A charity that supports visually impaired people across the Harrogate district has received the highest honour for voluntary groups in the UK.  

Vision Support Harrogate District has been given the King’s Award for Voluntary Services, the equivalent of an MBE that recognises the country’s most inspiring volunteer-led groups.  

Tanya Stimpson, the charity’s director of services, said everyone was “delighted and overwhelmed” to receive the award. 

She said:

“Such a prestigious award recognises the dedication of our charity’s volunteers and the positive impact they have on our community. Some have been with us for 20, 30 and even 40 years. They give so freely their skills and experience, time, friendship and support; without them our charity would not exist.”

Vision Support Harrogate District offers practical services as well as emotional support, friendship and kindness to help visually impaired people live a full and independent life.  

Among its long-serving volunteers is Ann Routledge, 85, who described the King’s Award as “wonderful news”. 

She said:

“It just means everything to us. We are the only charity in the district for visually impaired people and this award is about recognising how much work we do.” 

Volunteer Jerry, third from left, with his bowling group members

Ripon volunteer John with retired volunteers Doreen, right, and Joan.

Vision Support Harrogate District helps people develop new skills and take part in a range of social and wellbeing activities, both at a drop-in centre in Harrogate as well as satellite meetings in Ripon and Pateley Bridge. It also offers a helpline, telephone befriending service and home visits. 

Helen McGrath joined as a member when she lost her sight suddenly nine years ago at the age of 42. She now volunteers for the charity, using her experience to help others. She said:

“I’d be lost without this place. What they have done for me is immeasurable.

“It’s very hard to be told you’re losing your sight; you can feel like your life has come to an end. But coming here made me feel like my life had restarted on a much more positive path.” 

Val Pilkington, 75, worked at the charity before becoming a full-time volunteer along with her husband Steven when she retired around ten years ago. She said:

“Support is the big word; the members and the volunteers all support each other. It’s just like a family, everybody pulls together and it’s very rewarding indeed.” 

Read more

• Ripon Vision Support receives £7,000 boost from mayor’s charity appeal
• 36 community groups in Harrogate district awarded £92,000

Tanya added:

“Throughout Vision Support Harrogate District’s 102 years of service, volunteers have led the charity and provide lifelong educational, social and wellbeing services and activities to those in our community who have sight loss. We will display this award with pride, remembering devoted volunteers past and present.” 

Sculptures made by members of Vision Support Harrogate District will form part of an art exhibition at St Peter’s Church from November 21 to 26.

North Yorkshire Police have issued a warning after heavy rain has caused some flooding in areas of the Harrogate district and treacherous driving conditions.

Storm Debi caused strong winds and rain yesterday and overnight. A yellow weather warning was in place for much of the district.

Police were called to several incidents on the district’s roads, including flooding off York Road in Boroughbridge this morning and a car crashing into safety barriers on the A59 at Goldsborough at 11.12pm last night.

However, no serious injuries have been reported.

Meanwhile, this morning Dishforth Road and Sharow Lane near Ripon has been reported as flooded.

The force’s control room recorded almost 100 incidents between 8pm last night and midnight, and a further 100 between midnight and 8am today, many of which were weather-related.

Officers have urged drivers to take care on the district’s road amid unexpected flooding and obstructions as a result of heavy rain.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: 

“It’s been a busy night with a high number of weather-related calls. We’ve worked hard to keep people safe and keep traffic moving as best we can.

“Storm Debi has passed, but she’s left flooded roads, felled trees and other dangerous debris in her wake.

“So if you’re travelling by road today, be on your guard for unexpected flooding or obstructions, and please allow that little bit of extra time to arrive safely.”

Read more:

• Yorkshire Water begins installing parking charges equipment at Harrogate district reservoirs
• Pump track could replace BMX track in Pateley Bridge

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

Over the next few weeks we will reveal what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Rising Star under 30 Award, which is sponsored by Thompsons Chartered Accountants.

This award is designed to highlight some of the young talent from across the Harrogate district.

Those nominated or who enter for the Rising Star under 30 Award are sure to make waves and build a successful career in the years to come.

Entries for this category need to provide details of the person’s background and position they hold in the business. Provide examples of how the entrant’s work ethic has affected the business for the better.

