Yemi’s Food Stories: A ‘sweet day’ at Bettys Cookery School

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.  

 

‘Push, push, push; stop and twist’ was the mantra at the end of my day at Bettys Cookery School. Let’s get back to the start of my day so you know how I ended up with a mantra and a tip that you will find useful.

Bettys is a Harrogate institution and thousands of people are welcomed each year for the Bettys experience. As a local, I am not surprised that every guest we have wants to visit Bettys and some repeatedly so.

For lingering memories of your Bettys experience, you can shop at the end of your meal, order Bettys products for home delivery or better still, sign up for their cookery school so you can take that knowledge home with you. 

I signed up for the pastry class which I knew would give me different skills. 

Lisa Bennison, the chef tutor, joined Bettys to gain work experience as part of her training from York Cookery School and never left. She has spent 37 years in different roles with the past 20 years at the cookery school.

She loves teaching basic principles, sharing fail-proof tips on how to get the perfect results whilst encouraging everyone to embrace and learn from any mistakes. 

Our day started with warm chocolate pastries with a choice of coffee or tea before we moved on to the first demo.

The pastry class includes making Bettys signature lemon tart and profiteroles. You learn how to make sweet tart pastry, perfectly roll out your dough, line your tart tin and create your tart cases without any cracks or accidents. You then move on to making the lemon filling before learning about the importance of timing and temperature control to correctly manage all elements. 

Salmon salad

Whilst our tarts were baking, we sat down to a gorgeous meal of salmon salad with garlic roasted potatoes with choice of wine or non alcoholic drinks. The strawberry cheesecake dessert was divine and went well with a hot drink. 

And we were off to the second half of the day after proudly checking out and taking pictures of our lemon tarts. 

Next we learnt how to make a choux pastry, knowing what to look for to ensure we get the perfect glossy consistency to ensure a perfect rise. 

Then came the mantra of ‘push, push, push; stop and twist’. This is how to perfectly pipe out your profiteroles to get the even round shape. Hold your nuzzle down directly on the baking tray and pipe gently moving up whilst thinking of the mantra. 

This easily became a song in my head and we all had a laugh knowing we would be reciting it every time we pipe our choux. 

Off we went to make our choux pastry and then came the piping and mantra with many still a bit scared they would pipe it wrong. My first few attempts were hit and miss but Lisa gave me some tips and using them, I decided to re-pipe all my choux and I was happy with them.

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The crème patisserie and the chocolate ganache were the last two elements that we learnt how to make whilst the choux buns were baking. Other tips include looking for the v-drop of your choux pastry for the right consistency and don’t be afraid to let the choux make contact with the pan when cooking. We are tempted to constantly stir but we don’t need to do that and once it starts to leave a film on the pan base, it’s cooked. 

A great idea for couples

As with all things Bettys, the experience is well crafted starting with a team of people that made you feel welcome, a knowledgeable tutor who loves her job, stunning cutleries for your drinks and meals; plus table setting and food that made you feel like you were in Bettys tea room.

The facilities were top notch with enviable range cookers and adequate work surfaces for all participants. It was obvious they didn’t cut any corners in creating a cookery school to be proud of. 

Participants were across all age ranges, careers, had limited to good knowledge of food and came from as far as London. It was a day to make new friends, learn new skills, surprise yourself with your creations to wow friends and family, enjoy the Bettys experience beyond dining in the restaurant and most importantly take home the skill to occasionally recreate some Bettys signature creations.

A Bettys cookery school experience is a great idea for couples, hanging out with friends or co-workers, a gift for the budding or hesitant cooks in your life and would be perfect alternatives to hen-dos with everyone learning a skill for life. 

The icing on the cake was taking home all your creations after eating the ones made by the chef tutor. 

With classes including three-course meal, chocolate and bread making, patisserie and macarons, there is something to learn. The classes fill up quickly so get booking for a fabulous foodie day. 

Harrogate boy murder: ‘Killers should be named regardless of age’, says campaigner

An anti-knife crime campaigner has called for murderers to be named regardless of age following the conviction of a Harrogate teenager.

Dylan Cranfield, 17, was found guilty of murdering Seb Mitchell, 17, at Leeds Crown Court last week.

Cranfield, who was 16 at the time of the incidentm stabbed Harrogate Grammar School pupil Seb to death with a kitchen knife after a row over a broken mirror at a property on Claro Road.

Cranfield was granted anonymity until the outcome of the trial, when Judge Guy Kearl, the Recorder of Leeds, lifted reporting restrictions on the media.

Seb Mitchell. Picture: Sam Mitchell.

Seb Mitchell

Judge Kearl said he hoped it would serve as a warning to other young people about the dangers of knives.

But Theresa Cave, founder of the anti-knife crime Chris Cave Foundation, said those convicted of murder should be named regardless of how old they are.

Ms Cave, who is from Redcar, founded the charity in 2005 after her son Chris was stabbed to death two years prior.

She said:

“I feel very strongly that anyone who murders another should be named regardless of age or gender if they are proven with intent.

“They should also face an adult sentence from the age of 16 as they know right from wrong.

“Murder is the most heinous crime and should be treated as such.”

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Courts have discretionary powers to prevent the media from naming children to protect their welfare. Such orders remain in place until the child reaches 18.

Judge Kearl said the welfare of children had to be balanced against the open justice principle that says the media should be able to report cases “fully and contemporaneously”.

He said the public interest of highlighting the dangers of knife crime meant it was therefore “in the interests of justice to lift reporting restrictions”.

The court will sentence Cranfield on October 4.

Knifepoint robbery at Harrogate betting shop

A knife-wielding man with a scarf around his face robbed terrified staff at a Harrogate betting shop last night.

The man entered Betfred on Kings Road at about 8.15pm wearing a black Nike tracksuit and brandishing a kitchen knife.

North Yorkshire Police said it has launched a full investigation and appealed for witnesses and information.

It said in a statement:

“He left with a small amount of cash before making off, crossing the road and is believed to have headed down Back Dawson Terrace.”

The man is described as white, around 5ft 9ins tall with blue or green eyes and brown hair.

He is described as in his early twenties with a local accent.

Detective sergeant Tom Barker of Harrogate CID said:

“Clearly this was frightening for the staff at Betfred. Fortunately no one was hurt in the incident.

“I want to emphasise that we don’t believe any members of the local community are at risk. The suspect in this case has clearly targeted the location to steal cash.”

He said detectives have many lines of enquiry, including video footage from the area. They have released an image of a man they need to locate as part of their enquiries.

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DS Barker added:

“If you live nearby we encourage you to review you doorbell cameras.

“Equally if you were in a vehicle at the time with in-car footage please review your cameras.

You can phone 101 or report online at www.northyorkshire.police.uk

If you would prefer to remain anonymous. contact CrimeStoppers on  0800 555 111 or go to their website wwwcrimestoppers-uk.org”

Quote incident number 12230165267.

 

The Stray Ferret Business Awards to make its return in 2024

Not even an amber weather warning could stop the Stray Ferret Business Awards in March, with a turnout of nearly 400 people and many smiling faces, we’re looking forward to doing it all again in 2024.

Following the success of our inaugural event, the Stray Ferret Business Awards will be making its return next year – and we’re ready to receive your entries!

Sponsored by local financial advisers Prosperis, the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 will take place in the Pavilions of Harrogate on Thursday, March 14.

The awards ceremony will recognise businesses of all sectors and sizes to highlight the best and brightest in the Harrogate district’s business community – including Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Nidderdale.

The black-tie event will include our all-important awards ceremony, a special Winner’s Lounge sponsored by LCF Law and entertainment throughout the evening

Whether you’ve seen significant business growth, place sustainability at the centre of your core values, or provide great progression for your employees, our awards will shine a light on excellent organisations and individuals.

There are 10 award categories to enter:

Emma Harris, Commercial Manager of the Stray Ferret, said:

“We were blown away by the success of our inaugural Business Awards ceremony earlier this year and hope the 2024 event will not disappoint.

“The Stray Ferret Business Awards highlights businesses that are making a difference in the community, as well as those who have overcome adversity and are going strong.

“We can’t wait to see the entries.

“It is entirely free to enter and the Stray Ferret will showcase the fantastic work of all finalists and winners, so we encourage you to put your business forward today.

“The Harrogate district may be a small part of the world, but includes hugely successful businesses with talented individuals who we believe deserve to be recognised.”

Entries are now open.

*There are still a small number of sponsorship opportunities available, so don’t miss out on showcasing your business to the district ahead of and on the night of the awards ceremony.

For more information on the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024, contact advertising@thestrayferret.co.uk .

Last Post marks 100th anniversary of Harrogate war memorial

The Last Post sounded in Harrogate today at the start of a series of events marking the 100th anniversary of the town’s war memorial.

The memorial was unveiled by Henry Lascelles, the 6th Earl of Harewood, on September 1, 1923.

It cost £12,000 and contains the names of 1,163 men and women who died in two world wars.

Dignitaries and members of the public gathered for a short commemoration led by Padre Ben Norton, the Yorkshire Regiment chaplain, at the memorial at 11am, when a bugler played the Last Post.

Graham Roberts gives an overview of his research.

 

Graham Roberts

It was followed by a service of blessing  at the nearby West Park United Reformed Church.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones, North Yorkshire deputy lieutenant Brigadier David Maddan, North Yorkshire Council chief executive Richard Flinton and Harrogate charter mayor councillor Michael Harrison were among those attending.

Today’s service of blessing

Following the service, a free exhibition opened at West Park United Reformed Church to mark the start of the Cenotaph Centenary.

The exhibition, called More than a Name on a Memorial, looks at the lives of those whose names are inscribed on the memorial.

It uses photographs, documents and archive film to tell the stories of those who laid down their lives — the youngest of whom was 15.

The war memorial was unveiled 100 years ago today.

The dead include Lt Donald Bell, the first professional footballer to join the war in 1915, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for “most conspicuous bravery” at the Somme in July 1916. He was killed by a sniper later that month.

The exhibition draws heavily on years of research by Harrogate man and former army reservist Graham Roberts.

Part of the exhibition at West Park United Reformed Church.

 

The exhibition tells the stories of those who died.

Mr Roberts used the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website and other resources, such as the website Ancestry and local newspaper archives to conduct his research.

Another local historian, Terry-Mike Williams, who founded New Park Heritage Centre, also played a major role in creating the exhibition, which is open from 10am to 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays and from 1pm to 5pm on Sundays until November 12.

Besides the exhibition, the Cenotaph Centenary also includes a series of illustrated talks, many of which are free, and film screenings at the Odeon to mark the war memorial’s 100 years.

Funds raised will help military charities including SSAFA.

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Cash and bank cards stolen from car parked in Harrogate

Cash and bank cards were among the items stolen from a car parked on Queens Road in Harrogate yesterday.

North Yorkshire Police today appealed for information, including CCTV or doorbell video footage, about the crime.

A police statement said:

“It happened in the early hours of Thursday 31 August when the grey Hyundai was broken and personal items taken from inside including bags, bank cards, cash and clothing.

“We are appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity on Queens Road or has private video footage of the potential suspects to get in touch.”

You can email Sam.Clarke2@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC 1136 Sam Clarke.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference number 12230163997.

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Home care provider brings high standards to Harrogate district

This story is sponsored by Vermuyden Care.

One of the region’s foremost home care providers is now bringing its flexible, client-centred approach to the Harrogate district after opening a new base at Boroughbridge. 

Vermuyden Care already has an excellent reputation for its elderly and dementia services in its home area of Doncaster, and now aims to provide the same high standard of home care in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Ripon, Thirsk and Easingwold, from its new premises at Ornhams Hall. 

Director Gary Stapleton said: 

“The difference with Vermuyden is that we are endlessly flexible and willing to go to great lengths to accommodate clients’ wishes. 

“Clients can often feel they’re not very involved in their own care – they feel that things are being done to them, not for them – but we’ve never been like that. 

“For example, some home care companies won’t come out to clients before 8am, but a lot of people who are used to getting up early don’t want to suddenly start having a lie-in just to please their carer. Whatever time you want to get up, we’ll be there.

“Similarly, other companies won’t come out after 8pm, but we think that’s treating clients like children, making them go to bed early. However late you want to go to bed, we’ll be there too.

“At Vermuyden, we are totally flexible. Whatever it is you want, we can do.” 

Vermuyden – pronounced ‘Ver-moy-den’ – specialises in dementia care, but also works with clients with physical and learning disabilities, and offers mental health support. The company provides long-term home care services as well as short-term respite care, and aims to make sure people living in rural areas are not cut off from the help they need.

Vermuyden employs over 100 people, including 15 from its Boroughbridge office. It recruits locally and takes on permanent, experienced staff on high wages, ensuring it only employs the very best carers in the sector. This is important, said Gary, because employees need to be able to provide more than just personal care. He said: 

“The care is the easy part – it’s all the other stuff that’s harder to get right, and we put a huge amount of effort into making sure that we do. 

“We want clients to feel they’re getting the service they deserve.” 

If you’re interested in receiving the very best in personal home care – or you know someone who might be – call us on 01423 800674, or take a look at our website, www.vermuyden.co.uk. 

 

Delayed finish to roadworks on Harrogate’s Skipton Road

The completion date for roadworks on Harrogate’s Skipton Road has been pushed back until Wednesday next week.

Three-way lights have been in operation close to the junction with Sykes Grove for more than a month to enable Northern Gas Networks to replace metal pipes with plastic pipes.

The work on one of the town’s busiest traffic spots was due to have finished on Friday last week.

But Northern Gas Networks, which is the company responsible for distributing gas to homes, is now expected to be on site for another five days.

The roadworks on Skipton Road.

Mark Mawhood, site manager at Northern Gas Networks said:

“I can confirm that we are now in the final stages of the engineering work on Skipton Road, Harrogate.

“Completion is planned for Sunday, September 3.

“We have already begun the reinstatement work, but as this scheme has been extensive, the work will be finished by Wednesday, September 6. The necessary time extensions required to complete the work have all be approved by North Yorkshire Council.”

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and we appreciate the public bearing with us while we complete the works safely whilst also managing any unforeseen issues that have arisen once engineering work began.”

Mr Mawhood did not say why the scheme had been delayed.

Scott Kitchingman, operations manager at Northern Gas Networks, previously said the work would “ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas to customers now while getting the network ready to transport alternative greener fuels in the future”.

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Harrogate nursery Kids Planet ‘requires improvement’, says Ofsted

Kids Planet nursery in Harrogate has received a ‘requires improvement’ rating following a recent Ofsted inspection.

A government inspector said in a report published this week that “teaching is variable and inconsistent for children who attend”.

The report said “staff who work with babies understand how to meet their needs” but added “some children with special educations needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are not supported effectively”.

It added:

“Babies explore sensory activities in the garden. Older children use the wooden trail to practise balancing and jumping. However, during times when toddlers and preschool children share the garden, some staff do not supervise them effectively or engage them in learning.

“Support for emerging SEND is inconsistent. For example, staff who work with toddlers have identified areas of potential delay in some children’s learning. However, they have not completed any assessments or created targeted plans to help them make good progress.”

The report said Kids Planet must “improve staff deployment outdoors, specifically when children of different age groups share the space, to ensure children are well supervised at all times”.

It must also “ensure every child has a key person who provides tailored and purposeful learning experiences which meet their individual needs”.

However, the inspector did note that “staff consistently promote children’s good behaviour and help them to develop their social skills” and that “children are well mannered and kind to each other”.

Staff were also found to be ‘good role models.’

In response to the report, Clare Roberts, chief executive of Kids Planet Nurseries, said:

“As part of our continued approach to embedding best practice within our nurseries, we strive to build engaging, everyday environments for all our children at Kids Planet, whilst empowering the new and existing team to develop their own skills relevant to this.

“We take reassurance that the Ofsted inspector acknowledged this, alongside the excellent relationship staff have with babies and the effective safeguarding in practice, supported by knowledgeable staff.

“We continue to work with all parties to ensure we retain the best quality of care and positive feedback received from parents.”

The inspection, which took place on July 21, was the first one since 2018.

This year’s inspection saw the nursery, which was formerly known as Sunbeams, downgraded from a previous ‘good’ rating.

Kids Planet bought the nursery from Sunbeams Ltd in January of this year.

The nursery is one of 165 Kids Planet nurseries in the UK.

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Harrogate district pub of the year receives award

Harrogate Tap has received an award for being named Harrogate district pub of the year by the Campaign for Real Ale.

The pub, which is situated in the restored railway building at Harrogate station, was voted first ahead of more than 150 eligible pubs in the area.

Alan Gould, chairman of the Harrogate and Ripon branch of Camra, said the “beautifully restored” pub had been recognised for its “outstanding quality of beer” and ambience.

Mr Gould said the pub, which won the same award in 2015, consistently served excellent beer. Its open fire also makes it a popular winter destination.

It was chosen ahead of other pubs that sell real ale in and around Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Boroughbridge and Masham.

The Harrogate Tap is owned by Pivovar, which also runs Tapped Leeds, Sheffield Tap, Newcastle Tap and York Tap.

It has 12 lines of real cask ale, including the Tapped Brew Co ales it brews in Sheffield.

The pub serves 12 types of real ale.

Manager Tidgh Collins and previous manager Adam Whiteley received a commemorative certificate from Mr Gould.

It joined 17 other top pubs in the quest to find Yorkshire’s best pub and a place in CAMRA’s national pub of the year competition. However, that accolade went to the Beer Engine in Skipton.

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