A single mum with four children from Harrogate has opened up about her experience of struggling to pay the bills to try and break the stigma around poverty.

Kayleigh Cooper lost her job manning the phones in the evenings at a taxi company early in the coronavirus pandemic.

So overnight, after never worrying about money, she started to wonder how she could afford her rising living costs while also feeding her children.

She gets Universal Credit and food vouchers but they have not been able to cover her costs.

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Ms Cooper felt ashamed about her situation at first. But after reaching out for support, she now wants to let others know that they do not need to “suffer in silence” like she did. She said:

“I was really struggling to feed my children on a daily basis. A lot of people pretend they are doing alright, I have done it myself. But we need to talk about the issue otherwise it gets swept under the rug.

“For me I never had to worry about money before this. Since losing my job I have had to make those choices between paying the utility bills and buying food.

“It’s not just those without a job though, there are plenty of people with jobs who do not have enough money to live off too. Sometimes they struggle even more.

“My anxiety has been a lot worse. It really has had an impact on my mental health. However since reaching out for support I feel like I have had a weight taken off my shoulders.”

Reaching out for support at the new community grocery

A neighbour told Ms Cooper about the community grocery run by the Resurrected Bites team, which opened last month at New Park Primary Academy Community Hub.

She was hesitant at first but broke down in tears when she finally decided to go and ask for help.

People pay £5 a year to sign up as members and are then entitled to pay £3, £6 or £9 depending on the size of their family. The value of the items for the £3 shop would usually cost around £30.

She posted this picture online of a shop that cost her £9 to try and break the stigma.

It has a wide range of tinned, fresh food and frozen food. The shop also stocks toiletries, sanitary products and nappies in various sizes.

The shop, which can be found in one of the school’s separate buildings on West Street, just off Skipton Road, is open daily every Tuesday and Thursday between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Ms Cooper added:

“It has lightened me because I know even if I have £10 or £15 that week that I can go down to the community grocery and get meals for my children.

“I have used food banks in the past but I have had to pass things on because I won’t use it.

“So the beauty of it is that you get to choose what you take. They have everything you could need and the people there were so lovely.

“I wanted to post pictures so other people could see what they could get. I didn’t expect it but my post got a really positive response.”

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“Time people in favour of the Gateway plan came forward”

The question is often asked, “How should we reduce the vehicle traffic in Harrogate Town Centre?”. To me that is the wrong question. The real question is how can we reduce all vehicle traffic? We need to reduce vehicle traffic everywhere.

We need to travel less. Less journeys. Shorter journeys. And shift towards busses, trains, cycling and walking.

Why? Well because with a bigger population and increasing traffic we are polluting the global atmosphere and causing climate change.

The Gateway plan is something I welcome. It’s time that views in favour came forward, and I think there are plenty of reasons to favour the Gateway proposals. It will bring the centre of Harrogate back to being pleasant. Pleasant to walk, pleasant to cycle and pleasant to shop.

As a Knaresborough lad my first memories of Station Parade were being intrigued by the big statue. I was five years old, and my eldest brother carefully explained who Queen Victoria was and why her statue was there. There was two-way traffic then, it was 1959, but there was not a lot of traffic. It was a nice place to be. Another memory was in the late sixties and I was cycling as a young teenager. By then there was more traffic and the car was king.

Move forward through the nineteen nineties and the two lanes in one direction were becoming like a race-track, with pedestrians at various places waiting to cross. Not a nice place at all. So the thought of a single lane, one-way for drivers in Station Parade is very pleasant. No more cut and thrust with cars accelerating to stop the car alongside from getting past.

Being able to cycle either way will be pleasant, and with bus and railway stations being so close there will be so many ways to arrive at this pleasant area. With no traffic on James Street it will also become a pleasant area to wander, with more shops to browse and buy. This certainly seems the way forward to me, and should benefit everyone.

Andrew Willoughby, Knaresborough

‘We need to plan for a largely care free future’

Just wanted to say how much I support the comments made in the letter last week regarding the Station Gateway redevelopment and the potential for change it represents.

