Business Breakfast: Harrogate marketing agency announces two new hires

Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?

The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.

Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.

A Harrogate marketing agency has made two appointments to its team.

Extreme, which is based at Windsor House, has hired Lucy Willis as a social media manager and Garon Ross as a developer.

The company said it has seen a rise in enquiries as businesses seek to elevate their position and gain competitive advantage with consumers.

Garon Ross.

Garon Ross.

Mark Gledhill, director at Extreme, said: 

“2023 has been another busy year, with demand for our web development and social services particularly high, so we’re thrilled to welcome Lucy and Garon to enable us to meet that need.”

Harrogate communications company announces new partnership

A Harrogate communications company has announced a partnership to expand its reach into the UK market.

Mobile Tornado, which is based at Cardale Park, has agreed a reseller deal with The Barcode Warehouse.

The agreement means the company’s push-to-talk over cellular and workforce management technologies will be made available to a wide range of sectors including education, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, retail and utilities.

Andrew McNamara, channel sales manager at Mobile Tornado, said: 

“This exciting new partnership opens up important new markets for Mobile Tornado in the UK and gives large organisations and SMEs the chance to improve safety, efficiency and productivity through our cutting-edge technologies for instant communications and workforce management.”

Free warm spaces offered in Harrogate and Knaresborough

Temperatures have plummeted this week across the Harrogate district as winter begins to bite.

The cold weather, which has in some areas dropped to -3 degrees, has left many worried about how to keep warm.

Netmakers, a movement of churches formerly known as Harrogate Hub, has provided a list of churches and community organisations offering support during the cold weather.

The list includes organisations in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Starbeck offering space Monday to Friday.

You can find the list below.

Resurrected Bites and Harrogate District Food Bank are also offering space amid the freezing temperatures.

If you know of any others in these places or in Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham let us know and we will add them. Email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Further information on warm spaces can also be found on the Harrogate and District Community Action website here.

Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales pub in Starbeck has also invited people to use the pub as a free place of warmth this winter.

Landlady Alison Griffiths told the Stray Ferret previously that “inflation has caused everything to go up – I just hope to save some people money”.

People don’t have to declare they’re using the service, she added, but instead can just take a seat, chat and enjoy themselves for as long as they like.

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The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: How does Dementia Forward work?

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district. 

The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.

Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.

Today, we find out how Dementia Forward works.

For over a decade, Dementia Forward has become a lifeline for thousands of families in the Harrogate district.

Many don’t know where to turn after a dementia diagnosis. Their lives have changed suddenly, and it can feel lonely and isolating. But the Dementia Forward team are on hand every step of the way to provide unrivalled support.

The dementia support advisers’ (DSAs’) first step is to visit the person living with dementia and their carer at home. They want people to feel as comfortable as they can in a time of such uncertainty. The advisers form a relationship with them and let them know they’re not alone.

One of the founding members, Kathy Patton, said:

“We see how they are, see how they feel about the diagnosis and signpost any help they need.

“That’s our core service.”

The team make it their mission to advise on what they see in front of them – rather than to frighten people over what is to come – and, from there, the support and care remains.

For those that may not be ready to take the leap with Dementia Forward yet, the team makes routine check-ins every six months to ensure the person is doing well and to provide any updated guidance that may be needed.

Better yet, the core service is entirely free.

Some of the Dementia Forward team.

The DSAs tailor their care and support to the individual. Whether this is emotional or physical support, financial or legal advice, the team understand the condition and the needs of the families, and work tirelessly to meet them.

CEO Jill Quinn said:

“Once the ducks are in a row, we work with people to keep them well. Our advisers need to know everything in their area that could help them – like walking groups, singing groups etc.”

Dementia Forward also offers regular social groups across the district. These offer a temporary escape from the disease, a place to feel understood and less isolated, as well as much-needed respite for carers.

The charity’s Hub Club takes places every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Those living with dementia spend the day at the Burton Leonard’s site and enjoy hours of games, puzzles, music and good company.

