Harrogate Neighbours and a Bilton primary school have joined forces to tackle isolation during National Storytelling Week.

Lockdown has left many people of all ages feeling lonely. Studies suggest intergenerational activities can have a positive impact on mental health in both older and younger people.

Older people have been more isolated than ever during lockdown and many younger people who have been unable to attend school have spent more time alone staring at screens.

Harrogate Neighbours, a charity that helps older people, and Richard Taylor Primary School have collaborated by exchanging stories during National Storytelling Week, which ends on Saturday.

Ten pupils from the school will record a short story or poem, which will be played this week to residents looked after by Harrogate Neighbours.

The residents will also record messages about the past for the pupils.

It is hoped the activity will be fun and break down barriers between generations.

Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours, said:

“Storytelling in all forms is a key part of caring for the elderly and we know what a positive impact it has on our residents when they engage with the younger generation.

“We hope this initiative will be mutually beneficial to both our residents and the children taking part.”

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Andrew Symonds, head teacher at Richard Taylor, said:

“We were delighted when Harrogate Neighbours contacted us about the initiative. Storytelling is central to our curriculum.

“As a school, we are heavily involved in the community and pre-lockdown we would invite elderly members of the community into school for tea and a talk with our pupils. We believe strongly in the importance of intergenerational activities.”

Tributes have been paid to the former chair of governors at St Aidan’s School in Harrogate, who has died from cancer.

Claire Kelley, 64, held the position for 21 years, as well as working for Lord Willis of Knaresborough during his time as MP for the area.

Daughter Emily Murphy said, in all her work, she was motivated by a desire to put things right. Her involvement in local politics began soon after the family moved to Harrogate, where son Alex was born.

“She was always interested in politics, ever since university in Sussex. I think in a way, having children, she started thinking ‘I want to do something that makes a difference’.

“There were quite a lot of problems in the community in Harrogate and there was a lot that needed to be addressed. Having young children and seeing that made her want to do something about it and do some good.”

Claire met Harrogate councillor Reg Marsh through his work as a financial advisor. He persuaded her to get involved in supporting the Lib Dems, first through leafleting and later by standing as a candidate herself.

She won election to Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council and, in 2010, stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate to replace Phil Willis when he retired as MP, eventually losing out to Andrew Jones by just over 1,000 votes.

During the campaign, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After successful radiotherapy treatment, Claire returned to work, taking up a post in the office of Leeds North MP Greg Mulholland.

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As well as politics, Claire became involved in the schools her children attended. She was a governor of Oatlands Infant School before becoming chair of governors at St Aidan’s in 1998. Five years ago, she chaired the trust board when the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust was established, uniting St Aidan’s with seven local primaries.

In 2018, after falling ill with suspected gallstones, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She underwent a complex operation which led to a long recovery.

A gruelling programme of chemotherapy treatment followed, which forced her to step down from her role at St Aidan’s in 2019.

Soon after, Claire was told the disease had come back and spread to her lungs. Last year, she decided not to undergo any further chemotherapy.

Her remaining months were spent with her family, enjoying playing with her two-year-old grandson and anticipating the arrival of a second grandchild. Emily said:

“She said to her friends she wanted to meet her second grandchild, which she did.

“We’re very lucky. My brother and I are really close and he has been incredible. Mum had such a huge support network – her neighbours, her colleagues, there are so many people she’s had close to her who helped enormously.”

Former St Aidan’s chair of governors and local politician Claire Kelley, who has died aged 64

After her condition deteriorated in January, Claire moved to St Michael’s Hospice, where she died a short time later, with Emily and Alex by her side.

She also leaves two grandsons, her brother and sister, and former husband Paul Kelley with whom she remained good friends and who was an invaluable support to her and their children through her illness.

Paying tribute to her, St Aidan’s headteacher Chris Burt said:

“Claire was an exceptional chair of governors who had a deep understanding of the school, the community it serves and the national context within which we operate. Her ability to see the most appropriate direction for the school to take, often in relation to the most difficult decisions, was extraordinary.

“Despite the challenges of the roles that she performed, Claire always had an incredibly joyful and positive outlook. Even during the period of her illness, Claire has maintained her active involvement in the work of the governing body and her dignity and resolve has been an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of working alongside her.”

