The Knaresborough branch of the Royal British Legion has designed and planted a flowerbed to commemorate 100 years of the charity’s work.

The Royal British Legion (RBL) has been supporting those in the armed services and ex-servicemen and women for a century and the Knaresborough branch wanted to recognise this locally.

The branch has worked with Harrogate Borough Council for more than two years to create the design, which features two poppies on either side of “100”, for the space next to the bowling green.

A total of 4,000 plants were used in the flowerbed including 3,900 polyanthus in red, white and blue and some black grass for the centre of the poppies.

The flowerbed can be found in the grounds of the castle near the bowling green.

The RBL was formed on May 15 1921 by bringing together four national organisations of ex-servicemen that had been set up after the First World War.

That was also the the first year poppies were sold, with the appeal raising more than £106,000 to help veterans with housing and jobs.

Alan Pitchfork, the chair of the Knaresborough branch, said:

“The Legion was as important now as it was 100 years ago.

“Throughout the last 100 years service men and women had served their country and in many cases this had left them scarred for life, both physically and mentally, with many more losing their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.”

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Each year town residents raise around £30,000 for the RBL, but the branch is hoping more people will join as currently there are just a handful of active members.

Mr Pitchfork added:

“For the branch to keep functioning we do need more people to join.

“The fear also is that soon there simply will not be enough members to sustain the branch, which would mean retiring the Standard and an end to the Parade through the town on Remembrance Sunday.”

Anyone who is interested in becoming a member can call him on 07984700429.

The branch already has further plans in place for this centenary year, including the return of its pop-up market stall and the knitted poppy tribute at Knaresborough Castle this autumn.

Two vaccine centres in the Harrogate district are reopening after a month of supply issues slowed the rollout.

Homecare Pharmacy Services‘ clinic in the former Lidl car park in Knaresborough will operate on Saturday for the first time since April 17.

When it re-opens the pharmacy staff will be giving both the Pfizer-Biontech and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines.

It will be open five days a week but the owners hope eventually to be open seven days a week.

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Jason Baskind, managing director of Homecare Pharmacy Services, told the Stray Ferret:

“The last clinic we held was without a doubt the best so far. The team gelled well, there were no queues and we managed to give out 1,219 jabs.

“It was frustrating that we had to close after that but now we are back and we are ready to go, so let’s crack on.”

Pateley Bridge’s vaccine centre is also starting to see supplies come through. It opened on Wednesday this week to administer about 400 jabs.

The site, run by Pateley Bridge Pharmacy, had been in talks with the NHS about using the Pfizer-Biontech vaccine, which is more difficult to store.

However, because the site is small the owners did not want to risk wasting vaccines so it is sticking solely to Oxford-AstraZeneca.

The outlook has improved compared to last month, when a letter leaked to the Stray Ferret said there would be no more first doses for a while due to shortages.

North Yorkshire’s new Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has announced a review of the county’s controversial and unique mobile speed camera van system.

Speaking yesterday to the media outside the police force’s headquarters in Northallerton, Conservative Philip Allott outlined his priorities ahead of taking up office.

Mr Allott, from Knaresborough, was elected to the role, which is paid a £74,400 salary, last week with a majority of 30,295 votes on first and second preferences.

Signalling a determination to take his oversight of both emergency services in a different direction to that of his fellow Tory predecessor Julia Mulligan, Mr Allott said there were “big concerns” over camera vans, which have multiplied since they were first introduced in 2011.

Despite the force’s insistence the vans are deployed at accident black spots, widespread concerns have persisted for a decade that they are being sited at places to maximise the revenue they generate rather than improve safety.

Mr Allott said:

“People say the camera vans are in the wrong locations. People say their village doesn’t get a camera van. People say there are other solutions.”

He declined to elaborate on the concerns, but added:

“There will be a rethink in terms of how that is handled and that will be something that involves a consultation process.”

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County lines the top priority

In another apparent change in direction, he said he wanted to strengthen ties with councils and other bodies. He said the commissioner’s office could not work in isolation to tackle issues such as county lines drug dealers, which he ranked as his leading priority, or antisocial behaviour.

