Photo of the week: sunlight over Swinsty Reservoir

This week’s photograph was taken by Karen Thorpe from Bishop Thorton, capturing the sunlight reflected in the water of Swinsty Reservoir.

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

(Image: Karen Thorpe)

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.

Harrogate’s ‘best kept secret’ club has just appointed its first female president

It’s perhaps one of Harrogate’s best kept secrets, a private members’ club first established in the 19th century, tucked away in one of the beautiful properties on Victoria Avenue.

But inside the walls that house The Harrogate Club, significant events are taking place; they’ve appointed their next club president and honorary secretary – and they’re both women.

Fiona Movley, the chair of Harrogate International Festivals, was elected as president by unopposed members’ vote on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, alongside Catherine Wormald who took up the mantle of honorary secretary.

This is the first time in the club’s history that a woman has held either position which is no small feat considering it has been in existence since 1857.

(L) Fiona Movley (R) Catherine Wormald

This appointment is timely, not in the least because another notable historical club, the Garrick in London, has recently announced that it is revising its men-only policy, which has been in place since 1831.

Following public backlash after a leaked list published by The Guardian revealed that many of the members were involved in promoting inclusivity and diversity – while being part of an organisation that has denied women acceptance for nearly 200 years – the notoriously secretive club had to break its silence on the matter.

In this respect, The Harrogate Club is ahead of the curve; women have been able to join since 2012 and to date, they have a diverse membership of nearly 200 people, with an age range from mid-twenties to mid-nineties.

However, Fiona’s recent presidential appointment marks a new chapter in the history of the club, and one that is another step forward for progression.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret, she explained:

“As the first female president of the Harrogate Club, along with Catherine Wormald, the first female honorary secretary, we’re thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone in the Club’s rich history.

“Times have certainly changed. We have recently introduced a variety of new events and offerings to enhance the Club experience. The response has been wonderful, resulting in a surge of interest in membership, reaffirming The Club’s relevance and appeal.”

‘A public reading and news room’

Not only would a woman never have dared to darken the door of The Harrogate Club in the 19th century, but membership was strictly limited to wealthy, white men.

36 Victoria Avenue (Image: The Harrogate Club)

The club was first established in the lounge of Gascoigne’s Hotel on February 13, 1857, as a way for esteemed members of the Yorkshire business elite to meet up, read and discuss newspapers and journals.

It proved to be a popular concept, attracting the attention of businessmen across the region and beyond; so much so that the hotel built a billiard room for the club to enhance their entertainment options.

In 1885 the club moved to 36 Victoria Avenue, where its headquarters can still be found today. While it has still retained much of its historical charm and period features, there have been some modern updates throughout the years, such as the introduction of Wi-Fi.

That might not sound revolutionary, but many private clubs still don’t allow their members to use phones, and laptops have to be left at the door.

The club has still maintained its period features (Image: The Harrogate Club)

The Harrogate Club, however, puts the emphasis on being a social place where members have the option to chat, relax or quietly work – therefore internet access is a welcome inclusion.

Notable club members

One of the first members of The Harrogate Club was Sir Titus Salt, mayor of Bradford and the industrialist behind the creation of Salt Mill and Saltaire model village. He joined with his brother Henry in 1857.

Cuthbert Brodrick, the architect who designed many iconic Yorkshire buildings, including Leeds Town Hall, the Corn Exchange, and Scarborough’s Grand Hotel, also was known to attend, as was engineer and inventor Samson Fox.

It wasn’t just industrial giants; Arthur Conan Doyle’s name crops up in the visitor’s ledger, and it’s rumoured, although not confirmed, that J.R. Tolkien may have even crossed the threshold.

(L) Samson Fox (M) Titus Salt (R) Cuthbert Broderick (Image: The Harrogate Club)

Today, members come from a diverse range of businesses, backgrounds, and locations. Individuals don’t have to be a Harrogate resident to join – but there is a waiting list, and hopefuls have to be approved before they can count themselves amongst the ranks.

Present day and the future

It’s clear that The Harrogate Club has been through many changes over the years, transforming from an exclusive group for prominent gentlemen to a club that strives towards diversity, according to their newly appointed president.

While the opening of the club to female members in 2012 might still be classed as relatively recent history, many equivalent organisations up and down the country are still yet to take this step.

Now, with the appointment of the first female president and honour secretary, The Harrogate Club has reaffirmed their statement of intent to respect the club’s history, while adapting for the times.

Inside the dining room of The Harrogate Club (Image: The Harrogate Club)

Fiona added:

“Since 1857 the Club has provided a welcoming space for members to connect and exchange ideas. Preserving this tradition as a private members club is a priority for us, while also embracing diversity and celebrating the different cultures that make our club special.

“Today the club blends tradition with modern lifestyles, catering to all. It’s truly remarkable to think that the visionaries of Harrogate established the building as a club, and now, generations later, it continues to serve its original purpose.”

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Harrogate woman admits ‘out of control’ dog caused injury

A Harrogate woman has pleaded guilty after her dog injured someone while out of control.

Danielle Romanus, 58, of Scargill Road, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on April 12.

She faced one count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place, which caused injury.

According to court documents, the incident, which occurred on Oakdale Glen, happened on October 26, 2022.

Romanus pleaded guilty to the charge and was released on unconditional bail.

She will be sentenced at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on May 3.

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Harrogate roads to close for St George’s Day parade this weekend

Several roads will close in Harrogate’s town centre this weekend as the traditional St George’s Day parade is set to return.

The parade, which will take place on Sunday (April 28), will see the Harrogate and Nidderdale Scouts lead the march through the town.

They will be joined by hundreds of Cubs, Beavers, Squirrels, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows for the event.

According to North Yorkshire Council’s roadworks map, the parade will begin on Beech Grove and will make its way to Christ Church Track.

Both roads will be closed during the event, as well as Victoria Avenue, East Park Road, Queen Parade, North Park Road and Coach Road.

The road closure notice on Victoria Avenue.

The roads will be closed from 2pm to 2.30pm. A spokesperson for the Scouts said the parade will commence at 2pm.

There will also be a Scouts and Guides St George’s Day service held at Christ Church High.

The church’s online calendar said the service will run from 2.30pm until 3.45pm.

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Editor’s Pick of the Week: Tim Stedman returns, a new mayor awaits and Ripon prepares for 1,300 homes

No corner of the Harrogate district has been immune to new housing in recent years but the sheer scale of the 1,300-home Clotherholme development will alter Ripon forever.

Planning approval was passed by a whisker last year. Since then, the government agencies behind the scheme have said little so this week’s planning update contained some key insights.

There are now just five days until North Yorkshire elects its first mayor. Confused? Read senior reporter Calvin Robinson’s article about the main manifesto differences and look for a recap this weekend of his interviews with all six candidates. We will provide live coverage at the count in Harrogate on Friday.

There are 241 days to Christmas, but Harrogate received one of the best possible festive presents this week with the news that Tim Stedman will return to the town for his 24th panto season. Tim is so loved he would have probably been elected mayor if he’d stood — or at least livened up the sometimes tedious hustings.

Contrary to appearance, Tim is well into his 50s and the slapstick tomfoolery of a lengthy panto, often twice a day, must be exhausting. We should treasure him while we can.

Sadly his long-term double act partner Howard Chadwick won’t be back for what is always a seasonal joy, whatever your age.

Pateley Bridge Cemetery. Picture: Bill Boaden.

Pateley Bridge Cemetery. Picture: Bill Boaden.

Finally, there can be few better places to rest for eternity than Pateley Bridge Cemetery. Look at that view. So plans to create hundreds of new plots this week will be welcomed by Nidderdale folk. The plans even cater for new natural burial sites.

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Gallery: photos of the Stray’s cherry blossom from our readers

Above: Thanks to Anna Chern

Thank you to all who sent in their snaps of the cherry blossom following on from our article last week.

Here’s our latest gallery of photographs that were sent in from our readers.

A few words of advice: enjoy it while it lasts…

Thanks to Len Downes

Thanks to Len Downes

Thanks to Len Downes

Thanks to Laura Candelier Vargas

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Thanks to Laura Candelier Vargas

Thanks to Laura Candelier Vargas

Thanks to Cathy Burrell

Thanks to Lain Crabb

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Police called following concerns over man’s ‘behaviour towards women’ in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police were today called to the Cheltenham Crescent area of Harrogate after members of the public raised concerns about a man’s behaviour.

In a statement issued by the force, police said officers were called to a “disturbance” involving a man whose behaviour was “causing alarm among members of the public, in particular, his behaviour towards women”.

It added:

“The man became aggressive towards officers and was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

“However, he was taken to hospital initially due to concerns about his health and intoxication.”

No further details have been revealed.

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‘I’ve never seen smoke like it’ — neighbours react to Harrogate house fire

Neighbours have spoken of their shock at the scale of a fire today that ravaged a home in Harrogate and forced a nearby nursery to evacuate.

Firefighters from Harrogate, Knaresborough, Wetherby and Moortown rushed to Avenue Close, off Starbeck High Street, at 9.52am, as reported by the Stray Ferret.

The occupants escaped unhurt but the fire, which is believed to have started in a garage, caused major damage to the two-storey property. However, the fire crews prevented the flames from spreading to an adjoining property.

