Cycle lanes scrapped and new traffic measures proposed for Harrogate’s Victoria Avenue

North Yorkshire Council has scrapped plans to create cycle lanes on Harrogate’s Victoria Avenue.

The council today announced it was holding a month-long consultation on proposals to change the wide avenue where the library is located.

The proposals include making the junction with Belford Road left-turn only and measures to prevent drivers illegally travelling straight ahead from Beech Grove to Victoria Avenue.

The consultation will focus purely on pedestrians and motorists — even though the council had identified Victoria Avenue as a “priority route” for cycling and announced last year it intended to create segregated cycle lanes 1.5 metres wide and buffer zones on both sides of the avenue.

A letter to residents announcing the consultation said:

“Unfortunately budgetary constraints mean that the previously envisaged cycle lanes cannot be included within this initial phase of this Victoria Avenue scheme.

“Following advice from Active Travel England, we have therefore concentrated on improvements for pedestrians and improvements to the public realm.”

The new proposals include:

It is hoped the work will take place in autumn this year.

Victoria Avenue

Victoria Avenue

Victoria Avenue was regarded as a key part of plans to create a joined-up, off-road cycling route from the train and bus stations to Cardale Park.

But with the second phase of the Otley Road cycleway abandoned, along with traffic calming measures on Beech Grove, today’s news is another blow to those campaigning for a greener town centre better suited to cycling.

Active Travel England, the government body that promotes walking and cycling, awarded the council funding to deliver a scheme on Victoria Avenue  in November 2020.

Today’s announcement said “design development work has been ongoing” since then.

The letter to residents said:

“The works proposed support North Yorkshire Council’s desire and vision to increase active travel in and around Harrogate town centre by proposing a number of measures to increase pedestrian safety as well as improved bus provision.

“Whilst unfortunately is it not possible to include the desired cycle lanes within this proposed scheme, the proposed works will not prevent the installation of the cycle lanes in the future, and this will be the ambition within a future funding bid. North Yorkshire Council is committed to delivering a cycle scheme on Victoria Avenue.

Consultation on the proposals ends on May 12. As part of this, an engagement session will take place from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, May 7 at the council office. The address is Stray Room, St Luke’s Mount, Harrogate HG1 2AE.

To comment, you can email Area6.Boroughbridge@northyorks.gov.uk using ‘Victoria Avenue ATF 2 Consultation’ in the title of your email or letter.

Or post comments to: NYC Highways, Area 6 Boroughbridge Office, Stump Cross, Boroughbridge YO51 9HU

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Harrogate house fire family launches crowdfunding appeal

A Harrogate family whose home was devastated by fire has launched a crowdfunding appeal.

Mikey Donald said his parents’ home insurance had lapsed a month before Friday’s fire, which ripped through the garage and house on Avenue Close in Starbeck.

You can read about the incident here.

In his appeal post, Mr Donald posted photos showing the impact of the fire and said he was “reaching out for support during one of the toughest times my family has faced”.

The car and garage were ruined by fire.

 

The bedroom

He said his dad Mike Donald, 58, was disposing of paperwork when fire broke out:

“A sudden gust of wind sparked a fire that engulfed our garage and home. Miraculously, no one was harmed, but the flames ravaged everything we held dear, leaving behind only memories amidst the ashes.

“To add to the hardship, we learned that our insurance had lapsed just a month before the incident, leaving us vulnerable and without coverage. Now, we’re faced with the daunting task of rebuilding our home from scratch, a journey filled with uncertainty and challenges.”

Mr Donald said his father’s partner Rhona Andrew, 57, was an NHS nurse who had “devoted her life to caring for others” and was awaiting kidney and pancreas transplants due to declining health.

He added his father, a joiner, was “always lending a helping hand in our Starbeck community”.

Mr Donald said:

“Your kindness and support mean everything to us during this dark chapter. Every contribution, no matter the size, will directly aid my dad in rebuilding our family’s home and restoring hope in our hearts. Thank you, from the depths of our souls, for considering to stand by us in our time of need.”

More than 120 people had donated a total of around £2,500 by last night. You can donate here

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Harrogate farm submit plans to create wildlife ponds

Plans have been  submitted to create three wildlife ponds at Breaks Fold Farm in the Washburn Valley.

The farm has submitted the propsoal to North Yorkshire Council to create the ponds, as well as the creation of scrape habitat and associated trenches, dams, spoils.

