Free Christmas holiday clubs for low income families in Harrogate district

Eight holiday clubs, which are free for those receiving benefits-related free school meals during term-time, will operate in the Harrogate district over Christmas.

The clubs provide food and activities for pupils during the holidays and are available to all children but free for families whose children receive free school meals.

North Yorkshire County Council invests more than £135,000 in its holiday club programme, known as FEAST. During the summer holidays, 12,000 children in the county took part in the initiative, which included activities ranging from sports and forest camps to dance and drama workshops.

The FEAST programme aims to tackle the financial strain school holidays have on family finances amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Activities in the Harrogate district run from December 19 to January 2.

King James School in Knaresborough is among those taking part. Its ‘Dopeamin programme’ helps young people take care of their wellbeing and develop a positive mind-set through fitness, nutrition and other techniques.

Here is the calendar for the upcoming clubs across Harrogate district:

Read more:

The FEAST programme is run by North Yorkshire Together, a partnership between North Yorkshire Youth, North Yorkshire Sport and Rural Arts.

The programme is also funded by the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme.

North Yorkshire County Council leader, Cllr Carl Les said:

“We are delighted at the number of organisations who have come forward to provide a varied programme of holiday clubs and activities. The funding ensures children on free school meals receive at least one nutritious meal while they attend the activities.

“The holiday club programme has been running for just over two years in North Yorkshire and has quickly expanded to include a very varied selection of activities focusing on sports, arts and wellbeing right across the county.”

More information regarding the holiday clubs can be found on the FEAST programme website.

Ripon Tractor Fest raises £4,000 for hospital’s children’s ward

A charity tractor fest in Ripon has raised £4,000 for the Leeds General Infirmary Neonatal Unit.

It was organised by Tom Tate after his newborn son recently spent time in intensive care at LGI with a life-threatening condition.

Mr Tate’s partner Sarah gave birth to their son, Freddie, three-and-a-half months ago.

But soon afterwards he was diagnosed with Atrial flutter, a type of abnormal heart rhythm that makes the heart beat too quickly.

Mr Tate said it was a frightening time for the family. He said:

“When he was born straight away we knew something wasn’t right. In a baby, Atrial flutter is life threatening.

“But after two weeks in intensive care at the LGI, they got him right, and they looked after me and Sarah.”

Read more:

Freddie is thankfully now at home and fighting fit, but his dad said he wanted to repay the hospital by raising money for the LGI Neonatal Unit through the Leeds Hospitals Charity.

Mr Tate is a member of West Yorkshire Tractor and Engine Club and around 80 vintage and modern tractors from the club attended F. Tate and Sons garden centre at Studley Road on September 24. It was also attended by the Yorkshire Vet, Peter Wright.

A total of £4,000 was raised, which will be used to transform the corridors in the neonatal ward. They have been renamed the ‘corridors of courage’ and will include pictures and stories to help other families through their hard times.

Mr Tate said:

“I’m absolutely amazed at how the day went. Massive thank-you to everyone who attended and donated, helping us raise a massive £4,000 for the LGI neonatal unit. It’s such an overwhelming feeling to gi\ve a huge amount of money to an excellent cause.”

Myrings partners with Martin House on Harrogate charity boards

This story is sponsored by Myrings.

Harrogate’s Leading Family Estate Agent Myrings has partnered with Martin House Children’s Hospice to support families with its new charity boards initiative.

Martin House provides hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses free of charge across North, West and East Yorkshire.

To support Martin House, Myrings will donate £10 for every “for sale” or “to let” board in Harrogate and the surrounding villages.

The new charity initiative is starting now so residents will start to see the new Martin House boards popping up soon and it will continue for the foreseeable future.

Gemma Myring, co-founder and director at Myrings, told the Stray Ferret:

“Martin House is a big part of Harrogate and has touched so many lives.

“We simply cannot praise the staff and volunteers enough. The hospice provides selfless dedication and love to those who need it most.

