covid Archives - Page 5 of 51

New omicron strain sees Harrogate district covid rate rise

The rate of covid in the Harrogate district has more than doubled since the end of May.

Latest North Yorkshire County Council data shows there are currently 113 positive cases per 100,000 people in the district.

The rate was at as low as 52 cases per 100,000 people on May 30.

Whilst the rate has begun to climb up again for the first time since March, it is still far below the peaks seen in January and April 2022.

Source – North Yorkshire County Council

North Yorkshire County Council public health consultant Dr Victoria Turner said the rise was being driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of omicron.

The sub-variants have also caused high rates in other countries across the world.

She said:

“There is evidence that BA.4 and BA.5 are more transmissible than previous variants, and there is limited protection from infection with previous variants against BA.4 and BA.5.

“The ways to prevent the spread of BA.4 and BA.5 remain the same as for other covid variants. Meeting outdoors where possible or in well-ventilated areas indoors, wearing a face covering in enclosed or crowded spaces, and good hand and respiratory hygiene will all reduce the risk of transmission.”

Dr Turner said anyone who has tested positive for covid should stay at home for five days.

Covid tests are available to be purchased from pharmacies.

Library visits remain low following pandemic, says council

Library bosses are examining whether the covid-19 pandemic has caused permanent changes to people’s reading habits.

A meeting of North Yorkshire County Council’s partnerships scrutiny committee heard while library visits in the year to April were at about 60% of pre-pandemic levels, book issues had returned to about 85% of the number being borrowed before March 2020.

Chrys Mellor, the authority’s head of libraries, said despite the continued low numbers of people using libraries in North Yorkshire last year, with 304,549 e-books and e-audio items issued it was clear communities still want to use library services.

She said although the county’s “almost unique model” of largely volunteer-run libraries had only reopened partially following lockdowns last year, it still attracted more than a million visits last and saw nearly 1.5 million books issued.

Ms Mellor said it was noteable that about 3,000 people had become library members during lockdowns to borrow e-books, which now represented about seven per cent of items borrowed, and that most of those people had remained as members.

Earlier this year a Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy study concluded that “only time will tell if this recent shift to digital will prove to be a long-term model for our use of libraries”.

Referring to the difference between library visitors and books being issued, Ms Mellor said:

“As yet, it is unclear whether that is the people who came in to use the computers were not coming in quite as much because they had bought them or the people who came in for our social activities who are not quite ready to come back in.

“Certainly these last few months has seen a rapid increase in visits. Whether people were simply coming in less and actually borrowing more, that’s still to be worked out.”

She said North Yorkshire had been among the country’s highest performing areas for last summer’s reading challenge for children, but that it had seen about 50 per cent of the usual number of youngsters take part.

Ms Mellor said:

“Considering people were still being fairly wary about coming in we were quite pleased with that.”

The meeting heard while libraries were nearly back up to pre-pandemic opening hours, the council was working to help libraries across the county facing issues finding sufficient volunteers to run them.

Ms Mellor said:

“Some volunteers have decided they have found something different to do in the last year, others are still a little bit wary about coming in. We equally have had reports of a lot of new and younger volunteers joining us.

“We still had over 100,000 [volunteer] hours last year when we weren’t even open full time.”

Andrew Jones MP to vote against Boris Johnson tonight

Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones has said he will vote against Prime Minister Boris Johnson in tonight’s confidence vote.

Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 committee of backbench MPs, confirmed this morning that a ballot will be held at 6pm today.

The move comes as the threshold of 15% of the parliamentary Conservative party seeking a vote of confidence in Mr Johnson was met. He will need the support of 180 MPs this evening to remain as PM.

In a statement published in various media outlets, the MP said he will not be supporting the PM due to the partygate scandal.

The MP said he has received emails from “hundreds of people” in Harrogate and Knaresborough, with most of them calling for the PM to resign.

The statement said:

“There were many harrowing stories in those emails where people couldn’t visit elderly relatives or mourn them at their funerals. These were people following the rules the Prime Minister set and championed.”

The Stray Ferret has asked Mr Jones for a copy of the statement but we did not receive a response.

The statement in full is below:

Credit – Yorkshire Post

Harrogate hospital chief says care shortages making it ‘difficult’ to discharge patients

The chief of Harrogate District Hospital has warned problems in the care sector are making it “really difficult” to discharge patients who are well enough to leave.

Official figures show the number of patients who have been in the hospital for more than 21 days has almost doubled from 48 in April 2021 to 83 last month.

Jonathan Coulter, acting chief executive of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, told a board meeting today a shortage of care home beds and staff were causing the delays to discharging some patients.

