Harrogate shop ‘blown away’ by free school meals support

A Harrogate sandwich shop has been overwhelmed with support for its free school meals pledge.

Thug Sandwich, on Albert Street, set up a donations board at the weekend. Just a few days later it is filled with “free packed lunch” notes, all paid for by customers.

When someone is in need of a free school meal, they can use one of the notes as payment. The shop has asked people to get in touch beforehand.

Daniel Bell, one of the owners at Thug Sandwich, told the Stray Ferret:

“We set out to foot the bill ourselves but there were so many people who wanted to help. So far we have the equivalent of more than 200 packed lunches. It should not be businesses stepping up to do this, but we are happy to do our bit to help people.”

A packed lunch from Thug Sandwich can vary but will include a sandwich as well as a range of flapjack, fruits and fruit shoot drinks. So far the sandwich shop has handed out just over 20 of the free school meals.

If there are any donations left over at the end of the week, Thug Sandwich will take the monetary value to Harrogate District Food Bank.

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Meanwhile, North Yorkshire County Council has confirmed it will continue to support vulnerable families using its existing funds.

Neil Irving, assistant director, policy, partnerships and communities, said:

“We have targeted funds that are available not just to children entitled to free school meals, but to anybody who is suffering financial hardship as a result of the pandemic or anything else. We have extended the fund during the pandemic and we may review that in future.”

How many other places do free school meals?

(Please make sure to check how long the offers are available for as some may vary.)

Please get in touch using contact@thestrayferret.co.uk to be added to the list

Harrogate care home unable to get flu jabs for staff

A care home provider in Harrogate has struggled to get flu jabs for its staff and has claimed that others are in the same position.

Disability Action Yorkshire, which has a care home for young disabled adults in Harrogate, has only managed to get three jabs so far.

The charity has 38 staff in total, which means that fewer than 10% are protected from the flu.

Jackie Snape, the chief executive at Disability Action Yorkshire, was one of the three who has had the jab and told the Stray Ferret:

“We have been told that health and social care is a priority but our staff have been unable to get the flu jab. The GPs and pharmacies have a blanket rule to keep the jab available for those over 70. It means that there aren’t any flu jabs for social care staff.”

Disability Action Yorkshire, Chief Executive, Jackie Snape.

The staff have been told to try again in November and December but Jackie fears that it will be too late by then as it will be in the middle of flu season.

Jackie added that she fears if there are problems with the flu jab then there may be issues with the coronavirus vaccine as and when it becomes available.

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She has been in regular calls with other care homes in the Harrogate district and says that all other providers are in the same position.

Earlier this year the government launched what it called the “most comprehensive flu programme in UK history”.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at Public Health England, said:

“There is no shortage of flu vaccine – enough has been ordered to vaccinate 30 million people, with the most vulnerable being protected first. It is usual for manufacturers to stagger deliveries of the vaccine. Every year, there is a phased roll-out and vaccinations continue throughout the autumn. Some GP practices and pharmacies may ask people to wait until they receive further deliveries.”

Harrogate restaurant serves first free school meals

An Italian restaurant in Harrogate has stepped up to the plate to deliver free school meals this half term week.

Portofino Ristorante has cooked about 70 meals today including pizza, pasta and chips for those most in need.

The charitable move, which hundreds of cafes and restaurants across the country are also doing, follows a controversial vote in Parliament.

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Ozgur Babat, who owns Portofino on Albert Street, decided to take action when the government voted down a motion to extend free school meals over half term and the Christmas holidays.

Any families who need a meal can get in touch with the restaurant, which will prepare a meal for volunteers to deliver to their door.

There are around 2,000 children in Harrogate who receive free school meals.

How many other places deliver free school meals?

(Please make sure to check how long the offers are available for as some may vary.)

Please get in touch using contact@thestrayferret.co.uk to be added to the list

Ozgur Babat is the owner of Portofino Ristorante.

Harrogate venue to restart live music performances

A Harrogate venue is set to restart live music performances after lockdown forced an early curtain for its concerts in March.

The Wesley Centre, on Oxford Street, will be hosting three socially distanced concerts between now and early January. 

Susan Tomes will be the first pianist to play as the season reopens on November 2, giving a recital of music by Scarlatti, Debussy, Janacek, Chabrier and Billy Mayerl.

Susan Tomes, the first pianist to play at the Wesley Centre since March.

Normally able to hold about 450 people, there are only 76 seats available for the socially distanced performances. 

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Peter Hirschmann, who runs the Patrons scheme for the Wesley Centre, said:

“Our immediate reaction for ticket sales is that they’re going very rapidly, which is very reassuring. At first we didn’t know how many people would want to come, due to many of our supporters being elderly or vulnerable, so we’re starting out cautiously.