According to planning documents, the farm covers 90 hectares and the site has been used as agricultural land for more than a century.

The farm also runs a glamping site of tents and campervans. Johnny Vegas previously tried to set up a glamping site on the farm but left after ‘struggling to cope’ with the weather. 

In the application document, questions were raised about how necessary the ponds are for agriculture.

Breaks Fold Farm plans for wildlife ponds

The applicants responded:

“Increasing biodiversity on agricultural holdings through wetland creation provides environmental income, therefore justifiable for the purpose of agriculture.

“Wildlife ponds are designed to provide enriched habitat and contribute to sustainable drainage.”

The Stray Ferret has contacted Breaks Fold Farm for further details but has not yet received a response.

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Harrogate chip shop set for new management

A Harrogate fish and chip shop looks set to come under new management.

The Wharfe of Harrogate published a statement on social media on April 26 announcing it will be “leaving The Wharfes and trading from Bradleys” from May 12.

It is believed the owner of Bradleys fish and chip shops has been running The Wharfe of Harrogate until recently.

The post also said:

“On behalf of The Wharfe, we would like to thank all of our loyal customers who have supported us in the past few years.

“We just wanted to give people the heads up that Saturday, May 11, is our last day at The Wharfe chip shop on Skipton Road.”

The Wharfe of Harrogate is the trading name of Ocean Crown Harrogate Ltd, a company that entered liquidation in February.

According to online public records journal The Gazette, Restart Business Turnaround Insolvency Limited was appointed to wind-up the company on February 29.

A statement of affairs, uploaded to Companies House, shows HMRC was among creditors and was owed more than £228,000 in VAT payments by the company.

Bradleys – which has sites in Starbeck, Northallerton, Scarborough and York – took over the iconic Graveleys of Harrogate unit in February.

It is understood The Wharfe will continue to trade under new management.

The Stray Ferret has tried extensively to contact The Wharfe of Harrogate for further information about the changes, but has received no response.

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Business Breakfast: Boroughbridge business wins employer of the year

Boroughbridge based Green-tech has been awarded the title of ‘Employer of the Year’ at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024.

Green-tech is the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping and forestry products and is based at Rabbit Hill Business Park, just off the A168 near Boroughbridge.

The ProLandscaper Business Awards recognise outstanding achievements and innovation across the landscaping industry.

Green-tech was among six finalists for the award. The awards ceremony was held in London on April 19.

Green-tech’s managing director Kris Nellist said:

“We are incredibly honoured to be named Employer of the Year at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024. Green-tech strives to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where our employees can thrive and reach their full potential. Winning this award not only validates our efforts but is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of the Green-tech team for working to get Green-tech where it is today.”

Harrogate law firm promotes new head of family law

Head of family law at LCF Law, Harjit Rait

A Harrogate law firm has announced a new head of its family law department.

LCF Law’s has confirmed that Harjit Rait will lead the department following her promotion. She is a Resolution accredited specialist family lawyer.

Ms Rait said:

“During my time at LCF Law I have been fortunate to help many people at difficult times in their lives. My clients and my work, are both hugely important to me. In my new role I will continue to work with my own clients and support everyone in the family law team, but I will also become more involved with the strategic development of the department, which is something I’m looking forward to.”

LCF Law’s managing partner, Ragan Montgomery, said:

“I’ve known Harjit since our university days, and I can confidently say she has the right personality and skills for the role. She builds excellent relationships with her clients, is a fabulous networker and is very supportive of the development of others. Her talent for forging and maintaining excellent working relationships during her 22-year legal career will stand her in good stead as she continues to build on the successes of our trusted family law team.”

Theakston’s Brewery continues cricket sponsorship

Simon Theakston, chairman of Theakston’s Brewery.

T&R Theakston is set to sponsor the Nidderdale and District Amateur Cricket League for another season.

The brewery has sponsored the league for over a decade. England Test player Jonny Bairstow and Yorkshire players Ben Coad, Jonny Tattersall and Finlay Bean all started their junior cricket careers in the Nidderdale League.

This year marks the 130th anniversary of the league’s founding, making it one of the oldest and largest village cricket leagues in the country.

