Walk-in boosters at Great Yorkshire Showground extended to Christmas Eve

Walk-in booster vaccinations will be available at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground until at least Christmas Eve, health bosses have confirmed.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night announced that every adult in Britain will be offered a covid booster jab by the end of December, as he warned there was a “tidal wave of Omicron coming”.

North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group has since confirmed that people over-18 will be able to get a jab at the showground without an appointment until December 24.

Staff at Yorkshire Health Network, a federation of the 17 GP practices in the Harrogate district, also said today the showground site was offering walk-in clinics for 12 to 18-year-olds from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday and 2pm to 4pm on Monday next week.

On Christmas Eve, the vaccination site will be open from 9am until 11.30am.

Booked appointments

All adults will also be able to book appointments on the NHS national booking service from Wednesday.

Those who choose to book will be given appointments at either the Yorkshire Event Centre, Knaresborough’s Chain Lane pharmacy, Ripon racecourse or other pharmacy sites in the district.

So far, 74,680 booster vaccines have been given in the Harrogate district, according to government figures.

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70 infections today

Meanwhile, the Harrogate district has reported a further 70 covid cases, according to today’s government figures.

Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that five suspected cases of the omicron variant have been reported in the district.

The Harrogate district’s covid rate now stands at 407 infections per 100,000 people.

Across the county, the average stands at 382 and the England rate is 515.

No further deaths from patients who tested positive for covid have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital, according to NHS England.

Latest available figures show nine covid patients are being treated at Harrogate District Hospital.

Harrogate man jailed for ‘using car as weapon’ to cause serious injury

A Harrogate man has been sentenced to prison for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

George McGeogh, 24, admitted using his car to injure his ex-girlfriend’s new partner on Knox Lane in May 2020.

Leeds Crown Court was told this morning that McGeogh “used his car as a weapon” to injure the man before driving off and leaving the scene of the incident.

McGeogh, of Harlow Park Road, was sentenced to 16 months in prison and disqualified from driving.

On May 1, 2020, McGeogh pulled up in his Volkswagen Golf on Knox Lane beside his ex-girlfriend and the victim, who were both named in court.

The pair were walking their dog, which the court heard the female had got while with McGeogh.

The court was told that McGeogh then got out of the car and shouted “you think you can walk my dog?”

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He started to throw punches at the man before returning to his car to try the boot. He then returned to throw more punches.

McGeogh got into his car and the victim started to run. McGeogh mounted the grass verge and broke before the man turned and slipped.

McGeogh then hit him with the car and then drove off.

‘Highly remorseful’

The prosecution told the court that it was “miraculous” that the victim’s only serious injury was a broken cheekbone.

The court heard that McGeogh had told a friend he needed to hand himself into police. He had also referred himself to mental health services following the incident.

Knox Lane in Harrogate.

Knox Lane in Harrogate.

In defence, Graeme Wilson QC, said that McGeogh “saw red mist” and it was “out of a character” for him.

He said:

“His actions were impulsive and reckless, which he accepts. He is highly remorseful.”

Mr Wilson added that McGeogh had since found a stable relationship and was employing four people as a self-employed electrician.

Using car ‘as a weapon’

Sentencing McGeogh, Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said the only “appropriate punishment” was a custodial sentence.

He said:

“It is perfectly clear to me that you were using your car as a weapon to frighten your victim.”

Judge Marson described the attack as “wholly unprovoked” and added:

“It is a miracle he (the victim) was not more seriously injured. But the coward that you were, you simply drove off.”

Judge Marson said he accepted that McGeogh did not intend to run over the man and that the defendant had shown “genuine level of remorse”.

McGeogh is expected to serve half of his 16 months sentence before being released from prison on licence.

Harrogate Christmas Fayre could be ‘bigger and better’ next year

The company that organised this year’s Harrogate Christmas Fayre has said it hopes the event will return next year “bigger and better”.

Market Place Europe organised the 10-day fayre, which ended yesterday, in conjunction with Harrogate Business Improvement District and Harrogate Borough Council.

It featured stalls as well as rides, including the Candy Cane Express road train.

Andy Pidgen, operations manager at Market Place Europe,  said:

“It went really well, the traders were very pleased. Some of the businesses I have spoken to said how good the event was for footfall. The council and Harrogate Business Improvement District really liked it.

