Harrogate’s Victoria Shopping Centre will begin 11 days of celebrations this week marking its 30th birthday.

Tomorrow’s official birthday date will see visitors receive a free birthday cupcake from 10am at the centre.

The celebrations will then continue until November 20, adopting a ‘looking back’ theme.

A screen installed on the ground floor will show photos and videos of the centre, as well as news clips from the last 30 years.

People are being inviting to send their own images or videos to be included on the screen, creating a community time capsule. They can be uploaded on the centre’s website.

A birthday party from 11am to 3pm on November 19 and 20 will include visits from favourite 1990s movie characters, including Lightning McQueen on the Saturday and The Terminator on the Sunday.

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Giant 90s themed props will also appear throughout the centre to provide selfie opportunities.

There will also be a free photobooth on the first floor and family party games, crafts and prizes on the ground floor.

James White, centre manager, said:

“We are hoping that our birthday party will be an opportunity to bring together a town that is full of pride about its own history, something that Victoria Shopping centre greatly represents.”

The Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency would be reduced in size, under revised plans published today by the Boundary Commission for England.

The commission first published proposals for a shake-up of Harrogate and Knaresborough in June 2021, which included moving Boroughbridge to another seat and shrinking the size of the constituency.

Under today’s revised proposals, the electorate would stand at 75,800. Latest Parliament figures show the current boundary has an electorate of 77,605.

The seat is currently held by the Conservative Andrew Jones.

The latest changes would see Claro ward and areas such as Burton Leonard reintroduced to the constituency from the initial proposals.

However, Boroughbridge would still remain in a newly created seat.

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• Harrogate and Knaresborough could be shrunk, under parliamentary boundary shake-up
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The commission will now undertake another round of public consultation until December 5 before making recommendations to government.

It will publish a final report on boundary changes in 2023. 

Under the current proposals, the number of constituencies in Yorkshire and Humber would remain at 54.

Conservative Nigel Adams’ seat of Selby and Ainsty, which includes the south of Harrogate, would be scrapped.

The Wetherby and Easingwold seat.

Instead, Selby would have its own seat and the north of the district would fall under a new constituency called Wetherby and Easingwold, which would take in areas including Wetherby, Bishop Monkton and Boroughbridge.

The Skipton and Ripon constituency, which is currently represented by Conservative Julian Smith, would include Ripley, which is currently part of Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Tim Bowden, secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said:

“Today we are announcing the publication of our revised proposals. Last year we published our initial proposals for new constituency boundaries – our first go at what the map should look like. We are delighted with the huge number of comments from members of the public on our initial proposals, many which included valuable evidence about local communities.

“Today’s publication is the culmination of months of analysis and we have revised nearly half of our initial proposals based on what people have told us. We now believe we are close to the best map of constituencies that can be achieved under the rules we are working to.

“However, we still want people to tell us what they think of this latest map before we submit our final recommendations to Parliament next year. This is our final consultation and I encourage you to participate in the 2023 Boundary Review.”

As part of the review, the number of constituencies in England will increase from 533 to 543.

You can comment on the proposals at the Boundary Commission website here.

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Harrogate solicitors has sponsored three of its junior staff through professional courses and accreditations.

Kirbys Solicitors, which is based on Victoria Avenue, has fully funded the move which it says will help grow the trio’s legal knowledge and business skills.

Among the staff members is Catherine Danks, a probate executive in the private client department, who has just passed all her STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) exams with distinction.

Holly Freeman is on her way to becoming a chartered legal executive specialising in residential conveyancing. She is currently studying towards a qualification with CILEX, the UK’s largest professional body for paralegals.

Meanwhile, administration and IT assistant William Geddes is studying for a City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration.

David Dow, director of Kirbys Solicitors, said: 

“Kirbys has been in Harrogate for more than 250 years and, although our roots are firmly in the past, we recognise the importance of laying foundations for the future and giving our staff the opportunity for career development with us.”

South Stainley pub set to host artisan markets

A South Stainley pub is set to host three artisan Christmas markets this month.

The Inn South Stainley will hold the markets in an effort to showcase the best festive produce from local businesses.

The Inn at South Stainley owners Graham Usher and Matthew Rose.

They will run from 4pm to 8pm on three consecutive Thursdays – November 10, 17 and 24.

The three artisan Christmas markets will feature an array of regional goods including paper crafts, clothes, cards, 3D flowers and models, jewellery, gifts for animal-lovers, Christmas decorations, candles, bath bombs, clothing, bags, cakes, bakes and sweet treats.

Graham Usher, part-owner of the pub, said: 

“This is the first time we have hosted an event like this, and the support from businesses has been terrific.

“These markets are an ideal opportunity to do a spot of early Christmas shopping and at the same supporting local, home-grown enterprises. And those attending can browse the stands whilst enjoying a glass of mulled wine, hot chocolate or a Yorkshire Bratwurst sausage from the kitchen BBQ.

