Harrogate bowls clubs feature in national campaign

Bowls clubs in Harrogate have featured in a national campaign to raise participation levels.

The All to Play For initiative was launched during the Commonwealth Games in an effort to broaden the people taking part in the sport.

The Harrogate Amateur Bowling Association featured heavily in the campaign with filming taking place at the Black Swan Bowling Club, Devonshire Place, Harrogate and also at Wetherby Bowling Club, Grange Park, Wetherby.

Dave Rowson, secretary of the HABA, said:

“We were delighted to be selected for the National Play Bowls campaign and see some of our local clubs and players included.

“We are grateful to the support from North Yorkshire Sport and Sport England and hope we can encourage as many people in the local areas to Try Bowls.

“It really is a sport for all and can be played by families and individuals of all ages.”

Part of the campaign included shooting a promotional video, which includes shots from players in Harrogate taking part in the sport.

You can watch the video by Bowls England below.

 

The campaign comes as bowls clubs in the Harrogate district joined together in a bid to recover from the covid pandemic.

All 16 clubs that play in the Harrogate league came together after it became clear that some were at risk of folding.

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The clubs recently received funding from North Yorkshire Sport and Sport England in order to come up with a plan to increase participation.

The league has also trained 10 coaches, bought new equipment and put on “Try Bowls” sessions as part of the effort.

The HABA will also be hosting a charity bowls event on Sunday (August 28) in aid of the Robert Ogden centre.

For more information on how to get involved with the open bowl sessions, email habasect@gmail.com.

New music festival to mark composer’s link to Nidderdale village

A new music festival will be held in a Nidderdale village to celebrate the work of a famed Victorian composer.

St Thomas à Becket Parish Church in Hampsthwaite will host the two-day event after discovering Amy Woodforde-Finden was buried in its churchyard, with a marble monument created by sculptor George Wade.

Amy, who was born in Chile, died in 1919.

As well as two concerts featuring her music on Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8, the event will include a guided tour of ‘Amy’s Hampsthwaite’.

A spokesperson for the event said:

“Amy Woodforde-Finden’s success was particularly remarkable in the context of a male-dominated society, where women had no right to vote.

“Amy is best known for her set of Indian Love Lyrics. Her Kashmiri Song proved an instant and lasting hit and became one of the highest selling pieces of sheet music ever published at the time!

“Amy’s music perfectly captured the mood and morals of the time, and in recent years, her works have enjoyed a new appreciation, due to a revival and interest in neglected female composers.”

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The opening night will feature renowned soloist Patricia Hammond, who will travel from London to perform a song recital of Amy’s music.

Amy Woodforde-Finden

Amy Woodforde-Finden

Patricia, who specialises in women composers of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, will be accompanied by the church’s director of music and mastermind of the inaugural festival, Thomas Flessenkaemper.

On the Saturday evening, members of the church will be joined by those from across the benefice of Felliscliffe, Killinghall and Birstwith, as well as local schoolchildren and musicians from the wider area.

They will perform a selection of pieces including Amy’s Pagoda of Flowers, which organisers believe is being recorded for the first time.

Tickets are available from the festival website at £12 for each concert or £20 for both. Concessions are £10 and children under 18 go free.

‘Rodent dropping’ Harrogate care home no longer registered

The Harrogate care home where rodent droppings were found is no longer registered by the Care Quality Commission.

Government inspectors put Mary Fisher House in special measures this year after discovering rodent droppings in the kitchen and finding some medicine practices to be “unsafe”.

The CQC report detailing the findings, which also said bedrooms “smelt strongly of urine”, was published in April.

The health and social care regulator subsequently said it had “taken action to protect the safety and welfare of people living at the home” by moving them them to other homes.

But it added its legal processes did not allow it to go into further detail at the time because care provider Svivekcaregroup Limited could appeal its findings.

An updated version of the report, released this month after the appeal deadline passed, revealed the CQC had issued notice of a proposal to cancel the home’s registration.

