Harrogate man Rod Findlay takes a minute out of each day to take stock of where he is — working with one of the best views of one of Britain’s finest stately homes, Castle Howard.

Breathtaking as the estate is, with more than 200 listed buildings and monuments set over around 8,800 acres, there is much to do to ensure Castle Howard retains its prestigious reputation for generations to come.

The estate, 15 miles north of York, has been home to the Howard family for 300 years and is rich in history. The Great Fire of 1940 devastated the building decades ago and, more recently, covid has proved hugely disruptive.

Castle Howard’s worldwide reputation, enhanced by its many screen appearances in films such as Brideshead Revisited, meant it relied heavily on international visitors, mainly from China, so covid restrictions hit visitor numbers dramatically.

With every cloud comes a silver lining, though. Covid also made people want to seek out local places of beauty they had previously taken for granted, and the challenge now is to capitalise on that.

Mr Findlay started his career in law before moving into leadership roles in sports such as rugby league, golf and cycling. His current role as chief operating officer and company secretary at Castle Howard presents numerous challenges. He said:

Rod Findlay enjoys nothing more than a walk with his dogs.

“It’s really varied. You know, one day you are talking about Santa Claus and the next day you are talking about the long-term strategic vision for Castle Howard.

“That is interesting to me. We have a really ambitious plan to turn the house around. In the last few years we have done some work to look at the heritage deficit here.

“To look at Castle Howard, it’s a beautiful house but it needs investment.

“The mausoleum on the outskirts of the estate needs £18 million, the house needs £50 million, the gatehouse needs £15 million.

“It is a 300-year-old house so it needs continual investment. This is a long-term vision and requires a major change in our approach as we won’t get that money by putting up the price of scones.”

More than a house

Profit from the estate is invested in areas such as reports, conservation and restoration.

Castle Howard posted a loss of £2.1 million in its 2020 financial year, but recorded a profit the following year of £5.7 million.

A major reason for that quick turnaround was £7.5 million in upwards property revaluation on Castle Howard’s investment property portfolio, which is made up of the estate, residential accommodation and the holiday park.

So if an opportunity arose to expand its property portfolio in areas identified for development in the Ryedale Local Plan, Castle Howard would be keen to get involved.

The estate has bid to develop four areas of its 8,800 acres, which is made up largely of farmland and woodland.

There is, Mr Findlay says, a severe need for housing in the area surrounding the estate:

“We have a waiting list to get into our properties of 180 people. So it’s clear there are a lot of people who want to live and work in the area but they can’t find those opportunities.

“So if we increase the housing stock there’s another benefit as we can invest that money back into the estate, which also benefits the local economy.

“The first job is to get these properties included in the local plan, as it is currently listed as farmland. Then we can start work with a developer to bring them to life.

“We are keen to keep some control over the look and feel of these properties while the developments need to be responsible and sustainable.”

Can Harrogate improve its events?

Mr Findlay, who is originally from Newcastle, moved to Harrogate in 2014.

He has always enjoyed living in the town but the open spaces of Valley Gardens, Crimple Valley and the Stray enhanced his appreciation during covid lockdowns.

Castle Howard is embracing new kinds of events.

Mr Findlay believes the town should embrace more larger events. He said:

“I do think those large events will drive people.

“We certainly have seen that at Castle Howard where, we have attracted visitors we perhaps otherwise wouldn’t get with events like Cafe Mambo, Duran Duran and the Chemical Brothers.

“This attracts a demographic we’re not necessarily seeing. Harrogate shouldn’t shy away from those events, even if the town had a mixed experience like with the UCI.

“People should remember the positive benefits of those large scale events and I feel we should be using our incredible public spaces to that end all year round, weather depending.”

What next for Castle Howard?

Building work began at Castle Howard in 1699 but it took more than 100 years to complete, spanning the lives of three earls.

The estate has seen a lot in that time. While Castle Howard works well as a visitor attraction with around 250,000 expected annually, it’s clear the leadership will not rest on its laurels.

Mr Findlay and his team work for the Howard family, specifically Nicholas Howard and Victoria Barnsley, who are heavily involved in the business and its direction. He said:

“The family wants to make sure this is a place welcoming visitors for many years to come. It’s that long term vision which is important, we are talking about developments we will never see.”

