The Nelson Inn has, for years, been a haven for people travelling between Harrogate and Skipton on the A59.
The pub has undergone several changes of ownership in recent years. But now, after a £1m spruce up in the wake of its summer acquisition by Brunning & Price, it is set to reopen.
Two hundred people have been invited to drinks and nibbles tonight. After another invitation-only event to trial the food tomorrow, the pub on the edge of Killinghall will open to the public at 5pm on Wednesday.
It will serve drinks from 11.30am daily and begin offering freshly-cooked food at noon, right through until 9pm Monday to Thursday, 9.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 8pm on Sundays.
With 156 seats inside and 60 outside, it is another chapter in the long history of this deceptively spacious pub.

Landlady Sam Aston
Landlady Sam Aston, who was previously employed by Greene King in the Isle of Man, has taken charge and head chef Stuart Russell is running the kitchen.
The bar serves a wide range of drinks brewed locally, by companies including Roosters, Turning Point and the Harrogate Brewing Company.
Ms Aston says the building was originally built as a house in 1776 and is believed to be one of many that adopted the Nelson name after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

The cosy interior
It is the 82nd pub in the upmarket range belonging to Brunning & Price. Although the layout hasn’t changed a great deal, the refurbishment has given it a cosy and welcoming feel.
The ground floor is dog-friendly and there are two private dining areas. Roaring fires, events such as gin-tasting and afternoon teas are also part of the mix, although the teas aren’t available yet.
The business has created about 30 jobs but the company still hopes to recruit about 10 more staff.
The local political landscape is being utterly transformed.
A new unitary authority is coming; eight existing councils, including Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, are going.
A devolution deal this week paved the way for a countywide mayor and the creation of a combined authority overseeing £540 million.
It’s not just the institutions changing. So too are the politicians.
Richard Cooper and Graham Swift, the long-serving Conservative leader and deputy leader of Harrogate Borough Council, will step down when it is abolished next year.
Don Mackenzie, the Conservative councillor previously in charge of transport at North Yorkshire County Council, did not seek re-election in the local elections on May 5.
Since then a new man has emerged as the most senior local politician and although he too is a Conservative he is a somewhat different beast.
As executive member for health and adult services at North Yorkshire County Council, Michael Harrison is the only person from the Harrogate district sitting on what is effectively the 10-person cabinet making key decisions on spending in the county.
Cllr Harrison (far right), sitting on the county council’s cabinet.
Cllr Harrison’s portfolio is responsible for more than half of the county council’s £380 million annual budget. But most people aren’t interested in social care until they need it, so his role attracts far less attention than the transport brief Keane Duncan inherited from Don Mackenzie, even though the sums are higher.
Cllr Harrison, who lives at Killinghall Moor, is far from unhappy about his low profile. He says:
“I enjoy contributing in an executive capacity. Adult social care is a complex area — you are dealing with some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“I feel I have a lot to offer there. It’s completely different to being the local face of the council.”
From Killinghall to Northallerton
Born in Sunderland, and with the accent to prove it, Cllr Harrison, 52, moved to the Harrogate district in the mid-1990s with his job at Lloyds Banking Group. He still works for the bank in risk management.
He joined Killinghall Parish Council in 2002, was elected to Harrogate Borough Council in 2004 and nine years later was also voted on to North Yorkshire County Council.
While some of his Conservative colleagues fell by the wayside at May’s local election, he received a commanding 54% share of the vote to ensure he will represent Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate on the county council and its successor, the new North Yorkshire Council, until at least 2027.
Many people think councillors are full time professionals, but most combine politics with full-time jobs. Each county councillor receives a basic allowance of £10,316. Executive members, like Cllr Harrison, also receive special responsibility allowances of £15,939.

County Hall in Northallerton, home of North Yorkshire County Council.
Cllr Harrison often takes his laptop to County Hall in Northallerton to work on his day job between meetings. Juggling the two isn’t easy, but he says:
“I think it’s important that councillors are drawn from society itself. It wouldn’t be healthy if only retired people could do it. But it is difficult to do it alongside a full-time job. You need the support of your family and employer.”
