330 knitted Christmas angels set to delight BiltonA group of churchgoers in Bilton have knitted 330 Christmas angels in an effort to “cheer everyone up” this year.
The group, which attends Bilton Grange United Reformed Church on Woodfield Road, takes on the task of knitting angels every year.
Norma Trotter, one of the churchgoers, said the aim was to cheer people up during the festive period.
The angels will be placed on the hedge outside the church every day until the Sunday before Christmas.
Norma said:
“They’re sometimes gone within the first half an hour.”
Norma explained that they are sought after by the locals, asking if they can still have one after school when they are usually all gone.
She said:
“Some of the knitted angels have even ended up in Poland and North America.”
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Norma referred to her crafting group as “the natty knitters” as they come together every other Monday to get out of the house and catch up.
She added that the group may embark on another project at the church next year, which could make knitted fruit and veg for the harvest.
The Christmas angels will be free to take until Sunday, December 18.
18 arrests as North Yorkshire drink-drive campaign gets underwayPolice in North Yorkshire have arrested 18 people in the first eight days of this year’s annual Christmas drink and drug-drive campaign.
Ten of the 18 arrests made were for drink-driving and eight were for drug-driving. Fifteen of the arrests were of men and the other three were of women.
Five arrests each were made the Harrogate district and York, three each in Richmond and Hambleton, and one each in Scarborough borough and Ryedale.
The message from the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety partnership this year is “save a life and call it in.” Members of the public are being urged to call out anyone who is behind the wheel when under the influence of drink or drugs, by dialling 999.
The force launched its annual Christmas drink-drug drive campaign on December 1 with the help of Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle in ITV’s Emmerdale. The actor participated in a mock road traffic collision to highlight the dangers of drink and drug driving to members of the public.
The highest reading recorded over the eight days by North Yorkshire Police was over four times the legal limit. The driver, a 43-year-old woman from Richmondshire was arrested and taken into custody where she was breathalysed again and recorded a reading of 141 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms. The woman is due to appear in court on December 19..
Superintendent Emma Aldred, head of specialist 0perations at North Yorkshire Police, said:
“These figures send out a clear message that we’re out across North Yorkshire trying to intercept people who choose to drive when under the influence of drink or drugs.
“As we head into what is anticipated to be a busy weekend with the World Cup and many Christmas parties taking place, I would urge people to plan their night and think about how they are getting home.
“If you’re out and become aware of someone who is about to drive and is under the influence of drink or drugs then call it in on 999. One call could be all it takes to save a life.“
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Police are actively patrolling in marked and unmarked vehicles across the county, as well as conducting static checks on the side of the road. Officers are keen to remind the public that the hazards are not limited to driving straight after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, as substances can remain at dangerous levels in the bloodstream well into the morning after.
Prevention is also a key part of the campaign. Road safety officers are working with colleagues at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to deliver ‘Survive the drive’ events. These hard-hitting talks aim to educate people about the risks and dangers that that are associated with drink and drug driving.
North Yorkshire Police urge people with information about drink drivers to share it by dialling 101 and selecting option 1, or by dialling 999 if the crime is in the process of being committed.
Christmas tree festivals 2022: guide to events taking place in the Harrogate districtChristmas is edging closer and there are plenty of festivities taking place over the next couple of weeks.
Among them are a growing number of churches hosting Christmas tree festivals around the Harrogate district.
If you fancy seeing some inspiring, creative decorations, check out our list below of some of the festivals taking place across the district.
Know of another that’s not on our list? Email the details to us now.
St James’s Church Boroughbridge
Boroughbridge launched the district’s festivals last weekend with some spectacular efforts.
Visitors cast their votes and overwhelmingly selected Kirby Hill WI’s jam jar tree as their favourite (pictures below). The Post Office was in second place and Spar came third.
In the children’s competition, Boroughbridge Scouts came out on top, followed by Roecliffe Primary School and Boroughbridge Junior School Early Years.
The festival concluded with a carol service on Sunday.
St John’s Church, Knaresborough
The St John’s Christmas Tree Festival returns for another year.
