International squash tournament to be held in Harrogate

An international squash tournament featuring many of the world’s top players is set to come to Harrogate.

The Harrogate Squash Open 2022 tournament will be held at Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre, Hookstone Wood Road, on December 8.

It forms part of the PSA World Tour and Challenge Tour, which sees competitions held across the world.

The tournament will see an array of international squash players come to the town to compete, including top ranked New Zealand brothers Lwamba and Temwa Chileshe.

Local player Josh Rowley will also compete as a wildcard.

The event is free to attend and the final will be held on December 11.

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Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre, which had to pay about £5,000 to host the event, is a hub for squash, attracting many top players and coaches, including former world champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist James Willstrop.

The club has increased membership from fewer than 300 to more than 1,000 in recent years, helped by the new padel tennis courts.

James Gaston, general manager of the club, said:

“We’ve been growing for the last five or six years and are trying to reach out to people and show we are a hotbed for squash.”

For more information on the tournament, visit the PSA World Tour website here.

Luxury Harrogate food hall opens pop-up shop in Leeds

Harrogate food hall Weetons has launched a Christmas pop-up shop in Leeds city centre.

The store, in shopping centre Victoria Leeds, is filled with Yorkshire produce from across the region, alongside Weetons’ own private label range, including coffee, chutneys and gin.

Situated in Victoria Gate, the Weetons team said the location was a natural partner, sharing “an ethos of providing luxury, high-quality produce”.

Rob Coutts, managing director at Weetons, said:

“We are pleased to announce that our Leeds city centre pop-up shop is now open. It showcases our extremely popular hampers and gifts range, perfect when looking for the ‘hard to buy for’.

“Whether you want to fill your own hamper, and have it packed by one of the team, pre-order a gift delivery, or just select a few of your favourite bits to take away on the day, we’ve got everything you need.”

Jo Coburn, senior general manager at Victoria Leeds, said:

“We are delighted to welcome one of Yorkshire’s most treasured brands, Weetons, to Victoria Leeds.

“The new pop-up store in Victoria Gate is a fantastic addition to our collection of premium brands and lands with perfect timing for all those gift ideas during the exciting Christmas season.”

The Weetons pop-up will be aopen until Christmas.

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Controversial plan for 35 homes in Crimple Valley rejected

A controversial plan to build 35 homes in Harrogate’s Crimple Valley has been refused.

The application by Square Feet Ltd and Antela Developments Ltd would have seen homes built at Almsford Bank Stables on Leeds Road.

It included plans for 14 affordable homes, seven first homes and 14 self or custom build plots.

The proposal was objected to by residents, who described it as “ludicrous” and unsafe.

A total of 247 letters of objection were submitted to Harrogate Borough Council against the scheme.

The council rejected the development on the grounds that the site was not allocated for housing under the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where development can take place, and “would result in harm to the character and appearance of its surroundings”.

It said in its reasons for refusal:

“The proposed development would result in harm to the character and appearance of its surroundings, including the Crimple Valley Special Landscape Area, through the loss of open fields and woodland and the introduction of unacceptable and incongruous (sub)urban development into an area of high landscape value, important to the setting of Harrogate and the grade II* listed Crimple Valley viaduct.”

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The application was the third for the site since 2018, when plans for 65 homes were put forward but withdrawn. 

The following year, a reduced proposal of 35 homes was submitted, but again withdrawn in the face of extensive objections.

Campaign group Save Crimple Valley urged the public to submit objections to the new proposal.

Among them was Judith Hooper, who told the council that the site was unsafe for such a housing scheme.

She said:

“In the time we have been resident in Harrogate there have been numerous car accidents on Almsford bank, the most recent very serious one being only a few weeks ago.

“Cars accelerate down the bank on reaching the 50mph sign and already have to contend with traffic coming out of Crimple Hall.

“Putting access at the bottom of such a busy section of road, on a bend, seems to invite accidents. At night there are many cars clearly speeding on this stretch. At busy periods traffic is queuing both up and down the hill.”

Business Breakfast: Future of farming in spotlight at Harrogate event

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.

The future of the farming sector will be under the spotlight at a meeting in Harrogate next week.

Held at the Pavilions of Harrogate, the Future Farmers of Yorkshire’s autumn debate will see industry leaders discuss how the sector can cope with current levels of inflation.

Among the speakers will be Mark Berrisford-Smith, head of economics at HSBC UK’s commercial banking business.

Mr Berrisford-Smith said current inflation levels were having an impact on the agricultural sector.

He said:

“The war in Ukraine has unleashed twin inflationary shocks in the form of higher food and energy prices. For farmers in the UK, annual input price inflation is now running at 30%, while output price inflation stands at 21%. 

“Although many businesses have been able to absorb higher costs thanks to better prices, this is not universally the case. Prices for some cereal products are up by more than 50% compared with a year earlier, while poultry and lamb prices have hardly increased at all.” 

The meeting will also hear from Great Yorkshire Show director Charles Mills, Farmers Weekly young farmer of the year Matthew Nichols and Andrew Hardcastle, director of Hardcastle Rural Surveyors. 

