Masham Sheep Fair to go-ahead this month

Masham Sheep Fair is to go-ahead on September 25 and 26 as planned, the organisers announced last night.

The fair, which commemorates Masham’s rich history of sheep farming, is one of the biggest annual events in the Harrogate district.

It provides a major boost for tourism in the Dales town so the decision to proceed, after last year’s event was cancelled due to covid, will be welcomed by many.

Susan Cunliffe-Lister and other volunteers started the sheep fair 30 years ago, initially as a one-off event to raise money for farmers in Africa. It raised £7,950 and became an annual event, raising £159,000 for Yorkshire charities.

We are pleased to confirm that Masham Sheep Fair WILL take place on 25th and 26th September. Full details on https://t.co/XAIl8VVvI5 Click on image for main features pic.twitter.com/3JoJ0Dy4m2

— Susan Briggs (@Dales_Tourism) September 6, 2021

Attractions include sheep racing, sheepdog demonstrations, craft and fleece stalls, Morris dancers, tours of Masham’s Theakston and Black Sheep breweries and a children’s fair.

There is also a large sheep show in which various breeds are judged and supreme champions decided.

Many traditional Harrogate district summer events were cancelled for a second year running this year due to covid, including Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally, Ripley Show and Nidderdale Show at Pateley Bridge, which was due to take place less than a week before the sheep fair.

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Harrogate district covid rate increases as pupils head back to school

The Harrogate district’s covid infection rate is rising steadily as thousands of pupils make a return to classrooms this week.

The borough’s weekly rate per 100,000 people now stands at 386 and pre-term testing is being used to limit infections at schools and colleges, while rules on social distancing and face masks have been scrapped.

Meanwhile, a further 102 infections have been reported in the district, according to today’s daily Public Health England figures.

The return of schools has stoked concerns over a sharp spike in cases, similar to what has happened in Scotland where infections among under 15-year-olds have tripled since pupils restarted in mid-August.

Speaking last week, Richard Flinton, chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, said cases in the county are currently much higher than when schools returned last September – and that people should be “very aware” another spike can happen.

He said: 

“This time last year, the rates before schools went back and worse weather arrived were considerably lower than those we see now.

“Last year, we saw another big spike in cases, so we need to be very aware that that can still happen.”

Health officials at the county council last week urged all 16 and 17-year-olds to get vaccinated against covid “as soon as possible” ahead of the return to school this week.

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The calls came as scientists on the UK’s vaccine advisory body refused to give the green light to vaccinating healthy children aged 12 to 15 years on health grounds.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said these children were at such a low risk from the virus that jabs would offer only a marginal benefit.

Infection rate almost up to 400

According to latest NHS figures, a total of 127,181 people in the Harrogate district have now received their first vaccine dose and 116,631 people their second.

Meanwhile, no further covid deaths have been recorded at Harrogate District Hospital.

The hospital reported three more covid deaths on Friday to take its toll since the pandemic began up to 184.

The latest infection rate for the Harrogate district of 386 is above both the North Yorkshire and England averages of 341 and 321.

The rate has been climbing steadily in recent weeks after falling sharply in mid-July from a record level of 536.

Elsewhere in North Yorkshire, Selby currently has the highest rate at 392, while Richmondshire has the lowest with 242.

Harrogate district records 72 new covid cases

A further 72 covid cases have been reported in the Harrogate district today.

The infections takes the total since the pandemic began to 13,813, according to figures from Public Health England.

The district’s weekly infection rate has risen again to 372 cases per 100,000 people.

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It remains above the North Yorkshire rate of 332 and the England average of 312.

No coronavirus deaths were reported at Harrogate District Hospital today. The number of covid-related fatalities since March last year remains at 184.

Activities to do with your toddler in the Harrogate district when older siblings go back to school

As the summer holidays draw to a close and older siblings return to school, it can often be more of a challenge entertaining toddlers.

The Harrogate district boasts a wealth of activities for babies, but what is there to do with preschoolers, particularly now the cooler weather is approaching?

Here are four classes to do with your toddler in the Harrogate district to keep the little ones entertained.

Little Gym Harrogate

Little Gym in Harrogate is a firm favourite on the parent-scene in Harrogate, offering progressively structured gym classes for babies from four months to children up to six-years-old.

Toddler classes include Beasts and Super Beasts for children aged 19 to 36 months, which see little ones attend sessions with parents and a class teacher, helping them to develop new physical and social skills.

Karen Dalby, from Little Gym Harrogate, said:

“We do get a lot busier when the kids are back at school, it’s so important to have something for toddlers where they can explore, take part in a semi-structured class and build confidence physically, socially and emotionally.

“Parents play a really active role in these sessions – the more fun they have, the more fun their children have. Our sessions are all based around movement – or assisted movement – for the younger children.

