Business Breakfast: Boroughbridge business wins employer of the year

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

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

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

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

Green-tech’s managing director Kris Nellist said:

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

Harrogate law firm promotes new head of family law

Head of family law at LCF Law, Harjit Rait

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

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

Ms Rait said:

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

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

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

Theakston’s Brewery continues cricket sponsorship

Simon Theakston, chairman of Theakston’s Brewery.

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

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

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

Chairman of Theakston’s Brewery, Simon Theakston said:

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

Harrogate Clothes Bank announces new Business Club initiative

Harrogate Clothes Bank

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

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

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

A spokesperson for the charity said:

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

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

Jespers manager celebrates 30 years at the store

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

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

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

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

Ms Cummings said:

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

Harrogate Town partner with mental health charity

Wellspring-Pitch Positive

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

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

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

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

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

Coffee Lounge launches evening opening hours

Tom Gordon & Leda

Westmoreland Coffee Lounge has announced new evening opening hours.

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

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

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

He said:

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

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How will North Yorkshire’s mayor help the economy?

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

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

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

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

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

The economic future of North Yorkshire

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

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

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

James Farrar.

James Farrar.

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

He said:

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

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

Economic powers

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

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

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

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

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

Dr Hayton said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr Mycock said:

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

“A lot of her role is about advocacy.”

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

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

He said:

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

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

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

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

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

Who are North Yorkshire’s mayoral candidates?

Voters will head to the polls in five days time to elect the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The Stray Ferret has profiled each of the six candidates vying for the role on May 2.

Each major party is contesting the election, as well as two independents.

Below, you can find each candidate on the ballot paper plus a link to our interview with them.

Keith Tordoff, Independent

Keith Tordoff.

Keith Tordoff.

Keith Tordoff is no stranger to the election scene.

The Pateley Bridge businessman stood for North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner twice and has now put his name forward again for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Initially standing for the Yorkshire Party, Mr Tordoff will once again be contesting the election on May 2 as an independent.

Read more on our interview with Mr Tordoff here.

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Liberal Democrats

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister

Felciity Cunliffe-Lister has not been in the political arena for long — but she feels she is the strongest candidate to become the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The co-owner of the Swinton Estate in Masham is the Liberal Democrat candidate on polling day on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Ms Cunliffe-Lister here.

Kevin Foster, Green Party

Kevin Foster.

Kevin Foster.

The Green Party’s Kevin Foster says he does not see himself as a politician, more of an “ordinary person done good”.

Mr Foster’s background includes serving in the British Army reserves for 30 years before moving into politics.

He will be tasked with winning the mayoral role for the Greens on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Mr Foster here.

Paul Haslam, Independent

Paul Haslam

Paul Haslam

Bilton resident Paul Haslam believes his extensive business experience stands him in good stead to be Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The Bilton and Nidd Gorge councillor was the last of six candidates to throw their hat into the ring to be the inaugural mayor.

Standing as an independent, Mr Haslam has centred his campaign around the economy and emphasised his business experience as his credentials.

Read more on our interview with Mr Haslam here.

David Skaith, Labour

David Skaith, Labour Party candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

David Skaith

David Skaith is tasked with winning York and North Yorkshire’s mayoral election for Labour on May 2.

The York-based businessman joined the party in 2015 after becoming “fed up” with the way the country was going politically.

Read more on our interview with Mr Skaith here.

Keane Duncan, Conservative

Keane Duncan

Keane Duncan believes he has a “bold ambition” for North Yorkshire.

The 29-year-old candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is tasked with securing the position for the Conservative Party on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Mr Duncan here.

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Plans approved to convert Tockwith tennis court into multi-use games pitch

A planning application to convert existing tennis courts into a multi-use games pitch in Tockwith has been approved.

The plan, which was tabled to North Yorkshire Council in January, outlines plans to re-surface the two current tennis courts, install LED floodlights and erect new fencing.

The Stray Ferret reported on the proposal in February and spoke to Mike Corbett, chair of Tockwith Sportsfield Trust, which submitted the application.