The commissioner said he would seek to forge closer partnerships with schools to identify children who act as couriers and with social services to identify vulnerable people whose homes may be used as county lines bases.

He said there were now 47 active county lines networks operating in the county, representing a huge increase on 14 months ago when Ms Mulligan revealed there were 11 drug supply lines from urban areas such as Cleveland, West Yorkshire, Liverpool and Manchester affecting North Yorkshire.

Mr Allott said:

“It is a community issue. Unfortunately during the pandemic recreational drugs has seen an increase in some activity. That’s something we need to deal with.”

The commissioner said while prosecuting county lines dealers would be a priority, he stressed treating the victims of drugs would be a focus for him.

He added:

“The victims are often the drug takers themselves who often end up in a downward spiral.”

He also pledged to put the needs of victims and vulnerable people above others, saying talks were under way about improving the connections between North Yorkshire and York’s CCTV coverage. He said actions to improve safety for women, both on the street and domestically, would be pursued.

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Rural crime response needs beefing up

However, the first of an extensive list of priorities that Mr Allott outlined was work to improve responses to rural crimes, such as hare coursing, thefts from farms, by strengthening the Rural Taskforce, with more officers.

During campaigning, a number of candidates highlighted how the Rural Taskforce was currently incapable of properly covering England’s largest county because it included only a handful of officers based in York.

He said the county’s size and rurality could be a key factor in many issues that both the police and fire service faced.

To respond to this, Mr Allott said he would examine increasing the number of multi-service officers who act as on-call firefighters, PCSOs and first responders in rural locations.

He said a trial of multi-service officers in Craven had proved to be “a great success”.

Mr Allott said:

“That is almost a modern day version of the village constable. That means somebody’s within that community and living within five minutes of the fire station.

“Because there’s funding there to fund that as a full-time job, it gives somebody an opportunity to be a firefighter who wouldn’t otherwise be able to do it.”

Newer fire engines needed

Nevertheless he said as the county’s fire service, which has been described as among the worst funded brigades in the country, had an “elderly fleet of vehicles” and a lack of equipment for staff, he would hold “honest discussions” with the government.

He said:

“We need to give the fire service the tools so they can do the job and do it well. We have to put together a concrete case as to why the government’s funding formula discriminates against us.

“We have got the biggest county in England with massive borders and lot of parks and green space between residential areas.”

A rewards card that gives people incentives to shop in Knaresborough is being launched today.

The community website Knaresborough Online is behind the Love Knaresborough Rewards Card initiative.

It hopes the card will boost footfall in the town centre after a difficult 12 months for businesses.

The card offers a wide range of discounts, such as a free flake and sprinkles on ice cream, two for one cocktails and a free yoga class. Seventy-five businesses are taking part in the scheme.

The card costs £10 to buy and is valid until March 31 2022. Knaresborough Online is holding a stall on the market today selling the cards it is also available in 10 other designated sellers.

Susanna Lewis, owner of Knaresborough Online, said if each of the 13,000 adults living in Knaresborough spent £5 a week in the town it would bring an additional £3.4million into the town’s economy. She added:

“We have researched and visited over 30 other similar card schemes within the UK to try and develop the best possible card scheme for Knaresborough.

“We want the scheme to be attractive to both consumers and businesses and we hope the card will help encourage confidence in local shopping once more.”

A European funded post-covid recovery grant was used to fund the initiative.

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One of the designated sellers is Alex Chaytor, owner of The Black Mulberry on Waterside, said:

“As a business owner in Knaresborough I am really excited about this new card scheme. It has been a difficult year for us all, but this project gives us positivity and hope for the future.

“Anything that helps increase footfall through the town is welcome and I am excited to see the launch of this card.”

Knaresborough Online has worked throughout the pandemic to work with local businesses offering them support via social media, writing press releases and promoting the area.

Premier League striker Oli McBurnie has been released on bail after an altercation with a man in Knaresborough on Saturday.

McBurnie was arrested last night after a viral video showed a confrontation between the 24-year-old Sheffield United striker and a 21-year-old man on High Street in Knaresborough, towards Bond End.

