Traffic and Travel Alert: Month-long roadworks begin near Birstwith this morning with a road closure on Darley Road

Northern Gas Networks is carrying out roadworks on a section of road north of Birstwith from today for the next month.

The works to repair and replace pipes begin today and are expected to finish on May 20.

A section of Darley Road, heading north out of Birstwith, is closed with drivers having to take a diversion along Back Road behind Menwith Hill.

Photograph: North Yorkshire County Council roadworks map

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Regional Wedding Award presented to Harrogate business

Harrogate Wedding & Events have been awarded the Regional Wedding Award for the Décor category.

Its partner business, DJMikeRobson, won the Regional Wedding Award for the DJ category.

The business, which provides wedding services in Harrogate, won the award for within the Yorkshire and North East region.

It was presented by the Wedding Industry Awards for the year 2022.

The awards bring together businesses in the wedding industry from across the UK and are held every year in London.

Ina Robson, owner of Harrogate Wedding & Events, said:

“We are delighted to receive the award and pride ourselves on excellent customer service. To know this award is also driven from customer feedback, means a lot to us.

“The industry itself has had a very difficult few years, but we are now looking forward to a bright future.

“I would like to thank all our clients and DJs for all of their support over the last year, and for helping to make our businesses a great success.”

New managing director appointed at Ripon BID 

Lindsay Elizabeth Mcphearson Austin has been appointed as managing director at Ripon BID.

News of the appointment was recently published on Companies House.

The appointment replaces former directors Sheila Webb and Sarah Blenkinsop.

There are currently twelve active directors as a part of the Ripon BID.

BIDs, which are funded by a levy on local firms,  aim to increase visitor numbers to towns and cities.

Real Food Harrogate asks for local food producers to join market

Real Food Harrogate market

Real Food Harrogate market, Crescent Gardens

Real Food Markets is looking for independent food producers to join its Harrogate market.

The not-for-profit organisation operates in both Harrogate and Ilkley and supports local, independent and speciality producers.

Real Food Harrogate is run by a selection of traders and volunteers on Crescent Gardens on the third Sunday of each month from 10-3pm.

Set up in 2022 with the support of Harrogate BID and Harrogate Council, the market has gradually expanded in size.

Now, organisers are looking for local food producers to take part in Real Food Harrogate.

To join their group of traders and volunteers, you can find out more information here. 

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Send us your firm’s business news and we’ll publish it.  Business Breakfast is a daily round-up of all things related to business and the economy in the district. Get in touch at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Stray Views: Boris Johnson has paid the fine – it’s time to move on

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Boris Johnson fine: get over it

Ask those complaining about the Prime Minister who they voted for. Give him a break; he’s had to deal with Brexit, a covid pandemic plus having covid himself.

There are many families who aren’t with loved ones when they die; I wasn’t with my son when he drowned.

Do these people not consider that there are more important things to deal with now? It’s done, he’s apologised and paid the fine, get over it.

Susan Mitchell, Harrogate

What has Nigel Adams done as MP?

Nigel Adams, the Conservative MP for Selby and Ainsty, has announced he will be standing down at the next election, so possibly not until 2024. To quote his own website, this is what he is supposed to do: “…to represent the interests and concerns of all the people who live in their constituency, whether they voted for them at the General Election or not”.

Yet this MP does nothing and represents no one unless it be himself or to benefit himself. His senior parliamentary secretary must have a difficult job – they reply to almost all the letters I have ever sent, either having to defend the indefensible on his behalf e.g the Owen Paterson issue or they are generic responses that miss the points being made.  

Yet Mr Adams has accepted well over £30,000 from a former Kremlin-related oligarch, Alexander Temerko (previously associated with the arms trade in Russia and who, according to Catherine Belton, author of Putin’s People, has praised senior members of the Russian security establishment, including the Russian security council chief Nikolai Patrushev).

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What due diligence was done to establish the money was ‘clean’? He has also accepted £11,350 from Sanjeev Gupta, who had links with Greensill Capital, the company which collapsed in March 2021 and has been at the centre of a financial and political scandal.

His Twitter account consists mostly of re-Tweets but he has also happily accepted thousands of pounds of hospitality from gaming and betting organisations to attend the football Euros during the pandemic – then tweeted about it.  Yet he has remained silent on any of the many substantive, ethical issues which have occurred under the Johnson government, including even Partygate.

Hansard records show that he almost never mentions any of his own, specific constituents’ problems or issues (merely using  the word ‘constituents’ in general) and the Stray Ferret itself has shown month after month in its MPs Watch articles just how little trace there is of what exactly this MP does. A particularly memorable note was made that in July 2021, Nigel Adams tweeted that a dog had visited his office.

What a difficult life.

He should go now so his constituents can have a by-election. Why should the public purse continue to finance this ‘career’ until the next election?

