Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 949 of 1034

Harrogate sculptor helps Johnny Vegas with new TV show

Comedian Johnny Vegas was in Harrogate this week to meet expert sculptor Steve Blaylock, who helped out with a new TV show.

Steve told the Stray Ferret he has been sworn to secrecy about when and where the show will air, but said it will involve Vegas creating sculptures from different materials.

Steve said that he enjoyed spending time with a kindred spirit at his studio on Skipton Road:

“He brought the materials and we spent the whole day just brainstorming and chatting and talking about each other’s lives, which was a bit bizarre. When he walked in it was like a friend who went to art college had just come back to see me.

“We had so many similar personal experiences growing up. We were both bullied at school and we both had to become the class clown, but I didn’t follow my clownship into stand-up like Johnny.”

Like Steve, Vegas has a degree in ceramics and he enjoyed fooling around with several of the sculptures at the studio, including a giant-sized garden spade.

Johnny Vegas with one of Steve’s spade sculptures.

Steve said:

“He’s an extremely artistic person, so being with somebody who has a creative mind who can see things that normal folk can’t was wonderful.”

Since setting up Studio Blaylock 23 years ago, Steve has had many commissions from TV companies, including the BBC who asked him to sculpt a 6ft tall Blue Peter ship in 1999.

Harrogate Town could be heading to Wembley….again!

Harrogate Town are one game away from playing at Wembley for the second time in two months — and this time fans would be able to enjoy a special day out.

The government confirmed that last season’s FA Trophy final at Wembley will go ahead on September 27 as a pilot event for the safe return of fans to sporting events.

Town are due to play Notts County, who they beat in the National League play-off final 3-1, in a one-legged semi-final with the winner going on to play the winner of Halesowen Town vs Concord Rangers. A draw will take place to decide whether Town’s semi-final will take place at Doncaster Rovers, which will be hosting Harrogate Town until their new grass pitch is laid, or Notts County. The date is to be confirmed.

The government has not said how many supporters Town could bring if they reach the final, but non-league grounds were opened last weekend with an initial 15% capacity, which will rise to 30% from Monday, August 31.

As Wembley has a capacity of 90,000, it could potentially mean all Town fans who want to attend would be able to if the government allows the stadium to be 30% full.

It was uncertain whether the FA Trophy would be finished when the season was curtailed in March due to the lockdown. The government warned that the fans pilot could not happen if coronavirus rates rise.

Harrogate Town supporter Rob Nixon told the Stray Ferret that having another chance to go to Wembley would be a “dream”.

He said:

“Being able to go watch us play at Wembley would be a dream for all town fans, especially after missing out last time round. We still have a tricky tie against Notts County to negotiate, but it’s a huge incentive for the players knowing that they’ll get to play in front of a crowd this time if they win.”

On Tuesday, Harrogate Town supporters were able to watch their team play in person for the first time since March as Brighouse Town allowed 100 Town supporters to attend a pre-season friendly, which ended 0-0.

‘Devastated’ organisers confirm Harrogate Christmas Market cancellation

Harrogate Christmas Market 2020 will not go ahead after officials raised concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus.

The Stray Ferret reported last week that the market would likely be cancelled, dealing a blow to local businesses which benefit from the influx of up to 60,000 visitors.

The event’s vice-chairman, Steve Scarre, said:

“Harrogate Christmas Market would not have been possible without the Herculean efforts of organisers Brian and Beryl Dunsby and all the other volunteers. I know that Brian and Beryl are devastated to have had to cancel this year’s event, but to compromise the safety of visitors, stallholders, local businesses, contractors, volunteers, and residents would be unthinkable.

“I know that the local retail and hospitality businesses really look forward to the market, as it’s held during an otherwise quiet month. Our hearts go out to them, as the cancellation comes on top of a difficult and in some cases disastrous trading period over the last twelve months.”

This week, Harrogate Borough Council officers met with the director of public health for North Yorkshire to set out precautions and questions for the event organisers.

Key elements included social distancing at two metres, controlling the number of people at the event, and contact tracing for all visitors. There were also concerns about visitors arriving from areas with higher infection rates.

With such an open event on the Stray near the Montpellier Quarter, where people are usually free to wander in and out through multiple entrances and aisles, the organisers said they cannot meet the requirements and have now cancelled.

It is the first time that the four-day event, which has been running annually since 2012, has been called off.

To try and mitigate for the loss of trade that the 180 local and regional businesses which had already signed up to the event, the organiser are preparing to set up a virtual market on a new website. It will also feature local businesses which have supported the market.

Knaresborough Christmas Market will still go ahead this December after organisers found ways to ensure visitor safety.

Stray FM broadcasts its final shows before national take-over

The Stray FM brand will disappear from the airwaves this weekend as owners Bauer Media merge it with national station Greatest Hits Radio.

The station, which was founded in Harrogate in 1994, will lose its local presenters in favour of national programming, with one regional drive time show each day.

it means familiar voices on the airwaves, including breakfast show presenter Nick Hancock, will today give their final broadcasts to audiences across the Harrogate district. Community groups have expressed their sadness at the loss of the station’s local support for many vital events and services.

