Throughout 2023, the Harrogate district became something of a celebrity hotspot.

Gyles Brandeth bemoaned of a sleepless night in a Harrogate hotel, while Toyah Wilcox and Robert Fripp described Bettys cakes as a “nectar of paradise”.

And heaven knows what Morrissey was doing here…

Today, we’re looking back at some star-studded visits to the district, and what some celebrities had to say about the local area.

Kate Winslet visits Nidderdale pub

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet visited the Crown at Middlesmoor with her family in May.

Landlady Angela Snow,  said she was “starstruck” by the Hollywood star, who had been walking around Scar House Reservoir before stopping at the village pub.

Ms Snow told the Stray Ferret:

“To be honest, I wouldn’t have known. I was in the kitchen cooking when my bar lady Megan recognised her.

“As she was leaving, I asked for a photo to put up behind the bar. She said she usually pretends to be someone else, but she said she would because it was such a nice pub.”

Kate Winslet rose to fame after her landing a role in Titanic. Since then, she has become a household name and has starred in Sense and Sensibility, Avatar and The Holiday.

As well as winning the Oscar for best actress for her performance in The Reader, Kate Winslet has been nominated a further six times. She has won three Baftas, two Emmys, a Grammy and five Golden Globes.

Kate Winslet, centre, with Megan Dunn and Angela Snow at the Crown in Middlesmoor

Heaven knows what Morrissey was up to in Harrogate

Morrissey, the enigmatic former frontman of The Smiths, was spotted enjoying a quiet pint in Harrogate in March.

Chris Russell from Knaresborough caused a stir when he posted a photo of him and the influential star in The Harrogate Arms where Mozza was apparently relaxed and happy to pose for photos with fans.

Pete Murphy, manager of the pub, said:

“We only had four or five tables in, so it wasn’t busy, but a few people recognised him and had photos with him.

“We get the odd Leeds player in, but that’s the first singer I’ve seen.”

in typically mysterious Morrissey style, his reason for being in Harrogate remains unknown.

Morrissey with Chris Russell.

Lethal Weapon star dines in Harrogate restaurant

Danny Glover, star of the Lethal Weapon franchise, dined at Efes Bar and Grill this summer.

The 77-year-old Hollywood star was in town for the Yorkshire Comic-Con.

He posed for photos with the restaurant staff, which had opened just weeks prior to his visit.

Glover is most famous for his role as Roger Murtaugh, but has also starred in The Colour Purple and Predator 2.

He is also known for his political activism, strongly opposing the Bush administration in America.

Danny Glover pictured at Efes Bar and Grill in Harrogate.

DJ Calvin Harris spotted at Wetherby Services

One of the biggest names in music, Calvin Harris, was spotted at Wetherby Services in August.

The star, who is the 23rd most played artist in the world on Spotify, was on his way back from Creamfields festival after fans spotted him at Pret A Manger.

The fans, who were headed to Newcastle, had watched the Scottish DJ headline the festival just two nights prior to meeting him.

Livvy Elder, one of the fans, said:

“My friend was the one to ask him for a photo and told him we were sorry for disturbing him for a photo, but he was the kindest man so humble – he said it was no problem at all.

“It totally topped off our weekend and was a moment we will never forget!”

Calvin Harris boasts nearly 60 million monthly listeners on Spotify. He also has an annual residency at one of the largest clubs in the world, Ushuaia, Ibiza, and has had 11 UK No.1 songs.

Calvin Harris (centre) with fans.

Gyles Brandreth endures sleepless night in Harrogate hotel bed

TV personality and writer, Gyles Brandreth, took to social media to tell of his sleepless night in a Harrogate hotel.

The raconteur said the bed “tilted to the left so that I had to cling on all night” following his visit in September.

The poor-nights-sleep came after he appeared at the Royal Hall for his one-man show, Gyles Brandreth Can’t Stop Talking.

However, he did praise the “warm and wonderful audience” in Harrogate.

