The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: An important message from Dementia Forward’s CEO

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise money for a minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district. 

The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.

Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.

Today, we spoke to Dementia Forward’s founder and CEO, Jill Quinn.

 “I sometimes feel national charities have lost touch with local communities.

“The need for dementia support was huge and the funding was usually decided in London.

“We felt we could do a better job by being rooted in the community.”

It was this realisation that prompted Jill Quinn MBE to improve local dementia support in the Harrogate district.

Jill, who previously worked for two national dementia charities, said she wasted many years in retail management before realising that the voluntary sector was where she belonged.

Dementia Forward was born in 2012 after Jill and other founding members left their previous healthcare jobs on a Friday and launched the charity the following Monday.

The team places need at the centre of the charity – something that can’t be done from 200 miles away. She added:

“People know when they put their pound in the pot, they’d be getting better services in the local area.

“You can’t design a service to be delivered in the local area from an office in London.”

It began with just seven members of staff. The team were donated second-hand laptops and worked from a small office in Ripon.

Now, with a flagship hub in Burton Leonard, 64 employees and more than 250 volunteers, Jill was right – Dementia Forward can serve the local community better.

It now covers the whole of North Yorkshire and helps more than 4,000 families.

“It was meant to a small, fluffy, local charity, but we hit a model that works.

“I like to believe every single person at Dementia Forward is just as passionate as me.”

Some of the Dementia Forward team.

Jill and her team made – and still make – it their mission to help those living with dementia and the people around them from the very early stages, all the way until end of life.

“We meet people, we gently inform them of what may come in the years ahead, and then we’re here for them going forward.

“We don’t hold hands with people because they’re independent enough, but we’re just an arm’s length away.”

The charity also educates people in the wider community on dementia, as Jill felt general awareness of the disease was very poor when it started, and has worked with transport companies, shops and churches to increase knowledge.

She has also led the charity to receive various awards for its work, including the Queen’s Voluntary Service Award and the King’s Fund Impact Award.

The Dementia Forward team receiving the Queen’s Voluntary Service Award in 2021.

Jill said:

“It’s hard to describe what Dementia Forward means to be – it’s just my life.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve done, but there’s still a lot to do, and some things are harder to fundraise for than others – like a minibus.”

Dementia Forward offers various social events and groups to combat loneliness and bring those living with dementia together. The groups go on regular trips out and many use the minibus service to access the support services.

However, Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and tired and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going. Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need.

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward, helping us hit our £30,000 target to buy the charity a new minibus and improving the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

Please give generously to those who need our help this Christmas. Click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or your friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.

Thank you.

If you need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

Two-mile tailbacks on A1(M) north of Ripon

The A1(M) is closed in North Yorkshire due to a collision causing lengthy delays.

In a press release published at 12.32pm today, National Highways said the road was closed in both directions due to a single-vehicle collision.

It added:

“The northbound carriageway between junctions 50 (Ripon) and 51 (Leeming Bar) was closed following the incident at around 11am today (Monday 18 December 2023).

“The southbound carriageway was also closed shortly afterwards.

“Emergency services are at the scene and there are delays of 10-15 minutes in both directions. There are two miles of congestion on the northbound carriageway and one mile on the southbound carriageway.”

Read more:

 

Health leaders warn of potential North Yorkshire measles outbreak

North Yorkshire residents are being encouraged to keep up to date with their MMR vaccines amid fears of a measles outbreak.

The warning comes after rising cases of the disease in England.

A total of 149 cases of measles in England were recorded between 1 January and 30 September this year, a dramatic rise from 54 during the whole of 2022.

(Source: UK Health Security Agency)

Jack Lewis, consultant in public health with the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said:

“Measles is more than just a rash. It is highly infectious and we’re seeing cases on the rise.

“If you are not protected and you have even a passing contact with someone who has measles, there’s every chance you will become infected too.

“There is no treatment or cure for measles, but the MMR vaccine offers excellent protection against this dangerous disease.”

