Bargain lovers in Bilton are to set to take part in the Harrogate district’s first jumble trail.

Jumble trails are a relatively new idea in which residents sell items from their drives and garages. They are similar to American yard sales.

Car boot sale fanatic Dave Matthews, a former taxi driver and property developer, has set up a Facebook group for the first jumble trail, which already has 300 members.

He hopes the event, on October 23 from 11am to 4pm, will foster community spirit and give people the chance to clear out their homes in the run-up to Christmas. Mr Matthews said:

“I love car boot sales, hunting for bargains and watching YouTube channels of yard sales and I thought it would be a great idea to do a huge community car boot sale out of people’s front gardens, yards, drives or on the street.

“Jumble trails have been done down south but I believe it’s the first time there’s ever been one in Harrogate.”

Mr Matthews, who has lived in Bilton since 2019, will create an online and physical map showing the homes taking part in the days leading up to the jumble trail.

He said one person taking part had indicated they would be selling a Lambretta scooter.

Mr Matthews said 40 to 50 homes having stalls would be “a good turnout”, adding:

“I hope to do it again next year and make it a regular event.”

People can either join the Bilton Jumble Trail Facebook group, or email biltonjumbletrail@hotmail.com to book a stall or for more information on the event.

Read more:

• Richard Taylor school in Bilton receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating
• Harrogate Hydro set to reopen in May 2023

Harrogate Borough Council‘s tourism body, Destination Harrogate, will use social media influencers again this year to promote the town’s Christmas festivities.

Julia Lumley, place marketing manager at Destination Harrogate, gave a presentation to Harrogate BID members at the Yorkshire Hotel on Thursday. She described how the body will be trying to attract visitors to the town during November and December.

Initiatives include a dedicated Christmas website where businesses can upload events, a printed guide, online campaigns, videos and photography, as well as competitions.

Ms Lumley also confirmed Destination Harrogate will be paying influencers to visit the town throughout the Christmas period.

The aim is for influencers to help reach audiences in a way that is more organic and personal than traditional advertising campaigns.

Last year, the Stray Ferret revealed Destination Harrogate paid influencer Heather Cowper £700 to make several posts about Christmas in Harrogate.

Read more:

• ‘Winter wonderland’ plans to boost Harrogate this Christmas
• Ripon plans some light relief this Christmas

But her posts performed poorly, raising questions over whether the fee represented value for money. A Liberal Democrat councillor branded the spend a “waste of money”.

However, the criticism hasn’t put Destination Harrogate off using influencers again.

On Friday, it Tweeted that it recently used vlogger Amy Berry to promote the town. She has 135,000 followers on Instagram.

Ms Berry’s video about a trip to Harrogate has proved to be popular. It includes visits to the Turkish Baths and Rudding Park and has been liked over 1,200 times in 24 hours.

Although Destination Harrogate will return to using social media influencers over Christmas, another campaign from last year won’t be returning.

Following a question from a member of the audience at the BID meeting, Ms Lumley said the £5,000 snow globe at Kings Cross will not be used again.

A Harrogate junior school has achieved a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted less than four years after inspectors said it required improvement.

Saltergate Junior School in the Jennyfields area was praised for the “warm and respectful” relationship between teachers and pupils, with “high expectations” for their achievements.

The latest inspection took place in June, with the report published last week. It said:

“Many pupils say there is nothing they would change about their ‘amazing’ school. They thoroughly enjoy the wide range of rich and exciting experiences provided for them.

“School leaders make sure all pupils get lots of opportunities to develop their talents and interests.”

Inspectors praised the school’s leaders and governors for the “significant improvements” made since the last inspection, with changes to the curriculum and teaching continuing throughout the pandemic.

They said some areas of the curriculum which have more recently been introduced still needed further monitoring to ensure they were implemented effectively.

Read more:

• Richard Taylor school in Bilton receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating
• North Yorkshire gets less than half national average for special schools

While three of the four areas of assessment were rated ‘good’, the school was awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating for personal development. Chair of governors Mark Walker said he was “particularly thrilled” with this.

The inspectors added:

“Governors know the school well and provide effective support and challenge. Staff say that leaders are always ready to provide professional and personal support.

“They are rightly proud to work at this school.”

The inspection was carried out under previous headteacher Linda Mortimer, who retired in the summer. New head Joanne Hall said:

“I feel very lucky to be leading such a special school community and to be able to build upon the work achieved so far by Mrs Mortimer and the staff team.

“This successful inspection is thanks to all of our staff at Saltergate in both the infant and the junior schools as we all work closely together for the benefit of our children.

“Our infant school will be inspected at some point in the near future and we hope that Ofsted will be equally impressed.”

