A Polish deli in Harrogate will relaunch in new town centre premises at the weekend.
Cracovia, which used to occupy a small shop on King’s Road, will reopen on Saturday in a larger unit on Bower Street.
Owner Maciek Bujakowski told the Stray Ferret:
“Our little shop on King’s Road had become slightly too small, so we’re moving to a bigger shop where we’ll have more space. The uniqueness of our home-made products, such as pâtés, meatloaves and sausages, gives us a strength over other shops, so we’ve become quite popular.
“If you come along on Saturday between 9am and 6pm, you’ll be able to taste different kinds of Polish food and drink, and everybody’s welcome.”
The new shop on Bower Street in Harrogate.
Maciek and wife Kasia not only own the Harrogate shop, but also a restaurant in Chapel Allerton and shops in Armley in Leeds, Acomb in York and Hessle in Hull. In total, they employ 15 people, including four in the new Bower Street shop.
Originally from Krakow in southern Poland, Maciek began his career with a four-year catering degree and represented his country in international food competitions.
Kasia and Maciek Bujakowski.
He came to England in 2004, moving around the country for various chef positions, culminating in being made executive chef of the Kimberley Hotel in Harrogate. He opened his first shop, Magic Meat – a wordplay on his first name – on King’s Road in 2015 to cater to the town’s then-growing Polish community.
He said:
“When we opened our first shop eight years ago, about 80% of our customers were Eastern European and only 20% English, but now the balance is about 50/50.
“With Polish food it’s exactly the same as with other kinds of foreign food. People come here from other places, local people try our food and like it, and it becomes more popular. I wouldn’t be surprised if in 30 years’ time, you would see Polish restaurants like you see Indian and Chinese restaurants now. It’s just the evolution of knowledge of food, and it’s changing all the time.”
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GALLERY: Rachel Daly returns to Harrogate’s Rossett School
England footballer Rachel Daly returned to Rossett School in Harrogate today to rename a 3G sports pitch in her honour.
Rossett’s most famous former student brought the place to a standstill as pupils and teachers turned out to cheer her.
Headteacher Tim Milburn greeted the Aston Villa striker at 10am before she was whisked away to meet staff and tour the building.
When she re-emerged about half an hour later, pupils formed a guard of honour as she walked from the school buildings, accompanied by her dog Dexy, to the pitch.
When they got there, Rachel — wearing white trainers and clothes by her street fashion brand sponsor Hera — joked about how much Dexy loved the attention and thought it was for her.
Dexy was certainly a hit but Rachel, who was accompanied by her family, was the undoubted star on a rare return to the school she left in 2010.
After a short speech from Mr Milburn, Rachel removed a black blanket to reveal a sign for the newly named Rachel Daly 3G Pitch. Behind her, a group of girls played football on the pitch. She said:
“It’s an honour for me to be here and have this named after me.
“It’s great seeing the young girls out here today and having them on a pitch that’s named after me. It’s a feeling I don’t think I’ll ever get used to.”
Rachel, the current PFA Players’ Player of the Year, spoke about coming home with sand burns after playing on the old astroturf pitch and how Rossett and Harrogate held a “special place in my heart”.
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Mr Milburn described Rachel, who started out at Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club, as an inspiration not only for Rossett pupils but also for anyone who uses the sports facilities. He added:
“She’s not just a Rossett hero, or a Killinghall hero, she’s a town hero. Why wouldn’t we want to honour her?”
Although the school has been quick to honour Rachel, North Yorkshire Council has yet to indicate whether it will support a call from Killinghall Nomads, supported by the Stray Ferret, for Rachel to receive civic recognition.
The Conservative-controlled council said two months ago it was urgently considering a policy on how to recognise achievements by local people.
The Stray Ferret asked Cllr Simon Myers, whose portfolio oversees such matters, what progress had been made since then but has not received a response.
Here are some images from Rachel’s return to Rossett today.
Headteacher Tim Milburn welcomes Rachel Daly to the school.
Pupils form a guard of honour.
Dexy the dog was never far from Rachel’s side.
Rachel Daly, alongside the Rachel Daly 3G Pitch.
The Rossett Lioness and the sign she unveiled.
Current Rossett footballers look on as Rachel talks to her family.
With current footballers on the 3G pitch.
Dexy takes centre stage again.
North Yorkshire Police has cordoned off a road in the centre of Harrogate.
Petergate, which is a narrow route at the back of James Street, was sealed off at lunchtime. The little-used highway contains industrial bins used by businesses.
Two police officers were stationed alongside one cordon at the junction of Petergate and Market Place.
A police officer at the cordon just off Cambridge Street.
Two others were stood at separate cordons further along Petergate and just off Cambridge Street. None would reveal what had taken place.
The Stray Ferret has contacted North Yorkshire Police for further information but has not yet had a response.