People with dementia can also visit the weekly wellbeing café, which offers board games, table tennis and lunch to enjoy. It’s a safe space where they can feel heard and carers can offload to others sharing the experience.

Kathy added:

“Dementia Forward is support for the person with dementia and their family or carer.

“The support can be as much or as little as they want.”

Dementia Forward also hold monthly coffee mornings for those living with dementia, their carers, their families, and anyone else in the wider community. They fundraise for the charity and educate people on dementia and the life changing affects it has.

But none of this would be possible without Dementia Forward’s minibus service. The minibus is already used by more than 50 people in the district; it allows those living around Harrogate and Ripon to attend social groups and access support they may not otherwise receive.

However, Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going. Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need.

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward to help us hit our £30,000 target.

Please give generously to those that need our help this Christmas. Click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or a friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.

Thank you.

The NHS found that one in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia. If you need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

Police seek wanted Harrogate man

Police have appealed for information on a wanted man from Harrogate.

Bailey George Samuel Townend, 21, is believed to be evading arrest after being recalled back to prison.

He was released from prison on licence on November 1, 2023, after being handed a 51-week custodial sentence for burglary and theft offences.

However, the Probation Service has reported that Townend has failed to reside at approved accommodation in Leeds, thereby breaching his licence.

A North Yorkshire Police statement said:

“Police enquiries are ongoing in the Harrogate and Leeds areas in the effort to return Townend to prison.

“Townend is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, slim build, with short brown hair and green eyes.

If you can help us track him down, please report information to North Yorkshire Police on 101, option 4, and speak to the Force Control Room.

“For immediate sightings, dial 999 to ensure a rapid response.

“Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.

Please quote reference number 12230220557 when providing details.”

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Parking charges introduced at Weeton railway station

Parking charges will be introduced at Weeton Station in a fortnight’s time.

Northern Railway has announced it is one of 10 station where charges are being brought in.

From Monday, December 11, motorists will have to pay £2 per day between 8am and 4pm on their phones to park at Weeton.

Northern said the charges would “ensure car parking facilities remain available for rail users only” but the move has sparked fears about the impact on parking in the village.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said:

“There is already a problem locally with how inconsiderately rail users park on the roads around the station.

“This will only make it worse.”

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Northern said in a statement:

“We know that the introduction of charges might be unwelcome news for some customers and colleagues, and we’re committed to keeping our car park arrangements under review to ensure they meet the needs of colleagues and customers alike.”

Northern said, in line with the approach taken by councils and parking companies, the machines will be cashless.

It means people will not be able to pay for parking through the ticket offices or onboard any of the services; they will have to pay via phone, smartphone or app.

None of the other rail stations in the north of England where parking charges are being introduced on December 10 are in the Harrogate district.

The other locations include Poppleton, Buckshaw Parkway and Snaith.

But motorists already have to pay to park at many local stations. For instance, Harrogate charges £4 per day and Pannal charges £3 per day.

Season high crowd watch Harrogate fightback against Wrexham

More than 3,700 fans watched Harrogate Town fight back to draw against Hollywood-backed Wrexham FC.

The highest crowd of the season so far braved the cold temperatures to see Harrogate earn a point against the newly promoted side.]

Build up to the game centred around whether Wrexham’s A-list owner Ryan Reynolds and co-owner, fellow actor Rob McElhenney, would make the visit to the EnviroVent Stadium.

Club officials cited the “Hollywood factor” as the reason behind the Wetherby Road side’s fastest selling game.

Instead, all the focus was on the pitch and the small matter of three points being up for grabs.

Wrexham went 2-0 up with strikes from Andy Cannon and Elliott Lee. However, Dean Cornelius reduced the deficit with a goal before half time.

Early in the second half, Andy O’Conner brought Town level with a header from a free kick.

Both Wrexham and Harrogate had chances to take all three points, but in the end shared the spoils.