Mr Corbett said at the time the new site would have an all-weather surface, adding:

“The current tennis courts are hard courts, but the surface is poor and weeds are coming through.

“Of course, we’re doing this to improve the club itself, but also to attract young people and give them something to do, rather than just being on their phones.”

A drawing of the proposed new site.

He said the new pitch will be suitable for tennis and five-aside football, adding the trust also planned to install basketball provisions at the open-air site.

Mr Corbett previously told the Stray Ferret the new fencing could also make the pitch suitable for padel tennis.

The trust planned to fund the project partly through section 106 monies, paid by developers who are building new housing developments in the village.

It will also be funded by the football club and Tockwith Festival. North Yorkshire Council approved the plans on Monday, April 22.

The Stray Ferret contacted Tockwith Sportsfield Trust about the approval, but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

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Public invited to attend Maltkiln consultation event

The developer hoping to build thousands of new homes between Harrogate and York will hold a public consultation in Kirk Hammerton next month.

Caddick Group says the event on Tuesday, May 7, at Kirk Hammerton village hall will be a chance for the local community to view its proposals for Maltkiln and to speak directly with the team developing the scheme. It will take place between 2pm and 8pm.

A minimum of 3,000 homes and two primary schools could be built near the villages of Cattal, Whixley, Green Hammerton and Kirk Hammerton.

This month, North Yorkshire Council submitted its Maltkiln development plan document (DPD) to the government’s Planning Inspectorate ahead of an examination.

Caddick says the scheme aims to address the “acute housing shortage” in North Yorkshire.

Proposals are also available to view and respond to on a dedicated consultation website.

An online form for feedback will open on Monday, May 6 and will close on Friday, May 27.

Chris Procter, director at Caddick Group, said:

“We have been liaising with North Yorkshire Council and other key political stakeholders throughout the DPD process, to ensure our plans are able to not only deliver much-needed housing, but are also able to provide a range of housing types and tenures, giving people the flexibility to live where they wish.

“Our revised proposals for Maltkiln will incorporate enhancements to transport infrastructure around the site, as well as bringing forward proposals for onsite amenities and a strategy to deliver biodiversity net gain, to deliver a sustainable and connected community.

“As the DPD process draws to a conclusion, we want to re-engage with the community to seek their valuable feedback on our revised plans.”

Arnold Warneken, Green Party councillor for Ouseburn, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he hopes people living in the area will attend the consultation as he said there were still unanswered questions regarding the scheme.

The developer still does not own a large section of land around Cattal Station with the council saying it would be willing to use a compulsory purchase order to force through a sale.

He also questioned the timing of the consultation event which is taking place before the DPD examination.

Cllr Warneken said:

“We have not resolved the situation about land. I’m not sure why the consultation is taking place so early in the process. The community will get a chance to respond to DPD, which is the right way to do it. I don’t understand the thinking but I’m not a developer.”

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Man, 31, dies following collision on A1(M) near Boroughbridge

A man has died after his HGV lorry collided with an overhead bridge on the A1(M) this morning.

North Yorkshire Police said the incident, which happened at around 2.10am, occurred on the southbound carriageway of the motorway between junction 48 (Boroughbridge) and junction 47 (Allerton Park).

Police closed the A1(M) this morning to respond to the incident. The force said the southbound carriageway is now expected to be open after 4pm.

In an updated statement, the force said the HGV lorry collided with an overhead bridge near the Allerton Waste Recovery site. The driver died at the scene.

It added:

“The southbound carriageway was closed to allow emergency services to attend the incident and investigate the scene. It currently remains closed for scene recovery work to take place, two lanes are expected to open to traffic after 4pm.

“We’re now urging anyone who saw the collision or the HGV involved in the collision prior to it that has not already made contact to get in touch. Our officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have any relevant dashcam footage.

“Anyone with information is asked to email mcit@northyorkshire.police.uk or phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 and speak to the Force Control Room.”

Quote reference number 12240071188 when passing information.

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Officers also took to social media this afternoon to ask motorists not to use their phones when driving.

It came after several people drove past and filmed the scene of the collision on the A1(M).

