Harrogate Borough Council’s tourism organisation has identified health and wellbeing, events and responsible tourism as its priorities over the next three years.
The council set up Destination Harrogate last year as its new ‘destination management organisation’ to showcase the Harrogate district and to grow the visitor economy and attract inward investment.
Destination Harrogate has now unveiled its three-year plan to “position the Harrogate district as a first choice destination for tourism, large-scale events and investment”.
The plan was approved by senior councillors at a cabinet meeting yesterday.
According to a council press release, the visitor economy makes up 14.3 per cent of the economy in Harrogate district.
The plan cites health and wellbeing as its top priority. It says it wants to “position the Harrogate district as a first choice health and wellbeing destination”.
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Its second priority is to “position Harrogate district as a first-choice events destination by attracting, hosting and delivering exceptional events”.
The council press release said:
“A year-round festival, conference and events programme will ensure a lift in the visitor economy and enable sustainable growth.”
Responsible tourism is the third priority. The press release says:
“As we become more conscious of and conscientious about green travel and sustainable tourism, the DMO will work with partners to develop a responsible tourism strategy in order to be recognised as a destination for responsible tourism by 2030.
“In doing so, the DMO intends to minimise the negative environmental and social impacts of tourism, and enhance the economic and cultural benefits for visitors, businesses, and residents.”
Worth £600m to economy
Cllr Richard Cooper, leader of the council, said:
“The visitor economy plays a huge role locally, underpinning 8,000 jobs and bringing £600 million in to our economy. Without it our district would be a very different place with fewer shops, businesses and job opportunities. That is why it is important that we seek to grow the visitor economy.
“This plan is the culmination of a number of interviews and surveys provided by people and businesses that have a direct input into the success of our visitor economy and who have shared their ideas and suggestions to take us forward.”
Gemma Rio, head of Destination Harrogate, said:
Swimming club seeks further talks about use of Ripon’s new pool“To attract business and investment, a destination must be distinctive, attractive and well managed and we have developed this destination management plan to set out the vision, priorities and actions, we – as a destination – need to put in place to meet that vision.
“Key stakeholders from visitor attractions and restaurants, independent hotels, conference venues and event organisers from across the district have contributed towards the shared goals of our ambitious plan to achieve the long-term vision of a visitor economy worth around £835 million per annum by 2030.”
A volunteer-run swimming club has said it would welcome further talks with Brimhams Active aimed at securing future use of Ripon’s new £15 million pool.
Committee members at Ripon City Swimming Club have been buoyed by support from Ripon City Council, which is calling on Brimhams Active to let the club use the newly-constructed facilities on Dallamires Lane on the same basis and at a similar hire charge paid previously at Ripon Spa Baths.
A committee spokesperson told the Stray Ferret:
“We fought for a new pool in Ripon and hope to be able to carry on our work there, training children to swim in a friendly atmosphere and a cost that families can afford.”
The club, which has taught thousands of children to swim over more than a century, saw its long-term relationship with Harrogate Borough Council come to an end in November when Spa Baths closed.
The club’s Thursday evening training sessions at Spa Baths, came to an end in November
The committee spokesperson said:
“We got on very well with staff at the baths and thought that the relationship would continue at the new pool, though we anticipated that we would have to pay some more for the use of enhanced facilities.”
However, discussions with Brimhams Active — a company set up by Harrogate Borough Council to run its district-wide leisure centres and swimming pools — soon proved otherwise.
The club, which had been paying an annual hire charge of £4,500, discovered that it would need to pay a ‘commercial rate’ of £12,000 per annum if it wanted to continue its training sessions in the same way that it had operated at Spa Baths.
Faced with the prospect of being ‘priced out’ of using the new pool, the club was thrown a lifeline by Ripon Grammar School whose pool it has been using for Tuesday night training sessions run by Swim England-qualified teachers.
The spokesperson added:
“We are extremely grateful to the grammar school, without their assistance the club would not have been able to continue.”
Support from Ripon City Council
Cllr Andrew Williams, who leads the independent-controlled city council, received the support of a majority of members at last week’s full meeting when he called for Brimhams to reconsider its stance on charges to the club.
He said:
“In a city with three rivers, a canal and other areas of water, it is of paramount importance for children to learn to swim at the earliest opportunity and for this to be affordable – particularly at a time when family budgets are under pressure.”
Conservative councillor Mike Chambers, a member of the Harrogate Borough Council cabinet, said:
“The club has been listened to and concessions have been offered to them.
“The council needs to have the full picture, so that we don’t go off at half cock.”
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The Stray Ferret has asked Harrogate Borough Council if Brimhams Active would be willing to hold further discussions, with a view to reviewing the rate it charges the club.
At the time of publication, no response had been received.
Harrogate district libraries offer self-care toolkit for young peopleA toolkit which encourages self-care and aims to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of young people is now available to borrow from libraries across the Harrogate district.
The kit, which contains a variety of self-help activities, includes a portable collection of items and books for individuals or groups to share at home, in the library, or out in the community.
They also provide contact details for organisations, including Childline Mind and Health for Teens, that offer help and advice for young people.
Kits can borrowed for up to three weeks by library members, who can also borrow books, e-books, audiobooks and DVDs free of charge and use computers to access free online resources.
Cllr Greg White, executive North Yorkshire county councillor for libraries, said:
“We are delighted to be launching the self-care toolkits. The last two years have presented a number of challenges for us all – especially young people – with the impact highlighting more than ever the need and importance for all of us to look after our mental health.
“The self-care toolkits are a valuable addition to the wider health and wellbeing offer at your local library, including wellbeing bags for adults, Reading Well books on prescription and events and activities to support social connections.”
More details are available by clicking on this link.
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The sole Conservative councillor who spoke out against the choice of Dallamires Lane for Ripon’s new pool, says the project is a poor use of public money.
Originally scheduled to open in May, the scheme, which includes refurbishment of the adjoining leisure centre, is already more than £3 million over budget at £13.5 million with the costs set to rise even further.
Cllr Nigel Simms, who represents the Kirkby Malzeard and Masham Ward, told the Stray Ferret:
“Nothing has happened to change my mind, the geology of the site with its sinkhole issues, means it’s the wrong place.
“I’m all in favour of new leisure facilities for Ripon, but a more stable area should have been selected.”
At the June 2019 planning meeting where the application for the pool and leisure centre refurbishment was approved, Cllr Simms, said:
“I do not believe that you can build this thing and that in 50 years time it will still be there for the use of the people of Ripon.
“I don’t think it’s an economic use of public funds.”
Earlier this month Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet approved further investigation of the unstable ground conditions under the 26-year-old leisure centre building, ahead of remedial works in the New Year.
In the meantime, the long-awaited new pool for Ripon is scheduled to open on 8 December.
The Stray Ferret asked HBC about the final costs for the leisure centre work and a council spokesperson, said:
“As outlined during the cabinet meeting, the costs for the investigation works are not as yet known. Following the investigation works, there will then be assessment of the proposed remediation strategies, together with an assessment of the estimated cost.
“The council would not be able to disclose details of costs until the agreed remedial works are contracted as we view that providing this information may prejudice future commercial negotiations with supply partners.”
Two Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made to HBC by the Stray Ferret about the cost of ground remediation work at the site, which caused the initial six-month delay to the swimming pool opening, received similar responses.
However, in September, the council provided details of additional costs incurred for the project in response to an FOI request submitted by Ripon resident and chartered civil engineer Stanley Mackintosh.
In its FOI response to him, HBC said that:
- Money already paid for construction and associated works stood at £12,936,235.55.
- A further £619,427.06, had been allocated for payment.
This running tally of £13,555,662 in September compares with the original 17-month contract signed with construction company and principal contractor Willmott Dixon for £10.2 million.
Mr Mackintosh told the Stray Ferret:
“I have always been in favour of a new swimming pool and leisure centre for Ripon, but along with others, have argued over many years that the Camp Close site, with its known history of ground instability, was not the right place for it.”
Ripon Men’s Shed opened its doors this week, bringing an enormous collaborative effort to fruition.
Following a June 2019 meeting at Community House in Allhallowgate to gauge interest in the project, the charity’s trustees – Andrew Makey, Caroline Bentham, Ed Moore and Tony Johnson – made great strides, in spite of the intervening limitations brought by covid.
The Men’s Shed movement, which addresses issues of loneliness and social isolation, has a specific focus on the older male population, but women are welcome too.
Getting to know the drill – Catherine Limbert joins in woodworking activities with fellow members
There are also Sheds in Harrogate, Starbeck and Pateley Bridge, offering weekly activities ranging from joinery to the restoration of bicycles.
Mr Makey, who is responsible for publicity for Ripon Men’s Shed, told the Stray Ferret:
“Our initial focus is on woodworking, but there are opportunities to look at other areas as well, such as computers.
“The activities, which the members will decide upon themselves, provide a focus and we hope that through their attendance, they will get to know each other and enjoy the social interaction.”
For John Hayson, a retired master plumber living in Boroughbridge, the Men’s Shed will be something to look forward to.
He said:
“I’ve been in hospital recently and after I was discharged, I was bedridden for a few weeks.
“That left me feeling hopeless, particularly as I have a disabled wife that I am caring for.
“I heard about the men’s shed and thought that attending it would be a way of rebuilding my confidence and making friends, by being with like-minded people for a few hours a week, while my wife is looked after by some lovely neighbours we have.”
Catherine Limbert is currently the only female member, but is not phased by being in an all-male environment.
Catherine Limbert — looking forward to learning new skills and making friends at the Men’s Shed
The NHS nurse said:
“I’m happy to speak with anybody and to learn from the expertise they have in areas that I’ve never tried before, such as using an electric drill.
“I have a couple of free days a week and this is a great way of getting out of the house, learning DIY skills and meeting new people.”
While the social aspect of the shed is good for members, it is also beneficial for the people involved in delivering the sessions.
The Ripon Men’s Shed premises, to the rear of the New Life Church in Water Skellgate
Barry Sutton, who was formerly secretary of Selkirk Community Shed, has brought the knowledge he gained in Scotland back to his native country.
The retired forester and now community volunteer, said:
“I believe it’s important for people to stay as active as possible, use their skills and have a sense of purpose.
“Being involved in an organisation like this is a win-win situation for all involved.”
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With a chair lift provided from monies secured by Ripon’s North Yorkshire county councillors Stuart Martin and Mike Chambers, the Tuesday sessions between 10am and 4pm are being made as accessible as possible.
Anybody wishing to become a member, or get involved in other ways, such as making a donation or providing practical assistance with provision of tools that can be used in woodworking sessions, can find out more on the Ripon Men’s Shed Facebook page.
Harrogate district youth service seeks trustees
An independent youth service that supports young people across the Harrogate district is to become a charitable incorporated organisation.
To help it make the transition to CIO status, Inspire Youth is looking to recruit a number of trustees.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 4 July and an application pack and trustee jigsaw is available on www.inspireyouth.uk
Chief executive Jess Ward said:
“The successful individuals will take part in shaping and directing the organisation and ensuring that it operates legally, within the regulations set by the Charity Commission.”
Inspire Youth chief executive Jess Ward
The organisation, which is also changing its name to Inspire Yorkshire, works with young people aged 8 to 18 across.
Regarding its search for trustees, Ms Ward said:
“We are particularly looking for people with an experience of, and a compassion for, working with young people.
“The skills we are seeking include digital transformation and digital delivery, fundraising, social media/marketing/PR/campaigning, financial and accounting, human resources and employment law.”
Among the organisations that Inspire Youth works with is Ripon YMCA .
Through this and other connections in the city, it is contributing ideas and experiences designed to shape the future of services to young people in Ripon.
Its work in the community also extends to Harrogate and Knaresborough, and includes engagement with young people on health, wellbeing, lifestyle and career aspirations.
Ms Ward said:
“We offer a service, which is adaptive and responsive that meets the needs of the ever-changing world.
“Services are based on listening to young people and working with them to make sure they get the best out of all activities.”
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Inspire Youth has been able to extend its services through the launch of its mobile youth base, which has helped to engage young people in the community.
The mobile unit features a smart television screen, speaker, whiteboard and sensory lighting, laptop, kitchen facilities, table, and seating area inside.