Do you know someone who deserves to win the Rising Star Under 30 Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 19. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 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, Flora spoke to a mother and daughter who use the charity’s services.

Growing up, parents seem invincible, and the thought of one day caring for them seems a lifetime away.

But in reality, thousands of people are caring for their parents living with dementia, and losing their loved ones before their very eyes.

One of them is Beverley Mitcheson, who looks after her mother, Mary Yelland. They told us their story.

Mary was once a talented window-dresser. She is a mother to her children, grandmother to her grandchildren and even great-grandmother to her great-grandchildren – Mary lived a normal life before getting dementia.

Beverley said:

“We noticed a lot of changes in mum, and we all knew she wasn’t remembering things, but it wasn’t until last year that we finally took action.

“There’s no handbook in these situations – you don’t know what to do.”

Beverley felt at a loss as to how best to support her 91-year-old mother, who had recently been diagnosed with this progressive disease.

Luckily, her husband had noticed the Dementia Forward minibus around the area and got in touch about Mary’s diagnosis.

Beverley said:

“As a carer, you never feel you’re doing enough.”

Beverley took on the role as her mum’s carer 18 months ago and, as a mother and grandmother herself, struggled to juggle it all.

After a home visit from the Dementia Forward team, they stepped in to provide Mary with specialist care she needed.

Fast forward a year, and she now goes attends the Hub Club twice a week with a smile on her face.

Beverley added:

“I couldn’t manage without these two days.

“I love my mum so much – she’s happy.

“I know she’s stimulated here – which is something I can’t do for her –  and they’re the main things.”

Mary with other members at the Hub Club.

The Hub Club offers those living with dementia the opportunity to spend the day at the Burton Leonard site. They play board games, have coffee and cake over crosswords, take part in quizzes and listen to their favourite songs. But most importantly, the members are socialising.

Dementia can be extremely isolating and people often feel misunderstood, but the group combats that and makes those people feel understood.

Beverley added:

“Dementia isn’t physical – people can’t see it – so, for her to be somewhere she’s understood is just amazing.”

The charity has brought light to a life-changing situation for Mary and Beverley, as well as hundreds of other families across the Harrogate district.

Mary said:

“When I come here, I just feel like I’m going to see my friends – it’s like a family.

“It’s like entering a haven where I don’t need to worry about anything. It’s a home for me.”

However, Beverley still has to watch this dementia take her mother from her.

Dementia Forward continues to support them, along with thousands of other families every week, but it can only do so with the help of charitable donations.

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 bettering the lives of those living with dementia and the people 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. 

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.

The NHS found 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia. For those who need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

While I can’t imagine how on earth a penalty could be enforced against those that refuse accommodation, I must re-educate Lib Dem candidate Tom Gordon, on his belief that tents are not a “life choice” for some of the homeless.

Believe me Tom – having volunteered to work with the homeless for a good couple of years, I am only too aware that there are several local individuals who – for whatever reason – decline offers of help, support, accommodation or stability. It is their preferred lifestyle, and they have no desire to engage with services or have a permanent roof over their heads.

Personally, I don’t understand it. But I acknowledge it – each to their own. But I certainly stand by any decision to clamp down on the use of tents, lest we become a society reflective of some of the horrendous “tent cities” that are synonymous with many American cities.

Want to live in a tent? Fine. Your call. But to do so on the High Street, I draw the line. I may not vote Conservative, but I do agree that Suella Braverman understands someone needs to get a grip.

Mark Fuller, Harrogate

Read More: 

• Stray Views: Valley Drive parking fines a ‘money spinner’
• Stray Views: Does big Harrogate Xmas light switch on help businesses? Perhaps not

Badger Hill speeding an issue

The speed of traffic round the bend at Badger Hill needs to be seen, it has resulted in cars hitting the wall and the house. The latest was two weeks ago when a car left the road hit the wall and overturned. This is where many people sit waiting for the bus.

This is a very big concern and the councillors comments seemed to dismiss the involvement of the present Lady Mayoress, who visited us to hear our concerns.