Symptoms 

Measles can feel like a cold at first. The disease is sometimes identified by spots in the mouth or a rash that appears a few days after falling ill.

In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis and pneumonia.

Measles is also particularly dangerous during pregnancy, increasing the likelihood of miscarriage or stillbirth.

The MMR vaccine (or, measles, mumps and rubella) is given in two doses.

Children are typically given their first dose at one years old and their second at three years and four months.

However, Lewis urged adults who are not fully vaccinated to receive a dose too.

The NHS particularly encourages adults to check they’re vaccinated if they’re about to visit another country, begin university, or are hoping to get pregnant.

Patients can find out if they are fully vaccinated by contacting their GP.

Read more:

 

‘Without my carer I’d be a mess’ – Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal aims to raise money for a much-needed minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district. 

The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.

Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.

Today, we hear from members of the charity’s singing group.

“Dementia Forward has been such a lifeline for us.”

These are the words of so many people who have been helped – and continue to be helped – by Dementia Forward.

It supports people living with dementia, and their carers who may be struggling to do their best to help them.

 

However, in reality, hundreds of families are fighting a losing battle with this condition. It is robbing people of their former selves daily – and none of us can stop it.

The Stray Ferret hopes to raise £30,000 to buy the charity a new minibus but we’re still a long way off our target – and we need your help.

We know times are hard, but please donate whatever you can to this vital cause.

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward. It will fund a new minibus and improve the lives of people living with dementia and those around them.

Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going. Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need.

Let’s not forget those who need our help this Christmas.

Thank you.

Teen airlifted to hospital after two-vehicle crash

An 18-year-old man was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a two-vehicle collision at Moor Monkton.

The man, who was a back seat passenger in a white Mazda 2, had to be extracted from the vehicle by firefighters.

Two other males from this vehicle, the 18-year-old driver and a 17-year-old front seat passenger, sustained what are believed to be minor injuries.

North Yorkshire Police today appealed for witnesses to the incident, which took place yesterday at 9.18am on Friday, December 15. It occurred on Marston Lane, between the junctions of Green Lane and Atterwith Lane.

The road is located off the A59 to York.

The crash involved the Mazda, which was heading south, and a grey Volkswagen Touareg SUV that was heading north.

The driver of the Volkswagen, a 33-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries. The three-year-old child in the vehicle was uninjured.

The stretch of road remained closed until 4.45pm while collision investigators worked at the scene and to allow both vehicles to be recovered.

Today’s police statement said:

“In support of the investigation, police are urging witnesses to the collision and motorists with relevant dashcam footage to come forward as soon as possible.

“Officers also want to hear from anyone who may have noticed either the white Mazda 2 or the grey Volkswagen Touareg prior to the incident.”

You can email martin.hayes@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Martin Hayes.

Quote reference number 12230237251 when providing information.

Read more:

 

Christmas Markets: a guide to the Harrogate district

The festive season is fast approaching, so we’ve collated a list of all the Christmas markets taking place across the Harrogate district.

If you know of one that we have missed, please email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we can add it.

Harrogate

Harrogate Christmas Fayre

The 17-day Christmas market will return to Cambridge Street this year.

There will be a variety of traders, selling festive foods and gifts, as well as live music and entertainment.

It will run from December 1 to December 17 and will be open daily.

The market will take place from 10am – 7pm from Monday to Saturday, and 11am – 4pm on Sundays.

Harrogate Ice Rink at Crescent Gardens

The fairground and ice rink will return to Crescent Gardens this year.

There will be a carousel and a collection of small rides for children to enjoy, as well as some market stalls.

It will run from December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

The ice rink and attractions will open from 11am to 7.30pm on weekdays and 11am to 8.45pm on weekends.

Harrogate Festive Artisan Market

The Valley Gardens will also host a Christmas market again this December.

Little Bird Market has arranged for vendors to sell a range of food and drinks, as well as Christmas gifts.

Market days are Saturday (10am – 5pm) and Sunday (10am – 4pm) between December 2 – 17.

