Vandals wreck outdoor nativity scene near Boroughbridge

Villagers near Boroughbridge were left angry and upset after vandals wrecked a nativity scene in their parish churchyard.

The nativity was put in place at St John’s Church in Minskip last week in time for a carol service, held outside because of covid concerns.

A central part of it was the nativity scene, which three or four of the church council had put up themselves.

The first indication that something had happened came early this morning.

Minskip nativity scene

The scene this morning.

Churchwarden Robert Beaumont said:

“The lovely couple, Jason and Helen, who live next door to the church, heard a noise at about 5am.

“They’re not sure if that was the vandals destroying the nativity scene but when they looked out of their windows at about 7am, all the wise men, the crib, everything, was scattered all around the churchyard.

“To have it just destroyed in this wanton and mindless manner was heart-breaking. And we’ve all been thinking, why would anybody want to do that?”

The church has reported the incident to police.

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Villagers have managed to salvage the scene and rebuild it,

Mr Beaumont said.

“Although the vandals kicked parts of the scene all over the church or they didn’t break them in two.

“So with a lot of love and care, three members of our church committee worked from about half past eight this morning and put the whole scene back together again.

“And so, as one of our church council members said, love will always triumph over hate and good over evil. And that’s one of the messages of Christmas, so that was rather appropriate.

“But that doesn’t quite extinguish my anger as churchwarden that people should find it appropriate to desecrate our churchyard.”

It caps a difficult period for St John’s. A drunken motorist crashed into the church wall about six weeks ago. Insurance covered it but the church had to pay a £500 excess.

Covid-permitting, the village will hold an outdoor Christmas Day service with the nativity scene firmly in the foreground.

 

All of the lights: Where you can see some of the district’s best Christmas displays

At this time of year, we don’t always want to splash the cash when it comes to enjoying some festive fun.

And thanks to the creativity and hard work of the district’s residents, we certainly don’t need to.

One night this week after the school run, we hopped in the car, stuck on some Wham! and Shakey and took our two boys, aged three and eight, for a Christmas lights tour.

We all had a total blast and apart from fuel costs, it didn’t cost a penny.

So here’s a rough guide on where you can take the kids to see some fabulous lights across the Harrogate district – for free!

Crossways Drive (near Morrison’s), Harrogate

The residents on Crossways Drive understood the assignment and have created some amazing light displays. There is a moving Santa and sleigh and more coloured lights than you can shake a jingle bell at.

This was the boys’ favourite street, as most of the houses were lit up.

Crossways Drive

Crossways Drive

Sutton Grange Close, Lindrick Way and Norwich Drive, Jennyfields, Harrogate

Residents in Jennyfields are known for going all out at Christmas and it has long been a popular part of Harrogate to view the impressive displays. And this year it did not disappoint.

The boys loved the inflatable Christmas characters and found it hilarious (probably more than it should have been) that one of the Santas had fallen over. He had clearly had one too many sherries.

Sutton Grange Close

Sutton Grange Close

Sutton Grange Close

Lindrick Way

Norwich Drive

Norwich Drive is also the street where you can see an incredible Christmas display unlike any other in the district for charity.

Dale Hughes, is hoping to raise spirits and £1,000 for Martin House Hospice.

He has painstakingly installed and individually programmed 24,000 low-energy LEDs.

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From 5pm until 7.30pm his house will light up and will play a loop of around 20 songs over an hour.

Watch the amazing video of one of his displays here.

Dale Hughes is the man behind the show on Norwich Drive.

Mayfield Terrace, Harrogate 

Harrogate man Paul Ivison’s latest quirky garden creation has a festive theme and includes 13 Christmas trees, more than1,000 lights and hundreds of toys.

Mr Ivison has lived in his house on Mayfield Terrace for 15 years and each year decorates his garden with different themes. When the Stray Ferret visited in the summer, he had created a loud and proud mental health-themed garden, which raised £137 for Mind.