A crowd of 3,767 – the highest of the season so far – watched the spectacle.

Wrexham fans also packed the newly opened away end at the EnviroVent Stadium after making the 115 mile trip on a Tuesday night.

While the “Hollywood factor” was cited as a reason for those flocking to Wetherby Road, Town will be hoping to build upon the support as they look to secure their EFL League Two status this season.

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Harrogate Christmas Fayre takes shape ahead of return this week

The installation of Harrogate Christmas Fayre is underway ahead of its return this week.

The fayre, which will run for 17 days, will feature 50 trade stalls around Cambridge Street selling festive food and drink, gifts, jewellery, homeware and more.

There will also be carol singers and live entertainment.

Families also can look forward to the return of the Candy Cane Express road train, which takes them on a ride around the town centre, as well as an open-top bus with a tour guide to learn about Harrogate‘s landmarks.

The Candy Cane Express. Credit: Smart Avenue Media

The Christmas fayre was extended to run over three weekends, rather than two as previously, in April this year.

Organisers Destination Harrogate and Market Place Europe announced the news after local hoteliers and businesses called for an extension to support them further.

In the announcement, John McGivern, events manager at Destination Harrogate, said the extension would provide “an excellent opportunity to boost our visitor economy even further at a crucial time of year.”

The Harrogate Christmas Fayre will return on Friday, December 1.

It will run from 10am – 7pm from Monday to Saturday, and 11am – 4pm on Sundays.

Harrogate Ice Rink. Credit: Smart Avenue Media

Harrogate Ice Rink, which will also return on Friday, will be in Crescent Gardens along with a carousel, bungee trampolines and game stalls as part of the fayre.

In addition, the festive Little Bird Market can be found in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens on Saturdays and Sundays between 2 and 17 December.

Read our Christmas market guide here to find out which festive events are happening near you.

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The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal: The story of Dementia Forward

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise money for a minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district. 

The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.

Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.

Today, we hear the story of Dementia Forward.

“I sometimes feel national charities have lost touch with local communities.

“The need for dementia support was huge and the funding was usually decided in London.

“We felt we could do a better job by being rooted in the community.”

It was this realisation that prompted Jill Quinn to improve local dementia support in the Harrogate district.

Jill, who previously worked for two national dementia charities, said she “wasted many years in retail management” before realising that the voluntary sector was where she belonged.

Dementia Forward was born in 2012 after Jill and other founding members left their previous healthcare jobs on a Friday and launched the charity the following Monday morning.

The team places need at the centre of the charity – something that can’t be done 200 miles away. She added:

“People know when they put their pound in the pot, they’d be getting better services in the local area.

“You can’t design a service to be delivered in the local area from an office in London.”

Dementia Forward began with just seven members of staff. The team was donated second-hand laptops and worked from a small office in Ripon.

Kathy Patton, one of the founding members, added:

“We knew from working at a national scale what clients really want and needed, so we set up local activities – like the hub club and coffee mornings.

“It was our dream to have a hub building like we do now.”

George Armitage House – the flagship hub in Burton Leonard – was donated to Dementia Forward by a lady who had previously lived there. After her husband died, she wanted the money from his estate to go to something meaningful – and so the team’s first hub was born.

Some of the Dementia Forward team.

Things were looking bright for Dementia Forward and the team was right – there was a huge need for local dementia support. Within just 18 months, the charity was commissioned to cover three areas of North Yorkshire. A decade later, Dementia Forward now covers the entire county.

The charity now employs more than 60 staff members, has 250 volunteers and helps 4,500 families.

Dementia Forward offers unrivalled support for those suffering with these life-changing diseases and their carers. It hosts weekly social events and groups for people to attend, as well as community groups and cafés.

The charity also has a young onset group – known as Time Out Together – which helps those who have developed symptoms of dementia under the age of 65.

People enjoy puzzles, board games and quizzes. They sing together, go on trips to the beach, walking excursions, art gallery visits and much more.