Chairman of Theakston’s Brewery, Simon Theakston said:

“We’re very proud to be entering our 15th season of supporting the Theakston Nidderdale Cricket League. The League, under the expert guidance of Sir Thomas, is the cornerstone of North Yorkshire community sporting activity and has been for very many years. Much like the local pub, the village cricket club holds a significant role as a place to feel welcome, to belong, meet friends and share experiences. With Theakston beers on hand to toast their successes and commiserate any losses, we wish the teams taking part in this year’s league all the best for the season ahead.”

Harrogate Clothes Bank announces new Business Club initiative

Harrogate Clothes Bank

Harrogate Clothes Bank  has announced a new business sponsorship club to help support its operations.

The charity, which offers free secondhand clothes to people in need, is looking for business sponsors who can contribute towards their rent.

Based Hornbeam Business Park, the organisation is looking for sponsors who can each donate, or pledge to fundraise, the equivalent of one month’s rent of its warehouse premises.

A spokesperson for the charity said:

“We are 100% funded by charitable donations and rely on support from businesses and the community. Harrogate Clothes Bank is run entirely by volunteers who sort donations, run our public-facing sessions and fundraising events, as well as provide invaluable behind-the-scenes expertise. We serve Harrogate and the surrounding communities and people find us through organisations such as social services, homelessness housing support, food banks, GPs, churches, schools, colleges, refugees and asylum seeker support groups.”

“We could not continue to run our vital service without this amazing local support.”

Jespers manager celebrates 30 years at the store

Jespers of Harrogate’s manager Lynn Cummings outside the shop in the centre of town.

Lynn Cummings is celebrating her 30th year with Harrogate business Jespers.

She joined the firm as a sales assistant on April 18th, 1994, before being promoted to second assistant retail manager two-and-a-half years later.

In 1997, she was sent to manage the York store, and returned to Harrogate in 1999 to take up the role of manager, which she has held since.

Ms Cummings said:

“I’ve seen a lot of changes at Jespers over the three decades. We had manual tills and I remember all the typewriters on display in the shop window. It was a different type of era, more traditional. We used to do printing, rubber stamps, and we had the pen counter, which was seen as a privilege to be asked to work on. Although much has changed, our traditional values of high-quality products and personal customer service remain. And the pen counter is still here, making us one of the few shops in the north of England to display an extensive range of pens that customers can try out.”

Harrogate Town partner with mental health charity

Wellspring-Pitch Positive

Harrogate Town AFC has embarked on a partnership with North Yorkshire mental health charity Wellspring Therapy & Training

The EFL League Two club hosted Wellspring at one of its popular Pitch Positive sessions held at Rossett Sports Centre.

The Pitch Positive evenings, which involve five-a-side football matches followed by informal group discussions over coffee, tea and biscuits, are designed to promote men’s mental health and wellbeing. Wellspring was represented by interim chief executive Nick Garrett and his colleague Robert Beaumont.

Lee McArthur, activity leader of Harrogate Town’s Community Foundation and one of the organisers of Pitch Positive, said:

“Thank you to Wellspring for your time, expertise, and dedication to supporting those navigating mental health challenges. Your presence truly made a difference and we are immensely grateful for the partnership between Pitch Positive and Wellspring.”

Coffee Lounge launches evening opening hours

Tom Gordon & Leda

Westmoreland Coffee Lounge has announced new evening opening hours.

In addition to their usual 8am-4pm hours, the shop will now be open 8am – until late Thursday to Saturday’s serving a range of alcoholic drinks including wine, spirits and cocktails.

Local businesses and residents from Westmoreland St & East Parade attended the launch event on Saturday 20th April.

Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidate, Tom Gordon, attended the launch evening.

He said:

“It was fantastic to be at the launch for Westmoreland Coffee Lounges new evening opening hours,  and supporting Leda & the team. It’s a lovely little spot to work and relax, and it’s one of my regular places – just round the corner from where I live. Their coffee has always been fantastic, and I can confirm their espresso martinis are great too. I’m so thrilled to see this local business thriving & the fantastic turn out for the launch on Saturday evening.”

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Readers’ Letters: ‘Harrogate’s roads are deteriorating before our eyes’

Readers’ Letters 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. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. 

This letter follows news of the Otley Road cycleway in Harrogate being extended.

I use a mobility scooter to go up the pavements to the Co-op.

The pavements are a disgrace – as are the so-called dropped kerbs.