The Knaresborough Christmas tree festival takes place every year: 70 Christmas trees are decorated by local groups and are displayed in the St John’s Church in the heart of Knaresborough.
It started last weekend and is running up until the December 23.
As well as the Christmas tree competition there is live music and festive mulled wine refreshments.
There will be live music every Saturday of the festival:
- Saturday, December 10
- Saturday, December 17
Admission to the festival is free, but donations to the church and their chosen charity are welcomed.
The event takes place at Vicarage Lane, Knaresborough HG5 9AE.
St John’s Church, Bilton
The Christmas tree festival in Bilton got up and running last weekend and continues throughout the month.
It features 20 trees created by community groups, many themed by the teams behind them.
The church is open from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Thursday each week, for visitors to see the trees. They are also on show at services until the end of December.
Entry is free and everyone is welcome at the Bilton Lane church.
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St Andrew’s Church, Blubberhouses
Another Christmas tree festival with an amazing variety of trees, a creative and festive event for everyone.
The festival is open this weekend, Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11, from 11am to 4pm.
On Sunday, The 4 – a musical quartet will be singing Christmas music and carols.
There will also be wreaths and Christmas crafts for sale.
Enjoy a festive atmosphere with mulled wine and refreshments.
Admission to this event is free and it is taking place at Shepherd Hill Road, Blubberhouses, Otley, LS21 2NU.
Boroughbridge Christmas Tree Festival
St Peter’s Church, Harrogate
St Peter’s Church Christmas Tree Festival returns for its 18th year.
The festival is running from December 10 to 17 and organisers hope to make this year “bigger and brighter than ever”.
The opening times are 8am to 5.15pm.
Charities, local schools, shops, and businesses have been invited to decorate a Christmas tree or wreath, decorations can either be Christmas themed or reflect their organisation.
This gives the decorators an opportunity to tell the community about their activities and achievements and brings the whole community together for some festive fun at the end of the year.
Attendees will vote for their favourite Christmas tree, and the winner will be announced at their 9.30am service on December 18.
The trees each have their own frame with details of who the tree is sponsored by and the name or theme of the tree.
It takes place at St Peter’s Church, Cambridge Road, Harrogate HG1 1PB.
Knaresborough all set for Winter Fayre tomorrow
Christmas festivities continue in Knaresborough this weekend with a Winter Fayre in the town’s market place.
Tomorrow’s event, organised by Knaresborough Business Collective, follows on from the success of the Spring Fayre in April.
Annie Wilkinson-Gill, from The Crystal Buddha, and Natalie Horner, from Sid Horner and Son, founders of the business group, said the event would feature a host of attractions.
They include children’s rides, a Father Christmas grotto, reindeer, face painting, Punch and Judy shows, live entertainment and music, food and drink stalls and free craft workshops, as well as a local artisan market.
The fayre will be opened at 10am by town crier Roger Hewitt and will continue until 4pm.
To accompany the event, the group is also hosting a Christmas window competition, which will see businesses in the town create displays with a festive theme. Prizes will be awarded to the top three best dressed windows.
Ms Horner said:
“We are so excited to be doing the collective’s fourth window competition this year, they have been a huge success and make town look fantastic.
“Knaresborough’s window displays have been such a hit they’re actually becoming a tourist attraction that people are travelling to town to see.
“They will contribute to a fantastic atmosphere for our Winter Fayre on Saturday – an amazing fun-filled day for all the family.
“We have so many things planned including fairground rides, reindeer, Santa’s grotto, a mulled wine tent, free craft workshops, face painting and local artisan market. After the success of the Spring Fayre we are so excited!”
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Weetons wins Harrogate’s Christmas shop window competitionWeetons has been declared the overall winner of the Harrogate Christmas Window Dressing competition 2022.
Store manager Jess Upson and Vicky Davis designed and produced the award-winning display at the food hall on West Park.
A total of 26 shops entered the competition, which was organised by Harrogate Business Improvement District and the Rotary Club of Harrogate.
