Accessibility to Ripon Arts Hub has been dramatically improved with the introduction of a wheelchair lift.

For David Suddards, this means that he can now watch performances at the hub’s downstairs studio theatre with his wife Josie.

Mr Suddards, a wheelchair user, played a key role in raising awareness of the need for access for disabled people at the Allhallowgate building

This in turn led to successful applications for funding, which enabled purchase of the £12,000 lift and its installation, plus another £2,000 for associated building works.

The wheelchair lift means that disabled people can access the hub’s downstairs theatre.

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The lift was officially opened by Mr Suddards, when he became its first passenger.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“It’s great to know that I can come to enjoy performances here and accompany my wife. Up until now I hadn’t been able to attend the studio theatre and the same applied to other people in wheelchairs.”

The opening was attended by Jeremy Dunford, a trustee of Ripon Disability Forum and also a wheelchair user.

He said:

“I’m pleased to know that disabled people now have access to watching theatre and other performances at the Arts Hub.

“They have the same right as an able-bodied person to be given access to facilities in the city and if you provide access for people with disabilities, you also make a building more accessible for other people, such as parents with prams and pushchairs.”

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Hub committee member and fundraiser Hannah Ruddy said:

“Improving accessibility for visitors and performers was a top priority when we drew up plans to reconfigure the building, to turn it into a flexible space for use by all elements of the arts community, as well as other visitors.

“In addition to the lift, we have an accessible toilet on the ground floor and have widened doorways to the green room and studio which also helps people with impaired sight.

“Once we’ve raised more funds, the next stage is to introduce a toilet for people with access requirements on the lower ground floor.”

Knaresborough Rotary Club has delivered a ‘litter’ of 27 robotic cats to the charity Dementia Forward.

The charity, which is funded by North Yorkshire County Council, provides dementia support across the county.

During lockdown, it launched a ‘cafe in a box’ scheme in which dementia patients receive special boxes tailored to their individual interests.

Robotic cats have been included in the boxes to patients who have been clinically assessed to obtain maximum benefit from robot cat therapy.

Research has found the therapeutic value of robotic cats can be more beneficial than drugs for certain conditions.

The latest delivery takes the number of robotic cats donated by Knaresborough Rotary Club to 50.

Read more:

• Harrogate jigsaw marathon to raise money for dementia charity
• Harrogate hospital invests £110,000 in staff and dementia care

Each robot weighs about the same as a cat and interacts in a lifelike way, creating a calming effect.

They miaow, purr, lick their paws and can become long-term companions to dementia patients.

Jill Quinn, chief executive of Dementia Forward, said people became attached to the cats after the charity trialled them.

Jill Quinn, chief executive of Dementia Forward.

Ms Quinn said:

“They are very lifelike and purr and react when they are stroked.

“They can provide comfort for a person with dementia who is anxious or unable to settle by providing a calming effect.

“One example we witnessed was a woman who was very into arts and crafts, but her dementia meant that she would get anxious and wasn’t able to stay involved in any activity.

“But once we placed the cat on her knee she sat and stroked it – it created a calming distraction which enabled her to stay focussed and enjoy the activity.”

North Yorkshire County Council is facing criticism over a proposal to charge thousands of parents for their children’s school cycling proficiency training

Leading councillors will on Friday consider accepting the Department for Transport’s grant to run Bikeability, the government’s national cycle training programme, which teaches practical skills as well as how to cycle on roads.

A proposal to formally accept the grant has been made despite the sum being less than the £46.20 per pupil received last year. The shortfall in total is almost £90,000 and could lead to a £10 charge for parents to partially offset this.

An officers’ report states alongside an increased subsidy from the council, from September will be the first full year in which fees will be charged to the families of more than 4,000 primary school pupils for the course.

The officers’ report warns: 

“For the programme to continue, funding will be required to meet the shortfall, through either a full charging scheme or another source.

“This may impact on the number of schools booking courses.”

The report reveals that for the current academic year, the council accepted a grant of £168,165 to provide up to 3,637 places on the scheme, which employs seven fixed-term, part-time staff and approximately 40 casual relief cycle trainers.

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For the coming academic year the Department for Transport has offered grant funding of £186,165, to provide 4,137 places, equating to £45 per pupil.

The report adds: 

“For the programme to continue, funding will be required to meet the shortfall, through either a full charging scheme or another source.”

The council’s executive member for access, Don Mackenzie, said while the charge to parents was coming on top of many other cost of living increases, the benefits of undertaking cycling training were very significant.

Describing the £10 fee as “a very small amount”, Cllr Mackenzie said Bikeability had become more important with the switch to more sustainable modes of travel and in the drive to tackle obesity.

He said: 

“It gives people better skills on the road, improves their confidence, and once trained encourages more people to take up cycling. To me it is up there with life skills such as learning to swim.”

‘Dreadful idea’

However, the authority’s Liberal Democrat and Labour group leaders, councillors Bryn Griffiths and Eric Broadbent, have called for the ruling Conservative administration to rethink the levying charge, saying it would prove divisive in some schools and an unacceptable extra charge for many families.