It improves a bit half-way up the road on the cycleway, but I have never actually seen a cyclist on the existing cycleway. Why? Because it’s dangerous and confusing!

The section I use has corrugated concrete which is a nightmare to cross. People with prams and elderly pedestrians also have issues.

I have contacted councillor Keane Duncan several times about the pavements, and the pedestrian crossing on Otley Road near the Prince of Wales roundabout.  He has replied at one stage about the crossing.  But he, and others from Highways, ignore my offer of going out with me on my scooter to let them see the state of pavements. They could use my scooter to see just how difficult it is.

Regarding his idea of buying The Grand Hotel, in Scarborough… I am speechless.

It is a beautiful historic building but does not warrant cllr Duncan spending tax payers’ money on it. Pavements and potholes should be a priority.

Ann Townson, Harrogate

Harrogate’s roads are deteriorating before our eyes…

On the topic of Harrogate roads, this letter bemoans the state of them. Few topics boil our readers’ blood more than potholes, gullies and poor road conditions.

Why, oh, why are our roads disintegrating before our eyes?

Surely the council should be thoroughly embarrassed, considering we live in a town that promotes cycling.

They waste money on harebrained schemes, such as the Gateway, but cannot plan road replacements.

And don’t even get me going about road gully maintenance.

Phil Brown, Harrogate

Ripon is becoming a ‘laughingstock’ with the number of construction projects

This letter responds to several potential and ongoing construction projects in Ripon, including the leisure centre, housing developments and the Cathedral annexe saga.

Ripon is becoming a laughing stock with the number of issues relating to construction projects.

Firstly, the farce of a leisure centre being built on totally unsuitable land.

Then there is the ridiculous state of the road around the Market Square and the housing development built on greenbelt land at the top of South Grange Road.

And now the absolute debacle of the Cathedral annexe.

It is an absolute joke, are the powers that be able to plan, or deliver, a construction project with any level of professionalism?

Tony Sidwell, Ripon

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.

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Photo of the week: sunlight over Swinsty Reservoir

This week’s photograph was taken by Karen Thorpe from Bishop Thorton, capturing the sunlight reflected in the water of Swinsty Reservoir.

Photo of the Week takes centre stage in our new-look nightly email newsletter. The newsletter drops into your inbox every evening at 6pm with all the day’s stories and more. To subscribe, click here.

(Image: Karen Thorpe)

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week. We reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

Should Harrogate have a ‘magnificent’ water feature?

There have been numerous schemes devised over the years to improve Harrogate. Some come to fruition, such as the 19th-century plan to develop a wedge of land called the Crookisnab between the villages of High and Low Harrogate, which resulted in our town centre. Others are not so successful, like the 1970 traffic management plan that included a flyover passing close to the Majestic Hotel. 

But one that keeps cropping up time and again is the dream of creating a grand water feature somewhere in the town centre. 

In 1946, the town council spent £100 on erecting a fountain to emphasise the importance of water to Harrogate, but it was soon turned off to save power and eventually scrapped. 

A few years later, the council re-introduced a water feature as part of its reconstruction of Station Square, but that was eventually filled in.

Photo taken circa 1950 of Station Square, showing the water features that were later filled in.

Photo taken circa 1950 of Station Square, showing the water feature that was later filled in. Photo: Vik Lokie/Walker-Neesam Archive.

Then in 1992, when the area outside the Victoria Quarter remodelled, developer Speyhawk incorporated pools and fountains, but these too were later removed. 

Just over a decade ago, developer Lateral unveiled a scheme to pedestrianise Parliament Street and reroute through-traffic via a hairpin bend round the Pump Room. That scheme – which failed to find much support – also included water features at various places around town. 

Most recently, the original Harrogate Station Gateway plans envisaged water jets shooting vertically out of a plaza on Station Parade, but that part of the plan was also dropped. 

Photo taken around 1992 showing the fountains that were part of the original Victoria Shopping Centre design, but which were removed a few years later.

The fountains that were part of the original Victoria Shopping Centre design in 1992 were removed a few years later. Photo: Walker-Neesam Archive.

But why the recurring interest in something so apparently inessential? A nice-to-have, rather than a need-to-have? 

Well, it all comes down to identity. Look around most towns and cities and the reason for their location is usually fairly obvious. Some are on a defensible hill or a navigable inlet, and go to the heart of almost any large settlement and you’ll see a river running through it.

