Thai restaurant set to make Harrogate debut

A Thai restaurant chain is set to make its Harrogate debut after taking over the former Las Iguanas restaurant on John Street.

Giggling Squid started in the basement of a fisherman’s cottage in Brighton but has since developed into a business with more than 40 restaurants.

The restaurant is well known for fresh dishes and bright, floral interiors. It is currently recruiting and has submitted planning permission with Harrogate Borough Council for new signs.

When it opens it will replace Las Iguanas, which failed to open after the initial coronavirus lockdown during which the Big Table Group bought out the previous owners.

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It is unclear when Giggling Squid will open or how many jobs it will create. The Stray Ferret approached Giggling Squid but it said it was unable to comment yet.

Pranee Laurillard, who founded Giggling Squid with her husband Andy, said on the restaurant’s website of its success:

“We hope you enjoy Giggling Squid, and feel at home in our funny, quirky little restaurants – well some of them are not so little now, but our approach is still the same.

“We love to hear from our guests so please feel free to share your feedback online or drop in to see us at your local restaurant.”

Harrogate businesswoman’s new lease of life after divorce

This article is sponsored by Berwins

Going through a divorce is undoubtedly one of the most stressful and painful experiences in life.

There are a whirlwind of emotions to battle once a marriage breaks down, including feelings of grief and heartbreak, stress and fear, confusion and disorientation, disappointment and loss.

But for one Harrogate businesswoman, her divorce from her second husband has led to a new lease of life – so much so, she now helps others to mentally deal with the difficult, and often traumatic, process.

New challenges

Since her split, Lisa Duffield has set up her own life coaching and wellbeing business, the Lisa Duffield Centre, managed a house build and has even climbed Kilmanjaro.

She says she is the happiest she has ever been, and when you meet her, there’s no denying her positivity is infectious.

She said:

“I started my business in 2015 as I was going through the breakdown of my second marriage.

“I just realised I’ve got this natural ability and resilience.

“How you look after yourself – keeping up with your exercise and making sure you get all your sleep and everything when you’re going through a traumatic time – all helps build your resilience.

“And so I realised through doing all this, I actually want to spread the word and help other people as well, so I do coaching, mental fitness, hypnotherapy, and try to help empower people.”

As a woman who has gone through two divorces – although her first was amicable and she is still best friends with her first husband – she feels she is in the perfect position to help others.

She helps people who are getting a divorce to deal with their finances, the actual practicalities of moving house and how to look after their children and bring them up during that difficult time.

Lisa Duffield now helps others going through a divorce.

Lisa said:

“It’s stressful for everybody, people often get so worn down by it. So it’s just about keeping yourself going through that process.

“I moved out from the house I was in, and since then I’ve bought a plot of land and built my own house in lockdown, which will be like a wellbeing retreat. Now I do lots of motivational talks and stuff like that.”

Lisa, who has three daughters, says she has always had a business head on her shoulders, and set up a number of businesses with her first husband, whom she is close to and still works with.

Rebuild

But since her second divorce from her husband of nine years, she has had to rebuild everything again as it had a financial impact.

She said:

“I think that one of the main things I would advise others going through divorce is if they do have the coaching and help and support they can actually separate the different aspects of it. That is the emotional, the financial and the family.

“It’s also things like if you do have children and separate, it’s important not to use the children as a weapon because this will be something you regret. You must not do game-playing. You just get caught up in this awful battle and it’s just not worth it at all.

“The financial coaching is absolutely crucial, that’s one of the biggest fears when going through a divorce. What’s going to happen about the money? Where are they going to live? Which school are the children going to go to? Have you lost a certain amount of friends? It’s a huge trauma.

“This is what got me into this line of work. I can help people and coach them through so they can have a logical way of thinking about it, rather than letting their emotions overcome. This leads to feelings of resentment, revenge, punishment, which doesn’t do anyone any good in the end.”

