Business Breakfast: Berwins Solicitors continues partnership with Harrogate International Festivals

Berwins solicitors continues its partnership with Harrogate International Festivals with its title sponsorship of Salon North for another season.

The series of speaker-events will make its return later this month, with the next of this season’s talks being held on Thursday April 11 at The Crown Hotel, Harrogate.

At each Salon three guest speakers explore ideas in art, science and psychology. Previous guests include former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger; classicist and comedian Natalie Haynes, zoologist, and science writer Matthew Cobb.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals which curates and produces the Salon series, said:

“We are thrilled that Berwins Solicitors is continuing its sponsorship of these events and I’ve no doubt the loyal and growing Salon North fan base will be too. Without the backing of Berwins Solicitors we simply wouldn’t be able to stage these wonderfully engaging, enlightening and fun talks, which have been listed in ‘The Top 100 Things to do in the World’ by GQ magazine. We love producing these evenings that help us highlight the cultural prestige of Harrogate. Berwins Salon North has attracted some incredible speakers during its time and we have exciting plans for this year’s programme – watch this space.”

Associate director of Berwins Solicitors, Martin Whincup, said:

“We are delighted to have our name associated with Salon North for another season. Berwins Salon North, which has been a permanent and much-loved fixture on Harrogate’s cultural calendar for many years now, encourages reflection, deep thinking and self-improvement – habits that very much chime with our own – and we are proud to support these truly unique evenings. Each year, the Harrogate International Festivals team conjures up a diverse array of brilliant speakers, and I can’t wait to see who they will be bringing to Harrogate in 2024.”

Entrepreneur expands peer support model for business leaders

Richard Doyle, founded one of the region’s biggest IT businesses Esteem Systems in 1985, growing it to a £30m technology business before selling it in late 2004. He has unveiled plans to expand his latest venture across Yorkshire and the North East.

Having served as a non-executive director on over a dozen boards, Richard developed his own peer advisory board business, Pabasso, which provides support for regional Managing directors and CEOs.

He is now searching for others to help him grow his peer support model and make it accessible across a wider area. Ideally, searching for retired or semi-retired CEOs, managing directors or business coaches who want to run their own peer advisory board on a part-time basis. Those looking for a fuller time commitment have the option of running two boards.

Mr Doyle said:

“I have found it incredibly rewarding working with multiple business leaders helping them on their journey and sharing the expertise and experience of the other board members. By creating a board of business leaders, each with their own diverse businesses and individual challenges, the chair will find themselves at the heart of a dynamic process, facilitating cross-industry collaboration and transformative strategic insights.”

“As the founder of the original Pabasso foundation board, I have been able to use four decades of experience as a CEO and Non-Executive Director to help our members progress. Our mission is to make peer advisory boards one of the key support functions for established business leaders in the UK and I am looking forward to supporting our new chairs/franchisees to develop their own boards and help fuel economic growth in each designated region.”

Each board will operate as a commercial business, supporting up to 12 regional business leaders. Richard has developed the franchise model in collaboration with the Lime Licensing Group. The expansion will create new peer advisory boards including North Yorkshire.

Event management company move to accommodate growth

Impulse Decisions has purchased new offices in Cardale Park in Harrogate as part of significant growth.

Currently based Windsor House its recruitment plans for 2024 mean they will outgrow their current office.

James Marsden, chief executive officer said:

“I am Incredibly proud to have completed on our new Impulse Decisions offices. From humble beginnings in 2010, hiring out a couple of desks in the Additive-X Ltd offices, to the last 10 years in the brilliant Windsor House, to purchasing our very first offices is very special to the team and I.

“Even though we’ve got the keys, the hard work starts here as there is plenty of renovation work to be done until we can fully move in. The new space provides us with the opportunity for growth, allowing us to hit our goals of being best in class for our clients and takes us into the next chapter. Thank you to everyone that worked on getting this deal done at Progeny & the agents at Feather Smailes Scales.”

Libby Addyman, experiences and bookings assistant, said:

“I can’t wait to move to our new office and have a space that truly reflects who we are as a company. The open plan layout will enable us to work more collaboratively whilst offering a range of spaces for focused work, meetings and team building exercises. I’m excited to see what this next chapter brings for Impulse Decisions as we continue to develop and grow as a team!”.

