Vaccination centres in the Harrogate district could open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day as part of the government drive to offer all adults a booster by the end of the year.

Firefighters are delivering vaccines in another bid to speed up the programme, public health officials in North Yorkshire revealed at a press conference today.

The officials said things were changing “very rapidly” across the country and although there were still no confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in the Harrogate district, they added it was likely to be present and spreading fast.

Read more:

• Vaccination centre to open at Harrogate hospital
• First suspected omicron cases found in Harrogate district
• Vaccine updates: Ripon racecourse opens for walk-ins

Amanda Bloor, the accountable officer for the North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, told the press conference:

“The NHS is already experiencing high demand from patients. I would continue to ask people to be patient and respectful.

“We are expecting that a number of staff leave will be cancelled to mitigate the continued pressures. They are going to be working longer hours to get everyone through.

“In terms of the booster programme. This is the most complex phase yet, we are now moving with pace. We are looking at how best to increase capacity.

“All sites are increasing capacity on a daily basis. You can now access a vaccine very early in the morning to very late at night.

“We anticipate sites being open across the county every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day but if we need to look at demand on those days we will do so.”

We have compiled a list of the sites in the Harrogate district where you can get a vaccine. You can see it by clicking or tapping here.

Harrogate District Hospital is set to open a vaccine centre tomorrow, which will only have capacity for booked appointments.

It is unclear how many vaccinations the hospital will administer a day or what times it will be open.

Harrogate Borough Council is planning to host a festival across the district in the new year to raise awareness of climate change.

The project, which has a working title of Winter Festival, looks set to take place in February 2022, according to a contract advertised by the authority.

The event is expected to involve street performance and art installations.

Stockport-based Maynineteen Ltd has been given the £50,000 contract to lead the project.

The events company has been tasked with coming up with ideas that “generate footfall and interest” in Harrogate, Ripon, Masham, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge and Boroughbridge.

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A spokesperson for the council said more details on the event would be revealed in the new year.

The spokesperson added:

“The Winter Festival is a working title for a project which is likely to change. 

“The project aims to raise awareness of the global climate change and environmental issues we are all facing. It will involve art installations and street performances, for example, and we’ll have some exciting news in the new year.”

Council officials said the contract has been paid for through the government’s Welcome Back Fund, which was designed to “promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism, particularly in high streets as their economies reopen”.

In April, the government granted the borough council £144,714 as part of the fund.

Banking facilities look set to return to Knaresborough next year after the town was selected to be one of five pilot areas for new shared banking hubs.

Knaresborough’s last bank closed this year, leaving just two high street ATMs, which often run out of cash.

The Access to Cash Action Group identified the areas in the UK most in need of additional banking facilities to become pilots.

Under the scheme, which is supported by banks, consumer groups and small business organisations, a Knaresborough location will be sought to provide at least one cash machine and banking services.

It is hoped that representatives from the various banks supporting the scheme will operate on a rotational basis in the Knaresborough hub.

They will be able to help with general banking queries and more specific issues, such as power of attorney and opening accounts.

Knaresborough Mayor, Cllr Christine Willoughby, tweeted about the proposed bank today and said she’d received a lot of excited and positive feedback from local businesses.

She said:

“I’m excited, I think it’s what we need. Our pleas have been answered, we’ve been struggling for some time with just the Post Office and two ATMs. I hope we can have some meaningful discussions in the new year.

“Bring it on.”

Read more:

• ATM outage frustrates Knaresborough stallholders
• Knaresborough Civic Society objects to plans for leisure centre

A statement by the Access to Cash Action Group said the move was part of measures designed to “mark the beginning of a long-term commitment to ensuring widespread cash and banking access for communities where services are limited”.

It added units previously used by banks were ideal locations because it made planning permission easier to obtain.

Open by Easter?

It is hoped Knaresborough’s banking hub will open by Easter, but the group said it was too early to give a definite timeframe.

Natalie Ceeney, chair of the Access to Cash Action Group, said:

“We know that demand for cash is declining, but we also know that it continues to play a vital part in the lives of at least five million people in the UK – including some of the most vulnerable in society. The community pilots have shown that there are many different ways to meet people’s cash needs.

“Informed by this experience, I’m confident that the new plan will lay the foundations for a positive future for cash access across the UK.”

As well as Knaresborough, other sites identified for hubs are Acton in west London, Brixham in Devon, Carnoustie in Angus and Syston in Leicestershire.

Events are set to take place this Christmas to teach children and young people new skills.

Called the FEASTive programme, it will see activities and event days taking place in each North Yorkshire district over the festive season.

