Harrogate students inspired by England’s Euro 2020 run

Students at Rossett School have told the Stray Ferret that they have been inspired by England’s performance at Euro 2020.

With the national team preparing to take on Italy during the final on Sunday at Wembley, these pupils have been playing on the school’s new 3G pitch.

The school raised £10,000 through a fundraiser to help with the cost of resurfacing the pitch.

There was a clear bounce in their step and not just because of the rubber. The students are keen to follow in the footsteps of their footballing heroes.

(Left to right) Charlie Wright, William Parkinson, Lydia Corner and Poppy Mortimer.

Italian Harrogate restaurateur backs his country to win

The owner of an Italian restaurant in Harrogate is backing his national team to win the 2020 European Championship against England.

The owner of Al Bivio, Daniele Bojo, said his employees are also excited . He said:

“It (Euro 2020) makes people who are not usually interested in football more interested.”

Italy’s football team didn’t qualify for the World Cup in 2018 but have played spectacularly and mad their way to the final match.

Daniele described his country’s achievement as “amazing”:

“I thought England would be doing all right as they did all right with the World Cup, whereas Italy didn’t even qualify! But the fact they went to the final straight after a competition where they didn’t even qualify is amazing.”

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Al Bivio

Al Bivio customers Rosie and Chloe wearing Italy’s colours

In the Uefa Euro 2020 qualifying tournament the Italian team won every match and scored 100%, the last time this was achieved was by England back in 2016.

Daniele said that Italy’s accomplishments have inspired national pride but it won’t stop him from getting an early night:

“Being Italian, you obviously want your team to win, you know? I just hope it doesn’t go to extra time and penalties because I don’t want to be too late to bed.

“As long as it’s a good match and there’s no bad playing on either side, let the best team win.”

Daniele’s score prediction:  2-1 to Italy …..the winning goal sealed by the FC Torino Captain, Andrea Belotti… oh dear.  Most of us will hope Daniele is wrong.

‘Gareth Southgate’s dog licked my bald head’

Everyone in Harrogate seems to have a story about meeting one of the town’s most famous residents, Gareth Southgate. Some are more bizarre than others.

As anticipation continued to build for England taking on Italy in the Euros 2020 final, the Stray Ferret asked readers if they had ever met the England manager.

He lives at Swinsty Reservoir and often makes his way into town, so lots of people commented with their anecdotes.

Darren Townend told the Stray Ferret about the time he met one of the manager’s pet dogs. Southgate has a cockapoo and a Labrador.

Mr Townend said:

“I was running around Swinsty Reservoir early one Sunday morning. It must have been around 2018.

“Partway through the run I stopped to tie up my shoelace and felt something lick my bald head.

“So I looked up and saw that it was Gareth Southgate with his dog. Gareth was apologising. I tried a nonchalant, non-fanboy ‘no problem’ and carried on.”

Jody Meadus also shared her story:

“I had broken three toes at work and hobbled across a petrol station on Ripon Road.

“Gareth Southgate stopped and held the door open for me. He is a true gentleman.”

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Sophie Issa will never live down the time she stopped her husband meeting Gareth Southgate. She said:

“We saw him and his family eating at Betty’s Harlow Carr before he was the England manager.

“I wouldn’t let my husband go up and ask for a photo. I didn’t want to intrude on him when he was with his family. A couple of weeks after he was announced as England’s manager.

“My husband has never let me forget I didn’t let him have a photo with the future England manager.”

Adam Cuthbert commented:

“I saw him walking down the steps of the footbridge at York station towards Platform 3 for London after getting off the Knaresborough train about six years ago.

“It was when he was doing a bit of punditry for ITV for the Champions League, just after he’d left the U23’s job.

“He casually walked past me and my family. I called out ‘Gareth’ but he pretended he hadn’t heard me. He must have been in a hurry for his train.

“Still a good memory. I bet he wouldn’t be able to walk so freely on his own in public now. Top bloke!”

Mark Madeley said:

“Gareth Southgate was at Crimple Squash Club with his kids at a Karate grading. He was a very easy-going and approachable guy.”

And Tommy Deux recalled:

“I had the pleasure of meeting Garath Southgate at a charity do once. He was surprisingly down to earth, and very funny.”

Creation of Harrogate Town Council ‘inevitable’ if reorganisation happens

The leader of Harrogate Borough Council has said it is “inevitable” that a new town council will be created under plans for local government reorganisation across North Yorkshire.

Conservative councillor Richard Cooper made the statement after members of the opposition Liberal Democrat party called for commitments to ensure residents’ voices are not “lost” if the current two-tier structure of county and district councils is scrapped and replaced with unitary authorities.

Harrogate and Scarborough are the only areas in North Yorkshire currently not served by a town or parish council and a review of how services are run would be required if the Government decides to press ahead with reorganisation later this month.

Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, councillor Pat Marsh, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said Harrogate would be “woefully underrepresented” if the town was not given a chance to retain control over some services such as parks, markets and sports pitches.

She said:

“We owe it to the people of Harrogate town to be able to make a strong statement that this council supports the parishing of Harrogate.

“Even with 75,000 residents’ voices, those voices would be lost in some large unitary authority. It would leave Harrogate residents adrift and very under-represented.

“We as the locally elected members for those 75,000 residents need to ensure their voices are not lost and that true devolution occurs, bringing decision-making and accountability down to the people.”

In response, councillor Cooper said he had previously offered assurances that a Harrogate Town Council would most likely be created and that a review of services would be carried at “the correct time, in the correct way and by the correct people.”

Under the reorganisation plans, the current two-tier system could be replaced with either a single authority for all of North Yorkshire or two bodies split on an east/west basis in what would mark the biggest shake-up of local government in the county since the 1970s.

The government will also decide whether the City of York should be engulfed in the east/west proposal or be left as unitary authority.

The aim of the reforms is to unlock the door to a devolution deal and save cash by streamlining services.

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Currently, North Yorkshire County Council is responsible for services including social care, education and highways, while district and borough councils look after the likes of planning, licensing and bin collections.

If approved, the reforms would see almost all services brought under the control of a unitary structure with some likely to be left in the control of a Harrogate Town Council.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Liberal Democrat councillor Matthew Webber received the backing of all members after presenting a notice of motion which called on the borough council to “strongly recommend” the creation of a town council.

He said:

“We are facing reorganisation and the announcement is due later this month. Harrogate will not become the centre of the world, it will probably be Northallerton so the influence Harrogate has got across its district is likely to be lessened.

“What we are asking through this notice of motion is that Harrogate is given a voice.”

Harrogate Borough Council, along with Scarborough, Ryedale, Craven, Selby and Richmondshire councils, is behind the proposals to split North Yorkshire on an east/west basis, while North Yorkshire County Council has proposed a single authority for the whole county.

Each rival bids have boasted multi-million pound savings and better ways of working – and it is MP Luke Hall, minister for regional growth and local government, who will have the final say on which path to take later this month.

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning. It’s Leah with you this beautiful Friday morning updating you every 15 minutes on how the transport links are near you.

These blogs, brought to you by The HACS Group, will show you where the traffic hotspots and temporary traffic lights are and tell you of any train and bus delays.

Let us know if you experience any delays on 01423 27619.

9am – Full Update 

That is it from me today, i will be back with you on Monday morning! Have a lovely weekend! #itscominghome

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8.30am – Full Update 

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Bogus wedding planner overshadows Harrogate couple’s dream day

A Harrogate couple who lost £2,300 after being scammed by a bogus wedding planner have said they’re pleased with the court’s sentencing.

Nicky and Jason Asquith-Thorpe didn’t get the day they imagined in July 2019 after a fake wedding planner, Dana Twidale, ran off with their money.

The pair had met and spoken to Ms Twidale on numerous occasions insisting “there were no warning signs”.

It was only when July 25 2019 arrived, two days before their wedding, that all communication stopped and the fake planner didn’t show up to help set up the venue.

Mrs Asquith-Thorpe still held out hope but after hours of waiting finally came to the conclusion that they’d been abandoned.

Mrs Asquith-Thorpe, who works in the Harrogate Hospital pharmacy, said:

“She showed me a huge album of all the weddings she’d been part of. I put all my faith in her and she said she could do everything.

“The last message she sent me was ‘on our way, running late’.”

Nicky and Jason Asquith-Thorpe 02

Determined to give them the wedding day they’d dreamed of, a friend of the couple asked ex-local radio station Stray FM to put a call out for local businesses to help.

The bride-to-be said she was “overwhelmed” by the response and was ecstatic to go ahead with the wedding on July 27.

Moving the party to a function room at the back of the Christ Church, Harrogate, and getting help from a local caterer and DJ the wedding went ahead, albeit not exactly as planned.

She added:

“All the changes to the venue and food meant there was more to pay for. We didn’t want it hanging over our heads so we worked lots of overtime to try and pay all the kind businesses back.”

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Ms Twidale, 44 and from Hull, was sentenced this week to five years after conning another 22 people out of a combined £15,000.

Hull Crown Court also heard Ms Twidale had defrauded a man she had met on Tinder out of £42,000 by lying about her mother’s death and saying she was a victim of domestic violence.

Mrs Asquith-Thorpe said she was “glad she got what she deserved” and hoped to draw a line under the whole ordeal.

‘Give Gareth Southgate the freedom of Harrogate borough’

Councillors have called for England football team manager Gareth Southgate to be honoured with the Freedom of the Borough of Harrogate.

Mr Southgate, who lives near Swinsty Reservoir, guided the England men’s team to their first major championships final in 55 years last night.

While there is talk nationally of a knighthood, attention has turned locally to awarding him the freedom of the borough — which is the highest honour Harrogate Borough Council can bestow.

Among those to have received the accolade, which is reserved for people who the council deem to have ‘rendered eminent services to the district’, is Jonathan Wild, the former chief executive and chair of Bettys and Taylors.

Six councillors, including the mayor, told the Stray Ferret today they would back a motion for Mr Southgate to receive the honour.

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Conservative John Ennis, who represents Harrogate Stray, said it was a “marvellous idea”, adding:

“Gareth Southgate has been a dignified figure the whole country has got behind.

“It is great that he lives in the area as well, he is a true credit to the town.”

Liberal Democrat Christine Willoughby, who represents Knaresborough Eastfield, said:

“I think if Gareth Southgate is eligible for the award then he certainly deserves the recognition.

“We could also celebrate any local Olympic sports stars and also the cyclist Mark Cavendish.”

‘He lives in my ward’

Victoria Oldham, the Conservative councillor for Washburn, said:

“While I am not entirely sure what the requirements are, I would certainly support giving Gareth Southgate the freedom of the borough.

“The fact that he lives in my ward makes it even better. His team’s performance has really put a smile on our faces.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Trevor Chapman, who represents Harrogate Bilton Grange and is currently the district’s mayor, said:

“Being a football fan myself I am very much aware of Gareth’s efforts and of course he is a resident of the district.

“From a personal perspective I think it would be great if we could give him some recognition locally.”

Cllr Stuart Martin, the Conservative representative for Ripon Moorside and former mayor, said:

“I think Gareth Southgate deserves all the accolades he can get. He seems to get all the players to perform at their best.

“It is always really nice when people from the Harrogate district do well and lead the way.”

Cllr Paul Haslam, the Conservative representative for Harrogate Old Bilton, said:

“I would be very happy to support it. He could even put his sheep on the Stray if that’s what it entitles him to!”

England beat Denmark 2-1 last night to achieve a place in Sunday’s final of Euro 2020 against Italy.

Harrogate jeweller not warned about ‘terrifying’ police VIP exercise

A Harrogate jeweller has spoken of her terror when specialist officers took over her shop as part of a VIP training exercise.

Mona Norman, who owns Fogal & Barnes on Oxford Street, spotted the plain clothed officers on the street before they made their way into her shop on Tuesday morning.

She said she had no warning so feared, with one of the officers blocking the door, that she was going to be the victim of a robbery.

The Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit (CDSOU) had planned the visit in advance but did not tell Mrs Norman.

Harrogate is often the stage for such training exercises. However, the unit should have asked for permission in advance.

A senior officer on behalf of the CDSOU has since apologised to Mrs Norman and admitted that it fell short of standards.

Mona Norman, who owns Fogal & Barnes, with her guard dog.

Mrs Norman told the Stray Ferret:

“They looked really suspicious so I kept my eye on them. All of a sudden a couple of them got into the shop. One of them was wearing a bulletproof vest and blocked the door.

“It was really intimidating. I told them I was not comfortable and asked them to leave my shop but the person who said he was a VIP was trying to keep me quiet.

“So I pushed them out, called the police and pressed my panic button. Four of them left but two of them stayed outside so I kept questioning them.

“When I told them I had called the police he said ‘okay, calm down’ and gave me a card to explain but I was still unsure so got him to produce his badge.

“I was terrified, I was petrified. That’s how they made me feel. I thought they were going to rob me. It was awful.”

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She said she lost money during the two hour long training exercise and believes that she deserves compensation from the police.

A Durham Constabulary spokesman said in response:

“The Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit is one of the national delivery centres for close protection officer training, and trains officers from several police forces across the country.

“As well as classroom-based learning, the course also involves practical, real-world scenarios in public places, like shops, hotels, and restaurants, which are carefully planned and risk assessed.

“As officers are in plain-clothes, they should identify themselves as police officers if approached by a member of the public.

“We are sorry that the actions of some of the officers involved have fallen short of the high standards that are expected on the course, and we apologise for the alarm that it has caused.

“A senior officer has since spoken to the owner of the shop to apologise on behalf of the unit, and those on the course have been debriefed to identify learning opportunities for future courses.”

Stockeld Park’s dinosaur attracts attention in Harrogate

Stockeld Park publicised its latest attraction today by letting a dinosaur loose in Harrogate’s town centre.

Rita the raptor got alot of attention outside Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms on Parliament Street.

The dinosaur was out in Harrogate today to promote Stockeld Park’s “Jurassic Summer” .

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There are five adventure playgrounds, a dinosaur forest, a dinosaur maze and brand new for 2021, jurassic mini golf.

Stockeld Park events manager Darren Smith told the Stray Ferret:

“Rita the raptor escaped last night. We just managed to track her down just outside Bettys queueing up for a coffee, of all places.

“We have got her under control now. Rita seems to love it here in Yorkshire and is just trying on a flat cap now.

“It’s for our jurassic summer. We are going to have dinosaurs there every day. All the usual things at Stockeld with a jurrasic twist.”

More pictures:

Jurassic Summer runs to September 6. Book tickets for £12 per person here.

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning. It’s Connor with you this morning updating you every 15 minutes on how the transport links are near you.

These blogs, brought to you by The HACS Group, will show you where the traffic hotspots and temporary traffic lights are and tell you of any train and bus delays.

Let us know if you experience any delays on 01423 27619.

9am – Full Update 

That is all from me this morning. I am heading over to the news desk now but will be back tomorrow from 6.30am.

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8.45am – Full Update 

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7am – Full Update 

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6.45am – Full Update 

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6.30am – Full Update 

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