Friedy Luther, Spofforth

Government ‘prioritises self-indulgence over social responsibility’ with covid

Three weeks ago, I left these shores for the first time since 2019: a three-day visit to Madrid. Covid was still rife, but few people inside the terminal at Leeds-Bradford were wearing masks in spite of the signs.

On the plane, however, masks were mandatory except when refreshments were served. They were much in evidence during transfer at Schipol airport and then at Adolfo Suárez. On the metro to Madrid centre, everyone wore masks and did their best to leave free seats between passengers. Madrid was buzzing, but on the wide streets, well over half of the people were masked, a higher number still in crowded areas.

In the bars and restaurants, customers scrupulously replaced their face coverings when moving around the establishment. In the hotel lift, signs urged guests not to mix households when using them. At my appointments, masks were worn even during business. I found this eminently sensible and reassuring, under the circumstances. The complaints and worries I heard were not about restrictions but about non-compliance and what might happen when guidelines were relaxed.

Back in England 15 days later, having dodged covid since the start of the pandemic, I tested positive. The next day my partner did, and six days later, my younger daughter. That, I suspect, is what happens when, under the pretext of returning to ‘normal’ and unshackling the economy, a government prioritises the right to self-indulgence over social responsibility.

Glyn Hambrook, Harrogate

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

Harrogate Beer Festival for women returns next month

The Harrogate beer festival that attempts to break down barriers between women and beer is back next month.

The beer and arts festival called WOTFEST SIX, organised by Women on Tap CIC, will return to Harrogate between May 4 and 8 and offer a place for women interested in beer or those wanting to learn more to come together and try it out.

The festival works with bars, breweries and industry experts to provide a space for thought-provoking communications and for women to explore more beers.

Festival highlights include an evening of conversation with women in beer from Track Brewing Co and Brew York and Mindful Drinking workshops hosted by Club Soda which aim to emphasise positive drinking habits over abstinence.

There will also be quizzes, treasure hunts and other events held at some of Harrogate’s best known bars including Major Tom’s Social, The Disappearing Chin, The Harrogate Tap and Rooster’s Taproom.

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As in previous years, a special festival beer has been brewed at Brew York. The pineapple sour will be available at venues throughout the festival.

Women on Tap founder, Rachel Auty said:

“It feels good to properly root the festival back in Harrogate where it all began while also retaining an element of online events and activity.

“We are a tiny team with an enormous goal and thanks to the incredible support we get from the UK wide beer industry, our network across Harrogate and Knaresborough, and our local friends who never fail to cheer us on from the sidelines, we continue to stride out every year – passionate, determined, and smiling!”

Women on Tap CIC was formed in 2017 in Harrogate to help influence and shape a beer industry where women have equal opportunities, feel welcome, and are safe.

Napkin in toaster causes fire in Harrogate

Firefighters were called to a home on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road last night when a napkin in a toaster caused a blaze.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident log said help was summoned at 7.25pm. It adds:

“Crews attended a fire in a residential building. Fire was caused by a napkin inside a toaster. Fire was out on arrival.

“Minor fire damage to toaster and napkin. Crews gave resident advice.”

In a busy night for the fire and rescue service, firefighters were later called to a single vehicle collision near Summerbridge in which a man was taken to hospital with suspected pelvic injuries.

The collision occurred at 9.25pm at Middlesmoor. The incident log says:

“One male was trapped and crews extricated him using hydraulic cutting gear. Male is believed to have pelvis injuries and was taken to hospital.”

Firefighters were also called when a children’s toy car caught fire in a rear yard off Market Place, Ripon, shortly after 6pm. The fire was out on arrival.

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Warning after cigarette causes Penny Pot Lane fire

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has warned people to discard of cigarettes properly after a fire on Penny Pot Lane.

Crews from Harrogate were called to a fire to a gorse bush in the area yesterday.

The incident is believed to have been caused by a discarded cigarette.

The fire was put out on arrival, but the service is urging people to dispose of cigarettes carefully.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:

“A reminder if you’re heading out today in the countryside to please take care. Dispose of cigarettes carefully, don’t leave glass bottles lying around and don’t light bbqs or camp fires on or near dry grass/moorlands. Call 999 if you see a wildfire.

“Grass fires like these can tie up our fire crews meaning they’re not available to attend other incidents.”

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St George’s Day parade to return to Harrogate tomorrow

The traditional St George’s Day parade returns to Harrogate for the first time in three years this weekend.

Taking place tomorrow, it will see hundreds of Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Cubs and more join together in uniform to mark the occasion.

After gathering on Coach Road, they will parade into Christ Church for a short service when they will renew their promises.

It is a shorter parade than usual, after the decision to go ahead was only made two months ago. Attendance is also likely to be reduced because the event falls at the end of the Easter holidays.