Weetons won the overall category as well as the prize in the large shops category. West Park Hotel, Bettys and Mama Doreen’s Emporium were highly commended in the large shops category.
Helen James Flowers on Station Parade won the medium shops category, with The Yorkshire Soap Company highly recommended.
In the small shops category, Harrogate International Festivals came out on top. Sophie Likes, Foxy Vintage and interiors, Susie Watson Designs and Bijouled earned highly recommended accolades.
The winners were announced at the West Park Hotel on Tuesday. Harrogate borough mayor Cllr Victoria Oldham handed out certificates.
Helen James Flowers won the Christmas window shop for medium retailers
Harrogate International Festivals won the Christmas window shop for small retailers
Boroughbridge all set for late-night Christmas shopping tonightFestive spirit will be flowing in Boroughbridge tonight as the town hosts its annual late-night shopping, Christmas tree lights switch-on and a visit from Santa.
The event, organised Boroughbridge and District Chamber of Trade, will see shops stay open until 8pm.
The night will begin with the official Christmas tree lights switch-on in Hall Square at 5.30pm, followed by carols from three school choirs — Boroughbridge Primary and High School and Roecliffe Primary.
Boroughbridge Lions will host Santa and his sleigh and there will be community stalls, children’s rides and a donkey and miniature horse.
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Festive food and drink will include the Scouts’ roast chestnuts and Brighter Boroughbridge’s mulled wine and mince pies stall. There will also be a hog roast.
The shop window display competition theme this year is A Christmas Panto, with entries to be judged tonight,
The lights on the Christmas tree will be switched on by BBC Radio York’s Georgey Spanswick and the Mayor, Sean Hynes.
Chamber president Derek Hufton said:
“Anyone coming along will find the town buzzing.
“There will be lots of great independent shops to browse and buy Christmas gifts from.
“Santa and his sleigh, along with the kids’ rides, will be big attractions to the younger generation. But wrap up warm!”
Christmas market and firework finale come to Knaresborough this weekendThe festive season gets underway in Knaresborough this weekend with the Christmas Market and the launch of the Christmas Tree Festival.
Centred around the large Christmas tree in the town’s historic Market Place, the two-day shopping event, on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, will feature almost 60 stalls selling seasonal goods, decorations, cards, gifts and locally-sourced produce.
Hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and performances by local dancers, brass bands and choirs promise to add to the festive atmosphere.
Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce committee member Charlotte Gale said:
“We have a fantastic range of local independent shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants in town, not just in the market square, but on the surrounding streets and High Street.
“We hope that visitors to the market will also take the time to explore everything which Knaresborough has to offer. There is even a book signing at Castlegate Books with best selling local crime author Wes Markin from noon on Saturday.
“Knaresborough’s businesses always make such an effort to decorate their windows for Christmas, which gives a wonderful festive feeling in town on the market weekend.
“There are lots of events happening around the town too, including a shopping event at Knaresborough train station and the start of the stunning Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s Church, which features beautifully decorated trees from local businesses and organisations.”
The Christmas Market is organised by volunteers from Knaresborough Rotary, Knaresborough Chamber and Knaresborough Lions.
Free park and ride
The centre of Knaresborough will be largely pedestrianised for the event, but a free park and ride is available all weekend from the GSPK car park (postcode HG5 8LF) on Manse Lane to Chapel Street, close to the Market Square.
The weekend will close at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 4 with a firework finale, set against the dramatic backdrop of Knaresborough’s famous viaduct and the Nidd Gorge. This is best seen from any viewpoint which overlooks the river area.
Market chair Hazel Haas, of Knaresborough Rotary, said:
“We are keen that this year’s market benefits the town as a whole.
“Members of our volunteer committee have been liaising with other local organisations and businesses to ensure that we are promoting the full range of festive events taking place in Knaresborough over the market weekend, including the popular Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s Church.”
The Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s will run from Saturday December 3 until December 23.
Every year more than 70 Christmas trees decorated by local groups and businesses are displayed in the church on Vicarage Lane.
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Admission is free, but there will be the opportunity to donate to the church and the event’s chosen charity for this year.
