Harrogate jigsaw marathon to raise money for dementia charity

A Harrogate woman is organising a jigsaw marathon to raise money for the Ripon-based charity Dementia Forward, after her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease aged just 54.

Wendy Thickett turns 60 this year and has created a bucket list of 60 things she wants to do to celebrate the milestone.

On the list is organising a fundraising event for the charity, which has supported her family since her husband Mark was diagnosed five years ago.

There will be seven hours of continuous jigsawing from 12-7pm on Sunday at Geek Retreat on Oxford Street to see how many jigsaw puzzles they can complete. Anyone can join in and they are accepting donations at the following JustGiving page.

Ms Thickett said:

“We decided to do something different hence the idea for the jigsaws marathon. We approached The Geek Retreat as we need tables and thought their central position would make it easy for people to join us. They were amazing and said yes with out hesitation.

“I decided to try to raise as much money as I can in as many ways as I can in my birthday month of February. So I have also been making cakes and baking, posting donated items and and making marmalade to sell this week.”

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Parish council slams ‘fast track’ planning rules after latest Dunlopillo proposals passed

Fast track rules which speed up the planning system have been slammed by a parish council after latest housing plans for a derelict office block near Harrogate were approved without a vote from councillors.

The proposals for 38 flats at the former Dunlopillo building in Pannal were passed by Harrogate Borough Council last week.

This came after the developers Echo Green previously won permission for 48 flats at the Station Road site before submitting a second application also under permitted development rights.

These rules were first introduced to ease the path of conservatories, small extensions and other uncontroversial works.

But in recent years they have been used by the government to drive up housing numbers through offices being converted into or replaced by entirely new buildings without usual planning permission.

Councillor Howard West, chairman of Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council, had raised several objections over the Dunlopillo plans and has now launched fresh criticism at the planning rules which he argues fails to take into account rural areas.

He said:

“We’re disappointed that the construction of an even bigger building than the one that was universally hated has been allowed.

“However, once Harrogate Borough Council officers made their original decision on the first prior notice of permitted development, there really was no way to stop construction.

“The principle of prior notice of permitted development was essentially to protect the high street from having empty commercial units when they could be converted to accommodation.

“However, to allow loopholes where rural villages could be overshadowed by bigger monstrosities than those originally built was patently an oversight by the civil servants who drafted the legislation and by those who voted it into planning law.”

The rules allow for developers to apply to councils to simply seek confirmation that a development is acceptable before commencing work.

This was the case for both applications for the Dunlopillo site and is different from usual planning permission which requires an outline and reserved matters application, and sometimes a vote from councillors.

But Harrogate Borough Council has admitted it could have allowed for a vote from councillors if it had acted quicker on the first application.

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It made this admission in a lessons learned review, which concluded that while the plans were “appropriately considered”, “a longer period of time than ideal” was spent on parts of the process.

‘Ghastly design’

Councillor West said he believes the plans could have been refused if presented to councillors as he also described the council-run review as “akin to marking one’s own homework”.

He said:

“Had council officers involved the planning committee for the first prior notice of permitted development then there might have been a chance in getting it stopped because of the ghastly design – although some of the past committee decisions defy logic.

“The second proposal is a country mile better than the first, albeit much too high and overbearing and not at all in keeping with a village environment.”

The latest plans for the Station Road site include demolishing the existing building to make way for an apartments block two-storeys higher.

This is something that has been a key concern for residents who are fearful the development will have a major visual impact on the area surrounding the site which pillows and bedding manufacturer Dunlopillo moved out of in 2008.

Since then, the building has fallen into a state of disrepair with residents describing it as an “eyesore” and “monstrosity”.

Its current state is far from how many employees will remember the building in the 1970s and 1980s when an estimated 440 people worked there.

Disappointment for Harrogate bobsleigher Axel Brown at Winter Olympics

Harrogate’s Axel Brown competed for the Trinidad and Tobago bobsleigh team today in the Beijing Winter Olympics.

However, there was disappointment as out of 30 countries, the two-man team he piloted finished 28th in heat 1 and 27th in heat 2. Both heats today were won by Germany.

But the Olympic dream is not over yet as Brown’s team will compete in heat 3 and 4 tomorrow.

Brown was born and raised in Harrogate. He attended Harrogate Grammar School from 2003 to 2011 and excelled at American football and taekwondo before discovering bobsleigh in 2014.

He previously competed for Great Britain but qualified to switch to Trinidad and Tobago because his mum is from Pointe-a-Pierre in the country.

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Writing on Instagram, Brown said he was looking forward to competing again tomorrow.

“Olympic Games run 1&2, done! The 20 year wait is over! 🇹🇹 Very happy with what we accomplished, especially given our setbacks! Very happy with my drive, looking forward to improving again tomorrow.

“Thank you SO MUCH for all the support. It really does mean the world. I’ll get round to replying as soon as I can! Time to focus up and hit the track again tomorrow!”

Foundation to run sports clubs for disadvantaged children in Harrogate

The Sporting Influence Foundation is raising money to help disadvantaged youngsters in the Harrogate district attend sports clubs during school holidays.

