Boroughbridge news from the Boroughbridge district - Page 162 of 178

Concern over lack of consultation on proposed Boroughbridge sixth form closure

Town and parish councillors in Boroughbridge High School’s catchment area have concerns about the level of consultation on the proposed closure of the sixth form.

The school held a consultation between mid-November and mid-December on the proposal, which would see all sixth form courses and pastoral support transfer to King James’s School in Knaresborough for two years from September.

The two schools federated last year, which means they have a single governing body overseeing both schools.

Staff, students, parents/carers and governors were asked for their thoughts on suspending the sixth form.

But local councils have concerns the consultation was not wide enough.

Boroughbridge Town Council met with a school governor on Tuesday.

According to sources, councillors told the governor they had not been consulted and requested another meeting with more representatives from the school.

They said nearby Langthorpe Parish Council and Kirby Hill and District Parish Council share the same concerns.

No meeting date has been set yet. However, councillors plan to quiz the school on how it can increase student uptake, its future plans and what the two-year suspension would mean in practice.

The Stray Ferret asked the federation of governors whether a decision has been made following its meeting on the consultation last week.

The chair declined to comment until all parents and carers have been informed.

However, the school is expected to announce its decision shortly.

Booming Boroughbridge trade inspires clothes shop relocation

A women’s clothes shop has moved to bigger premises in Boroughbridge after customers flocked to support independents in the town during coronavirus.

Espada Boutique, which opened its flagship store on St James Square around nine years ago, has now relocated to a new unit on Fishergate next to G Craggs Ltd.

The independent clothes shop, which is owned by Wendy Hepworth, also has a branch in Wetherby.

Alison Auckland, manager at Espada Boutique, told the Stray Ferret the move had been planned for a while but the extra customer support during coronavirus helped move it along.

She added:

“We have just outgrown the old shop. Everyone has supported us and Boroughbridge on a whole during the coronavirus lockdowns.

“At the old shop we had lots of new brands coming in but they were going straight off the shelves. We could not stock enough.

“Already we have a lot more stock coming in. It is heaven here. We have plenty of room but I am sure we will soon fill it.”

Espada Boutique Boroughbridge reopened yesterday but it will hold a big launch on Saturday with prizes and prosecco up for grabs.

More pictures from inside the shop:

The shop has moved to a bigger unit.

A customer browsing the new shelves.

New owners unveil Minskip pub’s fresh look

The new owners of a pub near Boroughbridge have unveiled a fresh look in the first part of major plans for the venue.

Three friends from Harrogate and York clubbed together to buy The Wild Swan in Minskip last summer. After running the pub for a few months they closed it in January for a refurbishment.

Supply issues caused by coronavirus delayed the reopening. What was only meant to take a few days ended up taking three weeks but the owners managed to open the doors today.

Diners enjoying The Wild Swan on reopening day.

Owners Stephen Lennox, Alex Bond and Alastair Benham have replaced the greens and yellows of the pub with more muted off-white tones.

While they are keen to make a name for themselves for the menu, which is under the direction of new head chef Liam Philbin, the trio also want to improve the pub in other ways for locals.

Mr Lennox told the Stray Ferret today:

“The pub side has been improved in a cosmetic way. The restaurant side has had a total renovation with new flooring, new furniture and decorations.

“We’ve also improved the bathrooms and extended the kitchen. From the outside as well you can see the pub has had a refurbishment. We’ve painted the building, installed planters and outdoor seating.

“There wasn’t anything wrong with what it was before but it wasn’t what we wanted it to be. It’s a real freshen-up and brighten-up. We want to keep the country pub feel but put our own stamp on it.”

The dining room has undergone a major refurbishment.

The owners are also planning to convert a building at the back of the pub to make room for a private dining room and a microbrewery with a beer garden connecting the two.

Mr Lennox said he hoped those additional works would be completed by May.

Tree planting across Harrogate district this weekend to mark Queen’s jubilee

Trees will be planted this weekend in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge and Boroughbridge as part of an initiative to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

The Queen’s Green Canopy, which was created as part of celebrations for the Queen’s 70 years on the throne, which invites people from across the United Kingdom to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.

Trees will be planted in Valley Gardens and on Wetherby Road in Harrogate, at Jacob Smiths Park in Knaresborough, at High Cleugh in Ripon, at Pateley Bridge Recreation Ground and at Boroughbridge Recreation Ground on Sunday.