He later praised The Ivy for its “delicious post-show supper: cheese soufflé followed by iced berries”.

Let’s hope Gyles Brandreth finds a comfier bed on his next visit to Harrogate…

Gykes Brandreth with The Ivy staff.

Toyah Wilcox and Robert Fripp say Bettys is “heart and soul of humanity”

Toyah Wilcox and Robert Fripp praised Bettys online after their gig in Harrogate.

In a YouTube video posted in October, the couple described the tearoom as a “quality establishment”. Robert Fripp said he’d been to the York branch before, but said the Harrogate venue was “something of a pilgrimage.”

Toyah added: 

“You may think we’re complete idiots for being so in love with this experience, but it was the heart and soul of humanity. We could talk to everyone, everyone really cared, it was kind, it was utterly amazing.” 

They described a cake they’d saved from their visit as “the nectar of paradise” and “a relic from the shrine of St Betty”. 

The couple also shared their love for the whole town in the video. Toyah added:

“Robert’s never been to Harrogate and he absolutely loved it, and I loved it too. It’s such a special place, and if ever you’re visiting the UK or just having a holiday in the UK, and you’ve not been to Harrogate, go – it’s beautiful!”

Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp.

Based on this year’s celebrity visits, the Stray Ferret is excited to see what, or whom, 2024 will bring. Do let us know if you see a star out and about.

Read more:

• Harrogate man to represent UK at Eurovision
• Novelist Ruth Ware to curate Harrogate crime writing festival
• Stumps Cross Caverns to feature in Channel 5 programme

An American themed diner in Harrogate appears to have closed after enforcement notices were placed in its windows.

The Fabulous 50s Diner on Bower Road opened two years ago on the site of the former Cafe Rita.

Enforcement notices issued by Wilson & Roe High Court Enforcement have been put in the window of the diner which state that authorised agents on behalf of the landlord have “re-entered the land”.

It adds:

“Any attempt by you or your agents to enter these premises will result in criminal or civil proceedings being taken against you.”

The notices go on to add that, under Section 12(3) of the Torts Act 1977, any third party which asserts ownership to goods in 15a Bower Street has until 5pm on January 5 to collect them.

Meanwhile, the diner’s Facebook page has not posted since November 27 and its Instagram page appears to have been removed.

Enforcement notices at the diner.

The move comes as the Stray Ferret reported in August that the owners of the diner, The Hub Caffe Ltd, had appointed liquidators and applied to be wound up.

An announcement on official public record website The Gazette said Richard Hunt of SFP Restructuring Limited in London had been appointed liquidator on July 21.

The Gazette also reported a general meeting of the company on the same date resolved to voluntarily wind-up the business.

The announcement, dated July 27, was authorised by director Wagdy Mansour.

Following the report by the Stray Ferret, a post on the diner’s Facebook page said the restaurant had not closed.

It added:

“The Fabulous 50’s Diner is not closing we have just changed owners.

“The restaurant is open and will continue to offer the same menus, music, and pizza. We would like you to read carefully, only Mr. Wagdy’s two companies have gone into liquidation. The Fabulous 50’s Diner now belongs to new owner MO DINER LTD.

“We are waiting for you to come visit the restaurant. We will continue what Mr. Wagdy and his wife started by keeping the memory of you as the initiators of this restaurant.”

Read more:

• American diner in Harrogate appoints liquidators
• Harrogate care home owner “absolutely delighted” after Grove House conversion approved

King Charles III celebrated his coronation this year – and the Harrogate district certainly celebrated with him.

From street parties and parades to afternoon tea and live music, people went all out to mark the new king in May.

See our gallery below to look back on the royal celebrations near you.

Harrogate

Over the three-day weekend, Harrogate saw a range of celebratory events.

People gathered for an afternoon tea at the Oatlands Community Centre, others watched a livestream on the big screen in the Valley Gardens.

Local businesses also showed their colours — and some four-legged friends even waved the flag for the day.