For more information on Knaresborough Christmas Market, including travel information, entertainment timings and events taking place throughout the town, click here.
Meanwhile, Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre kicked off today and tonight (Friday) sees the return of late night shopping in Pateley Bridge and Bewerley for the first time since 2019.
Shops will stay open until about 7.30pm to offer festive treats and community groups will operate stalls along the High Street.
Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre got underway today and next week sees Boroughbridge’s late night shopping and Christmas lights switch-on event on Wednesday (December 7).
Get your skates on! Harrogate Christmas festivities get underwayThe first skaters took to the ice and the giant Ferris wheel wheel began turning as Harrogate’s Christmas festivities got underway.
Fog lifted at noon just in time for people to get a great view of the festivities, including the 50 market stalls, ice rink and more from the top of the 32-metre Ferris wheel.
The Christmas Fayre is running with the Candy Cane Express road train from today until December 11 but many of the rides including the ice rink, ferris wheel and carousel will stay in the town centre until January 3.
Read our comprehensive guide to Harrogate’s Christmas fun here. Check out our gallery from this morning for a taste of the fun:
Here we go! Harrogate’s Christmas activities begin tomorrow — here’s your guideThe festive season officially gets underway in Harrogate tomorrow with the return of ‘Destination Christmas’.
The town will be buzzing with the opening of the ice rink, 32-metre Ferris wheel, the carousel and 50 market stalls, plus more.
With so much going on we’ve put together a brief guide to the attractions, showing where you can see them and how much they cost.
Christmas Fayre
When: December 2 -11, Monday – Saturday: 10am – 7pm, Sunday: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Where: The pedestrianised areas of Cambridge Street and Market Place in Harrogate town centre
Destination Harrogate is bringing back Harrogate Christmas Fayre, which launched in 2021. It will be bigger this year with about 50 stalls to browse for Christmas gifts, decorations and seasonal foodie treats.
The traditional Christmas market, delivered by Market Place Europe, will offer an ‘eclectic mix of enticing stalls’ to complement Harrogate’s independent retailers, restaurants, bars and boutique stores.
Market Place Europe and Harrogate Borough Council, which jointly operate the Christmas Fayre, will also once again provide a stall for charities.
Little Bird artisan market
When: December 3 and 4 and December 10 and 11, Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm
Where: Valley Gardens, Harrogate
The festive artisan market will feature 70 local and regional traders and producers, who will sell a variety of arts and crafts, clothing, homeware, jewellery, as well as food and drink.
Candy Cane Express road train
When: December 2-11
Where: This year’s route has yet to be confirmed, but last year it stopped at James Street, St Mary’s Walk and Crescent Road. It also passed Montpellier Hill, Cheltenham Parade, Station Parade and Victoria Avenue.
Cost: Free
The Christmas road train experience is also back for 2022, to transport festive revellers around Harrogate town centre while the market is on, with the Candy Cane Express co-funded by Harrogate BID.
Giant Ferris Wheel
When: December 2 – January 3
Where: Harrogate town centre, next to the war memorial
Cost: £7 for adults, £5 for children
The 32-metre illuminated observation wheel will offer views spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Harrogate outdoor ice skating rink
When: December 2 – January 3, various times throughout the day
Where: Crescent Gardens, Harrogate
Cost: Tickets cost £14 for adults and £13 for children aged five to 16. Family tickets costing £37.50, £50 and £62.50 are available. Sessions are 60 minutes. There are also ‘relaxed sessions’ and parent and toddler sessions.
All new for 2022, the outdoor ice skating rink features an après ski bar offering seasonal treats and refreshments.
The bookings website says:
“Harrogate ice rink is magical for all ages, great for families, date nights, catch ups with pals, Christmas parties with a twist, skaters, non-skaters, those who want to learn to skate at our skate school or just enjoy one of the most fascinating spectator sports with a drink and bite to eat.”
Traditional carousel and children’s fairground rides
When: December 2 – January 3, various times throughout the day
Where: Crescent Gardens, Harrogate
Cost: £3 per person. Bungee trampolines are £5 per go.