All but one tree at each of the locations has been planted already. The final tree ones will planted this weekend to coincide with Her Majesty’s accession day.

Harrogate borough mayor, Councillor Trevor Chapman, will unveil the ceremonial tree in Valley Gardens, Harrogate at 2pm.

The Lord Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Johanna Ropner, will join Councillor Andy Paraskos to unveil the ceremonial tree at Boroughbridge Recreation Ground at 11am.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones will join the mayor of Knaresborough, Councillor Christine Willoughby, at Jacob Smith Park in Knaresborough at 1pm.

Cllr Eamon Parkin, the mayor of Ripon and Cllr Mike Holt, the mayor of Pateley Bridge, will plant trees in their respective locations.

Species being planted include elm, oak, hornbeam, sycamore and lime.

Individuals, town and parish councils, community groups, schools, businesses and landowners will be encouraged to plant tress during the planting season from October to March.

White Rose Forest

The Queen’s Green Canopy will coincide with the council’s plans to plant thousands of trees in Bilton Beck Wood and Willow Wood, Harrogate and Upper Horse Shoe Fields, Knaresborough as part of the White Rose Forest partnership.

The White Rose Forest is the community forest for North and West Yorkshire being created by local authorities, landowners, businesses and communities.

Councillor Andy Paraskos, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:

“The Queen’s Green Canopy is a wonderful opportunity for us to not only honour Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee but also help address the climate situation and deliver carbon reduction initiatives throughout the Harrogate district.

“Similar to the White Rose Forest project, we want to encourage as many people as possible in the district to get involved to improve air quality and biodiversity.”

Sarah Wells, community manager at Bettys & Taylors Group, which has supported the scheme, said:

“Trees remain very close to our hearts at Bettys & Taylors and we are delighted to support this unique project which not only highlights the importance of climate action, but also the positive impact of community collaboration. We hope that these trees will be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the area for many years to come.”

Former governors call for Boroughbridge sixth form to remain open

Three former governors of Boroughbridge High School have called for the potential closure of its sixth form to be stopped.

It comes as parents await the decision of the federated governing body of Boroughbridge High School and King James’s School in Knaresborough, which met last night.

The school held a consultation with staff, students, parents/carers and governors from mid-November to mid-December 2021. It asked for thoughts on the ‘suspension of the sixth form for up to two years’.

If the plan goes ahead then the sixth form will not reopen in September.

The Stray Ferret asked current chair Malcolm Dawson for the outcome of last night’s meeting but he declined to comment, saying parents would be notified first.

It is unclear when the results will be announced publicly.

The consultation process and the decision itself has come under scrutiny in the last week.

Dr Ron Nixon, a former GP and one of the school’s founding governors, told the Stray Ferret:

“I just do not understand how this has happened. I do not like the smell of it. If it does close for two years then, realistically, what are the chances of it reopening?

“The closure of the sixth form would not only be a disaster for the school but also the wider community, which has grown rapidly over recent years.”

Brian Dooks, who served as a governor of Boroughbridge Primary School and Boroughbridge High School for nearly 20 years, told the Stray Ferret:

“I am disturbed and alarmed to learn that Boroughbridge High School could be about to lose its on-site sixth form.

“I was one of the governors who fought long and hard for the creation of the sixth form, which was attended by my two daughters.

“My former governors will take some serious persuading that it will not rapidly become a permanent solution to the detriment of generations of young people.

“In the last 10 years the Boroughbridge population has exploded. If there was justification for a sixth form in the 1990s, that must be true in 2022.”

Another former chair of governors, who asked not to be named, added:

“I just want the school to succeed. This was meant to be a consultation with parents but I am struggling to find parents who knew anything about it. They are angry.”

What’s your view of the proposed closure? Email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

‘Good’ rating for ‘caring and friendly’ Boroughbridge school

Ofsted has given Kirby Hill Church of England Primary School a ‘good’ rating for the first time since March 2011.

Inspectors published the report yesterday after a visit to the school last month. They rated the 120-pupil school ‘good’ in all areas. ‘Good’ is the second highest of four possible ratings, with ‘outstanding’ the best.

It follows two previous ‘requires improvement’ Ofsted ratings in 2016 and 2018.