Christmas Market at Harrogate Horticultural Nursery

The Harrogate Horticultural Nursery will run a two-day Christmas market in November.

On Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26, there will be a range of Christmas plants, gifts and Christmas trees on offer.

It will be open 9.30am – 3.30pm and entry is free.

St Wilfrid’s Church Christmas Fair

St Wilfrid’s Church, on Duchy Road, will host a Christmas fair.

Gifts, art, clothing and food and drink will be on offer.

There will also be a free film screening for families from 4pm, with a welcome drink and snack for children.

It will run on Sunday, December 10 from 11am – 4pm.

Entry is free.

Email bookings@stwilfrid.org to reserve a place at the film screening.

St Wilfrid’s Church – Christingle-making

St Wilfrid’s Church is also hosting a christingle-making session.

The event will be held in the Parish Hall and will be followed by a crib service at 5pm.

It will begin at 4pm on Sunday, December 24.

Email bookings@stwilfrid.org to reserve a place at the christingle-making session.

North Bar Christmas Market

 North Bar is hosting a “keep it local” Christmas Market.

Stalls will be inside the bar with 20 traders selling a range of art, knitted and crocheted good, jewellery and more.

There will also be charity stalls to raise money for Harrogate Cat Rescue.

The event will include a table ran by Artventurers of Harrogate and Knaresborough for children to enjoy.

Mulled wine and food will be served accompanied by live music.

The event is free and will take place on Sunday, December 3 from 11am – 6pm.

Country Living Christmas Fair Harrogate

Country Living is holding a Christmas Fair at Harrogate Convention Centre.

The fair will include gift stalls which will include artisan designers, independent producers and small businesses.

There will also be workshops and a food hall.

The event will be held from November 30 to December 3.

Ripley Christmas Market

A Christmas market run by Real Markets will be held in the grounds of Ripley Castle.

The event will take place on Sunday, December 10, from 10am until 3pm.

It will include 40 independent and artisan traders, as well as festive carols from local school children and craft activities.

The market is free to attend.

Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity — Outdoor Pop up Christmas Market at Harrogate Railway AFC

The Christmas market will offer a range of stalls offering arts, crafts and handmade jewellery, as well as food and drink vendors.

There will be live music, donkeys and even a Father Christmas grotto to enjoy.

The event will be held on Sunday, November 26 from 10am – 3pm at Harrogate Railway AFC.

All proceeds will go towards supporting staff, patients and families at Harrogate District Hospital.

Tickets are available now for a donation of £5 per adult and £2 for children over three — U3’s go free.

Tickets include a drink and a mince pie on arrival.

Starbeck Christmas Fair

Starbeck Christmas Fair, which will be held at St Andrew’s Church, will offer more than 30 stalls selling festive goods.

St Andrew’s Choir will be singing, followed by a performance from the Summerbell Dance Academy.

The Starbeck Christmas lights will be switched on just before 6pm, where mince pies will be handed out.

Harrogate Theatre Choir will then lead a festive sing-along.

It will take place on Saturday, November 25 from 2pm – 6pm.

St John’s & St Luke’s Churches Christmas Fair

St Luke’s Church, in Franklin Square is hosting a Christmas fair this December.

There will be a range of stalls selling jams, plants, jewellery, books, gifts and more.

Light refreshments will also be on offer.

The fair will take place on Saturday, December 2 from 10:30am – 1pm.

Admission is £3 and includes coffee and cake. Accompanied children go free.

Bilton Area Methodist Church Christmas Fayre

The church will host 16 craft stalls for its Christmas fayre.

Coffee, cake, festive sandwiches and soup will all be on offer.

There will also be a Christmas hamper raffle and a lucky dip for children.

The event will take place on Saturday, November 25, from 10am – 3pm.

West Park & St Paul’s Churches Community Carol Service

A community carol service will take place at the West Park United Reform Church, on Victoria Avenue, in December.

There will be plenty of carols to sing followed by coffee and mince pies.

Anyone is welcome.