Police said it would be taking action against the drivers. A spokesperson for the force added:

“We have taken registration details of approximately 30 vehicles, and we will follow up with action against the drivers – this will ultimately be points and a fine, but they may end up in court.”

Drivers warned to expect delays after serious collision closes A1(M)

Drivers should expect delays on the A1 this morning after a serious collision near Boroughbridge.

North Yorkshire Police said the incident happened on the southbound carriageway at around 2.20am.

The force said the southbound carriageway of the A1(M) is currently closed between junction 48 (Boroughbridge) and junction 47 (Allerton Park) and is expected to be for some time.

However, the northbound carriageway has now reopened.

National Highways has advised drivers to allow more time for journeys as the southbound carriageway is expected to be closed throughout the morning.

A spokesperson said:

“The southbound carriageway is expected to remain closed beyond the morning’s peak travel period as emergency services and National Highways traffic officers remain at the scene of the incident, which happened at around 2.20am. 

“Collision investigations are currently taking place, with recovery and repairs also expected throughout the morning following an oil spill and repairs needed to the central barrier. 

“There are currently delays of more than 60 minutes on the southbound carriageway.”

A diversion is in place along the A168, which runs parallel to the A1(M).

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Conservative mayoral candidate promises ‘bold ambition’ for North Yorkshire

Keane Duncan believes he has a “bold ambition” for North Yorkshire.

The 29-year-old candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is tasked with securing the position for the Conservative Party on May 2.

Mr Duncan, who is also executive councillor for highways on North Yorkshire Council, told the Stray Ferret that he believes he has the most political experience for the role.

He added that he felt the mayor was an opportunity to do politics differently.

“I’m standing to shake things up and do things differently. I think we have probably been let down by politics being the same old status quo.

“This is now an opportunity for us to wrestle control from Westminster and to secure our fair share of investment that we deserve.

“It’s a big opportunity and we have one chance to get this right. I’m standing up for all generations, my generation and the next generation.”

Keane Duncan, with Prime Minister RIshi Sunak in Ripon earlier this month.

Keane Duncan, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Ripon earlier this month.

Mr Duncan has set his stall out and made bold pledges during his campaign. They include free car-parking in towns and cities and purchasing the Grand Hotel in Scarborough for regeneration.

The promise to regenerate the hotel is probably the most radical of his plans. Mr Duncan says he has “staked his political fortunes” on the pledge, but believes it is what Scarborough needs from the mayoral role.

He said:

“I have got bold ambition for North Yorkshire. I have got big plans for our county and I think it is right that we are bold and ambitious for the county.

“Scarborough is the third largest settlement in the county and it is the most deprived town. No one can doubt that it deserves investment.

“But this is just one example of my big plans for the county. It is radical and some people think I’m slightly mad, but I think it will be key for transforming Scarborough.”

When pressed on how much the plan would cost, Mr Duncan said he did not want to “compromise discussions” with Britannia, the company which owns the Grand Hotel.

However, he promised to seek negotiations with the firm within the “first few weeks”, if elected mayor.

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Meanwhile, as the senior councillor for highways in North Yorkshire, Mr Duncan is well versed in the trials and tribulations of the transport brief.

Mr Duncan says that part of his plan for mayor would be to invest in road repairs and key infrastructure such as the A64, York Outer Ring Road and A59 Kex Gill.

He also says he is prepared to look at a bus franchising model in North Yorkshire, if there is a “robust financial case”. 

Among his other pledges include full digital connectivity and no mayoral tax for each year that he is in office, if elected mayor.

Not taking it for granted

The race to become the first elected mayor in North Yorkshire is just 10 days away.

When asked if he confident of winning the election, Mr Duncan said he is not taking anything for granted.

He said:

“I have never taken any election for granted. I’m certainly not taking this election for granted. I do not think the outcome is guaranteed.

“I am working very hard, I’m getting out there into every single corner of North Yorkshire. I have embarked on a 100-day, 1,000-stop tour of the county, listening to people in every single community.

“My message is that nowhere is going to be overlooked or forgotten if I’m elected. That message is resonating strongly.”