And in winter, he changed the theme again to “Toytropolis”,  after bargain hunting on Facebook marketplace to buy more than 200 toys to make children and their parents smile. He is now selling the toys to raise money for a Visa for his husband, who lives in the Philippines.

Mr Ivison said:

“It has been a terrific reaction and I’ve had a lot of people saying it makes them smile. I’ve had people coming late at night to see it and parents bringing little kids in to show them toys they used to have when they were younger.

“I’ve made about £150 so far and everyone who buys a toy gets a freebie as well.

“You get a lot of people driving past, as I also have a big flag on the roof, which says ‘Happy Christmas’, and people stop and get out to have a look.”

Mr Ivison is already planning his spring garden, which will have a “pride and celebrity” theme, featuring 300 photographs of celebrities he has met over the years as a result of his time at the helm of an LGBTQ+ magazine.

You can visit “Christmas at Toytropolis” on the corner of Mayfield Grove and Mayfield Terrace, with the trees remaining on display until January 9 and the garden opening from 10am until 6pm.

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Finden Gardens, Hampsthwaite

The residents of Finden Gardens decorate their bungalows each year, much to the delight of the school children who walk past each day.

The boys absolutely loved the carol singers and tobogganers in one of the gardens, which is also decked out in fake snow, Christmas trees and lots of lights.

Finden Gardens 

Minskip, near Boroughbridge

This is such a pretty village anyway, and it’s even more beautiful at Christmas thanks to the creative displays that line either side of the high street. If you look closely you may even spot the Grinch!

One of the houses has even generously put out sweets for local children next to some lollipop and toadstool decorations, which went down a treat!

We tied this trip in with a festive visit to Yolk Farm, a family favourite, which is lovely at this time of year.

Minskip

Minskip

Harrogate council plans environment festival in new year

Harrogate Borough Council is planning to host a festival across the district in the new year to raise awareness of climate change.

The project, which has a working title of Winter Festival, looks set to take place in February 2022, according to a contract advertised by the authority.

The event is expected to involve street performance and art installations.

Stockport-based Maynineteen Ltd has been given the £50,000 contract to lead the project.

The events company has been tasked with coming up with ideas that “generate footfall and interest” in Harrogate, Ripon, Masham, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge and Boroughbridge.

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A spokesperson for the council said more details on the event would be revealed in the new year.

The spokesperson added:

“The Winter Festival is a working title for a project which is likely to change. 

“The project aims to raise awareness of the global climate change and environmental issues we are all facing. It will involve art installations and street performances, for example, and we’ll have some exciting news in the new year.”

Council officials said the contract has been paid for through the government’s Welcome Back Fund, which was designed to “promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism, particularly in high streets as their economies reopen”.

In April, the government granted the borough council £144,714 as part of the fund.

100 trees to be planted in Harrogate district for Queen’s jubilee

Tree planting has begun across the Harrogate district to mark the queen’s platinum jubilee next year.

About 100 elm, oak, hornbeam, sycamore and lime trees will be planted in the district as part of a nationwide initiative called The Queen’s Green Canopy, which invites people from across the United Kingdom to ‘plant a tree for the jubilee’.

The trees will be planted on Harrogate’s Wetherby Road, Jacob Smiths Park in Knaresborough, High Cleugh in Ripon, Pateley Bridge recreation ground and Boroughbridge recreation ground.

One tree from each location will be saved to plant on February 6, the queen’s accession day.

Harrogate Borough Council is organising the project and hopes the initiative will also help it achieve its carbon reduction initiatives. It is encouraging everyone, including individuals, community groups, businesses and landowners to also plant a tree.

Councillor Andy Paraskos, the 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.”

The Queen’s Green Canopy will coincide with the borough 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.

To get involved and plant a tree, people can pin it to the Queen’s Green Canopy map. It will then count towards Harrogate’s total.

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Christmas Events: diary of festivities in the Harrogate district

Christmas is coming to the Harrogate district. The Stray Ferret has compiled a list of events from across the district so you don’t have to miss out on any festive fun.