“It has been one of the guiding principles at Myrings from the day we opened our doors to ‘put something back’ into our hometown where we all live and work.

“Myrings has been in the property business for more than 20 years. It’s a long time but not close to the 35 years Martin House has faithfully served our community.”

Myrings has adapted many times over the years, investing heavily into the website and software.

However, the estate agents believes that a welcoming, dedicated and individual service is greatly valued by Yorkshire people so has recently remodelled its offices to allow for a more personal and private client experience.

Please look out for the new Myrings and Martin House boards over the coming months – and call in to see the team for a chat and a coffee soon.

Children to set up shop in street to raise money for Saint Michael’s

A group of community-minded children will set up shop in the streets of Harrogate tomorrow to raise money for Saint Michael’s Hospice.

The children will sell cakes they’ve baked along with bric-a-brac for what has become an annual event on Valley Mount.

It was started in 2015 by sisters Yasmin and Louisa Stokes when they were aged five and three respectively. Last year’s event generated £647.

In 2019 the group was invited to visit Saint Michael’s headquarters at Hornbeam Park to see where their funds had gone.

Yasmin and Louisa will be joined at this year’s sale by friends Ben and Chloe Annett and Annalise Plummer-Rooke.

It will take place from about 9am on Valley Mount until the cake sells out.

Saint Michael's bake sale

Presenting a cheque to Saint Michael’s in 2019.

Free activities to do with the kids this summer in the Harrogate district

As the cost of living continues to rise, the thought of six weeks of trying to keep the children entertained on a tight budget can be daunting.

Fortunately you don’t always have to spend a fortune to have a fun day out.

We have put together a selection of free activities to enjoy with your family across the Harrogate district.

Pop-up parties – Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon

The Jubilee activities in Harrogate and Ripon were hugely enjoyed, so the summer programme organised by Harrogate Borough Council is sure to be popular.

There will be a chance for young people to enjoy juggling and circus shows, magicians, character meet and greets, and mini discos at three of the district’s picturesque parks and gardens.

Valley Gardens, Harrogate on Thursday, August 11 and Friday, August 12 between 11am and 4pm

Knaresborough Castle on Friday, August 26 between 11am and 4pm

Ripon Spa Gardens on Saturday, August 27 between 11am and 3pm

The venues are also all worth visiting for a free day out, even if you are unable to make the parties.

You could enjoy a picnic and play in the Valley Gardens, plus a walk up to the Pinewoods. You could grab an ice cream and head to Knaresborough Castle, before wandering down the steps to the riverside. Or you could play a game of crazy golf in Ripon Spa Gardens.

 

Read more:

A day out at Brimham Rocks, Nidderdale

If you live in the district, chances are you have already visited the unusual moorland rock formations at Brimham Rocks.

However, the summer holidays are the perfect excuse to head up there again with a picnic.

If you haven’t been, you’re in for a treat as it really is nature’s playground for the whole family. Just make sure the kids are wearing decent shoes so they can climb the rocks. Also taking a photo of your children pretending to either push a huge boulder over or hold one up is essential.

The views over Nidderdale are stunning too.

There’s no admission charge at Brimham Rocks. Parking is free for National Trust members.

For non-National Trust members, car parking charges are  £6 for up to four hours and £8 thereafter.

Library events – district wide

On a rainy day, nothing beats a free trip to the library, where you can lose yourself in all the amazing children’s books on offer.

A Summer Reading Challenge is taking place to encourage your children to pick up a book, which isn’t always easy in the holidays.

Children aged four to 11 years just need to call in at their local library to sign up.

The challenge is free to take part in and children get to collect rewards for the reading that they do over the summer holidays. To complete the challenge they have to read six library books between now and September 10.
There are also lots of free activities on offer over the school holidays, including workshops, Lego building and family board games days.
Spofforth after-school club praised by Ofsted

Ofsted has given Spofforth Childcare a glowing report following an inspection.

