Ex-soldier to walk 104km in a day for homelessness charity

A former soldier has pledged to walk over 100km to raise funds for a local charity – without ever straying too far from home.  

James Bryceson, who lives in Norwood in the Washburn Valley, intends to walk around Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs – which lie just a mile away – 10 times in a row, in an epic 104km trek that he hopes will take just 20 hours. 

He is tackling the epic trek, which he has called The Reservoir Slog, to raise money for Harrogate Homeless Project, and has set £1,000 as his fundraising target. 

James, who spent 13 years in the Army, 10 of them in the Military Police, said: 

“I’d been out of the Army for a while and wanted to do something to get fit. I thought 100km in a day would be a good goal to set. 

“There couldn’t be a better charity to support. This is a local walk, and I’m hoping it will benefit people locally.” 

James, who now works as a recruitment consultant, has spent the last six months preparing for the walk by lifting weights and doing daily circuits of the reservoirs. 

He plans to set off on the round walk at 8am on Sunday, June 25 and keep the water on his right – heading clockwise – for the duration. He will be accompanied at various stages by family and friends, but is urging wellwishers to join him for as much or as little of the challenge as they like. He said: 

“You can come along for one lap, two laps or more. The night part will be hardest, as I’ll be quite tired by then. So if anyone can join me for that bit, that’d be great – they can keep me awake!” 

He is also looking for sponsorship, and is asking interested local businesses to get in touch. People wanting to support James’s trek for Harrogate Homeless Project can make a donation online via JustGiving, at The Reservoir Slog. 

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Harrogate crime hotspot gets £6,000 railings to prevent loitering

Railings have been installed on one of Harrogate’s worst streets for crime in a bid to prevent problems.

The railings, which cost £6,000, follow long-running concerns about anti-social behaviour on Bower Street.

Harrogate Borough Council and private owners of the properties affected each paid half of the sum.

North Yorkshire Police recently named Bower Street as one of Harrogate’s crime hotspots.

The street, on which Harrogate Homeless Project is based, often sees people loitering on the steps of the retail unit that was formerly occupied by donut shop Doe.

A Harrogate Borough Council press release this afternoon said “negotiations have taken longer than hoped” due to the land being privately owned.

Bower Street railings

The railings being installed today.

Councillor Richard Cooper, the Conservative leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“All of us who live or work near this location know that it has been trouble for a long time. While the council has worked with the police on the issues, the land is privately owned and installing secure boundaries is the responsibility of the property owner.

“Nonetheless, the council and other partners recognise the impact that anti-social behaviour and criminal activity has on the quality of life of residents, businesses and the wider community.

“That is why we have agreed to help the property owners secure their boundaries and install these railings. I am grateful to the property owners for working with us on this and am pleased to say that said railings are now installed.

The council statement said it had been working with residents and partners to “tackle ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour in this area of Harrogate town centre”.

The measures regular police patrols and targeting individuals who cause harassment, alarm and distress, the release added. Now the railings have gone up.

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Cllr Cooper added:

“We know that securing this area will not immediately solve the anti-social and criminal behaviour problem at this location. Long-term dedicated support is the only way to do that. And we must recognise that the people who congregate in these areas often have complex physical and mental health needs.

“We need to continue to support agencies and schemes like Harrogate Homeless Project and Harrogate Street Aid that provide help to people in need.”

 

Business Breakfast: New café opens on Harrogate’s Cardale Park

The Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis, will be held on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate. Early bird tickets are available until next Friday. The event will celebrate success and business excellence across the Harrogate district. It’s a night not to be missed! There’ll be a fabulous prize draw for all attending and Richard Flinton, the incoming Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council, is guest speaker.

New café opens on Cardale Park 

Serviced offices, 1 Cardale Park, has opened its own coffee shop.

Paul’s Café @ Cardale is open to both tenants of the offices and the public, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

The café, which is owned and operated by Paul Ulett, has a selection of handmade sandwiches (courtesy of Thug Sandwich), salads, cakes and pastries. A variety of breakfast options will also be on offer, with a range of choice for different dietary requirements.

Paul Ulett said:

“We’re delighted to be opening at such a fantastic location. It’s a great asset to both residents and local businesses in the Harlow Hill area of Harrogate, as not only are they able to sample great quality food and drinks at reasonable prices, but it is also the perfect spot for them to come and grab a delicious lunch on the go, or enjoy a break from their working day”.

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Harrogate Homeless Project awarded major funding

Harrogate Homeless Project has been awarded a 2-year grant totalling £50,000 from the Lloyds Bank Foundation.

A payment of £25,000 each year will be used to expand and improve the services currently provided at its day centre, Springboard.

The Springboard Day Centre provides food, washing facilities and medical services. It also offers help with housing applications and access to other services.

The organisation says, “the funding will help to increase the capacity of Springboard to host more organisations, extend the opening hours and expand the food service”. The funding will also be used to further develop their therapeutic services and staff training.

The Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is an independent charitable trust that partners with small and local charities who help people overcome complex social issues.

Homeless man admits theft at two Harrogate hairdressers

A homeless man has admitted committing theft at two Harrogate town centre shops on the same morning this week.