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A CQC spokeswoman told the Stray Ferret enforcement action “did not proceed to the final stage”. When the Stray Ferret asked why not, the spokeswoman said:

“The service is now closed, and no longer active on the CQC’s register. No one is living on site, and as far as CQC is concerned the matter is concluded.”

In June, Svivekcaregroup indicated the home, which catered for up to 24 residents on Cold Bath Road, was likely to reopen.

The Stray Ferret has attempted to contact Svivekcaregroup to ask if it still planned to re-open Mary Fisher House or had other plans for the building but has not received a response.

Woman denies attempted murder in Bilton

A 44-year-old woman denied attempted murder in Bilton when she appeared in court today.

Clare Bailey, of The Riddings, Dudley, appeared before Leeds Crown Court this morning to face the charge.

Ms Bailey, who appeared by via video link from Low Newton Prison, near Durham, spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth before entering a plea of not guilty.

She is alleged to have attempted to murder the named woman at a house on Byland Road, Bilton, on Thursday, June 23, this year.

The court set a trial date of December 12, 2022, which is scheduled to last for five days.

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August Bank Holiday 2022: Events happening this weekend in the Harrogate District

The August Bank Holiday weekend is upon us and it’s our last long weekend until Christmas.

If you haven’t decided how you will be spending it, here’s a guide to some of the events taking place in the Harrogate district.

There’s a wide range of events happening from live music to children’s activities. They offer a perfect excuse for families and friends to get together while the sun is still shining.

Jurassic Crazy Golf, Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza, Harrogate

Some of the Jurassic Crazy Golf holes which will appear in Harrogate.

Some of the Jurassic Crazy Golf holes.

This nine-hole mini golf course combines crazy golf with dinosaurs and is accompanied by an educational Dino Trail around the town centre.

Matthew Chapman, manager at Harrogate BID which commissioned the course and trail, said:

“With the school summer holidays nearing an end, parents maybe scratching their heads thinking what to do to entertain their children.

“Well, we have the answer – jurassic golf! And what could be me more fun than a combination of dinosaurs and crazy golf?”

The Dino Trail is a fun, educational trail where people can find answers to jurassic-themed questions by scanning a QR code on a poster, displayed in shop windows.

The answer will then appear on their phones.

As people complete the trail, they will also be collecting letters that form a simple, themed anagram. Users can then submit the anagram/answer via the LoyalFree app for an additional chance to win a prize draw.

Those wishing to play a round of golf can turn up on the day or book at the jurassic golf website here.

The cost is adults £3, children £2.50, family of four (two adults and two children) £10 and one adult and one child £5.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, jurassicgolf.co.uk/harrogate

Fireworks Championships, Newby Hall, Ripon

A dazzling night of fireworks at Newby Hall and Gardens, which sees three teams create stunning displays choreographed to music and the audience voting for a winner on the night via SMS.

The event also includes a final display by SmartPyro to round off the night. Watch from a picnic rug or camping chair against the stunning backdrop of 17th century house and its impressive grounds

There will also be a drone light show, courtesy of DroneSwarm, funfair rides, music and food and drink.

Mat Lawrence, managing director at event organiser MLE Pyrotechnics, said:

“It’s an honour to return to Newby Hall for another year of our Firework Champions event. We’ve got a tonne of great entertainment in store thanks to our three competitors, as well as a spectacular closing display. It’s going to be a great day out for families.”

Gates open for entry at 4pm, alongside pre-show entertainment. The DroneSwarm light show takes place at twilight and the main event begins at 9.30pm, with SMS voting at 10.15pm. The larger closing display takes place at 10:30pm and the results are announced at 10.40pm.

Book your ticket here.

Saturday, fireworkchampions.co.uk

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Leeds Festival, Wetherby

Leeds Festival is once again set to take over Bramham Park, near Wetherby.

Thousands of people are expected at Bramham for the three-day event, which starts on Friday and is headlined this year by the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The 1975, Dave, Halsey, Bring Me the Horizon and Megan Thee Stallion.

Last year’s new format continues, with two main stages instead of the previous one.

Friday to Monday, leedsfestival.com

Family Fun Day at Ripon Races

The final family fun day of the season is taking place at Ripon Races on Bank Holiday Monday. It will also be hosting the only listed race of the season, the EBF Ripon Champion Two-Year Old Trophy. Pack a picnic basket and blanket and enjoy lots of free fun for the children in the course enclosure including:

Monday, ripon-races.co.uk/family-days

Free entertainment on the Market Square, Ripon

Ripon City Council’s season of complimentary summer events for residents and visitors will finish on a high tomorrow (Saturday), with a full-size ferris wheel operating on Market Square from 2pm until 8pm.

City council leader Andrew Williams, said:

“This is the first time that the council has had a ferris wheel for families to enjoy as part of its fairground attractions.

“It will be alongside a climbing wall for older children and a ride for younger children.”

Climbing Wall on Ripon Market Square

A climbing wall will be among the attractions

All rides will be free of charge, like the evening of musical entertainment starting at 6.30pm, when Ripon singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary takes the stage.

He will be followed by tribute acts singing the hits of Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Olly Murs and country and western favourites.

Performances will go on until 11pm with a break from the contemporary sounds at 9pm, when attendees will be able to see one of Ripon’s team of Hornblowers, setting the watch.

On Sunday and Monday the Market Square will host another Little Bird Artisan Market. Open from 10am until 3pm, it will again include stalls selling goods ranging from food to home furnishings, produced by local and Yorkshire-based traders.

Saturday and Sunday.

Pop-up parties, Knaresborough Castle and Ripon Spa Gardens

Harrogate Borough Council has organised these summer events for the whole family to enjoy.

The events are all free and are a chance for young people to enjoy juggling and circus shows, magicians, character meet and greets, and mini discos.

They follow a party held in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens earlier this month, which was a huge success.

 

Knaresborough Castle on Friday, August 26 between 11am and 4pm

Ripon Spa Gardens on Saturday, August 27 between 11am and 3pm

Friday and Saturday

Harrogate driver tests positive for drug driving twice in two days

A driver in Harrogate has tested positive for drug driving twice in 48 hours.

North Yorkshire Police stopped the vehicle after information showed they had been arrested two days ago.

They had initially been arrested for drug driving and a further test was confirmed as positive for cannabis.

The driver was released under investigation.

Make that twice in 48 hours after the driver tested positive again for #Cannabis on a @DrugWipeUK An evidential sample has been obtained & will be sent to @RSSS_DianeFair for analysis. Driver has been released under investigation pending the result of this #Fatal5 #DrugDriving pic.twitter.com/xrFKYFp5Hd

— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) August 25, 2022

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Harrogate solicitors Raworths announces four promotions

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Harrogate’s Raworths Solicitors has announced four new promotions at the firm.

The promotions have been made in the private client and commercial teams.

John Carter, a lawyer in commercial property is promoted to senior associate and Claire Hunter, a solicitor in family children and divorce, Jessica Toller, a solicitor in wills and estates and Jennifer Watson, a solicitor in corporate, have each been promoted to associate.

Deborah Boylan, head of employment and people partner at Raworths, said: 

“It’s always incredibly gratifying to be able to recognise and reward the huge contribution and commitment of our people, particularly when they have been integral to the firm’s success for many years.

“It’s important that we nurture and support our people and encourage them to be the best they can be by investing in their professional development and progression.  Our commitment to developing talent also helps to position us well for the future.”

Harrogate estate agent donates cash to replace charity van

Former Yorkshire TV and Calendar News presenter Christine Talbot receives the keys off Linley & Simpson chairman Will Linley.

A Harrogate estate agent has donated £20,000 to a charity to help replace a stolen van.

Martin House Children’s Hospice fell victim to its van being stolen from its warehouse in Wetherby in January.

Now, Linley and Simpson, which also has an office in Ripon, has donated cash to help replace the vehicle.