Malcom Wood, Knaresborough

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

Senior North Yorkshire councillors have rejected criticism after no members of the public attended a meeting of its top committee, which was held 55 miles from its headquarters.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive meeting at Selby Civic Centre lasted less than 10 minutes before the Tory-led authority’s leader Cllr Carl Les closed proceedings to the public to discuss the confidential terms of a deal to sell four hectares of land at Gatherley Road, Brompton-on-Swale, near Richmond.

Following a furore over Scarborough council’s confidential deal over the Alpamare water park in 2013, which could cost its successor council £8m, opposition councillors said the meeting should have been better advertised and more transparent.

Cllr Les told the meeting it was intended to hold more executive meetings away from County Hall in Northallerton and while two Selby-specific items had been moved from the meeting’s agenda, it was “felt it was still important to come on our peripatetic journey”.

After rubber-stamping Department for Education childcare funding, the meeting, which had seen several senior Northallerton-based council officers travel to Selby specifically for the meeting, was closed to the public just nine minutes and 40 seconds after it was opened.

Read more:

• North Yorkshire Conservatives dismiss claims over residents’ questions ban
• County-wide zone has damaged taxi businesses, says Ripon councillor

Following the meeting, opposition councillors questioned how the meeting had been advertised, with Selby councillor and Labour group leader Steve Shaw Wright stating even the town council had been unaware of the meeting.

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllt Bryn Griffiths said having no members of the public attending was “very disappointing” given the resources used staging the meeting in Selby.

Richmond councillor Stuart Parsons, leader of the council’s Independent group, questioned whether the meeting had displayed democracy in action and if there could have been more transparency over the land deal.

He said: 

“Why is it top secret? 

“There are commercial issues attached to it, but you can write a report without referring to named businesses, so at least the public know what is likely to happen to their property and what the risks are.”

Responding to the concerns, Cllr Les said the meeting had been advertised to members and the session in private had only involved the confidential terms of the deal.

He said: 

“I would have preferred to do it openly but with commercial matters you can’t.

“We are doing the right thing moving the executive meeting around the county. We will be doing one at least every two months to make sure we get round all the six previous areas in a calendar year.”

A combined authority in York and North Yorkshire could be in operation in the new year after an order was laid before parliament.

The combined authority, which will be overseen by a directly elected mayor, is expected to have powers to make decisions on matters such as economic development and transport.

An order which would establish the organisation was laid before Parliament on Tuesday (November 7).

It paves the way for a North Yorkshire devolution deal, which is worth £540 million over 30 years, to become law.

MPs are now expected to consider the draft order before Christmas. 

James Farrar, interim director of transition for the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: 

“Subject to progress, a new combined authority could be operational in January and formally launched in February. 

“A mayoral election would take place on 2nd May 2024.”

Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, added:

“The prospect of bringing more decision-making powers and millions of pounds in additional funding from the government will bring real and tangible benefits for hundreds of thousands of people in York and North Yorkshire.”

The move to set up a combined authority comes as North Yorkshire agreed a historic devolution deal with government.

The proposed devolution deal includes a £7 million investment to drive green economic growth towards the ambition of York and North Yorkshire becoming the country’s first carbon negative region.

Read more:

• Harrogate man to lead set-up of North Yorkshire combined authority
• Explained: What is North Yorkshire’s combined authority?

There is also proposed investment of up to £2.65 million to deliver affordable low-carbon housing, and £13 million for the building of new homes on brownfield land during 2023/24 and 2024/25.

The elected mayor will make decisions on investments in strategic priorities such as for transport, housing, and adult education.

The mayor will also have responsibilities for community safety and strategic responsibility for the totality of policing, fire and crime for York and North Yorkshire.

They will appoint a deputy mayor to carry out many of the powers and duties of the role currently known as police, fire and crime commissioner.

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district.

It 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, Flora spoke to one of the charity’s volunteer bus drivers.

“Retirement came with a plan, but it was clear to me I needed to find a different balance.”

Following a 42-year career in logistics, Robert Milton felt it was time to give something back to his community.

Now a year into his role at Dementia Forward, Robert wakes up every Monday and looks forward to the day ahead, knowing he will drive those living with dementia to a place of care and support.