Jack Nelson, designer of the new interior, said:

 “Impulse are a unique company, who very much focus on their staff, who have all had input to the new building. The design will very much reflect impulse as a company and brand promoting communal working and a sense of community, whilst providing spaces for focused work and team building exercises etc. It will also enable Impulse to host more external clients/meetings in house as well as networking events in the future.  It’s a very exciting project, which we are delighted to be part of.”

The new offices are expected to be ready by June.

Charity ball makes over £70,000

A charity Ball put together by local businesswoman Alice Maguire was held on Friday February 9 at Rudding Park Hotel with nearly 170 guests enjoying a LOVE themed evening all in aid of local Children’s Hospice, Martin House. Organisers have since announced that overall the amount raised for Martin House is in excess of £73,000.

This was the second year the Charity Ball put together after the inaugural event last February. Organiser Alice Maguire put the ball on after a close family member lost their son and she wanted to give something back.

Alice Maguire said:

“I cannot thank everyone enough for all the kindness and generosity in supporting our second Love Ball event. My intentions of organising an enjoyable fun evening whilst raising for this incredible Charity, exceeded anything I had imagined with the amount we have raised the first time to then repeat again this year is just mind blowing. I want to thank all my sponsors and for the generous donations we received before the event that included cash and prizes , without whom the night would not be possible and the great success it was. To Simon Cotton who gave his time and services yet again to be our auctioneer for the night , free of charge. To all my guests for coming along and being so supportive and generous on the night, I cannot thank you enough and really express how grateful I am to you all.”

 Regional Fundraiser at Martin House, Rebecca Taylor said:

“The Love Ball was such a delight to be part of. The whole evening was buzzing with so much warmth and excitement. Thank you to all of the guests and businesses involved in ensuring its phenomenal success. The incredible £73,373.35 raised could help to fund a Clinical Nurse Specialist for 18 months, to provide specialist palliative care to children and their families in the place of their choice. Alice is an incredibly valued supporter of Martin House, and we are so grateful for her continued support and commitment to us.”

Plant Nursery collaborates to landscape M8 footbridge

Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, one of the UK’s leading plant nurseries, has completed a project in collaboration with Edinburgh-based P1 Contractors to landscape a new pedestrian and cyclist footbridge across the M8 as part of a £250 million regeneration north of Glasgow.

The £190,000 contract saw Johnsons Nurseries Ltd provide over 30,000 plantsnfor the 58-metre-long footbridge which will form an active travel route between the area of Sighthill and the city centre.

The landscaping work marks the completion of a 30-month build to install the bridge and represents a milestone in the delivery of the £250 million Sighthill Regeneration. It is the biggest project of its kind in the UK outside of London.

Johnsons Nurseries Ltd marketing manager, Eleanor Richardson, said:

“We are known for our expertise in supplying top-grade plants and trees to major construction and landscaping projects, and are proud to be part of this groundbreaking initiative.”

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Readers’ Letters: Harrogate is short of social housing – not luxury apartments

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 is in response to two stories. One was about plans to convert King’s Club, a former Harrogate strip club, into luxury flats, and the other revealed plans to turn the former Knaresborough cattle market into a commercial unit. 

North Yorkshire Council should take the opportunity to provide social housing on these sites.

We are not short of executive homes and luxury apartments, but genuinely affordable homes and social housing are desperately needed.

Harrogate is largely dependent upon conference and tourism to provide jobs but these are not high-waged occupations.

People who would otherwise be able to do this work cannot afford to live in Harrogate.

Diane Stokes, Harrogate

Scant information about Harrogate’s ‘new town’ causing community despair

This letter is in response to a feature about how Harrogate’s ‘new town’ is fuelling worries about local roads.

Thank you for the excellent article in the Stray Ferret on the ‘new town’ around Harrogate’s Western Arc.

I have been involved with Harlow and Pannal Residents Association for over ten years, during which time we have been campaigning on the scale of development and the weak or non-existent infrastructure to support this level of development.

Our message has fallen on the deaf ears of the planning authority, the highways authority and the planning inspectorate throughout that period, despite claims that the authorities have ‘engaged’ with us as stakeholders.

North Yorkshire Council, no doubt through limited resources, appear to rely in large part on the private developers to identify the problems with the road and transport network and to come up with the solutions which unsurprisingly amount to very little.   Fundamentally, the studies quantifying the impacts of development have still not yet been produced, either by the developers or the Council, yet a list of ‘mitigations’ is about to be signed off by the Council.  This is what Rene refers to as ‘wrong way round’.  Needless to say, we and the public at large, have not been informed about the cumulative transport assessment which is key to identifying and resolving the problems.

The sheer length of time this has taken, the constant delays, missed targets and scant information have all contributed to a sense of frustration and despair within the community.

We all know that roads in this area are in a very poor condition with widespread potholes and temporary patches. Years of construction activity followed by the impact of thousands of extra vehicles on the country lanes and residential streets in this part of Harrogate present an alarming prospect for residents.

David Siddans, Harrogate

Crimple Valley needs protecting – not developing

This letter is in response to developers reviving plans to build 17 homes in Harrogate’s Crimple Valley.

If planning permission is granted for this application, then as sure as night follows day another application for more housing will follow.

I have lived in Pannal for 60 years and the A61 Leeds Road is a very dangerous road. There have been numerous accidents on and near the bridge. Two acquaintances of mine were tragically killed outside Almsford Bank Stables a few years ago.

Traffic is very fast-moving, due to the road being downhill.

The Crimple Valley is a lovely walk and needs more protection than it currently has.

Harrogate is being overdeveloped and needs more green spaces not less.

Anne Smith, Pannal

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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Lightwater Valley set to reopen this month with two new attractions

Lightwater Valley Adventure Park is set to reopen later this month in time for the Easter Weekend.

The theme park is set to open its doors on Thursday March 28.

Lightwater Valley is launching two brand new attractions, which include a new rollercoaster and a Safari Jeep Ride. Plus the soft play area and theatre are both relocated and extended.

The park in North Stainley, near Ripon, was first established as a farm attraction in 1969 and became a theme park in the 1980s after introducing its first rollercoaster ‘the Sewer Rat’, which remained in place until 2009 when it was changed to Raptor Attack.

More rides and activities have been introduced over the years with the ‘Ultimate’ rollercoaster launching in 1991, bagging the world record as the longest rollercoaster at the time.

It has been at Lightwater Valley longer than any other remaining ride but last year Brighton Pier Group, owners of the park announced it would be closing for good after they found they could not bring it up to “acceptable standards”.

The Ultimate has been closed for a number of years

The new Rocket Rollercoaster is aimed at 10-12 year old visitors taking riders on an “adrenaline fuelled journey that gives everyone a thrill as if the rocket is flying amongst the stars”.

It will join the Caterpillar ride and Ladybird ride for rollercoasters catered to younger visitors. The park aims to “boost their commitment to the under 12s” and The Safari Jeep Ride is also part of this plan.

The ride will see large model animals set in landscapes relevant to their habitat, including elephants, zebras and lions. Visitors sit in their own Jeep which takes up to four people. The safari experience will also offer face painting and a chance to handle various small reptiles, bugs and creepy crawlies.

Go Safari attraction at Lightwater Valley

The theatre is also set to host a programme of children’s shows including Sing-a-long Safari, Bluey & Bingo and Peppa Pig & George.

Upgrades to the attractions have been completed during the closure of the park over winter.

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Photo of the week: Teddy amongst the crocuses on the Stray

This week’s photograph was taken by Erica Johnson from Harrogate, capturing her dog Teddy amongst the crocuses on the Stray.

(Image: Erica Johnson)

Photo of the Week takes centre stage in our new-look nightly email newsletter. The newsletter drops into your inbox every evening at 6 pm with all the day’s stories and more. To subscribe, click here.

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week. We reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

Get on your bike and explore routes for all abilities across Yorkshire

Whether you’re still at the stabilisers stage or a serious Lycra devotee, North Yorkshire has a route to suit every stage of your cycling journey – here’s The Stray Ferret’s pick of some unmissable highlights.

For the thrill seekers

(Image: Pixabay)

Location: Dalby Forest.

Terrain: Varied, woodland, hilly, with some off-road routes.

Length: There are a number of trails throughout the forest for a mixture of different abilities from family-friendly routes to serious mountain biking challenges.

About the route: The lush backdrop of woodland – over 3,500 hectares in size – provides a perfect playground for casual and serious cyclists alike.

The grading system is meant to help bikers out, which starts at green (easy) and ends at black (extreme) so you know what you’ve let yourself in for. Trail maps are available from the visitor centre.

Parking: There are several Forestry Commission car parks throughout Dalby Forest. Payment to enter the forest is £10 all day for vehicle access.

Bike hire: Bikes are available from Dalby Forest Cycle Hub. Prices for a full days’ hire of a mountain bike start at £40 for an adult, and £25 for a child.

Don’t miss: For those who aren’t sure what their technical level is, the cycle skills area is a great place to warm up and decide before tackling the longer routes.

For a child-friendly option

Spofforth Castle

Location: Wetherby Railway Path, Spofforth to Wetherby or Thorp Arch.

Terrain: Flat, paved cycle path with one small section on-road.

Length: 6.3 miles one way to Thorp Arch, or 2.7 miles one way to Wetherby.

About the route: Starting at the ruins of Spofforth Castle, the route follows a National Cycle Network trail through the countryside, passing through Weatherby, and ending at Thorp Park Retail Park.

You don’t have to complete the full route either – the old railway path is the perfect place to take younger children to test out their cycling skills, turning back when they start getting tired.

Parking: Free, roadside parking in Spofforth village.

Bike hire:  There are no available cycle hire services in the local area, so it’s advised you take your own bike.

Don’t miss: The historic market town of Wetherby is well worth a look around and has a plethora of cafes that can help to break up the journey. Kofi&Co, Bakeri Baltzersen and The Cottage Coffee Shop are amongst the stand-out options.

For landscape lovers

Sutton Bank views

Location: Sutton Bank.

Terrain: Steep in parts, some off-road cycling, some paved cycle paths.

Length: Cycle routes range from a steady 3 miles, all the way up to a challenging 17.5 miles.

About the route: Don’t be put off by the drive up, while the routes do undulate, you don’t have to tackle the climb up Sutton Bank – unless you’re up for the challenge of course.

While there are five different routes on offer, all offer the chance to take in the spectacular scenery across the escarpment, with a view of Lake Gormire below.

Parking: There is metered parking available at Sutton Bank National Park Centre. Just to note, the machines are card payment only.

Bike hire: Bikes are available from Sutton Bank Bikes. Prices for a full days’ hire of a mountain bike start at £40 for an adult, and £29 for a child.

Don’t miss: If you’re undertaking one of the longer routes, make sure to rest your legs at the High Paradise Farm Tea Room, which offers refreshments with a view.

For the seasoned cyclists

Greenhow Hill

Location: Greenhow Hill from Pateley Bridge.

Terrain: Very steep, on-road with traffic.

Length: Just over 2.5 miles, with an ascent of 268 metres total ascent.

About the route: Starting in Pateley Bridge, the route to Greenhow Hill is well-known in the area for offering a challenging climb, best suited to seasoned road cyclists.

The ascent really begins in earnest past the Royal Oak pub in the town, with four distinct sections of tough climbing throughout, finishing just beyond the quarry, at the Greenhow village sign.

Parking: There are five car parks in Pateley Bridge, with short-stay and long-stay options.

Bike hire: This route is suited for experienced cyclists with specialised road bikes, and as such, it is recommended you take your own bike. 

Don’t miss: Greenhow Hill is one of the highest villages in Yorkshire, at 1300 feet above sea level. It also boasts ‘the biggest and highest artwork’ installations, The Coldstones Cut, which overlooks the quarry and is open to the public to explore. 

For those who like it flat

The Nidderdale Greenway, which could be extended.

The Nidderdale Greenway

Location: Nidderdale Greenway, from Ripley to Harrogate.

Terrain: Generally flat, paved cycle route.

Length: 4.2 miles one way.

About the route: A gentle, traffic-free route that connects Ripley with Knaresborough, Bilton and Harrogate along a disused railway line, the Nidderdale Greenway is a popular option for families and casual cyclists.

Parking: Parking starts at £1 for one hour at the village’s main car park, which needs to be redeemed at either The Boar’s Head, The Tearoom, Grindhus, Ripley Castle, Ripley Store, Harrogate Tipple, Just Makers, or Fizzy Fox.

Bike hire options: Nidderdale Cycles offer a service where they drop off and pick up hired bikes at the main car park in Ripley.

Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the route is the spectacular Grade II listed, Nidd Gorge Viaduct, from which views across the woodland and the valley can be enjoyed.

For those who want a challenge

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Location: Yorkshire Dales Cycleway.

Terrain: Varied, on-road, with steep ascents and descents.

Length: 130 miles.

About the route: For a truly unique way to experience the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, the challenge of completing the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway awaits.

Starting and ending at Skipton, the circular route winds through Coverdale, Swaledale, Wensleydale, Dentdale and Kingsdale. Typically, those who undertake it split it into six stages of 20-25 miles per day.

Parking: There are numerous pay-and-display car parks in the centre of Skipton, but it is recommended that the maximum length of stay is checked before visiting.

Bike hire options: As this is a multi-day challenge, it is advised that you take your own bike and equipment with you.

Don’t miss: There’s so much to see along the route that you’ll be spoilt for choice, with scenery that includes the famous limestone landscape of Malham Cove and Tarn.

There are also plenty of handy blogs – including the Yorkshire Dales’ National Park sister site Cycle the Dales– that give handy hints and tips so you can make the most of the experience.

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(Lead image: Pixabay)

‘Tai chi teaches you about yourself’ – the Valley Gardens class honouring martial arts principles

If you find yourself walking through the Valley Gardens in Harrogate on a Sunday morning, you might spot an unusual sight – one that seems out of place in a Yorkshire town.

In the shelter of the pavilion, people perform a set of intentional and graceful movements, like a slow dance.

Every Sunday this group meet to practise tai chi – an ancient martial art known as a form of gentle movement, self-defence and moving meditation.

Guided by Paul Gitsham – the founder of martial arts school Bamboo Forest – the hour-long class is held in the gardens, come rain or shine. Hosting sessions outside is a way to ‘bring the natural world back into our lives’, according to Paul.

He explained:

“As the seasons pass, it’s a very different experience. You can be training on a cold winter’s morning or a spring day, and that will change how you move – it’s a very reflective art.”

One of Bamboo Forest’s Escrima, Staff & Stick classes

Passing the art to the next generation

Embracing nature is one of the many benefits Paul believes that tai chi can offer. Born in Doncaster, he didn’t take up martial arts until he was in his early twenties, and at first only considered it as a form of self-defence.

However, Paul soon found that studying tai chi offered him innumerable benefits, and he went on to train under the tutelage of one of his heroes, Nigel Sutton of Zhong Ding International.

He has travelled extensively to learn more about the cultural philosophies underpinning the practice, including visiting training centres in Penang, Malaysia.

With two decades of teaching experience across Yorkshire, he then set up his own business in Harrogate three years ago, as a way to continue the legacy of tai chi.

A younger Paul at a training centre in Malaysia

He believes that in the UK it can be often overlooked, due to the popularity of taekwondo, karate and judo.

Paul said:

“The essence of it as a martial art is really starting to fade, and as one of the younger members of the community, I didn’t want it to disappear.

“There’s a sense of passing on the art to the next generation.”

The name Bamboo Forest hold special significance too – firstly it works as a nod to the concept of Wu Lin (martial forest), which symbolises how all martial arts are distinct but intertwined.

Secondly, Paul believes that bamboo represents ‘strength, flexibility, and adaptability’ – all key principles in martial arts, particularly tai chi.

A familial structure

Paul’s classes attract a broad demographic – one of his youngest regulars is 30 years old, and the oldest is 79 – a true veteran of the art, having trained for many years.

He explains that a traditional Chinese class structure is one of family, rather than strictly student-teacher, to encourage a sense of community.

“It’s hard to translate the exact definition of the relationship as something gets lost, but it’s all about looking out for each other.

“There are people I’ve known and trained with for 15 years. And after class, we get a coffee from the Valley Gardens café, have a catch up and a chat.”

Paul runs two classes on a Sunday in the Valley Gardens: Applied Tai Chi, and Escrima, Staff & Stick which explores movements with traditional Asian wooden weapons.

The classes take place in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens

Reported benefits of tai chi have been increased flexibility, strength and posture, as well as improving cardiovascular fitness.

Paul himself highlights a ‘greater understanding of his body alignment’, which is helpful to people of all ages, but particularly older people, who may be more prone to trips and falls.

He added:

“Tai Chi teaches you a lot about yourself, and your awareness of space. It’s like driving – to start with you’re feeling your way around, but soon enough it’s second nature.