Firefighters at the scene.

About 60 children from the nursery Nature’s Little Learners, which is also on Avenue Close, were evacuated.

Owner Sam Williams said:

“We followed our fire procedure as soon as we noticed the smoke. The smoke then set off our fire alarm.”

She said everyone had to stay outside for five to 10 minutes until it was deemed safe to return. The nursery had to keep its doors and windows closed to escape the impact of thick smoke.

Lorraine Barnett, who lives in the area, said her three-year-old grandson alerted her to the incident. Ms Barnett added:

“I’ve never seen such big flames. The smoke was up to the roof. Then we heard this loud banging and crashing. Black smoke was coming out for ages.”

Another woman, whose home on High Street is close to the affected property and asked not to be named, said:

“I was in the kitchen and saw the garage was on fire. There was then thick black smoke and flames — it must have happened so quickly. I’ve never seen smoke like it. I called the fire brigade but it had already been alerted by the methodist church.”

Here are two videos taken at the scene, showing the scale of the fire.

 

 

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Councillors approve late-night outdoor dining at Harrogate restaurant

Councillors approved extending La Feria’s premises licence so the restaurant on Cold Bath Road can serve guests on its outdoor terrace until 11pm.

The new arrangement will be valid between April and September and means diners can now use its outdoor terrace later than 9pm, which was previously allowed.

La Feria, which is the trading name of Whaddya Know? Ltd, had a temporary licence for outdoor seating until 11pm last summer. North Yorkshire Council officer Wan Malachi confirmed to councillors on the licensing sub-committee today that the restaurant received no noise complaints during this period.

However, the application received three objections from residents near to the restaurant with one person saying late-night outdoor dining would “significantly impact our peace and quiet”.

The building was previously a pub for many years and was known as the Old Tradition, the Honest Lawyer and the Iron Duke.

The restaurant offers Spanish cuisine from the Andalusia region and opened on Cold Bath Road in 2016 after moving from a smaller premises on Royal Parade.

During the licensing meeting at Harrogate’s Civic Centre this afternoon (April 26), general manager Sarah Johnson told councillors the restaurant enjoys being part of the Cold Bath Road community and staff ask guests to be respectful when leaving.

Ms Johnson said:

“We are very sensitive to the neighbours and want to live in harmony with everybody on Cold Bath Road.”

Sarah Johnson

She added that regulars have requested the extension until 11pm and the more relaxed hours would help the business grow.

Ms Johnson added:

“We have to politely ask customers to leave by 9pm due to the restrictions. It can be challenging as people would like to stay longer and relax. Were a family-run and friendly restaurant, not a late-night bar or music venue. We’re just trying to extend a later dining experience in the summer for our guests.

“Our regulars say it would be lovely to sit out here a bit longer in the evenings. We survived covid as an independent restaurant so we would just like an opportunity to give staff extra hours and make more money for the business. Our restaurant is a favourite place for people to go.”

This satisfied the three councillors on the committee who approved the premises licence extension.

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Harrogate football team set for county cup final this weekend

An under-13 Harrogate football team will go head-to-head with York at a county cup final this weekend.

The Harrogate and Craven School Boys team has made it to the final of the Yorkshire Federation Schools’ Football league against York School Boys.

The squad, made up of 24 boys from across the two districts, was whittled down from hundreds of hopefuls at the initial trials.

The boys were put forward by their school PE teachers at the time and all represent a range of local schools, including Ripon Grammar School, Harrogate High School, Rossett School, King James’ School, Ashville College, St John Fisher’s and St Aidan’s.

They have taken on teams from Scunthorpe, Sheffield, York and more during the campaign.

Now, following victories against Rotherham and Wakefield, the U13s will compete in the final at Bridlington Town this Saturday.

Manager Andrew Pears said some of the players have “been signed” or are currently in talks with “a number of professional football clubs”, including Hull City, Bradford City and Huddersfield Town.

He added:

“With a focus on developing young talent and fostering a love for the game, the team is dedicated to honing their football abilities, whilst also emphasising the importance of academic excellence and good sportsmanship.

“Coached by experienced mentors, the players are provided with the guidance and support necessary to excel both on and off the field.

“Throughout the season, the team competes in various tournaments and matches, showcasing their abilities and representing their districts with pride. Their dedication and passion for the sport serve as an inspiration to their peers and a source of pride for the Harrogate and Craven communities.”

Mr Pears also said players who have represented the district at a competitive level will be presented with honour caps at the team’s awards night in May.

Harrogate and Craven School Boys U13s will play York School Boys in the league cup final on Saturday, April 27. Kick-off is at 12.30pm.

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