“We still need to have a debrief with both organisations in January but at the moment I would say I am feeling quite positive about next year.

“There are a few things I would like to tweak in terms of chalet locations but overall we would aim to make the Harrogate Christmas Fayre bigger and better in 2022.”

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A council spokesman said today it was “too early” to tell how much footfall the fayre had generated but added that town centre shops had commented on how busy Harrogate had been.

Harrogate Christmas Fayre was organised after the original Harrogate Christmas Market, on Montpellier Hill, was cancelled after the council refused to sign off the organisers’ event management plan.

Steve Scarre, vice-chairman of Harrogate Christmas Market, told the Stray Ferret he will hold talks with the council and submit a new event management plan in January in the hope of reviving the event.

He also suggested the market and the fayre could both take place next year.

He said:

“We are planning to hold the Harrogate Christmas Market in the Montpellier quarter next year.

“Every year there are new requirements that we have always tried to meet. We bend over backwards to make it as safe and enjoyable as possible.

“We have asked for a meeting with the council in January and plan to submit an event management plan then.

“From the very beginning we have said we have no issue with a separate event in the town centre.

“But our Harrogate Christmas Market works in the Montpellier quarter. It is simply magical down there.”

Residents submit formal complaint over 200 Pannal Ash homes

Residents in Pannal Ash have lodged a formal complaint to Harrogate Borough Council following its decision to approve a controversial plan for 200 homes on a former police training centre site.

The authority’s planning committee granted permission for the development last Tuesday after debating the application for almost three hours.

Homes England, which is the government housing agency, had permission to build 161 homes on the Yew Tree Lane site but wanted to increase this by 23% to 200 homes by building on a sports pitch.

Following the decision, Harlow and Pannal Ash Residents Association described the meeting as “shambolic” and “embarrassing”.

Now the group has lodged a formal complaint to the council over the conduct of the meeting.

In a statement, HAPARA said:

“The complaint refers to a chaotic and confusing session in which the committee first rejected the officer’s recommendation and, some three hours later, reversed their decision to approve the application.

“This followed a claim by the applicant that the committee had previously acted unlawfully, perceived threats from the applicant of costly appeals, constant reference to costs by officers, interruption by officers of members’ debates and inaccurate and misleading advice from the chair.

“Although much of the debate centred on the role of the emerging West of Harrogate Parameters Plan, no officer from that team was present to clarify the purpose and timetable for the plan and some misleading statements made at the meeting went uncorrected.”

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HAPARA added that it believed the committee was “unduly influenced by the threat of the costs” and had called on the council chief executive, Wallace Sampson, to comment on the “validity of the decision reached”.

Harrogate Borough Council has been approached for comment.

Last week, David Stephenson, senior planning manager at Homes England, warned councillors that while launching a costly appeal against the council was an “absolute last resort” for the body it was a route it was willing to take.

During the meeting, Liberal Democrat councillor Pat Marsh accused Homes England of “bullying” councillors into approving the plans.

Police appeal after mass brawl in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information following reports of a group of men fighting on Harrogate’s Bower Street last night.

Police were alerted to the incident at about 9pm. It is not known what caused the disturbance, or how many people were involved.

A police statement today said:

“Although no reports of any injuries were received, officers need to speak to those involved.”

It added that any witnesses, or people with information, could call the police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Ambler collar number 216.

Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The reference number is 12210259739.

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First suspected omicron cases found in Harrogate district

The first suspected cases of the omicron covid variant have been found in the Harrogate district.

Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows there have been five possible cases so far.

in the week to December 6, one covid sample in the district failed an S-gene test, which is a sign that a sample may be omicron.

Four failed in the previous week.

The UKHSA estimates that if omicron continues to grow at the present rate, the variant will become the dominant strain, accounting for more than 50% of all covid infections in the UK by mid-December.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at UKHSA, said:

“These early estimates should be treated with caution but they indicate that a few months after the second jab, there is a greater risk of catching the omicron variant compared to delta strain.

“The data suggests this risk is significantly reduced following a booster vaccine, so I urge everyone to take up their booster when eligible.”

The Great Yorkshire Showground vaccine site in Harrogate is asking people to turn up for walk-in boosters between 1.30pm and 4pm today as it was busy with booked appointments this morning.

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50 years of Henshaws College in Harrogate but much work still to do

As Henshaws celebrates the progress it has made for those with learning difficulties and disabilities in the past 50 years, the current principal believes there is much work still to do.