Christmas is coming to Castle Howard.

There are lots of reasons to visit Castle Howard this year with Stately Superstitions: Eerie Encounters at the Castle from October 21 to 31 and Into the Woods: A Fairytale Christmas from November 12 to January 2.

Scrutiny of North Yorkshire Police’s use of force in custody is “not good enough”, say inspectors.

An inspection report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services found that scrutiny and quality assurance could not show that force used was “necessary, justified and proportionate”.

Inspectors also found that recording in custody records was “often poor” and important information, including reasons for decisions such as the removal of clothing, is “sometimes missing”.

They added that a review of CCTV found that incidents “weren’t always managed well, and techniques weren’t always used correctly”.

In a report published today, inspectors said:

“The force’s governance and oversight of the use of force in custody isn’t good enough.

“Although there is some scrutiny and quality assurance of incidents, the information that supports this scrutiny is inaccurate.

“This means North Yorkshire Police can’t show that when force is used in custody it is necessary, justified and proportionate.”

However, the report did find that officers interacted respectfully with detainees and were “patient and reassuring”.

It also found that the standard of care offered by custody staff to detainees was “very good”.

The inspection was carried out into the force’s custody suites during June and July this year. There are custody suites in York, Harrogate and Scarborough

In the report, inspectors raised two causes for concern which included scrutiny of use of force and managing detainee risk.

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Recommendations were made to improve scrutiny of use of force and to mitigate the risk of detainees in custody.

Police response

In response to the report, Elliot Foskett, North Yorkshire’s assistant chief constable (pictured above), said:

“We welcome the HMICFRS report, as it helps us to further understand how we can continue to improve our custody provision here in North Yorkshire Police.

“Working within the legislative framework, our absolute priority is the safety and welfare of detainees, avoiding any adverse level of risk.

“It is acknowledged that some processes, such as the recording of information, are not of the highest possible standard and this is something we have already started to look at.

“We are pleased the HMICFRS has recognised we have good measures in place to oversee the safe and respectful provision of custody.

“It’s also good to see the acknowledgement of the good work of our custody staff in relation to how they deal with detainees respectfully, patiently, and reassuringly, recognising the array of diverse needs.”

The majority of people support controversial changes to the number of fire engines based in Harrogate, according to consultation documents.

North Yorkshire Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe confirmed yesterday Harrogate fire station will be reduced to one fire engine at night as part of a three-year blueprint for countywide fire services.

However, the station will have two fully operational appliances during the day rather than the current model of just one plus a smaller tactical response vehicle.

Ms Metcalfe’s decision followed a three-month consultation in which concerns were expressed that the loss of a second appliance from 10pm to 9am could put lives at risk.

But her 207-page consultation report, published yesterday, said 46% of respondents to an online survey supported the changes to Harrogate fire station whereas 40% oppose them.

The report, however, also said 53% of respondents whose closest fire station is Harrogate disagreed with the changes. Additionally, it highlighted opposition within focus groups held as part of the consultation.

It said:

“Those who supported the proposals did so on the grounds that they are evidence-based and represent a better use of resources in offering better capability during the day when needed.

“However, even if they understood the rationale behind it, most focus group participants ultimately opposed the proposals.

“The main worries were around the ability to provide an adequate nighttime response, especially to incidents requiring two or more appliances. Related to this, many questionnaire comments centred on the potential for more severe incidents at night, including house fires.”

Zoe Metcalfe and fire officials answer questions about her proposals.

Ms Metcalfe also suggested some people over-estimate the number of fires in North Yorkshire. She said:

“There is also some very different views of what and how high is the service’s demand versus the reality.

“The fact is that in North Yorkshire we are lucky that our service’s demand is low by comparison to the rest of the country. Moreover, what they attend has changed significantly, with fires making up a smaller proportion than before.”

The consultation, which ran for 12 weeks from May 23, 2022 to August 14, 2022, cost £30,000.

Savings made by the changes will be used to fund fire prevention work and boost on-call fire stations in rural areas.