John Fox, who has worked with Stray FM over many years to fundraise for Harrogate’s Christmas lights as well as organising the Volunteer Oscars, said the loss will be felt by many in the community.

“It’s very sad. It was the best local radio and part of the community.

“They supported small organisations and individuals, and they were also there when the community needed them for inclement weather like snow or flooding. They’re the ones who got us to work and home again. On top of that, they were committed to supporting local businesses – they were passionate about it. It’s a great loss.

“I was overjoyed when we got the licence for a local station – I felt Harrogate was on the map with its own proper radio station. This is a sad day for Harrogate.”

After news of the closure was announced in May, the Liberal Democrats set up a petition to save it, gaining 2,000 signatures in the first week. Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, voiced his concerns about the planned changes and said he “cautiously welcomed” Bauer’s response to a letter he sent.

In it, Bauer promised that Stray FM would still cover local news and issues with a local team of journalists, and would have “improved options” for businesses to target audiences through advertising.

However, the company has not yet confirmed what the new local team will look like and how many, if any, of the local events covered by Stray FM will continue to receive the same level of support. A spokesman told the Stray Ferret it will continue to support Bauer’s national charities and will launch a new Getting North Yorkshire Back to Work campaign. She added:

“We have made no decisions as yet on buildings, however the station will retain local content and services and a presence in Harrogate.”

Will Smith, Nick Hancock and Sarah Barry of Stray FM at Knaresborough Bed Race in 2017

Will Smith, Nick Hancock and Sarah Barry at the Knaresborough Bed Race in 2017

Stray FM broadcast live from many events, including Bilton Gala and the Knaresborough Bed Race. Kevin Lloyd, bed race chairman for Knaresborough Lions, told the Stray Ferret:

“This is terrible news for us and other charities and organisations across the district. As a community-focused radio station, they have been fantastic advocates for all kinds of causes from their local heroes awards to the incredible support that they have given us over the years in making the bed race the highly successful and much-enjoyed event that it is today.”

Harrogate railway station newsagent to close

It will be the “end of an era” for veteran newsagent Brian Moses who, with a heavy heart, will close the Bookstall newsagent at Harrogate Railway Station after 30 years due to the financial impact of covid-19.

Brian won the title of UK newsagent of the year in 2016 but he said running the business is not viable in the current economic climate.

He said with trains quiet and commuters from Leeds still working from home, he can’t see trade returning to what it was before covid “for a long, long time”. A changing market has also seen magazine and newspaper sales decline over the past few years, with more and more people reading online.

Brian, who is 65, has worked in newsagents in Harrogate since he was 15 but fears there will be none left in the town in just a decade.

He said:

“Many of the other newsagents that are remaining in Harrogate are up for sale and I fear for the news trade over the next ten years.

“It’s not the way I intended to go out but it’s time to let go. It wasn’t an easy decision but financially it had to be.”

The Bookstall has been a vital pit stop for commuters taking the train from Harrogate and Brian has seen famous sports stars, TV presenters and his fair share of ex-Leeds United footballers stop in for a packet of mints, a bottle of pop or a crossword puzzle book.

But he said his most memorable customer was Prince Charles who bought copies of Horse and Hound and Country Life magazines when the Royal Train passed through Harrogate.

Brian has racked up more than 50 years in the trade as, before taking over the Bookstore in 1989, he helped his own father run a newsagent on St Winifred’s Road.

Brian said news has been “a real family affair” as his son Paul also run the shop but will now move on to pastures new.

He said he will miss the customers but is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Mandy, who recently retired as a nurse from St Michael’s Hospice after 24 years.

He said:

“I’ve done 5 AM starts for the last 50 years, so that will take a long time to get out of that.

“But I’ll miss the banter and the ‘good morning’ from the little old lady to friends who come in, discuss sports and have a craic. I’ll miss my regulars.

“It will be sad but things have got to move on. I’m the first of many that will be going in Harrogate, it’s a changing world.”

The Bookstall will close this Saturday.

Harrogate NHS dental patients ‘not told’ about proposed closure

Patients at an NHS dentist in Harrogate have complained that they were not told about its proposed closure.

The patients claim Chatsworth House Dental Centre on Kings Road did not send letters to many of those who would be affected.

Under the proposals, patients would need to travel 1.7 miles to the practice on Starbeck High Street – a six-minute drive or more than 30-minute walk.

The Stray Ferret has taken the concerns of patients to both Chatsworth House Dental Centre and Target Dental Group. Both pointed to the other provider for a comment.

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One of the patients who has, along with her partner, been at Chatsworth House Dental Centre for more than 25 years said :

“I am in desperate need for a check up so I have been keeping a close eye on them but I had no idea about the proposed closure. It came as a bit of a shock because I have been there so long. Harrogate seems to be building a lot of houses but is not keeping up with vital services like dentists. It is quite frustrating.”

Chatsworth House Dental Centre has not formally approached the NHS with its proposal and it is unclear what the timescale is for the closure.

In the letter to patients, the provider said the merger would create a hub of dental services and “create an even greater patient experience”.