A Pateley Bridge man has pleaded guilty to performing a lewd act in a car park on Harrogate’s Station Parade.

Thomas Watson, 29, of Millfield Street, appeared before magistrates in Harrogate on Thursday last week.

He was charged with outraging public decency by masturbating in a public car park on September 3 this year.

Watson was remanded on unconditional bail until October 13.

Pre-sentence reports will be prepared before he next appears in court.

Read more:

• Harrogate district planning rules could be ‘radically streamlined’
• Pateley Bridge mum’s fear over £660 sixth form bus cost

North Yorkshire County Council is set to review leisure services in the county as part of a drive to promote health and wellbeing

Cllr Simon Myers, planning for growth executive member, said the in-depth study would feature an examination of what the authority’s role should be in promoting public health as it faces financial pressures over spiralling social care costs.

A meeting of the authority focused on the transition to a new unitary council in April heard while existing leisure centres and charges would be looked, a study of the county’s community and grassroots facilities was also underway, to examine alternative ways of enabling rural residents to be physically active.

The meeting was told after the closure of the seven district and borough councils, including Harrogate Borough Council, the unitary authority would take on responsibility for 28 leisure centre premises across North Yorkshire, including 16 swimming pools.

Leisure services in the Harrogate district recently underwent a major overhaul led by Harrogate Borough Council. It saw the creation of a new council-owned company, Brimhams Active, to oversee facilities across the district.

The meeting heard there are glaring differences in access to leisure facilities across the county, with just one council-backed swimming pool in Richmondshire, which is in Richmond, so there was very little way people living in Hawes could use it, given that it would be a 54-mile round trip.

Councillors heard while leisure services in each of the districts were in “very different states”, Cllr Myers said some councils, such as Hambleton, had “state of the art” leisure centres.

Read more:

• Harrogate Hydro renovations a long-term gain, says diving club
• Hot Seat: Leading the Harrogate district’s leisure revolution

He added he did not believe it was right for councils to compete with private leisure facilities, saying it was not the best use of public money.

However, the unitary authority would be unable to harmonise leisure services across the county until 2027 due to continuing contracts.

Cllt Myers said he wanted to harness the county’s leisure services to tackle issues such as childhood obesity and mental health.

He said: 

“I think it’s very important when we consider that as a council we spend 53 per cent of our budget on social care one way or another, to look at investing in our residents, customers, so they don’t require social care so soon, they are kept fit and healthy, independent for longer.”

The committee’s chairman, Cllr Malcom Taylor, added:

“Prevention is better cure and if we can reduce our expenditure in adult social care I think that would be a massive benefit.”

The authority’s scrutiny of health committee chairman, Cllr Andrew Lee,  said it was clear providing access to leisure facilities across the whole county was going to be very difficult.

He said: 

“I support the delivery and provision of leisure but these facilities have got to, in my opinion, pay for themselves. I don’t want to see public money chucked at them if they’re not being used by a reasonable amount of the population.

“At the end of the day I always believe we have a responsibility to the taxpayers, value for money. Let’s look at things in a business-like way and not just say we must have these facilities, Harrogate’s got x so somewhere else must have the equivalent.”

Cllr Myers replied: 

“One man’s subsidy is another man’s investment. I think investing in the health of our residents is a really important thing to do. You either pick up the tab in social care and NHS spending or you invest it to keep people fitter and I think we have a role in that. I’m not in favour of simply chucking money at things.”

“It’s 175 years since the first public health board was set up. One of the very beginnings of local government, people’s involvement in public health. I think we should celebrate that and have a role to promote that, we owe that to our residents.”

Who and what are Quakers?

There are about 210,000 Quakers across the world including a small community who practice the religion, formally known as the Religious Society of Friends, in Harrogate.

Gilly Charters has been one for 35 years after being brought up by atheist parents.

She and around 40 others worship once a week at the Friends Meeting House on Queen Parade.

Ms Charters explains what drew her to the Christian denomination:

“I came to the Quakers because I needed a place to explore my spiritual life where I wasn’t told how to think or made to sign up to rules or regulations. It provided a place for quiet discernment.

“The whole of life is sacred and we as human beings are sacred. I feel very strongly that true religion leads to respect for the earth and all life on it. These are the really important things for Quakers.”

Quakerism dates back centuries and has its origins in 17th century England. Many Quakers migrated to the USA and the religion is also practiced there.

But its sometimes old-fashioned image has been difficult to shake off.

Some people will have an image of the Quaker Porridge Oats man, with long hair, traditional clothing and hat. Ms Charters said that view of the religion belongs to the past.

“That image tends to mean Quakers are dead and gone or are a very old fashioned people, that we can’t exist anymore.

