Artist and designer open gift shop in Harrogate

An artist and designer have combined their talents to open a gift shop in Harrogate.

Katie and Howard Shelmerdine opened Lighthouse Lane on Royal Parade.

The couple, who have two other shops, describe the venture as a “design-led gift, art, homeware and greetings card brand”.

Katie is responsible for the artwork and Howard specialises in the Yorkshire product range.

About half of the products are designed and often made in house.

Katie said:

“We opened our first retail store in Haworth in 2015. After welcoming our first child, we left our jobs working for a high street bank and decided to give running a business a go.

“We had no experience in the creative world but knew we were passionate about it and decided the time was as right as it could have been.”

They opened a second shop in Skipton in 2019 and have now set-up business in Harrogate. Katie said:

“We are very excited to become a part of the community of vibrant Montpellier independent retailers, cafes and bars.

“We hope that our store is a welcoming, fun and relaxing place to visit where you might find that special something to treat yourself to.”

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Rose arch erected — but will Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens be renamed?

A rose arch has been erected in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens — but a decision on whether to rename the area has yet to be finalised.

Harrogate Borough Council, which was abolished in April, announced plans to re-landscape Crescent Gardens in February, shortly after it hosted an ice rink and funfair last Christmas.

The activities are due to return for a longer period this year and for the following two years.

A report at the time by Kirsty Stewart, the council’s parks and ground maintenance manager, said “we would like to take the opportunity to upgrade the area to enable better accommodation of future events with less disruption to the planting in this area”.

The report also proposed changing the name of the area to The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Garden as part of the £21,000 makeover, stating:

“A large plaque in the central bed to be relocated is dedicated to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The plaque has recently been removed as it required repair.

“Given the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II, the relocation of the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother plaque and the sale of the Crescent Gardens building, we are proposing the gardens area is renamed as the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Gardens and would welcome cabinet members view on this.”

Although Harrogate Borough Council approved the recommendation, the Stray Ferret asked the successor authority North Yorkshire Council if the new name will be adopted.

Jonathan Clubb, head of parks and grounds at council, said:

“In February, the former Harrogate Borough Council agreed to look into whether the area of Crescent Gardens can be renamed the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Garden.

“There is a process we have to follow to apply for the naming and we will continue to pursue this.”

The steel rose arch, which will nurture climbing roses, has been installed along with flower beds as part of the re-landscaping, which used £10,000 of the budget.

The works were part of the ongoing management of Harrogate’s parks and grounds to maintain a vibrant, attractive location for residents and visitors, Mr Chubb added.

However, the nearby pavilion remains sealed off by fencing after it was recently used by a group of homeless people.

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Stray Views: Valley Drive parking fines a ‘money spinner’

Stray Views 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.

Valley Drive parking fines are a council money spinner

It is little wonder the council makes so much money from parking fines on Valley Drive in Harrogate as one side of the road permits three hours of parking whilst the opposite side gives only one hour.

It’s fairly obvious that if someone who does not know the road parks on the one-hour side and looks across to the other and sees the three-hour parking sign, they may well think that applies to their side too without checking.

It has always seemed unfair to me that this anomaly could catch many people out. I daresay the council realises the anomaly too but are hardly likely to remedy it when it is such a money spinner.

Carol Trueman, Harrogate

Ripon councillors still dining out on anti-Harrogate rhetoric

Ripon city councillors have dined out on anti-Harrogate antics from 1974 to 2023 — almost 50 years of negative opposition instead of creative engagement — ensuring the continuous election of the same.

How long before they then turn their sights on the new North Yorkshire Council for failing to give them what they want, which is complete control of everything Ripon-related?

The ‘leader’ of Ripon City Council (actually a parish council) — is there even such a role in most parish council standing orders? — was elected as an ‘independent’ but has subsequently decided to support the Conservative councillors on North Yorkshire Council.

