This week’s photograph was taken by John Shepherd, capturing the moon shining over Fountains Abbey at the Christmas illumination night.

John Shepherd

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

Fountains Abbey has submitted plans to introduce solar panels at its attraction in an effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The National Trust, which owns the site near Ripon, has lodged the plan with Harrogate Borough Council.

It would see the 34kW panels installed on the roof of its visitor centre to generate electricity.

In documents submitted to the council, the trust said the plan was part of its commitment to reduce reliance on fossil fuels at a time of high energy prices.

It said:

“This proposal will reduce the reliance on imported electricity and reduce fossil fuel sources, and in future will enable funds to be directed to other goals such as increased efforts in environmental protection and conservation.

“At a time when the cost of energy is extremely high the organisation is looking at creative ways to minimise the impact on the charity as well as make meaningful change for the environment.”

Read more:

• Consent granted for demolition of Ripon homes affected by subsidence
• Bid to save bus linking Ripon, Thirsk and Northallerton

The trust had initially proposed to implement 105 panels on the roof, but later reduced this to 95 to preserve the character of the building.

It is hoped the panels will contribute 28,000kWh of electricity to the site each year and help the trust reach its carbon net zero target by 2030.

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

A gastro pub near Ripon has been granted an extension to its licensing hours until midnight.

The Sawley Arms, which has eight bedrooms and is popular with diners, applied for an extension until 1am, seven days a week.

But Harrogate Borough Council’s licensing committee decided on Friday that alcohol could only be served until midnight.

Steve Manton, owner of the Sawley Arms, told the committee he had spent more than £1 million refurbishing the pub since he bought it 11 years ago as a retirement project.

Mr Manton, who previously ran several businesses in the Harrogate area, said the pub’s main activity was food.

“It’s a destination pub. The traditional boozer has disappeared.”

Customers, he said, “like to linger and that’s why we have put in the extension until 1am”.

Mr Manton addresses the meeting.

He added:

“That doesn’t mean we will stay open until 1am every night. Last night we closed at 9.30pm.”

Mr Manton, who lives on the Isle of Man, described the venue as “a summer pub”, adding there was “very, very little activity in winter and we close our gardens”.

He said besides diners, the pub attracted weekend walkers, visitors to Fountains Abbey and guests from nearby Grantley Hall, the opening of which he described as “a lifeline”.

Before the meeting, David Taylor, clerk to Grantley and Sawley Parish Council, had submitted an objection to the proposal raising “grave concerns”.  He said:

“The residents of the village are very likely to be disturbed by vehicles leaving the site at times that would extend beyond 1am.

“Although 1am is the requested extended time, there would be ‘drinking up time’ and staff leaving the premises, therefore it would be nearer to 2am when the last cars leave the site.”

Wan Malachi, a licensing enforcement officer at the council told the committee it had received no complaints about the venue.

Ed Darling, the Conservative councillor who chairs the licensing committee, told Mr Manton it had granted the extension on condition that it applied until midnight, seven days a week, rather than the 1am requested. Cllr Darling added:

“There is a right of appeal against this decision to Harrogate Magistrates Court within 21 days of receipt of the decision notice.”

Fountains Abbey near Ripon and the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh have tied in first place in a survey of the best historic attractions in the UK.

The two sites were the joint favourite attractions of 63 that were ranked in a survey of almost 3,000 members of consumer organisation Which?.

The survey looked at nine criteria including overall value for money, helpfulness of staff and lack of crowds.

Both achieved an overall score of 88 per cent, beating well-known attractions including York Minster, Stonehenge, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to the top spot.

Fountains Abbey, which is a World Heritage Site managed by the National Trust, is one of the largest Cistercian abbey ruins in Europe. It was a thriving monastic community for 400 years until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539.

Light shines through the cellarium at Fountains Abbey.

Those who rated the attraction highly praised the ‘calm atmosphere’ and ‘leisurely walks’ on offer in over 800 acres of grounds, with the attraction scoring a full five stars for lack of crowds, as well as how accurately the description matched reality.

The Royal Yacht Britannia, which served the Royal Family for more than 44 years, is now docked permanently on the Firth of Forth in Leith.

Durham Cathedral was the highest scoring free attraction, with a customer score of 86 per cent. It ranked joint fifth in the table overall, tying with Stirling Castle.