The Duchess of Kent , pictured, opened the college in 1971 when it was smaller and only for people with visual impairments. The college and attitudes have changed significantly since that day.

Today the charity welcomes a more diverse range of people, including those aged 16 to 25 with a range of sensory impairments, autism, physical disabilities, learning difficulties and specialist healthcare needs.

Coronavirus forced more muted anniversary celebrations, with students learning how to sign happy birthday in Makaton and creating art to express their feelings about the milestone.

Adrian Sugden, the current principal, is proud of the legacy and has big plans for the future. He told the Stray Ferret:

“I think Harrogate has a strong connection with Henshaws. Just in the three years I have been here I have seen that connection only grow stronger. We get much more support.

“It is lovely taking the students into Harrogate. They all wear their lanyards to say where they are from and they get lots of recognition.

“Lots of the local businesses are much more supportive as well. Not as many as I would like, I want to get more companies accepting students for work experience.

“I have seen people’s awareness of disabilities improving. They are starting to see our students as people who can contribute positively even though they have complex needs.”

Jono Lancaster (right) and Principal Adrian Sugden (left) presented graduating students with their certificates.

The last couple of years with coronavirus has been difficult for Henshaws. While the college remained open throughout thanks to the commitment of staff, the charity has struggled.

Last year the Stray Ferret reported how Henshaws made the decision to close its supported living supported living services and residential services, which were taken by North Yorkshire County Council and Homes Together.

Mr Sugden pointed to a problem with the way the college is funded. As it is classed as independent it cannot access government or council funding so when it needs money the only way is through fundraising or increasing fees.

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One of the things Mr Sugden has enjoyed seeing is the increasing number of opportunities for students in Harrogate.

Not only is there Hopkins for those with learning difficulties and disabilities. Harrogate Skills 4 Living Centre opened its Harrogate Chocolate Factory cafe earlier this year and Artizen is also planning to open a cafe. He added:

“It’s really positive to see that progress but sadly we are following America’s lead on this. I am doing a really interesting piece of work with Harrogate College on this at the moment.

“I am also a believer in job carving, where our students could do one type of job which they enjoy at many different businesses. That way our students could make an incredible contribution.

“When you look at the national statistics of people with disabilities going into employment, it’s frighteningly low. If we could improve that in Harrogate the town could become a leading example.

Stray Views: Valley Gardens was the perfect place for Xmas market

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.

Valley Gardens was perfect place for Christmas market

I’ve just walked up through Valley Gardens from town and want to say that the sun colonnade is the perfect place for the artisan market! It’s sheltered, on hard paving, atmospheric and includes so many stalls.

What an improvement on the overcrowded, muddy Montpelier location. Well done Harrogate Borough Council!

Jenny Thompson, Harrogate

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Bikes aren’t an option for many older people

Last week’s letter from Malcolm Margolis makes many comments regarding clear and clean streets for the elderly to walk around in traffic free conditions but fails to tell the elderly how to easily come into Harrogate town centre from outlying districts without coming by car. Most of the elderly have no bus or train services and riding bikes is not an option.

Nor does he mention how we carry our purchases home. His last comment, ‘I believe it’s time to stop HGVs from using many of our urban streets without restriction day or night’, destroys his credibility. Some 90% of goods are delivered by lorries and have been for the past 50 years. How else does he think shops can be supplied ?

Brian Hicks, Pateley Bridge

The council needs an app so more people can report accidents

I recently fell over a raised paving stone in the Valley Gardens sun colonnade and broke my arm, bruised my face and split my lip. I telephoned Age Concern to ask if there is a mobile or iPad app to report incidents to the council as I think it would have been very useful.

In Australia, I have been told that there is an app called Snap Send Solve to report such as accidents as well as falling trees and potholes.

Does anyone know of the existence of a similar app in the UK?

For older people and people living on their own, this type of technology would be very useful.

The app forwards details of an incident or accident to the correct council by simply pressing a button.

Any information on this subject would be gratefully received.

Jane Blayney, 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.

 

Aaron Bertenshaw memorial service to be held next month

A memorial service celebrating the life of Harrogate singer-songwriter Aaron Bertenshaw will be held at St John’s Church in Bilton on January 4.

