Harrogate business donates to charity in memory of former partner

A Harrogate wealth management firm has honoured the memory of a former partner with a donation to a Starbeck mental health charity.

Williams Investment Management LLP has given £1,000 to Wellspring Therapy & Training charity in memory of Robert Ash, who died last September.

Mr Ash was a well-known figure in the Harrogate business community. He was a stockbroker with 35 years experience and joined the company in 2005, a year after it was set up.

Duncan Williams, founding partner of Williams Investment Management, said:

“We miss Robert tremendously; especially his inimitable wit and charm, We had worked together for more than 30 years at this firm and elsewhere and he was both a dear friend and a valued business partner.”

“It seemed appropriate to honour his memory with a donation to Wellspring Therapy & Training, which does fantastic work in the Harrogate and district community, providing private counselling at affordable rates, easing the overwhelming demand on the NHS mental health services, and providing hope for children, families and individuals who are struggling with mental ill health and associated distress’.”

Wellspring Therapy & Training is based on Starbeck High Street. The charity was founded in 2003 and provides affordable short and long-term counselling for the Harrogate and district community.

Nick Garrett, interim chief executive of Wellspring, said:

“We are very grateful indeed to Williams Investment Management for their donation in memory of Robert. It is reassuring that something positive can emerge from such a tragedy and this money will enable us to provide much-needed mental health support for our clients.

“Demand for our services in the Harrogate region has never been greater, with the lingering effects of the global pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis combining to make life very challenging for so many people. The support of local firms such as Williams Investment Management is absolutely crucial in helping us to provide the mental health services that are badly needed.”


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Research study launched in Harrogate district to improve children and families health

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) has announced a research study has been launched in the district to help improve the health of children and families.

Pregnant women are being invited by their midwife to join the research programme which aims to find out what influences the health and wellbeing of families.

HDFT has become the latest NHS Trust to join Born and Bred in (BaBi), a network of local birth studies that work together to link existing data across health, education, and social care to create a picture of families’ lives over time.

The data will highlight any inequalities in the region and help to shape local services, creating a healthier environment for families.

If mothers to be wish to participate their routine health data will be recorded by the health services they access themselves or for their child.

Health researchers then link together routinely collected data from parent and child, such as such as blood pressure measurements or the details of baby’s height and weight to see how health care and services could be improved.

This helps researchers to create a bigger picture of the challenges within the district. It will give insights into what works well and what can be made better to improve local services for the future.

They may identify relationships between things that happen in pregnancy and a child’s future health, or highlight if childhood conditions such as asthma, are more prevalent in one particular area of the district.

One of the first local mums to sign up to the study was Georgina Fogarty, whose son, Freddie, was the first BaBi Harrogate baby. Georgina said:

“Babi Harrogate is a great research project, providing helpful data that will help us to learn more about the health and care of mothers and babies living in the district.”

Leanne Likaj, associate director of midwifery, at HDFT said:

“We are delighted to launch the BaBi research project in Harrogate following on from its success in other maternity units across the region. We are passionate about babies having the best start in life and collecting BaBi data will be a great help.

“This is a really exciting development and we are looking forward to seeing the impact of joining this information together to improve the health of children and families in the future. Anyone who is currently receiving care from our Harrogate maternity service and is interested in taking part should speak to their midwife about how to enrol.”

The BaBi concept began in Bradford. The network now consists of 11 trusts, including Leeds, York and Scarborough, Doncaster and Hull.

More information about BaBi Harrogate is available here.


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Saint Michael’s midnight walk set to return to Harrogate after nine years

Harrogate’s midnight walk in aid of St Michael’s Hospice is set to return this year after a nine-year break.

The event, the Midnight Glow Walk, will be held on September 21 and will start at 10pm from Ashville Sports Centre.

The 10km route will take supporters across the Stray, around Harrogate Town Centre, and through Valley Gardens, with walkers finishing around midnight, again at the sports centre.

St Michael’s Hospice is a care charity that provides care and support to people affected by terminal illness in the Harrogate district.

The charity is hopeful that over 1,000 walkers will join the walk. It will be in tribute to the thousands of families Saint Michael’s supports each year.

The event is open to everyone and can be walked in tribute or just for the fun. Hospice supporter, Philippa, will be taking part in the Midnight Glow Walk in tribute to her husband, Ivan, with the couple’s two daughters Sofia and Liliana aged 10 and six.

In 2016, aged 45 Ivan was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. By the time the diagnosis was confirmed, the cancer was too advanced for treatment

Philippa said;

“It was the hardest part of our lives but that five weeks at Saint Michael’s enabled us to have special time as a family. We felt very fortunate. Ivan used to say ‘Don’t count the days – make the days count’’ and Saint Michael’s helped us to do that. Saint Michael’s Hospice is a very special place for us.

“The care they gave Ivan in his last five weeks was fantastic and really took the pressure off; it let us be a family and make some very happy memories – for this we will always be very grateful.”

“We can’t wait to take on the Midnight Glow Walk. Taking part in events for Saint Michael’s and raising any amount of money is really important. The hospice doesn’t just take wonderful care of the patients they really are there for the whole family immediately and for however long you need their support.”

Ivan (left) and Phillippa with their daughter Sofia.

The event hub at Ashville Sports Centre opens from 8.30pm, with pre-walk entertainment and refreshments. The walk will begin with a staggard start from 10pm.

The event is non-competitive and is not timed, and participants are encouraged to take their time and soak up the atmosphere.

Saint Michael’s vital services includes caring for people living with terminal illness in their own homes, and at their Hornbeam Park-based Crimple House Hospice. Specialist bereavement and emotional support service Just ‘B’ is part of their family of services, supporting children, young people and adults across North Yorkshire.

Sign up to take part here.


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Harrogate florist wins third gold medal at RHS Chelsea Flower ShowThe Harrogate business group providing in-person meetings in an ‘increasingly virtual society’The Harrogate business group providing in-person meetings in an ‘increasingly virtual society’

(Above: Harrogate Business Group)

According to data from the Office of National Statistics, there were more businesses created in North Yorkshire in 2023 than any previous year – and 1,556 of that record-breaking number can be found in Harrogate 

With such an influx of new companies and entrepreneurs, is there still a feeling of community amongst local businesses? After all, the benefits of connecting within the local area are numerous and multi-faceted including finding support, fulfilment and offering an organic way to expand a professional network. 

One group that seeks to encourage this is the Harrogate Business Group. It holds networking and development workshops that aim to empower entrepreneurs of all ages, and helps them to build a strong community in Harrogate.

The challenges of being online 

While owning and running an independent business has many positives, in an increasingly digital world it can also be challenging. 

With the business world migrating online, it can become an isolated place; inundated by social media content that only celebrates success or presents a carefully curated highlight reel, it’s easy to see how obstacles can feel harder to navigate. 

 Valuing face-to-face relationships 

The Harrogate Business Group places great emphasis on in-person meetings. Its regular Breakfast Networking Events are one of the ways the organisation provides a platform for this. 

Taking place every Friday over breakfast at Cedar Court Hotel, business owners, representatives and entrepreneurs can meet and share their advice and experiences face-to-face, rather than virtually.  

Speaking at the last event which took place on Friday, May 10, Martin Taylor, owner of Xi Communications said:   

“It’s so easy to get lulled into doing everything online. 

“As a small business, it can give you a huge advantage if you actually take the time to see your customer, or phone them, to build that relationship.” 

Networking event (Image: Harrogate Business Group)

‘One-to-one brings you so much more’ 

Rachel O’Rourke, HR consultant for Mint HR, highlighted that while she feels building relationships in person takes time, she certainly reaps the rewards.  

She added: 

“The virtual world has enabled people to expect things quickly. People want instant access and instant information.” 

Tom Lawrence, owner of TLC Properties, commented: 

“One-to-one brings you so much more. Not just about what it can do for your business, but what it can do within your business; advice, friendship, company. We are all social people.” 

A diverse background 

The group has a wide range of business backgrounds, from HR and marketing, to consultancy and accountancy. The variety allows members to learn from each other about every aspect of business, while also creating meaningful relationships. 

Chris White, owner of Green Ink explained: 

“It’s a learning curve for everybody. If I have a problem, I can speak to them about it because they have had the same issue.” 

Future events 

Alongside its breakfast events, the Harrogate Business Group also offers speed business clinics, where entrepreneurs and members of the public can meet a business professional from the group and receive advice, guidance or simply make new connections. 

The next clinic is being held on Friday, June 7.  

It is also holding a pitch your business idea event on July 5 for those looking to broaden their business opportunities. Tickets are available on a discretional donation policy, with all proceeds going to charity.  

Building relationships (Image: Harrogate Business Group)

The ripple effect: What are the benefits? 

According to the group who attended the Breakfast Networking Events on Friday, May 10, the increase in local businesses being created across Harrogate – especially by the younger generation – is evident. 

Micheal Grant, chairman of the group and owner of Minford Chartered Accountants commented: 

“There are a lot of younger entrepreneurs that are coming through which is fantastic.” 