Read more:

• 390 homes approved in Ripon despite concerns over impact on Fountains Abbey
• History of Ripon Spa Baths captured as venue prepares for new lease of life

At the other end of the table was Shakespeare’s birthplace, the playwright’s childhood home in Stratford-Upon-Avon, with a score of 63 per cent. While respondents praised the building’s cultural significance, it scored just two out of five stars for value for money and facilities, and rated no more than three stars in any category.

Guy Hobbs, acting editor of Which? Travel, said:

“This year two very different but equally impressive historic attractions topped our survey, and it’s easy to see why. Both Fountains Abbey and the Royal Yacht Britannia offer a unique day out with visitors telling us they enjoyed the opportunity to immerse themselves in a slice of history for the day.

Which? surveyed 2,944 members between April and May 2022.

A new bus service will operate from Knaresborough and Harrogate every Sunday from this weekend for the summer season.

Eastern DalesBus 825 will run to Ripley, Brimham Rocks, Fountains Abbey, Kirkby Malzeard, Masham, Leyburn and Richmond.

It will continue every Sunday and bank holiday until September 25, departing from Knaresborough bus station at 10am and stand three at Harrogate bus station at 1020am.

Eastern DalesBus 825 is run by York-based Reliance Motor Services , which provides rural bus services in North Yorkshire, as part of the DalesBus network, with support from the National Trust and North Yorkshire County Council’s Locality Fund.

Full timetable details are available in a leaflet available from Harrogate Bus Station and here.

Other DalesBus services running from Harrogate include double-decker DalesBus 59 on Saturdays to Blubberhouses, Bolton Bridge and Skipton, and DalesBus 74 on Saturdays to Ilkley, Bolton Abbey and Grassington.

DalesBus 24 runs daily between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge, with onward connections on Sundays and Bank Holidays to Upper Nidderdale and Grassington.

Read more:

• Harrogate buses enjoy strike boom but taxis suffer
• Concerns raised over ‘success’ of rural bus pilot scheme in Ripon and Masham

It has been a week of soaring temperatures across the Harrogate district.

And when the sun shines, there is nothing better than grabbing a picnic rug or deckchair and enjoying some fabulous outdoor entertainment.

We have put together a selection of outdoor theatre performances taking place across the Harrogate district this summer where tickets are still available:

Hamlet The Comedy – RHS Harlow Carr Gardens, July 5 and 6

Festival favourite Oddsocks Productions return to Harrogate with yet another high-energy, feel-good family theatre show.

Pack your picnic and join the crazy theatre troupe for a festival of music, magic and mayhem as they bring Hamlet The Comedy to the beautiful grounds of Harlow Carr.

Hamlet The Comedy finds the eponymous royal student returning home for the summer holidays to find something rotten in the state of Denmark and it’s more than just the bag of dirty washing! Mum’s married Uncle Claudius and Dad’s dishing the dirt from his grave – it’s enough to make a teenager mad!

Shakespeare’s famous tragedy is performed as you’ve never seen before with lots of laughs, music and memorable moments.

Presented by Oddsocks Productions as part of Harrogate International Festivals.

Event details:

Doors open at 6.30pm for Friends of the Festival and RHS card holders.

General admission from 6.45pm.

This is an outdoor event, please dress appropriately for the British weather. Feel free to bring your own picnics, rugs and deckchairs to make the most of the event.

Tickets are available here.

Read more:

• First Ripon Theatre Festival launches tomorrow
• Shortlist revealed for Harrogate’s crime writing festival

Cinderella – Valley Gardens, Harrogate,  July 17

In an enchanted kingdom faraway land magical creatures and fairy godmothers come together to tell the best-loved of all fairy tales.

Full of song, mirth, and joy for the summer ahead, join us on Cinderella’s journey of a lifetime to a magical ball where nearly anything is possible especially if it is before midnight.

Family and friends are welcome to picnic and children are invited to dress in their favourite fairy tale characters and join for the midsummer ball dance.

Presented by Chapterhouse Theatre.

Event details:

Doors open at 3pm and the production starts at 4pm.

The performance will last around 90 minutes (with no interval) and will take place in all but the worst weather.