Afternoon tea at Oatlands Community Centre.

The Valley Gardens was also looking patriotic for the occasion.

People watched a livestream in the Valley Gardens.

Local businesses got into the royal spirit.

Betsy got coronation ready too!

Ripon

Ripon kicked off the royal celebrations with a live performance from Complete Madness in the Market Square.

Services in the cathedral and street parties followed, and surrounding villages gathered to mark the occasion too.

Former Ripon Grammar School student, 72-year-old Bruce Oldfield, even designed Queen Camilla’s coronation dress.

Fountains Abbey was lit up in honour of the King.

Floral displays created by the Ripon Cathedral Flower Guild and Ripon Flower Club. 

Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Ms Jo Ropner and the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson.

Complete Madness kicking off the celebrations.

Residents of Carr Close threw a street party.

Around 100 people partied on the street.

Masham and Kirkby Malzeard

Masham and Kirkby Malzeard residents came out in their droves to celebrate the royal event.

There was a car rally, a float parade, BBQs, maypole dancing and more.

Masham had a float parade.

Maypole dancing in Kirkby Malzeard.

Vintage cars also rallied as part of the parade.

Knaresborough

Knaresborough House held a livestream of the coronation service, as well as a Coronation Concert over the weekend.

The concert, which was held at Knaresborough Castle, celebrated at music through time and people smiled as the sun shone down.

Livestream at Knaresborough House.

Hundreds gathered for the Coronation Concert.

Knitting Pretty and Number Thirteen in Knaresborough were decorated for the coronation.

Read more:

• As it happened: Harrogate district celebrates King Charles II coronation
• As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate district

In this article, which is part of a series on the 12 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2023, we’re looking at the council’s £47.9 million investment into local leisure centres.

The Harrogate district has undergone something of a council leisure centre revolution in recent years – with Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon all boasting multi-million pound developments.

The process has certainly not been plain sailing. From sink holes and temporary gyms to delays, North Yorkshire Council’s fitness projects have rarely been out of the Stray Ferret news.

But by the end of the year it was hard to dispute the view of Mark Tweedie, the managing director of Brimhams Active, which runs leisure facilities on behalf of the council, that the district’s facilities were the envy of North Yorkshire.

In a further twist, however, the new North Yorkshire Council has now said it is to scrap Brimhams and bring all of the county’s leisure services back in-house.

Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre

The former Harrogate Hydro, now known as the Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre, opened in September following an almost 18-month transformation.

The £13.5 million refurbishment included a 400-square metre fitness centre, a new sauna and steam room, improved reception area and café, as well as an overhaul of the existing gym, spin, leisure and swimming facilities.

The Brimhams Active-run site boasts three swimming pools: a 25-metre lane pool, a diving pool and a children’s pool.

People can also attend fitness classes, including an immersive spin class, pilates and yoga.

The opening was well-received. When the Stray Ferret reported on it, one person’s comment on social media summed up how many felt:

“It’s amazing, we are so lucky to have theses facilities in Harrogate.”

In May, North Yorkshire Council said the cost of the scheme had increased from a budgeted £11.9 million.

Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre

The long-awaited Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre opened its doors in December.

Work began on the site, which is next to the former Knaresborough Pool, in April 2022 after plans were approved the month before.

It was originally expected to open in summer, however, the opening date was repeatedly delayed until this month.

The transformed centre now offers a six-lane 25-metre pool, a leisure pool and slide, and a 60-station fitness suite.

Like the Harrogate site, there is also a sauna and steam room, a café, a group cycling studio and a studio for fitness classes.

The outdoor children’s play area is still in the works but is expected to open in January.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts, culture and housing, Cllr Simon Myers, told the Stray Ferret ahead of its opening:

“You come over the brow of the hill in Knaresborough and see the leisure centre building – it is such an attractive building.

“It sits so well in its space, it’s full of light and the facilities are fantastic.