Stronger

Since deciding to launch her business, Lisa started off training to become a clinical hypnotherapist. Since then she has gone on to do lots of other advanced courses in Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), as well as a a corporate executive coaching course.

She said:

“I’m currently working with a London law firm, setting up a wellbeing strategy. I’m helping people to feel empowered and to realise when you feel you are really down and you can’t pull yourself back up, you absolutely can.

“I would definitely say I have come back better, stronger and more positive.”

Lisa said she decided to divorce her second husband when she felt the marriage wasn’t equal she “felt stagnant” in her life.

She said:

“I felt like I had been stupid, like I had been manipulated and deceived.

“I felt like I was never going to be able to find true happiness in the relationship I was in. This is what made me decide that I need to get out. I think the realisation was the second marriage was a mistake because at the time I didn’t feel like a whole person.

“I thought if I met someone else, the two halves will come together to make a whole person and this doesn’t happen.

“If you’re not a whole person yourself, you’re not in a good place to meet another whole person.

“So I realised I needed to work on my identity and discover who I was and work on personal development for myself. I realised I had to go it alone. I felt I was looking and thinking a man was going to complete my life.

“You need to be a strong individual yourself and then you are in a position to be in a proper relationship with somebody.

“I suppose coming out of it, it’s working in personal development. And that’s what I love helping people with now.”

And Lisa has certainly come a long way since her second divorce. Her wellbeing business, which started off with just Lisa as a clinical hypnotherapist, now has around 15 practitioners on the books.

She regularly travels to London and has done work with O2, the NHS, Capita and PricewaterhouseCoopers. She has mentored some of the world’s strongest men, helping them with their mental focus. As well as project managing her own housebuild, she is also about to set up a new online platform for a second hand plant machinery business.

And she has achieved all this on her own.

She said:

“I found myself, and now I want to help others to get that strength. I’ve been on that journey, so I can help.

“I’ve not only started again, I’ve surpassed it. I’m up at the top of that hill and it’s brilliant.”

Lisa at the summit of Kilamanjaro.

‘Adventure junkie’

She has also become a self-confessed “adventure junkie” and has climbed Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu and Ben Nevis. She has also been skydiving and sea Kayaking around the Farne Islands.

Her upcoming challenges include a charity Zambezi River trip, a trek across the Sahara Desert and the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek.

She said:

“All of these things I have managed to do as a single woman. You do not need to be married to do whatever you want to do.

And women are now more powerful than ever. It’s not that I would put men down, but I am certainly equal to the best of those men out there.”

Stray Views: Night time noise in Harrogate makes it impossible to sleep

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.

Night time noise in Harrogate is unacceptable 

The noise at night in the centre of Harrogate is unacceptable. People shouting and fast loud cars until 2am to 3am. Friends of mine from London couldn’t believe how noisy Harrogate is and they live in central London.

I agree so I’m moving. Every weekend it’s the same. I want people to enjoy themselves but the behaviour I hear is antisocial.

Can’t people be decent and realise that people/families have the right to a good night’s sleep? Honestly it’s not acceptable to be kept awake until 2am to 3am in the morning.

I have teenagers but they are aware of their surroundings and wouldn’t dream of shouting or playing loud music in their cars. Can’t something be done?

Annekin Emerson, Harrogate

New Tesco location ‘beggars belief’

I cannot believe that Tesco and the council are considering building a superstore with an entrance so close to one of the busiest junctions in Harrogate.

The thought of two roundabouts within close proximity beggars belief, traffic will back up from the entrance to Tesco and hold up all of Harrogate’s through traffic from the A59 and A61.

Clearly the ideal place for a Tesco superstore is on or near Otley Road, then traffic will head out of Harrogate or have easy access from all of the new estates on that side of town.

The problem at the moment is that ALL of the supermarkets are in town or the opposite end of town to Otley Road (except for Aldi, which is excellent but does not satisfy all requirements), so all the traffic has to go down Skipton Road to get to them causing constant traffic jams.