Aaron, a former pupil at St Aidan’s Church of England High School, died suddenly aged 26 this month. He had struggled with diabetes and mental health issues.

Sammy Oates, his mother, said everyone was welcome to attend the service, which begins at 11am. A wake will be held afterwards at The Empress on the Stray.

Donations will go to Diabetes UK and CALM, the campaign against living miserably.

Sammy added the church has capacity inside for 160 people and the event would also be livestreamed because Aaron had family in New Zealand and South Africa.

She said the service would be an upbeat celebration of Aaron’s life and asked people not to wear black suits. Aaron loved tweed and Sammy suggested this as a possible alternative.

A fundraising page set up by Sammy to help people with diabetes overcome mental health problems has so far raised over £5,000. You can donate here.

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Sammy said she planned to raise the issue of diabetes and mental health to parliament as part of her campaign to fund a service that treats both illnesses together.

She is trying to find a counsellor within a 20-mile radius of Harrogate who is either diabetic or understands the disease.

Anyone who can help put her in touch with a suitably qualified person can contact her on social media or email us and we will forward on messages. You can email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Aaron was a popular figure on the Harrogate district music scene. He was a regular at the Blues Bar, where he first performed and at many other venues, such as Hales Bar.

Why you don’t need to wait until January to start your health and fitness journey

As a personal trainer and coach, as well as a journalist, I have never been a fan of the ‘New Year, New You’ concept.

Firstly, there is nothing wrong with the old you. You might feel a bit partied out and like you’ve over-indulged at Christmas, but that’s normal and it doesn’t make you a bad person. You certainly don’t have to embark on some ridiculous exercise regime and diet fad after the clock strikes 12 on December 31.

Secondly, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t start now, or why you can’t carry on hitting your goals or even just maintain a level of consistency with your training during December.

A Baileys and a mince pie isn’t going to destroy your progress and I can guarantee if you start exercising now – even if it’s just a brisk walk around the shops – you will feel better prepared come the New Year.

There are plenty of personal trainers and coaches across the Harrogate district who feel the same.

They have shared some of their views and tips on why we shouldn’t wait until January when it comes to health and fitness.

Lyndsay Wells, Fit Harrogate PT 

“I can understand why people slow down or stop training in December, especially after the last year.
“I think a lot of people are feeling pretty drained and fatigued mentally, but this is where nutrition and exercise become even more important.
“Getting adequate protein, fibre and nutrients, plus regular exercise, really helps with positivity, mental clarity, sleep and energy levels. Even a 20-30 minute walk each day counts.
“The other thing that sets people back at this time of year is the “All or nothing” mentality. The mindset that because it’s Christmas and there are social occasions and lots of festive food to enjoy, that they then just throw everything out of the window.
“It doesn’t have to be like that. We can still maintain progress or even continue to improve, it’s about doing little things consistently and keeping positive habits like eating slowly, staying hydrated and maintaining activity levels.
My tips in short:
  • Eat slowly and stop when you feel satisfied
  • Move regularly and get outside for a short walk after a meal, even fidgeting adds up to your daily activity
  • Stay hydrated and drink a soft drink between alcoholic one
  • Choose low calorie mixers and spirits with a mixer where possible over beer, lager or wine
  • Prioritise protein at every meal
  • Try to eat at least one portion of fresh vegetables to each meal
  • Remember you can still enjoy all the Christmas food without making yourself feel sick, irritable, bloated and lethargic

Sarah Meegan, Meegan Fit, Ripon

“What would you say if I said you should start your fitness journey in December?

“We put so much on the back-burner for the sake of potentially a three to four-day window.

“If we think about this in terms of meals. Lets say we have roughly six to eight meals consisting of festive food and drink in between now and New Year.

“There are 24 days remaining of December. If you eat three meals per day, that’s 72 meals.

“So you put off starting your New Year’s fitness journey because of that many meals out of 72?! Sounds ridiculous when we put it like that doesn’t it?

“When clients approach me for personal training and coaching in December for a New Year’s start I always ask “why January?”.

“If it’s a financial issue, then I can rationalise. But if it’s a motivation issue or fear of “ruining hard work” over the festive period then I will always actively encourage them to get ahead of themselves and get started in December.

“A full month to get a month ahead of their targets and goals. That’s an absolute no brainer.

“Starting and maintaining a healthier lifestyle takes motivation. Instilling good habits in December will enable discipline to your goals in January.