He said:

“The people here are just lovely – they put their hearts and souls into what they do.”

Every week, Robert picks people up in Harrogate and Ripon to ensure they get to the hub safely, while also giving their carers some much needed respite. It offers anyone living with dementia the opportunity to access the support they so urgently need – no matter their situation.

After dropping people off, he has a cup of tea and a chat with them. He joins them in playing board games and competing in quizzes – he makes people living with a silent disease feel heard.

But, Robert is so much more than a driver at Dementia Forward.

“The role was described as ‘just driving’ but it becomes far more than that. The people you drive become acquaintances – friends.

“They come here, have a ball, and I drive get to drive them home again. I just look forward to it every week.

“They just have a way of making you smile despite what they’re dealing with.”

Members of The Hub Club.

The minibus is also used to take people out on day trips and to social events. Some people venture to the Yorkshire coast, to play golf, to art galleries, on walking adventures and even just to cafés.

It combats the isolation so many people sadly feel when living with dementia.

Robert added:

“It’s not all one pace – that’s where Dementia Forward fits in – and it’s given me an idea of the different personalities you can meet.

“Some of these people don’t realise what they’re dealing with, but the people around them – carers and families – watch it first hand.”

Without Dementia Forward’s minibus service, many people living with dementia in the Harrogate district could not access the vital care and support the charity offers.

It provides a lifeline for those living with the disease and the people around them.

However, hundreds of families across the district are losing their loved ones to dementia every day – that’s why we need your help this Christmas.

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 bettering the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

The current bus is old and urgently needs to be replaced. Dementia Forward 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. 

Click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or your friend may need Dementia Forward’s help too.

Thank you.

The NHS found that 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia. For those who need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

Remembrance services will take place across the Harrogate district to honour the fallen.

We’ve collated a list of the services across the district that are being held.

You can email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk if you know of others to add.

Ripon

Thursday, November 9.

Ripon Community Poppy Project will hold a concert of remembrance at Ripon Cathedral.

Ripon City Band, The Dishforth Military Wives Choir and Brackenfield School will all perform.

The event will begin at 7pm and tickets cost £13.50.

Sunday, November 12.

A service will be held in Ripon Spa Gardens from 10.45am. It will include two minutes’ silence and the laying of wreaths, followed by the usual parade.

A civic service of remembrance will then be held in Ripon Cathedral from 11.40am – 1pm.

The Right Reverend Anna Eltringham, Bishop of Ripon, will lead the service.

Harrogate

St Peter’s Church — Friday, November 10

The Festival of Remembrance will be held at St Peter’s Church, on Cambridge Road, as part of the Cenotaph Centenary.

The Harrogate Band and The Fishers Singers will perform at the event, which will be led by Harry Satloka of Harrogate’s Free Walking Tours.

There will also be presentations and poetry, as well as a remembrance service.

Tickets cost £10 and all proceeds will go to the Royal British Legion.

It begins at 8pm.

St Wilfrid’s Church — Saturday, November 11

A two-minute silence will held be at 11am at St Wilfrid’s Church on Duchy Road.

This will be followed by a talk on the men named on the church’s WWI memorials, as well as an exhibition in their honour which is on display.

Email bookings@stwilfrid.org to reserve a place.

Town centre – Sunday, November 12

The annual Harrogate Remembrance Day parade and service will be held at the cenotaph war memorial.

People can arrive from 10am. The service will begin at around 10.50am, followed by the two-minute silence at 11am.

After that, the Reveille and wreath laying will commence.

The Kohima Epitaph will be read before the march-past begins.

St Peter’s Church — Sunday, November 12

A Remembrance service with a choir will be held at St Peter’s Church, on Cambridge Road, just after the cenotaph service.

It will begin at approximately 11.15am.

Starbeck – Sunday, November 12

A two-minute silence will be observed at 11am at the war memorial on Starbeck High Street. Wreaths will be laid.

Later, at 3pm, the Starbeck Remembrance Ceremony will take place at the cenotaph on Starbeck High Street.

It will be led by the Harrogate branch of the Royal British Legion, with a parade by local uniformed organisations.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones will attend the service, and readings will be led by the church and pupils of Starbeck Primary Academy.