I continue to be amazed at the volume and speed of traffic in and around the town. We need prominent speed signs, a 20mph town wide zone, speed enforcement cameras and many more pedestrian controlled crossings.

We need to plan for a largely car free future with more reliance on public transport, cycling and walking.

Peter Whittingham, Harrogate

The Ambassador of Nicaragua, Guisell Morales-Echaverry, was in Harrogate on Friday night to congratulate a tobacconist for its sales of Nicaraguan cigars.

James Barber Tobacconist on Cold Bath Road sells over 100 different types of cigars from Nicaragua, which is a major cigar exporter with an industry worth $255m a year.

The unusual visit came about because this year Nicaragua is marking 200 years since Central America gained independence from the Spanish empire, so the country rewarded one of its top UK importers with a visit from its ambassador.

James Barber, the shop owner, said he felt “very honoured” to welcome her.

“Nicaragua makes very good cigars that compete with Cuba. Their construction of the cigars is fantastic.”

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Mr Barber said there was a booming trade in Harrogate for expensive cigars, with a Nicaraguan effort costing around £20.

Many people say cigars are an unhealthy and bad habit, but Mr Barber said they are “different from cigarettes”.

“You always get that, but you don’t inhale cigars and people tend to only smoke them on special occasions.”

Ms Morales-Echaverry attended a charity cigar-smoking event at Three’s A Crowd, with all money raised going to a charity of her choosing.

The Harrogate district has reported a further 111 covid cases, according to today’s government figures.

The district’s covid rate now stands at 516 infections per 100,000 people.

Across the county, the average stands at 511 and the England rate is 437.

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

As of Tuesday, 14 covid patients were being treated at Harrogate District Hospital which is a significant drop from last week.

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A 20-year-old Harrogate athlete is set to compete at the World Para Powerlifting this weekend when she has the chance to earn a place at the Commonwealth Games.

Charlotte McGuinness is lifting in the women up to 50kg category at the event in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi today and tomorrow.

While she is still unable to bring anyone with her due to coronavirus restrictions, her supporters are able to watch the competition on the Paralympic Games YouTube channel.

She studies Sport and Exercise Science at Leeds Trinity University but Charlotte is from and lives in Harrogate and is proud to represent her home town.

Her passion for the sport began while studying at St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate.

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Earlier this year we reported on how she won a bronze medal for Team GB at the Para Powerlifting World Cup in March.

That success in Manchester combined with a good result this weekend in Georgia would give Charlotte a good chance at qualifying for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next year.

She told the Stray Ferret ahead of the big day:

“It would be amazing because it’s a home Commonwealth Games, so that is my main aim.

“To be able to be one of the paralympic representatives of the town is cool. I am proud to fly the flag for Harrogate.

“I have had a couple of international experiences so I know what to expect now. With the event over two days recovery will be important. But I feel well prepared.”

It’s probably fair to say more parents dream of their children going to Oxford or Cambridge universities than Harrogate College.

But although an Oxford classics degree sounds impressive, a level 2 qualification in hairdressing or carpentry, or a motor vehicle diploma at the more humble Harrogate College could lead to a rewarding and better paid career.

The college, which has over 1,000 students, provides courses for 16 to 18-year-olds and adults in the Harrogate district as well as apprenticeships.

It specialises in vocational and technical training which, like the college itself, is enjoying a bit of a moment.

Many employers regard vocational training as the way to plug skills gaps in careers that are often well paid. As for the college, it has fresh impetus since it was acquired by Luminate Education Group two years ago.

Danny Wild, who became principal on the day Luminate took charge on August 1, 2019, says its £110 million turnover has injected vigour into the college. He adds:

“This was a college that had been unloved for a number of years in terms of its investment in people and resources.

“The most telling thing was the college had lost its connection with the community. There was a lack of understanding about what the college did and its purpose.”

Business links

The facilities on Hornbeam Park today are impressive. They include a professional kitchen, hair salon and beauty room and workshops for brick work, motor vehicles and welding.

The college caters for the Harrogate district and many local employers are desperate for staff in these areas.

Harrogate College

Twenty-six employers attended last month’s inaugural meeting of the college’s new employers’ network, which gives local firms the chance to discuss their training needs. Their feedback will enable the college to adapt its curriculum accordingly.