There is a certain sense of family that runs through Dementia Forward and it is clear the demand for its help and companionship is only growing.

It provides a lifeline for families and carers that are losing their loved one before their eyes.

However, the charity can only continue its amazing work with the help of charitable donations.

Kathy added:

“Every penny donated will go towards improving the lives of our clients. The money goes to them rather than the machine of a charity.”

Without Dementia Forward and its services, many people would have nowhere to turn.

Please give generously and support this vital local organisation. Nobody deserves what these families are facing – especially at Christmas.

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward, helping us hit our £30,000 target to buy the charity a new minibus and improving the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going.

Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need.

Please click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or your friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.

Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas. Thank you.

The NHS found that one in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia. If you need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

 

Councillors push ahead with scaled-back £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway

Senior Conservative councillors have agreed to drastically scale-back Harrogate’s £11.2m Station Gateway in an effort to rescue the troubled scheme.

This morning North Yorkshire Council’s executive said it will remove the part-pedestrianisation of James Street from the plans and will end its hopes of reducing Station Parade to single lane traffic so it can build cycle lanes.

The council said a rethink was needed because Harrogate-based property firm Hornbeam Park Developments, which owns several commercial properties on James Street, issued a legal challenge in the summer that left the original vision in tatters.

The council admitted that it made a technical error during the consultation stages of the proposal.

It means the council’s flagship active travel scheme for Harrogate is still set to go ahead but may only include a redeveloped One Arch and Station Square, better traffic signals, a bus lane on lower Station Parade, new paving for pedestrians and cycling parking at Harrogate Station.

North Yorkshire Council said it will explore the possibility of creating south-bound segregated cycle on Station Parade although this is not guaranteed.

The council is also developing gateway schemes in Skipton and Selby worth a combined £42m with funding from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

The council’s executive member for highways, Cllr Keane Duncan, said today:  

“Delivering capital projects of this scale in an era of high inflation and supply chain issues is not straightforward and not easy. It’s important we as an executive do not shy away from that reality. It’s important we are clear and realistic about what we can achieve.

“Our revised proposals focus on the core elements with the most public support and are built on cross-party engagement and frank and honest conversations.

“We are not reneging on the ambition and scale of our overall vision. The update today represents positive progress and puts us in the best possible position to deliver this landmark package of investment whilst avoid potential pitfalls, delays and constraints that we’re being very honest about.”

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Due to inflation, the Station Gateway project will still use its entire £11.2m budget, despite key elements being removed.

A report that went before councillors ahead of today’s meeting warned there are financial risks in developing a revised scheme.

This point was reiterated by executive member for finance, Cllr Gareth Dadd, who said the authority could be left “on the hook” if costs spiral.

The Department for Transport previously insisted that all projects must be built before March 2025.

This leaves a tight window for the council to get the project finished in time. The council also does not know if the government will agree to the changes.

The council must now undertake more public consultation, publish updated Traffic Regulation Orders and submit a new business case to West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which won the initial funding. It expects this process to take another five months.

If the business case is approved next summer, construction could begin by Autumn 2024.

Woman in 70s injured following Harrogate collision

A woman in her 70s has suffered injuries following a collision on Skipton Road in Harrogate.

The incident happened at the Texaco garage at 9:45am yesterday (November 27) when a Vauxhall Corsa collided with a pedestrian who was crossing the road.

The pedestrian, a woman in her 70s, is receiving treatment in hospital.

North Yorkshire Police is now appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to gather further information.

In a statement, the force said:

“The pedestrian suffered injuries following the collision and is receiving treatment in hospital.

“The driver of the Corsa is assisting officers with their investigation.

“Anyone who witnessed the collision, saw the vehicle involved or the pedestrian in the moments leading up to it, or has dashcam footage, is urged to make contact with North Yorkshire Police if they have not already done so.

“Please email ian.mckenzie@northyorkshire.police.uk  or phone 101 quoting reference number 12230225350 when passing on information.”

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