“At The Little Gym we use non-competitive activities like gymnastics to help children develop physically and mentally. Helping improve their confidence, aid their sleeping patterns, as well as developing vital motor and social skills. It’s time to get moving again. Let’s help them feel good about it.”

Toddler Sense

Run by Clair Miller in Harrogate, Wetherby and Staveley, near Karesborough, Toddler Sense offers sessions for children aged 13 months to five years.

Sessions are in two parts and involve a free play section and have an ever-changing set of equipment to explore – from bouncy castles, to tunnels, soft play to tents and balance beams.

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There are then led activities for parents and toddlers to do together – all based on  a weekly theme – these include games, bubbles, songs, dances and puppet shows.

Owner Claire, who was a primary school teacher for 11 years, said:

“I do find these classes are always busier in September once the older siblings return to school and families can give their toddlers some extra one-to-one time but classes are popular all year around.

“Our families have loved coming back to venue-based class again and seeing their toddlers begin to socialise.

“Toddlers have not had the same opportunities in recent times, so it is so lovely – and important developmentally – to see them learning new skills and meeting new friends.

“Something the grown-ups have appreciated too – I have seen many grown-up friendships forged in class which is so important. We all need that support.”

Moo Music

Moo Music, which holds classes in Harrogate, Ripon, Thirsk and Boroughbridge, offers interactive music sessions for children up to the age of five, where they can sing, dance and play alongside their parents, grandparents or carers.

The sessions are aimed at helping children gain confidence and develop memory, language and coordination skills in a multi-sensory way.

Owner Chantelle Riddle said:

“My sessions mainly operate during term time because of older siblings being off school, however I do run some summer holiday events in which older siblings are welcome to join in.

“This summer we’ve had special summer-themed classes, mobile soft play, messy play events and a visit from my mascot, Maggie Moo. However, these do seem to lend themselves to the younger audience up to the age of about six, which can be difficult for families with older children.

“Once we return to term-time – September especially – our numbers increase dramatically. The interest since Covid has had a massive effect on my business as parents are desperate to socialise and meet other mums. It’s actually been quite sad seeing so many new parents who haven’t been able to make the most of their maternity leave

“Moo Music is tailored for both babies and toddlers.

“I do love teaching the toddlers. I come from a teaching background and taught in primary for 10 years, so I love being able to adapt my sessions to suit their developmental needs. The progress is instant with toddlers right up to pre-school age.

“The aspect of development that I find the most rewarding is the little one’s self confidence. I’ve had many parents concerned with their little ones shyness, especially since Covid, so to see them thrive at Moo is amazing.

“As for mums – or dads – I think toddler groups are such an important part of their day. A great chance to socialise with other mums, share advice or any worries they have. I’ve seen many friendships blossom at Moo Music including some of my own.

“It’s been lovely to see parents bonding with their child at class too, having that time to really focus on enjoying their time together – one of the best parts of my job.”

Urban Circus

Based in Harrogate and Ripon, Urban Circus started life as a single pole fitness class in January 2013, appealing to ladies who wanted to get more active and see results without being bored at the gym.

It has now expanded across two venues, offering more than 40 classes including, pole, aerial hoop and children’s circus classes.

TwinkleTops and TumbleTots are instructor-led classes for children aged 12 months to four-years-old and are for both mum and little one to enjoy together.

The non-traditional mum group combined with baby cirque-gymnastics is aimed at helping improve motor skills, balance, coordination and more.

The class includes a fun warm-up, lots of action games, a circus or gymnastics circuit, including playing on all the apparatus, and learning skills such as forward rolls and handstand fundamentals, and provides an opportunity to make new friends and for parents to chat too.

The circus apparatus includes custom-made mini aerial hoops an aerial hammock and a pole.

Harrogate district reports 82 covid infections

The Harrogate district has reported another 82 covid infections, according to today’s Pubic Health England figures.

The district’s weekly infection rate now stands at 322 per 100,000 people, which is above the North Yorkshire rate of 296 and the England average of 291.

According to the latest figures, Harrogate District Hospital is treating 11 patients for covid.

The hospital has not recorded any covid deaths in the last 24 hours, according to NHS England statistics. However, two people have recently died at the hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.

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Those two deaths followed a four-month period at the hospital when it did not record any coronavirus deaths.

It means the number of people at the hospital who have died from covid since March 2020 stands at 181.

Elsewhere, 124,608 people have received a first covid vaccine in the Harrogate district and 114,696 have had a second dose.

John Plummer appointed Editor of the Stray Ferret

John Plummer is to take over the reins as Editor of the Stray Ferret.

John succeeds Tamsin O’Brien, who is to become Managing Editor and have a more strategic role.

John began his career as a journalist on local newspapers in his native Fens.