Whether you want to meet Santa himself, visit a Christmas market or enjoy an evening of late-night shopping in Boroughbridge this list will tell you where to go.

The list runs in date order. We’ll be updating and re-posting it every day. If you want us to add an event get in touch at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Harrogate Father Christmas Experience

Where: The Crown Hotel, Harrogate

When: Between November 20 and December 24 (check for dates and times)

Tickets: Adults £9.50 and children (under 18) £12, plus a £1.75 booking fee

Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival

Where: St John’s Church Knaresborough

When: Saturday, December 4 until December 23 

Church opening times: 12-5pm weekdays, 10-5pm Saturday and 1.30-5pm Sunday

Tickets: Free. No tickets are required but weekends are likely to be very busy and numbers in church will be limited. A one way system will be in operation and visitors may be required to queue outside the building

Washburn Heritage Centre Christmas Stall- RESCHEDULED

The Christmas market was initially planned for December 27 but was cancelled due to the bad weather. A Christmas Market stall has now been set up in the Tea Room.

Where: Washburn Heritage Centre

When: 11am to 4pm every Sunday from December 5

Tickets: Free to enter

Mackenzies Late Night Shopping

Where: Mackenzies Farm Shop and Café

When: 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, December 16

Tickets: Free to enter

Knaresborough’s Christmas Carol Pub Sing

Where: Half Moon Inn, Knaresborough

When: 3pm to 5pm on Sunday, December 19

Tickets: Free to enter

Mayor’s Christmas Carol Concert

Where: Royal Hall, Harrogate

When: 6pm on Thursday, December 23

Tickets: Free to enter but must be booked in advance via this link

Heavy traffic on A1(M) at Boroughbridge eight hours after crash

Update at 4.20pm

The A1(M) has now fully reopened following a serious crash between Ripon and Boroughbridge.

Highways England said there is four and a half miles of congestion following the closure.

Update: The #A1M in #NorthYorkshire has reopened fully following an earlier incident between J49 #Ripon and J48 #Boroughbridge. There is 4.5 miles of congestion following this closure so please allow time for these delays to clear. Safe journey. pic.twitter.com/ImHpv6HZrI

— National Highways: Yorkshire (@HighwaysYORKS) December 9, 2021

Update at 2.35pm

North Yorkshire Police has said the southbound A1(M) has finally reopened but traffic remains heavy.

https://twitter.com/NYorksPolice/status/1468950384135716865

Update at 12.40pm

Drivers have been turned around on the A1(M) southbound carriageway to get them off the motorway while the emergency services deal with a serious crash between Ripon and Boroughbridge.

North Yorkshire Police said it received reports of a single vehicle crash just before 9am. The road has not yet reopened.

It is unclear at this time the extent of any injuries suffered in the crash or when the closure will be lifted.

A Thirsk resident Charles Allen told the Stray Ferret that he had been sat in traffic for more than three hours. He added:

“I was planning to go to Oxford this morning on business to see a client. I left Thirsk around 9.15am so was stuck in traffic for hours.

“The A1(M) was absolute carnage. We were turned around, so we were driving north on the southbound carriage. The surrounding roads are also heavily congested.”

Police have closed the A1(M) southbound carriageway between Ripon and Boroughbridge due to a serious accident just before 9am today.

The air ambulance is on the scene along with all of the other emergency services this morning.

Currently there are delays of 30 minutes but they are expected to increase. Allow extra time for your journey or avoid the area if possible.

North Yorkshire Police has tweeted some details about the incident.

https://twitter.com/NYorksPolice/status/1468890383602098192

 

National Highways has also tweeted about the incident.

The #A1M is closed southbound between J49 (#Ripon) and J48 (#Boroughbridge) following a single vehicle collision. All emergency services including the air ambulance are working at the scene. Please allow extra time for your journey as delays of 30 minutes on the approach. pic.twitter.com/wwMg2Tz2ZB

— National Highways: Yorkshire (@HighwaysYORKS) December 9, 2021

This is a breaking news story which we will update as we get more information.