Cllr Griffiths said putting an extra £10 charge on people already struggling to make ends meet due to mounting fuel and food costs was “a dreadful idea”.

He said: 

“An exemption for children on free school meals would be an excellent idea.”

Cllr Broadbent added he was concerned the charge could lead to some children from financially struggling families not taking the course and while £10 would seem a minimal sum to many people, it would represent another item those on low incomes would not have budgeted for.

A man wanted by police was found dead in a field in the Harrogate district, an inquest has heard.

Marcin Mikulski, 42, fell from a tree after telling police he intended to kill himself. He had also posted a video on social media up a large tree saying this was where he wanted to “fall asleep”.

His body was found in a field 500 metres from the A6055 near Staveley, which is between Boroughbridge and Knaresborough.

The inquest heard he was a suspect in a serious incident in Boroughbridge.

The precise nature of the incident wasn’t revealed but statements from senior police officers revealed a helicopter and police dog units were deployed to find him.

Mr Mikulski died on July 16 last year — when police began searching for him.

Police intelligence and phone tracking enabled police to narrow their search for Mr Mikulski but his body wasn’t found until the day after his death.

Read more:

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• Record turnout for return of Knaresborough farmers’ tractor run

Coroner Oliver Longstaff told the inquest that letters addressed to family, which were found in Mr Mikulski’s car, acknowledged his involvement in the crime and expressed regret and upset at his actions.

Mr Longstaff said the letters, along with phone calls to the police, were enough to suggest Mr Mikuslki did intend to end his life.

He recorded a verdict of suicide at Friday’s inquest in Northallerton.

Ripon Runners made up for lost time when the Lightwater Valley 10k returned at the weekend after two years off because of covid.

Ted Leahy completed the testing course in 35 minutes and 43 seconds to win the men’s open race, 19 seconds ahead of Ripon Runners clubmate Jamie Baker.

Jamie was outright second in the race and also won the men’s seniors event in a time of 36.02, almost five and a half minutes ahead of the second-placed senior runner.

Ted Leahy, winner of the men’s race and Emily Abbey, who won the women’s race

Other winners from the club, included Ian Harrison in the male veterans 40 race and Lenny Lennox who was the first male veteran over 60 to cross the finishing line.

The outright winner of the women’s race was Emily Abbey of Swaledale Runners in a time of 44 minutes and.37 seconds.

Morag McDowall and Lucy Philpott capped an outstanding day for Ripon Runners by winning the female veterans 55-years old and female veterans seniors categories respectively.

A total of 136 runners completed the race and many more, including junior runners, took part in the 3k event.

The other winner was North Stainley Primary School, which raised much-needed funds from the entry fees paid by runners.

The annual race, over an undulating multi-terrain route, is organised by the charity Friends of North Stainley School and covers a course that  passes through the Lightwater estate and the surrounding countryside.

Money raised contributes towards the cost of school trips, technology for pupils, music lessons and sporting activities.

North Stainley Primary School opened in 1871 and is still based in its original building, close to the village church of St Mary’s.

All photographs provided by Tyler Parker Photography.

Read more:

• Families savour the Sights and Sounds of Ripon
• History-making former Mayor of Ripon publishes his memoirs for charity

Almost 400 tractors took part in Knaresborough Young Farmers Club‘s annual tractor run yesterday.

A large crowd gathered for the start of the event, which returned after a covid interruption last year, at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

The tractors left at 9am and drove around Nidderdale, stopped for lunch in Pateley Bridge at noon then finished in Knaresborough by late afternoon.

The event combines fun and fundraising, by raising money through entry fees and donations for Yorkshire Air Ambulance — a cause close to the heart of many farmers working in isolated areas.

The previous event in 2020 attracted about 360 vehicles and raised over £20,000.

Passing Mother Shipton’s Inn in Knaresborough. Pic: Charlotte Gale

Showing support for Ukraine.

This event exceeded that, with 383 tractors taking part and raising £21,000.

It started as a private club event in 2012 but was opened up in 2018 to allow anyone to take part and has grown in scale since.

People lined the streets in towns and villages to cheer on the farmers, some of whom had decked their tractors out especially for the occasion.

Passing through Birstwith. Pic: Ann Lilley

Some had adopted yellow and blue to show support for people in Ukraine.

Donations to the air ambulance can be made here.

Leaving the showground.

Read more:

• 350 tractors set to take to Harrogate district streets tomorrow
• Bus leaves Knaresborough on 1,550-mile mission to help Ukrainians flee

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Boroughbridge Road Blues

I’d like to raise some issues about the impact of traffic on Boroughbridge Road, here in Knaresborough.

I am a resident and very concerned about the impact of heavy vehicles and speeding traffic. Vehicles regularly exceed the speed limit and the size of some vehicles using the road means walking on the pavement is not a great experience and our house regularly shakes as vehicles pass.

I’ve raised these concerns with the highways authority, the police commissioner and my local Harrogate councillors.