And the keys to the new vehicle were picked up from Linley & Simpson chairman, Will Linley, by former Yorkshire TV and Calendar News presenter Christine Talbot, who is also a long-standing Martin House ambassador.

Mr Linley said:

“We shared the whole community’s shock at news of the theft. The fantastic work of the Martin House team touches the lives of so many people across Yorkshire, so we welcomed the opportunity to help.

“Many of our people have volunteered at the hospice, and our branches act as collection points for bric-a-brac that its shops can sell, so the work of the warehouse and the vans is very close to our hearts.”

Stephanie Rimmington, head of retail at Martin House, said:

“Without their donation, we could have been without a van for months while our insurance claim is processed, adding to an already challenging situation amid covid.

“By replacing the stolen van much quicker, our retail team is now able to get back out on the road, collecting donations to keep our retail outlets fully stocked, and generating more income for the hospice.”

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Cocaine dealer jailed for ‘peddling misery’ in Harrogate

A cocaine dealer who “peddled misery” in Harrogate has been jailed for nearly three years after being snared by an undercover cop posing as a drug addict.

Jack Milner, 25, bragged to the officer that he was “making a good wage” from his trade but he was being played from the outset, York Crown Court heard.

Milner supplied cocaine to the plain-clothed officer on three separate occasions in December 2019, said prosecutor David Povall.

Mr Povall added:

“The officer was part of a wider operation focusing on county lines (drug networks) and it appears the defendant has crossed their sights.”

He said although Milner wasn’t involved “in that level of criminality”, he was working with others to supply the Class A drug.

The undercover officer, who used a pseudonym, was introduced to Milner on December 9 when he was supplied with cocaine. 

The following day, the officer called Milner to arrange another deal and he was “again supplied with (cocaine)”.

On the third day, the officer rang the same number and spoke to a different man who supplied him some wraps of heroin and cocaine.

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The court heard that Milner only supplied cocaine and was not involved in the dealing of heroin. However, the officer later saw Milner with this “second man…giving him permission to supply the officer with a further wrap”.

Milner, of Harehills Lane, Leeds, was duly arrested and found with a “burner” phone – a cheap, pre-paid mobile which criminals often use to evade detection.

He initially denied any involvement in Class A drug-dealing and maintained his innocence until the day of trial in June, when he finally admitted supplying cocaine.

Living on the streets

Nick Cartmell, mitigating, said Milner was living on the streets with his girlfriend at the time and had pneumonia. 

He said although Milner clearly made a “quite significant” financial gain, it was simply to buy his “next McDonald’s (meal)…and not going hungry”.

Mr Cartmell added:

“He was a fool and he has a penalty to pay.

“The defendant appears to have been operating a telephone number for the supply of drugs with others and been directly involved in handing them over to addicts.”

He said that Milner stood to make a “significant financial gain” although the amount was unknown.

Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, told Milner: 

“You were peddling misery on the streets and…that is very serious.

“You said to the undercover officer that you were being paid a good wage for what you were doing. In my book, peddling Class A drugs is so serious that there has to be an immediate prison sentence because there has to be a recognition of deterrence for others. 

“You were out and about distributing this filth on the streets. Who know how many lives you wrecked?”

Milner was jailed for two years and nine months. He will serve half of that sentence behind bars before being released on prison licence. 

Lib Dems to restart candidate selection in Harrogate and Knaresborough

The Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats are to restart their process to choose a prospective parliamentary candidate.

The party had begun moves to find someone to oppose Conservative Andrew Jones at the next general election.

But the process will be re-run after the national Lib Dems upgraded Harrogate and Knaresborough to a target seat.

Local members participated in a first selection in June and July. But a recent email to party members, seen by the Stray Ferret, said:

“Before the results of our PPC selection had been announced, we were notified that Harrogate and Knaresborough has been recognised as a target seat.

“This is great news and something that the local party executive have been working towards. However, this has implications for the selection of a PPC.”

Conservative Andrew Jones has represented Harrogate and Knaresborough since 2010.

