Signifying the start of the growing season, beautiful blossom is in abundance, writes the Stray Gardener Fiona Slight. Did you know that apple and pear blossom are both edible?
Columns
Stray Gardener: Blossom Beginnings
The Stray Gardener is written by Rudding Park’s Kitchen Gardener, Fiona Slight. Fiona has worked in horticulture for over 30 years in the UK and abroad, and specialises in growing fruit and vegetables for fine dining. April is the month of abundant blossom....
Column: A marriage that provided constancy through our challenges and joys
As flags fly at half mast on Ripon Town Hall and Ripon Cathedral this morning, the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt. Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, reflects on the life of Prince Philip and his marriage to the Queen.
Stray Foodie recipe: watercress is a hard act to follow
This week Frances’ recipe puts the humble watercress centre stage, making the most of this highly nutritious brassica.
History: Harrogate’s Battle of the Flowerbeds
From cycle lanes to more outdoor space for bars, passionate debates over the use of the Stray are nothing new. In the 1930s the townspeople mutinied when the council planted flowers beds on the Stray… it signalled the birth of The Stray Defence Association and the protesters won.
Stray Foodie recipes: The classic Easter Hot Cross Bun
Today’s recipe is an Easter favourite. It was said if you hung a Hot Cross Bun from your kitchen rafters on Good Friday the bread would remain fresh and mould free throughout the whole year.
Stray Views: Do the planners actually get on their bikes?
This week the inbox has filled up again with correspondence about cycle lanes and the proposed changes to Harrogate town centre. One reader asks if planners ever actually cycle the routes they propose and the Chief Executive of the British Independent Retailers Association calls for “wider thinking” on town planning.
Column: The shops in Harrogate should be opening now
This column is written for the Stray Ferret by Marilyn Stowe. Marilyn built Stowe Family Law based in Harrogate into the largest family law firm in the UK before selling it in 2017. Marilyn has a passion for the town and writes that, in her view, it’s time the shops opened – and not in three weeks time.
Stray Jewels with Susan Rumfitt: the timeless allure of pearls
They’ve been loved by style icons like Marilyn Monroe and Michelle Obama, and sale results continue to show pearls are very much in vogue, writes local jewel expert Susan Rumfitt.
Stray Foodie recipes: a chocolate Easter cake
With Easter right around the corner, the Stray Foodie has a delicious Chocolate Easter Cake recipe for you to try.
Column: A year that’s highlighted inequalities but also kindness and hope
On this National Day of Reflection, the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Rev’d Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, writes of the stark social inequalities covid has revealed but also the kindness and compassion of humanity-“hope is the bridge we have to get us into the next day.”
Kim’s Canines: Protecting your pooch from dog theft
There has been so much in the media recently regarding the rise of dog thefts, and the fear of dog thefts has been a hot topic across all social media for a few months now. Expert Kimberley Metcalfe has these tips.
Strayside Sunday: It’s Census Day – time to take stock
This week Paul reflects on a changing world and how the art of writing now requires “absolute precision and care in what we say” or we cause offence..