The service will be held on Friday, December 22 at 5pm.

Ripon

Ripon Cathedral Christmas Food and Gift Fair

The cathedral will host more than 100 stalls during its Christmas fair.

There will be hot turkey sandwiches, mulled wine and Christmas gifts on offer.

The event will take place on Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25, from 9.30am – 4.30pm.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and U16s go free.

There is also a free park and ride available.

Little Bird Christmas Artisan Market

Little Bird will offer a variety of stalls in the Market Square.

There will be homewares, personalised gifts, toys and food and drinks on offer.

It will take place on Sunday, November 26 from 10am – 3pm.

Ripon Community Christmas Craft Fair

 A Christmas market will be on offer at Ripon Community House.

There will be handmade gifts, local produce and arts and crafts.

There will also be a visit from Father Christmas for young ones to enjoy.

All proceeds from the tombola and refreshment area will go towards the Community House.

Entry is 50p and the event will take place from 10am – 3pm on Sunday, November 19.

Late night Christmas shopping

There will also be a late night shopping event around Ripon.

Traders will stay open until 8pm.

It will take place on Thursday, November 30.

Festive Winter Warmer Cruises & Local Makers Market at Canal Basin

The Pride of Ripon will be running festive cruises on the canal this Christmas.

The boat ride, which will be 30 minutes in total, will also include mulled wine, hot chocolate and nibbles – including brownies and mince pies from The Secret Garden.

Local traders will also have stalls running alongside the boat rides.

It will take place on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17 from 11am — 3pm.

Tickets start at £8.95.

Knaresborough

Knaresborough Christmas Market and fireworks

 Knaresborough Christmas Markets will take place around the town’s Market Place.

There will be almost 60 stalls, including festive food, clothing and Christmas gifts.

Live music and entertainment will also be on offer, with performances from a Ukrainian Dance Group, Knaresborough Choral Society and Harrogate Spa St John’s Church Choir.

There will also be a free park and ride for the weekend from the GSPK car park (postcode HG5 8LF) on Manse Lane to Chapel Street, close to the market square. Buses will run from 8am to 5.30pm throughout the weekend.

A firework display at the Castle grounds will bring the market weekend to a close.

The markets will run on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3.

Nidderdale

Pateley Bridge Late Night Shopping

Pateley Bridge will hold a late-night shopping evening on Friday, December 8.

Local shops will be involved and hand out samples, while children can enjoy the santa’s grotto.

It will begin at 6pm.

St Nicholas Fair at St Cuthbert’s Church, Pateley Bridge

A Christmas fair will be held in Pateley Bridge on Sunday December 2.

There will be a range of stalls selling jewellery, cakes and gifts, as well as a festive tombola and a raffle.

The Summerbridge and Dacre Silver Prize Band will also be performing from noon until 1.30pm.

Admission is £3 and includes a hot drink and a mince pie.

Soup and a roll will be available from noon.

The event starts at 10.30am.

Christmas Big Sing at St Cuthbert’s Church, Pateley Bridge

To continue the festivities, a “big sing” will be held at the church later in the evening  on December 2.

Tickets cost £5 on the door and there will also be a raffle.

Tables of 4 or more can be booked in advance by emailing me.mitch@btinternet.com

The bar opens from 6.30pm and the event will run from 7pm – 9pm.

Masham

Masham Christmas Fayre

A traditional Christmas fayre will be held in Masham Town Hall this year.

There will be a variety of gifts available to buy.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 2, from 10am .

SYD Christmas Craft, Vintage and Collectables Fayre

 An eclectic Christmas Fayre will be held in Masham Town Hall this year.

There will be two floors of handmade craft, vintage and collectables stalls.

It will take place on Sunday, December 3 from 10am.

Boroughbridge 

Late night Christmas shopping

A late-night Christmas shopping event will be held across Boroughbridge.

Shops will stay open late and will compete in a window display competition.

There will also be festive street stalls, a hog roast, choir performances and children’s rides.