Please bring your own deck chairs, rugs and picnics etc for the performance.

Tickets are available here

Romeo and Juliet – Knaresborough Castle, August 6

This best-loved story of star crossed lovers and feuding families shall be performed in the castle yard.

Dressed in beautiful Elizabethan costume and performed by a fine troupe of Shakespearean players, join Chapterhouse for the greatest love story ever told as they perform magical theatre in magical surroundings.

Presented by Chapterhouse Theatre.

Event details:

Doors open at 6pm and the production starts at 7pm.

The performance will last around 90 minutes (with no interval) and will take place in all but the worst weather.

Please bring your own deck chairs, rugs and picnics etc for the performance.

Tickets are available here 

Pride and Prejudice – Ripon Spa Gardens, August 20

Take a step back in time as we meet Elizabeth Bennett and her sisters. Whilst their interfering mother engineers various courtships, Elizabeth and Jane must pursue their own quest for true love.

Amidst mistakes and miscommunications, can Elizabeth finally surpass her prejudices to see past the proud exterior of the enigmatic Mr Darcy?

Presented by Chapterhouse Theatre.

Event details:

Doors open at 6pm, the production starts at 7pm.

The performance will last around 90 minutes (with no interval) and will take place in all but the worst weather.

Please bring your own deck chairs, rugs and picnics etc for the performance.

Tickets are available here 

Away from the the sights and sounds of the platinum jubilee celebrations across the Harrogate district, it’s a fitting day to remember another royal connection from the Ripon area that goes directly to the Queen, via her great great grandmother, Queen Victoria.

It was Derby Day on Epsom Downs and the world’s most  famous race grabbed national and international attention, with the easy winner and 5-2 favourite, Desert Crown, trained by Sir Michael, destined to earn a fortune at stud.

On the boundary wall at the Parish Church of St Lawrence in Aldfield — between Ripon and Fountains Abbey — there is a blue plaque recognising that William Powell Frith, the world-renowned painter, whose signature work was called The Derby Day was born in the tiny village on November 2, 1819.

A portrait of William Powell Frith as a young man. Picture: Mary Evans Picture Gallery

His mother Jane, was house steward to Sophia Lawrence of Studley Royal, before the family moved to Harrogate in 1826 to manage the Dragon Hotel.

Nine years later, at the age of 16,  Frith decided to take his prodigious artistic talent to London, telling his family that his aim was to make his fortune.

This was no misplaced boast, as he was entered into the Royal Academy and earned the accolade of being one of Queen Victoria’s favourite painters.

The Queen, who is Victoria’s great great grandaughter, has never won the Classic race as either owner or breeder and the nearest she came was in her coronation year , when her horse Aureole finished second in the 1953 running.

Dreams of a fairy-tale win in platinum jubilee year were dashed when her horse Reach for the Moon was withdrawn from today’s race by joint trainers John and Thady Gosden, after the three-year-old colt suffered a training setback.

For only the third time in her 70-year reign, the 96-year-old Queen is also a ‘non-runner’ at Epsom today, with ongoing health issues meaning she will be watching the race on television.

Frith, who lived to the age of 89, died in 1909 assured that his Derby Day work created between 1856 and 1858 had earned him the fortune that he predicted.

His classic painting and other celebrated works – have put him forever in the frame as one of the world’s best known artists

Read More:

• Where you can go for the district’s jubilee celebrations
• Why was it time for a royal tea at Ripon Cathedral?

Yurtshire, in the Nidderdale countryside, is drawing on the power of nature, to create a revitalising experience for visitors from across the Harrogate district and further afield.

The 93-acre site, which features Eavestone Lake, is being developed by Tom Sterne, whose family are long-term investors in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, in Ripon and surrounding areas.

Located between Ripon and Pateley Bridge, just off the B6265 road, the site with its nine luxurious tree yurts, opened last summer.

Following the high demand of a staycation year, three more units are being added, after planning permission was granted by Harrogate Borough Council.

Plans are also in hand to add spa-type facilities and services, including a sauna, facial and body massages.

The site features the 13-acre Eavestone Lake

Mr Sterne, who has more than ten years of experience of outdoor hospitality-based business, gained through his operation of hire company Yorkshire Yurts and    YurtBar, which caters for the corporate entertainment market, told the Stray Ferret:

“I’m using the expertise that I have gained to create a new facility to satisfy the needs of people who are increasingly focused on wellness, lifestyle issues and the environment.”