“But we do exist, there are not huge numbers of Quakers, but we are still active”.

The Friends Meeting House in Harrogate

At a Quaker meeting in Harrogate, Ms Charters says people worship together in silence before speaking messages to each other.

She explained:

“It can be about almost anything. Sometimes people will talk about what things are upsetting to them, for example, people who have experienced bereavement might talk about what that person meant to them in their life.

“Someone might talk about how important the environment is to them, or about what that person is doing to work for a better world. It’s all sort of things.”

Read more:

• Searching for inner peace with Harrogate’s Buddhists
• Christian prayers at Harrogate council ‘exclusionary’

Quakers are not necessarily Christians and they don’t all worship the Bible.

Ms Charters added:

“A lot of Quakers would say they are Christians, it’s about having a sense of God’s presence. What people mean by God can be different. It’s a source of a lot of conservation between people. It’s finding a sense of what’s bigger than us. 

“A lot of Quakers believe in Jesus as a historical figure, but their route to this deeper sense of being is not through the life of Jesus, it’s not through death and resurrection. There’s a big variety.”

This weekend the Quakers along with HUFUD (Humanity United for Universal Demilitarisation) are organising a peace conference at the Friends Meeting House.

Many wars have been fought in the name of religion but the peace movement is something that the Quakers strongly identify with.

“I can’t believe in the death penalty because if everyone is unique and precious then how can I be part of a state that sanctions that? The same with war, how can I go and fight against a presence of equal being? 

“When people ask me, Why are you a Quaker, I say living on this is earth is hard work so when you’re working you need to be alongside a group of people who work in the same way. It helps keep me grounded.”

To find out more about the Harrogate Quakers, visit their website.

A missing cat has been reunited with its owner after somehow making its way all the way to Harrogate from Lancashire.

The mog, called Bea, was found frightened by the side of a busy road in the town centre.

A couple took her to Harrogate New Park Vets4Pets to check if she was microchipped.

Vet Fernando Smit Cordeiro was locking up the practice and rushing to go to a fitness class when Bea arrived.

Her scanned her and was relieved to find the crucial microchip, so he was able to track down the pet’s owner.

He said:

“I picked up the phone and called. After the courtesy greetings I asked, ‘is Bea missing?’ And the gentleman replied, ‘yes’!

“Bea’s dad was relieved and surprised that she was found almost two hours drive away from home”.

Read more:

• Harrogate family reunited with missing cat after five years
• Harrogate Cat Rescue’s urgent appeal to save Pedro the kitten

The owners drove over from Lancashire later that evening to collect their pet. They suspected Bea snuck into a delivery van and hitchhiked her way to Harrogate.

Mr Cordeiro added:

“It’s always wonderful to reunite stray or lost pets with their worried parents.”

The vet urged cat owners to get their cat microchipped if they haven’t already. It’s currently not compulsory but the law is set to change soon.

Under the new plans, all cat owners must ensure their pet is microchipped before they reach 20 weeks. Owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted or may face a fine of up to £500.

Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith has described his own government’s decision to make swingeing tax cuts as “wrong”.

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announced the biggest package of tax cuts in 50 years in his mini-budget yesterday.

He said the UK economy was entering a “new era” and the measures would stimulate growth.

Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said those with incomes in excess of £1 million will gain more than £40,000 a year each and that the overall measures didn’t include “even a semblance of an effort to make the public finance numbers add up”.

Mr Smith, who supported Rishi Sunak’s failed Conservative leadership bid, also expressed concerns on Twitter:

“In a statement with many positive enterprise measures this huge tax cut for the very rich at a time of national crisis and real fear and anxiety amongst low income workers and citizens is wrong.”

In a statement with many positive enterprise measures this huge tax cut for the very rich at a time of national crisis & real fear & anxiety amongst low income workers & citizens is wrong. https://t.co/EeRfAcNGzf

— Julian Smith MP (@JulianSmithUK) September 23, 2022

However, Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough who also supported Mr Sunak, welcomed this week’s government measures.

Writing on his Community News website yesterday, Mr Jones said:

“I am pleased with the extra support for households and businesses with fuel bills through the energy price guarantee and also today’s surprise announcement of the reduction in the basic rate of income tax down to 19 per cent.

“There are a huge number of measures, many focused on our productivity and investment which are the platforms for future growth. So, plenty to be positive about here in Harrogate and Knaresborough.”

Read more:

• Harrogate district planning rules could be ‘radically streamlined’
• Harrogate district business groups cautiously welcome mini-budget

A Harrogate primary school has been rated ‘good’ with some ‘outstanding’ features in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Rossett Acre Primary School was praised for its “strong sense of community” and for the “impeccable manners” shown by its children.

Inspectors found it was ‘good’ in the quality of its education and early years provision, as well as its leadership. They rated its behaviour and attitudes, and its personal development, as ‘outstanding’.

The report said:

“There is a firm focus on pupils’ academic success alongside their mental health and well-being.

“Staff encourage pupils to benefit fully from the rich curriculum experiences and opportunities on offer. Pupils enjoy their lessons and clubs, such as dodgeball, singing squad, multi-sports and orchestra.

“Pupils respond positively to the education they receive. They show high levels of motivation and a thirst for learning. Pupils feel valued by staff and are proud of the contribution they make to the school.”

Inspectors highlighted the school’s emphasis on diversity and culture of tolerance and respect for others as areas of strength.

Read more:

• Richard Taylor school in Bilton receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating
• New headteacher for Harrogate primary school

Addressing ways in which the school could further improve, they said the new phonics curriculum needed to be implemented in a way that ensured all pupils could make progress and those who were further behind could catch up.

They also said not all subjects were taught consistently from reception onwards, such as poor handwriting formation not being addressed early enough so bad habits could become established.

The report added:

“The broad offer and focus on developing staff expertise mean that pupils achieve very well in the range of subjects over time.

“The curriculum is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils with SEND have the support they need so they can achieve well and be fully involved in school life.

“Teachers deliver the curriculum with enthusiasm. This rubs off on the pupils and they respond with curiosity and a desire to learn.”

The inspection took place in June, before the summer holiday, and the report has been published this week.

The school has maintained its rating from its last full inspection in 2011, before it became an academy in 2016. It had a short inspection in 2019.

Rossett Acre is part of the Red Kite Learning Trust, a group of 13 schools including Harrogate Grammar School, Oatlands Junior School, and Western and Coppice Valley primaries.

Inspectors praised the support of the trust for the school, providing training to teachers and ensuring pupils had access to the best learning opportunities.

Responding to the report, headteacher Corinne Penhale said:

“We are thrilled with our Ofsted report, particularly our two areas of ‘outstanding’ for personal development and behaviour and attitudes.

“At Rossett Acre, children are at the heart of everything we do, and the Ofsted outcomes are testament to this.

“I am so incredibly proud of everyone in our school and our community who work so hard to ensure we provide a relevant, rich and fabulous education for our children. What a team!”

It feels like it creeps up on us earlier every year. Yes folks, it’s the most wonderful time of the year: it’s time to book your Santa visit.

Attractions across the Harrogate district have already started to release tickets.

And while Christmas might still be three months away, it’s advisable to act fast if you want to secure an audience with Mr Claus.

I’ve had the pleasure of taking my boys to meet him a few times over the years at various locations in the area.

Each experience has been excellent and we are definitely spoilt for choice. Santa is clearly a big fan of the Harrogate district.

To help you get organised, here are seven places to see Santa this year:

The Harrogate Father Christmas Experience – Cedar Court Hotel

It’s back and it has been hailed as “bigger and better than ever”.

Last year Father Christmas’s Chief Elf Tinsel, from Enchantica’s, delighted children and grown-ups alongside the big man himself at The Crown Hotel.

This Christmas you can join Santa, Tinsel and all of the Elves at a very magical Elf Village at the Cedar Court Hotel.

And those who are on the good elf list can book places to enjoy two shows this year:

• Elf Training Show – an immersive sing-along elf training experience for the whole family to enjoy.
  Or
• New for 2022 – Code Breakers Christmas show – for ages seven plus to adult – an escape room style family show wrapped up with magic, illusion and festive code breaking challenges to help save Christmas.

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, September 27 and you can be among the first to get them by signing up to the mailing list here.

November 26 – December 24. Check here for show dates, times and availability.

Christmas at Mother Shipton’s, Knaresborough

Wander through the winter woodland to see the enchanted Christmas Village, festooned with festive delights and merry displays.

Chief Elf Chestnut will meet little visitors and lead them to see Santa Claus in his cosy Christmas grotto.

Children will be presented with a pack of festive activities and will also be able to listen to tales from Holly Berry, make reindeer food and post a letter to Santa at the North Pole Post Office.

November 26 – December 24. Click here to buy tickets. 

The Magical Christmas Experience – Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge

This hugely popular experience is making a welcome return following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Meet Mother Christmas in her sitting room to check in and collect your sleigh ride tickets.

Then head to the sleigh pick up point to be greeted by Buddy the Elf, who will help you board Santa’s sleigh for your magical sleigh ride .

You will arrive at father’s Christmas woodland grotto where you can sit by the fire and tell him your Christmas wishes.

November 26 – December 23. Click here to buy tickets.