The York and North Yorkshire mayor will be chosen by residents of the region in an election on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

The candidates are:

Victory for villagers as industrial development is refused planning permission

Residents have cautiously welcomed the refusal this week of planning permission for a controversial scheme to build an industrial development on their residential cul-de-sac. 

The project, on Hazeldene Fold in Minskip, near Boroughbridge, has been deeply unpopular with neighbouring householders, and many of them lodged objections to the scheme citing concerns about noise, dust and the constant passage of heavy goods vehicles along an unsuitable access road. 

What made the case more notable than most was that there were fears that a buried Roman mosaic could have been disturbed or even destroyed during initial groundworks, which were well underway as early as January 2023. 

As the Stray Ferret reported last year, the developer, Harrogate-based Forward Investment Properties, applied in September 2022 to Harrogate Borough Council for permission to demolish some Nissen huts on the site, and build four light industrial units, a car-park and a turning circle for goods vehicles. 

It withdrew that application, but then applied in October 2023 for retrospective planning permission for the groundworks and to use the existing building as a light industrial unit. 

But North Yorkshire Council’s planning committee this week rejected that application on six counts. A key factor in the decision was the site’s location, which is outside the development limit for Minskip, and therefore considered to be in the countryside, meaning that the development does not comply with the Harrogate District Local Plan 2014-2035. 

Local resident Tony Hunt told the Stray Ferret: 

“We’ve not started partying yet, but everybody’s pretty pleased in the Fold, and more widely. 

“In the decision, they said ‘the proposed development would undermine the Council’s growth strategy as set out in the Local Plan’. That would suggest they won’t be able to successfully appeal, but we’ll see.” 

No mention of the Roman mosaic floor was made in the decision. But according to local resident Tony Hunt, it is reported to have been discovered when the huts were built in 1970 but covered over with a layer of sand and plastic to preserve it. The location cross-references on Ordnance Survey maps with a square-shaped earthwork, and a Roman coin hoard was found nearby in the 19th century. 

Forward Investment Properties’ representative, Leeds-based Addison Planning Consultants Ltd, told the Stray Ferret that the Nissen huts were all still standing, so the suspected site of the mosaic floor has not been disturbed by the groundworks. 

Forward Investment Properties is registered with Companies House as a limited liability partnership and its three members, who are brothers, Adam, Tobias and Daniel Ward.

.The Stray Ferret has asked Addison Planning Consultants whether Forward intends to appeal the decision, lodge a revised planning application or abandon the scheme. 

Tony Hunt and his wife Valerie very much hope they’ll choose the last option. Valerie said: 

“It’s been like living with the Sword of Damocles over our heads for the last three years. It’s affected me very badly and made me quite ill. 

“When we moved here we didn’t expect to have to battle against something like this. Why do they want to put something like this in our little cul-de-sac when there are so many other more suitable places they could choose? 

“We’re very happy about the decision, but they keep coming back. They’re very determined.” 

Tony added: 

“This is not over yet, not by a long way.” 

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From lidos to Eurovision: Ripon teacher’s quirky musicals

It was during an open day at a lido in Cumbria that composer and playwright Emily Roberts found the inspiration for her latest musical. 

The premise of All Those On Board suddenly popped into her head while she was chatting to campaigners of a multi-million pound project to bring the lido at Grange-over-Sands, which closed in 1993, back into use. 

The musical, which will run on selected dates in May and June, tells the story of a group of people trying to save and re-open a derelict lido. Emily, a fan of open water swimming, said: 

“I do love lidos. I went to Ilkley Lido a lot as a child and it gets a mention in my script, based on my memories of Wagon Wheels, crisps and queuing up on the tarmac.

“My musicals usually have a love story at heart, but this is different, it’s more of an ensemble piece. Although I suppose it is a kind of love story – it’s about the love of a lido and doing something for the love of community.” 

Inspiration

A classically trained pianist who teaches music at schools in Harrogate and Boroughbridge, Emily writes musicals in her spare time and always has a few ideas and titles floating around her mind, waiting to be developed. 