He said the continued impact of covid was also having an impact:

“There are capacity constraints all the way through the system, from being able to staff care homes effectively and appropriately through to social care packages.

“All of these things mean people are not leaving hospital even though it is a less safe place for them to be.”

Mr Coulter also said the delays were causing problems for the flow of patients through the hospital from arrivals to discharges.

Harrogate District Hospital

He explained the hospital was working with the care sector to tackle the delays and that other internal action was being taken, including a week-long event to speed up the system.

He added the hospital was continuing to recruit new staff and had committed funding to improve its emergency department:

“The whole pathway is under pressure. It is challenging… but we have got a plan and are sticking with it. The important thing is that we don’t tolerate or normalise where we are at the moment.

“It is also really important that we tackle the improvement work in a really positive spirit.”

Mr Coulter said the pressures across the health and care system were still being exacerbated by covid, although the position was “much improved” from earlier in the pandemic.

He also said the reduction of the covid alert level from level four to three last week marked a “massively important step” for the NHS.

Harrogate hospital currently has 15 covid patients, while staff absences as a result of the virus have dropped from over 200 earlier this year to the current position of around 70.

Meanwhile, the district’s weekly infection rate currently stands at 93 covid cases per 100,000 people – its lowest level since at least last September.

Ripon’s retro gaming arcade to close in July

New Wave Arcade in Ripon will close for good in July.

The venue on Westgate offers the chance to play games from the glory days of arcade gaming, including Street Fighter 2, Ridge Racer and Gunblade.

It was something a bit different for families in Ripon, as the Stray Ferret found out when we visited in March.

However, owner Rory Lofthouse said he has decided to close the business to concentrate on his wife’s health and his digital marketing company.

Mr Lofthouse said:

“It’s been well received in Ripon so it’s a shame I’m having to close it.

“I didn’t do it to make thousands of pounds, it was so there is something in Ripon for different generations to enjoy together. A lot of dads bring their kids to show them what they played when they younger.”

New Wave Arcade opened just a few weeks before the first covid lockdown and has had a stop-start existence.

Mr Lofthouse said things could have been different with the business if the pandemic didn’t happen when it did.

Gamers who enjoyed visiting paid tributes on Facebook:

“Such a shame, the arcade was a great asset to Ripon.”

Another person said:

“We will definitely make sure we come down again before you close your doors. You’ll be sadly missed.”

New Wave Arcade’s last day will be on Saturday, July 23.

Mr Lofthouse is also selling off some of his machines. If you’re interested you can contact him rory@newwavearcade.co.uk

Theakston’s Brewery increases turnover despite covid restrictions

Theakston’s Brewery in Masham increased its turnover by £861,000 in 2021, despite dealing with the effects of lockdown and the Omicron variant.

The brewery only had 5 months of normal trading in 2021 due to the pandemic, and for 3 and a half months, it was forced to close completely.

The company suffered a pre-tax loss of £2,000 last year, but in the height of the pandemic in 2020, the loss was much more significant at £334k.

Pre-covid in 2019, the brewery had made profits of £235k.

In the latest financial statement, the company said:

“T&R Theakston Ltd ended 2021 as a well-balanced business with enhanced capabilities across more channels, a stronger organisation, a more flexible business approach, greater consumer engagement and a continued reputation for the high quality of its beers.”

Managing director Simon Theakston added:

“The last two years have been tough for all sectors, including the British brewing industry.

“As our 2021 results show, we are well on the road to overcoming this latest challenge.”

Theakston’s Brewery was founded in 1827 and is now run by the family of original founder, Robert Theakston.

Harrogate business EnviroVent celebrates 2 millionth filterless fan

Harrogate manufacturer EnviroVent celebrated its 2 millionth filterless fan last week.

A special edition sustainable fan was created for the occasion, as well as a filterless fan celebration cake and 200 cupcakes.

Managing director Andy Makin with the 2 millionth filterless fan.

The fans were designed for the social housing sector, and help to reduce mould and condensation in homes across the UK.

Andy Makin, Managing Director at EnviroVent, said:

“We are really excited to be celebrating the two millionth Filterless Fan to be produced in our factory.

“We are very proud of the innovations we have made to ensure it is still one of the most sustainable fans on the market.”

The fans have saved several tonnes of replacement extractor fans going to landfill sites, as well as reducing the amount of plastics going into the production process.

Harrogate Scrubbers complete covid memory quilts

At its peak, Harrogate Scrubbers had 800 members making scrubs for hospital staff during the first covid lockdown. The group worked frantically and in just six weeks, 2037 scrubs were handed over to front line staff at Harrogate District Hospital.