Claire’s funeral will take place at Christ Church in Harrogate next week, led by Rev Matthew Evans and the Ven Paul Hooper, a family friend. The congregation is limited to 30 people because of covid restrictions, but friends and family will also be able to watch it online.

A memorial will be planned by the St Aidan’s community when restrictions allow.

The former Army captain who opened the NHS Nightingale hospital in Harrogate has died aged 100, his family has announced.

Captain Sir Tom Moore was the guest of honour at a virtual opening of the facility last April, in recognition of his fundraising work.

He raised almost £33m for NHS Charities Together by walking lengths of his garden in Bedfordshire, hitting the headlines in the process.

Having been raised in Keighley, West Yorkshire, Captain Sir Tom was made an honorary colonel of the Army Foundation College in Harrogate last spring. He later visited the college to speak to junior soldiers and was invited back for their graduation in September.

In a statement posted on its social media accounts, the college said:

“It is such sad news to find out about the death of Sir Tom Moore, our honorary Colonel, and a great inspiration to all at the Army Foundation College. Our thoughts are with his family in this difficult time and our support is always here if they want it.”

His family confirmed his death today on his Twitter account. He had been taken into hospital on Sunday, after being diagnosed with pneumonia before testing positive for covid last week.

pic.twitter.com/4QHUcwrHiH

— Captain Sir Tom Moore (@captaintommoore) February 2, 2021

Tributes poured in from across the UK and beyond as soon as the news was announced.

The Captain Tom Foundation, set up to continue his legacy, issued a statement to its “founder and inspiration”:

“Captain Tom’s actions inspired people across the world and he was extremely honoured that the foundation might inspire a new generation of Captain Toms. We can all make a difference and through our continued work we will aspire to ensure Tom’s message of hope becomes an enduring legacy.

“Whilst we mourn his loss, we celebrate his life and will be forever grateful for his optimistic philosophy and wonderful spirit.”

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “RIP. A true British hero.”

Watch now:

• Capt Tom Moore opens Harrogate NHS Nightingale hospital
• Harrogate Army Foundation College welcomes Colonel Tom Moore as a ‘phenomenal’ role model

It may not be the Alps but this skier is more than happy to dig out his skis and head around Harrogate in the snow.

Harrogate resident Tomas Munoz has become a familiar sight on snow days in his signature bright orange jumpsuit.

You may have seen him in videos or photos, or even in person skiing by your window as he makes his way to the Stray.

Great to meet Tomas today for @thestrayferret. He's missed his skiing holidays so when it snows in Harrogate he grabs his skis and heads out with a big smile on his face. pic.twitter.com/SBcLQ8xSwo

— Connor Creaghan (@connorcreaghan) February 2, 2021

There has been lots of snow in the Harrogate district so far this year, which means he has had plenty of opportunities to brush up his skills.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret on the Stray today, he said:

“I am a ski fanatic, I love skiing. I have been to France and Switzerland for ski trips but mostly to the United States.

“No ski trips over the last year. It’s a little bit of a let down but I get out and get my hour of exercise a day so it’s very fun.

“I am grateful every time I see snow out the window so I want to take advantage of it. For sure, I am just about as excited as the kids when it starts to snow.”

Mr Munoz, who has about 30 years of skiing experience, says kids love to see him on his skis and will often laugh and take videos.

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• Lockdown leads to a new lease of life for crafting teacher

A primary school teacher in Harrogate has turned her hobby into a new business after launching a project in the first lockdown.

After setting up online tutorials last year, keen crafter Felicity Jennings said interest in her work has soared – and she is now being invited to teach sessions around the world.

As president of Spa Sweethearts WI, Felicity said she was completely taken aback by how quickly everything changed in 2020.

“At our last WI meeting in March, I stood there saying, ‘People say we’re going to have to close down. I don’t think that’s going to happen!’

“That was on the Thursday, and we were locked down the following Monday, so it shows what I know! But I moved our craft sessions online straight away.”

Soon, word began to spread about Felicity’s online craft tutorials, both among local WIs and in Facebook groups for WI members around the country.

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Although her crafting abilities were proving popular, Felicity said her technical skills were not up to the same standard – but youngest son Frank, 15, soon stepped in. He helped to create a home studio where she could do all her filming, and set up cameras to show close-ups of the crafts she was demonstrating.