The education inspectors visited the club, which operates at Spofforth Church of England Primary School on School Lane, in June.

The setting provides before and after-school care for 47 children in term times and during the summer holidays.

Ofsted found that children who attended the setting “behave well and show respect for others” and staff “set clear expectations for children’s behaviour and are good role models”.

It added:

“They offer children plenty of praise and encouragement. This supports children’s confidence and self-esteem.”

“Children thoroughly enjoy their time in this before- and after-school club. They are happy and settled.”

Inspectors also found that the club had effective safeguarding measures in place and have a good understanding of how to identify possible signs of abuse.

Read more:

They also said the management team is keen to ensure that all children, including those with special educational needs or disabilities, have their individual needs met.

Responding to the report, Sharon Hoskin, owner, said:

“When Ofsted visit you know every area of your practice will be scrutinised and the inspection was fairly rigorous, but it was fair. We’re delighted with the final outcome because we realise all our hard work and effort is worth it. This isn’t only a positive for staff morale, it’s for the parents and children too.”

After-school and holiday clubs can now only receive a ‘met’ or ‘not met’ rating from Ofsted.

Ms Hoskin added:

“We would prefer the old way of doing it because if you do one thing considered ‘not met’ then the whole thing is graded ‘not met’.

“Not just for us, but for other settings, we always strive to try and get an ‘outstanding’ but we can’t do that now. It doesn’t alter our practice, but it would be nice to be able to achieve that. Quite a few settings who have had ‘outstanding’ can’t get that now.”

Stockeld Park opens £3.5 million children’s play centre

Stockeld Park is set to open its £3.5 million children’s play centre to the public this weekend.

The Playhive, set over 20,000 square feet, is one of Europe’s largest indoor play centres. It will open for the first time on Saturday.

The play centre has space, aeronautical, subaquatic and jungle themed areas, which are all connected by a 33-feet tall tower, which also comes with giant slides and a toddler zone.

Playhive also includes a football pitch-sized area filled with play equipment and a pizzeria for families to enjoy after a day of play.

The different zones are all connected by a large tower.

With capacity for 400 visitors at a time, Stockeld Park believes that the new venture will come as a welcome boost for Wetherby and Spofforth’s economy.

The Playhive has created 50 jobs.

Read more:

It was the brainchild of park owners Peter and Susie Grant, who wanted to create an all-weather space where adults and children can explore, learn and play together.

It is one of the largest indoor play centres in Europe.

Peter Grant said:

“Susie and I are so excited to finally see the Playhive come to life – a passion project of ours for years, it’s great to see the final result come together exactly as we envisioned.

“We wanted to move away from the traditional soft play scene whilst also encouraging play and imagination in the kids that attend Stockeld Park each year.

“One of the most incredible parts of the Playhive is that it allows for all occasion play – ideal for those rainy Yorkshire days!”

Tickets to the Adventure Park and Playhive cost £19.50 and can be purchased here.

Popular play café near Ripon to close in September

A popular children’s “play café” near Ripon is closing its doors in September.

Little Beans, in West Tanfield, launched three years ago as a role play and messy play café for under six-year-olds.

An announcement on the business’s Facebook page said the venue at Village Farm, on Main Street, would close on Friday, September 2.

Owner Emma Terry wrote:

“It is with a heavy heart that as of September 2, Little Beans will be closing its doors and the Imagination Centre will only be doing private parties and events in external venues.

“This decision hasn’t been made easily and has been taken out of our hands.

“We would just like to thank all of our customers, past and present, who have supported us over the last three years, especially through the biggest pandemic we have ever seen.

“We have made some lovely friends along the way and will truly miss each and every one of you.”

Read more:

There will be a number of events taking place at the café over the summer and a farewell party is being planned on September 2.

Ms Terry added:

“I want to take this opportunity to thank my staff, Jane and Ellie, who I couldn’t have done this without.”