Anthony Fraser, 37, pleaded guilty to stealing products worth £380 from hair and beauty salon Hart & Hart on Commercial Street on Monday.

He also admitted taking products of an unknown value from the nearby barbers shop belonging to Nathan Cosgrove.

Fraser, who gave his address as Harrogate Homeless Project on Bower Street, appeared before magistrates in York yesterday.

He was remanded on bail until February 10, when he is due to be sentenced.

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Man denies carrying knuckleduster on Harrogate’s Bower Street

A Harrogate man has denied carrying an offensive weapon on the town’s Bower Street.

Ben Hay, 36, was charged with being in possession of a knuckleduster without lawful authority at the back of Harrogate Homeless Project on December 14, 2022.

He was also charged with being in possession of cannabis on the same date.

Mr Hay, whose address was listed as the hostel on Bower Street, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday.

The 36-year-old spoke only to confirm his name and to enter a not guilty plea to both charges.

A trial will be held on February 24 at Harrogate Magistrates Court.

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New Year’s Eve cycle ride in Harrogate to raise money for homeless

A New Year’s Eve cycle ride is being held around Harrogate to raise money for Harrogate Homeless Project.

Entrants will depart from cycling shop Prologue on Cold Bath Road, Harrogate and take part in either a 35-mile or 55-mile route.

Coffee will be served from 9am and rides leave from 9.30am, with the fastest riders leaving first in groups of 16.

The entry fee is £5 with all the proceeds going to Harrogate Homeless Project.

Victoria Mannakee, director of Harrogate-based event management company Struggle Events, which is organising the event, said:

“Just two £5 entries is enough to provide a hot meal, shower, clothing and laundry facilities for one person. Three entries is enough to get someone off the street for a night.

“Over 100 riders entered last New Year’s Eve. Think what we can do as a cycling collective if every rider simply turned up to Prologue and rode their bikes this New Year’s Eve.”

“It’s a great social atmosphere; Harrogate’s cycling club members, local professional riders, individual riders, triathletes and social cyclists join forces to raise much-needed funds for the Harrogate Homeless Project.”

Many top cyclists, including Olympic champions Jonny and Alistair Brownlee and Tour de France stage winner Tom Pidcock, often take part in Struggle Events’  community rides.

You can enter here or on the day.

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Harrogate rough sleepers are being offered support, says council leader

The leader of Harrogate Borough Council has assured people that support is being offered to rough sleepers on Oxford Street.

In a statement to last night’s council cabinet meeting, Cllr Richard Cooper said he was aware of concern regarding drinking, street begging and rough sleeping at the back of Primark.

Cllr Cooper said that “to the best of the council’s knowledge” three “entrenched, long-term” rough sleepers have been sleeping in the area.

He said they had been offered various accommodation options, including Fern House in Starbeck, which is the council’s move-on accommodation for rough sleepers, a bed and breakfast in Knaresborough and a two-bedroom council house, but all were turned down.

Cllr Cooper added that temporary accommodation was later accepted, but the occupants left.

He said:

“Unfortunately, that accommodation was extensively damaged by the occupants who had to leave it and are now sleeping rough again.

“I know that caring members of the public are leaving food and coffees behind Primark for the group that are gathered there.

“Now, that is often a much larger number than the three rough sleepers I mentioned earlier.”

Cllr Cooper added: 

“I can assure people that many of those gathered there and on Bower Street, where we have seen similar issues, have their own accommodation provided by housing associations or the council, which they can use.

“I can’t fault and would never fault people for demonstrating their compassion. I would just say that extensive support with healthcare, washing, cooked meals and medical support is available a few yards away in the Springboard facility in the Wesley Chapel.

“If people have spare cash to support Springboard, which is run by Harrogate Homeless Project, or Harrogate Street Aid through the various terminals around town, then this may be a more long-term way to provide the help that is required.”

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Cllr Cooper, who is a trustee of Harrogate Homeless Project, said the council, along with businesses and other organisations, would continue to support rough sleepers.

He added the help will include drawing up a plan as “a town centre community rather than individual organisations” to identify how to get support to those people.

Concern over homelessness 

In August, council bosses raised concern over a “perfect storm” of homelessness in Harrogate due to the cost of living crisis and lack of accommodation.

The authority revealed a “huge” 60% increase in requests for housing help, which has led to more homeless people staying in bed and breakfasts for longer.

The council also said it has had difficulties in moving hostel tenants into permanent housing as cases have been “more complex than normal”.

Speaking at the time, Trevor Watson, director of economy and culture at the council, said these issues combined with a lack of private rental properties in the district were creating a “perfect storm”.

Stray bonfire and fireworks hailed a success after big turnout

The organisers of Saturday’s Stray bonfire and fireworks have announced they have raised a minimum of £4,061 for Harrogate Homeless Project.

An estimated 10,000 people attended the event, which included a bonfire after Harrogate and District Round Table initially decided against the idea.

Andy Rickard, one of the volunteers at the Round Table, said the event had exceeded expectations by generating around £20,000.

