Harrogate International Festivals cuts more than half of jobsHarrogate International Festivals has laid off more than half of its staff after missing out on an estimated £850,000 due to covid.
The arts charity, which was set up in 1966, now has just four staff remaining.
in a statement today, it warned of “further difficult decisions ahead”.
The charity was forced to cancel its entire summer season of events in March, causing a huge loss of income from ticket sales and sponsors.
Fiona Movley, the chair of HIF, said:
“Whilst we are often recognised as an extremely resilient organisation, agile and adaptable for over 50 years, times are still extremely challenging and HIF unfortunately did not qualify for the recent emergency Arts Council England grants that have been reported in the media.”
Harrogate Theatre received £250,000 from Arts Council England. Also, £238,590 was awarded to Deer Shed Festival near Topcliffe, £117,500 to Ripon Museum Trust and £54,339 to Ripon Amateur Operatic Society.
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HIF has said it will need to raise funds to “secure its future”, having used its reserves to support individuals and the creative community.
Sharon Canavar, chief executive at HIF, said:
“We are more than a series of events; we are at the heart of Harrogate’s cultural life and have been a magnet and income generator for local tourism for more than 50 years.
“If we are to survive we urgently ask for your continued support and appreciation of Harrogate International Festivals and its crucial role in our town’s cultural, economic and social future.”
‘Dangerous’ highchair recalled two years late, says Bilton grandmaA grandmother from Bilton has raised concerns after the “dangerous” highchair she returned to Argos two years ago has only just been recalled.
Liz Carnell bought the Cuggl Plum Deluxe highchair from Argos in Sainsbury’s on Wetherby Road, Harrogate, in July 2018.
One day when her grand-daughter was sitting in the chair, the back of it collapsed. Liz said:
“One Sunday lunchtime the baby was in the highchair when there was a loud ping and a spring shot across the floor as the back of the chair collapsed. If she had been on her own, she would have fallen out.”
The grandmother has accused the retailer of being aware of the danger for nearly two years but failing to act. She returned it in January 2019 to the Harrogate store and was assured a hazard form would be filled out.
She received another chair from the same range, the Little Sheep model, in exchange.
These three models have been recalled from Argos after testing showed they “could fail”.
Not only has that model now been recalled, but the one which Liz reported to be dangerous two years ago has only just been recalled as well.
Argos recalled three Cuggl models – Plum, Little Sheep and Pumpkin Deluxe – last month, saying “in some cases the back of the highchair could fail, resulting in a child falling from the highchair.”
Liz added:
“I’d like to know why Argos didn’t act on this problem much sooner and what happened to the hazard form I was told would be completed?
“I was lucky that as the original buyer of the highchair I received the recall notice, but there may be many families out there who bought them second hand who won’t know of the danger.”
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Argos said it received a small number of reports regarding the design of the back of the product but only within the 2020 batch of chairs. The design was the same as the one purchased by Liz in 2018 so it was recalled as well.
A spokesperson for Argos said:
“The safety of our products is our highest priority and we have processes in place to ensure any issues with an item are immediately investigated. Unfortunately in this case our product safety team has no record of this customer’s experience and we are looking into this.”
Blow for Tockwith as firework display cancelledFirework displays will be in short supply this year after social distancing regulations prevented many of them from going ahead.
This comes as a double blow for Tockwith and District Agricultural Society, which organises the event.
The annual agricultural show was cancelled in August, and this is the second year in a row the fireworks display has not gone ahead, thanks to poor weather conditions in 2019.
Norman Waller, who represents Marston Moor on Harrogate Borough Council, said:
“Unfortunately because of safety issues and our inability to organise refreshments or catering, there will be no bonfire and firework display. Obviously we are devastated, as in normal times it is a key fundraiser to help with cash flow for the staging of the show.
This combined with the cancellation of other fundraising events this year [means] we forecast that potentially we have lost income in the region of £8,000.”
Meanwhile, the annual Harrogate Charity Stray Bonfire has already postponed its 50th anniversary bonfire until 2021. Now many other organisers in the district are following suit.
The Stray Ferret spoke to groups that have previously organised an annual fireworks display, and nine organisers have confirmed that due to coronavirus they have cancelled this year’s display. We could not find any which were still expecting to go ahead.
Among the firework displays to be cancelled are those at Bilton Cricket Club, Lightwater Valley, Scotton Cricket Club and Stockeld Park.
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StrayArt with Johnny Messum: The significance of bronze
StrayArt is a monthly column written by Johnny Messum, Director and Founder of art gallery and centre, Messum’s Wiltshire, London and Harrogate. Johnny’s passion is for contemporary art and sculpture.
Each month he will look at art, exhibitions and events across Yorkshire and sometimes further afield with the aim of guiding and inspiring us.
It is a challenge to feel clear about the immediate future. We have new structures to adhere to, I have visors supplied for my team in the car, along with the NHS track and trace QR code to go in the window.
What should have been alongside me instead, was the formidable British sculptor, Bridget McCrum, whose family, the Bains, hail from Leeds. Now in her late eighties she was planning to come to the opening of her show in James Street.
Along the way I had imagined us discussing sculpture in the landscape, something that is taking on added dimensions, not least because it is one of the few places where we can safely view art without PPE, but also because it is, in itself, interesting and complex.
Amongst the myriad attractions of Yorkshire, the landscape has to rank amongst the highest. It is a daunting partner to duet with as a sculptor. There is nowhere this subject is more comprehensively demonstrated than at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, where I went to see the work of a friend, Sean Henry, and of an artist I am showing in London, Jorgen Haugen Sorensen.
Set into the landscape there, each work takes its cue from the ground around it. I sometimes think that of all the artists, perhaps only local boy, Henry Moore, had the swagger to meet the rolling landscape toe to toe, so to speak. His work stands resolutely chest open to the wind and wilds.
A stunning life-size sculpture ‘Seated Figure’ by Sean Henry at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Above picture and featured image credit: Jonty Wilde curtesy of YSP.
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The rule of thumb in placing sculpture in the landscape is one of scale and context. Seldom best placed in wide open spaces, they often prefer the same locations humans do, close to the house, in glades between shrubs or woodland corpses. This is seen well in the locations chosen in the Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grewelthorpe, near Ripon, which is open to the public until November 1, 2020.
Utopia: A stunning vista of the Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grewelthorpe.
Sculptures placed outside really come into their own in the autumn. They become the key focus until the verdant spring surges forward once more. It is the perfect time to head into the open air as the greenery falls away and the landscape itself becomes more architectural.
Do be careful though with the choice of materials; the weather does not spare sculptures any more than other objects, so stones need to be wrapped if it gets cold and on a hot afternoon rub beeswax into the exposed bronzes. Perhaps the artist who most willingly accepted the ravages of time is Cheshire-born artist, Andy Goldsworthy, whose work picks up and changes with the rhythms of the seasons.
Next time I shall be bringing the boat to harbour so to speak and talking about living with art in the house – combining old and new objects and thinking about ways of displaying artworks to their best advantage.
Messum’s Yorkshire is open from Thursday to Saturday 10am-5pm. For more information, visit the website by clicking here.
Harrogate artisan bladesmith is a ‘hidden gem’The forge gives off a warm glow as sparks fly into the air. The hammer is coming down on a new sharp blade at the hands of this Harrogate bladesmith.
It is an art that may have all but died out in Britain but a handful of bladesmiths are trying to keep this special flame alive.
Dominic Banks, the founder of Forge Art Online, started his craft about three years ago, inspired by the blades in films like Lord of the Rings.
While there is not much of a market for swords, many professional and home chefs want to use homemade and unique knives.
Just some of the knives he has finished recently.
Prices range from £150 to £200 for Dominic’s blades. He keeps a high standard for himself, which means that not every knife makes it out of the workshop.
A perfect storm of increased interest in British manufacturing along with the power of social media has fuelled Dominic’s passion.
He started taking commissions three years ago but the business has really started to boom over the last year.
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On a brisk autumn morning with a new blade freshly forged, bladesmith Dominic told the Stray Ferret:
“You do have to get over that barrier where you avoid using the knife because you have spent so much money on it. But the thing is: If the knife is made right and the heat treatment is really good then it should be really sharp and strong. When you use one of these knives you realise how bad most knives are.”
Working away with the hammer over the anvil.
Dominic makes his knives out of carbon steel. They are more durable and can be sharper than stainless steel but can rust without proper care.
They are not to be left in water or put through a dishwasher for that reason, but that tendency to stain also means it can tell stories.
“Carbon steel has a lot of character. Say if you use a lot of onion in your cooking it stains the knife brown, whereas if you cut really acidic food like fruit the knife can come out in greens, purples and blues. Those colours all mix together and people really like that.”
Carbon steel has a unique look.
What is the future for Forge Art Online? It may not be a full-time job just yet but Dominic hopes that it could be soon.
He is planning to hold workshops when the coronavirus pandemic is in the rear view mirror so he can teach people how to make their own knives. But his true dream is to make swords and other weaponry to be used in films and TV shows.
This is part of the Stray Ferret’s ‘hidden gem’ series. We are trying to highlight small independent businesses. They need to be tucked away but growing in popularity with an eye-catching and unique product or approach. Send us an email with your nominations.
Stray Foodie: Grantham Arms, Boroughbridge
Stray Foodie is a bi-monthly food review written by Michelin-starred chef, Frances Atkins. In 1997, Frances opened the Yorke Arms near Pateley Bridge, where she was the owner for 20 years. During her ownership, she held her Michelin-star status for 16 of those years.
Frances’ Meal: Starter: Garlic Prawns with Samphire £9.95 Main Course: Steak Pie £14.95 Glass of Picpoul: £4.30
The Grantham Arms is a grey painted building that stands on a roundabout as you enter Boroughbridge. I suspect it was once a charming coaching inn but now at the side of a very busy road – not the most salubrious positions. Its fake grass and fairy lights make a statement.
The welcome I received from the young man behind the bar, Sam, was exemplary. It was a busy bar with guests of all ages.
I was with a friend who is the head of a hospitality department at a university. A young lady called Jess showed us to our table and looked after our experience for the duration of the evening. There were brown leather chairs, square tables, candles and bric-a-brac throughout. I imagine in the evening it would be very atmospheric.
The front room of Grantham Arms.
Jess was warm, friendly, with an extensive knowledge of the menu, which catered for all tastes.
To start with we shared Garlic Prawns with Samphire. The Samphire would have welcomed a little less heat.
She advised us that the Pies were a speciality and the thing to have. So, I had the steak pie which was well-made with good pastry and generously presented. I am not sure if the blue cheese in the gravy worked with such good ingredients; it might suit someone with a more robust palate. The cooking of the vegetables was excellent which is a rare achievement.
Would you like Frances to review your restaurant or cafe?
From pop-up to fine dining, Frances would like to hear from you. If you’d like her to write a review on your food, send her an email to: foodie@thestrayferret.co.uk.
The Chicken Supreme, which my friend ordered, was of grand proportions with a well-made sauce. I was assured it tasted good. However, I would have liked to have seen it looking more comfortable in the sauce with thinly sliced mushrooms, chopped chives and sliced to add a little elegance.
The choice of wines were very limited and they would have benefited from a wider selection of grape variety to balance with the dishes on offer.
The Dessert Menu looked tempting but unfortunately, we were too full. It looked interesting and was the sort of menu that meant no waste for the kitchen. Perhaps a seasonal weekly dessert might be a thought. A Syrup & Apple Sponge or similar nursery pudding for the winter the months might be a popular idea for their regulars.
The atmosphere was young and vibrant and made by the service staff. Such courtesy is always a pleasure to receive.
The outside seating area.
The kitchen, given suitable direction, has the makings of a successful brigade, although, I was disappointed to find the Head Chef was not on duty at the time of my visit, nor was any form of senior management.
If you are hungry the pricing is of very good value and you won’t be disappointed. I am sure it will increase in popularity as a neighbourhood restaurant. In these difficult times, it is a place to be valued.
To find out more about Grantham Arms click here. To read more about Frances’ fantastic career click here.
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Writing on the wall ahead of Harrogate literature festivalA unique lights installation kicked up into life last night to highlight the power of the arts ahead of the Harrogate Literature Festival.
The Station Parade office of Raworths, the title sponsor of the festival, was covered in a selection of quotes from popular books.
Those behind the display chose quotes to reflect the difficult time for the arts and their hopes for the future.
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise” by Victor Hugo, and “Books are a uniquely portable magic” by Stephen King were included.
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Harrogate’s literature festival is now in its 12th year but will, like many events, move online due to social distancing requirements.
The festival will run from October 23 to 25. It will be streamed on HIF Player on the Harrogate International Festival’s website.
Ten word stories appearing in Harrogate town centre
Meanwhile the literature festival organisers have also started to publish ten word stories on posters around the town centre.
The Stray Ferret enjoyed this ten word story by Ruby Fisher, one of the competition entries:
“Fat Rascals make the world go round. Breakfast of champions.”
Zoe Robinson, Raworths managing partner, said:
“We are looking for all kinds of story, funny, personal or evocative, it just has to involve Harrogate! I had great fun writing mine and hope everyone else has as much fun with theirs!
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 2020 National Libraries Week and can’t wait to read the entries.”
Some ten word stories posted near Raworths in Harrogate.
Arts charity Harrogate International Festivals usually creates 300 live event a year but saw its entire programme cancelled from March.
Sharon Canavar, the chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:
“Whilst the coronavirus pandemic may have cast a dark shadow over the world and forced the cancellation and re-invention of our entire 2020 calendar of events, this installation is a beaming example of the light that literature and the arts can bring in the darkness.”
Harrogate hospital to ease restrictions on pregnancy visitsHarrogate District Hospital is set to ease restrictions on pregnancy visits next week.
From Monday October 19, partners will be welcome to attend the consultant antenatal clinic appointments.
The hospital has asked partners to arrive on time and not early so they don’t crowd the waiting area.
Previously, partners have only been allowed to be present at the 20 week scan – and before mid-September were not allowed at any appointments during pregnancy.
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There are still visiting restrictions on midwifery antenatal clinics and drop-in clinics, which the hospital says is out of its control.
A spokesperson for the hospital said:
“We appreciate how difficult it has been for pregnant women attending the consultant clinics in the hospital at Harrogate without their partners. After careful consideration and discussion we have made this plan.”
The home birth service was suspended from August in Harrogate due to increased sickness absence levels in the hospital’s midwifery team.
It will remain suspended until the end of October, for which the hospital has apologised.
Firms get moving to raise money for local hospicesTwo businesses in the Harrogate district are challenging themselves to get moving in order to raise money for charity.
Harrogate firm, High Street TV, is aiming to cover 500km in two hours today. Fifty members of staff will take part- walking and running however far they can to make the total distance.
Their ‘Keep on Moving’ challenge has raised £2,450 so far for Saint Michael’s Hospice, 163% of their original target.
Speaking about why the company chose to do this challenge, fundraising coordinator Lisa Dallas said:
“We haven’t been able to fundraise recently because of the current covid situation, so we needed to do something a little bit different. We had to think outside the box, because we had to do something where we wouldn’t be in a group.”
Over the years, High Street TV have raised £41,710 for Saint Michael’s Hospice and are a member of their Guild of Patrons.
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Staff from Yorkshire letting agent Linley & Simpson have already begun their attempt to get “Around the World in 80 Days”, which is raising money for Martin House Hospice.
To reach their target of covering 40,075km, staff from the Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough branches are running, walking or cycling. A combined daily distance of 505km will have to be recorded via a smartphone tracking app in order for them to make their goal.
Martin House, based in Boston Spa, supports families North, West and East Yorkshire. They provide palliative care to children and young people with life limiting conditions.
Will Linley, left and Nick Simpson.
Will Linley, Linley & Simpson chief executive and co-founder, said:
“Because Covid has denied us the opportunity of taking part in a series of planned fundraising activities for Martin House, we have now devised this challenge as our grand sponsored finale of 2020.
“Martin house is an incredible charity, and one that we are delighted to be supporting for at least another 12 months. Over the last five years we have raised more than £100,000, and to mark our 24th year in business we have now set ourselves a £24,000 target over the next 12 months.”
To donate to the High Street TV “Keep on Moving” challenge, click here.
Care home visit scheme branded ‘placatory’ by dementia patient’s daughterA Harrogate woman campaigning for care home visits to be allowed said she does not see a government pilot scheme as a significant step forward.
Speaking to MPs this week, care minister Helen Whately said a pilot scheme to give relatives ‘key worker status’ – testing them for covid and allowing them to visit care homes – is being planned.
However, Judy Bass, whose 99-year-old father lives in a Harrogate care home, said more urgent progress needs to be made across the country for the sake of residents’ well-being.
“I don’t think it’s particularly a step forward. I think it’s placatory, because they have known about this for so long. It just needs to be put in place.
“Piloting it – I don’t even know how that would operate or if it would have any effect. They just need to put it in place. Relatives need to be given key worker status and tested and allowed to visit.”
Ms Bass also questioned whether the project would even be possible, given the struggle to deliver testing around the country.
Last month, introducing a ban on visitors across the county throughout October, North Yorkshire County Council’s head of health and adult services, Richard Webb, said although he was in favour of testing relatives to allow them to visit, the lack of tests available made that “unrealistic”.
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Ms Bass and her brother are being allowed to visit their father this week for the first time – but only to see him through a window. As he has dementia, she is concerned the visit will distress him or, even worse, that he will not recognise his children.
“We will try and see how he copes with it, but he might not understand what’s going on. He might not know who I am, he might be exhausted by the whole thing. I go with trepidation.”
This week, care homes have reacted strongly to the suggestion that they could be asked to take in patients from hospitals who have tested positive for covid. Some councils have approached care homes to ask them to provide separate space for people recovering from the virus after being discharged, away from other residents.
Sam Monaghan, the chief executive of MHA, which runs care homes across the country including Berwick Grange in Harrogate, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he was “highly concerned” about people with the virus being brought into close contact with vulnerable communities. Speaking about the logistics of accommodating them separately, he added:
“Unless you are talking about care home providers who have got buildings that aren’t yet occupied, it will be moving people out of their home, their room that they have got, if you are trying to cohort part of the home.
“You would be having to separate your staff group into those who are working with people without covid and those who are working with covid, and what the arrangements and protections for those staff at the heightened level of risk would be.
“And then there is the risk of transmission within that geographic space, even if you managed to create an artificial barrier between the two.”
Judy Bass and her father, a few years ago.
For Ms Bass, who has not seen her father since March, introducing covid patients to a care home while still preventing relatives who have tested negative for the virus from visiting, is beyond comprehension.
She told the Stray Ferret action needs to be taken quickly for the sake of residents who may not have long left to live and whose families are missing vital time with their loved ones.
“It’s going to be a hard enough winter for everybody, but to make things harder for us and our relatives is so unfair. We speak as often as we can, but conversation is very limited. He is stable, but it’s very difficult for me to tell how he is mentally without sitting with him and being with him to get those vibes.
“I don’t think we have seen a particular mental deterioration, but it’s just he shouldn’t be in that situation and we shouldn’t either.
“Ours is very minimal compared to a lot of people, but if my father has deteriorated and doesn’t know who we are, we’ve lost that little window of time with him that we had.”