But spa towns are different. Towns like Harrogate have no castle, harbour or river, and their origin or purpose is not immediately obvious. A water feature, it has been argued, could remedy that, acting as a focus for Harrogate’s identity and embodying its Latin motto – arx celebris fontibus – a citadel famous for its springs.

The late Malcolm Neesam, Harrogate’s historian par excellence, clearly gave the matter a lot of thought. When asked by the Stray Ferret in 2021 how he would improve Harrogate, he included prominent fountains on his wish-list. 

He said: 

“The time is well overdue to provide Harrogate with some magnificent water features to celebrate its Spa past.” 

He described his vision: 

“Given unlimited funding, I would add something so spectacular as to make visitors arriving at the town’s centre gasp with wonderment.”

Of the gardens on Prospect Place, in front of the Yorkshire Hotel and Hotel du Vin, he said: 

“I would introduce at least four multi-bowled cascade fountains to advertise Harrogate as the original Spadacrene Anglica – the English spa fountain – which would be illuminated at night, and of such a design as to ensure the minimum side-effects from wind. Along the low row of boundary stones, which separate the gardens from the footpath, I would add a long ornamental railing, which would be attractive to the eye and useful in emphasising that pedestrians should remain on the path.”

The intention would be to announce to people coming into the town from the south: “This is a spa town. Water is why it exists”. 

At the last attempt, the general idea gained a fair amount of public support. In the second round of public consultation on Harrogate Station Gateway Public in 2021, comments mentioning the water feature element of the proposals were largely positive. A typical comment read: 

“There should be a public fountain like in European cities. Water features are great for well-being.” 

Another said: 

“These are fantastic and interactive. They have been very successful in places like Kings Cross, Manchester and Bradford. Please include this in the final scheme.” 

Photo of the fountains in City Park, Bradford.

The fountains in City Park, Bradford. Photo: Creative Commons/Phil Champion.

But some were less enthusiastic, for example: 

“Water features especially usually attract litter and anti-social behaviour (see Bradford and its lake, for example). Too many of schemes like this just produce what looks like clutter in reality, as opposed to pretty impressions.” 

Another gave it a firm “no”, adding: 

“It would be very difficult to prevent children getting wet and Harrogate is a windy town, so spray would blow all over.” 

Andrew Brown, interim chair of Harrogate Civic Society, is inclined to agree. Speaking to the Stray Ferret in a personal capacity, he said: 

“I was not a fan of that proposal. I quite like the idea of waterjets in public places, but Station Square was not the right location. It’s a relatively small space and fairly shadowed, even in the summer.” 

But he does like the broader idea. He said: 

“It would be very appropriate for Harrogate to have one or more water features, but it would very much depend on what form it would take. It could take many forms in different locations, and its form might also be influenced by its location.” 

Sites other than Station Square and Prospect Gardens could feasibly include the area around the Cenotaph, Montpellier Gardens, Crescent Gardens (in front of the old council offices) and the heart of the shopping district, where Cambridge Street opens up into Market Place. 

For Matthew Chapman, manager of Harrogate BID (business improvement district), the idea could provide a welcome – and Continental – boost to Harrogate’s social and cultural life. He said: 

“We’d be fully in support of such a proposal that celebrates the heritage and traditions of Harrogate. 

“If we look at some of the highest-performing European cities, they all have an excellent public realm offer. Cities like Rome, Krakow and Paris all have main squares where people can congregate, and where different partners – policing, the council, street cleansing – all work together towards a shared vision. Harrogate needs that too.” 

Cllr Sam Gibbs, who represents the Valley Gardens & Central Harrogate Division on North Yorkshire Council, is more measured in his enthusiasm for the notion, but ultimately open to suggestions. He said: 

“It’s not a terrible idea, but it would really depend on where it was, how much it would cost, and who would be responsible for it.

“I supported the original plans for the Station Gateway, and a key part of that was improvements like these to the public realm.

“I’m all for things that smarten up the town centre. If we can attract more footfall and encourage people to stay here, that can only be a good thing.”

He added:

“If it’s part of a wider conversation about how we encourage people into the town, as far as I’m concerned, nothing’s off the table.”

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How will North Yorkshire’s mayor help the economy?