John Edmonstone

(Ex-parish councillor nearby to Ripon)    

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Why weren’t pedestrians consulted about Station Parade roadworks?

I was disappointed to see that pedestrians have been given little thought in the redevelopment of Copthall Towers on Station Parade. The footpath along one whole side of Station Bridge is now entirely blocked off.

I walk this way on the school run daily, coming from the direction of East Parade. This obstruction means we have to go clockwise around the roundabout in order to reach the far side of Station Bridge.

This may not seem like a significant detour to some, but try adding a pushchair and early walkers into the mix.

More significantly, it also necessitates crossing two roads which don’t have a pedestrian crossing, one of which has two lanes approaching the roundabout.

Was any thought given to adding temporary pelican crossings at Station Avenue and North Park Road? Or perhaps, giving pedestrians priority over Station Bridge, rather than drivers?

It would be refreshing to see our elected leaders and planning officials put pedestrians first for a change; prioritising greener, more sustainable travel choices and making it easier and safer for people to walk.

It’s already hard enough to navigate the piles of dog excrement, pot holes and parked cars which furnish our pavements so abundantly.

Jessica Eaton, Harrogate

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.

 

Harrogate squash captain eyes first title in 25 years

Harrogate-born Declan Christie is ranked among the highest non-professionals in the world at squash — but he still wants to achieve more.

The 31-year-old estimates he plays the sport, which will be added to the Olympic programme in 2028, at least three hours a day.

He pits himself against professional players every week and also has the chance to get into the top eight of the British rankings in padel tennis.

But, as captain of Harrogate’s premier squash team, he has his eyes on more.

Picking up a racquet

The club has not won the league in 25 years. Declan wants to rectify that.

By his own admission, Declan does not come from a sporting family.

His dad would take him to his local tennis club as a child and he became addicted to racquet sports.

But, it was squash which got him hooked in.

“I used to play tennis originally, I started playing when I was about seven. I played for about three years.

“I used to get dropped off at the squash and tennis club and I would be there all day. After my tennis lessons had finished, I’d go inside and play squash.

“Squash is a much faster sport and that’s what got me hooked.”

Declan playing in a squash match.

Declan playing in a squash match.

Declan entered local tournaments and went on to represent Yorkshire at under-13s.

The intensity of the sport and the glory that comes with it being a single player contest is addictive to Declan

“Squash is often described as boxing with rackets. It’s physically demanding.

“It’s between boxing and chess. You’ve got to think a few moves ahead.”

‘No other sport like squash’

Despite his commitment to the sport, Declan does not play it professionally.

Instead, he has ran his own business, Luxury Flooring, since he was 17.

“I’m a business owner. There’s not a lot of money in squash, so I chose not to go down that route.”

Owning his own business was a foundation for him to be able to pursue squash, he says.

Sport took a back seat while Declan was building his company.

“I was working like 18 hours a day building that up. I didn’t really have much time for sport.

“I played a little bit here and there, but not like I do now.”

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These days, Declan has handed over the reigns of his firm to a management company.

It means he has been able to commit more time to squash and padel tennis and his pursuit of building up his ranking.

He estimates that he plays sport around three hours a day, in particular squash.

“I love squash. No other sport that I have played comes close to squash. I have played a lot of tennis and padel.

“But the feeling of winning a squash match when there is just two people on the court, there is no feeling like that.”

Aiming for the title

Declan already has a league championship under his belt from his time at Chapel Allerton in Leeds.

Sat inside Harrogate Sport and Fitness Centre, where Harrogate play their home games, he explains that the club has been without a title for 25 years.

The league will take Declan and his side across the county to Pontefract, Hull and Doncaster, where they will be pitted against professional and high ranked players from across the world.

At Harrogate, Declan has top 100 ranked Stuart MacGregor as his teammate as well as players who play for Yorkshire.

For Declan, he feels this year the team has a good chance to end that period.

He became captain after the club asked him to lead the side going into the season.

“The club asked me and I’m quite ambitious with it. 

“We want to win the league and that’s what I want to do. It’s about putting a team together that can do that.

“I’ve won the league with another club in Chapel Allerton. This club hasn’t won the league in about 25 years, but we feel this year we’ve got a really good chance of winning it.”

Declan counts the Hungarian open, Swiss open and Italian open as among his achievements in squash.

In the future, he also has ambitions to play for his country in the senior team and represent Great Britain at padel tennis.

But, this year, winning the title at Harrogate is the ultimate goal.

“I know what to do to win this league, so I’m pretty confident that we can win it.”

If you have any local sporting heroes who you think should be featured in Sporting Spotlight, contact calvin@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Boroughbridge community larder hosts cost of living event

Two Harrogate district charities are holding a community event which hopes to combat the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.

Boroughbridge Community Larder operates a food bank at Boroughbridge Methodist Church which aims to reduce food waste.

It has partnered with local mental health charity, Mind in Harrogate District to host the Boroughbridge Community Larder Event, which will offer visitors legal advice, cooking demonstrations and mental health support during the financial climate.

The event will begin with a cooking demonstration from Season Well – a Leeds-based project which promotes organic and healthy eating. Attendees can expect to learn budget-friendly recipes using produce from the community larder and local ingredients.

North Yorkshire Citizens Advice and Law Support will offer drop-in sessions to those looking for energy-saving strategies, priority services registers and financial guidance through the cost-of-living crisis.

Mind will also provide mental health signposting services for those that may need it, as well as on-site support.

Kirsty Dawson, rural wellbeing coordinator at Mind in Harrogate District, said:

“We’re facing the biggest cost of living crisis in a generation. The pressure from this crisis is impacting everyone, from people who were already struggling, right through to people who’ve never worried about money before.

“That stress and worry can make it hard to stay mentally well. Mind can’t fix the cost-of-living crisis, but we can help the people, families and communities in our district feel more able to cope.

“By working with other local organisations and helping to highlight the support that is available locally, we hope we can help people to better manage these difficult times.”

The event is open to everyone and is entirely free to attend.

It will take place Wednesday, November 8, from midday until 4pm, at Boroughbridge Methodist Church.

The larder will operate as usual on the day and will provide food resources from noon until 1.30pm at the same venue.

Those that would like to watch the cooking demonstration must register by Tuesday, October 31. You can register in person at the Community Larder or contact Kirsty at kirsty@mindinharrogate.org.uk or on 07305 049296.

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Yemi’s Food Stories: Exploring Harrogate with Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in last year’s BBC TV’s Masterchef  competition. Every Saturday Yemi will be writing on the Stray Ferret about her love of the district’s food  and sharing cooking tips– please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

I’ve lived in Harrogate for over 10 years, so when I got the invite to join the Yorkshire Appetite Food Tour team on a tour of Harrogate, I was certain we would visit some familiar places – but I was wrong.

There is something to be said about being a tourist in your own town, as you get to see it through a fresh pair of eyes — especially when it’s through the eyes of someone who knows and appreciates the history.

I learnt about Harrogate and enjoyed many stories that Jill, our guide, told us about William Slingsby, the soldier who discovered Harrogate, and why we see street names like ‘Montpellier’ and ‘Parliament’.

The tour started at Starling Beer & Coffee House on Oxford Street. I have walked past this road before but never noticed the venue. It is a popular brunch spot in town that serves pizza throughout the evening, as well as unique dishes like poutine – a Canadian reputed hangover-cure!

Our first dish was eggs florentine. It included locally sourced poached eggs with spinach and mushrooms, served with a hollandaise sauce and micro herbs.

We then had another history lesson on the town centre, including the significance of the war memorial, how the town got its name and even some background into the Harrogate institution that is Bettys.

After this, the tour took us to Yorkshire Tapas. Chef Dane champions local produce and creates tapas-style dishes from Yorkshire staples, such as fish and chips, Yorkshire puddings and roast dinners.

Here we enjoyed a generous portion of Yorkshire pudding with pulled pork, shoestring fries, and crackling powder.

Yemi and her fellow food tour members at Vanilli’s and Yorkshire Tapas (R)

The next stop was Cold Bath Deli where we enjoyed a delicious sausage roll served with a leafy salad and French dressing. The mixed beans and roasted cauliflower were both delicious, and I never thought I’d see the day I would be like Oliver Twist asking for more broccoli!

There were lots of other things to try here, so I must visit again to sample other menu items.

Chocolate ice cream at Vanilli’s

Next up was Vanilli’s – an ice cream parlour on Cold Bath Road that has been running for 12 years.

We tasted a variety of lovely ice creams, including some gluten free ones.

Alex, the owner, is passionate about making great ice cream with no artificial flavourings, and I could certainly taste the difference. I have never ordered a chocolate ice cream but was an instant convert when I tasted Alex’s.

I am heading back for his Christmas flavours, so look out for my post on that – I might even save you a job of looking for a quality dessert.

Before heading to Hales Bar – the final leg of the tour – we ventured through Valley Gardens to learn about the town’s rich spa history. We finished the tour with a drink, a slice of parkin and Farrah’s sweets.

The tour is designed to give insight into Harrogate and its history, as well as enjoying a four-course meal from local businesses. I found it eye-opening and discovered lots of new places I’d like to try.

If you’re like me, you can lose sight of what is around you because you are a creature of habit. It’s time to see our gorgeous town through a fresh pair of eyes and to look at both sides of the road.

We need to walk through doors to see the foodie jewels that are lurking behind them.

I am certainly going to be more present as I continue to explore the vibrant food scene across Harrogate and the rest of Yorkshire.

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Flooding expected on Skell, Ure and Nidd as river levels rise

Flood warnings are active on low-lying areas alongside the rivers Ure, Skell and Nidd in the Ripon, Boroughbridge and Harrogate areas this morning. The Environment Agency issues flood warnings when flooding is expected and immediate action is required. One was installed in Ripon last night due to rising river levels. The Environment Agency said:

“Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Laver, River Skell, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around riverside properties including Firs Avenue and properties either side of Alma Weir.”

Another warning is active for Boroughbridge camping and caravan site along the Ure. It says the river level is expected to peak at around 2.2m at Westwick Weir this morning, A separate warning was issued at 12.48am this morning for the nearby River Tutt in Boroughbridge where properties next to the river are expected to flood. The only part of the River Nidd with a flood warning is at Birstwith, where the Environment Agency said at 4.48am this morning:

“Areas most at risk include properties situated along Wreaks Road, Clint Bank and Broomfield Road.”

Less severe flood alerts, which indicate flooding is possible but not likely, are in place for the upper, middle and lower Nidd catchment areas A flood warning for the Lower River Ure was issued at 1.48am last night but was downgraded to an alert at 8.31am, with the Environment Agency now saying:

“Flooding is possible on low-lying land including agricultural land and local roads in the areas around Masham, Boroughbridge, Aldborough and Bishop Monkton.”

The River Crimple, Lower Dunsforth Access and the Nidd at Hunsingore also have flood alerts in place. Lighter rain is expected this morning before a 48-hour dry period proceeds more rain.

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Prolific Harrogate burglar jailed for three raids including at restaurant and bar

A career burglar and “persistent thief” has been jailed for two years for a series of raids, while he was on a suspended sentence, for breaking into Harrogate hair salons.

Anthony Fraser, 38, targeted three premises including a bar and a restaurant in Harrogate town centre just three months after receiving a suspended prison sentence for raiding two hairdressers, York Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Kelly Clarke said that on April 26 the “recidivist” burglar raided North Bar in Cheltenham Parade after using a crate to smash a glass door. He then stole £500 of items including £198 of alcohol.

