A Harrogate World War II veteran believed to be among the first servicewomen to enter a Nazi concentration camp is to give a talk about her experiences next week.

Sheila Pantin, who will be 100 next month, will give the talk as part of the Harrogate war memorial centenary commemorations.

The event, which is sold out, will take place at the town’s West Park United Reformed Church.

Sheila joined the army aged 17 and trained as an ambulance and staff car driver with the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women’s branch of the British Army, rising to the rank of sergeant.

She became one of the first British servicewomen to enter Belsen concentration camp in April 1945 after its liberation.

Reflecting on the time, Sheila said:

“I thought they meant ‘barracks’ but it turned out they didn’t mean that at all. There was the camp with this huge entrance and an awful lot of huts surrounded by barbed wire fencing.

“We were entering Belsen. I could see our boys digging out mass graves to give the bodies proper burials.

“The only people left alive were in rags and were in a terrible state. They didn’t even know how to eat.”

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It was Sheila’s job to look after the survivors in the camp, to clean them, dress them, show them how to use a knife and fork, to try to restore a little humanity after the horrors of the Nazi Holocaust.

Sheila’s talk will take place on Wednesday, September 27, and forms part of a wider selection of events taking place as part of the commemoration.

More details of the centenary commemorations are available here.

Harrogate’s Charlotte McGuinness has her sight set on the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

The 22-year-old powerlifter has competed in World Cups and European Championships since taking up the sport as a teenager.

Powerlifting has taken her to Georgia and the United States to compete in major tournaments.

But, for Charlotte, the ultimate goal is to bench press on the world stage at the Paralympics.

Picking up the weights

Charlotte initially started out as a swimmer.

When she turned 16, she realised that being a swimmer was “probably out of reach for myself” and turned her attention to powerlifting.

She picked up a set of weights while still studying at St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate.

From there, she was enrolled onto a talent pathway which included training at Loughborough University – which she still does today.

She was set on a development programme in June 2019 which tracked her powerlifting progress.

From there, her career trajectory began to climb.

She competed in the Para Powerlifting World Cup in Manchester in 2020 just before the coronavirus pandemic.

“I was still swimming at the time. I was trying to balance both and then covid hit.

“It forced me to quit swimming and it was a blessing in a sense. It made me focus on my lifting and that made me progress.”

Charlotte McGuinness pictured competing in the World Cup.

Covid forced her to set up a gym at home, where she followed her development programme.

Nowadays, she mixes it up and uses local gyms as well as her bench press training at home.

She returned to Manchester in March 2021 to compete in the Para Powerlifting World Cup.

This time, she won bronze in the women’s up to 50kg category with a bench press of 74kg.

A year later, she competed in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi in a World Para Powerlifting event.

The championships was her first away on her own for a lengthy period of time.

“I was nervous because I had never been away for that length of time to a different country.

“It was covid as well, so we were very restricted. We were only meant to stay in the hotel for 10 days.”

However, despite the restrictions of the pandemic, the competition is one she fondly remembers.

“Something that I will always remember is coming back from the juniors. The competition was taking place in another hotel.

“We were staying in a different hotel and I came back from the juniors after winning a medal and my teammates were at the top of the stairs up to reception and they were clapping. I will always remember that one.”

“I really thought sport was all physical. But it’s really not.”

Charlotte then went on to compete in senior competitions, including a World Cup in the United States.

Despite the upward trajectory, not every competition has been smooth sailing.

Charlotte says her performance in the European Championships in October 2022 was a particular low point when she didn’t manage to make the lift that she wanted.

“I didn’t walk away there happy. I used it as a learning tool.

“You train however many hours a week and however many times on a bench and sometimes it will not go to plan. Your body and muscles may not do what you want them to do and that was one of those days.

“I learned a lot from that. That competition will always be in the back of my mind.”

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She says the toll of training can often have an impact on her mental health.

Charlotte has been working with a clinical psychologist to help keep her focussed heading into some major tournaments in the lead up to the Paralympics.

“For me, I really thought sport was all physical. But it’s really not, it’s mental as well.

“You’ve got to accept not getting a lift and you’ve got to accept that you’ll train all this time and not do as well as you want to.

“Especially after the Europeans, I struggled to come back. But I got there in the end with the help of the team.”

She returned to Georgia a year later to the same venue and lifted a personal best of 94kg.

Now, she is hoping to make it to Paris for the Paralympic Games in 2024.

Aiming for the Paralympics

To qualify, she needs to remain in the top eight of the British ranking going into the new year.

A crucial competition for her to remain there will be the World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, next month.

Charlotte McGuinness, pictured at a competition in Dubai.

For Charlotte, the goal is to get a 97kg lift on the board in order to retain her place in the top eight.

To keep her focussed on the task in hand, Charlotte’s coach has written down the names of the girls who are also competing for that top eight ranking.

Reaching the Paralympics would be a milestone for Charlotte, who only picked up a set of weights some four years ago.

For her, the opportunity is there for the taking.

“I know I’ve got the strength, I just need to execute the technique.

“Once I’ve done that, it will be on the board.”

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

A group of 34 runners is taking part in the Yorkshire Marathon to raise funds for a scholarship after the sudden death of a young Harrogate woman.

Ellie Kempley, who was a pupil at both The Grammar School at Leeds and Ashville College, died from arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) on September 16 last year.

Her family say her life was taken “without warning or reason” at the age of 22.

Before her death, Ellie was midway through an AMI Montessori 3-6 Diploma at the Maria Montessori Institute – following her dreams of working with children.

Now, her brother Ben has gathered a team of runners to complete this year’s marathon to raise enough money to fund The Ellie Kempley Scholarship.

The bursary will cover the full tuition of a student, or students, on the course Ellie was unable to finish.

Ben said:

“She was incredibly passionate about children, had graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in childhood studies, and had worked part-time at Rigg Farm Montessori Nursery.

“It was always her dream to educate, inspire, and care for young people.

“By sponsoring teachers in her honour, we can do just that.”

The group, formed by Ellie’s closest friends and family, as well of her boyfriend, Ryan, have already raised more than £10,000 and hope to raise a further £6,000 to put their plan into action.

The members have been training for the marathon for 10 weeks and are dotted across the globe in England, Australia and Japan.

Some are seasoned runners, while others are complete beginners.

Ben added:

“She was an absolutely wonderful person: infinitely selfless, thoughtful, and kind.

“We would therefore be incredibly grateful for any donations – little or large – to our cause.”

The Yorkshire Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 15.

Donations can be made via the GoFundMe page.

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A national telecommunications company has appealed a decision to refuse plans for a new 5G mast in Harrogate.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd, which operates Three Mobile, proposed installing the mast on Park Parade.

It submitted the plan to the former Harrogate Borough Council in November 2022.

The developer said the proposal would help to “improved network coverage and capacity” in the area.

However, the council rejected the plan on the grounds it would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the site.

John Worthington, who was chief planner at the council at the time, said in a decision notice:

“The proposed street pole, by virtue of its external appearance, scale and siting, would be a visually incongruous and alienated addition that would be detrimental to the visual amenity and character of the site and conservation area. 

“It would fail to respect local distinctiveness. This harm outweighs the benefits of the proposal in this location.”

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd has now taken the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which deals with planning disputes.

A planning inspector will make a decision on the appeal at a later date.

The move is the second time the company has appealed a decision to refuse a 5G mast in Harrogate.

The borough council also rejected a plan to build a mast at Granby Park, which is adjacent to the Stray by Skipton Road.

An appeal against the refusal was submitted by the company in July this year.

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A vintage clothing store is set to open on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road.