“This is what local authorities can achieve. It’s a real asset to Knaresborough.”

Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre, Ripon

The Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre, in Ripon, has not only faced the most bumps – or holes – in the road, but also the biggest expenditure of the three.

Although the site officially reopened in March last year, Ripon residents are yet to see the full transformation.

The old part of the site is locked in a sinkhole groundhog day of never-ending work on a “void” beneath the building, which remains closed.

Following the discovery of the void, which is believed to have been there for several years, the now defunct Harrogate Borough Council submitted a planning application to install a temporary gym in the centre’s car park in July 2022.

This was to enable the closure of the existing gym on the upper floor of the 28-year-old building, which was found to require £3.5 million worth of ground stabilisation works.

The temporary structure was supposed to open that autumn – just months after the application was submitted – however, the installation was continually delayed.

It was not until April this year that the £300,000 building, which houses the temporary gym, was installed.

The stabilisation work, which began in June, brought the cost to £18 million — £8 million over budget.

However, that too has not come without challenges.

North Yorkshire Council said in October its movement checks revealed multiple cracks up to 10mm long.

It said the cracks have affected the “weather tightness of the building and the operation of doors and windows” but added specialists had said there were no safety concerns.

The council said at the time the estimated completion date and costs were “under review”.

Works at the site.

‘Stop throwing good money after bad’

Councillor Andrew Williams, a member of the Conservative and Independents group at the council and leader of Ripon City Council, said last year it was time to stop “throwing good money after bad” and to “look for a suitable location for a new leisure centre to be built on sound land”.

In response to the discovery of the cracks, Cllr Williams said:

“The building is under very close monitoring to ensure that there is no movement as the works progress, if there is movement then the position will have to be reviewed in the light of that information.

“The situation is far from ideal and I hope that it will prove possible to complete these works because the bottom line is that Ripon needs a functioning leisure centre.”

The new building, which includes the swimming pool, sauna and steam room, has remained open throughout.

However, it looks like members will be using the temporary gym and attending group classes at Hugh Ripley Hall in the city centre well into 2024…

Read more:

• VIDEO: First look at new £17.5m Knaresborough leisure centre
• ‘Multiple cracks’ detected at Ripon leisure centre
• ‘Our leisure centres will be the envy of North Yorkshire’

A Harrogate hospice leader has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.

Tony Collins, who is chief executive of Saint Michael’s Hospice, has been awarded the honour for service to the community.

Mr Collins, who is also chief executive of specialist bereavement and emotional wellbeing service Just ‘B’ and Hambleton and Richmondshire-based Herriot Hospice Homecare, has been a leader in the hospice community in Yorkshire and the North East for 27 years, and also sits on the board of national charity Hospice UK.

He has been at the forefront of increasing hospice care at home, increasing accessibility to hospice care for people in rural areas and introducing Yorkshire’s first specialised community bereavement service – Just ‘B’ – in 2009.

Saint Michael’s provides care and support for families living with terminal illness and bereavement across the Harrogate district. It does this from its hospice building, as well as in the community. Alongside Just ‘B’ and Herriot Hospice Homecare, it makes up registered charity North Yorkshire Hospice Care.

Joint chairs of trustees for the charity, Colin Tweedie and Joanne Crewe, praised Mr Collins’ “commitment and dedication to ensuring people across North Yorkshire and beyond have access to high quality care and support at the right time, and in the right place” in a statement.

Read more:

• Nidderdale lollipop lady receives BEM in King’s New Year Honours
• Tory council leader Carl Les receives OBE

In this article, which is part of a series on the 12 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2023, we look at the formation of North Yorkshire Council and its new agenda.

The past 12 months have seen a seismic change in how the Harrogate district is governed.

In April, we said goodbye to Harrogate Borough Council as it was swept aside to make way for the new North Yorkshire Council.

Along the way, many of the local senior politicians also left. Borough council leader, Richard Cooper, stepped away from politics and Graham Swift failed in a bid to represent his Duchy division.