Classes will take place at Harrogate Ladies College during the Easter break to develop young people’s sporting, teamwork and social skills.

Children will be able to choose five activities, ranging from swimming and tennis to football and dodgeball. At the end of the day, there will be a presentation of social skills wristbands.

The foundation is a community interest company that uses sport and exercise to tackle social inequalities. Its crowdfunder for this initiative, known as The Together Project, hopes to raise £1,500 to help pay for classes. If that target is reached, Sport England will donate £750.

Perks for donating include a year’s supply of Yorkshire Tea.

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David Moss

David Moss

The foundation’s director, David Moss said:

“We realise that Harrogate is seen as an affluent area by many people, however at the Sporting Influence Foundation we see many children across our schools living with challenging circumstances every day.

“Sadly, they don’t get the same opportunities as others. The foundation will make positive steps forward in supporting our young people by working on their social skills. The Together Project is seeking crowdfunding to enable us to make school holidays fun, healthy, and safe for all children”.

Harrogate hospital’s beds full as it battles winter pressures

Harrogate District Hospital reached maximum bed occupancy this month, with all 292 beds filled.

Figures published by NHS England show that on February 4 the hospital was at maximum capacity although the situation has improved slightly since.

The hospital is currently operating at 90% bed occupancy, as it battles covid and winter pressures, say trust managers.

Officials at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said the hospital was dealing with a “variety of winter infections”, such as flu and the Omicron variant of covid.

Russell Nightingale, chief operating officer at the trust, said the hospital reached maximum bed occupancy last week “for a short period of time”.

He said:

“Our trust’s primary purpose is to ensure the best possible healthcare service for patients in our care.

“Winter is always a busy time of the year at Harrogate District Hospital as we deal with a variety of winter infections such as flu and the Omicron variant of covid, in addition to all other regular activity.

“Bed occupancy rates are always increasing during the winter months and last week for a short period of time we did reach maximum bed occupancy rates.

“Currently we are at around 90% bed occupancy rates; however we do have process in place to deal with such eventualities and to ensure we can continue to look after our patients.”

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Mr Nightingale said “we do not want patients spending longer than they need to in our hospital” and that tye trust worked with other agencies, such as North Yorkshire County Council, to support them after discharge.

He added:

“We also have our Same Day Emergency Care Unit, which is rapidly assessing and treating patients to reduce the number of patients staying overnight and supporting those who are ready to be discharged and would benefit from being out of a hospital environment.”

New monthly food market coming to Harrogate

A new monthly food market will take place at Crescent Gardens in Harrogate — and it starts this Sunday.

Real Food Markets, a community interest company that has organised a food market in Ilkley for six years, will be hosting food and drink and craft stalls on the third Sunday of every month.

The free-to-attend market will be based at Crescent Gardens opposite the old Harrogate Borough Council offices and will run from 10am to 3pm.

February’s market will feature stalls offering cheeses, sushi, sticky toffee puddings, scotch eggs and gluten-free products. There will also be stalls selling products including goat milk soaps, candles, fine art and blankets.

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Matthew Chapman, Harrogate Business Improvement District manager, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Real Food Markets who are looking to replicate the success they have tasted in Ilkley here in Harrogate.  This year, we are hoping to work with a host of different organisations to stage events in Harrogate town centre, which will offer visitors a different experience on each occasion.”

Tim Dabell, event management officer at Harrogate Borough Council, said

“We look forward to working with Lucy and her team in 2022 to encourage the residents of the Harrogate district to shop locally for products in a safe environment. We feel this addition will enhance the whole town centre shopping experience.”

Julia Gabler, owner of Harrogate children’s clothing brand 2 Little Mice, which is among the stallholders, said:

“Our items are ethically made at our Harrogate workshop. While online and retail trading takes up most of our time, we do love to meet our customers face to face and Real Food Harrogate will be a great way to interact with our wonderful customers and show them the faces behind the brand. “

Harrogate Hydro reduces opening hours due to staff shortages

Harrogate Hydro is to reduce its opening hours due to staff shortages.

The facility, which is run by Harrogate Borough Council-controlled Brimhams Active, will be closed on either a Saturday or Sunday from this weekend, which coincides with the start of half-term holidays.

It said ongoing staff shortages and effects of the covid pandemic has left it “no choice” but to make the decision.

The Hydro said in a post on its Facebook page:

“As you may be aware, the Hydro is currently operating with a reduced team and reduced programme as we continue to respond to the covid pandemic as well as being affected by the national staff shortages at leisure facilities.

“Despite our best efforts, these shortages leave us with no choice but to reduce the opening hours.

“With immediate effect, the Hydro will either be closed on Saturdays or Sundays until we close for the refurbishment project which we can now confirm will be Friday, April 8.”

The Hydro will be closed on the following days:

Meanwhile, the facility will be closed for a refurbishment project from April 8.

The council has not said how long the Hydro will be closed.

It said the programme for the construction of the scheme was being finalised and will go before the authority’s cabinet for approval “in due course”.