Karma Co. Vintage has put posters in the window of the unit previously occupied by children’s shop Tiger Fifty 7,  which announced it was closing and looking for another site in May.

The retailer will stock popular brands, vintage street wear and some of its own clothing designs.

Co-founder Victoria Webster said:

“We are a new family business that believes in good vibes and good karma.

“That means doing good for the environment by providing a more sustainable way to shop fashion and, in turn, giving customers the opportunity to find those amazing vintage pieces that make you feel like you’ve found something so special.

“When you shop vintage pretty much everything is limited edition – which we love.”

The shop will join Harrogate’s thriving vintage shopping scene alongside the likes of Catherine Smith Vintage Fashion and SPACE.

Ms Webster added:

“We’re a very creative family, and my husband Anton, who is co-founder of Karma Co., has worked in vintage for many years. Some people will recognise him from his days managing Bluerinse in Leeds, or running stalls at Leeds Festival.

“We can’t wait to show you what we have in store.”

Karma and Co. Vintage hopes to open mid-October.

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A group of rough sleepers in Harrogate‘s Crescent Gardens has been evicted this morning after occupying the pavilion for two weeks.

Representatives from North Yorkshire Council‘s property services division and North Yorkshire Police began the move-on operation just before 9am this morning.

The council also brought a van to gather the rough sleepers’ belongings.

One nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said some people started arguing with the council after they were told to disperse but there was no violence.

He added:

“One or two sleepers appeared frustrated and declined to cooperate, but they eventually started packing and leaving from 9.15am.

“The police were present to ensure the operation was non-violent.”

The operation ended at approximately 9.40am.

Larger items, such as mattresses, were removed by the council.

The Stray Ferret first reported the encampment after nearby residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour last week.

One of those residents, Eileen Dockray, said after today’s developments:

“I’m now concerned that the police and the council, who both tried to pass this problem back and forth between each other, should now come together and work out who’s responsible for dealing with this sort of problem in the future.

“We, the public, also need to know who we can go to for help when a situation like this arises again, as it surely will.”

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A Harrogate district school has apologised after admitting five claims of discrimination against a disabled child.

Birstwith Church of England Primary School was taken to a special educational needs and disability tribunal by a parent of a child at the school.

The parent claimed the nine-year-old, who was recognised as disabled, was subject to five claims of discrimination between January 2022 and January 2023.

The tribunal was told that this included being excluded from the dining room and humiliated by a teacher, being humiliated by a teacher in class and being verbally abused by a teacher.

A further two claims included being verbally and physically threatened by a teacher in a church event and being harassed by a teacher.

The school, which was represented by a solicitor from North Yorkshire Council, admitted the claims, which were made in a case management order on February 13, 2023.

It offered to make an official apology to the parent in a letter and “set out measures in place concerning the teacher as far as is practicable”.

The letter, which was signed by the school’s chair of governors, Linda Turvey, and has been seen by the Stray Ferret, said:

“The school, represented by me, as chair of governors, apologises for the behaviour suffered by [named child] on 25th Jan 2022, 10th June 2022, 17th November 2022, 14th December 2022 and 16th Jan 2023. 

“These isolated incidents do not reflect the culture and inclusivity of Birstwith School, therefore swift and firm action has been taken to avoid repetition. 

“Again, this does not in any way reflect the ethos or history of the school as echoed in our recent Ofsted report.”

The Stray Ferret approached Birstwith Church of England Primary School for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Council, which represented the school at the tribunal, said it did not comment on individual cases.

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A Harrogate law firm has secured a £165,000 loan to support its growth.

Harrogate Family Law, which is based on Victoria Avenue, received the funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

The fund, which is managed by Mercia Asset Management, offers business loans to firms to support growth.

Harrogate Family Law said the funding will help to provide additional working capital to enable it to further expand the team and take on additional casework.

Andrew Meehan, managing director at the firm, said:

“After 13 years in Harrogate, we are now firmly established on the legal landscape and continue to grow on the back of referrals from satisfied clients.

