traders and companies that have acted illegally in relation to the formation or solvency of trading entities.”
Stamp experts from around the world are to meet at Harrogate’s Crowne Plaza hotel this month.
Harrogate is hosting the Philatelic Congress of GB, an annual event that was first held in Manchester in 1909,
Philately is the collection, appreciation and study of postage stamps and the history of the postal system.
Leading philatelists from the UK, Sweden, Germany and Spain will take part in displays, discussions and expert talks from September 23 to 26.
Other international experts will follow the activities on zoom.
The event will mark a special Harrogate centenary.
In 1921, the town hosted the first signing of the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists — a large, decorative piece of parchment signed by the world’s leading philatelists.
The very first signature was that of King George V, who was known as the King of Philately. An invitation to sign the roll is regarded as the world’s pre-eminent philatelic honour.
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As well as the signing of the roll, the prestigious Association of British Philatelic Societies congress medal and awards of merit will be presented to recipients.
‘I’m definitely a nerd’
The event and the signing of the roll was cancelled last year due to covid so for Keith Burton, chair of the Harrogate Philatelic Society, it’s going to be even more special. He told the Stray Ferret:
“I’m slightly disappointed that covid has made life harder for us, and those who would have liked to come but for age or distance or health feel they can’t make the journey.
“I am proud that the congress is returning to Harrogate. I’m looking forward to meeting up with people again, because we haven’t done much of that recently. We don’t just talk about philatelic things, but it’s the social aspect as well.”
Mr Burton will give a presentation on local postcards at the event. For him, despite a love of philately, finding an old postcard is about more than just the stamp.
First business set to operate from Harrogate pop-up shop“When I get a postcard, I don’t just look at the picture and stamp. I look into the history of the people, like the messages on postcards from 1920s.
“For example when people have come to Harrogate for the cure, and they write that the weather is fine, I think ‘gosh, that’s nice for them!’ I’ll also look at where it was sent to and from.
“Philately can get into all these things or just into one or two, it’s a very individual thing. I’m definitely a nerd.”
A Harrogate town centre pop-up shop aimed at showcasing small businesses is set to host its first business from today.
L&N Candles was set up by Bilton-pair Laura Berryman and Natalie White back in 2018 as a side hobby.
It will become the first small business to take advantage of the shop, which has been offered to rent by property consultants Barker Proudlove and Victoria Shopping Centre.
Laura and Natalie started selling candles, bath bombs and wax melts online and while it did well during the covid lockdown, the pair opted to bid for the shop.
Laura said:
“We did well during the pandemic, but we wanted to meet our customers and try to build that base.
“We picked some dates but didn’t realise we would be the first.”
Laura, who works full-time at Covance, and Natalie, a healthcare assistant, hope the week-long stay in the shop on the town’s Cambridge Street will pay off.
Online-only until now, the outlet will be the first time the business partners have operated out of a shop. Long-term, the hope is for L&N Candles to have its own base in the town centre.
Showcasing independent business
Barker Proudlove and Victoria Shopping Centre came up with the idea to rent out the outlet opposite Cafe Nero back in August.
Businesses can rent the space for between one and six weeks and the £400 weekly cost includes rent, business rates, water, electricity and furniture.
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James White, centre manager at The Victoria Centre, said previously:
“The pop-up shop provides an opportunity for small businesses to showcase their brands, ideas and test the market place on Cambridge Street.
“It offers a short-term commitment which makes trying new business ideas more attractive.”
The two organisations hope the space will attract a stream of independent businesses.
Otley Road cycle path will make life worse for pedestriansStray 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.
It’s wrong to say pedestrians welcome the Otley Road cycle path
Tewit Well and Sun Colonnade are just two examples of gross disrepair
Malcolm Neesam is in the news again regarding ‘the slovenly attitude of the authorities towards maintaining Harrogate’s attractions’.
I, and I’m sure a very great many others, absolutely agree. But it’s not just the Tewit Well and the Sun Colonnade that have fallen into gross disrepair — what about the similarly iconic bandstand at the rear of the Mercer Gallery, adjacent to the public toilets? Its dilapidated and abused state makes it a health and safety accident waiting to happen.
Why do the authorities not appreciate the role that these buildings play in attracting visitors to Harrogate and do something about restoring and/or maintaining them?
Agreed, the floral displays are exquisite and rewilding of parts of the Stray is a good idea. But our pavements are strewn with litter and we have to manoeuvre our way over damaged paving and around waste/recycling bins; changes to our road systems are thrust upon us even though they are having and will have serious repercussions; and there is irresponsible and intimidating behaviour in our public spaces and on our roads.
Would it be too much to ask the authorities, who we elected to represent us and whose wages we pay, to take into consideration our wants, needs and expectations in the way they manage Harrogate?
