A special event has been held to thank a team of carers covering the Harrogate district during the pandemic.
Continued Care, which has headquarters in Harrogate and a base in Ripon, held the Celebration and Thank You Evening to recognise its staff’s achievements in the face of unprecedented challenges over the last two years.
The event was also an opportunity to present long service awards and announce the carer of the year awards for each branch at the home care company. The winners were Sophie Philp in Harrogate and Janet Bettridge in Ripon.
Director Samantha Harrison said:
“Working through Covid has been one of the hardest things we have experienced but through it all our staff have shown great determination and resilience, working together as a team and putting others before themselves.
“Before the pandemic, their jobs were hard enough but our staff have been selfless and focused on doing their best for our clients who are among the most vulnerable in our community.
“Their kindness, compassion and generosity has been inspirational. We wanted to say thank you and tell each of them how amazing they are and how proud we are of them.”
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Long service certificates and badges were presented to nearly half of Continued Care’s staff – 65 people out of 140 – who have been with the company for five years or more.
Making the presentations, area manager Mike Herrington said it was amazing to have such a high proportion of long-serving staff in the company, given the well-known challenges of employee retention in the care sector.
He added:
Could Harrogate host Eurovision again?“This is testament to the quality of our staff and what they do for us, as well as what we do for them, and how we all work together to make sure people get the best service we can give them.”
Enthusiasm is mounting for Harrogate to put in a bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest again in 2023.
The European Broadcasting Union, which runs the event, announced yesterday it had concluded this year’s winner, Ukraine, was unable to host the event because of the on going invasion by Russia.
It leaves the door open for the UK, as runner-up, to be next in line to host the event next year.
Speculation has grown rapidly on Twitter about the potential host town or city – and Harrogate’s name has cropped up more than once.
Bring it back to Harrogate. https://t.co/khvYS1Loqy
— Duncan Woods (@the__DAW) June 17, 2022
The prospect has been welcomed by the town’s business leaders. Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID Manager, said:
“I think it would be absolutely brilliant if Harrogate was to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“Harrogate is no stranger to staging major international events, and let’s remember 40 years ago Eurovision was held in the newly opened Harrogate Convention Centre.
“Once again, images of the town and wider district would be beamed into homes around the world. It would bring thousands of visitors into the town, give the local economy a massive shot in the arm and benefit many businesses.”
Jan Leeming hosted Eurovision live from Harrogate in 1982.
Sue Kramer, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce president, said:
“Holding Eurovision would give the town and the district an enormous feel good factor, and with little disruption. It will also attract a significant number of visitors and a huge TV audience. Bring it on!”
Chamber chief executive David Simister added:
“I remember the excitement in the town when we staged it 40 years ago.
“Over the subsequent years the popularity of the Eurovision Song Contest has grown significantly, and hosting it would certainly be a fantastic opportunity for Harrogate.”
However, not everyone seems to feel so positive about it.
https://twitter.com/connormoseleyx/status/1537775214536364032
Having just celebrated the 40th anniversary of it being held in Harrogate, is there a possibility the town could be called on again to welcome fans, contestants and international media?
Sadly, it seems unlikely.
Read more:
- 40 years on: Remembering when Harrogate hosted Eurovision
- 40 years on: Jan Leeming’s memories of when Harrogate hosted Eurovision
- Eurovision fans sing outside Harrogate Convention Centre to mark 40th anniversary
In 1982, Harrogate Convention Centre was chosen because it was a brand new venue – a chance for the UK to show its modern facilities and ways of working.
However, its 2,000 capacity – perfectly adequate at the time – is unlikely to meet the organisers’ needs to accommodate the huge crowds who clamour to attend each year.
This year’s contest in Turin was held at the PalaOlimpico, which has a capacity of up to 15,657 for concerts. Rotterdam Ahoy, which hosted in 2021, can welcome audiences of more than 16,000.
So if not Harrogate, where?
The UK has hosted Eurovision eight times: four in London, and one each in Edinburgh, Brighton and Birmingham, as well as Harrogate.
Near neighbour Leeds is on the list of potential contenders, with the city council quick to confirm it will bid to hold the event at the First Direct arena, with its 13,781 capacity.
In a joint statement, council leader Cllr James Lewis and Cllr Jonathan Pryor, executive member for economy and culture, said:
“It goes without saying that Leeds will be bidding to host Eurovision in 2023. Together with ASM Global, the operators of the First Direct arena in Leeds, we have already been in touch with both the Government and the BBC to discuss our plans.