Future Farmers of Yorkshire management board member Isobel Eames will chair the panel.

The event will be held on Thursday, December 1. Those interested in attending can register at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society website here.

Yorkshire business urged to sign climate pledge

Business across Yorkshire are being urged to sign a pledge to tackle climate change.

Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, an independent body set up to support and guide the region’s organisations, launched its Climate Action Pledge this past week.

It is the first regional pledge of its kind in the UK to require businesses and organisations to make a commitment across four areas of action: becoming climate resilient; reducing carbon emissions; enhancing nature and biodiversity; and promoting a just transition.

Liz Barber, chair of Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, said:

“With COP27 in Egypt putting a global focus on climate action, it’s the perfect time for us to seize the initiative as a region and show how businesses and organisations can demonstrate strong leadership at all levels here in Yorkshire and Humber.

“We are launching a ‘sprint’ of climate action today, and we want to see a year of progress that puts us on the road to net zero, improves our fantastic natural assets, helps us build our resilience to climate impacts, and does this in a way that leaves no-one or nowhere behind.”

Businesses and organisations of all kinds in Yorkshire and Humber are encouraged to sign the pledge here.

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Oliver Bonas set to open in Harrogate this week

Harrogate’s upmarket James Street is set to get a new addition this week with the opening of an Oliver Bonas shop.

The fashion and lifestyle brand has been refurbishing the spacious 3,700-square foot unit formerly used as a discount store.

Next also previously rented the site.

The doors were previously expected to open in September but renovations have been ongoing.

However, sources have indicated Oliver Bonas is finally due to open on Thursday.

The company, which has 85 stores in the UK, is advertising for team members at £9.75 an hour on its website.

The opening will strengthen James Street’s claim to be Harrogate’s premier destination for luxury goods.

Pret A Manger, Ebru Evrim and Carl Scarpa have all joined the street recently and Hotel Chocolat has upsized to larger premises.

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Tom Limbert, director of property consultants, Central Retail, which acted for property owners Countrylarge, previously said James Street had been “reinvigorated”, adding:

“Oliver Bonas will be a great addition to the existing tenant line up on James Street which truly is one of the best high streets in the north of England.”

Burglary at Harrogate hairdressers this morning

A man and woman have been arrested on suspicion of burgling a Harrogate hairdressers in the early hours of this morning.

The suspects, both in their 30s and from Harrogate, remain in police custody.

According to North Yorkshire Police, a man and woman were seen to break a window at Contemporary Salons’ studio on Station Parade at 3.56am. It added:

“The two people then entered the property and filled two bags with items before leaving the area in a taxi.”

It is the latest criminal attack this month on a Harrogate shop, with previous incidents reported at salon Dangerfield & Keane and James Barber Tobacconists on Cold Bath Road.

Police said in a statement:

“If you witnessed this incident or have any further information which could help the investigation, please email: pamela.luettke@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101 quoting reference 12220206294

“If you’d prefer to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

According to its website, Contemporary Salons is a group of nine hair salons across north Yorkshire and Teesside

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Harrogate man jailed for spitting on pensioner at train station

A Harrogate man has been jailed after spitting on a pensioner’s head at Leeds train station.

Aaron Peter Wilson, 43, of Hookstone Road, was found guilty of assault and jailed for four weeks.

York Magistrates Court heard how, on Sunday, September 25, Wilson started shouting aggressively at the 66-year-old victim and his wife as they walked past him.

Wilson continued to shout at the couple after they ignored him.

The victim turned around and told Wilson to go away. After this then spat at the victim’s head.

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A security guard at the station contacted British Transport Police. When they attended Wilson became increasingly aggressive towards them and was arrested.

Investigating officer PC Anthony Sutcliffe said: 

“This was a disgusting and unprovoked attack on a gentleman and his wife who were just minding their own business making their way across the station.

“We will never tolerate behaviour like this and Wilson must now realise the implications of his outburst.

“If you witness or are victim of abuse or assault on the railway you can text us discreetly on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.

“In an emergency always call 999.”

Wilson was also ordered to pay £75 compensation.

Harrogate Christmas Fair: The perfect place to find unique festive gifts

This story is sponsored by the Country Living Harrogate Christmas Fair.

Many of us are already in full swing with our Christmas shopping and the challenge is well and truly on to find those extra special gifts.

The Country Living Harrogate Christmas Fair, which returns for its tenth year next week, is the perfect place to find that special something.

The four-day event, on December 1-4, will feature more than 200 small UK independent producers, crafters, and artisan retailers under one roof at the Convention Centre.

There will be a host of unique gifts that can’t be found on the high street.

From handcrafted products, stylish decors, soft furnishings to gourmet cheese, Christmas puddings, sweet and savoury treats, tasty tipples and fine wines, visitors can shop to their hearts’ content while soaking in the festive vibes with live music throughout the day from the Fair’s brass band and choirs.

Fiona Fawcett, from Yorkshire brand Plewsy.

Shoppers can opt for a special VIP experience, including bottomless prosecco and gift bags worth more than £100.

Over the four-days, around 15,000 people are expected to attend the Harrogate Convention Centre.

Dan Sewell, the event director for Country Living’s Christmas Fair, said:

“It shows there’s a really strong appetite for this special tenth anniversary year, with so many new exhibitors bringing fresh, exciting ideas alongside the traditional, festive favourites who return year-on-year.”

The Christmas Fair will be a foodie’s delight

The Country Living Kitchen Theatre will see some of the country’s finest food and drink producers and culinary experts whip up their ultimate festive recipes and seasonal showstoppers.

Demonstrations offer the chance to ask for tips, interact with the experts, and even try a taster or two.

Stephanie Moon will deliver a workshop on ‘Christmas Canapes to Impress with Rudding Park’. Harrogate’s Three’s A Crowd will also be on hand with ‘A Christmas Tipple’, with some unique festive cocktails.

The artisan foodie brand Charlie & Ivy’s will also be on hand to demonstrate how to create simple party food for the festive season.

Visitors can expect tailored chocolate tasting sessions, as well as hands-on workshops from crafting experts where they can create needle felted baubles to unique Christmas table decorations to take home.

Christmas canapes by Charlie and Ivy’s.

Country Living’s Harrogate Christmas Fair promises gifts you can’t find on the high street, while supporting and championing the country’s independent businesses.

Shoppers can also enjoy a Champagne Bar, cocktails or an Afternoon Tea dining experience.

The Stray Ferret is working with Country Living to giveaway two VIP tickets worth £150 and to offer our readers a special two for one ticket offer.

 

Country Living Christmas Fair will take place on December 1-4, 2022.

Join the mailing list here to be the first to know about Country Living’s Events.
Charity pays for two cancer nurses at Harrogate hospital

A charity has funded two cancer nurses at Harrogate District Hospital in response to fears not enough people can access specialist cancer care.

Macmillan Cancer Support announced today it had spent £214,000 on the two-year posts as part of a £4.5 million investment across Yorkshire and the north-east of England.

The funding will pay for 42 specialist cancer nurses in northern England, of whom two will be employed by Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.

The development roles will see nurses with an interest in moving into cancer services step into specialist cancer roles.

Noreen Hawkshaw, the Macmillan lead cancer nurse at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We’re facing incredibly challenging workforce issues at the moment and I know Harrogate is not unique with this.

“Undoubtedly the Macmillan investment into the two development roles will ease the pressure on the specialist cancer care we are able to provide for patients by creating more capacity.

Ms Hawkshaw added the investment would “allow nurses the time and space to develop into these specialist cancer nurse roles”, adding:

“We urgently need more of them to meet the rising demand on our services.”

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Macmillan said in a statement too many people in the north of England cannot access specialist cancer care and there are too few Macmillan cancer nurse specialists employed across the region.

It said a “crisis in cancer nursing” had left 630,000 people with cancer in the UK with a lack of dedicated support.

2,500 cancer nurses needed

The charity estimates an extra 2,500 specialist cancer nurses are required now.

Heather McLean, Macmillan’s head of partnerships for the north, said:

“Macmillan cancer nurse specialists are the people at the heart of cancer care, this unique role makes a huge difference to people diagnosed with cancer and their families at a very distressing time in their lives.

“There are currently a huge number of specialist cancer nurse vacancies across Yorkshire because it’s increasingly difficult to get people with the right knowledge and skills, who are ready to step into those specialist nursing posts.”

Rachel Moser, the interim programme manager with the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance, which is hosting the programme in partnership with Macmillan, on behalf of the four cancer alliances across the north-east and Yorkshire region, said:

“Patients tell us how much they value cancer nurse specialists and the care and support they provide.

“I’m delighted to be leading this programme on behalf of the regional cancer alliances which will help us ensure we have a ready supply of skilled individuals for these crucial roles into the future.”

 

 

 

Betfred to open bookmakers in Harrogate

A Betfred bookmakers looks set to open in Harrogate town centre after plans were approved.

Done Brothers (Cash Betting) Ltd, which trades as Betfred, applied to Harrogate Borough Council to open the bookies on Cambridge Road.

The proposal will see the former YMCA charity shop, which sits next to Greggs, converted into a bookmakers. The unit was also previously occupied by a travel agents.

Harrogate Borough Council has now approved the proposal.

The developer said in its plans that the opening of Betfred would help bring the unit back into use and “provide additional staff employment”.

It said:

“Betfred do not currently operate a bookmakers in central Harrogate, Betfred require additional premises to meet demand from the local residents. 

“The proposal therefore seeks a new opening of Betfred’s existing bookmaker businesses within Harrogate and would result in new options for bookmakers’ business within the town centre.”

The developer added:

“The introduction of Betfred’s businesses within the town centre will grow a local business, providing additional staff employment and bring a vacant unit back into use within Harrogate which supports economic growth principles in national and local planning policy.”

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