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Plan to install electric vehicle charging bays at Harrogate M&S approved
A plan to install eight electric vehicle charging points in the car park at Marks and Spencer’s food hall at Oatlands in Harrogate has been approved.
BP Pulse, which is BP’s electric vehicle charging business, applied to North Yorkshire Council for the scheme in August this year.
The company has an agreement to install high-speed electric vehicle charge points at about 70 M&S stores.
Officers at North Yorkshire Council have now approved the proposal for the Harrogate Oatlands site.
A planning statement by Manchester planning consultants Rapleys LLP on behalf of BP Pulse said the charging points would be located to the north of the store, next to Hookstone Road.
The statement says six of the spaces have their own dedicated charger, and two spaces would share a hyper charger, which is an ultra-fast DC to DC charger that can fully charge batteries in a a few minutes.
One of the spaces would be a disabled bay.
The developer added in its statement:
“Whilst the proposal would be visible within the existing car park, the proposal is minimal in nature and comprises a small element of electrical equipment only.
“Further, the use and appearance of the EV charging pillars and the associated electrical cabinet is consistent with the sites existing use as a car park.”
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- Plans to install 12 electric vehicle charging points at Wetherby Services
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Plan to install solar panels on historic Harrogate almshouses
Plans have been submitted to install 56 solar panels on historic almshouses in Harrogate town centre.
The Rogers Almshouses Trustees have tabled the proposal for the gothic-style grade two listed site, which was built in about 1868, on Belford Road.
In its plan to North Yorkshire Council, the trustees said the move would help to provide a “sustainable solution” for energy at the 14 houses.
The almshouses were a gift from George Rogers, Bradford textile manufacturer and Harrogate philanthropist.
Originally, 12 almshouses were constructed. Planning permission was granted for a further two one-bedroom houses in 2020.
The proposal would see solar panels installed at the site to help produce renewable energy for the homes, which are classed as affordable housing.
Planning documents submitted to the council said:
“The application proposes the introduction of 56 PV modules distributed across the eastern facing roof of the main almshouses building and the southern facing side of the bungalow to help meet the energy needs of the dwellings by providing a more sustainable solution through renewable energy sources.”
It added that the proposal would have “minimal visual impact” and would “protect the visual integrity” of the site, which is in the Harrogate Conservation Area.
A heritage statement submitted by architects Richard Eves in support of the application said:
“The proposal makes a significant contribution to the quality of the build environment in the locality and it will provide the charity with the valuable opportunity of further future proofing this historic building.”
North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.
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Picket line in Harrogate as trains and hospital hit by strikes
A picket line was in operation outside Harrogate railway station today as the district was hit by another day of strikes to key services.
Members of train drivers’ union Aslef picketed on Station Parade from 8am to noon in what was their 14th wave of industrial action since June last year.
No trains operated on the Harrogate and Knaresborough line and rail operator Northern has warned of further disruption tomorrow and Friday. Passengers are advised to check before they travel as there may be some short notice cancellations.
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said there had been no further talks with the government or rail firms since the union rejected a “risible” pay offer in April.
Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:
“We hope to see a resolution to this issue in the near future and an end to the disruption these strikes cause.”
A three-day strike by junior doctors and consultants at Harrogate District Hospital is due to end at 7am tomorrow.
The British Medical Association said the strike over pay had resulted in ‘Christmas Day’ cover, meaning emergency care had been staffed but only minimal cover had been provided elsewhere.
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- Harrogate hospital spends nearly £1 million on staff cover for strikes
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MPs Watch: Climate change, NHS dentists and Harrogate Station Gateway saga
Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.
In September, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a major shift in the government’s climate policies, including delaying the ban on the sale of diesel and petrol cars.
Meanwhile, in Harrogate, the saga over the Station Gateway project continued with council officials announcing the authority would explore alternative options for the scheme.
We asked Ripon MP Julian Smith and Selby and Ainsty MP Keir Mather if they would like to highlight anything in particular, but did not receive a response.
Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.
Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.
In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:
- On September 1, Mr Jones attended a Harrogate war memorial centenary event.
- Mr Jones met with Alzheimer’s Research UK in Parliament on September 6.
- On September 8, he met with North Yorkshire and Humber Integrated Care Board, alongside regional MPs, to discuss NHS dentistry.
- Mr Jones then raised the issue of NHS dentistry access in Harrogate during Prime Minister’s Question Time on September 13.
- On September 14, he raised a question to the Department for Business and Trade regarding support for companies exporting and asked the Leader of the House for a debate on SEND funding.
- He chaired a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport across the North.
- Mr Jones described the Prime Minister’s announcement of a shift in climate policy as “practical and pragmatic” on September 21.
- Mr Jones visited the refurbished Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre on September 22.
- On September 25, he met with constituents to discuss anti-social behaviour concerns at the former Kimberley Hotel.
- He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service on September 26 that he hoped North Yorkshire Council will use money earmarked for the £11.2m Station Gateway to create a more welcoming space in Harrogate.