“The market will be a great opportunity for shoppers to find Christmas gifts, whilst enjoying the best of Yorkshire food and drink.”

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Animal rights protestors marched from Harrogate town centre to Labcorp yesterday to protest against animal testing.

American-owned Labcorp, formerly known as Covance, has tested medicine on animals at Harlow Hill since the 1970s.

The company says this helps to develop life-saving and life-enhancing medicines for diseases including cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Demonstrators from Vivisection Exposed gave out leaflets, held placards and banners and used a microphone to spread their messages in the town centre at noon yesterday.

Protesting in the town centre.

At 2pm they walked along Cold Bath Road and up Otley Road to Labcorp’s buildings.

Activist Jane Rose said:

“We held a one-minute silence to remember the animals that had entered Labcorp but didn’t get to leave and all those imprisoned in laboratories around the world.

“We also remembered Barry Horne, an animal rights activist who died on 5th November 2001 after suffering liver failure brought on by numerous hunger strikes.”

One of the placards at the demo.

Ms Rose said many people in Harrogate didn’t know Labcorp existed or thought it had shut down. She added:

“We gave out facts over a microphone so residents and visitors of Harrogate could hear the truth and hopefully do some research themselves to see how animal testing is not helping to find drugs and cures for humans.”

Labcorp employs about 1,400 people in Harrogate, has 170 study rooms and has 15 PhD students working there.

The Stray Ferret approached Labcorp for comment but has not had a reply.

The company previously said it takes “very seriously” the ethical and regulatory responsibilities to treat research animals with the “greatest care and respect”. It added testing new drugs on animals “is the right thing to do”.

Read more:

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• Explainer: Animal testing in Harrogate

This article is sponsored by Harvey George

As the UK’s largest manufacturer of bespoke bathroom vanity units, Harvey George can create your dream bathroom in any colour scheme or design.

Customers can choose beautiful furniture in any size, colour or finish, including painted and solid wood.

And all the stunning ranges on offer can be viewed at the company’s impressive 10,000sq ft showroom at Hookstone Park in Harrogate.

Sophie Griffiths, partner at Harvey George, said:

“We have the area’s largest painted range of bespoke vanities on display. You can get any colour you like. We find that people want that full flexibility.

“In the last four years we have made well in excess of 8,000. I don’t think there is a colour we haven’t painted our vanity units and that can be any brand of paint. You can bring a swatch into us and we will colour match it.

“People can come into the showroom, touch and feel the units, talk about their ideas and speak to the team and get some advice.

“There really is nothing like it in the region.”

Harvey George’s team of more than 30 craftsmen make and design furniture to the exacting needs of customers throughout the UK and beyond.

This lifts the restrictions of what is available ‘off the shelf’ at other high street bathroom stores.

The business prides itself on making premium furniture accessible and affordable –  with something for all budgets and design requirements.

And when it comes to current bathroom trends, Sophie said reeded oak was extremely popular.

She said:

“Oak-based vanity units that have a ‘heritage look’ are having a surge at the moment. “

All the latest bathroom designs are on display in the showroom, which showcases porcelain and natural stone tiles, as well as bespoke marble and luxury flooring.

Harvey George has created floor and wall displays that will inspire and allow customers to be more creative in their spaces when choosing their furniture.

There is also a large range of baths, basins and taps from the world’s best brands on offer.

The new year brings exciting new developments for the business, with a new kitchen and homeware department set to launch in January.

Sophie added:

“With the launch of a new kitchen department in the new year and other exciting plans to come, our showroom truly is a destination worthy of a visit when designing for the home.”

Make an appointment and visit Harvey George’s Harrogate showroom to discuss your bespoke furniture needs over a complimentary drink at The Inspiration Centre, Unit 3, Hookstone Park, Harrogate, HG2 7DB. Telephone: 01423 810070.

The organisers of Saturday’s Stray bonfire and fireworks have announced they have raised a minimum of £4,061 for Harrogate Homeless Project.

An estimated 10,000 people attended the event, which included a bonfire after Harrogate and District Round Table initially decided against the idea.

Andy Rickard, one of the volunteers at the Round Table, said the event had exceeded expectations by generating around £20,000.

He said when the costs of staging the event were deducted it left £4,061.

Picture by Mark Dimmock

Donations are still open, with the Round Table pledging to match fund up to £1,000.

The volunteer-run event, which is now in its 51st year, is funded entirely by donations and sponsorship.

Mr Rickard said he was concerned before the night that the gofundme appeal had only raised about half as much as last year.

But better-than-expected cash and card payments on the night, along with sponsorship funds and percentage takings from the food, bar and face painting stalls boosted the total. He said

“We do try to develop the event every year and are pleased with the addition of a licensed bar which proved very popular, we also hope that the provision of toilets was appreciated.