Currently, there’s one called When The Bell Goes based on her years of classroom teaching. There’s Just Twelve Days about a group of people trying to get Christmas back to being a 12-day festival rather than starting in September (Emily puts her tree up on Christmas Eve). Then there’s a vague notion about a ‘bad taste bookies’ which doesn’t yet have a title. 

At some point, Emily will get a flash of inspiration that gives her the hook she needs to develop one of them. She’ll then start with a rough storyline, followed by the opening number, something slower in the middle and then the finale. Once she gets going, it usually takes her two or three months to write. She said:

“I start by thinking of the style of the songs. I like writing songs that are part of the story – it’s much more fun. But I also want them to be able to stand alone, to be accessible and catchy. I like a good song that you can sing afterwards, like in The Sound of Music, Calamity Jane and Grease. But my initial plan can change quite dramatically. Anything can happen.”

Writing as ECR Roberts, Emily describes her musicals as upbeat with a couple of more poignant moments. She presented her first one, a romantic comedy of errors called Christoper Lonesome, 22 years ago. It was performed by students at Leeds Grammar School, where Emily was a teacher at the time, because she couldn’t find a venue willing to put on a show by an unknown writer. It was a sell-out, but it was a decade before Emily found the time in her busy life to write another one.

Going Grey was staged in the summer of 2013. It told the story of a recently-widowed woman who had met someone new and was performed to such great success in York that the following year it ran for 15 nights in venues across London and North Yorkshire.

Personal experience

Emily’s shows are often based on personal experience. Her third musical, The Pecking Order, was produced in 2018. It came about after Emily moved from York to Kirkby Malzeard near Ripon, giving her the experience of living in a rural community to flesh out her idea for a ‘farming boy meets city girl’ storyline. 

Her fourth musical, Let Me Be The One, was inspired by the UK’s worst ever decade in the Eurovision Song Contest, when it failed to reach the top ten at any point from 2010. Watching on TV as Michael Rice came last in 2019, Emily, a long-time fan of Eurovision who had always wanted to write a musical about it, had her lightbulb moment. She said: 

“It really struck me that it was the end of such a bad decade for the UK. I had the idea to set the story at that moment in time and focus on two fans and their efforts to help the UK get back in the top ten of Eurovision. The story ends on the finals night of 2020.” 

She wrote the show in anticipation of presenting it before the real contest in 2020, and even received sponsorship to take the show to Rotterdam, that year’s host. But when the pandemic put paid to those plans, she made it into a film instead and later took it to London and Knaresborough. 

Emily on guitar as part of a group of Eurovision fans outside the Conference Centre on the 40th anniversary of Harrogate hosting the competition.

With each musical, Emily learns something new. After lugging around three big bales of straw for The Pecking Order, she’s since stuck to more manageable props: All Those On Board features just eight deckchairs and some beach balls. Little things have made a big difference, such as placing songs to bring a scene to an end rather than them being an interruption in the middle of it. Instead of using a small band to accompany the shows, musical instruments are now incorporated into props or furniture and played by the cast for a more seamless production.   

All the shows are presented by Drip Drop Theatre Company, which Emily set up for her second musical and  named after a phrase from Azerbaijan’s 2010 Eurovision entry. The company’s cast members join mainly through word of mouth, with most coming from Kirkby Malzeard, Burton Leonard, Ripon and Ilkley. As well as writing the song music and lyrics, Emily also writes the script and the choreography, directs each show, occasionally performs, and does all the publicity and admin. She said:

“The whole joy for me is creating the music and the lyrics together. I particularly love trying to find quirky little rhymes and making the emphasis of the words fit the emphasis of the music. Cole Porter is my favourite of all musical writers. His music and lyrics are so beautifully written. He had such a way with marrying the lyrics with the musicality of the score.

And I really enjoy the choreography. When I write the shows now, I’m already thinking about the choreography.”

All Those On Board runs at seven venues including Ripley, Ripon and Kirkby Malzeard from May 30 to June 8. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £8 for under 21s (booking fee applies) and can be booked here.

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