Why the council/house builders/Tesco cannot get round a table and come to an agreement where the Tesco land at the roundabout can be developed for housing, and more appropriate land on the outskirts of town can be used for the Tesco’s I do not know. Is that not Section 106 agreements are all about?

Stephen Readman, Harrogate

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Pedestrians needs are being ignored

May I voice support for your correspondent Angela Dicken and her comments on the cycle way on Otley Road?

I am a frequent pedestrian there and can wholly confirm what she says. Yesterday morning, for example, just after 9am, on which occasion I was actually in the car heading for Bradford (try it on public transport if you want to know why) I was waiting at the pelican crossing and saw a cyclist in all the gear absolutely hurtling down the pavement towards Leeds Road.

This at a time when the pavement is always busy with people. At the moment that is illegal, although nothing is ever done about it. Now we are being asked to share space with such people.

Nor was this an isolated incident as many will testify. Later that day I was passed by another equally speedy cyclist whilst walking on the pedestrianised section of Oxford Street. Later still, on East Parade, by which time it was dark, another pair were riding abreast without lights on that road. And so on. It is time certainly to think about the pedestrian and stop indulging a fantasy of responsible cycling.

Paul Jennings, Harrogate

Well done, Harrogate Borough Council

I must thank those at Harrogate Borough Council who have been responsible for removing the weeds from around the base of the Tewit Well’s dome.

In this, the 450th anniversary of the discovery of Harrogate’s first mineral well, it is particularly important to ensure that the Tewit Well appears cared for, in view of the passing visitors the site so regularly sees.

Malcolm Neesam, 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 mum raises awareness of suicide prevention after son’s death

Since Pat Sowa’s son, Dom, died of suicide in 2017 she has dedicated her life to helping people who are struggling with their mental health.

The Sowa family has lived in Harrogate for 23 years. Dom, a student at Harrogate Grammar School, was just 17 when he died.

Mrs Sowa said friends described Dom as “giggly with the kindest heart”. He played the saxophone and loved to be outdoors.

Looking back, she says she could see he was struggling; he had been withdrawing from friends and saying he felt “very sad”. But she said without the training she’s had now she didn’t know how to ask the right questions and help.

“It breaks my heart that I didn’t know the signs. I always say ‘we do our best but when we know more we do better’.

“And it’s true. Instead of people crossing their fingers or depending on the system to take care of their loved ones, through training they have the skills to know what to do to help.”

Dom Sowa

After losing Dom, Mrs Sowa left her job as a primary school headteacher and trained as a mental health first aid trainer.

She now works with North Yorkshire County Council in its Headfirst programme, which offers free mental health and suicide prevention training for anyone living or working in North Yorkshire, alongside her other work.

She is determined for more people to train as mental health first aiders. She says it is important for anyone struggling to feel as if they have someone who is their safe space to talk to.

Her mantra is:

“Get trained, save lives and be kind.”

Losing Dom turned the family upside down and Ms Sowa finds her work to promote suicide prevention has helped her “work through the devastation”.

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Ms Sowa also works closely with Papyrus, a charity dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide. It offers a helpline to people, runs training programmes and campaigns to get people talking about mental health.

Next weekend, Ms Sowa will join Dom’s former school, Harrogate Grammar School, on its fourth Hopewalk. It is part of a Papyrus initiative that includes a month of walks across the country to get people out and talking about mental health.

The four-mile route around Fewston reservoir takes place on October 17 at 10am.

Ged Flynn, chief executive of Papyrus, said:

“We would like to say a big thank you to Pat Sowa and all those who will we supporting the Hopewalk in memory of her son Dom.

“Every year Hopewalks raise awareness of suicide prevention and help us to continue giving hope to young people who are struggling with life.

“Generous fundraising and donations help to pay for potentially life-saving calls, texts and emails to our confidential HOPELINEUK service, which offers support and advice to young people and anyone who is worried about a young person who may be having thoughts of suicide.