Isn’t a councillor’s primary role to represent those who live in their ward and provide a bridge between the community and the council? But maybe I expect too much and will just have to get on my bike…
Val Michie, Harrogate
The amount of litter in Harrogate is a disgrace
I agree entirely with David Pickering’s comments published in Stray Views on September 5. I would further add that not only the amount of litter is a disgrace in the town centre but also the filthy state of the pavements. Our town should be in pristine condition for visitor and residence alike.
Also, David’s commented on the state of the roads in Harrogate. Again I wish to add a request to North Yorkshire County Council that monies are allocated to improve the roads and allocate a patching gang to fill in the potholes. When potholes are marked in white, why does it take up to 90 days (many go over this time span) to repair them?
Also I would like to ask Harrogate Borough Council why there are weeds and plants growing in kerbs and gutters? What has happened to the mechanical road sweepers?
David James, St. Georges ward, 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.
Ripon’s Royal Engineers enjoy Freedom of the CityRipon’s Royal Engineers exercised a right granted to them 72 years ago, with their annual freedom march through the city this morning,
The four sqaudrons of 21 Engineer Regiment were represented in the spectacular event, which saw them march past Ripon Town Hall, the famous Market Square and obelisk and down Kirkgate to Ripon’s ancient and iconic cathedral.
An advance party led the troops who, in line with tradition and the rights bestowed on them when freedom of the city was granted, marched in step to the sound of their military band with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.
The advance party paused outside Ripon Town Hall, where they were met by hornblower Allison Clark
Since 1949, Royal Engineers based at Claro Barracks have had the Freedom of the City of Ripon and this morning’s march followed a day on Market Square yesterday, at which they showed the public machinery and equipment used in supporting British armed forces in many parts of the world.
The march was a prelude to a ceremony at Ripon Cathedral marking Councillor Eamon Parkin’s continuance as mayor of the city – an historic event making, him the first to remain in office for three consecutive terms.
Cllr Parkin, told the Stray Ferret:
“I am honoured to serve this fine city and proud of the association that it has had with the Royal Engineers, for as long as I can remember.
“They do us proud here in Ripon and do the country proud, through their service around the world.”
The band set the beat for the marching troops
Yesterday, Lt Col Simon Graham, commanding officer at Claro Barracks, where 650 personnel are based, pointed out:
“A lot of our time in Ripon is spent behind closed doors and though our work takes us to many places around the world, we feel very much part of this community.”
He added:
“It’s marvellous to have the honour of the Freedom of Ripon and this weekend is a great opportunity to let let people know what we do.”
The troops pass the cathedral
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The Royal Engineers have served on operations in Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, providing light role close support that enables the army to live, move and fight.
In Afghanistan, the regiment was deployed on Operation Herrick, the codename used for all British military operations in Afghanistan since 2002.
There’s something in the water as Harrogate brews up for Beer WeekAs the craft beer explosion continues in the UK, Harrogate is set to launch its first ever Beer Week. The town is firmly at the forefront of the industry, boasting five breweries in the HG postcode alone.
So what makes Harrogate beer so special? There’s definitely something in the water..
Harrogate is undeniably famous for its water. Its development as a prosperous and flourishing spa town dates back to the 16th century.
William Slingsby discovered the first spring in 1571 in the area now known as High Harrogate. It was named the Tewit Well Spring and the water was found to be medicinal. People, rich and poor, began to flock to the town to test the curative powers of the waters.
Perhaps it is therefore unsurprising to learn that the district’s water – and Yorkshire water as a whole – is perfect for brewing some of the best craft beers in the country.
More breweries have been opening in Yorkshire than anywhere else in the UK, including London.
And Harrogate now boasts five breweries within the HG postcode – internationally-renowned Roosters; rising star Harrogate Brewing; Turning Point, which chose Knaresborough for its expansion two years ago; Daleside, the town’s longest-standing local brewery; and Cold Bath Brewing, which is making waves across the town with its beers, bar and clubhouse space.
The brewery at Roosters Brewing Co.
To celebrate the town’s growing brewing culture, as well as the bars, pubs and restaurants which support the breweries, this month Harrogate is launching its first ever Beer Week from September 20 to 26.
Harrogate beer communications specialist Rachel Auty, who founded Women on Tap and has secured backing from Harrogate BID to help bring the idea to fruition, said:
“I have been told by breweries that Yorkshire is a key place for brewing because of the water. Harrogate is known for its water so it’s a nice link. It is known for its water history and heritage and it is now attracting breweries to the area.
It [Beer Week] is something we have wanted to do for quite a few years now. We were hoping to get it off the ground las year, but Covid put a stop to holding any events.
“I have seen the beer scene in the town explode over the last seven or eight years. It has got really interesting. We have really exciting beer here actually being brewed.”
With special beer weeks being held in places like Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield, Rachel, who is delivering the event under her specialist food and drink brand TASTE, said Harrogate’s beer scene was strong enough to rival the cities. It’s thought Harrogate is the only town in the country set to host such an event.
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A programme of special events and initiatives will be hosted at bars, brewery taps, and eateries across Harrogate. The event will culminate in a big beer weekend in the town centre. Other features on the programme will include an ‘Indie Beer Trail’, live local music, and a home brewing competition, with some big names in UK beer heading to Harrogate to host a range of talks and tastings.