Leaders at the school, the report says, have “galvanised the staff team and secured improvements to the quality of education and pupils’ behaviour.”

The report said:

“Pupils enjoy attending Kirby Hill Primary School. The school’s embedded Christian values help to foster pupils’ positive attitudes to learning and to caring relationships.

“Pupils have a strong understanding of diversity and celebrate other people’s differences.

“Pupils behave well in lessons and enjoy playing together at break times. They understand what bullying is but say that it does not happen in their school.

“The school is a caring and friendly place.”

Staff have won praise for the improvement.

The report also praises the new curriculum at the school, which it describes as ambitious. It added that teachers explain new learning clearly and address misconceptions effectively.

Kirby Hill Church of England Primary School is about a mile from Boroughbridge.

Emma Lowe, headteacher, said:

“We are all delighted here at Kirby Hill that our hard work and dedication to improve standards has now formally been recognised by Ofsted.

“I am incredibly proud of the whole school community as everyone has played their part – but I am especially proud of our children.

“As always, our children were excellent ambassadors for our school during the inspection.

“They were able to talk confidently and passionately about their love of learning, their desire to challenge themselves and their ambitions for the future.

“I feel very lucky to be part of the Kirby Hill family and I look forward to continuing on our journey. Onwards and upwards – if you can believe it, you can achieve it!”

Closure of Boroughbridge High School sixth form to be discussed this week

A proposal to close the sixth form at Boroughbridge High School for up to two years will be discussed this week.

The school held a consultation with staff, students, parents/carers and governors from mid-November to mid-December 2021 — it has not yet released the results.

The consultation asked for thoughts on the “suspension of sixth form from September 2022 for up to two years”. It added:

“Due to the demographics of the area, numbers on roll at Boroughbridge High School have decreased.

“That is making it more difficult to maintain viable class sizes at post-16. Both in terms of quality of experience, subject breadth and financial viability.”

Federation with King James’ School

Boroughbridge High School and King James’s School in Knaresborough federated in January 2021.

The federation of governors, which act on behalf of both schools, will discuss the proposal on Thursday.

A federation is a formal agreement between two or more schools to work together to raise standards while remaining separate.

Currently, sixth form students attend both schools depending on their subjects. Under the proposal, King James’s School would provide all courses and pastoral support.

The Stray Ferret asked for an interview with Boroughbridge High School. Headteacher Kathryn Stephenson (pictured) said in a statement:

“The proposal is to temporarily suspend sixth form provision at Boroughbridge High School from September 2022 for a period of up to two years.

“The responses to the consultation will be considered by the governing body at its next meeting.”

‘Disturbed and alarmed’

Brian Dooks, who served as a governor of Boroughbridge Primary School and Boroughbridge High School for nearly 20 years, told the Stray Ferret:

“I am disturbed and alarmed to learn that Boroughbridge High School could be about to lose its on-site sixth form.

“I was one of the governors who fought long and hard for the creation of the sixth form, which was attended by my two daughters.

“My former governors will take some serious persuading that it will not rapidly become a permanent solution to the detriment of generations of young people.

“In the last 10 years the Boroughbridge population has exploded. If there was justification for a sixth form in the 1990s, that must be true in 2022.”

Plans revealed to mark 700th anniversary of Battle of Boroughbridge

Boroughbridge is set to mark the 700th anniversary of a historic battle in the town with a major programme of events.

Battlefield tours and medieval weapons demonstrations will form part of the commemorations for the Battle of Boroughbridge, which took place on March 16, 1322.

The battle, between Edward II and his cousin the Earl of Lancaster, who was in collusion with the Scots, featured several thousand soldiers. The majority supported the king.

A small army of retreating rebels under Lancaster’s control attempted to negotiate a truce but when this failed a one-sided battle resulted in the surrender and subsequent execution of Lancaster.

Thirty of Lancaster’s followers were executed, including Roger de Clifford, Second Lord of Skipton, who was hung from Clifford’s Tower in York, which now bears his name.

The bridge at Boroughbridge, which is believed to be more or less in the same place as the medieval one where part of the battle took place.

The battle raged around a timber bridge crossing the River Ure and a ford, believed to be to the east of the present town, possibly in the Milby area.

This year’s programme will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the battle cross in Aldborough at 9.30am on Saturday, March 12.

The battle cross at Aldborough

Later that day the 3 Swords Medieval Group will demonstrate weaponry skills and armour on the shared community space behind Boroughbridge car park.