Investment, attracting business and growing the economy – that has been the mantra for most of the candidates vying to become the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

For all the six people contesting the position, each of them has sought to push their credentials for how they would help to grow the county’s economy and attract enterprise.

Some have emphasised their business background, while others have opted for ambitious pledges to regenerate parts of North Yorkshire.

However, the powers afforded to the mayor to directly support enterprise appear limited and much of their influence may come from “championing” the region to attract investment.

The Stray Ferret has covered the mayoral race extensively. In this article, we look at how a mayor can support the local economy and what they can do to boost investment.

The economic future of North Yorkshire

When the devolution deal for York and North Yorkshire was announced, politicians described it as a “watershed” moment for the region.

Much of the emphasis on the deal, which included the introduction of a combined authority, was about investment. Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, described it in August 2022 as an opportunity to drive “future prosperity and much better opportunities”.

The devolution agreement included a £540 million mayoral investment fund over 30 years – which the mayor themselves can use to help stimulate business, should they wish to.

James Farrar.

James Farrar.

When the Stray Ferret interviewed James Farrar, director of economy and interim head of paid service at York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, last month, he said the mayor would invest “a huge amount of money in the economic future” of the region.

He said:

“These are investments in transport, skills, housing and business which will have an impact on the future lives of residents across York and North Yorkshire.

“It’s the first time we have had one of these economic mayors. They have a huge amount of money to invest and a huge amount of responsibilities.”

Economic powers

So, how could the mayor boost the economy and attract investment?

The role comes with powers over transport, adult education and skills, as well as the ability to set up a mayoral development corporation to regenerate specific areas in North Yorkshire.

But, much of the power to attract investment and enterprise appears to rely on the influence associated with the mayor. In other words, the responsibility for “banging the drum” for the county.

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Dr Richard Hayton, associate professor of politics at the University of Leeds, told the Stray Ferret that the powers afforded to the mayor would have a “limited capacity” for them to directly help the economy.

However, he added that they would have the ability to help co-ordinate other sectors to drive further investment.

Dr Hayton said:

“On their own the mayor will only have a limited capacity to directly boost the economy. 

“However, hopefully a key role for the mayor will be to act as a champion for the region who can attract investment for example by co-ordinating different parts of the public and private sector to work together towards key objectives.”

Perhaps the closest and most recent example of this is the new £26.5 million railway station at the White Rose Centre in Leeds.

While the scheme is not directly funded by Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, it is a scheme led by West Yorkshire Combined Authority – which Ms Brabin chairs – and includes private developers Munroe K and Spencer Group.

Ms Brabin has been seen championing the project by backing the scheme in public statements and visiting the site, which aligns with the idea that metro mayors are seen as a “figurehead” for their region.

Tracy Brabin pictured at the construction site of the White Rose station. Picture: West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Tracy Brabin pictured at the construction site of the White Rose station. Picture: West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Dr Andrew Mycock, chief policy fellow at the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network, told the Stray Ferret that the regional champion role of the mayor was important.

He said Ms Brabin in particular does “a lot of advocacy work” and has a public image which people in turn associate with the region.

Dr Mycock said:

“It is something that has been positive. You look at Tracy Brabin, she has a strong public role.

“A lot of her role is about advocacy.”

He added that, economically, whoever is elected mayor of North Yorkshire will also be expected to work closely with West Yorkshire.

Dr Mycock pointed to the government’s devolution deal for North Yorkshire, which emphasises that the combined authority should “explore opportunities for further collaboration” with authorities such as West Yorkshire.

He said:

“The challenge for candidates is that the economy is more diverse than most. You have got York, but you also have rural and coastal communities.

“One area [for the mayor] will be that they will have to work closely with the West Yorkshire mayor. The government has included strong conventions in the deal that they have to work with West Yorkshire.”

The election campaign to be North Yorkshire first mayor has been filled with pledges to boost the economy.

Some have promised High Street funds, others want to buy hotels and many believe they are the right person to attract private investment and business.

While the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire may not be able to directly affect how the economy performs, they will have responsibility for ensuring that those who do have that power invest in the county.

Harrogate’s ‘best kept secret’ club has just appointed its first female president

It’s perhaps one of Harrogate’s best kept secrets, a private members’ club first established in the 19th century, tucked away in one of the beautiful properties on Victoria Avenue.

But inside the walls that house The Harrogate Club, significant events are taking place; they’ve appointed their next club president and honorary secretary – and they’re both women.

