‘Good’ rating from Ofsted for Boroughbridge school

Ofsted has praised Boroughbridge Primary School for the way it engages pupils with their learning as it awarded it a ‘good’ rating.

A two-day inspection in May found children were well-behaved and polite, showing “positive and attentive” attitudes.

In their report, the inspector said:

“Boroughbridge Primary School is a friendly and welcoming place. Pupils feel safe, happy and enjoy their learning.

“Relationships are a strength of the school. As one pupil put it, ‘We have kind teachers, kind children and lovely school cooks!’

“Pupils work hard to meet their teachers’ high expectations and do well.”

The inspector found teachers consistently checked pupils’ knowledge and what they could remember in lessons. However, she said more could be done to carry out assessments over time to look for and address gaps in knowledge.

She also found that teachers were not always clear on what pupils should know in each subject area, but said school leaders were already working towards addressing this.

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The report said the school had had a change of leadership recently, with an interim headteacher and deputy head appointed. The inspector added:

“Leaders have brought about many positive changes to the school in a short space of time. They are developing a broad and ambitious curriculum.

“Staff are well supported by school leaders and governors. Staff value this. They know that they can ask for help, particularly with workload. Staff appreciate the care and consideration given to their well-being.

“There is a positive culture of teamwork between leaders, staff and governors.”

Boroughbridge Primary School has 175 pupils aged between three and 11. Its previous inspections in 2017 and 2013 both also gave a ‘good’ rating.

Appeal after indecent exposure at Newby Hall

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after a man exposed himself to a group of three women at Newby Hall.

The naked man approached the women on the woodland walk in the gardens of the hall at about 3.40pm on Thursday last week.

Officers are looking for any witnesses who were in Newby Hall gardens at the time.

The hall is situated between Boroughbridge and Ripon.

A police statement said:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help identify the man and in particular, we’re appealing to anyone who’d been at Newby Hall gardens on the day and may have information which could assist our investigation.

“The man is described as being white, aged 40-50 years old, 6ft to 6ft 2′ tall, of a medium build with a slight beer belly and dark brown hair in the style of a short back and sides that had grown out.

“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email Richard.Jackson@northyorkshire.police.uk You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC 1505 Jackson.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220113065.”

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Council reveals social housing plans for Harrogate, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge

Harrogate Borough Council has revealed plans for social housing at seven sites which it said would make a “small but important contribution” to the serious shortage of affordable homes.

With around 1,800 households on its housing waiting list, the council has made a push to bring forward new homes on small sites.

However, it has been criticised for not going further or faster enough to provide more homes for Harrogate’s low-income earners who are being driven out of the area by high rent and house prices.

The council’s latest plans include social housing at sites in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge and Huby.

The Knaresborough site off Halfpenny Close is the largest and could accommodate around 14 homes for market, social rent and shared ownership if approved. All of the properties would be classed as “affordable”.

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A total of £170,000 in government cash has been secured by the council to progress these plans, and some of the money has already been spent on site surveys.

There are also proposals for five shared ownership apartments at the former Cavendish House hostel on Robert Street, Harrogate.

The council said these apartments would be for “first time buyers unable to afford to access the property market”.

Also in Harrogate, two properties are planned for St Andrew’s Place where the council has admitted vehicular access would be “tight” on the single lane street.

Another home has been proposed for Gascoigne Crescent in the town.

On Knaresborough’s Charlton Drive, a garage site which has been described as in “very poor condition” could also become a new build.

There are also proposals for single properties on both Springfield Drive, Boroughbridge, and Kingsway in Huby.

A decision to submit planning applications for all six sites is set to be signed off by Cllr Mike Chambers, cabinet member for housing and safer communities, at a meeting next Tuesday.

A report to the meeting said the development of similar sites has been “long established” and “makes good use of the council’s landholdings”.

The report also said the council would bid for extra government funding to develop the proposals if planning permission is granted.

It added:

 “There are circa 1,800 households on the waiting list for social/affordable rented housing and circa 650 first time buyers registered for shared ownership.

“These underutilised sites will make a small but important contribution to helping meet that need.”