He later moved to London where he worked for, amongst others, The Times and Third Sector, which covers the UK voluntary sector.

In September last year he was appointed Deputy Editor of the Stray Ferret, where he worked alongside fellow Deputy Editor Vicky Carr, who is currently on maternity leave.

John has one daughter and has lived in Killinghall for about 10 years.

The Stray Ferret has seen a rapid growth in readership — last month we had more than 736,000 page views covering every aspect of news in the district.

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Tamsin said:

“John has been a very capable Deputy Editor and I am delighted to promote him to Editor.

“He has brought a wealth of journalism experience to the team and I am sure that under his leadership the Stray Ferret will continue to grow its readership and not be afraid to cover all the important stories in the district.

“It’s the right time for me to take a more strategic role across the whole business”

Have you got a story for the Stray Ferret news team or think there is an issue we need to investigate? Please get in touch on contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

A very good morning to you on another cloudy day in Harrogate, it’s Connor with you today bringing you all the latest traffic and travel news.

Ring me on 01423 276197, if it is safe, or get in touch on social media.

Let’s help everyone have a better journey by letting me know so I can add it to the blog, brought to you by the HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

That is all from me today. I am heading over to the news desk now, hopefully you have found the service helpful this morning. Leah will be back with you tomorrow.

Roads

Our traffic system is currently showing heavy congestion on Skipton Road, Wetherby Road and Knaresborough Road in Harrogate as well as the High Street in Knaresborough

Road closures:

Temporary lights

Trains

Buses

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Our traffic system is currently showing heavy congestion on Skipton Road, Wetherby Road and Knaresborough Road in Harrogate as well as the High Street in Knaresborough

Road closures:

Temporary lights

Trains

Buses

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Our traffic system is currently showing heavy congestion on Skipton Road and on Otley Road in Harrogate.

Road closures:

Temporary lights

Trains

Buses

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Our traffic system is currently showing heavy congestion on Skipton Road in Harrogate

Road closures:

Temporary lights

Trains

Buses

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning with schools still away for the summer holiday. But, keep an eye on the blog to see how it goes today.

Road closures:

Temporary lights

Trains

Buses

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning with schools still away for the summer holiday. But, keep an eye on the blog to see how it goes today.

Road closures:

Temporary lights

Trains

Buses

82 covid infections in Harrogate district reported today

Another 82 covid infections have been reported in the Harrogate district, according to today’s Public Health England figures.

The district’s weekly infection rate now stands at 296 per 100,000 people. The North Yorkshire rate is 309 and the England average is 312.

According to the latest figures, Harrogate District Hospital is treating 10 patients for covid.

The hospital has not recorded any covid deaths in the last 24 hours, according to NHS England statistics. However, two people have recently died at the hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.

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Those two deaths followed a four-month period at the hospital when it did not record any coronavirus deaths.

It means the number of people at the hospital who have died from covid since March 2020 stands at 181.

Elsewhere, 124,161 people have received a first covid vaccine in the Harrogate district and 113,458 have had a second dose.

£7.7m upgrade of junction 47 on A1(M) delayed by two months

A £7.7 million project to upgrade junction 47 on the A1(M) at Flaxby has been delayed and is now scheduled to end in December.

Work began at the start of September last year to widen slip roads and install traffic lights to prevent vehicles queueing.

The project, carried out by contractors Farrans Construction on behalf of North Yorkshire County Council, also involves upgrading the road network just off the junction.

It was due to end shortly but the completion date has been pushed back two months due to “unforeseen ground conditions”.

Barrie Mason, assistant director highways and transportation at North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“Work to upgrade junction 47 on the A1(M) is progressing well and when complete will address congestion, improve road safety and support sustainable development in Harrogate and Knaresborough, as well as supporting the county council’s objective of improving east-west connections across North Yorkshire.

“Unforeseen ground conditions have required extra work on the southbound on-slip carriageway and this has delayed the scheme.

“The original planned completion date of late September or early October has been revised to December this year.”

The project is being funded by the county council with £2.47m from the government’s Local Growth Fund along with contributions from Highways England and developer Forward Investment LLP.

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Blaze in Harrogate district barns with 150 tonnes of straw bales

Two barns containing 150 tonnes of straw bales in Green Hammerton went up in flames just after 10pm last night.

Firefighters from Acomb, Knaresborough, York, Harrogate and Boroughbridge rushed to the scene and some are still on site this morning.

They used large jets to bring the fire under control and then focused on letting the fire burn out safely, according to a spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The spokesman told the Stray Ferret the firefighters were expected to remain on site for several hours today until the fire was completely extinguished. He added:

“We are still at the stage of controlling it and monitoring it. The investigation into the cause will start when that is done.”

There are typically about 40 bales of straw in a tonne, which indicates the scale of last night’s fire. Nobody is believed to have been hurt..

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