“So my message is if you’ve got goals you want to achieve in 2022, get started now.

Lauren Randell Fitness, Harrogate

“It’s Christmas time, there’s no need to be afraid… of “ruining” all your hard work in the gym this year.

“It is remaining consistent with healthy habits over time that determines your health and fitness, not a week of mince pies and a glass of red with Santa.

“Whether you choose to indulge in chocolate and remain horizontal binge-watching Love Actually for a week or not, what matters is how you feel about your decisions this festive season.

“How you feel about your decisions is far more important than the decision itself.

“Do you feel in control? Do you feel guilty? Do you feel pressure to overeat or drink around family and friends? Do you feel like exercising? Does it feel like calories and food consume your thoughts at Christmas?

“There is this assumption that because it is Christmas we are obligated to whip out the “stretchy pants” and fill ourselves to the brim at any and all occasions. But how would it feel to decide to not do that? To stop when you feel full. To say no to that extra glass. To take back some control over what you eat.

“Similarly, how would it feel to say yes to all those things you love, yes to the cake, yes to the gin and take some time to rest and not feel guilty for it?

“However you decide to spend your festive season, it is important to remember it is a choice. Your choice. You decide what you want to eat, you decide how it is going to make you feel and you decide how you spend your Christmas and New year.

“There is no right or wrong. These are pressures we put on ourselves.

“You don’t need to wait until January to continue your fitness journey. You don’t need to train harder to “work off” the extra food you might have eaten. You don’t need to do anything.

“You are fine how you are and you are loved no matter what, so do whatever makes you feel your best you this Christmas.

“Ps. If your scales shoot up, don’t worry. Most of this will be water retention not body fat. Be reassured that you cannot lose or gain body fat that quickly.”

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Matthew Goodall, F45 Training Harrogate

“I’ll just start in January” might seem like a logical idea, a bit like not wanting to start a diet on a Sunday.
However, there really is no time like the present and here are four reasons why:
1. Beat the January rush: “We’ve all been there. Gym bag in hand, stood in reception looking in on a swarm of ‘New Year, New Me’ gym-goers. Wishing for that time when you could roam the gym using equipment when you want it. Well, now’s your chance. Gyms this time of year are usually pretty quiet, giving you the chance to get in early on those Christmas gains.”
2. Damage limitation: “We all know we use Christmas as an excuse for anything. Chocolate for breakfast? Why not? It’s Christmas. But all your hard work throughout the rest of the year doesn’t have to go to waste. If you are short of time, add in a few high intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions. HIIT sessions are quick, easy and great for burning calories. Adapt your workouts to suit your schedule and keep going throughout December.”
3. Mental health: “Knowing that one-in-four people will experience some kind of mental health issue this December, it is now, more then ever, important to concentrate on that. With less sunlight, depression, anxiety and other forms of mental health battles can really start to take hold. But for some, gyms, training and fitness can be a lifeline. It is a proven fact that exercise releases feel-good endorphins and is therefore great for our self-esteem and cognitive function.”
4. Covid : “While we continue to battle a pandemic, exercise is vital in helping our bodies to fight Covid. We all know that as a result of obesity, poor health and bad diet choices, our bodies are less equipped and more likely to suffer with illness and disease. So now is not the time to sit back and wait until the New Year.”

Alice Hardy, Hardy’s Health and Fitness, Harrogate

“Who else is feeling seriously demotivated at the moment?
“I adore my clients and their ridiculous hard work. But every single year, the winter hits and boom, everyone is feeling, dull, demotivated, sluggish and they just don’t feel like they are hitting their goals as quickly as they should be.
“We are all the same, people then drop off towards the end of the year and think “oh well I’ll attack it in January”, but why? That is one whole month of your life that you could be using it to grow and get that one per cent better.
“It’s funny how our brains work.
“But let’s change it and think we have one whole month left for the rest of 2021. What are you going to do to make it better ? I want to make people feel excited about training, feel excited about going to the gym instead of dreading it.”

Adam Whiter, Black Wolf Fitness, Knaresborough

“There is a tendency to try and hit full send on everything we do when January hits.
“But by focusing on the easy elements, rather than trying to do everything all at once, we can maintain a level of consistency throughout the year.
“Why climb all the way up a tree when there’s plenty of easy pickings at ground level?