I’ve suggested among other things: bigger speed signs, vehicle activated signs, repeater signs, more road markings and a review of weight limits.

It’s fair to say I haven’t made much progress with the the bodies responsible for traffic and speeding. The county council and the police both mainly referred me to the other body. The county council didn’t respond to the weight limit issue.

I appreciate resources are limited but I think it’s high time something was done to address a blight on the lives of our community. My suggestions wouldn’t cost a great deal, especially when considered against the cost of the negative impact the current situation has on peoples’ well being.

I see also it’s recently been an issue in the election material we’re getting through the door, so maybe now is the time to apply pressure on prospective candidates in the forthcoming elections and demand some clear commitments on what they would do in the new council.

All that’s in the future though, what I’d really like to see is some action now!

Ian Brown, Knaresborough

Read more:

• ‘Do you need to wait until somebody is killed by a speeding car?’
• Next phase of Otley Road cycle path delayed and reviewed

Council got it wrong with Otley Road cycle path

It seems North Yorkshire County Council has got it wrong again with the Otley Road cycle path. Cycle paths and pedestrians should be kept separate! Also spending millions for a minority is ridiculous. I am sure if council tax payers had been asked, it would have been a resounding no.

This is the second time they have made a mess of Otley Road. Several years ago they decided to put bollards in the centre of the road. The result was that buses and lorries were unable to pass.

Another moronic idea was when they changed the road priority in Burn Bridge so that vehicles coming from the left had right of way.

Howard Angel, Harrogate

About 350 tractors are expected to take to the Harrogate district streets tomorrow when Knaresborough Young Farmers Club’s tractor run returns.

The event, which was cancelled last year, raises funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Tractors will converge at the Great Yorkshire Showground for a 9am start and then pass through Knaresborough and Birstwith before stopping for lunch at Pateley Bridge at about noon.

The route passes through Pateley Bridge

They will then continue along country roads to Markington before finishing in Knaresborough at about 3.30pm.

The tractor run started as a private club event in 2012 but was opened to the public in 2018.

This year’s route.

Club member Mike Spink was a great supporter of the air ambulance before his death and the organisation continues to fundraise for it.

Steven Brown, chairman of the tractor run, said:

“Air ambulance is a cause close to the heart of farmers and anyone in rural communities.

“We work in solitary areas and they are always there when we need them.”

About 360 vehicles participated in the last tractor run, which was completed a week before lockdown in 2020. It is one of the largest tractor runs in England.

Anyone can turn up at the showground with a tractor and take part.

Although the event causes some traffic disruption, the route includes many minor and private roads to minimise disruption.

You can support the event by pledging a donation to the air ambulance here.

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Nala the dog, Machita the cat and furry rabbit friends Micro and Pocket need a home.

Nala

Age: 10 months

Nala’s Story: Nala is a very affectionate and loving dog once she knows you, but is very scared of new people and strangers.

Temperament:She is completely house trained and asks to go outside by standing by the door. She also knows basic commands such as sit, stay, wait and paw. Her recall and lead walking is generally pretty good unless she’s chasing something, though they will probably still require more work.

Ideal home:She is a beautiful dog who needs a loving, quiet home with no children or other dogs, and experienced people who are willing to work with her through some of her issues.

If you have the space in your heart for Nala, contact Miss Mollie’s Rescue. 

Machita

Age: 3 years old

Machita’s Story: Machita was unfortunately returned to the centre after being adopted as a kitten, this was no fault of her own. She is a very sweet girl who will make a fantastic addition to the family.

Temperament: She can be a little shy when meeting new people but it does not take her too long to get to know you and trust you. Machita is a playful cat who enjoys playing with her toys and interacting with her people, she misses being in a home environment.

Ideal home: Machita will need a nice quiet home where she can relax and enjoy life once again, we are looking for a home where she will be the only pet and any children will need to be aged 14 years and over.

Could you give Machita a forever home? Get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

Micro and Pocket

Age: 8 weeks

Micro and Pocket’s Story: Micro and Pocket came to the centre via an inspector at only 2 days old, they were lovingly hand reared by Helen and are now ready to find their forever home.

Temperament: They are very sweet little girls who have beaten the odds and are happy and healthy and will make the most fantastic addition to the family.

Ideal home: Micro & Pocket will need to live in the house for the time being while they are still so young, inside accommodation will happily be discussed with adopters by our re homing team. Micro and Pocket will be homed together.

If you have space for these furry friends, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

A Harrogate man has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a cyclist by dangerous driving.

James Bryan, 36, of St Mary’s Avenue, was driving a Porsche Carrera when the incident occurred on the A168 northbound between Allerton Park and Boroughbridge on May 10, 2020. The A168 runs alongside the A1.

He is accused of causing the death of Andrew Jackson, 36, a husband and father-of-two from Hunsingore, near Wetherby.

Mr Jackson died at the scene.

Mr Bryan appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday, where the case was sent for trial at York Crown Court.

It is due to be heard on April 4.

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