“Live music is back in Harrogate, which is what really matters. Our concert organiser, Andrew Hitchen, had a great response when he emailed supporters about the concerts starting again.”

Tickets can be purchased for £10 by telephoning Andrew Hitchen on 01423 883618 between 6pm and 8pm.

Thousands tune in to first ever online Harrogate Literature Festival

Thousands tuned in to the first ever digital Harrogate Literature Festival this past weekend.

The festival was forced to be streamed online due to the coronavirus pandemic, but organisers say the event was still a success.

Viewers tuned in to the free programme of 17 events, with the digital delivery allowing book lovers from across the UK to engage with prominent writers, politicians and journalists.

Among those who gave talks were author Matt Haig, classicist Natalie Haynes and Labour MPs Jess Phillips and David Lammy.

Although the events moved online, Harrogate International Festivals, the arts charity behind the literature festival wanted to keep the community at the heart of the project.

Hundreds of stories were submitted to the 10 Word Story competition, and over hundred books were gifted in the Raworth’s Blind Date With a Book initiative. 

As author talks began, literature came to life in Harrogate with a light installation in the form of a book. The story of Harrogate, 10 word stories and traditional tales were illuminated on its pages.

light installation

The story of Harrogate was illuminated on the book’s pages.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“The light of human stories and the power of books certainly shone through, breaking down barriers of isolation and reaching new audiences, demonstrating the importance of festival in our cultural landscape.

“Ticket sales are normally a huge part of our income, but this year’s events were all free of charge. We thank those audience members who donated to our arts charity in lieu of tickets, helping us work towards bridging the financial gap, the first step to securing the future of Harrogate International Festivals.

“This was an extraordinary festival for an unpreceded year, and whilst we celebrate the success of the event – taking Harrogate to the world – in order for our arts charity to survive we need to be able to welcome the world to Harrogate. Whether that will be possible in 2021 we just don’t know.”

Traditional tales shone on Friday and Saturday night.

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Bilton mother claims council housing system is flawed

A Bilton woman has criticised the system Harrogate Borough Council uses to allocate housing.

Courtney Barrass has been on the waiting list for a council property since her private landlord gave her notice to leave in April.

Ms Barrass has a partner, an eight-week old daughter and dogs and believes her domestic situation may have counted against her.

She claimed she was aware of some single parents who had received a house much quicker and urged the council to “prioritise situations better”. She said:

“They really need to sit back and look at the system. Maybe take the single people out of their three-bed houses to open up more options for families.
“I’m worried I’m going to be homeless. They don’t care about mental health or how situations will or already have affected us. We are just numbers on paperwork and it’s sickening.”

Ms Barrass alleged that when she first approached the council about going on its housing list a council worker told her that if she were evicted it would push her up the queue.

She stopped working while she was pregnant and she and her partner struggled to pay all their bills, so they didn’t pay any rent — only to then be told they were in rent arrears by the landlord and given notice to leave.

Because it did not have a home to move the family into, the council initially paid 75 per cent of the rent but this reduced to about 40 per cent when her baby arrived, she said.

Damp

The damp in Courtney’s flat in Bilton.

Ms Barrass said her landlord had been understanding about her situation but she didn’t know how long it would last, or how long she could wait for a council house.

“The council’s only interest seems to be trying to get me to stay in this house, which is full of damp and I cannot afford it.

“How many more times will I have to contact them and panic not knowing if I’ll get my rent paid next month? It’s a joke.”

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A Harrogate Borough Council spokesperson said it was unable to offer a specific comment about Ms Barrass’ situation. The spokesperson added:

“Properties are allocated via a points system, reflecting housing need. Applicants with arrears may be deemed as not qualifying for social housing, or may be deferred for period of time.

“We urge anyone who finds themselves in challenging circumstances to contact our housing options team as soon as possible. Anyone who finds themselves at risk of losing their home altogether should contact us sooner rather than later.”

Harrogate Mind calls for more volunteers as demand for help rises

Mind in Harrogate is calling for more volunteers for its much needed mental health befriending service after only a “few” come forward.

The service gives those struggling with their mental health, or perhaps isolated due to the pandemic the opportunity to make social connections by matching them with a volunteer.

The initiative has seen the charity receive numerous referrals but these are yet to be matched by the small number of volunteers that have come forward so far.

Helen Greensit, centre development manager at Mind in Harrogate, said:

“We’ve had a few really keen volunteers but by no means do we have enough. We are getting a lot of referrals for people needing this service. We will need a lot more volunteers.”

The charity is putting a call out once again for people who have time, even an hour or two each week, to chat, meet and socialise with another member of the local community.