Crescent Gardens in Harrogate will take on a fairground feel again this year, featuring a traditional carousel and a collection of small rides for tiny tots.
The rides are provided by Events By Cynosure and supported by Harrogate Borough Council’s Parks and Environmental Services team.
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What the organisers say:
John McGivern, destination events manager for Destination Harrogate, which is part of Harrogate Borough Council, said:
“We’re thrilled to be bringing back Destination Christmas and to be offering an even bigger and better experience for 2022. We’re building on the success of last year and through working in collaboration with our partners, including Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate BID, we can look forward to delivering something really special this Christmas.
“Destination Christmas not only offers our residents the opportunity to enjoy an amazing Christmas experience, particularly following the challenges of the past two years, it also encourages visitors to the Harrogate district from further afield, bolstering local trade and boosting our tourism industry at a crucial time in the business calendar.”
Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said:
“Once again, Christmas will be coming to Harrogate town centre and I for one can’t wait. Last year’s offer was a great success but I know this year’s will be even bigger and better.
“Town centres are recovering well from the covid pandemic and by working with our partners and stakeholders we can once again deliver a safe, vibrant and attractive offer that drives visitors to our district’s shops, restaurants, visitor attractions, hotels and B&Bs this festive season, and showcase the Harrogate district as the perfect Christmas destination.
“The Christmas attractions also offer a fantastic way for families and friends to spend quality time together at this special time of year and to enjoy being active outdoors. And the all-new ice skating rink not only offers an exciting opportunity for people of all ages to socialise but also encourages physical activity, in a magical environment.”
Nick Rhodes, chief executive of Market Place Europe, said:
“Harrogate is a beautiful and unique destination and the perfect place to enjoy our fantastic Christmas market. We’re really excited to be returning this year with an even bigger Harrogate Christmas Fayre, and to be bringing an exciting variety of traders into the town centre to offer a wonderful experience that all the family can enjoy.”
Police plea to call out drink drivers amid increasing Harrogate district incidentsNorth Yorkshire Police is urging people to alert the force to suspected drink drivers amid concern over increasing cases.
The force, along with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, today launched its Christmas drink and drug drive campaign.
Called ‘Save a life and call It In’, it encourages people to ring 999 if they suspect someone is behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.
The campaign, which runs until January 1, will also see officers patrolling the county in marked and unmarked police vehicles and carrying out roadside checks.
Superintendent Emma Aldred, head of specialist operations for the force, told the Stray Ferret:
She said:
“We do drink drive campaigns throughout the year, but we do see an increase around the festive period because people come together a lot more and there are office parties, house parties and with the cost of living we are seeing a lot more home drinking.
“We are seeing increased drinking and people thinking they are okay to drive the next morning or that night, which is just not acceptable.”
‘We are seeing an increase’
During last year’s campaign – which ran from December 1 to January 1 – there were 137 people arrested for drink or drug driving in the county.
From the 137 arrests, 120 were men and 17 were women. 72 people of the 137 were charged with an offence. A total of 25 of the arrests were made following a crash.
Tony Peel, group manager at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Tony Peel, group manager for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, also said that the service was now seeing an increase in drink driving incidents across Harrogate and North Yorkshire.
He said:
“We are starting to see a slight increase.
“I think with the messages we did many years ago, it [drink driving] did go down. But it does seem to be growing a little bit and we are seeing an increase.”
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The plea to call out drink and drug drivers has been endorsed by actor Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle in television soap Emmerdale.
Mr Charnock took part in a mock car crash at Harrogate Fire Station this week to demonstrate the impact that drink driving can have on someone.
Mark Charnock was cut from a car as part of a demonstration at Harrogate Fire Station.
The demonstration saw him cut out of a car by fire crews and put onto a stretcher before being lifted to safety.
Mr Charnock said:
“If this was real, if you add in real horror into the mix of what I’ve just been through, I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like.
“You just would not wish it on your worst enemy.”
The campaign against drink and drug driving will run from December 1, 2022, until January 1, 2023.