Harrogate church opens free wellbeing cafe

A free wellbeing cafe has opened in Harrogate to help people with their mental health by offering a place where it is ‘okay not to be okay’.

The cafe, called Renew HG1, opens weekly at Harrogate Baptist Church on Victoria Avenue to give people a space to help with anxiety or loneliness.

Launched this month, the scheme is part of a wider initiative run by Nottingham-based Renew Wellbeing, which helps churches open welcoming and inclusive spaces in partnership with mental health teams to improve mental and emotional wellbeing.

The scheme has seen more than 100 cafes open across the country, with 22 centres opening in the north of England.

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The cafes offer tea, coffee, games and newspapers to read.

Harrogate’s centre is open every Monday from 10.30am until 12pm and is free.

For more information on the Renew centres, visit the Renew Wellbeing website.

At more than 14 feet, is this Harrogate’s tallest sunflower?

A seven-year-old Harrogate girl has grown what could be the town’s tallest sunflower.

Eirwen Phoenix started nurturing the 14-foot plant when it was only a few inches tall, as part of a school project with the Kumon Centre in Harrogate.

She kept it on a sunny windowsill at first, tending to the plant every day. Soon it was strong enough to go outside.

After around two months the sunflower shot up and is now in full bloom with multiple heads.

It has grown so tall that Eirwen’s parents are concerned it might become a health and safety hazard.

It just kept growing and growing!

Harrogate experienced quite high winds last night and throughout today. So much so that the sunflower has started to lean quite considerably.

So there may just be a couple of days left to see the sunflower spectacle on East Parade near The Hearing Suite.

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An excited and proud Eirwen told the Stray Ferret:

“This sunflower is big, big, big! So maybe the seeds it will produce might be just as tall, maybe even bigger than this one.

“Maybe if there is less wind next time we can keep it up forever. I am not going to go for double, I want to try to reach 100 feet next time.”

Eirwen had to go upstairs to pose for the photo.

Sarah Phoenix, Eirwen’s mother, added:

“At the end of the summer holidays when Eirwen had to submit the final height to her school we had to get the stepladders out.

“Even then we couldn’t reach the top of it. At that point it was just short of 14 feet and it has grown even more since then as it has flowered.”

New food director as Crimple Hall nears completion of £4m refurb

Crimple Hall in Harrogate has appointed a director of food and drink to oversee a new restaurant as part of a £4 million refurbishment.

The family-owned business run by Graham and Tori Watson is expected to re-open in November.

The 19,525 sq ft food hall, restaurant, bistro and event space will seat over 160 people and offer indoor and outdoor event spaces for weddings, parties and corporate events.

Zak Jones, the former owner of The Chancery and The Clerkenwell Dining Room in London, has been hired to head up the restaurant.

As well as experience of running his own restaurant, Mr Jones has also worked alongside Marco Pierre White as general manager at L’Escargot in Greek Street Soho.

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Alongside the restaurant will be a 7,500 square feet food hall and the existing garden centre. The investment has lead to the creation of 60 jobs.

Mr Jones said:

“This is an incredible opportunity to build a first class restaurant with access to the best produce in the region and beyond.

“We have some really exciting plans for this remarkable venue and, as such, I am now looking for excellent restaurant team members to join me.”

The food hall will be open from 8am to 7pm. The restaurant and garden centre will open between 8am and 5pm – with the bar open until 7pm.

Police: no rise in far right activity in Harrogate district

North Yorkshire Police has said there is nothing to suggest an increase in far right activity in the Harrogate district despite several shocking incidents this year.

The Stray Ferret has reported three instances of swastikas and anti-semitic slogans appearing in Harrogate and Knaresborough in 2021, including one last weekend.

In addition, racist stickers appeared on the window of a disused shop on James Street in September.

A Freedom of Information request to the police revealed it had logged just five incidents of anti-Jewish hate crime in total in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

So far this year swastikas have appeared on Trefoil Drive and Bilton Lane in January, on the iron bridge in Bilton in August and on Knaresborough castle last weekend.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:

“These incidents are clearly abhorrent and disturbing. We can assure the local community that the police take such matters extremely seriously.

“It is unclear what the motivation was behind the recent incidents in Knaresborough, and it is not yet known if they are linked or have any connection with the previous incidents of this nature at Harrogate.

“However, there is nothing to suggest an increase in extreme right-wing ideologies or activity in the local area.”

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The constabulary urged residents to report hate-related incidents, such as graffiti and criminal damage, by dialling 101.

The Stray Ferret approached the Harrogate Hebrew congregation to ask if it had noticed any increase in ant-semitic activity but it declined to comment.

The swastikas and a vile anti-semitic message sprayed on Knaresborough castle last weekend have now been removed.

Police said a 49-year-old man was arrested in connection with the attacks in January and remains under investigation.

Harrogate Town Supporters Trust admits mistakes in early days

Harrogate Town Supporters Trust has admitted making mistakes in the early days of its existence, which led to a fierce backlash from some Town fans.

The trust was set-up by the club in July to give fans a say in running the club.

But some members of the independent Harrogate Town Supporters Club, which has been in existence for more than a decade, believed the trust was an attempt to undermine its work.

Other football league clubs, such as Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City, already have fans trusts, which are democratically run and governed by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Tensions emerged in July when Clare Bridge, chair of the trust, told the Stray Ferret the group would put on coach trips to away matches due to the “drunken behaviour” of members of the supporters club on their coaches — a claim the supporters club disputed.

Communication ‘could have been better’

Leaked minutes of a trust meeting on September 2 reveal the group has 45 members so far, including one fan in Toronto.

Much of the meeting was take up by discussion of the two fan groups. The minutes say:

“It was acknowledged that the existing supporters club are feeling threatened. We are not working against them but we are hoping to work with them to grow the supporter base and to encourage more away supporters.

“It was acknowledged that the communication could have been done better, especially with the supporters club. Time and covid were major hurdles we were trying to overcome, and in hindsight, things could’ve been done better.

“The teething problems setting up the trust were acknowledged.”

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The minutes add that Murgatroyd Coaches would subsidise away travel to encourage take-up and that trust members should expect to “receive some stick” from the supporters club on away days.

They add there should be an effort to “build bridges” with the group:

“There has to be willingness on the part of every party to communicate. A lot of work will need to be done to build a bridge. However, we will have to accept that some individuals will not change their minds.”

Fans Forum

Next Wednesday evening, the Cedar Court Hotel will host a fans forum. Fans will be able to hear news from club representatives, the community foundation, the independent supporters club, the supporters trust and first team manager Simon Weaver.

For information on attending, email Phill Holdsworth, supporter liaison officer, on phillholdsworth@harrogatetownafc.com

Harrogate’s Geek Retreat to create autism-friendly space

Local not-for-profit organisation Pride in Diversity has teamed up with Harrogate shop Geek Retreat to create an inclusive space for people with autism.

Geek Retreat describes itself as a ‘geek culture’ venue that specialises in items such as comics, trading card games, board games and video games.

It recently opened a branch on Oxford Street in the unit that housed the Early Learning Centre for years.

Pride in Diversity, which promotes diversity, will train Geek Retreat staff about how to ensure autistic people have a positive time whilst visiting.

It will also build a stim kit to help relieve tension for autistic people and an autism-inclusive activity time will take place on Sundays along with LGBTQIA evenings on Tuesdays.

Geek Retreat will host art from Pride in Diversity’s Speaking Out campaign, which includes oral history recordings, objects and photographs from Harrogate’s LGBTQIA community.

Laura Hellfield, a director at Pride in Diversity, said:

“The partnership between us at Pride in Diversity and Geek Retreat was a quick decision as we share a vision of creating inclusive and accepting spaces. Soon we will be launching an Autism Inclusive session on Sundays. Inclusive sessions let those in the Autistic community know that they matter and deserve a place to enjoy and that has been adjusted to meet their needs.

“These sessions will be incredibly valuable for those coming to make like-minded friendships and to simply have fun while crafting and playing board games together.”

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How family holidays in Italy inspired spectacular pasta restaurant’s menu

This article is sponsored by Pranzo Italian.

Yorkshire chef Marco Greco’s fondest childhood memories are of family summer holidays in Calabria, Southern Italy.

From the age of 4, every morning, up in the mountains, he and his sister would stand on chairs to help his Grandmother, ‘Nonna’, make traditional hand rolled fresh pasta on a rickety table with a red checked tablecloth.

While they played at the beach, Nonna would make a fresh tomato sauce for lunch to go with the pasta.

It’s Marco’s love of traditional pasta – and these nostalgic memories – that inspired him to open Pranzo Italian in Ilkley and now Harrogate. It’s a modern restaurant specialising in pasta, handmade every morning.

“Pasta’s always been my thing. A lot of Italian restaurants in Harrogate do similar things, but I wanted to do my own thing which is a bit different.

“I really wanted to focus on the pleasures of having a nice big bowl of fresh pasta and a glass of red wine with your family.

“I have what I like to call a ‘modern pasta menu’. It’s a small menu, but it really puts fresh, homemade pasta front and centre.”

So what makes fresh, handmade pasta so much more superior?

“Fresh pasta has a unique texture and flavour, especially the kind of pasta we make in Calabria. The recipe we use is very simple, and doesn’t use egg, just flour and water. When you’re eating something that’s been made fresh that morning, there’s nothing better.”

After opening in Ilkley in 2018, Harrogate was always top of Marco’s list for another restaurant. He signed the lease for the Cold Bath Road site during the first lockdown, and Pranzo Harrogate opened in October last year.

Marco says he’s been “very lucky” to have amazing support from locals in the town. But with a menu as delicious as Pranzo’s, it’s not hard to see why.

Although there are only about a dozen items, it ticks every box – with creamy, meaty, seafood and veggie options. Arancini appetisers are made on site, with fillings ranging from mushroom, truffle and gorgonzola to crab with lemon aioli.

A favourite from the pasta menu is the Calabrian nduja spicy sausage pasta in white wine, spinach and cream – paired with bigoli pasta, a kind of thick spaghetti.

Seafood fans can sample the lobster ravioli, in a lobster and parsley sauce that offers a uniquely creamy and sweet flavour. From the dessert menu, the grappa tiramisu is not to be missed.

There’s also an extensive wine list from around the world, and a unique cocktail menu – the After Eight espresso martini is not to missed.

For Marco, it’s all about respecting the traditions and creating a family atmosphere:

“It all started with my Nonna, and now it’s what I do best, and it’s what I love. I learned a lot from my Nonna, and now I teach my son Antonio to make fresh pasta the same way. I just want everyone to share my love of fresh pasta – and make my Nonna proud”.

You can find Pranzo Italian on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road, or visit pranzoitalian.co.uk to book your table.

Harrogate councillor calls for new ‘no cycling’ signs on Stray

A Harrogate councillor has called for new ‘no cycling’ signs to be painted on footpaths on the Stray after local residents raised concerns.

Sam Gibbs, a Conservative who represents Harrogate Valley Gardens on Harrogate Borough Council, said calls from concerned residents had prompted him to act.

He told Harrogate and Knaresborough and Conservative MP Andrew Jones’ Community News website:

“Cyclists were using the footpaths and travelling at great speed.

“The Stray should be enjoyed by everyone but cycling should only be on the routes that are permitted.”

Cllr Gibbs said signs should be painted on footpaths around Byron Walk Mews, which backs onto the Montpellier stretch of the Stray.

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The 200 acres of Stray land includes some routes for cyclists but they are prohibited to use many areas.

Judy d’Arcy-Thompson, chair of the Stray Defence Association, said:

“One of the best things about the Stray is the freedom but if you’re walking along and a cyclist comes behind you when you aren’t expecting it, it can be distressing.

“If people are getting worried or feel unsafe we would agree with Cllr Gibbs that it was a good idea.”

Kevin Douglas, chair of Harrogate District Cycle Action, said more needed to be done to offer safe routes for cyclists so riders didn’t feel they had to use the Stray:

“Most responsible cyclists don’t use them. But until there is proper, safe cycling infrastructure people will use the Stray.”

Parents’ tribute to Harrogate girl on acne drug who took her life

The heartbroken parents of a Harrogate schoolgirl who was on an acne drug when she took her life paid tribute to her at an inquest today.

Annabel Wright, 15, was found dead in her room on the evening of May 1, 2019. Her parents discovered her body.

Harrogate District Hospital had prescribed the schoolgirl, who attended St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate, the drug Roaccutane, also known as isotretinoin, to treat her acne.

Giving evidence at an inquest in Northallerton today, Helen and Simon Wright said Annabel was a happy child with no history of depression.

Ms Wright said:

“Annabel was the brightest child. She was easy going, happy and she never had any issues. She enjoyed school and had a great set of friends there.

“I believe that Roaccutane led to her suicide. Normal, happy people like Annabel don’t just commit suicide without any signs or anything leading up to it.”

Concerns about drug’s link to suicide

The inquest heard that in January 2019 Annabel had self-harmed. Mr and Ms Wright discussed the incident with their daughter but did not mention it to the doctor, as they did not think it was linked to her medication.

When Annabel was first prescribed Roaccutane in October 2018, Ms Wright raised concerns about the drug after reading articles online linking it with suicide.

The doctor told Ms Wright she believed there was no causal link between the drug and increased risk of suicide.

Mr Wright said of his daughter:

“She was perfect. We adored Annabel and she adored us, we were a close-knit family.

“My wife and mother-in-law had taken our son out to a young farmers’ club on the day that Annabel died.

“I came home from work late at around 8pm and went to see Annabel in her room when we had a chat about the Spanish exam she took that morning.”

Mr Wright later went downstairs for dinner. When the rest of his family got back they went to check once again on Annabel.

Mr Wright found his daughter’s body and called for an ambulance, which took Annabel to hospital in Harrogate where she later died.

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Parents say risk should have been made clearer

Mr and Ms Wright both said they believed Roaccutane was the cause of Annabel’s suicide and blamed the hospital for not making the risks clearer.

The Stray Ferret asked Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust to respond to the Wrights’ claims.

Dr Jacqueline Andrews, executive medical director at the trust, said:

“We wish to offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Annabel Wright.

“Following Annabel’s tragic death, the trust commenced an investigation and our findings have been shared with Annabel’s family and HM Coroner.

“Until the inquest has concluded we are unable to comment further.”

The inquest into Annabel Wright’s death continues.

Samaritans are available 365 days a year for people in need of support. You can call them free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Andrew Jones MP bids to help Harrogate animal testing firm expand

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones is to meet the science minister to help a controversial Harrogate animal testing firm expand.

Labcorp Drug Development, which is on Otley Road and was previously called Covance, has been subject to regular demonstrations by animal activists.

A group held banners with slogans such as “puppy killers work here” during a demonstration last month.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Jones said Labcorp was “one of the largest employers in my constituency”.

The Conservative MP added the firm planned to expand and asked whether George Freeman, who was appointed science minister in this month’s government reshuffle, would meet to discuss it. Mr Jones said:

“One of the largest employers in my constituency is Labcorp, a business that is at the heart of new medicine development both in the UK and across Europe and has played a role in the life science industry response to covid.

“It is considering UK expansion over the next five years at a number of sites across the UK.

“Will my honourable friend meet me to discuss that opportunity, and also some of the obstacles that may get in the way of it, with a view to securing expansion in the UK as a whole but in Harrogate in particular?

Mr Freeman replied:

“I should be delighted to meet my honourable friend soon to discuss that.

“Labcorp is a major global corporation whose investment in the new clinical pharmacology site is vital. It is in such companies that we need to be investing to drive private investment in research and development.”

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The Stray Ferret contacted Labcorp but did not receive a response by time of publication.

It previously told us it “takes very seriously our ethical and regulatory responsibilities to treat research animals with the greatest care and respect”.

It added:

“In addition to being the right thing to do, the proper care of research animals is fundamental to sound scientific research and the ability to develop life-saving and life-enhancing new medicines.

“New drugs must be tested in animals before human clinical trials to ensure the safety of patients and volunteers and there are clear links between excellent animal welfare and medical breakthroughs.”