Instead, the last eight months have seen a shift in both how the district is governed and who calls the shots.

The new council has wasted little time in imposing its vision on the county.

Recently, it announced a new shake-up of leisure services – the second time in three years for facilities in the Harrogate area.

Planning decisions have also been divided up into constituency areas.

Although, if you ask some councillors in Harrogate, they’ll point out that there hasn’t been any decisions to make since September.

It has also introduced a new taxi licensing policy, scrapping the previous seven district zones in favour of one county-wide zone.

Read more:

• Harrogate man to lead set-up of North Yorkshire combined authority
• Explained: What is North Yorkshire’s combined authority?

However, some areas remain the same.

Residents, campaigners and the council remain at loggerheads over the £11.2 million Station Gateway scheme.

The scheme has been rolled back, but remains in limbo.

The major housing project known as Maltkiln has not progressed since the borough council was abolished, partly due to landowners withdrawing land.

Devolution on the horizon

Meanwhile, the change in the political landscape is expected to change further.

A combined authority for York and North Yorkshire is expected to come into force in the new year as part of a devolution deal for the county.

There is also an election on the horizon for a Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, which will be held in May.

Some may argue that, when it comes to the new council, the new boss is the same as the old boss. 

But, whatever the perception of the new authority, the governance of the district has changed in 2023.

A missing 87-year-old man from Harrogate has been found safe, police said this morning.

North Yorkshire Police issued a statement last night saying the man had not been seen by his family for about 24 hours and had been unable to contact him.

Officers said they were “very concerned for his safety”.

But police issued a new statement this morning, which said:

“Yesterday evening (29 December) we issued an appeal to help find a missing 87-year-old man from Harrogate.

“We are very pleased to report that he has been found safe and well, but cold.”

We have amended our coverage to anonymise the man’s details.

Read more:

• Outrage as Harrogate hospital parking firm ‘incorrectly’ issues fine
• Young farmers to collect Christmas trees in Harrogate and Knaresborough

In this article, which is part of a series on the 12 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2023, we look at Harrogate football star Rachel Daly and her achievements throughout the year.

Harrogate’s Rachel Daly had a year to remember.

From a World Cup final to being ranked 10th best player in the world, the former Killinghall Nomads star had a year of highlights.

The former Rossett School pupil Daly was top scorer in the Women’s Super League last season and named PFA Players’ Player of the Year.

She also featured in the World Cup final, where the Lionesses came close to making history but fell to a 1-0 defeat by Spain.

Rachel Daly at Rossett School next to her pitch.

Her achievements were enough to be recognised at her former school, which named a pitch in her honour.

However, while her astonishing achievements this year were enough for her former clubs and school, a move to get her more widely honoured proved difficult.

Rachel’s first club — Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club — launched a petition this year in conjunction with the Stray Ferret calling on North Yorkshire Council to officially recognise their former player.

The council has done nothing to mark Rachel’s achievements, which include winning Euro 2022, playing in the World Cup final and winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award this year.

John Plummer, Stray Ferret editor, introduced the petition at a meeting in November where he said it was “to wake up and realise Rachel Daly is a local superstar who should be celebrated”.

He added that it was  “inconceivable that the council would not be falling over backwards to honour, say, Harry Kane if he was from Harrogate”.

In the end, councillors voted to recommend awarding a civic honour to Daly.

Regardless of the recognitions and honours, the 27-year-old has put Harrogate on the sporting map.

Whether it be lifting the Euros last year or topping the scoring charts in the Women’s Super League, Daly will always be looked upon in her hometown with pride.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Rachel Daly ranked 10th best player in world
• Football pitch in Killinghall named after local Lioness Rachel Daly

Harrogate Town will be looking to make it four wins on the bounce as they take on Tranmere Rovers tonight.

Town secured a third victory in three games after defeating play-off chasing Accrington Stanley 2-1 on Boxing Day.