North Yorkshire Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe has today confirmed Harrogate fire station will be reduced to one fire engine at night.

Ms Metcalfe’s decision comes after a three-month consultation that saw the proposal criticised for putting lives at risk.

The move is expected to save £180,000 in the Harrogate district, which will be used to fund fire prevention work, and could see five Harrogate firefighters redeployed to new prevention roles.

The Harrogate changes will be piloted for three years and then could be copied in Scarborough.

Ms Metcalfe, a Conservative who was elected commissioner last year, published her three-year blueprint for fire services in the county in May.

Today’s announcement will also see Huntington full-time fire station reduced to on-call, leaving North Yorkshire with just four full-time fire stations: Harrogate, Scarborough, York and Acomb.

Change is coming to Harrogate fire station, on Skipton Road.

It follows a consultation that included 12 public events, three resident focus groups and an online survey which received 1,300 responses.

Me Metcalfe said:

“Some areas of the service will change, and I know change can be unsettling, but I remain confident that the right people, with be in the right place, with the right equipment at the right time, to support everyone in North Yorkshire and York.”

“I have made these decisions to support the transformation of our fire and rescue service based on extensive evidence and from listening to what is important to you, which you said was increasing and enhancing prevention and protection work to stop incidents from happening in the first place”

How Harrogate fire service will change

Currently, Harrogate fire station has one fire engine which can respond to all emergencies and a smaller tactical response vehicle. Both operate around the clock.

The smaller vehicle will be replaced by a larger fire engine but it will only be crewed during the day.

Ms Metcalfe’s risk and resource model said more fires occur during daytime, and having two fire engines at Harrogate would provide better daytime protection at key times.

But the second Harrogate appliance won’t be staffed between 10pm and 9am, meaning greater dependence on on-call firefighters in Knaresborough when a second fire engine is required at major incidents.

Jonathan Dyson

Jonathan Dyson, chief fire officer for North Yorkshire, said Ms Metcalfe’s proposals provided the correct strategic approach to resourcing fire risk. The service has a £31.5m annual budget for core spending.

He said:

“Our strong focus on prevention and protection activities are the primary way for us to reduce risk in our communities.”

Mr Dyson told the Stray Ferret second appliances from outside Harrogate were already mobilised to tackle major fires in Harrogate because they were better equipped to do so than the tactical response vehicle.

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But he acknowledged the change could “potentially” cause a delay when the main Harrogate fire engine attended an incident and requested back-up, which would now have to come from Knaresborough rather than Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service does not have target response times and no calculations have been done on how long delays brought about by the changes could be.

Job talks to start with Harrogate firefighters

Asked about the impact on Harrogate firefighters, Mr Dyson said:

“We now start a phased approach to the changes because we now need to discuss and engage with the trade unions, we need to discuss and engage with the crews that are affected by this because people are at the centre of this.

“No current staff or jobs are at jeopardy in any form. We are transitioning resources from response into prevention and protection.

“There are a range of duty systems that can introduced to meet the demand that the service requires under the commissioner’s decision.”

Mr Dyson added today’s overall measures had the “potential” to save £1.5m a year across North Yorkshire by 2025 although the calculation was done before recent high inflation.

He added the decision “isn’t about cuts, it’s about transition of funding from response into prevention” and savings would also be spent on improving on call stations in rural areas.

Yorkshire Water is to give low-income households in the Harrogate district £70 payments to help with the cost of living crisis.

The company announced today it will automatically award the payment to customers on its social tariffs.

It comes as people across the district has seen energy bills increase and the price of goods and services hike with inflation.

Yorkshire Water said that up to 45,000 people will receive an automatic discount on their bills. However, it also estimates that a further 200,000 could be eligible for support.

Angie Markham–Nock, customer support manager at Yorkshire Water, said: 

“We know a lot of customers are worried about money at the moment and we’re seeing more people than ever benefit from our financial support schemes. We hope this £70 payment will provide some relief to households across Yorkshire this year.

“We don’t want our customers to worry about paying their next bill – our financial support schemes are there to help and can provide some relief to those who need it.”

The company has urged people who may be eligible for a discount to get in touch. You can find out more information on the support on water bills here.