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As part of the refurbishment, the council will demolish the current ‘drum’ entrance and replace it with a larger structure that includes a bigger café and reception area on the ground floor and a new 400-square metre fitness suite on the first floor.

Outside, the car park will be reconfigured with a new area bicycle storage and room for six electric vehicle charging points.

As part of its plans to overhaul leisure services, which were approved in June 2020, the council outlined a £13.5 million project to refurbish The Hydro.

Do you have a Harrogate Theatre love story to share?

On Valentine’s Day, Harrogate Theatre is asking people to share their theatre love stories to form the base for its next community performance.

Last year the theatre got local people involved in its Our Gate production and now it wants to do so again.

It is looking for 122 love stories linked to Harrogate Theatre, to match it being open for 122 years.

It could be a story about meeting a best friend in the stalls, or locking eyes with your sweetheart across the stage, or even a production that made you fall in love with the theatre. The stories will then serve as a backdrop for performances in August.

The project was inspired by a photograph, seen by chief executive David Bown, of a wedding reception held at the theatre in 1961. He said:

“It prompted me to contemplate how many love stories does this amazing building have to tell. Harrogate Theatre has been at the centre of our community for over a century, it has many poignant tales to share.”

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The community show will be put on by local playwright and community producer Rachael Halliwell and director Amie Burns-Walker.

Ms Halliwell said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been commissioned by Harrogate Theatre to return with Amie Burns-Walker to make our biggest and boldest community play to date, but we cannot do it without you. 

“We need local participants of all ages to join us on this production – not just actors but anyone who is up for being creative and telling stories with us.”

To share you story or get involved on or back stage email love@harrogatetheatre.co.uk.

Workshops start in March with performances taking place in early August. Participation is open to everyone aged 13 and above and no experience is necessary.

Another error spotted on Otley Road cycle path

A reader has alerted the Stray Ferret to another error on the Otley Road cycle path in Harrogate.

A bicycle has been painted on the ground on the wrong side of the path as it heads up Harlow Hill.

It contradicts the blue sign alongside it, which suggests bikes should be in the lane closest to the road and could lead to confusion for pedestrians and cyclists.

On Monday, the Stray Ferret reported that a town centre sign for the cycle path was built pointing in the wrong direction.

North Yorkshire County Council appointed Hull-based PBS Construction to build phase 1 of the project, in a contract worth £827,000.

Melisa Burnham, highways area manager, said it was a “genuine mistake” by the contractor.

She added that the error will be amended as soon as possible at no cost to the council.

The county council previously called the firm “the standout applicants” following a tendering process.

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The long-awaited cycle path has been called a step forward for cycling in the town by Harrogate District Cycle Action but even its supporters would admit it’s had a bumpy ride so far.

Work to build phase 2 of the route, which will extend to Beech Grove, is set to begin in April. Funding for the third phase has yet to be finalised.

Ghosthunting with a paranormal investigator on the Stray

A paranormal investigator claims the Stray is haunted by spirits of the dead.

CJ Myers from York was near the train line on Stray Rein at 4am earlier this week hunting for spirits when he said his psychic powers led to a phantastic discovery.

He said:

“I have psychic skills so spirits communicate with me. I usually get the answer I’m looking for”.

CJ claimed he saw a ghostly shadow move mysteriously over the turf.

The spirit stopped and communicated to him via his dowsing rods, two metal sticks that move when he asks the apparition questions.

CJ said the spirit had a tragic backstory, but he already knew something was not right as the spirit “smelled of blood”.

He added:

“When he was alive, he was walking across the Stray to commit suicide on the tracks. But as he was walking across, these lads attacked him and disabled him. They badly injured him.”

We feel we should point out there is no scientific evidence of the existence of ghosts.

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The Stray Ferret joined CJ to investigate the phantoms of the Stray on Wednesday afternoon.

Almost as soon as he got out his rods out, he picked up the spirit of a woman sitting on a bench. He ushered the woman to move into the light whilst his rods jumped back and forth.

But isn’t there a perfectly rational explanation for why his dowsing rods move so much on the Stray? There is a body of water underneath the grass after all.

No, says, CJ, as that doesn’t account for the fact he can see them too. Seeing is clearly believing.

He has his own ghostbusting crew, called North Yorkshire Paranormal Investigators. They’ve investigated ghosts at Harrogate Theatre, Spofforth Castle and the Nidd Gorge Viaduct.

They are recruiting for new members and full training is provided.

They even have a TikTok account where they hope to reach a new audience.

CJ says he communicates with spirits daily and claims to have cracked unsolved murders in the USA. He says sometimes the police listen to his tip-offs, sometimes they don’t.

He claims he’s been communicating with spirits for five years, although he said it’s sometimes a frightening experience.

“Once you’ve opened Pandora’s Box it happens every day. I’ve had experiences in our house. I had a picture of a cross on the wall, that flew forwards into the air. One day I found a spirit level laid on the top of the stairs.”

His message to the skeptics who say it’s all made up:

“They have a right to their opinion, but at the end of the day, they can’t do it.”