It was an extraordinary community response to a health crisis and a serious shortage of PPE supplies.

To celebrate and remember their achievement, scrubbers were invited to sew a square of fabric for a quilt. Each was asked to detail what it meant to them to be part of the sewing group. The squares have been made into five beautiful quilts. The scrubbers founder, Fran Taylor, has also created a book with photos of the squares and each group member’s memories.

Tonight, the group will gather at the Pavilions of Harrogate to see the quilts on display in what is expected to be an emotional event.

Fran explained,

“The experience of being part of the Harrogate Scrubbers meant so much to so many people, that we wanted to commemorate the groups achievements, and also give everyone something to remember for the part they played supporting the NHS in the pandemic”

One of the five completed quilts (above) and below an excerpt from Fran’s book.

Lisa Sumpton from Harrogate, who two years ago was in charge of logistics for the scrubbers, said:

“It’s just nice to see all the squares that have been lovingly made by individuals- to represent a moment when a community came together to something good at a time of great uncertainty”.

The contribution the scrubbers made to support the NHS and its staff locally has not been forgotten.

Sammy Lambert, the business development, charity and volunteer manager for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said:

“It does feel surreal two years on. Unless you lived through the time and felt the community spirit, it’s hard to explain.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Fran and all the scrubbers for helping us to do our jobs at such a difficult time”

Tonight the scrubbers will come together, many having formed friendships through the project, they’ll raise a glass to each other and be formally thanked by Sarah Armstrong, Chair of Harrogate Hospital Trust for their wonderful work during the pandemic.

Revival for James Street as major brands set to open doors

Business leaders say one of Harrogate’s most prestigious streets is experiencing a resurgence after the challenges of covid.

James Street was for many years seen as the most desirable place to open a shop in the town, with its heritage features and high quality brands.

However, the last couple of years have seen it struggle with empty units, the temporary removal of parking spaces, and controversial plans to pedestrianise at least part of the street.

But with major national brands including Oliver Bonas and Pret a Manger set to open there in the coming months, along with popular local beer emporium Husk, could James Street be experiencing a return to its former fortunes?

Harrogate BID certainly thinks so, as manager Matthew Chapman explained:

“It is very good news to see a swathe of new business opening on James Street, including a number of well-known national brands.

“It has always been one of the town’s most prominent streets, hosting a wide variety of quality shops, and when Next moved to Victoria Shopping Centre it was a blow. In its place we had a discount store, which certainly wasn’t in keeping with other shops on the street.

“Now the unit is to be occupied by what we believe to be a top fashion brand, and coupled with Pret a Manger moving in next door, it will give James Street a very welcome boost.”

The positive news for the street comes despite fears raised by existing businesses that any pedestrianisation – and the nearby Station Gateway scheme which would reduce Station Parade to one lane for cars – could be severely damaging to retail.

Latest Station Gateway visuals which show Harrogate's James Street pedestrianised.

Station Gateway proposals show Harrogate’s James Street pedestrianised.

Business owners have argued that customers like to park up nearby and pop into shops for just a few minutes, rather than parking further afield and walking in. Reducing their ability to do so, owners say, will have an effect on footfall and seriously hamper their viability.

Bob Kennedy, who owns Porters on James Street, said the arrival of new businesses is a welcome sign – but does not necessarily reflect confidence in the proposed changes.

“It’s a classic case of what will happen if we pedestrianise it. Walk up Cambridge Street and have a look at the quality and you realise why people want to be on James Street instead.

“I don’t think [pedestrianisation] would lead to businesses leaving. With the larger independents and upcoming chains, it’s simply if you are in a spot and it’s making you money, you stay. If it’s losing you money, you look to leave.

“Whether the Station Gateway will lead to people taking less money and less profitability and therefore make them think about leaving, who knows?”

Mr Kennedy said rents had come down as landlords realised demand for retail space had fallen slightly, making it more viable for businesses to open up and try to make shops viable.

This was more likely to be a factor, he said, than any proposed changes which could take a long time to come into effect.

However, he said the situation was cyclical, with low rents encouraging more demand, which would in turn drive rents back up. Larger, national brands would be more likely to be able to absorb those higher costs, he said.

Three options for James Street will be consulted on, under council plans.

Planters were used to prevent parking on James Street during the covid pandemic

For Harrogate BID, there is a clear sense of positivity across the town centre after a tough two years.

Mr Chapman added:

“It’s not just James Street that is seeing new life being breathed into empty units.