He also created a YouTube channel for all the videos, making it easier for people to find them and watch as many as they liked, all completely free.

Meanwhile, Felicity was leading live, interactive sessions for groups via Zoom. By September, demand was so high that, with advice from Spa Sweethearts treasurer Sam Pugmire, she set up a business, Felicity Crafts. She said:

“I totally didn’t expect to have a different carer at this age.

“My experience in the classroom has definitely helped. Because I’m a teacher, I’m used to things falling apart! The computer doesn’t work or the kids don’t understand what you think they will – you just adapt and keep going.

“One of the things that’s odd about teaching on Zoom is you’re teaching into the void. You’re just having to do it and hope they’re keeping up. You can keep flicking back and seeing what they’re doing and slow down if they’re all still working, but you don’t get that direct feedback as you go.”

The advantage, however, is that Felicity can teach almost anywhere. After the end of a school day last year, she found herself teaching a session for a WI on the Isle of Wight, while enquiries have come in from groups in Canada, New Zealand and Nicaragua.

Christmas workshops proved popular for Felicity, though were sometimes interrupted by her cats

In the run up to Christmas, Felicity was leading sessions almost every night of the week. She expected interest to tail off in January, but she’s now booked up two or three times a week for most of the year.

Meanwhile, she continues to post videos for people to follow in their own time, including a week-long course teaching crochet for beginners, which went live on Monday. The first session was seen by almost 700 people in just one day.

The secret behind her success, says Felicity, is that crafts can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter what their personal circumstances.

“There are going to be some people who just want to carve out one hour to make something really simple. They’re trying to work at home with a small child and just want something to do that’s just for themselves.

“Others want something they can go mad with – they’re at home on their own or need to be occupied because they’re anxious or missing their grandchildren.”

Knowing her work is helping other people through lockdown also gives Felicity a sense of purpose. Even if lockdown restrictions are eased, Felicity intends to continue her online videos and workshops as long as possible. She added:

“I only started it to have something to do and show people how to do crafts. It’s amazing it has turned into a job and a career and a business.”

It is a simple question: can I drive to beauty spots like Swinsty reservoir in the Harrogate district for exercise? But a clear answer appears elusive.

Harrogate Borough Council’s newsletter last week said:

“Driving to the other side of the district, into the Nidderdale AONB or to either of the national parks is not acceptable.  If you do, you run the risk of a fine.”

Swinsty, Fewston and Lindley Wood reservoirs — popular spots with walkers and dog owners — are all located within Nidderdale AONB and the council’s comments prompted a fierce debate on Twitter.

Some questioned whether legally people could in fact be fined.

Another person tweeted it was ‘bizarre’ that you could join ‘droves of people in Valley Gardens but a quick hop up to deserted Nidderdale is risky and the coppers might fine you’.

But others said there had been a huge increase in local walkers and supported fines.

Today the Stray Ferret attempted to get clarity.

We approached the council, which said it was simply “amplifying North Yorkshire Police’s messaging about what local means”.

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North Yorkshire Police sent us two links when we asked for clarification.

The first was a quote from Superintendent Mike Walker, who leads the force’s response to covid:

“If the officer finds that the individual has travelled multiple miles to exercise and it’s outside of their local area, where there is plenty of provision and open spaces to exercise close to home, the officer has the option to encourage adherence or enforce the regulations dependant on the circumstances.”

There is no further explanation on how far “multiple miles” is. But Superintendent Walker adds that getting “embroiled in detail” can mean we “lose focus of the real reason we are being asked to limit movement”.

The second link referred to a reply by chief inspector Charlotte Bloxham to a resident’s question about what was classed as local travel.

“In relation to travelling for exercise it’s really clear that the message is to stay local in order to do that.

“You can exercise once a day and with one person from another household but the guidance is to stay local to reduce the spread of the virus.

“Local is defined as in your village, your town, your city or locality.

“We are not trying to be the fun police and try spoil people’s activities but it is for a really important reason.”

Some Twitter comments referred to recent guidance on the stay local message from the National Police Chiefs Council, which represents police chiefs.

“UK government guidance strongly requests that people do not leave their local area. However, the covid regulations which officers enforce and which enables them to issue fixed penalty notices for breaches, do not restrict the distance travelled for exercise.”