The activities include a stop-motion animation workshop in Knaresborough, where children can learn how to make a short, festive film; as well as workshops where children can learn how to make their own Christmas dinner and Christmas gifts.

The events are funded by the Department for Education’s holiday activities and food programme, which recognises that school holidays can put additional pressures on family finances due to increased food and childcare costs.

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North Yorkshire County Council commissioned North Yorkshire Together, a partnership between Rural Arts, North Yorkshire Sport and North Yorkshire Youth, to run the programme in the county under the banner of FEAST North Yorkshire.

Cllr Patrick Mulligan, Executive Member for Education and Skills said: 

“We know the pandemic has presented many mental, physical and financial difficulties for families, children and young people. To be able to offer children healthy meals, fun activities and chances to socialise and learn new skills is vitally important.”

The sessions are open to all children and young people in North Yorkshire, but are free to those who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. They include a free hot meal or packed lunch.

Eligible families have received an information pack, along with a booklet with ideas for activities and things to do over the school holidays.

For more information on the Christmas activities, visit the North Yorkshire Together website.

Tree planting has begun across the Harrogate district to mark the queen’s platinum jubilee next year.

About 100 elm, oak, hornbeam, sycamore and lime trees will be planted in the district as part of a nationwide initiative called The Queen’s Green Canopy, which invites people from across the United Kingdom to ‘plant a tree for the jubilee’.

The trees will be planted on Harrogate’s Wetherby Road, Jacob Smiths Park in Knaresborough, High Cleugh in Ripon, Pateley Bridge recreation ground and Boroughbridge recreation ground.

One tree from each location will be saved to plant on February 6, the queen’s accession day.

Harrogate Borough Council is organising the project and hopes the initiative will also help it achieve its carbon reduction initiatives. It is encouraging everyone, including individuals, community groups, businesses and landowners to also plant a tree.

Councillor Andy Paraskos, the council’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:

“The Queen’s Green Canopy is a wonderful opportunity for us to not only honour Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee but also help address the climate situation and deliver carbon reduction initiatives throughout the Harrogate district.”

The Queen’s Green Canopy will coincide with the borough council’s plans to plant thousands of trees in Bilton Beck Wood and Willow Wood, Harrogate and Upper Horse Shoe Fields, Knaresborough as part of the White Rose Forest partnership.

To get involved and plant a tree, people can pin it to the Queen’s Green Canopy map. It will then count towards Harrogate’s total.

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• Harrogate gallery organises charity Christmas tree for refugees

The annual Boxing Day tug of war over the River Nidd in Knaresborough has been cancelled due to growing covid uncertainty.

The festive tradition attracts as many as 1,000 spectators to the banks of the Nidd and the bridge between the Half Moon and Mother Shipton’s Inn to watch teams from the two pubs compete.

But the Half Moon has announced on its Facebook page that the event will not take place because it does not want to “risk people’s health or the NHS’s ability to cope”.

It said:

“Sorry everyone but we’ve taken the decision today to cancel the tug of war event this year. The covid case numbers etc are all going the wrong way to make the event safe. Even though it’s outdoors, spectators are literally shoulder to shoulder over the bridge and on the river banks.

“We also can’t restrict the numbers of people who might attend to watch it so it would be impossible to properly manage/check NHS covid passes/ask people to put masks on etc.

“We are gutted as it’s such a fun event, a wonderful Knaresborough tradition and great for the community and our charities but hopefully we’ll get to do it next year.”

Read more:

• Knaresborough ‘bed race’ protest against raw sewage being dumped into Nidd
• Andrew Jones MP tells constituent that clarity is needed on No 10 party

Five possible cases of the Omicron variant have been found in the Harrogate district.

With the Prime Minister warning of a “tidal wave” of Omicron cases set to spread across the UK, it remains to be seen how many other events in the district are cancelled in the weeks ahead.

Knaresborough Civic Society has objected to the borough council’s proposals for a new leisure centre saying it isn’t future proof or in-keeping with the town’s heritage.

The chair of Knaresborough Civic Society, Bill Rigby, has said the current plans don’t acknowledge the climate crisis and criticises the council for choosing to tear down a building rather than adapting it.

He said the civic society is unanimous in its opinion that the current building could be re-developed to suit the town’s growing population.

Mr Rigby added that the civic society supports the investment and provision of a new leisure centre but said it was important for the group to ensure it is future proof for the next generation:

“In the present climate, especially following COP26, I don’t think we’ve been strategic with these plans or addressed the environmental impact. Surely we should be rebuilding rather than destroying? In terms of the economics it would be much cheaper too.”