Customers expressed their sadness over the closure of the venue, which also hosts an assortment of classes, groups, events and private parties.

Tasha Newcombe commented:

“So sad to hear this. Going to miss Jane’s lovely welcome and friendly face and Sharon’s amazing classes. Me and my little boy have loved every minute of our time coming to Little Beans.”

Emma Lou wrote:

“Oh no! We’ve only been coming for eight months, but will miss the café and the classes at the Imagination Centre. There’s nothing like you nearby. I was so glad to discover Little Beans when we moved.”

APS partners with Harrogate College on electric car charging course

APS, which runs a national electric vehicle charger repair and maintenance service in Harrogate, has partnered with Harrogate College to set up a training and recruitment programme.

Harrogate College will be introducing the new course to help the borough transition to electric cars.

Principal Danny Wild of Harrogate College said:

“We are determined to support emerging green technologies and have been working closely with local firms so we can provide the appropriately skilled, work-ready students they need.

“The electric vehicle sector is a rapidly growing one that represents a fantastic opportunity for both our students and local businesses.”

Despite having more electric vehicles than any other district in North Yorkshire, the Stray Ferret recently reported how Harrogate is one of the ‘worst prepared areas in the UK’ for transitioning to electric vehicles.

It was estimated that the borough had just one charging point for every 134 electric or hybrid cars.

However, APS Business Development Manager, John Dyson, defended the situation.

He said:

“It is ironic that Harrogate has been criticised so strongly for a lack of action over installing electric vehicle chargers when there actually is so much going on behind the scenes.

“Recent announcements by Transdev, that all Harrogate buses are to be electrified, and Harrogate Borough Council, which is to install 34 charge points in local car parks, gives a taste of just what is on its way.”

The level 3 award in the Installation and Commissioning of Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment will start in September at Harrogate College.

Linley & Simpson fundraise for children’s hospice

In training (from left) Callum Collbeck, Pawel Ziemak, Freddie Purdy, Adam Hughes and Josh Boocock.

In training (from left) Callum Collbeck, Pawel Ziemak, Freddie Purdy, Adam Hughes and Josh Boocock

Linley & Simpson will start a year of fund-raising challenges in support of Martin’s House Children’s Hospice.

The estate agent, which has branches in Ripon and Wetherby, is marking its 25th anniversary by aiming to raise £25,000 for Martin House, based at Boston Spa.

The team has previously managed to raise £100,000 in support of the charity.

As part of the fundraise, they will abseil 50ft down the Cow and Calf rocks at Ilkley Moor. The following week, 40 colleagues will also face a 12k course of mud, ice and obstacles.

Emily Wilkinson, Wetherby Branch Manager at Linley & Simpson, said:

“The work of Martin House has touched the lives of our people in many ways, and we are pleased to be able to ‘give back’ through this initial set of events as well as a host of others that are in the pipeline.”

The challenge begins on June 16, with more information available on the website. 

Read more:

 

Harrogate district’s monthly business safari to be held

Harrogate District’s Chamber of Commerce is due to hold its monthly Business Safari event.

The members-only speed networking event will be held next week at St George’s Hotel.

You can sign up to the monthly agenda through the Harrogate Chamber website.

Plant competition for school children hosted by Johnsons of Whixley

Johnsons of Whixley in Harrogate is holding a competition for primary school children.

To celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee and gardening, £250 worth of plants will be sent to the winner’s school, including ten plants for their own home garden. Those in second and third place will also win a plant.

Children under the age of 11 can participate by drawing an imaginative Jubilee Garden. The form can be downloaded here.

Johnson's of Whixley competition poster

Children must create a drawing of a jubilee garden as part of the competition

JW is a three-generation run family business which grows and supplies trees, shrubs and plants to UK-wide planting schemes.

The company plays an active part in the community, having collected donations for Ukraine and providing plants to Baby Rainbow Memorial Garden last month.

Read More: