As the Conservative Party reels from the shockwaves of the recent by-elections, Paul thinks we are a country in political limbo with no leadership nationally or locally..

Strayside Sunday: we have zombie leadership locally and nationally
Strayside Sunday is a monthly political opinion column. It is written by Paul Baverstock, former Director of Communications for the Conservative Party. I write the morning after the night before the Wakefield and Tiverton by-elections, both of which proved...

Strayside Sunday: Putin may end up with the upper hand
This Sunday Paul reflects on the conflict in Ukraine and his fear that Putin is “willing to play a game with the highest of all stakes, whilst the West is not”.

Stray Kitchen: Embracing Veganuary, Steph’s recipe to cook for a vegan
Can a meat eater truly enjoy a vegan meal? Here’s Steph’s recipe for vegan roasted vegetable buckwheat pancakes that went down a treat in the Moon household.

Stray Gardener: It’s a Bug’s Life
Take some time in your garden to create a haven for bugs, insects and hedgehogs by creating a bug hotel. The Stray Gardener Fiona Slight shares her advice.

Strayside Sunday: 2022 will see a changing of the guard in Harrogate
In his first Strayside Sunday of 2022, Paul Baverstock, reflects on the performance of our politicians and the big local governmental change that lies ahead ..

Stray Jewels: Christmas Stocking Fillers
Rubies, pearls, diamonds and… mistletoe. Expert Susan Rumfitt shares her advice on what kinds of jewellery make the best stocking fillers.

Property Gold: Del Boy Trotter and PLC New Homes
Local property expert Alex Goldstein explains how when it comes to PLC new homes, large-scale developers are the ones beating the Trotters at the sales game.

Stray Kitchen: Christmas Hacks the Stray Kitchen way
Stuck doing the same Christmas menu year after year? Steph Moon is here to help you twist things up – with a delicious recipe for Harrogate blue cheese straws and her tips for Christmas drinks, starters, dinner and pudding!

Stray Views: Harrogate needs more prominent speed signs
A plea for more to be done to stop speeding in Harrogate and support for the Station Gateway scheme feature in this weekend’s Stray Views.

Stray Gardener: Getting to the root of it
In her monthly column, gardening expert Fiona Slight explains her methods for taking and propagating root cuttings – plus her top tips for your garden in December.

Strayside Sunday: It’s time for change
In this month’s Strayside Sunday Paul looks at the political slogan long-standing governments fear the most. It captures that moment when the remarkable patience and forbearance of the electorate finally falters

Stray Mogs: Cat carrier training
With half of cat owners struggling to get their feline friends into a carrier, expert Sue Hartley shares her advice. Despite misconceptions, it is possible to train your cat!