The Civic Society’s concerns

In its official objection response to Harrogate Borough Council in regards to the plans the society said:

• Is there is a recognised need for any expansion of the existing swimming pool. What evidence by way or research or public consultation or survey exists to establish that there is such a need?
• Does the pool need to be expanded from four to six lanes or can the opening hours be increased?
• We are not satisfied that the council has investigated properly the much cheaper and less disruptive alternative of renewing the services within the existing structure which is only 30 years old and has recently been refurbished.
• Concerns over the loss of the safely ensconced playground and the felling of 21 mature trees
• Looks like an industrial warehouse
• We believe that this proposal will also not meet the environmental and climate saving credentials of the Council.

Read more:

• Council accused of ‘trophy investment’ for £9m purchase of Harrogate’s Royal Baths
• Eco-development could be catalyst for green housing in Harrogate district

Alternative plan

The civic society said it had seen a new set of plans produced by local architects on behalf of the community which aim to be sustainable and use the current building as its base.

The alternative plans

One of the people involved in the group putting forward the plans is David Hull who set up the NotOff group to protect Fsyche Field from development.

He said the plans are on behalf of a group of locals to offer an alternative proposal that is “cheaper, greener and far less environmental destructive”.

The society’s plans are being offered to Harrogate Borough Council as an alternative option.

As Henshaws celebrates the progress it has made for those with learning difficulties and disabilities in the past 50 years, the current principal believes there is much work still to do.

The Duchess of Kent , pictured, opened the college in 1971 when it was smaller and only for people with visual impairments. The college and attitudes have changed significantly since that day.

Today the charity welcomes a more diverse range of people, including those aged 16 to 25 with a range of sensory impairments, autism, physical disabilities, learning difficulties and specialist healthcare needs.

Coronavirus forced more muted anniversary celebrations, with students learning how to sign happy birthday in Makaton and creating art to express their feelings about the milestone.

Adrian Sugden, the current principal, is proud of the legacy and has big plans for the future. He told the Stray Ferret:

“I think Harrogate has a strong connection with Henshaws. Just in the three years I have been here I have seen that connection only grow stronger. We get much more support.

“It is lovely taking the students into Harrogate. They all wear their lanyards to say where they are from and they get lots of recognition.

“Lots of the local businesses are much more supportive as well. Not as many as I would like, I want to get more companies accepting students for work experience.

“I have seen people’s awareness of disabilities improving. They are starting to see our students as people who can contribute positively even though they have complex needs.”

Jono Lancaster (right) and Principal Adrian Sugden (left) presented graduating students with their certificates.

The last couple of years with coronavirus has been difficult for Henshaws. While the college remained open throughout thanks to the commitment of staff, the charity has struggled.

Last year the Stray Ferret reported how Henshaws made the decision to close its supported living supported living services and residential services, which were taken by North Yorkshire County Council and Homes Together.

Mr Sugden pointed to a problem with the way the college is funded. As it is classed as independent it cannot access government or council funding so when it needs money the only way is through fundraising or increasing fees.

Read more:

• Henshaws to close homes service for disabled by October
• Henshaws arts and craft centre to reopen thanks to £100,000 grant
• New provider to take on Henshaws residential services

One of the things Mr Sugden has enjoyed seeing is the increasing number of opportunities for students in Harrogate.

Not only is there Hopkins for those with learning difficulties and disabilities. Harrogate Skills 4 Living Centre opened its Harrogate Chocolate Factory cafe earlier this year and Artizen is also planning to open a cafe. He added:

“It’s really positive to see that progress but sadly we are following America’s lead on this. I am doing a really interesting piece of work with Harrogate College on this at the moment.

“I am also a believer in job carving, where our students could do one type of job which they enjoy at many different businesses. That way our students could make an incredible contribution.

“When you look at the national statistics of people with disabilities going into employment, it’s frighteningly low. If we could improve that in Harrogate the town could become a leading example.

As a personal trainer and coach, as well as a journalist, I have never been a fan of the ‘New Year, New You’ concept.

Firstly, there is nothing wrong with the old you. You might feel a bit partied out and like you’ve over-indulged at Christmas, but that’s normal and it doesn’t make you a bad person. You certainly don’t have to embark on some ridiculous exercise regime and diet fad after the clock strikes 12 on December 31.

Secondly, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t start now, or why you can’t carry on hitting your goals or even just maintain a level of consistency with your training during December.

A Baileys and a mince pie isn’t going to destroy your progress and I can guarantee if you start exercising now – even if it’s just a brisk walk around the shops – you will feel better prepared come the New Year.

There are plenty of personal trainers and coaches across the Harrogate district who feel the same.

They have shared some of their views and tips on why we shouldn’t wait until January when it comes to health and fitness.

Lyndsay Wells, Fit Harrogate PT 

“I can understand why people slow down or stop training in December, especially after the last year.

“I think a lot of people are feeling pretty drained and fatigued mentally, but this is where nutrition and exercise become even more important.

“Getting adequate protein, fibre and nutrients, plus regular exercise, really helps with positivity, mental clarity, sleep and energy levels. Even a 20-30 minute walk each day counts.

“The other thing that sets people back at this time of year is the “All or nothing” mentality. The mindset that because it’s Christmas and there are social occasions and lots of festive food to enjoy, that they then just throw everything out of the window.

“It doesn’t have to be like that. We can still maintain progress or even continue to improve, it’s about doing little things consistently and keeping positive habits like eating slowly, staying hydrated and maintaining activity levels.

My tips in short:

• Eat slowly and stop when you feel satisfied
• Move regularly and get outside for a short walk after a meal, even fidgeting adds up to your daily activity
• Stay hydrated and drink a soft drink between alcoholic one
• Choose low calorie mixers and spirits with a mixer where possible over beer, lager or wine
• Prioritise protein at every meal
• Try to eat at least one portion of fresh vegetables to each meal
• Remember you can still enjoy all the Christmas food without making yourself feel sick, irritable, bloated and lethargic

Sarah Meegan, Meegan Fit, Ripon

“What would you say if I said you should start your fitness journey in December?

“We put so much on the back-burner for the sake of potentially a three to four-day window.

“If we think about this in terms of meals. Lets say we have roughly six to eight meals consisting of festive food and drink in between now and New Year.

“There are 24 days remaining of December. If you eat three meals per day, that’s 72 meals.

“So you put off starting your New Year’s fitness journey because of that many meals out of 72?! Sounds ridiculous when we put it like that doesn’t it?

“When clients approach me for personal training and coaching in December for a New Year’s start I always ask “why January?”.

“If it’s a financial issue, then I can rationalise. But if it’s a motivation issue or fear of “ruining hard work” over the festive period then I will always actively encourage them to get ahead of themselves and get started in December.

“A full month to get a month ahead of their targets and goals. That’s an absolute no brainer.

“Starting and maintaining a healthier lifestyle takes motivation. Instilling good habits in December will enable discipline to your goals in January.

“So my message is if you’ve got goals you want to achieve in 2022, get started now.

Lauren Randell Fitness, Harrogate

“It’s Christmas time, there’s no need to be afraid… of “ruining” all your hard work in the gym this year.

“It is remaining consistent with healthy habits over time that determines your health and fitness, not a week of mince pies and a glass of red with Santa.

“Whether you choose to indulge in chocolate and remain horizontal binge-watching Love Actually for a week or not, what matters is how you feel about your decisions this festive season.

“How you feel about your decisions is far more important than the decision itself.

“Do you feel in control? Do you feel guilty? Do you feel pressure to overeat or drink around family and friends? Do you feel like exercising? Does it feel like calories and food consume your thoughts at Christmas?

“There is this assumption that because it is Christmas we are obligated to whip out the “stretchy pants” and fill ourselves to the brim at any and all occasions. But how would it feel to decide to not do that? To stop when you feel full. To say no to that extra glass. To take back some control over what you eat.

“Similarly, how would it feel to say yes to all those things you love, yes to the cake, yes to the gin and take some time to rest and not feel guilty for it?

“However you decide to spend your festive season, it is important to remember it is a choice. Your choice. You decide what you want to eat, you decide how it is going to make you feel and you decide how you spend your Christmas and New year.

“There is no right or wrong. These are pressures we put on ourselves.

“You don’t need to wait until January to continue your fitness journey. You don’t need to train harder to “work off” the extra food you might have eaten. You don’t need to do anything.

“You are fine how you are and you are loved no matter what, so do whatever makes you feel your best you this Christmas.

“Ps. If your scales shoot up, don’t worry. Most of this will be water retention not body fat. Be reassured that you cannot lose or gain body fat that quickly.”

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Matthew Goodall, F45 Training Harrogate

“I’ll just start in January” might seem like a logical idea, a bit like not wanting to start a diet on a Sunday.

However, there really is no time like the present and here are four reasons why:

1. Beat the January rush: “We’ve all been there. Gym bag in hand, stood in reception looking in on a swarm of ‘New Year, New Me’ gym-goers. Wishing for that time when you could roam the gym using equipment when you want it. Well, now’s your chance. Gyms this time of year are usually pretty quiet, giving you the chance to get in early on those Christmas gains.”