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The letter goes on to say that every PPC in a target seat “must be selected through a more robust selection process” and therefore the current selection process had been “curtailed”.

The email adds further information will be sent in “due course”.

David Goode, chair of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dems, said

“We have been recognised as a target seat and this is fantastic news. This is the result of months of work by our local campaigners and councillors.

“The local party started the process of selecting a parliamentary candidate earlier this summer. News of their target seat status means the process will now begin again.

“We will have to kick start a new selection process, in line with party rules. This is just something we must do but it will not detract from our campaign. ”

Local election success

At the local elections in May, the party won eight of the 13 North Yorkshire County Council seats in Harrogate and Knaresborough.  It won 11,907 votes compared to the Conservatives’ 11,103.

However, the Tories won 47 of the 90 seats across the county to retain control.

Lib Dems

Jubilant Liberal Democrats in Harrogate and Knaresborough celebrate the local election results.

At the last general election in 2019, the Lib Dems increased their share of the vote in the constituency by 12 percentage points and reduced Conservative Andrew Jones’s majority to 9,675 votes. But Mr Jones has held the seat since 2012.

 

Considering divorce? Before you do anything, read this…

This article is sponsored by Harrogate Family Law.

If the prospect of divorce has crossed your mind, you’ll know it’s one of the biggest decisions you could ever make.

Whether you have been married for many years or only a short time, considering ending the relationship can be daunting: from finances to children, there are many aspects which make the situation feel complicated.

Before you make a decision, here are some suggestions which could make the process easier for everyone involved.

Speak to a solicitor

This may feel like a big step, and one which should come much further down the line, but it’s actually something many people do in the early stages – even before speaking to their spouse.

Andrew Meehan, director of Harrogate Family Law, said:

“A lot of people come to us when they haven’t even decided it’s finally over.

“It’s the biggest decision you will ever make in your life, but most people have never been through it before.

“Knowledge is power: people want to know what they are in for and what they would potentially come out with.”

Choose the right law firm

It’s important to do your research and be confident in your choice. Your solicitor will need to know everything about your life, including your finances, so make sure it’s someone you feel comfortable with.

Solicitors are not just there to resolve disputes, but are an essential part of ensuring any agreement is legally sound.

Mr Meehan said:

“Even if you have agreed a settlement with your ex-partner, it still needs to be put into a court order so it’s binding.

“People sometimes think that the introduction of no-fault divorces means they don’t need to have everything done through solicitors, but that’s not the case.

“Whether it’s an amicable settlement or things are more contentious, it is really important to get the right advice to ensure your settlement is fair from the outset and will be fair to you in the future too.”

Do your research

In many divorces, there is an imbalance of assets between the two parties. While one person having a higher income than another can be obvious, it’s often also the case that pensions, trusts, business ownership and other factors need to be considered to ensure the settlement is fair.

Getting all the information together will help your solicitor to ensure you get what is fair and that your needs for the future will be protected.

Mr Meehan said:

“We deal with a lot of cases where there is a family business to consider, or where one partner has focused on their career to earn money for the family while the other has taken a step back to raise the children and look after things at home.

“Not only does that mean their current incomes are vastly different, but it also means their future earning potential, their pension provision and their other assets can be affected quite significantly.

“Knowing all of these details helps us to get the full picture of the finances and ensure they are split fairly, so one partner is not disadvantaged because of the role they played while the family was together.”

Don’t panic

Facing divorce at the outset can be a worrying time, even if it is likely to be amicable.

When you add in potential challenges, such as one partner making the situation more difficult or displaying narcissistic tendencies, it can feel insurmountable.

However, your solicitor should be there to guide you through it and ensure the end result is right for you, said Mr Meehan.

“Our strapline is ‘on your side’ and that’s what a good solicitor should be. They should understand your worries and help to put your mind at ease.

“We know that people are often concerned about the necessities: keeping a roof over their heads, having money to pay bills and cover their legal fees, and managing their finances before the settlement is agreed.

“Having the right solicitor who understands this is absolutely essential for your peace of mind, now and in the future.”