The Battlefields Trust and Boroughbridge Historical Society will lead tours and battle exhibitions.

A new series of medieval artwork will be incorporated into display boards and leaflets for a permanent battlefield trail.

Further commemorative events to mark the anniversary will take place throughout the year.

Did you know that the Stray Ferret has teamed up with Harrogate Historian Malcolm Neesam to produce audio walking tours of Harrogate? The walks are sponsored by the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) and take you back to the Golden Age of the Harrogate Spa and a walk through the Commercial Heart of Harrogate.

Why not take a walk back in time and learn about Harrogate’s glorious past.. They’re easy to do and a great day out. For more information click here.

Harrogate district taxi drivers call for 5% fare increase

Harrogate district taxi drivers are calling for a 5% increase in taxi fares to help cover soaring fuel prices and a decline in earnings due to covid.

“Please help us” is one of several messages sent from taxi drivers to Harrogate Borough Council, which will hold a licensing meeting on Wednesday next week to consider the request.

It comes after 2021 saw record costs for both petrol and diesel in the UK, with diesel hitting prices of over £1.50 per litre for the first time in history.

Local cabbies also said rises in vehicle prices and parts and the climbing cost of living had contributed to them asking for a fare increase.

One taxi driver told the council:

“It is sometimes very difficult to strike the correct balance between what is a reasonable fare increase and keeping our loyal customers happy.

“That said, we have witnessed in the past six months an increase of more than 30% in our fuel costs alone and there is a lot of talk that fuel could reach £2 per litre by mid 2022.”

Another said:

“Since the pandemic there has been a huge increase in customers paying by card which attracts card reader fees. Due to card payments there has also been a very significant loss of tips.”

The request from taxi drivers is for a 5% rise on the running mile and waiting times of journeys, as well as an increase in starting prices £3.40 to £3.60.

Harrogate district taxis among the most expensive

According to national trade newspaper Private Hire and Taxi Monthly, the Harrogate district is currently ranked as the 31st most expensive council area in the UK, charging £7 at 2 miles.

And if approved, the proposed 5% rise would move the district to 14th in the table.

However, taxi drivers have argued Harrogate’s position is not as high for journeys above the two-mile mark.

In November, there were warnings that as many as 50 taxi drivers in the district had quit during the previous lockdowns and that many have now found new jobs with little desire to return to the trade.

This came shortly before the council froze taxi licence fees for the second year running due to the impacts of the pandemic.

Speaking at the time, Gareth Bentley, licensing manager at Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“Whether we will get a new set of drivers coming to replace the 50 we have lost – only time will tell.”

Low response to consultation

Mr Bentley said in a report to next Wednesday’s meeting that a consultation on the proposed fare increase had been held with 500 taxi drivers, although the response rate was low with only 30 drivers taking part.

He also said while the council’s licensing committee would consider the rise request at the meeting, it would be the cabinet member for housing and safer communities, councillor Mike Chambers, who would make the final decision.

Mr Bentley added:

“The setting of fares is a statutory duty placed upon the council and it is the council’s responsibility to strike a balance between setting a fare that is acceptable to the customer and to the taxi driver.”

Boroughbridge care home turned into Graceland for Elvis-themed day

Residents at Boroughbridge Manor care home were all shook up this weekend when their home was turned into Graceland for an Elvis-themed day.

To honour what would have been the king of rock and roll’s 86th birthday on Saturday, staff and residents enjoyed a day of music, fun and dancing.

Residents found out some interesting facts about Elvis that they hadn’t heard before, watched a short biography about the singer and listened to some of Elvis’ hits.

Nancy, a resident, said:

“I loved Elvis growing up. Listening to all his old hits has brought back so many memories. We’ve all had a brilliant time reminiscing about our dance hall days!”

General manager Neil Todd said:

“Lots of our residents are big Elvis fans and love his music. We’ve had a fantastic day listening to all his hits, finding out about his early life and what influenced him and watching old Elvis movies, he was such an incredible talent.

“This afternoon we had an Elvis quiz, it is amazing how many songs he recorded. We all surprised ourselves by how many we remembered!”

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White Rose Forest

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Federation with King James’ School

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‘Disturbed and alarmed’

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Harrogate district taxis among the most expensive

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Low response to consultation

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