Pragmatism over politics
Although he’s a lifelong Conservative, Cllr Harrison does not come across as overtly political. He doesn’t name any political heroes and claims not to be ambitious.
“I’ve never had any particular political ambitions. I get a lot out of delivering quietly behind the scenes. I adopt a pragmatic approach to problems.”
He is backing Rishi Sunak in the leadership contest, saying he wants someone who can “reintroduce honesty and integrity into central government”.
Read more:
- Reassurances issued over ‘onerous’ social care revamp across Harrogate district
- Social care pilot scheme in Harrogate district ‘could bankrupt council’ without more funding
County Hall in Northallerton operates like Whitehall in London. The politically elected executive members set the direction of travel and professional civil servants carry out the day-to-day work.
Cllr Harrison seems more comfortable talking about the nuts and bolts of North Yorkshire politics rather than banging the drum for the Tories.
He says the new unitary authority will deliver services more efficiently than the current two-tier system by removing bureaucracy and will also end confusion over which council does what. But he admits there are challenges:
“Can the new council demonstrate it understands local needs? Tensions will be there within the district. The key is to understand priorities in each area.”
He says some services, such as gritting and waste disposal, are best handled centrally in Northallerton, but other services, such as leisure and tourism, require a more local focus.
Unusually for a leading Conservative, he’s a member of the banking union Accord and talks warmly about it. He says:
“Unions have a key role to play in representing employees.”
He also has rheumatoid arthritis, which he says is under control. Typically, he doesn’t make a fuss about it and is soon talking about social care again. He seems happy with it this way:
Harrogate chef who shot baker found not guilty of causing fear of violence“Prior to getting into local government I said to people ‘I’m not into politics’. I’m more interested in delivering services for residents and hopefully being a common sense voice around the table.”
A chef who shot his baker in the eye with an air pistol, “effectively” blinding him, has been remanded in custody to await sentence.
Brad Tristan Plummer, 25, fired the gas-powered ball-bearing gun at Aidan Corbyn at their workplace, the Nelson Inn gastro pub in Killinghall.
Mr Corbyn was taken to hospital for a procedure to remove the ball bearing from his eye, York Crown Court heard.
Plummer admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm but denied possessing a firearm with intent to cause Mr Corbyn fear of violence.
Yesterday (Thursday, July 21), a jury found Plummer not guilty of the second count following a four-day trial, but he now awaits sentence for GBH.
Prosecutor Howard Shaw said the horrific incident in September 2020 began innocently enough but turned more sinister.
He added:
“The defendant came into the kitchen and said, ‘I’ve got an air pistol’.
“(Plummer) was bragging to Aidan Corbyn about the gun, telling he.. he wanted to go outside and shoot at some bottles. He asked Aidan Corbyn to join him.”
Read more:
- Police to refer man who left four dogs in hot car to RSPCA
- Former Harrogate headteacher ‘repeatedly accessed’ website with indecent images, court hears
Mr Corbyn later said that he agreed to go outside because he was scared of Plummer, his boss.
The two men went outside to the back of the pub where they lined some bottles up as targets.
They returned to the kitchen at about 12 noon and Mr Corbyn went back to work.
The chef started pointing the pistol at Mr Corbyn, “pretending to shoot him”, said Mr Shaw.
He added:
“He kept pointing it at his face several times.”
Safety catch
At that stage, it appeared that Plummer had the safety catch on, but Mr Corbyn was so worried he tried to get away from him. However, his boss followed him, “laughing and joking and pointing the gun at Mr Corbyn”.
Things turned uglier when Plummer pointed the pistol at Mr Corbyn’s face “from a distance of about one metre”.
Mr Shaw said:
“He pointed the gun straight at his face (and) the air pistol discharged.
“Aidan Corbyn was shot in his left eye, the ball bearing lodging in his eye, effectively blinding him.”
Plummer, who lives at the gastro pub on Skipton Road, was arrested and taken in for questioning.
He told police he thought the air pistol wasn’t loaded when he shot Mr Corbyn.
Mr Shaw added:
Frances Atkins’ new Killinghall restaurant secures place in Michelin Guide“He said he thought the safety catch had been on and (that) he hadn’t aimed at Mr Corbyn.