Guest headliners include award-winning beer writer Pete Brown presenting ‘Craft: An Argument’ at Cold Bath Clubhouse, a beer tasting and reading with author Matthew Curtis at Roosters taproom, a Conversation on Harrogate Beer with award-winning writer Melissa Cole and Discovering Harrogate Beer with beer sommelier Annabel Smith also at the Cold Bath Clubhouse.
And for those who have ever imagined beer and donuts as the perfect combination, there will even be a chance to try sour and stout-filled doughnuts at The Tap on Tower Street, which has commissioned Harrogate business Doe to create the unique flavour especially for the event.
A collaboration between all the local breweries will also see a special beer produced for Beer Week – a West Coast IPA brewed at Turning Point.
Co-owner of the Cold Bath Brewing Co Jim Mossman, who also sits on the board of Harrogate BID, said:
“I have been very receptive to the idea of putting something positive together with regards to an event in Harrogate, promoting not only breweries in the town, but all the local great independent bars and restaurants as well.
Harrogate is internationally famous for the quality of its water, so it’s by no coincidence you see some great breweries and gin distilleries in this geographical area. They are using it to make quality beer and gins.
We are hosting a series of events in Cold Bath Club House and we are really looking forward to a number of things, from just generating community spirit and bringing venues together, which is great after 15 months of the pandemic – from live music events, to some really credible industry speakers coming to town to do beer tastings and talks.”
Jim said the Harrogate brewing scene was mainly about craft beer, which has seen an explosion in the UK, including lager, pilsner, pale ale and West Coast IPA, but said it was impossible to choose a favourite due to the vast amount of different brewing processes and flavours.
However, he said Cold Bath Brewery was in the process of launching new barrel-aged beers. These are beers that have been aged in oak barrels, allowing the wood to impart extra flavour.
He said:
“We have launched a barrel-aged process in terms of flavours you can create, for example we are using old bourbon barrels.”
Cold Bath Brewing Co.
Pubs, bars and eateries taking part in Harrogate Beer Week include:
Turning Point Brewery and Taproom
Ripon salutes the Royal Engineers at freedom weekendSince 1949, Royal Engineers based at Claro Barracks have had the Freedom of Ripon and the right to enter the city, with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.
The covid pandemic and lockdown, brought a halt to mass attendance events and meant that the 2020 freedom weekend could not go ahead.
But it was back in force today, with information stalls and a display of heavy machinery and equipment for the public to see.
Lance Corporal Craig Kerr with Erin Price, in front of the Terrier engineer tractor
Lt Col Simon Graham, commanding officer at Claro Barracks, where four 21 Engineer Regiment squadrons and 650 personnel are based, told the Stray Ferret:
“A lot of our time in Ripon is behind closed doors and though our work takes us to many places around the world, we feel very much part of this community.”
He added:
“It’s marvellous to have the honour of the Freedom of Ripon and this weekend is a great opportunity to let let people know what we do.”
Tomorrow morning, the Mayor of Ripon Cllr Eamon Parkin, will take the salute as the Royal Engineers march past in Market Square and today, he and the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, visited the square to meet with Lt Col Graham and his colleagues.
Sappers TJ Dockerty (left) and Nathaniel Blakey, with the giant Able vehicle that the Royal Engineers use to build bridges
The Royal Engineers have served on operations in Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, providing light role close support that enables the army to live, move and fight.
In Afghanistan, the regiment was deployed on Operation Herrick, the codename used for all British military operations in Afghanistan since 2002.
Sgt Ross Mellon of the 21 Royal Engineer Regiment light aid detachment, that keeps the troops moving
The operation included the British contribution to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.
It also supported military action on the US-led Operation Enduring Freedom, principally within the Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan.
In recent years, the engineers’ main focus has been on support to UN peacekeeping operations. This has included deployments to Cyprus, Somalia and South Sudan, as well as Afghanistan.
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Ripon’s military links go back over many decades and in 1915, when its population was under 9,000, an army camp was created in the city to accommodate 30,000 troops.
Up until the end of World War I more than 350,000 soldiers passed through the camp – among them the famous war poet Wilfred Owen.
Harrogate library set to host activities fairHarrogate library will host an activities fair from 10.30am to 2pm on September 23.
The fair will feature activities such as arts and crafts, dancing and photography. Anyone can drop in.
Cllr Greg White, executive member for libraries at North Yorkshire County Council, said:
“Getting out, taking part in activities and meeting people is a really good way to boost your mood and combat loneliness.”
Groups taking part include Harrogate Chess Club, St Paul’s Art Group and Harrogate Photographic Society.
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Groups that are unable attend on the day will still have information available for those attending to see.
The library, on Victoria Avenue, hopes the activities fair will be an opportunity for Harrogate district residents, especially retired people, to meet new people and learn new skills.
For more information see the Harrogate Library Facebook page.