A late winner from George Thomson secured all three points as Harrogate kicked off a busy Christmas fixture schedule.

Now, Town entertain Tranmere Rovers at the EnviroVent Stadium tonight.

Rovers go into the game off the back of a 5-1 thrashing of Salford City on Boxing Day and currently sit 18th in EFL League Two – six points behind Harrogate.

Simon Weaver, Town manager, said following the Stanley game that it was important that fans stick with the team to keep the run going.

He said:

“They [Tranmere] have had a fantastic win today.

“I think on the back of the last four or five home games, there has been that real relationship between the players and the fans.

“When we were 2-0 down against Wrexham, they could see that everyone was trying to get back into it and trying to play the right way. There was some good football as well.

“Since then, the atmosphere has really taken off in the stadium. It really does help.”

Harrogate Town play Tranmere Rovers tonight (December 29). Kick off is at 7.45pm.

Read more:

• Harrogate Town striker Luke Armstrong to join Carlisle United
• New Harrogate Town stand to double away capacity
• Season high crowd watch Harrogate fightback against Wrexham

A parking company has defended a decision to issue a parking ticket to a motorist at Harrogate District Hospital, despite dropping the charge upon appeal.

Parkeye oversees car parks at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.

The hospital brought in the company to operate its new parking arrangements in September, which includes automatic number plate recognition and a ticketless system.

However, some patients and visitors have criticised the decision after being given fines due to problems paying for parking.

Tamsin O’Brien was visiting a friend at the Lascelles Unit at the hospital on October 24.

She paid £4.15 to park for 45 minutes at the unit, which is part of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.

However, she received a fine from Parkingeye on November 2 of £70 despite paying the charge.

Read more:

• Harrogate hospital roof contains crumbling concrete
• Harrogate hospital defends new parking charges
• Harrogate hospital defends criticism of new parking payment system

Ms O’Brien appealed the decision, but was told the appeal was unsuccessful on November 11 and that the fine still stood.

She then took the matter to Parking On Private Land Appeals, the industry arbitrator, and a week later received a letter from the company which stated that the fine was dropped.

Ms O’Brien said the company had ignored evidence that she had paid.

She said:

“My experience with Parkingeye was outrageous – it’s one thing to wrongly issue a charge because the company’s tech isn’t working correctly. It’s quite another thing though, to ignore irrefutable evidence that I paid to park, to reject my appeal, and to continue to pursue a charge.

“There will be many people who would find an experience like this very stressful- particularly when they maybe visiting loved ones in hospital who may be seriously ill.”

The Stray Ferret approached Parkingeye to ask why it had issued the fine after Ms O’Brien had paid the parking fee.

A spokesperson for the company said:

“The car park at the Lascelles Unit has eight prominent and highly-visible signs that give motorists clear guidance on how to use the car park responsibly, including guidance that it is staff parking only.

“The motorist parked in an area reserved for staff only without a staff permit and therefore correctly received a parking charge. However, following a review of the case we have cancelled as a gesture of goodwill.

“We would add that Parkingeye operates a BPA (British Parking Association) audited appeals process, which motorists can use to appeal their parking charge. If anyone has mitigating circumstances, we would encourage them to highlight this by appealing.”

However, in a letter outlining its refusal to the her appeal, Parkingeye told Ms O’Brien on November 11:

“We have reviewed the details outlined in your appeal, but we are not in receipt of sufficient evidence to confirm that the terms and conditions were not breached. The signage located at the above car park instructs motorists to enter their full, correct vehicle registration into the payment machine or terminal on site. 

“After reviewing our records, we are unable to locate any vehicle details that match your vehicle registration. We believe this is due to either a major keying error taking place, or no vehicle registration details being entered at all.”

Ms O’Brien said she was “baffled” by Parkingeye’s response to the Stray Ferret and the fact that it did not match her correspondence from the company.

What’s your experience of using the new Parkingeye app at the hospital? Get in touch on contact@thestrayferret.co.uk