His advice to young business owners would be that networks like the Harrogate Business Group are a great way to ‘get out and meet people, and push outside your comfort zone.’ 

Tom added: 

“[The group is] a bit like dropping a pebble in a pond. The ripples go out and you don’t know where they are going to go.” 

Everyone commended the group’s efforts at creating such a friendly atmosphere, concluding that being part of it provides camaraderie, emotional support, and a sense of personal and professional fulfilment – a precious commodity in today’s increasingly virtual and isolated society. 


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Harrogate men take on Peru ultra marathon for St Michael’s Hospice

Two Harrogate men are set to take on one of the world’s toughest challenges.

Ross Grange, 35 and Kevin Walton, 42, will tackle a 230km five day ultra marathon in Peru and battle the Amazon Rainforest in aid of St Michael’s Hospice.

Mr Grange is a personal trainer and owner of The Fitness Rooms in Harrogate, while Mr Walton is a client and friend of the fitness rooms.

The challenge begins next Sunday, June 2, and the event sees competitors take on five marathons in five days. The race is open to sixty entrants with only a few people completing the challenge each year.

The ultra marathon is in the Manu National Park and involves a battle against the elements, with high altitudes, humidity, and temperatures of up to 30 degrees.

They will cover over 200km, climb over 4,000m and cross the Amazon River, while sleeping in a hammock each night. It is a self-sufficient race meaning entrants carry their own supplies for the duration of the challenge.

Mr Walton suggested the challenge the pair began training last October and had never previously run more than a 10k. They began running on Harrogate’s roads and built up  tolerance, then began running at Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs.

Mr Grange said:

“I’m feeling alright about the race now. I had a bit of a wobble recently and sometimes I wake up thinking I’ve signed up for hell on Earth and other times I think it is a great, once in a lifetime opportunity. I will just go and try my best.”

He aims to raise £10,000 for St Michael’s Hospice and his fundraiser is currently over £5,000.

St Michael’s Hospice is a care charity that provides care and support to people affected by terminal illness in the Harrogate district. It is a charity is close to Ross’ heart as his Mum spent her final days there in 2020.

He said:

“I am donating to charity in honour of my mum. It will be an honour giving back to St Michael’s. It is a strange way of thinking but doing one of the hardest races in the world hardship is nothing compared to what people in St Michael’s go through every day.”

He will out to Cusco in Peru next Wednesday and the race begins on Sunday June 2. With a downhill race from the mountains into the rainforest.

Mr Grange continued:

“Everyone thinks we’re a bit mad. It is an incredible event, people do great events raising money through running but the ultra-marathon is so extraordinary because it is just completely wild. At first, I didn’t know if it was possible for someone to even do something like this.”

To find out more and donate to the cause click here.


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Readers’ Letters: Harrogate GP moving to online requests is ‘totally unfair’

Readers’ Letters 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.  


This letter comes after a Harrogate GP practice moved the majority of its requests process online. It has since been accused of discriminating against older people.

Reading about the surgery wanting patients to submit letters and prescriptions mainly online made me annoyed.

Although elderly myself, I am computer literate and not at all bad! But my husband’s claim to fame is that he has never touched a computer and has no interest in technology.

Without me, he’d be stumped.

Fortunately, our great surgery prints out the prescriptions for your next month of medication.

It is totally unfair that so many things must be done online when there are probably thousands of people, like my husband, who have no idea how to use a computer.

Sandra Goldberg, Harrogate


Is it a coincidence Knaresborough’s drains are now being cleared?

This letter comes after some of Knaresborough’s gullies were reportedly cleared this week. It follows severe flooding in the town earlier this month, which forced some people to evacuate their homes.

How strange; we are told the drains weren’t to blame for the Knaresborough flooding, yet suddenly jetting equipment is seen all over the town this week.

Coincidence? I don’t think so.

I have reported blocked drains in the town for several years and I always receive the same reply: “we are looking into it”.

Nothing ever gets done until a tragedy ensues.

Ralph Thrower, Knaresborough


How much more money will be ‘wasted’ on Ripon Leisure Centre?

This letter responds to news of an additional £2m being poured into stabilisation works at Ripon Leisure Centre. The total spent on the remedial work is now nearing the original budget for the actual project.

How much more money is going to be wasted on underpinning Ripon Leisure Centre?

Anyone with any knowledge of Ripon could have informed the shower of a council that the ground was not suitable.

When is this total waste of money going to stop? Yet another folly in Ripon’s long list of botched projects.