“He said he and (Mr Corbyn) got on well and that this was an accident.”
She was one of Britain’s first female chefs to win a Michelin star. Now, Frances Atkins could be in the running for the prestigious accolade again.
Paradise Cafe at Daleside Nurseries, in Killinghall, has been chosen as one of six of the inspectors’ favourite new additions to appear in the Michelin Guide this month.
This means the lakeside restaurant, which only opened its doors in April, could now be up for a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand.
Ms Atkins said:
“As a new business, we are delighted.
“It doesn’t make any difference in terms of what we offer. We will continue to to do what we do, which is to use fresh foods we produce ourselves, grown here at Daleside.”

A scallops dish.
Ms Atkins held a coveted star for 16 of the 23 years she was chef-patron of The Yorke Arms at Ramsgill in Nidderdale. Although she sold the business in 2017, she continued to work for its new owner until 2020, when it closed as a restaurant as a result of the pandemic.
With two long-term Yorke Arms colleagues, John Tullett, general manager and front of house, and head chef Roger Olive, she bought a silver Airstream caravan and parked it at Daleside.

The Paradise Cafe Airstream caravan.
From here, the trio served began serving food on disposable bamboo plates for 18 months, before moving into the long-planned 80-seat cafe.
The Michelin Guide entry says:
“It may be a garden centre café, but this is not just any old garden centre café: it’s located in a separate building for a start – a spacious and smart modern space with a jewel of a terrace overlooking a lake.
“And then there’s the food: a frequently changing, seasonal menu bursting with delightful dishes which are fresh, unfussy and full of flavour.
“Come for coffee and cake, breakfast, brunch or lunch; there’s plenty for vegetarians and vegans – and a chef’s table if you’d like to watch and chat to the chefs as they work. Do book ahead, as the aptly named café is likely to be busy.”
Paradise Cafe is open Tuesday until Sunday, from 10am until 4pm.
Dinner is available on Friday evenings from 7pm.
Read more:
- Sneak Peak: Paradise arrives in Killinghall
- Michelin-starred chef’s new cafe to open at Killinghall nursery this month
Chef shot his baker at Harrogate gastro pub
A chef shot his underling baker in the eye with an air pistol, “effectively” blinding him, a court heard.
Brad Tristan Plummer, 25, fired the gas-powered ball-bearing gun at Aidan Corbyn at their workplace, the Nelson Inn gastro pub in Killinghall, a jury at York Crown Court was told.
Mr Corbyn was taken to hospital for a procedure to remove the ball bearing from his eye, said prosecutor Howard Shaw.
He said the horrific incident on September 29, 2020, began innocently enough but turned into something more sinister.
Mr Shaw said:
“The defendant came into the kitchen and said, ‘I’ve got an air pistol’,”
“(Plummer) was bragging to Aidan Corbyn about the gun, telling him…he wanted to go outside and shoot at some bottles. He asked Aidan Corbyn to join him.”
Mr Corbyn later said that he agreed to go outside because he was scared of Mr Plummer, his boss.
The two men went outside to the back of the pub where they lined some bottles up as targets. Mr Shaw said:
“Both (men) had a go, using the air pistol (to shoot) the bottles.”
Mr Plummer kept firing at the bottles until it appeared there were no more pellets left inside the magazine. They returned to the kitchen at about noon and Mr Corbyn went back to work. Mr Shaw said:
“By this time one of the waitressing staff arrived at work.”
Mr Plummer started pointing the pistol at Mr Corbyn, “pretending to shoot him”, added the prosecuting barrister.
“He kept pointing it at his face several times.”
Safety catch
At that stage, it appeared that Mr Plummer had the safety catch on, but Mr Corbyn was so worried he tried to get away from him.
However, his boss followed him, “laughing and joking and pointing the gun at Mr Corbyn”, which Mr Shaw said amounted to “bullying him”.
Things turned uglier when Mr Plummer pointed the pistol at Mr Corbyn’s face “from a distance of about one metre”.
Read more:
- ‘Crazy Russian’ found guilty of murder at Harrogate’s Mayfield Grove
- Woman charged with Harrogate attempted murder enters no plea
Mr Shaw added:
“He pointed the gun straight at his face (and) the air pistol discharged,
“Aidan Corbyn was shot in his left eye, the ball bearing lodging in his eye, effectively blinding him.”
Admits GBH
Mr Plummer admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm at a previous hearing but denies a second count of possessing a firearm with intent to cause Mr Corbyn to fear that violence would be used against him. Mr Shaw said:
“The prosecution say that this was not boyish high jinks.
“The prosecution say that this was bullying behaviour by an older, bigger man in a position of power at work, which was picking on a younger, smaller, more junior work colleague and trying to frighten him with a gun.”
Mr Plummer, who lives at the Nelson Inn on Skipton Road, was arrested and taken in for questioning.
He told police he thought the air pistol wasn’t loaded at the time he aimed it at Mr Corbyn. Mr Shaw said:
“He thought the safety catch had been on and said he hadn’t aimed at Mr Corbyn.
“He said he and (Mr Corbyn) got on well and that this was an accident.”
Mr Shaw said the safety catch was “clearly not on” when Mr Plummer shot the baker.
The trial continues.
Stray Views: When will this housebuilding madness end?Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.
When will this housebuilding madness end?
Every day in The Stray Ferret I find Harrogate Borough Council has passed more planning permissions for housing.
In the last few years, the number of new houses, including the 4,000 to be built near Beckwithshaw, is approaching 10,000. When will this lunacy stop? I know the government said it wanted 300,000 a year but it did not say they all had to be built in Harrogate.
We have lost an unbelievable amount of green field sites and healthy mature trees and all of this can NEVER be replaced. The effect on wild life is devastating.
Where is the infrastructure to cope with all this building? Every new house or flat brings onto the roads approximately 1.5 extra cars.
Where is the water going to come from? Where are the extra school places needed for the children?
What about sewage? Yorkshire Water are already putting raw sewage into the rivers on a regular basis.
Have you tried to get a doctor’s appointment recently? It is near impossible so who is going to look after all the new residents.
Electricity has to be generated, which creates pollution and contradicts the campaign to reduce the carbon footprint.
Access to these developments is a major concern, Knox Lane and Crab Lane are single width most of the way and probably the worst is Kingsley Road where pedestrians are at risk due to no footpaths on Bogs Lan.
Harrogate Borough Council has already exceeded its housing requirement by a huge amount but just carry on passing permission so the question is: why?
The council say they have been overruled by Westminster on some occasions and have had to pay compensation so they are reluctant to refuse permission.. If that is the case why do we not have strong councillors with proper negotiating skills, a strong will and a good knowledge of what they are fighting for?
The village of Killinghall is now a town. Knaresborough is slowly growing closer to the A1 motorway. Bishop Monkton has nearly doubled in size and so it goes on.
My final example of lunacy is the drive-through development on the Woodlands traffic lights. One of the busiest junctions in Harrogate. What on earth could make the council pass permission for this development ,which will make this junction much more dangerous than it already is.
Malcolm Hodgekinson, Bilton resident for over 60 years
Read more:
- Under-fire infrastructure plans for west Harrogate will cost taxpayers £25,000
- Decision on Harrogate town council could take two years
- Aaron Bertenshaw’s family to fundraise at Knaresborough Bed Race
Let’s have a Harrogate town council referendum
Town councils have a proud tradition of supporting their communities and this has been evident throughout the country during covid and the cost of living crisis.
Local people know what is best for their community and they should be able to make decisions that concern them.
I am not the only person who is worried that Harrogate will lose its voice at key decisions made by the new North Yorkshire Council. It is wrong for Harrogate’s matters to be decided and voted on by councillors from outside of our town.
A referendum needs to be held as soon as possible to allow for the transition of authority and responsibility to the new town council.
I’m a big believer in giving decision-making power back to our community and establishing a town council will do just that.
Tyler Reeton, Harrogate
Aaron Bertenshaw’s legacy is helping people with diabetes
The Stray Ferret has written several stories about our campaign to plug the gap between mental health and diabetes following the death of my son Aaron Bertenshaw.
We had a stall at Knaresborough Bed Race and the final amount raised was £4,490, which Morrisons has agreed to match fund.
The custom painted guitar (pictured below) was gifted back to us by the winner and will be put up for auction in August to raise further funds. If anyone is interested in receiving the auction details, contact the Stray Ferret and it will pass your messages on.
Diabetes UK’s Diabetes is Serious campaign has now held its virtual launch.
Several mothers came to speak with me at the event about their concerns and I have been able to direct them to the relevant member of the Diabetes UK team so they can receive the support they need.
Sammy Oates, Harrogate
Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.
Harrogate’s Nelson Inn sold to pub restaurant chainThe Nelson Inn on the A59 is set to reopen in the autumn following a takeover by a pub restaurant chain.
Brunning and Price said today it was “thrilled” to have received the keys for the 18th century inn, which has changed hands several times in recent years.
The new owners have a portfolio of 80 pub restaurants, including the Highwayman in Kirkby Lonsdale and the Bull at Broughton.
They plan to spend the next few months refurbishing the Nelson Inn, which is on Skipton Road in Killinghall, before a planned reopening in early October.
Former popular Harrogate French restaurant Chez la Vie owned the pub in 2019, before new owners took it on in 2020, which also saw a sweet shop and ice cream parlour launched at the site on Skipton Road.
Mary Willcock, managing director at Brunning and Price, said:
‘’You’ll find us traditional in style, with wooden floors, bookcases, open fires, trusty old furniture and lots of rugs and plants. We love to restore old buildings, learning about the character they have within them.
“Being foodies, our menu, which will be published on our website each morning, will be something of an eclectic mix, striking a balance of hearty pub classics, complemented by more exotic influences from around the world.
“We think simple things done well are often the best and we want to create a friendly atmosphere in attractive surroundings where locals, regulars and new customers can meet, eat, drink and relax. That for us, is what being a good pub in the heart of its community is all about.’’
Read more:
The Nelson Inn was built around 1776 and remained a private house until early in the 19th century.
For much of its early years the pub used to be more or less a farm with a sack over the door where locals came in for a drink.
It received its name around 1805 when Nelson was victorious at the Battle of Trafalgar and it has remained all that time, except for its short spell as Chez La Vie in 2019.
Brunning and Price is set to launch a recruitment drive for the pub, with job opportunities including management, chefs, front of house, cleaners and gardeners.
Harrogate district schools get in jubilee spirit
Schools in the Harrogate district are celebrating the Queen’s platinum jubilee ahead of next week’s half-term holidays.
Pupils have been making crafts, performing re-enactments and putting on performances to commemorate the Queen’s 70th year on the throne.
If you have images of jubilee activities at your school, send them to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add them to this article.
Harrogate Ladies’ College
The Harrogate Ladies’ College held a special jubilee dinner and finished it off with a ceilidh.
Springwater School
The sixth form students at the Harrogate school put on a opened their own jubilee bakery with home-made scones, cakes and jam.
The students also decorated the school in red, white and blue and had their own version of the Queen sat in the school.
St Peter’s Church of England Primary School
Pupils at St Peter’s have had a busy week celebrating the platinum jubilee.
This week Owl class held a tea party with a specially choreographed dance to perform alongside ‘Dancing for Wellbeing’ a local group of elderly residents who dance for their health and enjoyment.
The school had a full church service followed by an afternoon of craft making flags, keyrings and painting canvases and stones.

Years 3 and 4
Starbeck Primary Academy
Children dressed up in red, white, blue, purple and silver. They had a day making craft and artwork that was all dedicated to Her Majesty.
Scotton Lingerfield Primary School
Children at Scotton Lingerfield dressed up in red, white and blue and took part in craft activities this week.
Fountains Church of England Primary School
Fountains Church School has held a week of jubilee activities for its students.
The children danced and sang whilst decorating plates to keep as a momento of the platinum jubilee.
An afternoon tea was also held for all the parents with the children spending much of the morning preparing sandwiches and cakes for the adults to enjoy.
Upper Nidderdale Primary Federation – Glasshouses Community Primary, St Cuthbert’s C of E and Fountains Earth C of E Primary Schools
This week the three schools have been learning about the Queen’s reign and commemorated the event by burying a time capsule and planting a rose tree.
The children also performed a song, made crowns and painted portraits of the Queen.
Over the week, the schools invited parents in to enjoy tea and cakes.
Today, children across all three schools will come together to enjoy an afternoon tea at lunchtime.
Kirkby Malzeard Church of England Primary School
Children at Kirkby Malzeard School made crowns and decorated cakes to celebrate the jubilee.
Dacre Braithwaite Church of England Primary School
Pupils at Dacre Braithwaite Primary enjoyed a jubilee themed day yesterday with a variety of activities.
The children learnt about the significance of the Union Jack flag and to sing the National Anthem. They also made and decorated 96 jubilee buns and made their own crowns.
They did plan to have an outdoor street party but unfortunately the weather meant it had to be inside but headteacher, Jo Dobbs said it was still a “brilliant day”.
Western Primary School
Children from Western Primary School had their faces painted and got to dress up for the day today as they learnt about the Queen’s 70-year reign.
The students spent the morning learning about the jubilee and what the Queen has done during her reign.
Angelique Coatesworth, year 3 and four phase leader, said:
“We watched a clip of the original coronation and marvelled at the pomp and ceremony, especially the golden coach. All the children were fascinated with our discussions on what life was like back when the queen was coronated at just 25 years old.
“We made some commemorative art of the queen’s face. The children worked very carefully on these. Our dress up winners each received a royal themed book. This was organised by our wonderful family and friends.”
Killinghall Church of England Primary School
Pupils at Killinghall Primary School held a coronation with a garden party and a musical concert.
Grewelthorpe Church of England Primary School
Students at the school held a coronation re-enactment using props and costumes they made themselves.
Andrew Breckon, year 5 and 6 teacher, said:
“We held it in the village church and then had a tea party back at school with our new ‘Elizabeth sponge’ which the children made too.”

Students from Grewelthorpe made their own costumes for the re-enactment.
St Robert’s Catholic Primary School
The year 2 Starlings class at St Robert’s got their very own visit from the Queen.
Read more:
- Knaresborough to host history festival for jubilee weekend
- Harrogate youngster watches Leeds drama from bench…before sitting GCSEs today
Brackenfield School
Brackenfield School is preparing for a jubilee showcase tomorrow with readings, music and performances by the children.
The first half will be led by the infants performing two original songs written by the school’s music director, Helen Leaf, and classic London-based songs such as Lambeth Walk.
The second half of the showcase will begin with a montage from the school’s junior choir, including musical numbers and readings, guiding the audience through the life of the Queen up to the present day.
Headteacher Joe Masterson said:
“The jubilee is a fantastic opportunity for us to hold an afternoon filled with delicious cakes and impressive entertainment, highlighting the wonderful and wide-ranging talents of our children. They have been rehearsing tirelessly, all eagerly anticipating their performances, and can’t wait to host our special guests.”
Moorside Primary School
Children at Moorside Primary School in Ripon were gifted special, wooden pennies from the Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels to commemorate the jubilee.
The pennies have been made by a team of workers at Jennyruth Workshops and have been gifted to every pupil at the 17 primary schools in the city and surrounding villages.
The school held a garden party, attended by a woman looking very much like Her Majesty, organised a Royal Bake Off and dressed in red, white and blue.
Headteacher Claire Rowett said:
“We’ve had a week of celebrations involving our children and staff and everybody was in a joyous jubilee mood, as we look forward to the the events being held in the city centre and residential streets.”
“As a prelude to the extended Bank Holiday weekend, we created a portrait gallery with pictures of the Queen drawn by pupils.”

The children, with Union Jacks in hand, prepare for ‘The Queen’s’ arrival

The Queen’ meets one of the pupils at Moorside Primary
Follifoot Church of England Primary School


St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
St Joseph’s school celebrated on earlier this week with all the children dressing in red, white and blue and enjoying a street party on the playground and playing field.
Children and their families were invited to join the event. Children sang, shared foods, played party games and took part in a royal quiz.
Ashville College
Children at Ashville College made the shape of the number 70 whilst a drone flew overhead to take their picture.
Highfield Prep
Children made decorations, dressed up, and planted saplings for the Queen’s Green Canopy
Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate division which will see four candidates standing for election.
Michael Harrison, Conservative
The Conservative candidate for the division is Michael Harrison.
Mr Harrison currently sits on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council as a councillor.
He is also the executive member for adult services and health integration on the county council.
On why he is standing, Mr Harrison said:
“I am the only candidate who lives in the Killinghall, Hampsthwaite & Saltergate electoral division.
“I have represented the area for 20 years as a parish, borough and county councillor. I have a track record of working all year round, not just at election time and will help deliver the new council for North Yorkshire if given the opportunity on May 5.”
Bill Rigby, Green Party
Bill Rigby is the Green Party candidate for Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate division.
Mr Rigby lives in Knaresborough with his family and became the first Green Party mayor of the town in 2016.
He worked as a consultant and teacher in eduction and set up a university in East Africa.
He said he spent his working life “fixing” things and feels this experience will help him being a councillor.
Mr Rigby said:
“It has become apparent that our society needs ‘fixing’, but the problems run deep, so the mending process involves us all working together, in harmony, with an eye on a common goal.
“I feel my experience is just right to help our district succeed in this endeavour. Old methods and ‘business as usual’ have led us in the wrong direction.
“I am now convinced that Green values and principles offer the best route to a happier future, not only for ourselves but also for all our companions and fellow creatures.”
Edward Clayson, Labour
The Labour candidate for the division is Edward Clayson.
Mr Clayson is a mental health nurse in the NHS and has lived and worked in Harrogate for 30 years.
He is currently branch secretary for the Harrogate Labour Party and has been a member for the past decade.
Mr Clayson said, if elected, his aim would be to get a “fair and equitable” service from the council for all.
He said:
“I am passionate about the NHS and, in particular, trying to improve mental health services in the Harrogate district
“I have been involved in local campaigns, including the Save Nidd Gorge campaign and also have campaigned for a mental health services.
“If elected for North Yorkshire County Council, I will work in the best interests of all residents in this ward hoping to ensure a fair and equitable service from the council to all.”
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
David Goode, Liberal Democrat
David Goode is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the division on election day.
A Knaresborough resident for 30 years, Mr Goode is currently a councillor on North Yorkshire County Council and Knaresborough Town Council.
He is also a member of Knaresborough Connectors, Community Land Trust and Chair of Governors at Aspin Park Academy school.
During his working life, he worked as an IT consultant and sales and marketing specialist. He has since retired.
Mr Goode said, if elected, he would help establish stronger rural and urban communities.
He said:
New Harrogate pub opens tomorrow“Through NYCC Locality Fund I have supported the establishment of a new youth group for 7-to-11-year olds, provided funding to set up community gardening projects, helped fund two defibrillators in the town and in partnership with Knaresborough Connectors helped fund laptops for school children during the pandemic.
“The key to establishing stronger urban and rural communities is the provision of affordable public transport – subsidised – fairer integrated ticketing between bus companies and rail with integrated timetables between bus companies and rail.”
The Curious Cow of Harrogate will open to the public tomorrow after a £650,000 rebrand.
Revere Pub Company, which has transformed the former Old Spring Well pub, has held a series of soft launches and opening parties over the last week.
The pub, on the A59 in Killinghall, provides contemporary dishes alongside pub classics, plus pizza and steak.
General manager Michael Baravelli is well known on the local hospitality scene, having worked at venues such as the Gino D’Acampo restaurant in Harrogate, The Joiner’s Arms in Hampsthwaite and The Pine Marten in Harrogate.

Michael Baravelli
He said:
“We are looking forward to creating a beautiful space where the community can escape, switch off and enjoy what we have to offer.”
The revamp has created 40 jobs at the site, which was known as the Travellers Rest before it became the Old Spring Well.
Revere Pub Company, which has 16 pubs in the UK, has replaced the children’s play area outside with a seating area.
Read more:
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Mayor Trevor Chapman pulls a pint.