He pointed out:

“Our site has an abundance of natural assets, including forty acres of forest, a 13-acre lake and the biodiversity that goes with them, from birds, butterflies and insects to clear night-time skies that are perfect for people whose spirits are lifted by looking at the stars.

“The aim is to harness and harmonise with all aspects of the natural environment – woodland, water and wildlife – to provide guests with a restful and regenerative stay that is good for mind, body and the healing process.

“That is why people wanting to find a peaceful and idyllic place to go on retreat, represent a growing part of our business.”

The yurts have been designed to provide a five-star level of luxury

In the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Yurtshire is surrounded by stunning  scenery, that would not look out of place on a canvas by the landscape master painter J.M.W. Turner.

Views from the decking of each Yurt site, which has its own private hot tub, underline why nearby Grassington was chosen for filming of the smash-hit Channel 5 programme All Creatures Great and Small.

Each of the nine placements has its own private hot tub and decking area

With Grassington and other attractions, such as Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal, Brimham Rocks and Stump Cross Caverns, drawing more staycationers to Yorkshire, there is scope for Yurtshire to build on a successful first season.

Nicola Warters, pictured here with Tom Sterne, says the yurts provide five-star luxury in idyllic surroundings

Yurtshire manager Nicola Warters, said:

“We are providing the type of luxury accommodation that can be found in a five-star hotel, but instead of waking up surrounded by bricks and mortar, our visitors are in the heart of the woodland and arise to the sound of birds singing.

“Some also come for the pleasure of picking out the star constellations, as they relax in the soothing waters of their hot tub. It’s therapeutic on every level.”

Read more:

• The natural beauty of Fountains Abbey captured on camera
• Stars of All Creatures Great and Small stars seen in the Harrogate district

The raw force of nature is captured in this snow storm photograph by Joe Cornish.

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Mr Cornish’s work can be found at Fountains Mill and the follies throughout the water garden and a free exhibition map can be obtained at entrances.

The map will guide visitors on a journey that, through his lens, illustrates how both man and nature have sculpted the landscape.

From the elegant manicured surroundings of the water garden created in the early 18th century by the Aislabie family, to the naturally-formed designs found in fallen trees around the site.

The Temple of Piety is one of the exhibition locations.

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In addition to the exhibition map, a trail has been created for children, which aims to engage their imaginations by encouraging them to explore  the whimsical themes in Mr Cornish’s work, such as hunting for hidden weather-beaten faces found in the bark of trees.

The Fallen series focuses on a number of trees which have a powerfully sculptural quality. The title given to this aspect of the exhibition, acknowledges the on-going job they do, providing a refuge for many species of tiny creatures, fungi and microbial life. 

The children’s trail encourages young people to look for faces in the bark of trees.

Root and branch – the photographs of Joe Cornish feature some of the extraordinary trees at Fountains Abbey and the Studley Royal Deer Park.

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Within the ornate alcoves of the Banqueting House there are two large-scale panoramic photographs of the sweeping views in the water garden and the Octagon Tower is the venue where visitors can  view a series of six photographs themed ‘The Fallen’.

These provide a close-up look at the shapes that nature formed over centuries, on trees felled by storms and other incidents, that remain in situ and provide a wildlife habitat for many different varieties  of creatures.

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Read more:

• New artworks go on display for Ripon’s 1,350th anniversary
• Ripon California keenly awaits the memoirs of former Ripon mayor

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The Easter school holidays are almost here, but for many families this means two weeks of the children at home and increased costs of keeping them entertained.

This year in particular most of us are feeling the crunch thanks to a huge rise in the cost of living and soaring energy bills.

We have teamed up with parenting website Harrogate Mumbler and put together six free or low-cost ideas for the Easter holidays across the district.

Kayti Mewis, content creator for Harrogate Mumbler, said:

“You don’t always have to spend a fortune to have a fun day out with the kids. For example, we always enjoy a day at Valley Gardens with a picnic over the holidays.”

Free street entertainment in Harrogate town centre – from April 9

Following the success of Harrogate Business Improvement District’s (BID) street entertainers during the October half-term last year, they will be back in the town centre over the Easter holidays.