Tony Sidwell, Ripon


Re-wilding on Harrogate street looks ‘awful’

This letter comes after strips of the Stray have been re-wilded in line with a council policy. 

I do not object to re-wilding as such – but not in a residential area.

I live on Westminster Drive and there is a small semi-circular area on the corner of Burn Bridge Oval and my road, which belongs to the council and has been left to re-wild as of last year.

It looks awful. It’s now full of dandelions and buttercups that are getting bigger every day. The seeds from these plants have blown into nearby gardens and dog walkers allow their dogs to “perform” in the long grass.

This is definitely not a suitable place to allow re-wilding and the council should mow it regularly and thoroughly – not just around the edge.

I’m sure I am not the only one to dislike this way of reducing council expenses and causing residents lots of extra work!

Alison Roscoe, Harrogate


Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.


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Five key issues in Harrogate district at the upcoming election

Over the next six weeks, politicians will be vying for votes and clashing over what they see as the key issues in the Harrogate district.

From the state of the NHS to the quality of water in our rivers, candidates of all party colours will be having their say on topics as they head into a six-week election campaign.

With this in mind, the Stray Ferret has looked at what could be the key election issues in the Harrogate district.

Water quality

Perhaps the most pertinent issue over the last six months is the quality of water in the district’s rivers.

Andrew Jones, Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, led the campaign for bathing water status at Knaresborough Lido.

Mr Jones is likely to use the success of the Nidd being granted bathing water status as part of his election pitch to emphasise his record as the town’s MP.

Robbie Moore, Defra Minister, and Andrew Jones at the Nidd.

But, Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat candidate, will likely point to the amount of sewage dumped into the district’s rivers as a counter narrative.

As recently as Thursday, Mr Gordon highlighted river pollution as one of the key issues in the area. Labour candidate Conrad Whitcroft also cites the state of the Nidd as one of his key issues.

Health service

Much like the rest of the nation, the Harrogate district is not immune to pressures on the NHS.

The area particularly struggles with GP appointments and dentists, with Harrogate in particular acutely lacking NHS provision for dentistry.

It’s a topic that has not escaped the attention of some of the candidates on July 4.

Tom Gordon pictured with Daisy Cooper, Lib Dem health spokesperson.

Tom Gordon pictured with Daisy Cooper, Lib Dem health spokesperson.

Both Mr Jones and Mr Gordon have raised the issue in their own way.

The Conservative MP brought up the topic of dentistry in the House of Commons in September while Mr Gordon met with the Liberal Democrat health spokesperson to raise the issue in March last year.

Expect the lack of dentistry in Harrogate to raise its head again at some point in the next six weeks.

Housing

Whether it be new estate off Kingsley Drive or 3,000 homes in the west of Harrogate, or the Manse Farm development in Knaresbrough, housing is a major issue.

The Stray Ferret has covered the extensive housebuilding in the area and its knock on effect onto local residents extensively.

Given its prominency in Harrogate and Knaresborough, the topic is expected to be debated extensively by candidates.

Mr Jones raised the issue over new build estates in the House of Commons as recently as April, where he pointed out he had run a ‘fair deal for new estates’ campaign for over a year.

Meanwhile, Mr Gordon is no stranger to criticising the government’s record on housing.

In April, he told the Stray Ferret that new homeowners should be protected from “dodgy developers” by strengthening the law on leaseholds and freeholds.

Education

The provision of education is always a hot topic at elections.

Both Mr Gordon and Mr Jones have clashed before over the issue of funding for schools.

But, in the Harrogate district, perhaps a more pressing issue is the provision for those with special educational needs and disabilities.


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The Stray Ferret reported recently on a significant increase in demand for SEND places.

A report before councillors on Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee on March 14 showed a significant increase in the number of education health and care plans submitted to the council.

The plans detail a child’s needs and are given to schools to consider ahead of a potential admission.

The matter has even seen parents from Harrogate go to Leeds to demonstrate over provision for SEND pupils.

Transport

The need for people to get around is another issue frequently raised in Harrogate.

Mr Jones, who is a former rail minister, has campaigned for better rail services and championed the town’s electric bus fleet.

Some of this has led to noticeable improvements in the town, such as more direct services to London. But other areas remain questionable.

Take for instance the pledge by government to divert millions of pounds of HS2 money towards potholes and road repairs.

While some roads in the Harrogate district have benefited from resurfacing, others still await repair.

Readers of the Stray Ferret this week shared with us pictures of some roads in the district which they feel are in need of some attention.

It’s a topic which election candidates in Harrogate may face at some point this campaign.

Former Harrogate working men’s club thriving in its 125th year