“Leeds has already proved that it has the capability and capacity to host major international events and ASM Global successfully hosted Eurovision in the Avicii Arena, Stockholm Sweden in 2016. Given that we will be mid-way through the Leeds 2023 year of culture, it could not come at a better time.
“We are extremely disappointed that Ukraine will be unable to host in 2023, but it would be an honour to host on behalf of them, especially given that West Yorkshire is home to a large number of Ukrainians. If we are successful with our bid, we will be looking to get the local Ukrainian community involved with our plans as much as possible.”
Still, Harrogate’s Eurovision enthusiasts can dream that perhaps one day the contest will return – and bring with it some of the profile that came 40 years ago as our European neighbours ask themselves again, “Où est Harrogate?“
Residents flock to Starbeck Community DayResidents in Starbeck flocked to Starbeck Community Day today to help raise money for this year’s Christmas lights.
The annual event took place at Harrogate Railway Athletic FC and saw a range of stalls, barbecue, licensed bar and raffle prizes.
Chrissie Holmes, of the Starbeck Christmas Lights Appeal which organises the event, said the goal was to raise £5,000.
She said:
“We are here to raise funds for the Christmas lights, it is an annual event.
“We need to raise £5,000 each year for the cost to put them [the lights] up and to maintain them.”
Starbeck Community Day, which was held today.
The small group of volunteers are aiming to light up Starbeck High Street with the lights, which would run up to Forest Head Lane.
To help in the fundraising effort, prizes and events were on display to raise money.
Strabeck Residents’ Association also had a stall and Starbeck Library were on hand to accept donations for books.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, Andrew Jones, also had a clinic at the event to speak with constituents about issues.
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Friends of Starbeck Library held a book sale.
The Starbeck Residents’ Association stall.
Green Shoots is the Stray Ferret’s monthly feature that explores the people and places who are doing great things for the environment in our district.
Boroughbridge residents are queuing out of the door at Boroughbridge Methodist Church to pick up potatoes, bread, carrots and other kitchen essentials.
But it’s not a food bank, they are here to do their bit to tackle the food waste crisis, which is one of the most under-reported environmental issues of our time.
In the UK, 6.7 million tonnes of food, worth £10 billion, is thrown in the bin every year.
There is a hidden environmental price too with much of the unwanted food heading to vast landfill sites which emit climate-damaging methane into the atmosphere.
The community larder is run jointly by volunteers from Boroughbridge Lions and Boroughbridge Community Care. The food comes from Morrisons supermarket, Fink, Minskip Farm Shop and Great Ouseburn Post Office.
As well as fruit and veg there are tins, drinks and even some rather tempting-looking cakes, which really would be a shame to see go to waste.
‘All about the environment’
The larder has been running for 11 weeks and kicks off each Wednesday from 12pm.
It also doubles up as a social get-together for the Boroughbridge community who gather for tea and coffee whilst they wait for their turn to collect the food.
The volunteers recently totted up how much food has been handed over so far, they had saved a massive 1.6 tonnes of food from going to landfill. Not bad going for a couple of hours every Wednesday lunchtime.
Sue Johnson from Boroughbridge Lions is one of the key figures behind the larder. She said, “It’s all about the environment”.
“We are reducing food waste and surplus food that would normally go to into landfill and create greenhouse gases. That’s what we are all about.
“We also want to bring the community together. The buzz in the coffee room is fantastic. “
Residents having tea and coffee in the church
Some of the food in the larder
Read more:
- Green Shoots: Ethical raw dog food brand founded in Tockwith
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- Green Shoots: Harrogate care provider buys electric bikes for staff
‘It’s still good food’
Unlike a food bank, you don’t need a referral to visit. It’s open to everyone, which the volunteers are keen to stress.
Andrea Bryson, one of the volunteers, said:
“We’re preventing food from going to waste. It’s still good food. We’re protecting the environment so there’s less methane in the atmosphere. It puts a smile on everybody’s face.”
Mo, who has lived in Boroughbridge for many years, said helping the environment is the main reason she comes along. She said:
“A lot of people wouldn’t go to a food bank because they think they are not deserving. This is a win-win as you are helping the planet and stopping food from going to waste so the environment is benefitting.”