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Volunteers will receive the appropriate training and choose the amount of time they offer to the individual.

The team is also hoping to reach out to rural communities such as Masham and Pateley Bridge. If they don’t have a car and rely on a limited public transport service, people living in those areas can become isolated.

Helen added:

“It is a service that is needed. The need for mental health services has certainly increased during the pandemic.

We need to remember to look after everyone in our communities to help them get through it.”

To hear more about becoming a volunteer ring 01423 503335 or email office@mindinharrogate.org.uk.

Harrogate skin expert offers top tips on ‘Maskne’

We are all faced with a whole load of new challenges in 2020 and for some of us ‘Maskne’ is one of them. If you haven’t guessed already it’s a mash up of ‘mask’ and ‘acne’… so basically spots around the chin caused by wearing a face mask.

I have always been into my skincare, and have followed the same routine (with a few seasonal changes) for years. I have really dry skin which luckily means spots don’t usually both me. However when the rule of wearing a face mask in public spaces indoors came into place my skin started to disagree.

I don’t want to moan as I appreciate that key workers virtually live in PPE, I take my hat off to every single one of you! I also understand that wearing a mask helps stop the spread of coronavirus, which is super important…so of course I am happy to wear a face mask, (in fact I’ve got quite into my mask fashion.) But I know I am not alone in these mask related break outs.

The good news is there are things you can do to prevent and treat mask irritation. Local skincare expert Anthea Whiteley, who is the Director of Harrogate Aesthetics has provided us with some top tips

So what causes ‘Maskne’?

Anthea Whiteley – Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner RGN – Director

Anthea has worked in the skincare industry for over 20 years and before that was a Senior Sister in the operating theatres at Leeds General Infirmary. She has offered this advice on what actually causes our skin to erupt.

So what is the best way to treat ‘Maskne’?

So we know the cause now but how do we combat the problem?

There is always the temptation to use every product you can get your hands on when having skin problems in hope that one of them sorts the mess… but less is often actually more. Anthea has advised how important it is that the skin can still breathe and has recommended these products:

1. Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser- Budget friendly skincare. If your mask is causing irritation, this gentle fragrance free and non-comedogenic (doesn’t block your pores) could be the answer. Specially formulated to provide effective, gentle skincare to help soothe your skin.

Price £8.99– Available to buy online at Asos.

 

2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Unifiant Tinted Moisturiser- Anti-blemish moisturiser that corrects and hydrates oily and acne-prone skin, whilst also having a light tint to provide treatment with coverage.
Noticeably reduces spots, controls shine and helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation marks. Clearer skin can be seen in 4 weeks.

Price £17.50 – Available at Boots stores.

 

 3. Tebiskin® OSK-Clean: A good cleanser is vital, especially when your skin is having a tantrum. This is a specific cleanser for oily skin prone to acne, with a profound cleansing action to remove accumulated sebum exerting a beneficial matt effect.It is based on the combined action of triethyl citrate and pyruvic acids able to counteract excess sebum and combat imperfections typical of oily skin prone to acne.

    Price £40 – Available at Harrogate Aesthetics.

 

Can ‘Maskne’ be prevented in the first place?

So now we know the cause and how to treat the problem is there any way we can prevent the problem In the first place? Apparently so…

Anthea’s has some top tips on how we can avoid these breakouts in the first place:

  • The critical advise is always drink lots of water, it helps the body to flush out toxins while giving you healthier skin.
  •  If you know you’ll be spending time with a mask on, consider taking a break from unnecessary cosmetics. Since no one will see the lower half of your face, it’s a perfect time to skip makeup or anything that could clog pores or aggravate acne or other skin lesions.
  • Wash & moisturise the face twice a day only and to use tepid water, as hot/cold water can irritate.
  • Keep your masks clean- Oil, nasal mucus, saliva and sweat can get on your face mask wherever it touches your face. Wash your mask with gentle, non-irritating detergent after each use and dry it thoroughly. Fresh masks should be stored in a bag to keep them clean.
  • Choosing the right mask-  studies have shown that the most protective masks are made of cotton or polyester blends, such as T-shirt or pillowcase fabrics, and these are fairly gentle on the skin. A smooth-texture material will cut down on friction that can chafe and irritate the lower part of the face…

If someone had told me this time last year, that in a year’s time we would have been through a nationwide lockdown, all be wearing face masks and that ‘Maskne’ would be a buzz word, I would have thought they were mad… but it’s actually happened.

I have gained a whole new vocabulary of words and phrases that I had never used before such as; covidiot, blursday, quaranteams and of course ‘maskne’…  and I must say ‘the virus, ‘social distancing,’ and ‘self-isolating’ at least 10 times a day. But what I have figured is that us humans are pretty resilient and we do just seem to have a way of adapting and getting used to a ‘new normal.’