The district has many small, niche companies and Mr Wild says the college can provide the flexibility to meet their training needs. He talks about putting on courses for 10 to 12 people in areas where skills gaps exist. Companies could just send a single member of staff.

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He cites digital health care as an example. He says it is one of the fastest growing employment areas in the district but staff sometimes lack the softer skills to match their IT ability so the college could adapt its digital IT courses to include customer training.

Mr Wild says the two sectors that employ most people in the district are hospitality and the visitor economy and care. North Yorkshire, he says, is second only to Cornwall in visitor numbers and “we are so used to care we underestimate its value”.

This close understanding of the local labour market, and its trends, will enable the college and businesses to work fruitfully together, he adds.

Apprenticeships

The college provides courses for 16 to 18-year-olds and adults as well as apprenticeships.

Mr Wild also describes apprenticeships as a “real growth area in the Harrogate district”. He adds:

“The government has definitely raised the profile of vocational and technical education and is continuing to talk about its importance.

“But if we are going to have a world-leading, highly skilled workforce that requires investment and we continue to lag behind the investment that gets put into school children.”

The college will also start offering new T-levels in health, education and childcare and digital and IT from September next year.

T Levels, which are equivalent to 3 A-levels, are two-year courses introduced last year to meet the needs of industry.

Mr Wild, who lives in Boroughbridge and has a degree in sport and geography, says T-Levels “will become an important part of what the college offers”.

Green ambitions

The college also aspires to become a green centre of excellence. It hosted the opening event of this year’s Harrogate District Climate Action Festival and wants to make its site a green centre of excellence.

The college attended the COP26 UN climate change conference in Glasgow and was highly commended at the national Green Gown Awards for its work on sustainability. It is also delivering its first retro fit courses for homes in January.

The college also expects to hear from the Department for Education in the new year whether its application for funding to demolish its main block, which was built in the 1950s as offices, and build a new one on the site of the car park is successful.

Mr Wild, who previously worked at Leeds City College, another Luminate organisation. says the current building is not fit for purpose and the new one would be far more energy-efficient.

Away from work, he enjoys “all things food” and describes himself as an “outdoorsy person” who is often found walking his dogs on the North Yorkshire moors. His background is as a rugby coach.

But his focus now is on championing the college and the kind of education it provides.

“For people who are clear about what career they want to go into or have a strong interest in a particular sector you can follow that passion and study on a vocational or technical course.

“The most important thing for Harrogate College is that the reputation of the college continues to grow so people recognise it as the provider of vocational and technical education in the Harrogate district.”

After last year’s Christmas’s party season (if you can call it that) turned out to be a huge disappointment, this year we’re going all out.

And we are all definitely going out, out.

That means sequins, glitter, dressing up, standing out and generally getting into party spirit like never before – Harrogate is ready!

With everything from Christmas parties to festive dinners, and of course the big day itself to prepare for, we’ve spoken to three women from the town’s beauty industry to give you a helping hand with your festive beauty prep.

Hair

‘Caramel brownie’ beach waves at Meraki Harrogate

Wella master colour expert Sarah Townend, owns Meraki Harrogate Salon and Luxury Blow-Dry Bar, in the Westminster Arcade. 

What are your top tips for getting ready for a Christmas party?

1. PLANNING. Make sure you have planned your outfit, how your makeup is going to look and obviously what you want your hair to look like.
2. Book yourself in for a blow-dry. It creates one less job for you to do whilst getting ready and you know it is going to last you all night from dinner and drinks, to dancing the night away!
3. Find a great playlist to have on in the background whilst you get ready. Whether it’s upbeat Christmas songs or the charts, it’ll definitely get you in the dancing, merry mood.

What are this year’s hair trends? Have you noticed a particular style that is being requested more than others?

The classic beach waves is a go-to with stylists and clients. It is one of those fantastic hairstyles that you can dress up or dress down and looks amazing on everybody.

Have you noticed that you are more busy than usual this year? If so, do you think this is because people are desperate to get glammed up?

Absolutely! Our blow-dry bar has been busier than ever, with everyone wanting the luxury of getting pampered before their big night out.

Are you going to a Christmas party this year? What are you most looking forward to? 

We’ve opted for a low-key Christmas party this year due to the busyness of the salon and the blow-dry bar. A few drinks and fantastic company is all we need.

Brows and lashes

This year’s lash trends include hybrid, volume and classic lashes

Nikolett Taba, is a lash and brow stylist and owns The Lash Room at The Coach House, Victoria Avenue, which she opened in August.

What are your top tips for getting ready for a Christmas party?

1. Treat yourself to semi-permanent eyelashes. Luscious lashes will add the perfect finishing touch to your Christmas party looks.
2. Get your brows done by a professional stylist. This would be a perfect combination with your lashes and save you time while you getting ready for the party.
3. If you would like to spice it up, you never can go wrong with a red lipstick to finish the party look.

What are this year’s brow and lash trends? Have you noticed a particular style that is being requested more than others?

This year definitely brow lamination is the hottest trend for brows. Brow lamination, also referred to as a ‘brow lift’, is a service that creates the look of full, fluffy brows by realigning the directional hair growth and enhancing the brow shape.

This year’s lash trends include hybrid, volume and classic lashes. For those who like the natural look, it’s the lash lift with a tint.

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Have you noticed that you are more busy than usual this year? If so, do you think this is because people are desperate to get glammed up?

For a year, most of us had the same hobbies. Watching Netflix, baking banana bread or walking to the park. Most of the time we have worn loungewear with a mask covering our face.

So I think we are all more than ready and excited than ever for this year’s Christmas season, having people around us and spending quality time with friends and family.

Are you going to a Christmas party this year? What are you most looking forward to? 

I am going out for a work Christmas do at the beginning of December to Lucia.

At the end of December I have hired a room with my friend to celebrate New Year and spend some much needed time together! I can’t wait to dance, eat and enjoy each other’s company!

Nails

Gold-tipped nails add some festive glamour

Helen Wren is a nail artist, who launched a salon at her home on Cold Bath Road, Harrogate, 12 months ago.

What are your top tips for getting ready for a Christmas party?

1. Try your best to plan your outfit and stick to it. Try it on before so you know you’re 100 per cent comfortable and know you’re feeling your best.
2. Prep anything you can a day or even two days before if possible! I like to false tan a couple of nights before just so it settles a little and looks natural.
3. If you’re having a cheeky alcoholic beverage or two, then be sure to hydrate lots before you even start. Hydration is key to everything beauty in my opinion. Nails, hair, skin. Especially during party season!

What are this year’s nail trends? Have you noticed a particular style that is being requested more than others?

Some of the trends in nail art right now are fantastic. Some crazy, graphic bright colours and even textures. Then some beautifully understated nude or simple colours and designs. It’s such a fun creative industry to be in.

One thing is for sure you cannot escape the glitter at Christmas. Be it very minimal and soft over a nude colour, or deep disco party vibes. It’s a win!

Greens are having a massive moment right now and I think this will carry through the festive season, plus a simple gold foil tip. Minimal but super glamorous.

Lastly for me, you cannot beat a classic short, clean Christmas candy red!

Have you noticed that you are more busy than usual this year? If so, do you think this is because people are desperate to get glammed up?

So I can’t actually compare to this time last year, as I was literally about to launch my new business. I started trading on December 1, 2020, so I’m coming up to my first birthday.

I feel very lucky to have the support and lovely clients I do, but I can tell you December is nearly fully-booked so Harrogate is DEFINITELY getting party ready!

Are you going to a Christmas party this year? What are you most looking forward to? 

I will of course be going Christmas partying this year. In fact, last weekend was my first! Being self-employed and working alone there’ll be no works do for me, but getting out with the girls, be it dinner, drinks and dancing – all three I hope – I absolutely can’t wait.

Merry Christmas Harrogate!

There are travel warnings and cancelled events as the district braces itself for Storm Arwen.

The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for wind in the North East, where there is danger to life as a result of flying debris expected from 3pm until 2am tomorrow.

Here in the Harrogate district the area is covered by a yellow warning for both wind and snow from 5pm today until tomorrow around 10am.

3.30pm – Brimham Rocks closed tomorrow

The National Trust has announced Brimham Rocks will be closed to visitors tomorrow due to the storm.

2.53pm – Rail passengers encouraged to postpone journeys

2.35pm – Only travel if necessary, says county council

North Yorkshire County Council has urged drivers only to travel if necessary as Storm Arwen approaches.

The storm is expected to bring strong winds and the possibility of sleet turning into snow on higher ground.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, said:

“All our NY Highways teams are in place and will be able to respond to any conditions that arise over the weekend. In addition, the 100 farming contractors that support our winter highways operation are primed to help if required, particularly if the strong winds exacerbate any impact of snow through drifting.

“We would ask anyone planning to travel to consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary. If they do need to travel, they should be alert to the conditions, drive accordingly and leave extra time for their journey.

“High winds can affect vehicle handling, so drivers need to adjust their driving by slowing down and being careful when passing high-sided vehicles on exposed roads. They should also give extra space to cyclists and motorcyclists when overtaking. Drivers should make sure their vehicles are prepared for winter.”

1.50pm – Harrogate Christmas rides may not be running

The Christmas attractions in Harrogate may not be running this weekend due to forecasted heavy winds.

Harrogate Borough Council said today that the ferris wheel, carousel and helter-skelter could be put on hold while Storm Arwen moves through the area.

A spokesperson added that the situation will be monitored over the next couple of days.

The Helter Skelter next to the war memorial in Harrogate town centre.

1.30pm – Emergency services issue safety advice

North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have issued safety advice for residents in light of Storm Arwen.

Both have warned people to be careful if residents are out and about and to secure anything in the garden.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:

• Don’t lose your trampoline down the street! We often get calls in relation to unsecured trampolines ending up in neighbour’s gardens or on nearby streets so please keep yours fastened down.
• Put garden furniture in storage or ensure it is secured so it doesn’t blow away or get damaged.
• Take care if you’re driving or walking anywhere as high winds could mean falling trees and debris.
• If you’re by the coast don’t be tempted to get close to sea walls and remember if you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you’re at the coast or the fire service if you’re inland.

North Yorkshire Police added:

• When you’re driving or walking, please be vigilant for falling debris.
• Check before you travel for any road closures or updates.
• If you’re by the coast, don’t be tempted to get close to sea walls.
• If you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard or the fire service if you are inland.
• If you see a fallen tree or any other debris which is causing a road obstruction, here’s what to do:
  • If the obstruction poses an immediate danger on a busy road then call us on 999
  • If the obstruction does not pose an immediate danger, call the council and ask for the highways department
  • Please don’t put yourself in danger by trying to remove road debris on a busy road

12.45pm – Yellow warning for Harrogate district

A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place for tomorrow across the Harrogate district.

Storm Arwen is also predicted to bring cold temperatures with the possibility of sleet and snow over some lower ground although it is likely to be short-lived.

The Met Office has issued the following advice as to what to expect with a yellow warning:

• Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life
• Probably damage to trees, temporary structures and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
• Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
• Some roads and bridges likely to close
• There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

12.40pm – Mother Shipton’s set to close

Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough has also decided to close due to the forecasted high winds and snow tomorrow.

The attraction Tweeted today to say it is set in ancient woodland so is unable to open under the expected weather conditions.

A spokesperson said:

“We have had to make the difficult decision to close on Saturday 27th November 2021 due to amber weather warnings for wind.

“The attraction is set in ancient woodland and we cannot safely open during these conditions. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

12pm – Fountains Abbey closes estate to visitors

The National Trust has announced that the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate will be closed to visitors tomorrow.

It means that the music and lights event planned for between 2pm and 5pm, when the abbey would have been aglow in coloured lights with festive music playing, will not go ahead.

The team at Fountains Abbey has said it hopes to be able to reopen again on Sunday when the storm has passed.

A spokesperson for the National Trust said:

“Storm Arwen is making a gale force visit to Fountains tomorrow and to keep everyone safe the estate will be closed on Saturday.

“This includes Studley deer park as well as the abbey, water garden, visitor centre and car parks.

“We’re so sorry to disappoint anyone who was planning a visit and hope you’ll be able to come again another day.

“Fingers crossed we’ll be open as usual on Sunday but please do check our website and social media channels before you set off for the most up-to-date information.”

Deer Shed music and arts festival in Topcliffe has received £119,708 from the government’s cultural recovery fund (CRF)

The government launched the £1.57 billion fund last year to support cultural and heritage sectors from the economic impact of covid.

The festival offers live music, comedy and arts across a weekend in Baldersby Park, which borders the Harrogate district. It has not been able to run a full festival for the last two years. However, it has run a smaller event on the site called Base Camp.

In November 2020, Deer Shed received a grant of £238,000 from the CRF.

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The festival tweeted that the money will help ensure its survival:

“Grateful to have been given support from DCMS in the 3rd round of the CRF. These have been difficult times having been unable to host a full Deer Shed for over two years, this helps ensure our survival alongside the support of our brilliant Deer Shed audience.”

Deer Shed will run next summer from July 29-31 and has announced headliners John Grant, Nadine Shah and Django Django.

The scale of Harrogate’s climate change challenge has been revealed in new figures published as part of a latest consultation.

Residents and businesses have until January 2 to have their say on Harrogate Borough Council’s new carbon reduction strategy which sets out how the district will play its part in cutting emissions to try avoid the devastating effects of global warming.

CO2 emissions have fallen by 32% in the district since 2005, however, it is still producing over one million tonnes per year with a combined annual energy bill of over £400m.

And if the district continues at this current rate, it will have used up its carbon budget – which allows a maximum of 9 million tonnes of CO2 between now and 2050 – 20 years before that end date under national targets.

These figures are why the council’s new strategy says “big and rapid changes” are now needed, not just by local and national leaders, but by everyone.

It said:

“Climate scientists, observing real life data, are clear that the UK is already experiencing disruptive climate change.

“2020 was third warmest, fifth wettest and eighth sunniest on record. No other year has fallen in the top 10 for all three variables in this country.

“Achieving net-zero and meeting our local carbon budget must involve the joint efforts of local authorities, businesses and industry, individual consumers and the rest of the public sector and national government.

“By pulling together partners and strategies, we can deliver a bigger impact than if we act alone.”

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This urgent need for action was brought into even sharper focus in October when Harrogate’s first Climate Action Festival was launched in the run up to the COP26 summit.

Organised by the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition, the festival highlighted what can be achieved on a local level by residents and businesses before world leaders put forward their pledges at the summit in Glasgow.

Making houses more energy efficient was an important target that came out of COP26 and this will be key for Harrogate which for many years has used more gas and electricity than regional and national averages.

Carbon emissions per person in Harrogate are also higher than the national average.

Domestic energy consumption accounts for 34% of the district’s carbon footprint, while transport emissions account for 31%.

The fumes from diesel and petrol vehicles are a particular area of concern as unlike other declining emissions, the numbers are on the rise.

This is why council officials are pushing ahead with plans to reduce car use through projects such as the £10.9m Harrogate Gateway, the Otley Road cycle path and other active travel schemes which give greater road priority to pedestrians and cyclists.

There is also an aim to get 10,000 electric vehicles on the roads by 2023 ahead of the ban on the sale of petrol, diesel and hybrid cars seven years later.

Out of all the districts in North Yorkshire, Harrogate has seen the largest increase in electric vehicles. However, the council’s strategy says there is still much work to do as most motorists are making the switch from diesel to petrol cars, not electric.

It said:

“An area of concern in the district is road transport emissions which are not declining like other sectors.

“A significant cause of this is likely to be the swing away from the use of diesel vehicles towards higher-CO2 petrol, with the increasing take up of ultra low emission vehicles not yet counteracting this move away from diesel.

“It’s essential the local people and businesses know the direction we are taking.

“We will work closely with the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition to champion carbon reduction measures and raise awareness and simulate action.”

The new carbon reduction strategy will replace the current version which was adopted by the council in October 2019.

To have your say go to www.harrogate.gov.uk/consultations-engagement