About a month later, he targeted a property under renovation at Princess Square after scaling the rear brick wall. He tried to force the door open but was unsuccessful and ran off.

On August 7, he stole more than £500 from a safe at the Estabulo restaurant on Albert Street after breaking in through a rear fire door. CCTV captured him looking around the office for a key to the safe before stealing the contents and riding off on a pushbike.

Fraser, of Swan Road, Harrogate, admitted two counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary with intent to steal. All three offences were in breach of his eight-month suspended prison sentence for three burglaries committed in January.

In those raids, Fraser stole thousands of pounds’ worth of products from the Hart & Hart hair salon and Nathan Cosgrove Barbers, both on Commercial Street, on the same weekend.

CCTV showed him smashing a window at Hart & Hart in the early hours of the morning, evidently with a brick. He then left but returned a few hours later and reached in through the smashed window to steal hair straighteners worth over £300.

He left the Nathan Cosgrove salon a “mess” after ransacking the place and stole about 30 items worth £6,851. He also took the till.

The following day, police raided a “drug den” in Mayfield Grove, Harrogate, where they found Fraser and a suitcase containing a “large amount of barbering equipment”.

Fraser had over 30 previous convictions for 50 offences, the majority for theft and kindred, dating back more than 20 years.

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He appeared for sentence for the new offences via video link yesterday after being remanded in custody.

Addicted to Benzodiazepine

Defence barrister Danielle Gilmour conceded that Fraser, a drug addict, was an inveterate burglar who “goes around looking for (opportunities) to burgle”.

She said that Fraser, who had been living in a hostel in Harrogate after being spared prison in March, was addicted to the prescription drug Benzodiazepine.

Recorder Dafydd Enoch KC branded Fraser a “recidivist burglar” with an “appalling” record.

“You have a very long history of burglary and other dishonesty offences,” added Mr Enoch.

“Most, if not all of it, is born out of a long-standing drug problem.”

He criticised Fraser for targeting yet more premises in Harrogate just three months after receiving the suspended sentence, including a “small business” from which he stole £500 cash.

Fraser was jailed for two years, of which he will serve half behind bars before being released on prison licence.

Heavy rain causes flooding and travel disruption

Homes are at risk of flooding, travel is disrupted and attractions have closed as rain affects the Harrogate district. Follow our live blog for Storm Babet updates.

Please send storm news from your area to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

6.10pm: RSPCA urges pet owners to keep animals safe

RSPCA water rescue teams are on standby.

RSPCA inspectorate commissioner Dermot Murphy said:

“In areas affected by flooding owners should be looking to bring small animals inside and move them upstairs, while livestock should be taken up to higher ground with enough emergency supplies for their needs. If householders do have to leave animals behind when they evacuate properties then they should keep them inside an upstairs room with plenty of food and water.

“Wild animals can also struggle in stormy weather but people can help them too. For example, they could leave some extra food out for hungry birds above ground level and perhaps even provide shelter for ground-nesting birds.”

5.48pm: Patio flooding in Killinghall

Reader Simon Beckett has sent us this photo of his patio in Killinghall, where standing water is beginning to accumulate.

If you have photos showing the impact of the storm please send them to us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

5.18pm: Northern warns of ‘ongoing disruption’ on trains

Rail operator Northern has urged people to check here for service updates before setting off.

4.51pm: Environment Agency warns of more flood warnings

The Environment Agency has just issued a press release saying more flood warnings are expected to be issued, including in Yorkshire in the next 24 hours.

It says:

People are being urged to prepare for the risk of significant flooding for the rest of this week. The public should sign up to flood warnings and check the latest safety as heavy downpours are likely to fall on saturated ground.

Mike Dugher, Yorkshire area director at the Environment Agency, said:

“Persistent and heavy rain brought by a combination of Storm Babet and following weather systems means significant river flooding is possible across Yorkshire today and into Saturday.

“We have flood alerts and warnings in place across Yorkshire and do expect more to come into place over the next 24 hours.