“Starbeck Dental Centre is situated in a modern spacious building. It is able to offer a broad range of services alongside full disabled access, modern facilities and easy access via public transport.”

How easy is it to get an NHS dentist in Harrogate?

The proposed closure of Chatsworth House Dental Centre will likely prompt fears about NHS dentist spaces in Harrogate.

Of the 11 NHS dentists in the town, only the Harrogate Dental Centre on Hookstone Park is advertising for new adult NHS patients. South Park Dental Practice is also advertising for child places up to the age of 18.

Currently, NHS dentists are not taking on any new patients because of the coronavirus pandemic. That could change by October, depending on guidance at the time.

Harrogate hospital removes coronavirus pods after half a year

Harrogate District Hospital has removed its coronavirus pods from the front of the building after half a year.

The hospital removed the assesment pods today and said they have not been necessary for several months.

A spokesperson said that they have been prominent but added that the hospital has been able to care for patients inside for a while now.

“Thank you to all colleagues involved in setting them up, and ensuring they’ve been safely removed.”

It also comes a month and a week after a coronavirus patient last died at the hospital. The fact that the hospital has now removed the pods is a visual sign that the hospital is moving in the right direction.

The hospital reported its first covid-19 death on March 20 and the most recent – the 82nd – on July 19. That patient died four days earlier on July 15.

New leader ‘could help win back Harrogate & Knaresborough’, say Lib Dems

Sir Ed Davey’s victory in the Liberal Democrat leadership contest could help the party take back control of Harrogate & Knaresborough, according to the party’s local parliamentary spokesperson Judith Rogerson.

Mr Davey, the MP for Kingston and Surbiton, won the leadership election yesterday ahead of Layla Moran, receiving 63.5% of the vote. In his acceptance speech, he said the party would now launch a “national listening project” to try and win back voters.

Ms Rogerson said Mr Davey has been “very supportive” of what the party has been doing in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

She said:

“He is absolutely the right person to be leading the party and helping us win back seats from the Conservatives at the next election, especially here in Harrogate & Knaresborough.”

Under Phil Willis – now Lord Willis of Knaresborough – the Lib Dems held the Harrogate & Knaresborough constituency from 1997 until 2010. Last month, Lord Willis spoke to the Stray Ferret about a range of topics, including what he think makes a good constituency MP.

Since Lord Willis retired, current Conservative MP Andrew Jones has won four consecutive general elections in the constituency.

In the 2019 general election, Mr Jones won 29,962 votes beating Lib Dem candidate Ms Rogerson by almost 10,000 votes. The Lib Dems did gain a 12 point swing since 2017, which largely came at the expense of the Labour Party.

Man cautioned for distributing ‘distressing images’ of Harcourt Drive incident

Police have arrested and cautioned a man in relation to distributing images on social media of an incident on Harcourt Drive near to Harrogate town centre.

One man was taken to hospital for treatment and another was pronounced dead at the incident last Sunday. Multiple police cars, ambulances and an air ambulance were called out to the street at around 7.15pm.

DI Steve Menzies, senior investigating officer at North Yorkshire Police, has since reassured residents that the incident was “tragic and isolated”.

Now, police have said they have arrested and cautioned a 42-year-old man for distributing “distressing images” of the incident.

In a statement, police said:

“We have been made aware that following the incident on Harcourt Drive in Harrogate on Sunday (August 23) distressing images of the incident were shared through social media.

“We would like to reassure the local community that the distributor of these images, a 42-year-old Harrogate man, has been arrested and cautioned.

“Sharing images of this nature will not be condoned under any circumstances and we would strongly urge anyone who is in possession of the images to delete them immediately.”

Harrogate’s Christmas lantern parade cancelled for 2020

A Christmas lantern parade held annually to draw shoppers into Harrogate town centre has been called off this year.

The Harrogate at Christmas group said it is unable to bring together the parade of local school children safely under the continuing covid-19 restrictions.

Since 2017, the lantern parade has seen local schools create brightly-coloured displays to walk through the town centre, watched by friends and family. The organisers aim to bring more people into town in order to use local shops, restaurants and cafes in the run-up to Christmas.

Group chairman John Fox said:

“It is disappointing that we have had to cancel this year’s event. With more schools wanting to participate, together with more local musicians we just cannot make it covid compliant.”

The lantern parade was first held as part of the Big Switch-On of the Christmas lights in 2017, when the event was filmed as part of a programme about Harrogate’s festive preparations. Harrogate: A Great Yorkshire Christmas was shown on Channel 5.

The parade was later moved to be held separately from the lights switch-on, aiming to spread the crowds coming into Harrogate over a number of nights. This year’s event would have taken place on Thursday, December 3.

Last year, nearly 200 children, parents, friends, musicians and staff from St Peter’s and Western primary schools took part in the parade, led by Reincantation Choir. The event is managed by Red Cape, whose managing director Martin Ballard said:

“We are disappointed that the event is cancelled, but we have agreed with the Harrogate at Christmas Group that we will make the Christmas Lantern Parade bigger and better in 2021.”