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Two gritters powered by electricity are to join North Yorkshire’s winter fleet to save money and reduce carbon emissions.

The North Yorkshire County Council-owned company NY Highways has bought the gritters, which are supplied by Dorking-based Bucher Municipal.

According to the council, the vehicles have an anticipated fuel saving of up to 20 per cent compared to standard, diesel-powered gritters. It said in a media release:

“The gritting bodies which deploy the salt will run on an electric battery that can charge in just over 30 minutes. The battery will be able to do multiple runs before needing to be recharged.”

North Yorkshire has a 5,753-mile network of roads. The council’s winter gritting programme to maintain key routes lasts from October to April.

Cllr Keane Duncan

Cllr Keane Duncan, the council’s executive member for highways and transportation, said:

“The electric-bodied gritters are a first for the council’s winter service delivery.

“Innovation is high on our agenda and it is another way we are showing our commitment to achieving net carbon neutrality by 2030.

“The two gritters don’t have any hydraulics which mean there’s less chance of mechanical failure. This increased reliability is vital when we are against the clock trying to deliver the best winter service that we can.”

Picture shows: From left, Andrew Park and Chris Mitchell of Bucher Municipal, Nigel Smith, head of highway operations at North Yorkshire County Council, Rory Hanrahan and Craig Winter of NY Highways, and Mike Francis, operations manager at NY Highways.

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Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Econ Engineering has invested £250,000 in a new robot laser MIG welder for its Ripon manufacturing base.

The company, which makes more than eight out of 10 winter maintenance vehicles on UK roads, is using the innovative machine to turn out cut and welded ‘din plates’ — the mounting used to attach plough blades to the front of gritters.

Creating din plates is a labour-intensive process and by automating this method, Econ says its team of welders can now concentrate on more intricate but less time-consuming jobs.

Econ Engineering managing director Jonathan Lupton said:

“Our new robot, which has already become a valued addition to the welding section, is now undertaking the more mundane but time-consuming jobs, which is allowing the welders to perform more interesting tasks.

“It is a superb piece of kit, and watching it work is just incredible. Several of our staff are currently being trained in how to programme and operate it, and in time it will be able to perform different welding tasks.”

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Estate agent Tim Waring joins GSC Grays

GSC Grays in Boroughbridge has welcomed housing expert Tim Waring to its team.

Mr Waring is a chartered surveyor and RICS registered valuer who has 30 years of experience working in the Yorkshire property market.

He will be based at the recently opened GSC Grays office in Boroughbridge and said he is relishing the challenge of a new role.

“I am delighted to be joining GSC Grays at an exciting time for the company as they continue to expand and grow and I am looking forward to being part of their journey.

“There is always going be, in a tough economic climate, a flight to quality and the prime residential property market in Yorkshire will continue to thrive. It remains a fact that quality always sells.”

Guy Coggrave, managing director at GSC Grays, added:

“We are thrilled to be adding Tim’s extensive skills and unrivalled experience to our new office at Boroughbridge. At GSC Grays, our mission is to bring extraordinary people together to deliver an outstanding service and the quality of our staff is the key to our success.”

Runners from across the Harrogate district will descend on the capital this weekend for the 42nd London Marathon.

Held in October for the third time because of the impact of the covid pandemic, it will see 40,000 people cover the 26.2-mile route around the city, with a further 10,000 expected to take part virtually around the country.

The Stray Ferret is sharing the stories of local participants in the run-up to the event on Sunday, October 2.

If you’re taking part and would like to be included, email details to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Record attempt for unicorn runner

Jeremie Maillard from Harrogate will have two challenges in front of him as he crosses the start line on Sunday.

First, he will need to complete the distance – and second, he hopes to become the fastest runner to complete the course dressed as a mythical creature.

The Guinness World Record attempt is not his first foray into costumed running. Jeremie said:

“Having run London Marathon several times over the years, having completed it once dressed as a Ninja Turtle, I absolutely love the support from the crowd. So why not combining the running experience whilst fundraising for a great cause?

“If you see a unicorn on a practice ride ahead of the big day in October, you are not dreaming. You might not recognise the runner under the mask, but be sure that I will be sweating whilst struggling to see through my nostrils.”