2. Damage limitation: “We all know we use Christmas as an excuse for anything. Chocolate for breakfast? Why not? It’s Christmas. But all your hard work throughout the rest of the year doesn’t have to go to waste. If you are short of time, add in a few high intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions. HIIT sessions are quick, easy and great for burning calories. Adapt your workouts to suit your schedule and keep going throughout December.”

3. Mental health: “Knowing that one-in-four people will experience some kind of mental health issue this December, it is now, more then ever, important to concentrate on that. With less sunlight, depression, anxiety and other forms of mental health battles can really start to take hold. But for some, gyms, training and fitness can be a lifeline. It is a proven fact that exercise releases feel-good endorphins and is therefore great for our self-esteem and cognitive function.”

4. Covid : “While we continue to battle a pandemic, exercise is vital in helping our bodies to fight Covid. We all know that as a result of obesity, poor health and bad diet choices, our bodies are less equipped and more likely to suffer with illness and disease. So now is not the time to sit back and wait until the New Year.”

Alice Hardy, Hardy’s Health and Fitness, Harrogate

“Who else is feeling seriously demotivated at the moment?

“I adore my clients and their ridiculous hard work. But every single year, the winter hits and boom, everyone is feeling, dull, demotivated, sluggish and they just don’t feel like they are hitting their goals as quickly as they should be.

“We are all the same, people then drop off towards the end of the year and think “oh well I’ll attack it in January”, but why? That is one whole month of your life that you could be using it to grow and get that one per cent better.

“It’s funny how our brains work.

“But let’s change it and think we have one whole month left for the rest of 2021. What are you going to do to make it better ? I want to make people feel excited about training, feel excited about going to the gym instead of dreading it.”

“There is a tendency to try and hit full send on everything we do when January hits.

“But by focusing on the easy elements, rather than trying to do everything all at once, we can maintain a level of consistency throughout the year.

“Why climb all the way up a tree when there’s plenty of easy pickings at ground level?

• Train: Yep, it’s a proven fact that if you train five to six days-a-week (with rest and recovery) that you’ll get fitter. But is that realistic for you and your current circumstance? Start small, how many sessions is realistic? Now make that a non-negotiable.
• Eat: So if you eat like a five-year-old at a Christmas party, how easy is it going to be to go from a diet of mince pies, to eating exclusively Paleo*? (*Google it) Really hard. So figure out one meal first – switch up your brekkie – and we’ll work on the rest later as we get accustomed to change. You know those Coco Pops are doing you no good anyway.
• Sleep: There are so many reasons I don’t get eight hours. So I accept that it will be much less, but work hard not to let that slip further when it’s in my control. Change a small part of your routine so you can grab an extra 30 minutes.
• Think and connect: What have I just said? Stop trying to change it all at once – low hanging fruit.

A group pushed a bed through Knaresborough this morning to protest against water companies releasing raw sewage into the River Nidd.

Water companies are legally allowed to release sewage through overflow pipes when the sewage system becomes too full which can happen during increased rainfall.

A section of the Nidd is crossed by competitors in the annual Knaresborough bed race, so Jeremy Scott, who organised today’s protest, wanted to take a bed from Conyngham Hall through the town to raise awareness.

Mike Kaye, who was on the protest, said:

“More people want to swim in rivers and have a good a time so it’s bonkers. The water companies should put investment in so it doesnt need to happen. It’s crazy.”

Stray Ferret research has found that Yorkshire Water released raw and untreated sewage into Harrogate district rivers and becks on 3,800 different occasions last year for a total of 36,000 hours.

Read more:

• Raw sewage released into Harrogate district rivers for 36,000 hours last year
• Fears 4,000 new homes in Harrogate could increase sewage in rivers
• River Nidd a ‘potential health risk’ after MPs’ vote on sewage

In October there was anger after MPs, including local Conservative MPs Andrew Jones, Julian Smith and Nigel Adams, voted to reject a Lords amendment to the Environment Bill to stop raw sewage from being pumped into rivers.

In November, MPs then voted in favour of another amendment to the bill that will legally require water firms to make a “progressive reduction” in the amount of sewage it dumps, but campaigners said this doesn’t go far enough.

Mr Kaye wanted to raise awareness about the bill and put pressure on local MPs as well as Yorkshire Water to stop sewage from being released into local rivers.

He said:

“There is far too much sewage in the Nidd and the Wharfe.”

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said:

“As rainwater can be unpredictable, we have permitted storm overflows on our sewer network to act as a relief valve. They help to reduce the pressure on sewers during heavy rainfall events and stop the system from backing up and flooding homes and gardens by allowing heavily diluted wastewater to be discharged into watercourses.

“This is permitted by the Environment Agency and closely monitored by them and us.”