Young Boroughbridge actors finally put on Grease

It’s Greased Lightning! Young actors from Boroughbridge are taking to the stage tonight to put on Grease the musical.

The youth group of The Hightimers, an amateur theatre company, are putting on the musical two years later than originally planned.

The show was casted in 2020 but due to the pandemic it had to be delayed. After a few cast stages and new members, the kids can finally take to the stage.

The ‘Pink Ladies’

The first show is this evening at 7.30pm in the Coronation Hall. It will be performed at the same time on Friday and Saturday evening as well as a 1.30pm Saturday matinee show.

Director, Marlo Lomas, said:

“The kids have worked so hard and so have the crew to ensure that we put on a cracking show for the audience. So, for all you Greasers Pink Ladies out there let’s go back in time together and support these kids. You will not be disappointed.”

Tickets can be bought online, here, Boroughbridge Post Office, cafe Chez Nous and Ripon’s Realitea.

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The “T-Birds” 

Fire destroys BMW on A1 near Boroughbridge

A BMW was destroyed by fire on the A1 near Boroughbridge last night.

Firefighters from Harrogate, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge were called to the blaze at 9.16pm last night.

They used two hose reels and two breathing apparatus to douse the flames.

It is not believed anyone was injured but in a tweet last night North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said:

“Vehicle totally destroyed. Two hose reels and two breathing apparatus used. Believed to be due to an electrical fault.”

Plumes of smoke rising above the carriageway. Photograph: @NorthYorksFire, Twitter

It was one of two car fires in the district last night.

A crew from Boroughbridge was called when a Skoda Fabia caught fire in Minskip shortly before 8pm.

The cause is again believed to be a faulty engine.

The Skoda engine suffered fire, heat and smoke damage.

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Borougbridge hotel owner plans £450,000 refurbishment

The owners of the Crown Hotel in Boroughbridge have unveiled plans for a £450,000 refurbishment.

The Coaching Inn Group took over the historic 37-bedroom hotel back in February after its parent company, RedCat Pub Company, purchased it from Best Western for an undisclosed fee.

Now, according to planning documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council, the company looks set to refurbish the site.

The plans include a range of alternations both inside and outside the hotel including creation of cycle and motorbike parking, new external hanging baskets, new signage and painting scheme and an outdoor seating area.

It also includes proposals to refurbish the current facilities, including the bar, kitchen, office and reception area and the creation of a coffee lounge.

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JEH Planning, the agent which submitted the plans on behalf of Coaching Inn Group, said in a planning statement that the hotel had been in “decline as a business”.

It added:

“The Crown Hotel at Boroughbridge has been in decline as a business. 

“The building has not benefitted from the level of investment commensurate with its high architectural and historic significance. 

“Over the years piecemeal changes and additions have resulted in a situation that does not optimise the use of the building or serve to enhance its special character.

“The Coaching Inn Group have recently purchased the property and are keen to undertake sensitive refurbishment works. They have a significant budget of around £450,000 to invest in undertaking these works.”

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the planned refurbishments at a later date.

Body found in search for missing Minskip man

A body has been found in the search for a missing 31-year-old from Minskip, near Boroughbridge.

Luke Earnshaw was reported missing after leaving home on Saturday just before 2.30pm.

He was seen walking down Thorndikes Lane towards Staveley.

North Yorkshire Police said the body found today has not been formally identified but is believed to be that of the missing man. His family have been informed.

Posting on a local Facebook group, a family member thanked everyone who had helped in the search for Mr Earnshaw.

She also praised police officers’ support to the family, adding:

“He’s finally at peace after suffering with mental health for many years.”

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World-class opera singers to perform in Aldborough tomorrow

World-class opera singers used to performing in New York and Paris will be at the picture-perfect village of Aldborough for a production of Handel’s Theodora tomorrow evening.

The performance will take place on the opening day of the two-week Northern Aldborough Festival, which hosts some huge names in jazz, opera and pop music.

Theodora will be the biggest performance in the festival’s 29-year history and will be performed in the 14th century St Andrew’s Church, which is rich in history.