Boroughbridge resident Mo
Kirri said she enjoys the range of items on offer which helps give new ideas for meals to cook for her family. She said:
“I get different ingredients here to what I am used to so I am cooking lots of new things. I can’t believe some of it was being thrown away, it’s crazy!”
Kirri
Green shoots
The Stray Ferret didn’t leave empty-handed, either, and took home some potatoes and carrots, which will look good as part of a Sunday roast this weekend.
Tackling climate change can seem like a daunting task for the individual but lessons learned from groups like the Boroughbridge Community Larder might just be one way for us to slowly turn the corner, one bag of potatoes at a time.
Yoga teacher to run free solstice sun salutation in Valley GardensA yoga and pilates instructor will hold a free sun salutation event in Harrogate to mark the summer solstice on Tuesday.
Ebru Evrim, who is set to open a new studio on James Street on July 2, will hold the event in the Valley Gardens, near the cafe, from 6pm to 8.30pm.
She will lead participants through 108 sun salutations, a number representing spiritually significant landmarks including the number of sacred sites in India.
She said:
“Summer solstice is a lovely time of year, and it adds something extra special when practicing yoga outside in the evening sunshine – hopefully!
“This free event is a great opportunity for anyone with experience of yoga to enjoy an outdoor session, or for those interested in trying it for the first time.”
While beginners are welcome to participate, Ebru said the session will be physically demanding, though she will offer modifications to suit different abilities. Anyone taking part will be asked to complete a health questionnaire and must alert the instructor to any injuries or difficulties.
To book a place, email info@ebruevrim.com or call 01756 229356.
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Family of murdered Harrogate policeman seeks permanent memorial
The family of PC David Haigh, the Harrogate police officer murdered by Barry Prudom, has called for a permanent memorial to be erected.
Father-of-three PC Haigh was just 29 years old when he was shot by Prudom at Norwood Edge car park in Stainburn Forest.
PC Haigh’s widow, three sons and other family members hung a wreath at the site yesterday — 40 years to the day after he was slain.
They laid another wreath at Harrogate police station, where there is a plaque commemorating a fallen colleague.
But besides that plaque there is nothing to honour the officer who made the ultimate sacrifice and his family feels it is time that was put right.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret at yesterday’s wreath hanging, relatives said they were in discussions with the Police Memorial Trust, a charity that erects memorials to British police officers killed in the line of duty.
They hope something will be arranged for the site where he died, which is currently a car park owned by the Forestry Commission.
The memorial to PC David Haigh.
Annette Jakes, PC Haigh’s widow, returns to the site most years to pay her respects. She said:
“He was a hero. Yet there is nothing to remember him except the plaque in the police station.”
The fateful day
Ms Jukes was so overcome by grief at the news of her husband’s death that she had to be sedated for many days afterwards.
Recalling the fateful moment, she said she could see police officers through the glass door of the family home at the time on Elmwood Street:
“It was about 10am. There was the chief superintendent and the police doctor behind him.
“The chief superintendent said ‘I think you’d better sit down’. Then he told me my husband had been killed this morning. I don’t remember anything after that. I just hit the ground. I was injected for weeks. I never even saw the children.”
Eldest sons Carl and Michael, who were 11 and eight at the time, were sent home from Grove Road Community Primary School. They were waiting in a neighbour’s house when they overheard the news that their dad had been killed. Two weeks later they were back at school.
PC David Haigh
Youngest son Richard, who was just three at the time, said he was “unbelievably proud” of his dad.
He added it was a cruel twist of fate that the anniversary of PC Haigh’s death always fell around Father’s Day.
About a dozen family members, including grandchildren of PC Haigh, were at Norwood Edge yesterday to pay their respects.
It was a short and dignified occasion at the spot where it is thought PC Haigh died from a single gunshot wound.
Prudom went on the run and killed two more people before turning the gun on himself 17 days later after Britain’s biggest ever manhunt.
Now the family hopes a more lasting tribute will be erected in memory of the young Harrogate father who sacrificed his life serving others.
Read more:
Residents moved from Harrogate care home with rodent droppings
Residents at a Harrogate care home where rodent droppings were found and rooms smelled of urine have been moved to other homes.
Mary Fisher House was rated inadequate and put into special measures in April by the Care Quality Commission, which regulates health and social care.
The CQC report in April, which was based on an inspection in February, found evidence of rodent droppings in the kitchen.