On Saturday, April 9, Pete and Ged Moss the gardeners will be in town with their ‘Easter Egg Stravaganza walkabout special’.

They will entertain crowds with their musical wheelbarrow, brimming over with colourful Easter eggs of all shapes and sizes – expect lots of audience participation.

On Good Friday, April 15, the Easter Bunny will be taking some time out from his Easter duties to share some early treats with the children of Harrogate. He will be at the Victoria Shopping Centre at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 3pm.

On Saturday April 16, ‘Val N Halla’ will be travelling in their musical longboat through the town centre. The two Abba-obsessed Scandinavians will bring “entertainment, mayhem and mirth wherever they go”.

Peter Rabbit and Friends Easter Trail at Swinton Estate, near Ripon – April 9 to 24

Head to Swinton Bivouac for an Easter adventure with Peter Rabbit and Friends.

Help Peter and Benjamin to save Easter by rescuing all of the Easter eggs from the clutches of the pesky Samuel Whiskers.

Solve the clues to crack the code that will open the chest to rescue the egg – and earn an Easter treat for yourself as well.

There will also be an opportunity to explore the ruins and follies of Druid’s Temple, built in 1820, reconnect with nature in the woodland of Swinton Estate and take in the views over the Leighton reservoir.

Trail maps are £5, with each completed answer sheet earning a prize. All money from the trail goes directly to the Friends of Grewelthorpe School (FROGS) charity.

The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt – April 9 to 24

Organised and presented by Painting Pots Knaresborough, this quirky event is now in its fifth year.

There will once again be 17 ceramic bunnies hopping into local businesses.

The bunnies are hand-painted in vivid patterns, some inspired by characters or recognisable personalities and products. Painted mostly in house by Laura of Painting Pots, and more recently Natasha Gilyard.

A map with the locations of the bunnies is hand-drawn and painted by local artist Helen Salmons, who is known as The Relentless Crafter, while the bunnies themselves are the handiwork of Natasha Gilyard and Painting Pots’ Laura.

The maps can be purchased for £3 from Painting Pots, Castlegate, and the Oldest Chemist Shoppe, Market Square.

Bunny hunters use the map to find the bunnies, fill in their form and hand them back in to receive a sweet treat, a wristband, sticker and entry to win prizes donated by local businesses.

Over the last four years, The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt has raised more than £6,000 for local charities. All profits this year will go to Lucie’s Animal Rescue and Inspire Youth.

The event will be officially launched at the Knaresborough Spring Fayre on April 9, where there will also be the first ever Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt Parade.

Activities at Knaresborough Library – April 16 and April 21

Hoglets Theatre will be performing their play The Sleep Pirates on Saturday, April 16 at 2pm, featuring swashbuckling pirates, flying ships and shooting stars.

The event is aimed at families with children aged four to eight. Places are limited so booking is essential and children need to be library members. Pop in to the library or call 01609 533610 to book your place.

Alternatively, enjoy some arty fun with a print workshop with artist Lana Grindley on April 21 at 2pm.

Children aged 7 to 11 are invited to design and print their own book cover artwork, inspired by their favourite book illustrations. The designs will be displayed at a special exhibition in the library following the workshop.

Book your free ticket here.

There are also some great events at places that offer membership. If you are already a member, these events are usually included, or have a small additional price:

The Giant Easter Egg Hunt at RHS Harlow Carr – April 9 to 24

Enjoy a supersized family adventure this Easter holiday at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

Go hunting for the larger-than-life hand-painted eggs hidden around the garden on ‘The giant Easter egg hunt’, and from Good Friday to Easter Monday meet the Garden Detectives for more family fun.

The Easter egg hunt sees children equipped with an explorer pack. Follow the trail around the garden to find the giant painted eggs. There are fun puzzles to solve and plants and wildlife to spot along the way.

Children will be rewarded with a free chocolate treat after completing the trail.

The event is free to RHS members and children under 5.

Easter egg hunt at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal – until April 17

Pick up an adventure trail for £3 and follow the map to complete 10 fun activities during your visit.

See if you can shake like a squirrel, rise like the sun and listen to nature’s orchestra. Complete the trail and earn your chocolate egg reward at the end.