Government’s coronavirus guidance states:

“Outdoor exercise should be done locally where possible. But you can travel a short distance within your area to do so if necessary.

“For example, to access an open space.”

A man has been charged with the murder of former Ashville College student Anna Reed.

Ms Reed, 22, was found strangled in her bed in a Swiss hotel in April 2019.

The Sunday Times reported last weekend that Marc Schatzle, a German traveller, has been accused of murder, fraud and theft.

It is believed Mr Schatzle met Ms Reed when she was travelling around the world as a 21st birthday present from her father, Clive, a Harrogate racehorse breeder.

They are thought to have been dating for several months.

A spokesman for the Swiss prosecutors office said:

“He is accused of intentional homicide, theft, fraud and drug offences.

“Covid permitting, he will go on trial later this year.”

A spokeswoman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said:

“Our consular staff are assisting the family of a British woman following her death in Switzerland, and are in contact with the Swiss and UK police.”

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Police are appealing for witnesses after a car crashed into two parked vehicles in Harrogate and then drove off.

The incident happened at 7.25pm yesterday on Roseville Avenue.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement a light metallic blue hatchback turned right off Roseville Road onto Roseville Avenue.

The driver of the hatchback then crashed into the two parked cars, causing “significant damage” to one of them.

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The hatchback then drove off without stopping to exchange details and was last seen heading towards Granby Road, police said.

Police said the hatchback involved is likely to have damage to its front nearside.

Anyone with information can contact the police on 101, quoting reference 12210049523.

Self-employed delivery drivers in Harrogate say tensions are rising with rival drivers coming into the area to make money during lockdown, despite the risk of spreading covid.

The Stray Ferret has spoken to four Harrogate delivery drivers about the issue. One said the situation has led to drivers coming to blows.

The local drivers say about 30 drivers from areas such as Leeds and Bradford are coming to Harrogate each day for work. They added this didn’t occur before lockdown.

Delivery drivers are able to travel during lockdown but the ones we spoke to in Harrogate said this posed covid risks, as well as threatening the earnings of locals.

The drivers are self-employed and work on apps to find takeaway deliveries near to them. Whoever responds first to the notifications on the app gets to deliver the order.

They are paid per job and Harrogate is regarded as a better location to make money than many larger nearby places.

The drivers have reported their grievances to Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire Police. Both told the Stray Ferret it wasn’t a matter for them.

‘Spreading the virus’

One local driver, Christian Mihailpo, said:

“I am afraid for Harrogate because they could be spreading the virus.

“I have spoken to some of the drivers and they have just said they don’t understand the issue. We can travel for our jobs but they shouldn’t be doing this in the lockdown.”

Another of the drivers, who wished to remain anonymous, said:

“I have health issues myself so it is a worry. We just want to work safely. I would say I’ve lost between 60-70 per cent of earnings because there’s not enough to cover everyone that is working here now.”

He added it was causing tension and a clear divide was emerging between local and outside drivers.

All the drivers said this issue has worsened during the current lockdown and that they were losing income because of it.

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Losing money

They added some of the drivers from outside Harrogate often call family or friends to work here.

Local driver Ali Mahyrt said:

“We aren’t happy about what is happening and we want to try and stop it. We are losing money but our health is impacted too.

“I understand they need to make money but they should take into account local people’s health.”

Victor Foca, who is also based locally, added:

“The regulations should mean they stay in their home city. The risk is when they go to houses to deliver food.”

Two Harrogate district residents who have recently been vaccinated have heaped praise on the team behind the local vaccination centre.

David Ridgway and David Hill got their coronavirus jabs at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate this month.

Both residents contacted the Stray Ferret with the hope that their experiences will encourage anyone who is apprehensive.

Mr Ridgway, who lives in Pateley Bridge with his wife, said over a video call (above):

“They deserve a big round of applause. For anybody who is maybe a little bit apprehensive about going, don’t worry at all.

“It’s a very easy and relaxed experience with plenty of happy, smiling faces.”

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Mr Hill, who lives in Harrogate, also told the Stray Ferret:

“Other than a sore arm for a couple of days I had no side effects other than mentally feeling ‘over the moon’!

“The whole process was brilliantly organised so much so I told our MP Andrew Jones it had made me feel proud to be British.

“I also rang my GP surgery telling them the same story and they were pleased to receive the call.”