Jeremie has already surpassed his £250 fundraising target for the Alzheimer’s Research UK, and donations are still coming in. To sponsor him, click here.

Early Bird runner takes on challenge for hospice

A Harrogate man will show his gratitude to the hospice that cared for his father by raising funds this weekend.

Nick Page’s father Warren was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and underwent treatment for more than five years.

In early 2021, he was placed under the care of the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice community team, who provided help to Warren and his wife. Nick said:

“As his health deteriorated, it was November that year he recognised the need for more specialist care and was admitted to the hospice for what turned out to be his last two weeks.

“At that time, for us as a family, the word hospice had negative connotations and it was initially a battle to be able to talk about.

“The reality was very different from what I had envisaged. Yes it is a medical setting but with a calm and empathetic atmosphere and the staff were incredibly kind and supportive.

“Covid restrictions were in place at that time, however, we were always welcomed and had great comfort knowing that Dad was in safe hands and I believe that his last days and hours were peaceful.”

Nick’s daughter India, now nine months old, was born just two weeks after his father’s funeral in January this year. The whole family has continued to receive support from Sue Ryder this year.

Nick has also found comfort from a running group in Harrogate, which has helped to inspire his marathon training too. He said:

“I joined the Early Bird Run Crew, who run every morning in Harrogate. It was established with the primary goal of improving mental and physical health and has given me the opportunity to use exercise as an outlet.

“The crew are a really encouraging group of people and this has helped me push myself with my training and preparation for running the marathon.

“Through the friendships that have been formed I’ve not done a long training run alone and one of the crew, Andy, will be running the marathon with me. With mental health now being a regular topic of conversation, we will sometimes go for a coffee (or a beer) and talk openly about mental health.

“It’s been a great support and the driver behind me completing a Mental Health First Aid course as well as becoming a wellbeing ambassador at my place of work because I want to channel my experiences into helping others in a similar situation.”

To donate to Nick’s fundraising, click here.

Marathon efforts for friends of young cancer patient

A former Ripon Grammar School pupil will run the London Marathon this weekend to support her friend who has been going through gruelling cancer treatment.

Lucy Verity, who left the school in 2018, was diagnosed with the rare bone cancer Ewing Sarcoma in January last year. She has undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as having 21 blood transfusions.

The young Masham resident has already raised more than £35,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which has supported her through her treatment, and the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

Her friend Ruby Beardsall, right, will run the marathon this weekend, while her brother Oliver will take on the York Marathon later in October.

Lucy’s mum Gaynor said:

“Bone cancer is a brutal cancer and needs a very aggressive treatment regime.

“We couldn’t have got through the last 19 months without the support of the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) and its dedicated link nurse. At the moment the charity can’t reach all the patients it would like to due to lack of funding.

“The Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT), based in Leeds, receives no government funding and every penny raised counts towards research and providing support and information on bone cancer.”

To donate to Lucy’s fundraising, click here.

Running in memory of Dad

Knaresborough runner Tom Kilmurray will be raising money for the MS Society in memory of his father, Bob, who died from the illness last year.

Bob had been diagnosed with MS 16 years earlier and was cared for by his wife, Tom’s mum. In his younger days, Bob was a runner too, and Knaresborough Striders member Tom is following in his footsteps.

Bob Kilmurray, left, completing the London Marathon in 1983 and son Tom in training this year

Tom said:

“I really wanted to do something in memory of my dad and show support to other carers out there like my mum. Like me, running was big part of my dad’s life and in 1983 he ran the London Marathon in three hours and six minutes.

“It has been awful to see someone who was so active and energetic slowly deteriorate, plus watch the strain it put on my mum, who was my dad’s full-time carer for the last few years of his life. Running London has been a long-held ambition but running in my dad’s footsteps for this charity will be extra special.”

A familiar face at local Parkruns, Tom has set himself a target of £2,000. To sponsor Tom, click here.

Former Ripon pupil supporting women’s rights in Afghanistan

A former Ripon Grammar School pupil is preparing to run the marathon on Sunday to help protect some of the most vulnerable people in the world.