Increased Harrogate district police patrols to get people home safe

Police in the Harrogate district have increased patrols to help people get home safe over the festive period.

North Yorkshire Police has partnered with Harrogate Borough Council as part of an annual Get Home Safely from bars, nightclubs and restaurants campaign.

The key message of the campaign is for people to plan their journeys home in advance, look-out for one another, and look after their drinks and possessions.

Statistics show that domestic abuse incidents increase during bank holiday periods, and the campaign also aims to highlight emotional and practical support available through the charity IDAS.

Revellers will notice posters and digital boards with advice across the district. They will also notice more police on the streets.

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Cllr Mike Chambers, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing and safer communities, said:

“The festive period is often a time when people catch-up with friends and enjoy themselves in pubs and restaurants, and we want them to be able to do so safely.

“For many, this will be the first festive period since before the pandemic, that they have celebrated the festivities and we want them to remember it for all the right reasons by staying safe, and following the latest vovid guidance and advice.”

Chief Inspector Andy Colbourne, from North Yorkshire Police, said:

“The police and council continue to work in partnership to make the Harrogate district a safe place for all to enjoy the Christmas and New Year festivities.

“The support of licensed premises in the Get Home Safely annual campaign is particularly prevalent this year and we hope that everyone enjoys a safe night out.”

Lauren Doherty, from Road Safety Talks was left paralysed during a night out with friends. She said:

“A moment of distraction during a night out can change your life forever. Have fun, enjoy yourselves and get home safely.”

Boroughbridge’s impromptu Christmas market proves a hit

A Boroughbridge woman has vowed to do something “bigger and better” next year after organising an impromptu Christmas market in the town.

Laura Hutton thought some stalls would complement the town’s annual late night Christmas shopping by boosting trade.

So with help from Boroughbridge Hardware shop and little more than a fortnight’s planning she arranged for about 13 stalls to go up at the back of Horsefair on Wednesday.

The stalls proved popular and Ms Hutton, a local dog groomer who runs the Boroughbridge Chatter Facebook page, has now set her sights on organising more events in the town next year.

“The late night shopping mainly benefits the high street. I had the idea to tie-in the other shops with some market stalls and raise money for some homeless as well.

“I’m going to go bigger and better next year. I’m thinking of doing a summer fayre. As for Christmas next year – watch this space. I like a challenge.

“We did this in two-and-a-half weeks so it could have been better if we had more time. Still it was a really good night. Everyone came together and I’d like to thank everyone who helped.”

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Ms Hutton said she spoke with Boroughbridge and District Chamber of Trade and Harrogate Borough Council in advance and made sure “everyone had the right certificates”.

One of the stalls generated £200 for a homelessness charity she works for.

A Harrogate Borough Council spokesperson said:

“We have been actively supporting all Christmas markets across the Harrogate district and have provided food, health and covid safety advice to ensure people can enjoy the festivities.”

 

Police appeal for help finding men with Harrogate links

Police have appealed for information about the whereabouts of three men with links to Harrogate.

Eighteen-year-old Harrogate man Luke Gibson and 20-year-old Leeds man, Ainsley West, who has strong links with Harrogate, are wanted in connection with a serious assault in Boroughbridge this month.

William Smythe, 19, from Harrogate, is wanted for failing to attend court for drug offences.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement today it believed the three men could be in the Harrogate area, although West could be in Leeds.

It added:

“Significant enquiries have been ongoing to locate the trio and so we are now issuing an appeal to anyone who has seen them or know where they are to come forward with information.”

The police asked people to report sightings or information about their whereabouts by calling 101 and quoting reference number 12210245826 for West and Gibson or 12210248895 for Smythe.

Alternatively, you can pass on information anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.

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Hot Seat: Leading the college for the Harrogate district

It’s probably fair to say more parents dream of their children going to Oxford or Cambridge universities than Harrogate College.