Stonefall Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery – Sunday, November 12

A service starting at 1pm will include prayers, music from the Harrogate Band, a short talk by Reverend David Hoskins and a two-minute silence. Also, wreaths will be laid by community leaders and representatives of British and allied forces, and students from Ashville College and Harrogate’s Army Foundation College will lay flowers on each grave.

West Park Church — Sunday, November 12

A service will be held at the church, including an act of remembrance, from 10.30am.

It will be led by Reverend David Hughes.

Another service will be held at 3.30pm to mark the end of the More Than a Name on a Memorial exhibition.

Knaresborough

Sunday, November 12

The commemorations will begin with a service at St John’s Church from 9.30am.

A parade from the church to the war memorial in the castle grounds will follow.

There will be a two-minute silence at 11am, followed by a service of remembrance at the memorial.

Nidderdale and Pateley Bridge

Saturday, November 11.

The annual Armistice Day service and parade takes place at the war memorial from 10am.  Those attending will include a representative of the lord-lieutenant’s office, a platoon of troops from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, local dignitaries and community organisations and schools etc.

It is organised by the Nidderdale branch of the Royal British Legion and The Church in The Dale.

Sunday, November 12
10am Joint Service of Remembrance at Holy Trinity, Dacre Banks with a collection for the Royal British Legion.

11am Act of Remembrance at Summerbridge War Memorial, followed by refreshments at Summerbridge Methodist Church.

2pm Remembrance Concert and Service at Darley Memorial Hall

6pm The Royal British Legion Service of Remembrance at St Mary the Virgin, Greenhow Hill. Led by the Reverend Darryl Hall, there will be a two-minute silence, a sermon by Jane Spooner and music from Nidd Chorale.

Boroughbridge

Sunday, November 12.

A remembrance service and parade will be held at St James’s Church in Boroughbridge.

It will begin at 10am.

Masham

Friday, November 10. 

A remembrance service will be held for locals and pupils of Masham School at St Mary’s Church from 10.45am.

Read more:

• Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: Let’s not forget those who need our help this Christmas
• Knaresborough’s Remembrance Sunday parade saved

Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats have criticised Yorkshire Water after it paid senior executives £2 million in bonuses last year.

Companies House documents show the water firm paid a total of £2.09 million to four executives in the year ending March 2023.

The move comes as Yorkshire Water has faced criticism this year for pumping sewage into local rivers.

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said the water industry had become a “gravy train”.

He added that chief executives of water companies should be banned from taking bonuses.

Mr Gordon said:

“Our local waterways are being pumped full of raw disgusting sewage, all whilst the water firm hand themselves insulting pay-outs. The whole thing stinks. These salaries and perks have reached eye-watering levels, yet Conservative ministers refuse to act. 

“I was shocked that there was literally no mention of sewage in the King’s Speech.

“It is time to rip up Yorkshire Water so it no longer puts profit before the environment. The firm is clearly not working how it should and is not listening to local concerns on sewage discharges. 

“This country’s water industry has become a gravy train where sewage and money flows freely. This is a scandal and happening on this government’s watch.”

In response, a Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: 

“The pay of our directors is set by a remuneration committee, which is independent from our executives, and is comparable within the industry.

“Any incentive payments are strongly linked to company performance and align with best practice and regulatory guidance.”

Read more:

• Yorkshire Water pays £235,000 for illegal Harrogate sewage discharge
• No date set for Swinsty and Fewston parking charges, says Yorkshire Water
• Yorkshire Water chief executive apologises for sewage failures

The comments come as Yorkshire Water recently submitted a £7.8 billion proposal to Ofwat as part of investment plans for 2025 to 2030.

The company’s plan includes £3.1 billion to improve resilience in the water network, £4.3 billion to protect river and coastal water quality and investment in customer service and financial support for customers.

However, it would mean average bills would rise from £438.12 in 2024/25 (£36.51 per month) to £518.76 in 2025/26 (£43.23 per month) with increases each year thereafter.

Mr Gordon previously described the move as “utterly scandalous”. 

However, Andrew Jones, Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said the plan was a step up for Yorkshire Water and would help to “strengthen” plans for a bathing water application for the River Nidd.