“It’s gentle, low-impact, and you can go at your own pace. It has a welcoming community too, you’ll get out of it what you put in, but the benefits can be enormous.”

Bamboo Forest’s Applied Tai Chi classes take place every Sunday in the Valley Gardens, from 9.30am – 10.45am, followed by Escrima, Staff & Stick from 10.45am – 12pm. 

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The hidden stories behind Harrogate’s newest chocolate shop

The Stray Ferret goes behind the scenes to discover more about brands and businesses in Harrogate and the surrounding areas.

The first insider story is Neuhaus, a chocolatier that’s recently opened in Harrogate.

Jean Neuhaus was a pharmacist who covered his medicines with chocolate. 

Studying medicine in Grenoble, Jean Neuhaus’ chosen career path was unfortunately not to be – mainly because he could not bear the sight of blood – but all was not lost as he could implement his skills elsewhere.

After moving to Brussels in 1857, he turned his hand to opening a pharmacy in the prestigious Queen’s Gallery where he covered his medicines with a fine layer of chocolate to make them more appealing for the sick to take them.

This method of covering medicine in chocolate is still known, and sometimes still used, in Belgium today.

When visiting the Harrogate store, located at 5 James Street, the knowledgeable store assistant Olivia de Lame recounted tales of her grandma who used to give her a cod liver oil vitamin and covered it in chocolate, calling it ‘the Neuhaus method’ so that she would take it.

She has fond memories of this, and recounts how even though 166 years have passed, this method is still well-known and sometimes used in Belgium today.

(Neuhaus Factory)

Only four people in the world know the recipe and how to make the Manon Sucre.

After a shortage of cocoa beans post-World War II, it was difficult to make chocolate so the ladies who worked in the factory thought about how they could invent an alternative sweet treat.

They had plenty of fresh cream, sugar and pecan nuts at their disposal, so after many attempts, they settled on a recipe named the Manon Sucre, which has never disappeared from Neuhaus’ offering since, even after cocoa beans came back into circulation. There are two varieties: the Manon Sucre Vanilla and Manon Sucre Café.

Neuhaus has impressive chocolate installations.

If you’ve walked past the Harrogate store, you might have already seen the giant chocolate egg gracing its windows ahead of Easter.

This was made in Belgium using the company’s 3D chocolate printer, then carefully transported to Harrogate, and put in place by the store’s staff.

(Will Claydon, Neuhaus)

The installations will change every couple of months – keep your eyes peeled for next one. And if you’re travelling down to London any time soon, pay a visit to the Covent Garden store that features a huge Big Ben chocolate statue.

Some of the chocolates are named after members of the Belgium royal family.

Neuhaus is a Belgian Royal Warrant Holder and has created two chocolates to honour the King and Queen of Belgium, Philippe and Mathilde.

Neuhaus offers an ‘Insider Club’.

This gives people the opportunity to sample the latest chocolates and new collections each month on a complimentary and commitment-free basis, as well as receiving a free box of chocolates on your birthday – all you need to do is sign up in store or online.

5 James Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QS, click here for more stories.

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Discounted entry to Harrogate district attractions with National Lottery this weekend

National Lottery Open Week is set to offer free and discounted places for visitors across the Harrogate district this weekend.

This year’s Open Week event takes place March 9-17 and will include RHS Harlow Carr, Fountains Abbey and Nidderdale Museum.

Venues funded by National Lottery will offer discounted entry for visitors who can use their National Lottery ticket or scratch card as entry. To redeem this offer people must be able to produce proof of purchase.

Offers are available locally at:

RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Visitors can enjoy two tickets for the price of one this weekend at Harrogate’s RHS Garden, near Beckwithshaw.  The deal runs from March 11-17 and visitors can explore the gardens 2,000 plant varieties.

The Royal Horticultural Society received £4 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards a six-year gardening project that includes developing the world’s first centre of horticultural excellence.

The Main Borders at RHS garden Harlow Carr.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden 

The offer is available March 9-17 for visitors to explore the monastery and estate grounds near Ripon free of charge. The National Lottery has supported Fountains Abbey in vital conservation work.

Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey

Nidderdale Museum 

The local and social history museum in Pateley Bridge is offering free entry on March 16. Tickets usually entry costs £5 with free accompanying children.

Nidderdale Museum has benefited from a grant from the National Lottery fund to start work to make the museum sustainable.