Fiona Movley, the chair of Harrogate International Festivals, was elected as president by unopposed members’ vote on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, alongside Catherine Wormald who took up the mantle of honorary secretary.

This is the first time in the club’s history that a woman has held either position which is no small feat considering it has been in existence since 1857.

(L) Fiona Movley (R) Catherine Wormald

This appointment is timely, not in the least because another notable historical club, the Garrick in London, has recently announced that it is revising its men-only policy, which has been in place since 1831.

Following public backlash after a leaked list published by The Guardian revealed that many of the members were involved in promoting inclusivity and diversity – while being part of an organisation that has denied women acceptance for nearly 200 years – the notoriously secretive club had to break its silence on the matter.

In this respect, The Harrogate Club is ahead of the curve; women have been able to join since 2012 and to date, they have a diverse membership of nearly 200 people, with an age range from mid-twenties to mid-nineties.

However, Fiona’s recent presidential appointment marks a new chapter in the history of the club, and one that is another step forward for progression.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret, she explained:

“As the first female president of the Harrogate Club, along with Catherine Wormald, the first female honorary secretary, we’re thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone in the Club’s rich history.

“Times have certainly changed. We have recently introduced a variety of new events and offerings to enhance the Club experience. The response has been wonderful, resulting in a surge of interest in membership, reaffirming The Club’s relevance and appeal.”

‘A public reading and news room’

Not only would a woman never have dared to darken the door of The Harrogate Club in the 19th century, but membership was strictly limited to wealthy, white men.

36 Victoria Avenue (Image: The Harrogate Club)

The club was first established in the lounge of Gascoigne’s Hotel on February 13, 1857, as a way for esteemed members of the Yorkshire business elite to meet up, read and discuss newspapers and journals.

It proved to be a popular concept, attracting the attention of businessmen across the region and beyond; so much so that the hotel built a billiard room for the club to enhance their entertainment options.

In 1885 the club moved to 36 Victoria Avenue, where its headquarters can still be found today. While it has still retained much of its historical charm and period features, there have been some modern updates throughout the years, such as the introduction of Wi-Fi.

That might not sound revolutionary, but many private clubs still don’t allow their members to use phones, and laptops have to be left at the door.

The club has still maintained its period features (Image: The Harrogate Club)

The Harrogate Club, however, puts the emphasis on being a social place where members have the option to chat, relax or quietly work – therefore internet access is a welcome inclusion.

Notable club members

One of the first members of The Harrogate Club was Sir Titus Salt, mayor of Bradford and the industrialist behind the creation of Salt Mill and Saltaire model village. He joined with his brother Henry in 1857.

Cuthbert Brodrick, the architect who designed many iconic Yorkshire buildings, including Leeds Town Hall, the Corn Exchange, and Scarborough’s Grand Hotel, also was known to attend, as was engineer and inventor Samson Fox.

It wasn’t just industrial giants; Arthur Conan Doyle’s name crops up in the visitor’s ledger, and it’s rumoured, although not confirmed, that J.R. Tolkien may have even crossed the threshold.

(L) Samson Fox (M) Titus Salt (R) Cuthbert Broderick (Image: The Harrogate Club)

Today, members come from a diverse range of businesses, backgrounds, and locations. Individuals don’t have to be a Harrogate resident to join – but there is a waiting list, and hopefuls have to be approved before they can count themselves amongst the ranks.

Present day and the future

It’s clear that The Harrogate Club has been through many changes over the years, transforming from an exclusive group for prominent gentlemen to a club that strives towards diversity, according to their newly appointed president.

While the opening of the club to female members in 2012 might still be classed as relatively recent history, many equivalent organisations up and down the country are still yet to take this step.

Now, with the appointment of the first female president and honour secretary, The Harrogate Club has reaffirmed their statement of intent to respect the club’s history, while adapting for the times.

Inside the dining room of The Harrogate Club (Image: The Harrogate Club)

Fiona added:

“Since 1857 the Club has provided a welcoming space for members to connect and exchange ideas. Preserving this tradition as a private members club is a priority for us, while also embracing diversity and celebrating the different cultures that make our club special.

“Today the club blends tradition with modern lifestyles, catering to all. It’s truly remarkable to think that the visionaries of Harrogate established the building as a club, and now, generations later, it continues to serve its original purpose.”

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