Children can also expect a visit from Father Christmas.

The event, which will take place on Wednesday December 6, will be kicked off by the official light switch-on at 5.30pm.

Christmas Fayre — Minskip Village Hall

A Christmas Gift Fayre will be held in Minskip, near Boroughbridge, this month.

The event, which will be held in Minskip Village Hall, will run from 1pm – 4pm.

It will feature a wide range of local traders selling festive gifts, food and homeware, as well as a tombola and refreshments.

All proceeds will go to the local church.

The fayre will be held on Saturday, December 9.

Entry is free.

Villages

Lovingly Made in the Dales — Hampsthwaite

An artisan Christmas market will be held in Hampsthwaite village hall.

There will be more than 20 vendors selling locally-crafted gifts.

Tickets cost £10, which includes a glass of wine and a raffle ticket, and money raised will go towards the Roddy Scott Foundation.

It will take place on Thursday, December 7, from 6pm – 9pm.

Artisan Christmas Market — The Inn at South Stainley

The Inn at South Stainley will host three-days of Christmas markets in November and December.

It will host a range of local sellers.

There will be mulled wine and bratwurst on offer while shopping.

The event is free to attend and will take place on Wednesday, November 29 from 4pm, and December 6 and 13 from 8pm.

The Christmas Kitchen — The Washburn Heritage Centre

The Washburn Heritage Centre will be hosting a Christmas market in December.

There will be a range of stalls selling homemade seasonal goods, including jams, alcohol and sweet treats, baked by the centre’s volunteers.

The Tea Room will also be serving a seasonal menu with hot soup, turkey rolls, mince pies and Christmas cake to enjoy.

The Fewston Musick singers will be performing at the event.

It will take place on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 from 11am – 4pm.

Copt Hewick Christmas Fair

A festive market will be held in Copt Hewick village church and hall on Saturday, December 2.

There will be craft stalls, a tombola and raffle, food and drinks, and even a visit from Father Christmas on a horse-drawn sleigh.

The event will run from 11am – 3pm.

Admission is free.

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Growth hub hosts business support event at Ripon Cathedral

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub hosted an event for businesses involved in its peer to peer support group this week.

Held at Ripon Cathedral, business owners heard from speakers Jack Sutcliffe, chief executive of Power Sheds, and military veteran, Goose Cryer MC.

The event was held as part of the culmination of a six-week programme which aimed to increase business growth, productivity and sustainability and safeguard jobs

Richard Hughes, owner of Manchega Tapas restaurant in Ripon, said:

“All participants were ultimately given the gift of belief in their ability and potential.

“This course can truly revolutionise collaborative working and drive business and economic development locally.”

Further peer to peer support groups are set to be held by the growth hub in January and February. Businesses can sign up here.

[the_ad id=”179874″] 

Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall included in restaurant guide

Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall has been included in the Harden’s Top 100 UK Restaurants for 2024.

The fine dining restaurant near Ripon has been ranked at 75th in the guide.

Harden’s is a renowned guide in the culinary industry and compiled the list annually.

Chef Patron, Shaun Rankin, said:

“It’s truly an honour for Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall to be acknowledged in the Harden’s Top 100.

“This is the restaurant’s first feature in the list and is a source of great pride for both the team and I, particularly as the list is based on user-sourced ratings and reviews. It only further encourages us to continue to develop our offering of exceptional culinary experiences for our guests.”

 

Read more:

 

Labour Party selects candidate to stand for North Yorkshire mayor

The Labour Party has selected York businessman David Skaith as its candidate for the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Mr Skaith owns Winstons of York clothing shop and spent three years as chair of York High Street Forum. He was also secretary of IndieYork, an organisation that promotes independent businesses.

He lives in the village of Wheldrake near York with his wife and two children.

The mayor will oversee a significant budget for York and North Yorkshire covering areas such as transport, education and housing.

The role will also take on the powers of police and crime commissioner. An election is expected to be held for the position in May 2024.