The Stray Ferret dropped in on rehearsals at the church this morning and met Robert Ogden, the festival’s director.

He said:

“There isn’t a huge amount up north where you can go to a small rural community like Aldborough and hear world class artists that have just stepped off platforms in London, Paris or New York.

“You can get very close. Some stages are bigger than this church, so you’re right in the thick of it hearing these world class performances.”

Theodora is being played by soprano Fflur Wyn and directed by Joe Austin, whose recent credits include Katya Kabanova at the Royal Opera House.

It will include a line-up of soloists, chorus and orchestra under the baton of Baroque specialist, Julian Perkins.

Mr Ogden called the opera “a tragic tale”.

“It’s about persecution and a small sect of Christians in Pagan times that are in hiding practicing their religion. There’s an edict from the emperor that says anyone who doesn’t worship the pagan god will be killed.

“It does take quite a dark turn but it’s very moving. It’s about a noblewoman called Theodora who is very devout and a young Roman soldier who who wants to rescue her.”

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Other festival highlights

The festival,  near Boroughbridge, will also include an appearance by the British bass, Sir John Tomlinson, who will star in a new opera by John Casken based on Shakespeare’s King Lear.

There will also be performances from Blur’s Britpop rebel rock star turned cheesemaker, Alex James, and classical guitar player Sean Shibe.

Other acts include an evening of jazz by Claire Martin and clarinetists Julian Bliss performing with leading pianist James Baillieu. Clare Hammond, a leading light on the UK piano scene, will play Schubert, Stravinsky and Schumann.

As well as established names, the festival supports young talent. It hosts a Young Artists Showcase, as well as the upcoming harp and saxophone duo, The Polaris Duo.

On the final evening, the grounds of Aldborough Manor will be opened for the festival finale, an outdoor concert with fireworks that often attracts around 1,000 people.

The last night concert features Harrogate-born vocalist Alex Denny of The Big Cheese, with high-voltage pop and rock covers, supported by So 80s, who set a light show to 80s tracks.

To book tickets for Theodora or any of the other events visit here.

Why Elderflower Homecare is a great place for carers

This advertorial is sponsored by Elderflower Homecare.

Three years ago, Katie Livesley was working as a nanny but, after looking after her auntie who had early-onset dementia, she decided to change tack and she is now building her career at Elderflower Homecare.

Starting out as a homecare and rehabilitation assistant in August 2019, Katie has worked her way up to care co-ordinator. Now, she not only cares for clients in their own homes, but she also spends part of her time working in the office, supporting clients and staff. 

Elderflower Homecare is a care provider covering Boroughbridge, Ripon and local villages and supporting people in their own homes. 

Despite having no previous experience in health and social care, Katie was given the support and training to develop.

Elderflower offered her in-house training and the opportunity to undertake a National Vocational Qualification in health and social care.

The company also supports its carers through paid mileage and providing uniforms and PPE.

Katie said the team has helped her feel at home.

She said:

“It’s just nice to be part of a big family.

“Everybody helps each other out and every day is totally different.”

At Elderflower, she helps a range of clients including people with disabilities and dementia.

But her responsibilities do not stop there, Katie also looks after marketing, social media and publishes a monthly newsletter.

Part of a team of around 40 staff, she said carers at Elderflower are given the space to build a rapport with their clients.

Katie said:

“We are provided with our uniform and a work phone. We get paid our mileage as we all need to drive to see our clients.

“It’s a really worthwhile job and I feel we’re helping our clients lead the lives they want in their own homes.”

For more information on how you can join Elderflower Homecare as a carer, visit their website.

Man rescued from river near Ripon

A man was rescued from the River Ure at Sharow, near Ripon, today.

Firefighters were called to the river near Lowfield Lane at 9.39am this morning.

According to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident log, water crews from Ripon, Boroughbridge, Richmond, Harrogate and Selby “responded to a report of a male partially in the river”.

The incident log adds:

“The man was brought back up the embankment by fire crews and paramedics on a spinal board, to a waiting helicopter, for transfer to hospital with hypothermic symptoms.”

No further details have been provided.

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