Edward Lyons, who left the school in 2016 for a degree in politics, philosophy and economics at King’s College, London, is raising money for Afghanaid.

Having since worked as a Treasury economist, he said the charity is close to his heart:

“Afghanaid works with marginalised groups in the Afghan community, helping to provide emergency aid, and assisting communities with resources and education to help support them through political turmoil, human rights atrocities, and other devastating challenges.

“Having experienced first-hand the monumental effort of colleagues in Her Majesty’s Treasury to support vulnerable citizens from Afghanistan via the Afghan Resettlement Scheme, this is something I feel extremely passionate about.”

As well as hoping to raise more than £1,500, Ed is aiming for a sub-three hour marathon. He said his own experiences of fundraising events at school have helped to inspire him to continue doing what he can to support good causes.

His passion for economics and politics led him to set up the RGS Politics Society while in sixth form, driving him towards his future career.

Harrogate’s high care costs are being compounded by the cost of living crisis as bosses warn that they have no choice but to pass on some of the “colossal” price rises to residents.

With care homes being hit by huge increases in energy and food prices, the average weekly cost of a residential care home in the district is now £1,029.

That figure remains the highest in North Yorkshire and is equivalent to almost £54,000 a year.

The climbing costs come at a time of significant workforce pressures as care homes continue to rely upon agency staff and constantly recruit to try to fill vacancies.

Sue Cawthray, chief executive of care charity Harrogate Neighbours, described the price rises as “colossal” and said further increases in insurance costs and workers’ wages were adding to the pressures of keeping care services running.

Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours

She added that the only way for care homes to be able to keep their costs down was for the government to provide more funding and support for services.

Ms Cawthray said:

“There is a serious shortage of funding in health and social care.

“This has been going on year after year and the situation is only getting worse as more people get older and need to go into care.”

After years of funding cuts and promises to fix the broken care system, the government earlier this year announced a new £86,000 cap on the amount anyone will have to spend on care over their lifetime.

This was due to be funded by a 1.25% rise in National Insurance, however, the tax rise was reversed by prime minister Liz Truss and funding will now come from general taxation.

The price cap and other measures are to be tested out as part of a “trailblazer” scheme which has seen North Yorkshire County Council chosen as one of six local authorities to introduce the reforms several months ahead of elsewhere.

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There are, however, questions over when this will begin next year and if it will entail a huge bill for the county council.

Aside from the trial, Cllr Michael Harrison, executive member for health and adult services at the authority, said it was doing “everything possible” to support the care sector, although he added these efforts were being made “within the constraints of the funding allocated by central government”.

He said:

“We continue to make the case to the government for comprehensive reform and funding of social care.

“The council is implementing a three-year deal to address the actual cost of care provided by care homes, ahead of many other local authorities.

“We are now working with the sector on a similar long-term plan for home care.”

Meanwhile, the county council has further plans to build an extra care facility after purchasing a £1.8 million plot of land at Harrogate’s Cardale Park, and there are also proposals to introduce “micro-providers” in more rural areas.

Cllr Harrison added: 

“In the Harrogate area, we are pursuing several projects to try to improve market conditions, including identifying potential new opportunities to provide care directly.

“We are also hoping to see the introduction of micro-providers in rural areas and are working with care providers to pilot new workforce models, attracting people to the sector with the prospect of the rewarding careers which can result from caring for others.”

A holiday operator has announced new flights to Turkey and Croatia from Leeds Bradford Airport following the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

TUI said it would now operate flights to Antalya and Dalaman, both in Turkey, and Dubrovnik in Croatia from Leeds-Bradford.

The airport, which is used by people across the Harrogate district, described the announcement as “exciting news”.

https://twitter.com/LBIAirport/status/1574427245481005057

TUI added the destinations from LBA after it was announced that Doncaster Sheffield Airport would close.

The last flights are due in November and the new Leeds Bradford destinations are expected to start in summer next year.

The holiday operator has also increased flights at Manchester and East Midlands airports following the decision.

Peel Group, which owns DSA, announced the closure after it said the airport was “not viable due to its lack of adequate forward revenues and high operating costs”.

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