“We believe that many young suicides are preventable and together we can all help to keep our communities suicide-safe.”

If you need support:

Former Harrogate editor given freedom of the borough

The former editor of the Harrogate Advertiser has been made an honorary freeman of the borough after 41 years in local journalism.

Harrogate Borough Council bestowed the honour on Jean MacQuarrie, who stepped down from her role this year, at an extraordinary council meeting on Wednesday.

Ms MacQuarrie was editor for 33 years and also served as editor-in-chief of JPIMedia’s Yorkshire weeklies.

She was also involved in many local organisations including Saint Michael’s Hospice, the Army Foundation College independent advisory board, Harrogate Business Luncheon Club, Harrogate BID and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Ms MacQuarrie said: 

“For my work in Harrogate and the wider district to be recognised in this way is amazing, and I am very grateful to all the councillors for granting me this, their highest honour.

“I supported many organisations throughout the district, whether that was to help them raise funds, or raise the profile of their work by shining a light on what they were trying to achieve.

“But to be honest, it was easy, because the Harrogate district is full of inspiring, enthusiastic and generous people who are committed to supporting others.”

She added: 

“Local newspapers are all about being a champion for your town and district, highlighting the positives and also challenging and campaigning when you and your readers see something that is wrong.

“I have worked with some great people over the years, and always been lucky to have a good team around me. I had some exceptional editorial leaders too, who gave me free rein to edit the newspapers in the way I wanted to.

“I particularly enjoyed mentoring and encouraging talented young journalists and watching their careers flourish.”

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The title of honorary freeman is the highest honour the borough can bestow and was last awarded in 2012 to Jonathan Wild, former chairman and chief executive of Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said: 

“Jean has been an unstinting champion for all things in the Harrogate district for decades.

“She ensured that our area’s song was sung, that local events were supported week in, week out, that campaigns to make our area better enjoyed a high profile and that our businesses were enthusiastically promoted.

“Jean has also made an outstanding contribution to the development of young and upcoming journalists.

“Over the decades I have been involved in local politics, I have seen many young journalists working on the local paper. I have seen them grow and move on to bigger things.

“This doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because there is an exceptional person nurturing them. And that person is Jean MacQuarrie.”

Winter skincare tips for glowing skin throughout the colder months

Winter can be a tough time for our skin.

It is exposed to cold temperatures outside and subjected to drying central heating inside so it loses important moisture.

This is after our skin has already had a battering from the summer sun.

All of these can have a big impact on the skin barrier –  a watertight seal that keeps the outermost layers of skin smoothly together – and can cause skin to flare up, according to beauty experts.

So just like you make room for big cosy jumpers, hot chocolate and nights in front of Netflix, you also need to make room for a new winter skincare routine.

And as someone whose daily skincare routine consists of splashing some water on my face and slapping a bit of moisturiser on, I realised it was about time I got my act together.

I spoke to two Harrogate skincare experts, who have shared their top tips on the correct way to look after your skin when the cold snap hits.

Samantha Hamp, owner of Samantha Hamp Beauty and Skincare, Harrogate.

Harrogate skincare and beauty specialist Samantha Hamp, who has been in the industry for more than three decades, said:

“When the cold weather comes and the heating goes on many people notice their skin becomes more dehydrated, rough to touch, sometimes red and even sore.”

Here are Samantha’s top five tips to help combat these issues:

Drink up!

Keep hydrated and drink water steadily through the day – a couple of litres if possible.

Take supplements

Taking oral supplements will help the skin all over your body. Omega oils boost the protective barrier of the skin, which increases hydration and reduced inflammation.

Lock-in the moisture

Retain the moisture in the skin by using moisture-lock supplements with a hyaluronic acid and ceramics complex to retain moisture in the skin. I use Advanced Nutrition Programme.

Keep moisturising

Use a high quality moisturiser containing Vitamin A, such as Environ AVST, with antioxidants to help protect and repair the skin. You should apply this twice a day, particularly when you are going out in the cold weather.

Clean your face when you get home

When you get home in the evening, clean your face with a gentle cream cleanser NOT wipes or soap, as they strip your skin. Apply your moisturiser, plus a serum ideally containing hyaluronic acid. The earlier in the evening you apply it, the better.

Samantha, who owns Samantha Hamp Beauty and Skincare, on Cheltenham Crescent, added:

“As a therapist with over 30 years experience, I have come to love the two brands Environ and Advanced Nutrition Programme as they deliver what they promise.”

Camilla Davies, owner of Skin SOS, Harrogate.

Camilla Davies launched Skin SOS, on Cold Bath Road, in November 2019.

Here are her top five winter skincare tips:

A change will do you good

Change up your skincare seasonally as you do with your wardrobe. We recommend changing your daily cleanser from a gel to a cream or to milk-based, as skin tends to suffer from more dryness in the colder months. Comfort Zone’s Remedy Range is perfect for cold weather to protect, soothe and nourish dry skin. The Defense moisturiser is a must-have winter essential.

Exfoliation is key

Regular exfoliation – one to two times per week – is beneficial to prevent blocked pores and aids with the build up of dry and flaky skin. Over-exfoliation can lead to your skin becoming over-sensitive due to weakening the skin and damaging its natural defence. It can also make it easy for acne-causing bacteria to get into the skin and cause pimples to breed. Dermaquest Algae polishing scrub utilises jojoba beads leaving the skin smooth and prepped for serums and other advanced products.

Time for a facial

Have a facial. Skin can become dull and dry from time to time, particularly in winter. Having regular facials will increase blood circulation and treat any skin concerns, along with being super relaxing. Intensify your treatment by adding LED light therapy to your facial. Light therapy is extremely therapeutic, as the days get dark. It is a brilliant remedy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Wear sunscreen

SPF in winter? Yes – it’s a thing! We recommend wearing SPF daily. A lot of you ask us where this should fit into your skincare routine. This is your final product after hydrating, but before any makeup. Whilst we get less sunshine, visible light and Infrared-A can damage your skin all year round and lead to premature ageing.

Stay hydrated

Drink lots of water. When it’s cold outside, we forget to drink enough water throughout the day, but this is just when low humidity is most likely to strip our skin of it’s moisture. Sip slowly throughout the day or indulge in warming winter teas, such as natural herbal teas, to keep hydrated in winter. You will feel healthy, hydrated and cozy at the same time!

Crime commissioner asks for full report on Harrogate police incident

North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Philip Allott has asked North Yorkshire Police to provide him with a full report of an incident in which police officers appear to knee and punch a man in Harrogate.

The Stray Ferret obtained the clip that was filmed on October 1 by a concerned bystander. It shows four police officers attempting to hold the man down while he shouts “get off”.

One officer then appears to knee the man in the head before another officer appears to punch him in the stomach three times.

North Yorkshire Police said the man was making threats to kill but the force’s Professional Standards Department was reviewing the conduct of the officers involved.

Mr Allott, who is under pressure following controversial comments about the murder of Sarah Everard, told the Stray Ferret he has asked North Yorkshire Police to provide a full report on the circumstances of the incident.

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A spokesperson for the College of Policing, an arms-length body of the Home Office which sets standards for key areas of policing, said it would not comment on specific incidents but any use of force must be “necessary, proportionate, justifiable and legal”.

The spokesperson said:

“In general terms, when it comes to use of force, officers and staff would be expected to exercise their professional judgement to make decisions based on the circumstances they were faced with.

“The use of force/restraint must be necessary, proportionate, justifiable and legal. All officers are required to account for and justify their actions using the National Decision Model.”

Steakhouse set to open at empty Harrogate restaurant

A steakhouse is set to open early next year on the site of a restaurant that became one of the earliest business victims of coronavirus in Harrogate.

Tomahawk Steakhouse currently has restaurants in London, York and Newcastle and the owner expects it to make its Harrogate debut in January.

The new eatery will take the place of Bistrot Pierre on Cheltenham Parade, which was directly above Sukhothai.

Co-founder Howard Eggleston has been planning to bring his steakhouse brand to Harrogate for four years and feels this location presents the ideal opportunity.

It will create 25 jobs.

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Mr Eggleston told the Stray Ferret:

“We are quite far down the line on this one. We have the furniture already and we are keen to get started.

“Harrogate is a nice place which I know well, I visit quite regularly. There’s some competition in town but we are bringing something different.

“We are all about the food, not the bells and whistles for decorations. We serve the finest Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and a lot more.”

The Tomahawk Group has expanded significantly during covid and now has 18 sites, with a further seven, including Harrogate, opening soon.

Highways boss: No ‘exact date’ for completion of Otley Road cycle path

The transport boss for Harrogate has said there is still no completion date for the Otley Road cycle path, despite construction finally starting after nearly three years of delays.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at North Yorkshire County Council, said he was unable to give any “exact dates” for the completion of the project, which started last month with work on a first phase between Harlow Moor Road and Arthur’s Avenue.

This phase will be completed in late November but covers only a small section of the entire route, which is designed to connect the town centre with Cardale Park.

Cllr Mackenzie said the uncertainties over the end date were due to negotiations with the government and the Duchy of Lancaster – the landowners of the Stray – over the use of grass verges protected by law.

There are also ongoing talks with housebuilders that have promised to contribute cash – and the outcomes will depend on the publication of the West Harrogate Parameters Plan, a major planning document that has also been long delayed.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive councillor for highways at North Yorkshire County Council.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at North Yorkshire County Council.

Cllr Mackenzie said: 

“The bylaws required to complete phase one and two have been submitted to the Secretary of State for confirmation, who has agreed the new bylaws in principle.

“Phase three – from Harlow Moor Road to Cardale Park – relies on developer funding from the west of Harrogate urban extension. Plans are currently being worked on which will then lead to more detailed planning, including a feasibility study.

“Since the timescale for the construction of the western end of the cycle path between Harlow Moor Road and Cardale Park depends on developer funding and further work on the parameters plan for the west of Harrogate, we cannot yet provide exact dates.”

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Frustration among cyclists

The cycle path is part of a package of sustainable transport measures for the west of Harrogate, which were first announced in 2018 and will cost £4.6m once completed.

But three years on – and after the delays caused by consultations and utility works – campaigners who have supported the project have now expressed frustration at still not knowing any kind of target completion date.

Kevin Douglas, chairman of Harrogate District Cycle Action, said it was “great news” that the works were finally underway, but added he was “disappointed” that the public could not be told when they will be finished.

He said: 

“The worry is that only a small part of the project will be completed and people will look at it and think it is not doing the job we wanted.

“The idea was that the cycle path will link Cardale Park with the town centre.

“That is the council’s ambition, but it needs to be done in one go to make it effective and so people can use it, rather than it looking like it is not going to be of any benefit.

“I am pleased it has started and hopefully it is going to run smoothly, but not being able to say when it is all going to be finished is disappointing.

“There is going to be a huge number of houses on Otley Road and having a complete cycle lane when these new residents move in would be a big plus.

“Whereas now, it may be that the cycle lane comes sometime later.”

Man jailed for murder of 22-year-old Harrogate woman

A man has been jailed for the murder of Harrogate woman Anna Reed.

Ms Reed, 22, a former Ashville College student, was found strangled in her bed in a hotel in Switzerland in 2019.

Marc Shatzle, 32, was jailed for 18 years at a court in Lugano.

Schatzle, a German traveller, denied murdering Ms Reed.

Judge Mauro Ermani rejected Schätzle’s claim that Reed died during a sex game that went wrong, The Times reported.

It is believed Mr Schatzle met Ms Reed when she was travelling around the world as a 21st birthday present from her father, Clive, a Harrogate racehorse breeder.

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