District commissioner Karsten Hartmann told the Stray Ferret:

“In the past, we have started on Beech Grove, but it was too short notice to get everything into place. We hope to come back stronger next year.”

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This year marks the first time the youngest Scouts have been able to take part in the parade. First Pannal Squirrels caters for boys and girls aged four and five, and was set up during the covid pandemic.

The deputy mayor of Harrogate, Cllr Christine Willoughby, and her consort Andrew Willoughby, will also be at the event.

The parade will gather from 2pm with the 45-minute service, led by Rev Matthew Scott Evans, set to begin at 2.30pm.

It will be the first major event in the district’s scouting calendar since 2019. Mr Hartmann said he hopes it will begin to raise the organisation’s profile again, and particularly help to attract volunteers to enable more people to join Scouts and other groups.

For more information about joining Scouts or becoming a volunteer, click here.

Harrogate rugby to face local rivals in final home game

A bumper crowd is expected at Harrogate Rugby Club today for the last home game of the season.

The club will welcome local rivals Wharfedale RUFC to Ruddling Lane in what is expected to see the largest crowd in more than five years at the ground.

The match will also be David “Doc” Doherty’s last home game after six years’ service. Doherty will step down after serving as director of rugby, as well as a player and coach.

Harrogate and Wharfedale faced each other just five weeks ago, when the latter ran out 23-21 winners.

As well as the first team match, the day will also see touch rugby and a mini-tournament take place ahead of the local derby.

A spokesperson for the club said:

“Besides the first XV match, there’s lots more happening on Saturday.  At 1pm it’s the tap-off of Harrogate Touch Rugby team’s first game of their season versus Catterick. Seen as an area of considerable future growth, Pitch 2 has been specially marked out for Touch Rugby matches over summer. New players of all ages are very welcome.

“At 1.30pm on Pitch 3, Harrogate’s U13 Boys kick off in a three-way round robin mini-tournament against touring side Chester and local rivals Moortown.”

Adult entrance to non-members is £10, all juniors have free entry. Kick off is 3pm.

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Man fined for headbutting police officer in Harrogate

A man has been given a £324 fine for headbutting a police officer as he tried to arrest him.

Paul Stephen Turner, 47, of Albany Road, Harrogate, had pleaded guilty in February to the charge.

Acting for him in court today, Sonia Bhalla, of Watson Woodhouse solicitors, said Mr Turner had suffered a head injury when he was assaulted by three men with a baseball bat several years before, which still affected his actions and judgement.

Turner had been watching a documentary about fake police officers on August 18 last year when police officers knocked at his door and attempted to arrest him in relation to a separate allegation against him.

During the arrest, Turner headbutted one of the officers, PC Ryan Rudd, causing pain to one of his teeth. Turner later said he had not done so deliberately, but the process of the arrest had caused severe pain in his feet, where he had a pre-existing injury.

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A carer for his disabled father, the court heard Turner had 26 previous convictions for 52 offences, but none of a similar nature to the charge of assaulting a police officer. Ms Bhalla added:

“At 47 years of age, he has not been in trouble with the courts for a very, very long time. His last conviction was in 2011.”

Magistrates said they did not impose the maximum sentence for assaulting a police officer because the injuries appeared to be minimal, with no follow-up treatment required.

As well as the fine, magistrates ordered Turner to pay a victim surcharge of £34 and costs of £200.

Harrogate Railway one step closer to promotion after semi-final win

Harrogate Railway Athletic are set to play North Ferriby in the tenth tier play-off final tomorrow.

After A 2-1 win against Brigg Town, Railway will play at the Dransfield stadium tomorrow.

Mick O’Connell, Railway’s manager, spoke about the win:

“We managed to get  a 2-0 lead going into half-time. We were very disciplined and were able to hold out. The lads were very bright in the first half and looked dangerous on the break.”

Railway travelled to Brigg Town for the semi-final and will play away again for the final. Mick said the away support was ‘great,’ with around 150  fans making the trip down to Lincolnshire.

Mick said:

“It was great, we had a full coach and more people travelled down to the game. We ended having around 150 supporters. I think they were able to get us through the last 20 minutes of the game.”

Mick O’Connell celebrating the win (Photo credit – Craig Dinsdale)

Joe Crosby, Railway’s midfielder, scored two goals in the first half to win the game. In the 90th minute, Railway were able to survive a ‘goalmouth scramble’ to prevent extra-time.

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North Ferriby FC, who finished second in the division, ended the year with the least amount of goals conceded.

Mick added:

“It’s a one off game so it will be a similar game plan. It’s a final so anything could happen but we have players up top who can cause trouble. We need to be ourselves and play the way we’ve done all year.”

The game will kick off at 3pm tomorrow and will be played at the Dransfield Stadium in North Ferriby. Tickets will be available on the gate.