When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent a list of his engagements for September.
They included holding constituency surgeries, supporting Nidd Action Group’s Action Day at the Lido Leisure Park in Knaresborough and holding a roundtable with Harrogate-based cyclists to discuss local cycling infrastructure.
Others included meeting with representatives of the Women’s Institute to support their Clean Rivers campaign, meeting the Jewish Leadership Council, Food and Drink Federation and Macmillan Cancer Support and visiting the site of the local mental health crisis line to learn more about how calls are handled by TEWV NHS Foundation Trust.
Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.
In Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:
- Mr Smith spoke three times in the House of Commons in September, two contributions were on Northern Ireland and another on paediatric acute-onset neuro- psychiatric syndrome.
- He visited Fountains Abbey near Ripon to be given an update on its plans to renovate the site.
- Mr Smith tweeted 14 times in September, which included to posts to promote various government grants and initiatives.
- He updated his website six times in September, which included one item specific to Ripon.
Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP.
In Selby and Ainsty, which includes rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Mather:
- Mr Mather was sworn in as the new MP for Selby and Ainsty on September 4.
- He made 20 written questions to government departments in September, including topics such as access to GPs, anti-social behaviour and gender based violence.
- On September 1, Mr Mather tweeted that he met the chief executive of Yorkshire Housing, Nick Atkin, to discuss “how to win the race to net zero in North Yorkshire by investing in affordable and sustainable housing for all”.
- Mr Mather tweeted six times in September, which included topics such as meeting with the National Farmers’ Union and being sworn into parliament.
- He updated his Facebook page 11 times in September. Posts included SEND provision in Selby and sharing concerns over RAAC in schools.
- Mr Mather has yet to give his maiden speech in the House of Commons.
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Business Breakfast: Knaresborough company acquires local financial firm
The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 26 October at Banyan in Harrogate between 8 am – 10 am.
The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
A Knaresborough company has completed the acquisition of a local financial firm.
Prosperis, which is based at St James’ Business Park, has acquired fellow Knaresborough business RMB Financial Management Ltd.
Niall Gunn, chief executive at Prosperis, said the move will help to benefit its clients.
He said:
“We are delighted to have been able to acquire such a high-quality business and, in doing so, allows us to continue to provide clients an excellent professional level of service for the foreseeable future.
“As an independently owned business, this acquisition will benefit greatly all clients. We are on track to add further locations within the north-east as we continue with our growth plans.”
Paul Meehan, chairman at Prosperis, added:
“These are exciting times for the whole Prosperis team and we remain very acquisitive.
“The purchase of the RMB business sets us up nicely as we now move to the next phase of the strategy to buy more firms. We expect to complete on another deal before the end of the year in addition to some additional senior hires.”
Former Harrogate bank building goes on the market
A former bank building in Harrogate has been placed on the market for offers over £1 million.
No7 Cambridge Crescent is a landmark listed building, which covers 6,000 square feet in the town centre.
No7 Cambridge Crescent in Harrogate.
Cambridge Crescent was built in 1867-8 by George Dawson to a design of J H Hirst of Bristol featuring enriched Flemish Renaissance frontage with the former banking premises suitable for retail, office and residential uses.
The property has been stripped out for ease of development with the ground floor former banking hall now open plan and a lower ground floor, previously the secure storage area, has had the safe removed.
Tim Waring, prime property at GSC Grays which is marketing the building, said:
“This is a unique opportunity to purchase a charming building in a fantastic central location in the famous spa town of Harrogate with potential for various development options.”
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New cafe opens on Starbeck High Street
A brand new cafe has opened in Starbeck.
Susie June’s Cafe, which is based at 67F High Street, opened its doors yesterday.
The new venture was founded by local business partners Simone MacDermid and Charlotte Currie.
They acquired the site, which was the former Millers Cafe, in July.
The pair, who both worked in the hospitality industry, launched the venture with the aim to create a “community feel”. The name comes from the first names of both owners’ mothers.
Ms MacDermid told the Stray Ferret:
“We’re both local girls.
“Everyone knows that we are here to provide for everyone’s needs. We have had local people in and use local produce.”
She added that the pair had help from friends and family to get the venture off the ground.
The cafe offers traditional breakfast, hot sandwiches, soups, cakes and pastries.
It is open six days a week from 7am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 2pm on Saturdays.
Susie June’s becomes the latest hospitality venue to open in Starbeck this year.
In April, The Office Ale House bar opened on High Street.
Meanwhile, Chilli Chicks chicken restaurant and takeaway opened in July.
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- New Starbeck chicken restaurant opens
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Missing Harrogate girl found
Police are searching for a missing Harrogate teenager have confirmed she has been found.
The 13-year-old was reported missing yesterday.
North Yorkshire Police said in a statement this morning that she has been found safe and well.
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