“Walking around town as I do regularly, new businesses are also popping up in a number of other locations, including Montpellier, which is good news for the town centre economy.

“Having a vibrant mix of national and independents is what makes Harrogate appealing to shoppers, both local and from further afield.”

Hot Seat: the Ripon auctioneer bringing a modern edge to antiques

Three years ago, David Elstob had the urge to open his own auction house. It was an ambitious idea for a 34-year-old with a large mortgage and a toddler, but he felt it was now or never.

After cutting his teeth at a site in Bedale, he relocated to Ripon Business Park where he now hosts auctions every four weeks, specialising in fine art, antiques, and silver and jewellery.

It has been quite a journey. Mr Elstob opened in Ripon in December 2019 — three months before the first national covid lockdown.

But although covid decimated many start-ups, it has had a more favourable impact on auctions by hastening the transition to online bidding and more modern digital approaches, which suits a man who is considerably younger than many in the trade.

Online auctions attract more bidders, meaning higher prices and more commission, which explains why many auction houses still operate remotely post-covid restrictions.

At 37, David Elstob is younger than most auctioneers.

Elstob and Elstob allows bidders back in on sales days but whereas 100 people may have turned up pre-covid, there’s unlikely to be more than 20 these days. Fortunately this is more than offset by the number of online and telephone bidders.

Mr Elstob says:

“We’d love a room full of people again but I don’t think we will ever go back to that.

“Covid has moved things on 10 years. It’s made us work differently — it’s so easy to bid online now.”

£50,000 brooch

As with many things in life, the thrill of live bidding has moved online.

Mr Elstob recalls with infectious excitement hosting the only online auction in Europe one day during the first lockdown in April 2020, when thousands of bidders worldwide competed for 600 lots. Instead of finishing by mid-afternoon as usual, the bids kept coming long into the night.

“It was a phenomenal sale. I don’t think I will ever experience anything like that again. People in Australia started logging on when it got dark over here. I brought the gavel down on the last lot at 9.45pm.”

A Tiffany orchid brooch sold for £50,000, adding to the frisson.

Like Morphets of Harrogate and Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn, Elstob and Elstob focuses on high-end collectables rather than general items, like Thompsons Auctioneers in Killinghall and Harrogate Auction Centre, which specialise in house clearances.

His most unusual lot? A bull’s scrotum that had been made into a handbag. It fetched £30. Nostalgia-fuelled 1960s and 1970s furniture is currently fetching good money and the market for Chinese porcelain and art remains strong.

Hidden gems

Mr Elstob, who is originally from Bishop Auckland and has a master’s degree in antiques, initially planned to “go down the surveying / estate agent route and quickly realised that wasn’t for me”.

He headed up the sales room team at Addisons of Barnard Castle in County Durham before becoming director at Thomas Watsons in Darlington.

Outside the sales room in Ripon.

A specialist in 20th century design, particularly the work of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson, who was part of the 1920s arts and crafts revival, he is nevertheless a general valuer, who can call on a range of experts for help.

“It’s like being a GP. I might not be able to give you a figure for everything you bring in but I will be able to say if it’s authentic and point you in the right direction.”

Often solicitors get in touch asking him to conduct probate valuations. One such coin collection in Southport was worth £50,000.

Mr Elstob, who enjoys keeping fit and spending time with his daughter, employs five staff. He plans to conduct more specialist sales and online auctions and to run more eBay themed auctions, which appeal to younger people.

At 37, his youthful vigour makes him well placed to capitalise on the changes to auctioneering. But he remains steeped in the traditions of the trade and the thrill of discovering what lurks in the attic:

“My favourite part of the job is being out on the road. You never know what you will find in someone’s home.”

Trees in new Bilton woodland to be dedicated to covid victims

A new woodland in Bilton will be planted next month with trees dedicated to lives lost during the covid pandemic.

Around 500 trees will be planted by Bilton Conservation Group volunteers in Bilton Fields close to the viaduct.

It will be called Victory Wood, as it was originally intended to mark VE Day, with the trees planted in the shape of a V.

However, covid has delayed the planting by several years. Keith Wilkinson, chair of the group, said planters can dedicate a tree to a friend or family member that has died from the virus.

The dedication will be private as trees will not be identified with a plaque.

Planting will take place on Saturday May 21 from 10.00am.

Twelve species will be planted, including oak, cherry and hazel trees.

If you’d like to plant a tree and make a dedication, contact Mr Wilkinson: niddgorge2016@icloud.com

The woodland has been sponsored by the Harrogate Lions.

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