After months of questions from readers over its future, the Stray Ferret paid a visit to Spofforth Golf Course to meet its new owners.

Last weekend, we published our interview with the Curtis family who have taken over the course.

The 130-acre site was listed for sale in the summer of 2023. An unknown buyer took it off the market the following November, but the sale fell through, and the Curtis family saw an opportunity.

Our interview, which subscribers can read in full here, reveals their plans for the site and what players and prospective punters can expect in the future.

Meanwhile, in politics, Conservative-run North Yorkshire Council is gearing up for a showdown with opposition councillors over its proposed cuts to its locality budget.

The Stray Ferret last week reported on the move, which would see all 90 North Yorkshire councillors’ locality funding halved if it goes ahead. 

However, some councillors are set to oppose the move over fears it will hit communities the hardest. You can read more on the story here.

Elsewhere, Ripley Castle and the surrounding estate have gone on the market for £21 million, but would it be your choice if you had the money?

Over the weekend, we took a closer look at eight properties around the world that are all currently on the market and could turn the head of anyone with a spare £21 million to spend. You can read what we found here.

Finally, following the departure of senior York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority officer, Simon Dennis, the Stray Ferret sought to find out how much he was paid in redundancy.

Mr Dennis sought voluntary redundancy just months after the combined authority was established.

However, officials at the authority declined to reveal his payment on the grounds that it was a “confidential staffing matter”. You can read more on the story here.

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