“We would urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water – as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car. ” 

4.16pm: Don’t visit the coast, urges North Yorkshire Council

In case you were thinking of heading to Scarborough, North Yorkshire Council has issued a press release advising against it.

Marine Drive was closed today due to overlapping seawater and street furniture being blown around in high winds.

A decision has also been made to cancel this evening’s two shows at Scarborough Spa as Spa Road will be closed due to the risk of overtopping. The cliff lift is also out of action because of the high winds.

3.45pm: Plane skids off runway at Leeds Bradford Airport

Emergency services are at the scene. You can read more here.

3.05pm: Persistent rain forecast until 4am

The amber weather warning for the Harrogate district is in place until 6pm tonight but the Met Office is still forecasting rain until 4am tomorrow morning followed by more intermittent lighter rain until 11am tomorrow.  The sun may make an appearance on Sunday.

2.12pm: Flood warning removed for Pannal and Burn Bridge

The Environment Agency has removed its flood warning for parts of Pannal and Burn Bridge alongside the River Crimple — also known as Crimple Beck. It was issued at 4.14am. However, a less severe flood alert remains in place in the wider River Crimple catchment area.

Five other flood alerts remain active in the Harrogate district, including this one for the Middle River Nidd catchment area.

1.16pm: Mother Shipton’s to close tomorrow

Mother Shipton’s in Knaresborough has posted on social media:

“Due to the ongoing extreme weather conditions, we have made the decision to close the attraction on Saturday, October 21.”

12.47pm: ‘Do not ignore road closed signs’, say firefighters

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a social media post urging drivers not to drive into floodwater or ignore road closed signs. You can read more here.

11.58am: Met Office upgrades local weather warning to ‘amber’. 

A yellow weather warning has been in place for the Harrogate district until tomorrow morning. But the Met Office has now upgraded to a more severe amber alert from midday until 6pm today.

It said persistent heavy rain was likely to lead to some flooding and disruption.

 

11.22am: Power cuts in Great Ouseburn

Northern Powergrid’s live power cuts map currently shows 52 homes in Great Ouseburn and Little Ouseburn are without power. But this appears to be the only part of the Harrogate district affected right now.

10.44am: Fountains Abbey and RHS Harlow Carr closed

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, including the deer park, are closed all day. RHS Harlow Carr announced yesterday it would close today and its autumn garden weekend had also been cancelled.

10.30am: Current flood alerts and warnings

Here is the current Environment Agency map showing flood alerts and flood warnings in the Harrogate district. You can read more about each incident here. If you live near any and can provide any updates and images email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will share the information.

10.21am: Harrogate to Leeds trains ‘returning to normal’

Rail operator Northern has posted on social media that the line between Harrogate and Leeds has reopened and services are returning to normal. The line closed due to flooding. However, Northern adds some services may still be delayed or cancelled.

10.11am: Flood alerts all along the River Nidd

The Environment Agency currently has flood alerts in place for the upper, middle and lower River Nidd. There are also alerts for the Lower River Ure at Ripon, the Lower Dunsforth Access and the River Crimple catchment. A more serious flood warning remains in place for the River Crimple at Burn Bridge and Pannal.

 

 

Man, 18, pleads guilty to obstructing police outside Harrogate McDonald’s

An 18-year-old has pleaded guilty to obstructing police on duty following an incident outside McDonald’s in Harrogate yesterday.

Alfie Stevens, of Coates Street, Bradford, appeared before York Magistrates Court today.

He was charged with obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty and breaching bail conditions, however, the latter charge was withdrawn by the court.

Magistrates took Stevens’ guilty plea into account and closed the case after concluding his time spent in detention in custody was sufficient.

A 16-year-old girl was also charged with obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty, as well as obstructing a person assisting a constable in execution of their duty.

She is due to appear at Harrogate Youth Court next month.

The incident took place at 1.40pm outside McDonald’s on Cambridge Road.

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