First Damn Yankee owner reflects on ‘phenomenal’ early years in 1970s

The original owner of the Damn Yankee restaurant in 1972 has reflected on the “phenomenal” early years of the Harrogate institution, as it prepares to reopen with new owners.

It was first opened by Denise Wiand and her American husband, Mike, who worked at Menwith Hill.

Ms Wiand read the Stray Ferret’s article from last month that interviewed the new owners, Thanos Xhanos and Natasha Farmer, and remembered having exactly the same photo taken with her husband almost 50 years earlier.

She said the restaurant was a huge success when it first opened with queues of excited people down Station Parade looking forward to the classic American fare and lively atmosphere that it became famous for.

“We opened the door and everyone flew in. It was a moment for the town.”

Something new

Whereas Harrogate today is spoilt for eating establishments, the 1970’s was a different world.

“It was so different. At that time it was either silver service or downmarket places.

“The Damn Yankee was the first time quality food was served in a fun atmosphere. It was a phenomenal time.”

When Ms Wiand visits Harrogate today she said she is always recognised by people in the street who remember her and the happy times at the restaurant.

An original Damn Yankee business card and Denise and Mike.

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Despite being a fixture on Station Parade for almost 50 years, it almost didn’t happen after a prudish landlord took exception to the name, which they took from a beach towel they owned.

She said:

“When we signed the lease, the landlord didn’t want the name because they thought it was a swear word!”

In the early days, the restaurant’s motto was “the more you give, the more you get back” and they wanted to offer generous portions with some typically American hospitality.

“In Yorkshire at the time you could give someone a cheese sandwich and there’d be a tiny piece of cheese, so everything at the Damn Yankee looked amazing.”

The Damn Yankee drag car that Mike raced during the 1970s

A family affair

Denise and Mike ran the restaurant for five years and she described it as a “real family affair” with characters including their faithful dog Winston who enjoyed sitting at the bar as well as one local lad who would help out preparing the food.

“Meat came from a local butcher. A local boy was a football hooligan and he’d come and stamp the meat by hand. His weekend hobby was causing trouble at Leeds United!”

Denise in the restaurant with Winston and his younger brother Trampus.

After selling the Damn Yankee to American Bob Clark, Denise and Mike went on to open the Warehouse nightclub in Leeds which is still open today.

Ms Wiand wished the new owners Thanos and Natasha luck and gave them a couple of words of advice:

“Just give the customers quality food and fun.”

Final volunteer call for cat charity Harrogate hotel abseil

Yorkshire Cat Rescue is calling for final volunteers to abseil down Harrogate’s Crowne Plaza Hotel in a daring fundraiser.

There are six slots left for those willing to take the plunge on the 3rd of July. The spaces were previously filled but due to a handful of last-minute dropouts there is space left for those wanting to sign up.

The abseil scales 140 feet and those taking part will be trained on the day by professionals.

Participants will need to pay a registration fee of £25 and are also asked to raise a minimum of £100 for the charity.

So far the charity has managed to raise more than £10,000 through the event but are aiming to reach £15,000 in the final few weeks.

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This isn’t the first daring exploit run by the charity; last year it held a ‘firewalk’ in Skipton where participants walked over burning coals.

Yorkshire Cat Rescue has been taking in unwanted cats and kittens and giving them homes for nearly 20 years. As an independent charity, it relies on fundraising to keep going.

The money it raises will go towards rescuing more cats, food, vet bills and shelter.

Artisan market launches in Harrogate next weekend

Little Bird Artisan Markets is launching its first market in Harrogate next weekend.

The company already has several well-established monthly markets in Yorkshire, including Boroughbridge, Ripon and Pateley Bridge.

Founder Jackie Crozier, who grew up in Ripon, said her aim was to help local businesses to sell their goods and meet customers in person.

Many small firms have flourished during the pandemic by selling products online.

The Harrogate artisan market will open from 10am until 3pm on Saturday June 19 at St Wilfrid’s Church and will return every month.

More than 50 stallholders will be selling items such as homeware, food and plants.

Jackie Crozier said:

“This will be my first artisan market in Harrogate, and I’m really looking forward to welcoming an exciting range of different local stallholders, who will be showcasing the fantastic local produce.

“I hope the community will get behind the event and come along and meet the makers.”

Her first market opened in Ripon in 2018.

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One of the sellers coming to the new event is Ami Hunter, who hand makes lightweight clay jewellery for her business Make_Harrogate. She said:

“I’m so excited to be part of Little Birds’ first market at the beautiful St Wilfrid’s Church, you will find lots of market exclusive designs and offers, hope to see you all there.”

Live: Harrogate traffic and travel

Good morning, it’s Leah with you this morning giving you updates every 15 minutes on the road and rail links near you.

Our live blog, brought to you by The HACS Group, will give you up-to-date information on traffic hotspots or where it may be building and the temporary lights in place. We also keep an eye on any bus or train delays.

If it is safe, please get in touch on our social media channels if you experience any delays.

9am – Full Update 

That is it from me to day, I will be back with you on Monday morning with updates every 15 minutes from 06.30. Have a lovely weekend!

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The district’s roads are starting to get busier this morning, keep checking for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building in these areas:

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There are several significant delays on the trains this morning:

Buses

8.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The district’s roads are starting to get busier this morning, keep checking for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

There are several significant delays on the trains this morning:

Buses

 

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The district’s roads are starting to get busier this morning, keep checking for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

There are several significant delays on the trains this morning:

Buses

 

8.15am – Full Update 

Roads

The district’s roads are starting to get busier this morning, keep checking for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

There are several significant delays on the trains this morning:

Buses

 

8am – Full Update 

Roads

The district’s roads are starting to get busier this morning, keep checking for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

There are several significant delays on the trains this morning:

Buses

 

7.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The district’s roads are starting to get busier this morning, keep checking for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The district’s roads are starting to get busier this morning, keep checking for today’s traffic hotspots.

Traffic is building in these areas:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7.15am – Full Update 

Roads

The district’s roads are looking clear so far this morning, keep checking for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The district’s roads are looking clear so far this morning, keep checking for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

6.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The district’s roads are looking clear so far this morning, keep checking for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The district’s roads are looking clear so far this morning, keep checking for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

Harrogate taxi firm begins insolvency proceedings

Harrogate taxi firm Airline Taxis is taking steps to wind up the company.

A meeting of any people or businesses who are owed money by the company will be held via Zoom, on June 16.

Anybody with queries is asked to contact insolvency practitioner Simon Weir on 01924 790880.

The Stray Ferret reported last month how Airline Taxis have refused to pay £25,501 to former employee Tracey Lee after she won an unfair dismissal case against them in June 2020.

A year on from the tribunal she is yet to receive a penny from the taxi firm and described the “horrible” process of trying to get her money back through the courts.

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Meanwhile, a company called Parade Taxis Limited was created in July 2020 with the same registered address as Airline Taxis. Its sole director is Areefa Naz Suleman, the daughter of Airline’s director Mohammad Suleman.

The Stray Ferret contacted Airline Taxis for a response but we did not receive one at the time of publication.

Big blue bins create ‘eyesore’ in Harrogate’s premier shopping area

Large bins being abandoned on Harrogate’s Princes Street are causing frustration for local business owners and the BID.

One business owner said the bins are often found huddled in a loading bay on Princes Street, just off James Street.

The bins are used by local businesses who are supposed to put them on the street on pick-up day and then return them behind the shops, but Bob Kennedy from Porters, says they’re always left out.

He says the bins are an “eyesore” and ruin the look of Harrogate’s high streets for shoppers.

He added:

“I just get fed up, the loading bay is full every week. Sometimes they’ll fall over and the rubbish will scatter it’s a right eyesore. It looks a right mess.

Tourists don’t need to see that as they’re walking by, we do a lot to help Harrogate look beautiful and this doesn’t help.”

Mr Kennedy says there can sometimes be as many as 30 various-coloured bins left on Princes Street.

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Harrogate BID has agreed the bins are “unsightly” and has pledged to work with North Yorkshire County Council which is responsible for commercial waste to find a solution.

Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:

“We are in complete agreement that the almost constant stationing of these bins on Princes Street needs addressing.

“Not only are they unsightly, their presence also leads to the dumping of further litter, and if containing food waste, they could well attract vermin.”

He added a BID survey is set to be launched in the coming days giving businesses the chance to make the BID aware of issues like the bins.

These bins are collected by Yorwaste, a company owned by North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council, under a contract between the businesses and Yorwaste.

Karl Battersby, the county council’s corporate director for business and environmental services, said:

“We and Yorwaste expect businesses to act responsibly by ensuring that their bins are stored appropriately.

“Following a complaint, Yorwaste has recently contacted a business in this area of Harrogate to ask them to ensure that they take their bins back to their property after the weekly collection. Yorwaste remains in contact with the business in an effort to resolve this issue.”

Tribute to ‘amazing’ Huby grandad killed in car crash

A grandad from Huby probably fell ill moments before his car swerved into an oncoming lorry, an inquest has found.

Basil Fordy died aged 89 on January 8, 2020 in the crash on the A658 Harrogate Road near his village home.

His family attended a delayed inquest yesterday in Northallerton to hear what happened leading up to the crash and the cause of death.

The inquest heard evidence from people who were driving in the area at the time, as well as the driver of the lorry and the police officer who investigated the crash.

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Jonathan Leach, assistant coroner for North Yorkshire, concluded:

“Mr Fordy was making a regular trip to the supermarket but on his way back all of a sudden he drove into the opposing lane.

“In doing so, he was involved in a collision with a lorry travelling in the opposite direction.

“It is apparent from the evidence that the lorry driver took all steps possible to avoid the collision.

“Mr Fordy died from the injuries he sustained in the crash. There were no faults found with the vehicle.

“The only possible reason for the crash is that Mr Fordy suffered a medical episode.”

Speaking after the inquest, Mr Fordy’s daughter Jacqui Goulding told the Stray Ferret:

“I want people to remember Basil for being an amazing dad and a fantastic grandad. He had been through a lot.

“Basil lost two wives through breast cancer but he just had a stiff upper-lip and got on with it really. He was a competent driver.

“We miss him tonnes. I am so sorry it was such a traumatic end for Basil and all the other people who were involved.”

Harrogate’s controversial James Street planters could go after June 21

The planters on Harrogate’s James Street could be removed after June 21 — but only if the government proceeds with the final stage of its roadmap out of lockdown.

North Yorkshire County Council closed parking bays on James Street at the start of the pandemic and put in planters to allow pedestrians to conform with social distancing guidance.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, the council’s executive member for access, told the Stray Ferret that “it would be reasonable” to expect the planters to be removed after June 21.

Many traders in Knaresborough are also keen for social distancing cones in the town centre to be removed and parking restored.

However, the June 21 date looks increasingly in doubt due to an increase in Delta variant cases. Cllr Mackenzie said he would be “perfectly happy” to see the planters stay if the government delayed the date.

He added:

“Frankly, I’m relaxed about what happens with the planters either way. If it’s felt social distancing is still needed we’ll keep them up.”

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Anna McIntee, of Harrogate Residents Association, set up a petition against the planters that has received over 800 signatures. She told the Stray Ferret that she wants to see the planters removed as soon as possible.

She said:

“Why is the council singling out retailers only on James Street and Albert Street? You can park freely on Cold Bath Road, Cheltenham Parade and Commercial Street.

“The June 21 reopening date is for nightclubs, theatres and large events, not for walking outside on a street. Please remove the planters and let customers have the same access as they do at our supermarkets and outlying retail parks”.

Harrogate sex offender jailed for grooming underage girl on Snapchat

A Harrogate sex offender who groomed an underage teen girl on Snapchat has been jailed for over three years.

Stefan Antonio Slack, 27, contacted the girl on the social media site and tried to entice her into meeting him for sex.

The Harrogate man was on a court order at the time designed to limit his contact with children following previous similar offences, York Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Mike Greenhalgh said the new offences occurred in October 2018 when Slack was aged 24.

After adding the 15-year-old girl on Snapchat, he began sending sexually charged messages. In one message he asked to meet the girl and her friend for “group sexual activity”.

He then asked to meet her on a specific day for sex. The message read:

“Meet me Tuesday. Just me and you and maybe (the other named girl) if she’s game.”

Slack then told the girl in gratuitous sexual detail what he wanted to do to her. She duly blocked him on Snapchat and took a screenshot of the messages.

Her mother reported the matter to the police. Slack was arrested and brought in for questioning.

Previous conviction

He told officers he knew that the girl was under-age but “sought to excuse his behaviour, saying he was heavily in drink (at the time) and couldn’t recall sending the messages”, although he admitted it must have been him, added Mr Greenhalgh.

Slack, of Avenue Street, Starbeck, was charged with inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and breaching a sexual-harm prevention order by deliberately contacting an under-age girl. He admitted both offences and appeared for sentence today.

The court heard that Slack received a suspended prison sentence in 2012 for a “very-similar” offence involving an 11-year-old girl. Slack was 17 at the time of that offence.

Abbi Whelan, for Slack, said her client was immature but had “very much turned his life around” since the offences in 2018.

Recorder Dafydd Enoch QC said Slack had “developed an unhealthy interest in minors”.

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He told Slack he had failed to take heed of the “warning shot” when he received the suspended sentence and sexual harm order.

“That order should have left you with no illusions that you would face prison if you were to commit these (kinds of) offences again.

“Once again…you allowed yourself to be tempted into communicating with (an under-age) girl. You took complete advantage of that situation.

Mr Enoch said Slack’s behaviour was “totally unacceptable” and amounted to “extremely serious conduct which could lead to much worse scenarios”.

As well as the three-and-a-half year jail sentence, he was subject to a new, five-year sexual harm prevention order for the protection of children and will remain on the sex-offenders’ register for an indefinite period.

Harrogate firefighters rescue baby squirrel from toilet

Firefighters were called to a house in Harrogate late last night to rescue a baby squirrel from a toilet.

A concerned resident called North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue last night to ask for help with an animal stuck in the bathroom.

When the firefighters arrived just before 10pm yesterday, they found a baby squirrel struggling in the toilet bowl. It is not known how it got there.

After what may well have been a bit of a struggle, they managed to fish out the little rodent.

Despite a tough evening for the squirrel, the firefighters released it unharmed back into the garden.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:

“A crew from Harrogate responded to a report of an animal stuck in a bathroom.

“On arrival they found a baby squirrel in the toilet bowl, it was released unharmed back into the garden.”

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