Harrogate firm posts turnover of £300m in ‘year of unprecedented challenges’

Harrogate building equipment rental company Vp has reported a turnover of £308 million and profits of £23.3 million, down from £48.1 million in the previous year.

Vp, which has its headquarters at Central House on Otley Road, said following the pandemic it took steps to reduce costs and save cash including closing or merging 25 of its locations.

The company said trading in the current financial year has started strongly, with the infrastructure sector expected to grow and the housebuilding and construction sectors showing signs of sustained improvement.

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Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of Vp plc, said:

“I am pleased to be reporting a set of results that are ahead of our expectations in a year that has seen unprecedented challenges for the business and its customers. The past twelve months saw a focus on cash management which delivered a significant reduction in net debt.

“We have exited the year at nearly pre-Covid levels which is a better recovery than we anticipated at the beginning of the pandemic.”

 

Gifts from ‘book fairies’ appear in Harrogate centre

Those visiting Harrogate town centre this week may have noticed a mysterious trail of books peeping out from various locations.

These were planted by The Book Fairies, an open organisation that hides pre-loved books for people to discover and read, and then leave somewhere else once finished.

The Book Fairies is a worldwide organisation that has its own Harrogate group.

On Thursday, the fairies hid brand-new copies of Jill Mansell’s And Now You’re Back to promote its recent release. They could be found in the town centre, Spenceley Gardens and near the library.

If you found a copy, be sure to read it and then hide it in another location for the next person to find.

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The Book Fairies project started on International Women’s Day in 2017 and has an estimated 13,000 people sharing books worldwide.

The only thing people need to do to get involved is buy the official stickers from its website and begin sharing their pre-loved novels.

Prominent figures such as Harry Potter star Emma Watson and the Duchess of Cambridge have taken part, hiding their own books for people to find.

Emma Watson leaving copies of Little Women. Credit: The Book Fairies

Harrogate fairy Amandine said;

“Book Fairies Harrogate started in February 2019 after I found a book left by another fairy on the Stray. Since then we’ve hidden hundreds of books in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon.

“One of the cutest stories is the one where a lady found a book for her granddaughter, who was just born. Then 15 months later, that little girl’s mum found another book for her!

“We received amazing responses from finders every week and it’s always great to see people (and especially little ones!) being so happy to have found a book.”

The group is hoping to expand across the world, with its book stickers now available in nine languages.

For its LGBTQ+ Pride event launching tomorrow, fairies in Harrogate will be hiding 30 books with exclusive Pride stickers for residents to find and enjoy.

For more information on The Book Fairies Harrogate, follow the official Instagram page.

 

Harrogate charity Horticap to open cafe built with former student’s legacy

Harrogate gardening charity Horticap is preparing to throw open the doors and welcome customers to its new cafe in a building built with the legacy of a former student.

Hopkins at Horticap is named in honour of Peter Hopkins, who was a student for more than 20 years and left his house in Bilton to the charity after he and his mother Marjorie died.

It has been a long time in the making. The charity has wanted to expand with a new building for a long time, but it was only made possible when the Hopkins family left their legacy to Horticap.

Peter Hopkins has made a big difference.

Phil Airey, operations manager at Horticap, told the Stray Ferret:

“Peter was a proper gentleman, a lovely guy. He had a great personality and used to do everything.

“It came as a bolt from the blue, the whole estate came to us. Peter’s mum Marjorie felt like we were his extended family, she wanted us to be able to continue to look after others.

“This is why we have built this. This is quite literally the house that Peter built. It was always on the plans, we had been putting some money aside but the legacy made all the difference.

“Not only is this going to be a great revenue stream for the charity but it is going to be a fabulous resource for our students to learn more skills.”

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Work started more than three years ago and the cafe would have likely opened much earlier this year or even last year, but coronavirus delayed the construction.

But the cafe opens for the first time on Monday and will start by serving hot drinks and cakes. It will soon expand the range to include sandwiches and more.

Chris Walsh, head chef for Hopkins at Horticap, also told the Stray Ferret:

“I’m a little bit nervous but I am excited to open and get the reputation we want for good quality food, drinks and local ingredients.

“The students will be involved as soon as possible. They will be in the kitchen preparing food, serving customers. They are all looking forward to it.

“It might sound simple but it can be a big achievement to our students to be able to make a barista coffee, that’s what it’s all about.”

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!

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

8.45am – 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.”