He said when the costs of staging the event were deducted it left £4,061.

Picture by Mark Dimmock

Donations are still open, with the Round Table pledging to match fund up to £1,000.

The volunteer-run event, which is now in its 51st year, is funded entirely by donations and sponsorship.

Mr Rickard said he was concerned before the night that the gofundme appeal had only raised about half as much as last year.

But better-than-expected cash and card payments on the night, along with sponsorship funds and percentage takings from the food, bar and face painting stalls boosted the total. He said

“We do try to develop the event every year and are pleased with the addition of a licensed bar which proved very popular, we also hope that the provision of toilets was appreciated.

“We’ve already started reviewing what we could improve and welcome feedback. We did look at replacing the bonfire with a funfair based on the feedback survey from last year so would encourage people to give us their thoughts as we start planning next year.”

Stray bonfire and fireworks

Picture by Mark Dimmock

Francis McAllister, chief executive of Harrogate Homeless Project, said the Round Table’s support would “make a huge difference to our clients”, adding:

“It was a fantastic event, well organised and everyone seemed to enjoy it.”

A survey to gather people’s views on the event can be completed here.

Donations can still be pledged here.

Final appeal for donations towards £10k cost of Harrogate bonfire

The organisers of the Stray Bonfire are appealing for help to meet the costs of putting on one of Harrogate’s best-loved events tomorrow.

Harrogate Round Table has set a £10,000 fundraising target, but so far less than a tenth of that has been pledged.

The Stray Bonfire event costs about £13,500 to stage, with £5,000 spent on fireworks alone. Organiser Andy Rickard said:

“We run the event as volunteers, but there are costs we can’t avoid, such as parking, medical care and closing roads. It’s free to attend and we’d like to keep it that way, so if you can afford to help out with the costs it would be very much appreciated.”

The event, which starts at 5pm tomorrow (Saturday, November 5) and finishes with a fireworks finale at 7.15pm, will also feature music from three bands, hot food stalls, a licensed bar and – new this year – on-site toilets. The Met Office is forecasting an evening of dry weather.

The organisers had planned to ditch the traditional bonfire this year in favour of other entertainment, but changed their minds last week and reinstated it.

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As well as individual donations, the team of volunteers is interested in hearing from any businesses or other organisations which might sponsor the event.

Mr Rickard said:

“If there are any companies that are interested, for £250 you can become a community sponsor and we’ll put your logo up on the big screen in front of about 10,000 people – right before Christmas.

“You can also donate at our GoFundMe page, or give £5 by texting BONFIRE to 70460.

“On the night we’ll even have card-readers, so you can donate that way, but we’ll only have four of them, so we’d urge people to bring cash, as we’ll have 60 bucket-shakers collecting donations.”

Any surplus funds will be donated to Harrogate Homeless Project, which marks 30 years in the town this year.

Mr Rickard added:

“We really wanted to celebrate Harrogate Homeless Project’s 30th anniversary, but also, the cost-of-living crisis is going to affect everybody, but the homeless are potentially the most vulnerable, so we wanted to help as much as we can as winter approaches.” 

Harrogate bonfire is back on!

The organisers of Harrogate’s annual Stray fireworks announced tonight that this year’s event will include a bonfire after all.

Harrogate and District Round Table revealed last month that it had decided not to hold a bonfire at this year’s volunteer-run event on Saturday, November 5 because of the costs and logistics.

But the organisation has now said it has reversed the decision.

Andy Rickard, from the Round Table, said:

“Due to the cancellation of six bonfire and fireworks displays run by neighbouring Leeds City Council, we have taken the decision to reinstate the annual bonfire alongside the fireworks and live entertainment on the Stray this November.

“Unlike other council-run fireworks displays, our event is made possible by volunteers and the generosity of local residents, businesses and visitors to our town.

“This year we are on a mission to raise £10,000, with all proceeds going to Harrogate Homeless Project which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary.”

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Francis McAllister, chief executive of Harrogate Homeless Project, said

“The Stray fireworks will be a cornerstone event in the charity’s 30th anniversary calendar.

“The money raised from the event will help us deliver more support, serve more hot meals and help more people into accommodation.”

The night’s schedule

In addition to the bonfire and fireworks display, there will be a licensed bar, food stalls, face-painting and family-friendly entertainment on stage.

The schedule is:

For safety reasons visitors are advised not to bring sparklers, but light-up toys will be available for sale by volunteers from Pannal Primary PTA and Harrogate Gymnastics inside the event area.

The Round Table also said attendees should be aware any street-sellers outside of the Stray are not affiliated with them and do not make any contribution to the event costs or its charities.

The fireworks are held on the Stray alongside Oatlands Drive, and will include 1,400 shots and over 250 mortar shells all provided by Ferrensby Fireworks, a local company with over 30 years experience.

There is no parking in the immediate vicinity.

Entry is free but a collection will be held throughout the evening.

Event costs are paid for out of charitable funds and the entertainment is run entirely by volunteers.

After event costs have been covered the net proceeds will be donated to Harrogate Homeless Project.

You can make a donate here.