 If you have anything lifestyle related that you would like me to cover please get in touch- ami@thestrayferret.co.uk

Strayside Sunday: Labour is winning the “good guys” image battle

Strayside Sunday is our weekly political opinion column. It is written by Paul Baverstock, former Director of Communications for the Conservative Party. 

Almost twenty years ago, I was fit (and silly) enough to be able to kick a football around the muddy playing fields of South London as Number 10 for a team called The Westminster Wanderers.  The Wanderers brought together political hacks, lobbyists and journos from across the political spectrum, united both by our desire to spend Sunday mornings in the cold and damp, and Monday mornings spent stiff and sore.

One of my teammates was the former President of the radical Federation of Conservative Students, a body so libertarian in its views that it proposed, while Mrs T was Prime Minister no less, that drugs ought to be legalised, along with free migration.  The FCS became known as “Maggie’s Militant Tendency” and was eventually broken up by Conservative Party Chairman Stormin’ Norman Tebbit, to avoid further disrepute.

By the time we met, the activist in question was a senior player in James Goldsmith’s Referendum Party, parent to UKIP and grandparent to the Brexit Party, as well as a leggy and robust centre-half for the Wanderers.  One fateful day in 2001, the man in question asked whether, given I knew a thing or two about communication (at the time I thought I did, although now I know I didn’t), I would write him a paper on how to turn around the reputation of the Conservative Party.  I obliged with a missive entitled “Rebranding the Nasty Party” and, within a month, was appointed Director of Communication for the Tories.  It didn’t end well.

I recount this horrible history because, if Labour have their way, and if the Conservatives aren’t careful, this week may mark the return of the nasty party into the popular consciousness.  Wednesday saw a Labour motion in parliament to extend provision of £15-a-week food vouchers to 1.4m disadvantaged children in England during school holidays until Easter 2021.  Who could possibly argue with that?  And, of course, that’s the point; Labour’s single-issue party managers know that there is no way to answer the question without self-incrimination.  Support it and the Conservatives concede the problem statement – the existence of so many disadvantaged children in need of a meal – oppose it and appear mean and, well, nasty.  Indeed a Liberal Democrat supporting friend of mine (not of this parish, for the avoidance of doubt) WhatsApped me on the day of the debate with a link to how individual members voted on the motion, with the accompanying text “milk snatchers are back.”  This a reference of course to 1971 and the Blessed Margaret, when Education Secretary.

As loyal party men, local MPs Messrs Adams, Smith and Jones voted against the motion.  No surprise there, sadly.  Labour isn’t a presence in these parts so no real need for a demonstrable show of compassion or principle from the Big 3.  But the point is this: the motion was designed by Labour to cast the Conservatives in the role of villain; and Labour’s juice has certainly been worth the squeeze.  Coinciding nicely with Boris Johnson’s refusal to bung Andy Burnham an extra ‘five mil for the workers’ in return for imposing Tier 3 restrictions, one feels an uncomfortable sensation in the pit of one’s stomach about the direction of travel.

At a time when any reputation the Conservative government might have had for competence is, in any view, in tatters (see also Test and Trace), they surely need to take utmost care not to allow long and deeply held perceptions about their lack of humanity resurface.  I don’t know about you but I can’t go through another Tory re-branding round of “hug a hoodie” and dog sleds; it’s just too painful.  And, although Labour’s Deputy Leader, the dreadful foghorn Angela Rayner, seriously overplayed her hand when calling us “Tory Scum” in Parliament this week, aged alarm bells are ringing.  Labour is giving the impression that, in our much diminished Covid circumstances, some good old-fashioned class warfare is just around the corner.

Calling all Conservatives nasty, as if no other political party has such a characteristic, has never been accurate.  I’ve had the displeasure to know and work with quite a few nasty people over the years in politics and beyond and, if pressed, I’d say that they are evenly distributed across the political spectrum.  As the brakes are put on Covid spending, as inevitably they must be, we should remember that what this government has done to respond to the crisis so far has been remarkable, in the worst of circumstances.  But it should extend that response to free school dinners.  Not only does this risk a return of the nasty party label, it is both politically and morally wrong.

That’s my Strayside Sunday.

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Crews tackle outbuilding fire in central Harrogate

Fire crews were called out to a derelict building in the centre of Harrogate today.

It happened at a house at the junction of Strawberry Dale and Woodbine Terrace.

The fire was reported to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service at 4.50pm. They found it in an outbuilding which contained rubbish, though the cause was not identified.

Firefighters from Harrogate and Knaresborough put it out using a hose, and used breathing apparatus for comfort while on site.