But although an Oxford classics degree sounds impressive, a level 2 qualification in hairdressing or carpentry, or a motor vehicle diploma at the more humble Harrogate College could lead to a rewarding and better paid career.

The college, which has over 1,000 students, provides courses for 16 to 18-year-olds and adults in the Harrogate district as well as apprenticeships.

It specialises in vocational and technical training which, like the college itself, is enjoying a bit of a moment.

Many employers regard vocational training as the way to plug skills gaps in careers that are often well paid. As for the college, it has fresh impetus since it was acquired by Luminate Education Group two years ago.

Danny Wild, who became principal on the day Luminate took charge on August 1, 2019, says its £110 million turnover has injected vigour into the college. He adds:

“This was a college that had been unloved for a number of years in terms of its investment in people and resources.

“The most telling thing was the college had lost its connection with the community. There was a lack of understanding about what the college did and its purpose.”

Business links

The facilities on Hornbeam Park today are impressive. They include a professional kitchen, hair salon and beauty room and workshops for brick work, motor vehicles and welding.

The college caters for the Harrogate district and many local employers are desperate for staff in these areas.

Harrogate College

Harrogate College

Twenty-six employers attended last month’s inaugural meeting of the college’s new employers’ network, which gives local firms the chance to discuss their training needs. Their feedback will enable the college to adapt its curriculum accordingly.

The district has many small, niche companies and Mr Wild says the college can provide the flexibility to meet their training needs. He talks about putting on courses for 10 to 12 people in areas where skills gaps exist. Companies could just send a single member of staff.

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He cites digital health care as an example. He says it is one of the fastest growing employment areas in the district but staff sometimes lack the softer skills to match their IT ability so the college could adapt its digital IT courses to include customer training.

Mr Wild says the two sectors that employ most people in the district are hospitality and the visitor economy and care. North Yorkshire, he says, is second only to Cornwall in visitor numbers and “we are so used to care we underestimate its value”.

This close understanding of the local labour market, and its trends, will enable the college and businesses to work fruitfully together, he adds.

Apprenticeships

The college provides courses for 16 to 18-year-olds and adults as well as apprenticeships.

Mr Wild also describes apprenticeships as a “real growth area in the Harrogate district”. He adds:

“The government has definitely raised the profile of vocational and technical education and is continuing to talk about its importance.

“But if we are going to have a world-leading, highly skilled workforce that requires investment and we continue to lag behind the investment that gets put into school children.”

The college will also start offering new T-levels in health, education and childcare and digital and IT from September next year.

T Levels, which are equivalent to 3 A-levels, are two-year courses introduced last year to meet the needs of industry.

Mr Wild, who lives in Boroughbridge and has a degree in sport and geography, says T-Levels “will become an important part of what the college offers”.

Green ambitions

The college also aspires to become a green centre of excellence. It hosted the opening event of this year’s Harrogate District Climate Action Festival and wants to make its site a green centre of excellence.

The college attended the COP26 UN climate change conference in Glasgow and was highly commended at the national Green Gown Awards for its work on sustainability. It is also delivering its first retro fit courses for homes in January.

The college also expects to hear from the Department for Education in the new year whether its application for funding to demolish its main block, which was built in the 1950s as offices, and build a new one on the site of the car park is successful.

Mr Wild, who previously worked at Leeds City College, another Luminate organisation. says the current building is not fit for purpose and the new one would be far more energy-efficient.

Away from work, he enjoys “all things food” and describes himself as an “outdoorsy person” who is often found walking his dogs on the North Yorkshire moors. His background is as a rugby coach.

But his focus now is on championing the college and the kind of education it provides.

“For people who are clear about what career they want to go into or have a strong interest in a particular sector you can follow that passion and study on a vocational or technical course.

“The most important thing for Harrogate College is that the reputation of the college continues to grow so people recognise it as the provider of vocational and technical education in the Harrogate district.”