Following his selection, Mr Skaith said:

“It is an honour to be selected as Labour’s candidate for North Yorkshire Mayor. We need the first ever Mayor of North Yorkshire to be a strong voice on the side of local residents. I am passionate about growing our local economy through strong industry and business, restoring the reliable transport connections we desperately need and delivering on the priorities of our communities here in North Yorkshire.

“We have been taken for granted by the Conservatives for too long, and our region is being left behind as a result. We have so much to offer, and as North Yorkshire’s Mayor I will always fight for what we deserve.”

The Conservatives Party has selected North Yorkshire councillor Keane Duncan as its candidate for the position. Cllr Duncan is also the executive councillor for highways on the authority.

Meanwhile, Pateley Bridge businessman Keith Tordoff has announced he will stand as an independent candidate for mayor.

North Yorkshire councillor, Kevin Foster, will contest the election for the Green Party.

Read more:

 

Boroughbridge out-of-school club receives glowing Ofsted report

A Boroughbridge breakfast and after-school club has received a glowing Ofsted report.

Roboodles, which operates at Roecliffe Church of England Primary School, was described as “wonderful” by inspectors.

An inspection was carried out at the club in November this year.

Ofsted inspector Jan Batchelor said in a report just published:

“Leaders create a wonderful out-of-school club.

“[Children] chat together as they make jewellery, they concentrate as they paint Diwali pictures, and they use their imagination as they create imaginary worlds with dinosaurs.”

The inspection report found Roboodles consulted a nutritionist in providing healthy food for club members.

Ms Batchelor said:

“Children confidently explain to the inspector that they are allowed a drizzle of honey on their toast, not a river.”

Meanwhile, the report found that children were well behaved.

Ms Batchelor said:

“They know they must not run around outside ‘like headless chickens’, but they also know that the most important club rule is to have fun.”

Claire Bennett and Lianne Conroy, Roboodles business partners, said in a statement:

“Our recent Ofsted visit was our first.

“We are delighted with the inspectors report, which captures perfectly how Roboodles operates everyday.

We love what we do and feel very privileged to be able to share our time with the children in our care.”

Read more:

Roboodles is based in Roecliffe, near Boroughbridge, and accepts children from reception to year 6.

The breakfast club runs weekday mornings between 7.30am to 8.50am.

The afterschool club runs Monday-Thursday between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, and on Fridays between 3.30pm and 5pm.

Business Breakfast: Council hires marketing firm to promote numeracy project

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

North Yorkshire Council has hired a marketing firm to help promote an adult numeracy project across the county.

Leeds-based The Marketing Optimist has been appointed to help promote the MultiplyNYorks scheme, which is aimed at people aged over 19 who do not have a GCSE in maths at grade C.

The digital marketing agency is supporting the council with marketing strategy, social media marketing, SEO, website design and copy on the programme.

Richard Michie, CEO of The Marketing Optimist, said: 

“This project is one of our biggest to date, and we are thrilled to be chosen as the marketing partner for such an important initiative.

“This project requires a thorough, collaborative approach to deliver an extensive multi-channel marketing strategy, as there are over 20 delivery partners across York and North Yorkshire.”

Homebuilder donates wildlife-friendly gifts to Boroughbridge

Homebuilder Barratt Developments Yorkshire West has donated a selection of RSPB wildlife-friendly items to Boroughbridge Allotment Society.

Situated opposite the new Harclay Park and Manor Chase development in Boroughbridge, the society received a selection of bird houses, bee biomes, insect and hedgehog houses to boost their ongoing ecological efforts to protect wildlife.

Boroughbridge Allotment Society was founded in December 2009 to create a space for local people to watch nature thrive.

Geoff Hustwit, secretary at the society, said:

“This donation will help us create valuable habitats for beneficial wildlife which will assist us in developing a sustainable culture on our allotments.”

Sam Wood, sales director at Barratt Developments Yorkshire West, said:

“We are dedicated to creating green and pleasant places to live, and to giving those living on and around our developments the tools to help nature thrive.”

Read more: