Extreme hot weather affected the Harrogate district today. Here’s a look back at today’s heatwave news.

It’s supposed to be even hotter tomorrow — please send details of travel problems/cancellations etc to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

6.49pm – Harrogate Grammar School to close tomorrow

Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is to close tomorrow due to the extreme weather.

In an email to parents, headteacher Neil Renton said:

“The classrooms seem to be tracking at least 2 to 3 degrees above the external temperature.

“The forecast for tomorrow from 1pm is 36 degrees with this rising to 38 degrees by 2pm. We have found even the temperature today to be an unbearable temperature for children to learn.

“Despite our best efforts to cool the building over the weekend, closing all the blinds, we now have high levels of residual heat in school from a very warm day today.

“Despite giving out free bottles of cold water to the children at lunch, our site team making outdoor spray stations and adjusting uniform expectations, the school has been very uncomfortable.

“The fact that we have a very strong remote learning offer, developed through two lockdowns, means that we can maintain the continuity of provision.

“As a result, we have made the decision to close the school due to the extreme weather conditions forecast.”

Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.

If you have details of other school closures tomorrow, message us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

5.25pm – Help a hedgehog during the heatwave

HAPPY (hedgehog appreciation prickly pals Yorkshire), based in Ramsgill, has asked people to leave a bowl of water out for hedgehogs during this week’s heatwave.

5.25pm – Fountains Abbey to open tomorrow – but no guided tours

National Trust-owned Fountains Abbey has said it will open tomorrow but urged people not to bring dogs and to consider coming on Wednesday, when cooler temperatures are forecast.

1/3 Whew! Today was a scorcher and tomorrow is set to be even hotter. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal will be open tomorrow but we would really recommend visiting on a different day if you can.
The site is very large with steep hills and few shady spaces. Visitors should prepare pic.twitter.com/AmhpXcSMQX

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

2/3 for walking for long periods in the direct sun and bring plenty of water and suncream. Please don't bring dogs with you if you're planning a visit tomorrow.
The weather is due to break on Wednesday so we should be back to normal then. For now, we wont be running

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

3/3/ guided tours and we may have to close some areas early for the welfare of our team.
Stay safe and cool – we'll be posting about ice and snow before you know it!

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

3.45pm – Some bin collections delayed

Harrogate Borough Council has said not all of its scheduled bin collections have been completed today because of the rising temperatures.

It has asked anyone whose collection has been missed to leave their bin out and crews will aim to return when the weather is cooler later this week.

Some collections from today (Monday) are also outstanding as our crews deal with the rising temperatures. Please continue to leave your waste or recycling out as we'll aim to return later in the week.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022

3.15pm – No London trains from Harrogate tomorrow

LNER has confirmed that no trains will be running from Harrogate to London Kings Cross tomorrow.

The company is running a reduced service due to extreme heat.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840

2.25pm – Temperatures reach 34 degrees in Knaresborough

The temperature has reached 34 degrees in Knaresborough, according to local weather stations.

Areas in Harrogate are currently at 32 degrees.

2.05pm – New caves keep people cool at How Stean Gorge

Visitors to How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale are keeping cool by using two new caves that the attraction has bought.

The two new caves are Hazel Close Cave, which is about 120 metres long and only accessible via a ladder, although features a walking passage for 37 metres. Oxbow Cave is the second new cave, on the north side of How Stean Gorge and is 25 metres in length.

Tony Liddy, director of How Stean Gorge, said: 

“We’ve transformed the site with our ambitious expansion plans to cater to the huge demand for adventure tourism. Acquiring the caves is an important part of that, as we want to showcase nature’s stunning playground in this unique gorge that has existed for ten thousand years, since the last Ice Age.”

1.05pm Quiet on the Stray in the afternoon sun

It looks like most people are heeding the warnings not to sit out in the sun today, with the Stray looking all but deserted in the high temperatures.

We saw just a few people walking across the grass, and even one runner, but it’s much quieter than usual for this time of day.

Meanwhile, the town centre itself feels quiet, though some hardy shoppers were still out on Cambridge Street – mostly sticking to the shade along the south side.

12.58pm: 34 degrees reported in Burn Bridge

According to local weather stations, Burn Bridge is the current hotspot, with the mercury hitting 34 degrees centigrade.

12.44pm – Umbrellas up as Harrogate hits 30 degrees

It’s a day for brollies… although not for their usual purpose. How are you spending your lunch hour?

11.45am – Harrogate charity offers help during extreme heat

Harrogate Easier Living Project has offered support to those struggling during the hot weather.

The charity is offering people emotional and practical support during the soaring temperatures.

If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with the heat, needs help and doesn't know where to turn, please call HELP on 01423 813090 and we can offer friendly practical & emotional support in #Harrogate #Knaresborough #Ripon and surrounding villages #HeretoHELP @HADCAcharity pic.twitter.com/9M3YJvNm8h

— HELP charity #HereToHELP (@HELP_Harrogate) July 18, 2022

11.30am – Ripon family enjoys the sun

It’s warmer than the Bahamas at the Borrage Green Lane Paddling Pool in Ripon, where mum Paula and her children Oli, two, Ted, six, and 10-year-old Arabella were managing to keep cool with an 11am dip.

11.15am – County council urges people to look out for each other

North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to look out for each other during the extreme heat.

Let's look out for each other during the hot weather.

Please remember to check on family, friends or neighbours who may need help keeping cool.

The heat can affect anyone, but for some it can have serious effects on health.

Get #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/aq0af1CC4V

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 18, 2022

10.55am – Knaresborough Town postpones match

Knaresborough Town AFC has postponed its pre-season friendly tomorrow due to the red weather warning.

The club was due to play Campion AFC at Manse Lane tomorrow evening.

https://twitter.com/KnaresboroughFC/status/1548664274280669185

10.50am – Convention centre issues advice

Harrogate Convention Centre has issued advice to those attend this week’s Home and Gift Fair.

The event is set to take place this week during the heatwave.

The convention centre has advised attendees to drink plenty of fluids, bring water with them and to look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated.

https://twitter.com/HgtConventions/status/1547895249137111043?s=20&t=zSOw9DeeoAzafHyGYK5Xbw

10.35am – Boroughbridge care home residents enjoy ice cream amid heatwave

Residents at Boroughbridge Manor care home kept cool over the weekend amid the hot weather with ice cream.

The home timed the treats well for National Ice Cream Day as the Met Office issued a red warning for extreme heat.

Ann, a resident said:

“I absolutely love ice cream. There really isn’t anything nicer on a hot summer’s day. We have had loads to sample today with all kinds of different sprinkles and sauces. They have all been truly delicious.”

9.55am – Yorkshire Ambulance Service urges people to take responsibility for themselves during extreme heat

Yorkshire Ambulance Service has issued advice amid the hot weather.

The service is asking people to take responsibility for themselves so ambulance crews can respond to the seriously ill across the region during the heatwave.

Dr Steven Dykes, Executive Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:

“This advice is common sense but, by reminding everyone, we hope that it will help to reduce the number of people who suffer any ill-effects from the hot weather.

“We will always respond to anyone needing time-critical medical assistance, but we ask that people think carefully before dialling 999 and only call for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.

“People suffering from minor illnesses and injuries should consider more appropriate services, such as visiting their local pharmacist or GP, attending a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111.”

9.40am – Direct trains to London cancelled

Direct trains from Harrogate to London Kings Cross have been cancelled due to the extreme heat.

LNER is running a reduced timetable amid the weather warning.

Network Rail is advising that passengers only travel if necessary both today and tomorrow.

9.25am – Advice for drivers in extreme heat

If you’re planning on driving today, National Highways has issued advice for precautions to take before getting on the road.

It includes taking a bottle of water in your car, leaving plenty of time for your journey and checking your vehicle before you leave.

You can read the advice here.

9.15am – Spa Croquet Club postpones match

Spa Croquet Club, which plays at Studley Royal Cricket Club, has postponed its match which was due to be played today.

The Federation match has been postponed to Monday, July 25.

The friendly against Ben Rhydding due to be played today has also been postponed, but a new date has yet to be agreed.

9.10am – Dog walkers up early in Harrogate

Some dog walkers were up early to beat the rising temperatures this morning.

The heat is expected to reach highs of 34 degrees in Harrogate today.

9am – Hospitals, schools and care homes braced for hot weather

Schools, care homes and public services across the Harrogate district are putting in place measures to protect vulnerable people from the extreme temperatures expected today and tomorrow.

With the Met Office forecasting highs of 38C and red warnings in place, there is a risk to health, especially for the elderly, very young and people with existing medical condition.

You can read more on how schools, hospitals and care homes are preparing here.

8.50am – Ripon Cathedral School reschedules Shrek performance

With temperatures rising, Ripon Cathedral Primary on Priest Lane has organised for a portable air conditioning unit to be put in place in the school hall and planned performances of the Legend of Shrek by key stage 2 pupils, to be re-scheduled from tomorrow, to Wednesday and Thursday.

In a message to parents and carers, head teacher Steven Holmes said he had taken the difficult decision to move the sold-out performances until later in the week.

He said:

“We are concerned about the potential temperatures in the hall for the Tuesday performances of Shrek with over 200 bodies in one space.

“As a school we have invested in LED lighting to reduce heat and have organised for a portable air conditioning unit.”

Tickets bought for tomorrow’s performances will be automatically transferred.

8.40am – Amber weather warning

The Met Office has an amber weather warning of extreme heat for the Harrogate today and tomorrow.

The warning means that “population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life.”

It also means that “substantial changes” in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required.

8.30am – Fountains Abbey makes changes amid hot weather

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal at Ripon has made changes amid the hot weather.

Its Studley refreshment kiosk will be closing at midday and guided tours of the abbey and water gardens will not be taking place.

8am – Northern: Only travel if necessary

Northern has urged passengers to only travel if necessary during the extreme heat.

It has also warned that its services could be cancelled at short notice amid the hot weather.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1548918144286175234

Thirty acres of land valued at £5m on the outskirts of Harrogate has been sold.

Land agents Lister Haigh had been marketing the green fields, which are adjacent to Forest Lane and Forest Moor Road, as having potential for future development subject to planning permission.

The company said the location benefited from nearby commuter access to Leeds and York from Starbeck and Knaresborough train stations.

The fields between Harrogate and Knaresborough are designated as green belt land to prevent urban sprawl.

Current planning rules prohibit housing from being built on the green belt unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Other exceptions are for agricultural and forestry buildings and some outdoor sports facilities.

Read more:

• New Harrogate Station Gateway details revealed today
• Harrogate roads set for three weeks of resurfacing work

The land is not allocated in Harrogate Borough Council‘s Local Plan, which sets out where development can take place until 2034.

The fields are in the division of Liberal Democrat county and district councillor Pat Marsh.

Cllr Marsh said:

“The land in question is green belt and therefore protected from development. There are exceptional circumstances such as a sports pitch and the needs of forestry workers, other than that the only other reason would be lack of housing land and Harrogate is certainly not short of that. I am keeping a firm eye on the land.”

Knaresborough golfer John Parry is leading the likes of Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau after the first day at The Open Championship.

Parry, competing in his first Open, shot a three-under par 69 to end yesterday five shots off the lead.

If he posts another good round today he will make the cut for the weekend and play at St Andrews in Scotland alongside the biggest names in the sport.

Parry, who grew up in Knaresborough, is an honorary member of Harrogate Golf Club and still plays the course regularly.

The club, just off the A59, dates back to 1892 and is the oldest in Harrogate.

Club pros Sam Everson and Gary Stothard have known him since their junior days together and Mr Everson said everyone at the club was delighted to see him doing so well:

“He’s a local guy who has worked hard on his game. He’s never got above his station — guys turn up on the tee and he will have a game with them.”

Parry, 35, represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup before turning professional at the end of 2007.

Read more:

• Harrogate and Knaresborough trains to Leeds to be reinstated in December
• Knaresborough school pays tribute to former headteacher

He has competed on the European Tour and even won a tour event but currently plays on the second-tier Challenge Tour.

Parry, who now lives in Leeds, has twice played at the US Open and made the cut on both occasions.

He needed to finish in the top four of the final qualifier to compete at St Andrews this week. He finished joint fourth and then won the play-off.

Mr Everson said:

“You could tell he was talented even at a young age. He had a natural swing and a very gifted short game.”

A man has been arrested following a crash near Knaresborough in the early hours of this morning.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement this afternoon that it responded to calls about a car that had left the road on the A59.

It occurred near junction 47 of the A1(M), at Flaxby.

Officers attended but could not locate the driver.

Following further enquiries, a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

He remains in custody while enquiries continue.

Read more:

• Police anti-social driving clampdown makes 10 arrests in Harrogate district
• Local firm averts traffic danger at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has declared his support for Rishi Sunak in the Conservative leadership contest.

Former Chancellor Mr Sunak is regarded as the front runner of eight candidates vying to become party leader and the next Prime Minister.

Mr Jones said he supported the Richmond MP even though he, along with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, had received a fine for breaching covid regulations.

Mr Jones previously said of Mr Johnson that “lawbreakers can’t be lawbreakers” but he said Mr Sunak’s situation was different:

“For most people that was a surprise as he turned up at Number 10 for a meeting and walked into the Cabinet room as the Prime Minister was being presented with a cake.  Once he received the fine he paid it.

“There was no dissembling, no denial and no appeal even though many thought it was harsh.  He accepted the ruling.  I think people understand the difference between that and the many months of changing claims that preceded the Prime Minister’s fine.”

Writing on his Community News website, Mr Jones added:

“We face challenging times so we need a Prime Minister who is strong and with proven economic ability and business credibility.

“In the field of foreign affairs we need someone already known and respected on the international stage to keep the pressure on Russia to quit Ukraine.

“The country needs someone who is consistent and transparent to reinvigorate trust in politics.

Read more:

• Andrew Jones MP calls on Boris Johnson to resign
• Andrew Jones MP backs bid for levelling up cash to fund HCC redevelopment

Mr Sunak’s rivals have pledged tax cuts but he has warned against “comforting fairytales” and promised fiscal prudence instead.

Mr Jones’ comments do not mention tax cuts but address inflation at length.

“The new Prime Minister needs to look at those structural imbalances in our economy that make us susceptible to inflation.

“That means addressing our dependence on fossil fuels and boosting the productivity and capacity of the economy.

“While addressing these long-term structural problems he or she needs to protect those most affected by rapidly rising prices.  This may be through the benefits system, through increasing the living wage, through education in how to lower personal and household costs or through a variety of other means.”

Conservative MPs will vote in a secret leadership ballot today. Candidates who fail to get 30 votes will be eliminated. A new leader will be decided on September 5.

Julian Smith, Skipton and Ripon MP, and Nigel Adams, Selby and Ainsty MP, whose constituencies both include parts of the Harrogate district, have yet to publicly say who they support.

Fire has destroyed a workshop in the Harrogate district this evening.

Firefighters from Ripon and Harrogate were called to the blaze at Bishop Monkton, which is five miles south of Ripon.

Tony Walker, station manager for York, Selby and Tadcaster tweeted about the incident tonight.

He added:

“Investigation is underway to determine the cause. No injuries reported.”

Crews from Ripon & Harrogate have just dealt with workshop fire in the village of Bishop Monkton. Investigation is underway to determine the cause. No injuries reported. @theyorkmix @BBCYork pic.twitter.com/sEdEZgc2VH

— Tony Walker (@sierra18NY) July 12, 2022

Read more:

• Firefighter photos reveal extent of Harrogate district field fire
• Six baby hedgehogs in Ripon rescued from bonfire at last minute

Early morning trains from Harrogate and Knaresborough to Leeds are to be reinstated in December.

Rail operator Northern has confirmed to the Harrogate Line Supporters Group that the company will revert to its December 2021 timetable.

It means the 6.07am and 6.33am services will return, and hourly rather than two-hourly trains will operate in the evening.

Northern reduced services in May, blaming lack of resources and the need to recruit and train more drivers.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones was among those criticising the move.

Pete Myers, stakeholder manager at Northern, has written to the Harrogate Line Supporters Group saying Network Rail has approved its plans to revert to the December 2021 timetable.

Brian Dunsby, of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group, welcomed the news, saying:

“This is what we have wanted all along. They cancelled services without consulting with us or anybody and got quite a backlash for it.”

Read more:

• Harrogate commuters frustrated as early trains axed today
• Andrew Jones MP urges Northern to ‘rethink’ cuts to Harrogate trains

Which services are affected?

Mr Dunsby detailed what the changes will mean to commuters.

“This means that the 6.07 and 6.33 services to Leeds will be reinstated calling at all stations and due into Leeds at 06:44 and 07:10 respectively.

“These are very important for business and leisure travellers to London and other destinations from Leeds.

“They also hope to reinstate the 08:05 service from Harrogate to Leeds due into Leeds at 08.41.

“They also hope to reinstate the 16:29 service from Leeds via Harrogate to York, departing Harrogate at 17:05 and due into York at 17:42.

“Also reinstated should be the 18:13 service from York to Leeds via Harrogate departing Harrogate at 18:47 and due into Leeds at 19:23.

“Also reinstated should be the 19:29 service from Leeds to York, departing Harrogate at 20:05 and due into York at 20:44.

“Also reinstated should be the 21:10 service from York to Leeds, departing Harrogate at 21:44 and due into Leeds at 22:21.

“Also reinstated should be the 22:39 service from Leeds to Harrogate and due into Harrogate at 23:16.

“These services should all certainly be reinstated from December 11, 2022 and possibly from September 2022 if their driver training schedule continues as planned.

“This is very good news for Harrogate Line passengers. Many thanks to the Northern rail management team for responding to our pleas.”

King James’s School in Knaresborough has paid tribute to former headteacher John Forster, who has died.

Mr Forster was in charge of the school for 16 years from 1981 to 1997.

The school issued a statement saying how sad it was to learn of his death. Mr Forster had remained a part of the school and the wider Knaresborough community well after he left the school.  The school’s tribute went on to say:

“In his time at the school he was responsible for starting the Knaresborough Fun Run, which ran with great success for very many years. He also established a school farm, complete with pigs and goats, which remained until 2004. His passion for his subject, English, kept him in the classroom, even as a busy headteacher.

“In 1990 he brought back the school magazine, The Chaloner, which had been dormant since 1974. His other great passion, tennis, allowed him to retain his connection to the school beyond his retirement.

“He devoted his considerable energy to the school long after his time as headteacher and we will miss his passion and enthusiasm.”

Mr Forster was also a chairman of Knaresborough Tennis Club, who led the bid to establish the tennis facilities that the school has today.

Read More:

• Work to fell 500 Nidd Gorge trees to start next week
• Fresh concerns over Knaresborough’s ‘most dangerous junction’

A Passion for tennis

John Forster had a love of tennis.  As headteacher of King James’s School he championed the sport to the point where the school’s teams reached national and regional finals.

in 1985 he enthusiastically supported the founding of Knaresborough Tennis Club and offered the school’s facilities for the club to use.

In 2007, when Mr Forster was elected club chairman he pushed the idea of a new club wholly based at the school.  The courts needed serious improvement but the project got the approval of the club, the school and the Lawn Tennis Association and the newly named Knaresborough King James’s Tennis Club was created.

In a tribute to John Forster, Ian Hargreaves, Knaresborough King James’s Tennis Club membership secretary said:

“John’s perseverance was key in getting the project completed in April 2011 to the satisfaction of all parties. After over 11 years of play on the new courts, club, school and LTA are very happy with the relationship, and optimistic that tennis opportunities in Knaresborough have now been guaranteed for the foreseeable future.

“Had the project not been brought to successful fruition, the club and organised tennis in Knaresborough would probably not have survived. The club has now outgrown its three courts, and four multi-use tennis/netball courts have been upgraded to cater for the increased demand.”

Mr Forster continued as club chairman until 2018 and was a committee member responsible for school liaison until his death.  Mr Hargreaves continued:

“John’s invaluable contribution to tennis did not stop at Knaresborough. He was a councillor of the Yorkshire Lawn Tennis Association from 1999 to 2016 and had been president of the YLTA on two occasions. His special responsibility on the YLTA council was tennis in schools, and he was enthusiastic in organising, and persuading others to organise, schools’ competitions across the county.

“John will be much missed by the Yorkshire tennis world.”

Harrogate’s first Lidl supermarket is set to open this autumn, the company has confirmed.

Work began in February to demolish the old Lookers car dealership on Knaresborough Road to make way for the new store.

It will be the first Lidl to open in Harrogate, although there is already one in Knaresborough.

The multi-million-pound building includes a 1,263 square metre sales area, an in-store bakery, customer toilets and 94 parking spaces.

The new store will be open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

The German-owned company is currently on a recruitment drive for staff. A Lidl spokesperson said:

“We are delighted to confirm that construction of our new Lidl store on Knaresborough Road, Harrogate is well underway.

“The store is due to open this autumn and we are currently hiring for open vacancies, so would encourage anyone interested to visit our careers website.

“We look forward to sharing more information with the local community closer to the time.”

Read more:

• Chamber meeting to focus on business support
• Sensory garden with braille plaques opens in Harrogate

Ofsted has ranked an “exceptionally well-resourced and vibrant” nursery in Knaresborough as ‘good’ in its latest inspection.

Nippers Nursery on Wetherby Road was praised for its outdoor spaces which inspectors found supported a range of educational opportunities.

Visiting at the end of May, they reported children showing “intense concentration” as they learned about nature, giving “exceptional care and concentration” when looking at insects.

The report said:

“Children of all ages show the highest levels of confidence and self-esteem as they immediately settle.

“The eagerness of children wanting their day to begin demonstrates how extremely safe and secure they feel in the nursery.”

Inspectors praised the way staff set out activities to develop children’s skills, from small muscle development and early mark-making to learning new language.

They also highlighted how the nursery encourages children to be independent, such as serving their own food and drinks at mealtimes.

Owner Julie Addyman told the Stray Ferret:

“There has been two new inspection frameworks since we were last inspected six years ago, so we felt that overall the inspection went very well.

“The staff team work so hard and it was good to hear that the inspector could see how fantastic our setting is.”

Read more:

• Ofsted praises ‘ambitious and caring’ Ripon high school
• Ofsted praise for Harrogate school that ‘turns around’ teenagers’ lives

The report suggested the nursery could improve by supporting children more with learning numbers and counting through play, and by asking questions which help to develop understanding.

Inspectors added:

“Staff are immensely proud to belong to this vibrant nursery. They are passionate about their work.

“Helping children to flourish and achieve is at the heart of everything the management team and staff do.”

Nippers offers 50 places for children aged up to four and has 18 staff, of whom 15 held early years qualifications at level three or above when inspectors visited.

The last Ofsted inspection, in 2016, rated the nursery ‘outstanding’.

Ms Addyman added:

“I’m sure like many settings, we would welcome a more regular inspection that would be used as it is meant to be – for guidance and support rather than a snap shot judgement of part of a day.

“There was a bit of disappointment that we didn’t receive outstanding but it’s always good to reflect and have a goal to work towards.

“The real judges of our overall  performance are the parents and carers that choose Nippers to be part of their family.”