It said some bedrooms smelled of urine, described medicines practices as unsafe and said there were insufficient staff to safely support people.
The four-storey home on Cold Bath Road, which caters for up to 24 residents, relied heavily on agency staff who weren’t properly inducted, it added.
Read more:
- Rodent droppings found in kitchen of Harrogate care home
- Harrogate firefighter brands plans to rely on one fire engine ‘farcical’
Claire Harris-Winstanley, manager of the home on Cold Bath Road, confirmed it was closed when the Stray Ferret visited today. However, she said it was not clear yet whether the closure would be permanent and declined to comment further at this stage.
Rachel Bowes, North Yorkshire County Council’s assistant director for care and support, said in a statement today:
“We have taken swift action to find new accommodation for 12 residents of Mary Fisher House following a decision by the owner to close for refurbishment.
“This situation has arisen following a recent Care Quality Commission inspection of the home, which identified problems which needed attention.
“Since then we have been working alongside NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group with the home’s owner to try to secure improvements.”
“The owner has decided the best way forwards is to refurbish the premises and to do so without residents in place. As a consequence we are finding alternative accommodation for the 12 residents the county council has responsibility for.
“We understand the situation may be distressing for those involved and we are working diligently to ensure the process causes the minimum disruption to the residents involved. Our absolute priority is the welfare of those affected by this situation and we have been keeping residents, along with their relatives and representatives, fully informed of developments.”
Safety action
One woman, who had a relative at the £600-a-week home until recently, said she was given nine days to find alternative arrangements.
According to the CQC, the home is run by Svivekcaregroup Limited.
The Stray Ferret has tried to contact the provider but has yet to receive a response.
A CQC spokesperson, said:
No trains for two days in Harrogate next week as strike action hits“The CQC carried out an inspection at Mary Fisher House in Harrogate in February 2022.
“As a result we have taken action to protect the safety and welfare of people living at the home.
“Our legal processes do not allow us to go into further detail at this time. All CQC’s action is open to appeal.”
No trains will run through Harrogate and Knaresborough for two days next week as thousands of workers go on strike.
Northern, which operates services through the two towns, has published its timetable for the industrial action on June 21, 23 and 25.
The RMT union has called the strike action over pay and conditions. It will see thousands of drivers, signal operators and guards walk out next week.
In Harrogate and Knaresborough, no trains will run between York and Leeds on Tuesday, June 21, and Thursday, June 23.
However, Northern services are currently expected to run on Saturday, June 25 although the company has warned of disruption and urged people to seek alternative travel.
LNER will also be running no services to London Kings Cross from Harrogate on all three strike days.
Read more:
- Harrogate rail campaigner ‘optimistic’ early morning train could be reinstated
- No replacement buses for Harrogate district commuters during strike
The industrial action on the railways is expected to hit commuters, schools and major events.
The disruption will affect cricket fans travelling to Headingley as England take on New Zealand in the third Test of a three-game series on Thursday.
Trains are expected to run on non-strike days, however Northern warned that services could still be affected.
The company warned passengers earlier this week not to travel on any day between Tuesday and Sunday.
It said in a statement:
“There will be no replacement buses or alternative travel provided.
“On strike days there will be extremely limited availability of both train crew and signalling staff and as such we will not be able to operate services on most routes.
“Unfortunately, as we will not be able to position our fleet how we normally would, the significant impact of the strike will also be felt on non-strike days.
“Therefore, we regrettably advise customers not to travel on any day from Tuesday 21st through to Sunday 26th June.
“Where we are able to operate trains, services will be very limited, and trains will not start as early as normal and will finish much earlier than normal.”
Buses expect surge in demand
Meanwhile, Harrogate Bus Company has said it is expecting additional passengers next week due to the strike action.
Steve Ottley, general manager at the bus company, said:
Prize awarded to winning Knaresborough Bed Race team after mix up“We are expecting additional customers to travel with us next week due to the rail disruption.
“Our advice is to plan ahead of travel, using our Transdev Go app to track your bus before making a journey. Our website and Twitter feed @harrogatebus will be updated across the day with any planned alterations to services.
“We will closely monitor demand and will provide additional capacity where possible with the resources we have available.”
The fastest new team prize for Knaresborough Bed Race was presented to a Harrogate running club today, after a mix-up saw the trophy incorrectly awarded to the wrong team.