Nidderdale Museum

Nidderdale Museum

There are also nearby offers with Beningborough Hall and Goddards in York offering the same deal as Fountains Abbey plus Leeds Library offering free tours.

For the Harrogate district offers booking in advance is not required. Proof of purchase of a National Lottery game can be either a hard copy ticket or digital.

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Huge response to Harrogate walking group for single people

A walking group set up for single people in Harrogate has attracted more than 500 members since it was launched a month ago.

Holistic therapist Jane Illman co-founded Your Pace or Mine to bring together singles who enjoy walking and socialising.

Besides fortnightly free walks involving up to 60 people, the group organises social events “to create an inclusive space where friendships can flourish and new connections can be made”, according to Jane.

Members are now planning a broader range of walks plus evening walks combined with yoga, along with quiz nights and wine-tasting evenings.

Asked why Your Pace or Mine had proved so popular, Jane said:

“I think it’s attracting so many members because there really isn’t anything on a local level like it. Other groups are national groups and very much focussed on singles or hook-ups.

“We are different, we are facilitating connections and friendships in a safe environment and the group has a very positive vibe.”

Further details are available here.

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Harrogate-based wellbeing group shares top tips for a good night’s sleep

The story is sponsored by Hälsa Wellbeing

Friday, March 15 was officially World Sleep Day, and Harrogate-based Hälsa Wellbeing marked the occasion by highlighting the importance of sleep.

It’s no exaggeration to say that sleep is a fundamental part of living. In fact, research revealed that on average an individual spends 26 years asleep.

The same study also found that we spend approximately seven years trying to get to sleep. That’s a lot of time trying to nod off, rather than actually getting well-needed rest.

Tiredness can seep into everyday life and cause innumerable knock-on effects, such as heightened emotions, ailing mental health and poor work performance.

That’s why Hälsa Wellbeing has shared their top three tips to help you hit that optimum seven to nine hours a night.

Enforce some non-negotiable habits

There are some very simple, but effective, habits you can introduce into your bedtime routine to make dropping off to sleep all the smoother.

These could include setting yourself a screen deadline, reading a chapter of a book, or maybe even doing some meditation – whatever works for you.

Sleep loves routine so waking at the same time every day – even at the weekend – can really aid our sleep too.

A man yawning

Sleep loves routine (Image: Pixabay)

When we enter a period of insomnia or disrupted sleep it can be tempting to stay in bed much later. However, this actually upsets your sleep pattern, so the advice is often to get up and get plenty of day light.

Consistency is key, and building these habits into part of your nightly wind-down is important in preparing your body, as it can send signals to your brain that sleep is imminent.

Create the right sleep environment

The optimum sleep environment is obviously subjective, but there are still some commonly agreed upon factors which may be able to help.

Generally speaking, it’s easier to drop off to sleep if your room is dark, quiet and well-ventilated.

Using a mobile phone as an alarm clock isn’t always advisable either, as we all know phones equal scrolling.

Checking messages, social media and the news last thing at night is not relaxing and adds to the stress of the day, not to mention the disruption the light causes.

Instead, buy yourself an alarm clock and place your mobile at the other side of your bedroom or preferably downstairs.

Invest in some wellness products

Halsa Wellbeing also sell a range of products

Halsa Wellbeing also sell a range of products

Dedicate time to your bedtime routine, and create a wellness moment with the use of sleep products.

Whether it’s a pillow spray, scented candle or essential oils, sometimes introducing a touch of luxury into your routine can help you unwind.

Hälsa’s sister company Hälsa Aromatics sells a range of aromatherapy products to aid relaxation and sleep, such as their popular sleep balm.

What is Hälsa Wellbeing?

Hälsa is a Harrogate-based wellness group, delivering solutions in corporate and clinical organisations, to help create a culture of health and wellbeing, and promote healthy work-life balance.

Categorising these services into four key areas – ‘eat well, feel well, sleep well, think well’ – they operate a less is more approach when it comes to balancing some of the pressure, stress and tension that individuals can face.

Here are just a few examples of the support Hälsa Wellbeing provides:

Find out more:

Hälsa Wellbeing is located at 29 Hornbeam Square, HG2 8NB. You can get in touch by visiting the website, emailing info@halsawellbeing.com, or calling 03300 552 122.

Lead image: Pixabay