“We’ve already started reviewing what we could improve and welcome feedback. We did look at replacing the bonfire with a funfair based on the feedback survey from last year so would encourage people to give us their thoughts as we start planning next year.”

Picture by Mark Dimmock

Francis McAllister, chief executive of Harrogate Homeless Project, said the Round Table’s support would “make a huge difference to our clients”, adding:

“It was a fantastic event, well organised and everyone seemed to enjoy it.”

A survey to gather people’s views on the event can be completed here.

Donations can still be pledged here.

Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative Association “failed to comply” with data protection laws after distributing election leaflets which included a Liberal Democrat candidate’s personal details.

The Information Commissioner’s Office found the local Conservative branch published the name and address of Knaresborough councillor Matt Walker during May’s local elections while promoting its own candidate.

In a letter to Cllr Walker following his complaint, the ICO said it found the matter was done without his consent and that it could not constitute a “legitimate or lawful” use of personal data.

It said:

“H&KCA published details of your name and address, without your consent, for the purpose of promoting an alternative candidate in local elections.

“The ICO do not consider this could constitute a legitimate or lawful use of your personal data, and their purpose for publishing and circulating this personal data would not override your individual rights.

“The ICO will now write to H&KCA to advise them of the ICO’s view in this matter.”

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The commissioner’s office added it would provide the Conservative association with advice and guidance on “improving their data processing in the future”.

It also said it would take no further action at this time, but would keep a record of complaints against Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservatives and “take these into account if more are received”.

In a tweet, Cllr Walker said he was “absolutely disgusted” that his personal data was used.

https://twitter.com/MattWalkerLD/status/1588817092744478720

Mr Walker told the Stray Ferret he was at heightened risk of being targeted by anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists because he works for the NHS and helped with vaccination technology.

He added:

“Like many people in my profession, I’ve been warned not to advertise my address. Two MPs have been murdered in the last five years by fanatics. I am disgusted that the Conservatives decided to advertise where I live to thousands of Knaresborough residents.

“Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservatives have shown a real lack of judgement in misusing personal data and those in charge of their election campaign clearly need additional training.”

Mr Walker added he “looked forward to receiving an apology”.

The Stray Ferret has approached Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservatives for a response.

In 2020, Conservative Harrogate Borough Council leader, Richard Cooper, sent a letter to the ICO asking for the local Lib Dems’ petitions to be investigated for “data harvesting”.

Cllr Cooper said none of the four petitions were submitted to relevant bodies and were instead an exercise to build a database of contact information. 

The Liberal Democrats described the accusations as a ploy to put people off signing petitions but an ICO spokesperson provided the Lib Dems with advice to improve their data protection policies following the complaint.

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Harrogate curry house has been named the best in the region at an annual awards ceremony hosted by Masterchef’s Greg Wallace. 

Starbeck Tandoori beat stiff competition from across Yorkshire and the Humber – including the other three finalists, all in York – to win the title.

It was awarded by the Bangladesh Caterers Association for innovation, presentation of food, hygiene standards and customer service. 

Owner Burhan Uddin Khan collected the award from hosts Greg Wallace and TV presenter Tasmin Lucia-Khan at the black-tie event at the Park Plaza London. 

Established in 1960, the BCA represents more than 12,000 UK curry houses, which employ over 100,000 people and turn over £4.2bn a year. 

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Weetons sets date for Christmas evening

Luxury food hall Weetons will stage its annual Christmas evening on Thursday, November 17.

Independent suppliers will be showcasing products to try at the shop, on Harrogate’s West Park, from 6pm to 8pm.

There will also be live music, complimentary Prosecco, mulled wine and mince pies at the event, which is open to everyone.

Rob Coutts, managing director of Weetons, said:

“Christmas is a very special time of year and Weetons want to make sure that everyone in Harrogate and beyond kicks off the celebrations in style with us.”

The Stray Ferret has launched our new Photo of the Week feature to highlight the beauty of the Harrogate district captured by talented local photographers.

Send your photos to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to feature here. We are interested in amateur and professional pictures.

This week we feature a beautiful image taken by Bill Shaw who has perfectly captured a fiery sunset over Harrogate.

A Harrogate pub was evacuated late this afternoon after fire broke out in the kitchen.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service received two calls from the pub at 5.07pm today saying there was a fire in the kitchen.

The emergency service, which has not said which pub was involved, tweeted this evening:

“The venue had been evacuated and the fire had been extinguished using a fire blanket prior to our arrival but we ensured the area was safe.”

Less than an hour later, just before 6pm, fire crews were. also called to reports of six people stuck in a lift in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service tweeted at 6.18pm that “our crews are assisting with this”.

November 5 is one of the busiest nights of the year for firefighters.

The emergency service tweeted:

“We hope you are all enjoying yourselves this bonfire night but stay safe.”

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