The famous race returned to the town for the first time since 2019 last weekend and saw thousands of people line the streets for an entertaining and enjoyable day.
Fastest new team was a fiercely-competed category with three new teams (Early Bird Run Crew Harrogate, Nidd Valley Juniors and It’s A COP-Out) separated by just 20 seconds.
It’s a COP-Out were handed the trophy on Saturday, but after being made aware of the error they magnanimously handed the trophy back to the Knaresborough Lions, which organises the bed race, and it was duly presented to EBRC Harrogate this morning.
EBRC Harrogate, the fastest new team
The Lions said on Facebook:
“Things don’t always go to plan and unfortunately the fastest new team prize on Saturday was awarded to the wrong team.
“Thank you to It’s A COP-Out for being so magnanimous when told of the error, and thanks for EBRC Harrogate for being patient in receiving their prize.
“Amazing running by all new teams and we hopefully look forward to seeing you back in 2023.”
Knaresborough Lions PR officer Martin Brock even joined EBRC’s 6.30am Friday 5km run around Harrogate after handing over the trophy.
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Kliniken’s pioneering stem cell procedure is a game-changer for knee pain
This article is sponsored by Kliniken.
Kliniken, Harrogate’s state-of-the-art day surgery clinic, is pioneering new stem cell treatment for a pain-free life.
The clinic has introduced a ground-breaking procedure that uses stem cells to help heal osteoarthritis in the knee to avoid painful knee replacement surgery.
Kliniken is owned and run by Mr Mallappa Kolar, the UK’s leading surgeon on stem cells, and his wife Karuna, and they are delighted to be bringing the life-changing procedure to Yorkshire.
Expertise and experience
Mr Kolar’s expertise in stem cell treatments has helped him pioneer the procedure in a UK-first, aiding patients with often crippling, painful osteoarthritis.
His understanding of how fat stem cells injected into the knee can help those suffering from arthritis has meant he can provide a solution to those in need.
The procedure gives people a chance to lead pain-free lives that seemed previously out of reach.
He said:
“I feel privileged to be able to use my knowledge on fat stem cells to be able to help patients that are unable to live as active and mobile a life as they would love to, due to their arthritis, as the pain prevents this.“
The treatment avoids painful knee surgery.
How it works
Kliniken, is the only location within the UK to offer this specific type of stem cell procedure.
The procedure itself focuses on utilising fat and dental stem cells to aid regeneration within the area affected, through the use of targeted injections at the problem regions and joints.
This can help those suffering on the spectrum of pain. This can range from a mild ache all the way up to those who may be due to have knee replacements using metal, which is a far more invasive form of surgery.
Unlike other procedures available, this pioneering stem cell injection treatment means the body is healing the body, and it does not involve any metal insertion into the patient’s body.
Benefits and results
For those suffering from osteoarthritis, knee pain or perhaps struggling to keep up with hobbies like running or golf due to knee issues then stem cell treatment could be the right thing.
Unfortunately, knee replacements cannot be reversed and most younger people who have to get a replacement are more likely to need a revision later in life which is a major undertaking.
Mr Kolar added:
“Having travelled and worked in the United States and Europe over the years, where this procedure is popular due to its evident success, I am very excited to bring its benefits and results home with me.”
Alan Cryer and Mr Mallappa Kolar talking through the process.
Pain free and happy
64-year-old businessman Alan Cryer from Harrogate suffered from excruciating pain in both his knees. He said:
“I was told by the hospital that I would need two knee replacements in order to deal with the pain. At this point I was having to crawl up the stairs. The impact the pain was having on my life was huge.
“I did not want to go on like this, but I did not want metal knees, so I began to research – but struggled to find any alternatives within the UK.
“As fate would have it, Mallappa was right here in the UK, and on my doorstep too! After the surgery I had no pain whatsoever – I could literally have walked out of the theatre had I been allowed.”
Roughly a week after surgery Mr Cryer went look for his crutches and ended up walking the whole way through his house without them. He added:
“After two weeks walking, I did a walk I’ve done before and knew I’d normally be in pain so took a walking stick – which I didn’t need. By week three I was walking down slopes without any pain at all.
“I am now so confident, and even help my grandson off the floor when he falls! I could not be more grateful for the life I can now lead, pain free and happy.”
Alan has subsequently booked and undergone the same procedure for his other knee and is recovering well.