“We will continue to grow and build the team while ensuring we choose the right people so we can deliver the best service to our clients.”

Knaresborough pest control employee takes on cycle challenge

An employee at a Knaresborough pest control specialist is set to cycle 4,500 miles around the UK coastline in aid of charity.

Adam Sims, who works in the finance team at Pelsis Group, will take on the challenge after his wife of 35 years, Christina, developed a serious mental health condition three years ago.

The challenge will see Mr Sims depart from Angmering, West Sussex, and cycle around the UK mainland coast. He hopes to cover the 4,500 miles in 45 days.

Adam Sims, who is taking on the cycle challenge in aid of Mind.

Mr Sims, who started the challenge last week, is raising money for mental health charity Mind as part of the fundraiser.

He said:

“We are fortunate that Christina is now doing better, in part thanks to be brilliant support we have received from Mind. That is why I wanted to do this challenge to give back and raise funds so others who go through what we did are able to be supported as well.

“I’m already extremely grateful for all the support and donations I’ve received from the friends, colleagues and the general public and look forward to seeing how much we can raise for this worthy cause.”

You can find Mr Sims’ JustGiving page here.

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A Harrogate company that set up a Christmas choir last year is looking to recruit members for this year.

Entertainment company Enchantica’s is looking for 18 members to take centre stage at the third Harrogate Christmas Fayre in the town centre.

Enchantica’s is managing the festive entertainment programme on behalf of North Yorkshire Council.

Create a Choir is an opportunity to come together enjoy the benefits of performing, the company says. No experience is needed.

It added:

“Following on from the success of last year’s debut event, both the fayre and the entertainment are set to return, with the search for singers and performers already underway.”

The choir will be led by professional singer Emma Carrington.

Members will attend three rehearsals and give three performances at the fayre, which has been extended to 18 days this year.

Suzanne Vaughan, director at Enchantica’s, said:

“Community is at the heart of the town. People contributing and showing off their talents helps the town to shine bright for all.

“Performers will enjoy the buzz of playing to a festive audience, while their friends and their family will also come along to support them and get to enjoy the festivities in the town.”

Last year’s Christmas celebrations also included performances from local primary schools, dance schools and bands.

Amy Moseley, co-chair of Harrogate Choral Society, said:

“To be part this fantastic event was a real joy for us as a local organisation which has been present in Harrogate for over 75 years and now has 140 members.

“There’s nothing more festive than a choir singing carols and it was so well received by the local community and visitors to Harrogate that we can’t wait to take part again this year.”

Create a Choir is open to adults of all abilities.

Rehearsals will take place on November 5, 12, 26 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at Enchantica’s eorkshop.

Performances will be on December 3, 10 and 17.

Those wanting to join the choir – or perform at the fayre in another capacity – can click here or email events@enchanticas.co.uk to sign up.

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North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to convert the former Kings Club in Harrogate into 12 flats.

The proposal was submitted by Harrogate developer Forward Investments LLP last October.

The move will see the first and second floor of the building on Oxford Street, known as the Villa Mercedes, converted into residential use.

The Kings Club, which described itself as ‘Yorkshire premier gentleman’s club’, offered topless pole dancing, topless stage strip tease and full nudity lap dancing.

However, the club has since closed.

The proposal will see a mixture of one and two bedroom flats created at the site.

In documents submitted to the council, James Robinson, the planning agent representing the developer, said the conversion of the building would be a “significant improvement” for the area.

He said:

“The proposed conversion of the upper floors of 1 Oxford Street will have a significant net improvement to the surrounding area and economy over the existing strip club use.

“This is an important building, located in a very prominent town centre location, and its current use as adult entertainment is not fitting for the surrounding area.

“As mentioned the current use attracts anti-social behaviour, and the conversion to high quality flats is a much more appropriate and viable use for the building.”

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