The incident happened at about 8.20pm.

McBurnie has now been released on bail pending further enquiries.

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North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses to the alleged assault.

A statement this afternoon said:

“Detectives investigating this case would like anyone who saw the incident to get in touch.

“It is believed that two cars passed the incident, and there was also a woman pedestrian on the other side of the road who saw what happened.

“Officers are appealing to the driver of those cars and also to the woman to please get in touch.

In addition, anyone in the area at the time who might have dashcam footage, is asked to contact police.

“Dial 101, press 1 and speak to the Force Control Room. Please quote reference number 12210115038 when passing on information.”

Premier League striker Oli McBurnie has been arrested after allegedly attacking a young man in Knaresborough over the weekend.

A viral video clip appears to show the 24-year-old confronting a 21-year-old man on Knaresborough High Street after he mentioned Sheffield United’s relegation.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement last night:

“A 24 year old man from Knaresborough has been arrested in connection with an incident, which involved another man being assaulted.

“The 21 year old victim sustained facial injuries during the incident, which happened shortly before 8.30pm on Saturday 8 May on High Street in Knaresborough.

“The 24 year old arrested man remains in custody at this time.”

The force has asked any witnesses to call them and quote reference number 12210115038.

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Sheffield United has said in a statement:

“Officials at Sheffield United are aware of the video circulating on social media.

“We are currently investigating.”

Scotland international Oli McBurnie was ruled out with a fractured foot in April. The Blades have won just five game this season and have been relegated to the Championship.

When the world started to unravel at the beginning of last year, people of all ages picked up a ball of wool and a couple of needles to try to knit it back together again. The owner of this hidden gem of a Knaresborough knitting shop has been there with supplies and a big smile to help them along their way.

Diane Watson, who opened Knitting Pretty on Castlegate ten years ago, started off with limited stock but has built up a real cornucopia since then. Alongside the wool are products and presents that her customers have made and the shop displays with pride.

Knitting, Diane explains, is in her blood. Both her parents knitted and she often looks fondly on a picture of her grandmother, who would often be found knitting near the fire in a rocking chair.

While her grandmother firmly resembles the knitting stereotype, Diane believes that her craft is on the same paths of baking and gardening which are no longer seen as reserved for older women. Younger people have taken up the needles and made it much more fashionable.

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The last year has only sped up the spread of the knitting bug. With people stuck at home, many have struggled with their mental health and turned to knitting.

Diane has had to fight her own battle and told the Stray Ferret:

“Lockdown was really, really tough. I got paranoid thinking the worst of everything. I though the worst of covid, the worst could happen to my loved ones and the worst could happen to the shop.

“The first lockdown wasn’t too bad. The sun was shining and we tried to make the most of it. But the last lockdown was awful. I even lost my knitting mojo.”

“I was just sitting, not doing a thing. There was too much going around my head, I wasn’t sleeping well. It was scary. But coming back to the shop has made me feel so much better.

“So I have learned I do not want to retire. In fact I have just signed another five year lease.”

Diane has been able to open and has also been out as much as possible to deliver to her more vulnerable customers, no matter how small. It’s not secret that she is a people person and has thoroughly missed her group sessions in the shop, which she has called “knit and natter.”

This is part of the Stray Ferret’s ‘hidden gem’ series, highlighting small, independent businesses. They need to be tucked away but growing in popularity with an eye-catching and unique product or approach. Send us an email with your nominations.

A £100,000 government grant has enabled the charity Henshaws to reopen its arts and craft centre in Knaresborough this month.

Henshaws announced last year the centre would be closed for the “foreseeable future” because it was no longer economically viable.

However, it received a grant from Arts Council England in the second round of funding awards from the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, which helps organisations affected by covid.

Henshaws which supports disabled young people with special educational needs is inviting disabled people to come forward and apply for places as art makers.

The centre, which runs a range of workshops including music, crafts, pottery and horticulture, will remain closed to the public for the time being.

Henshaws chief executive Nick Marr said:

“Covid has had a massive impact both on the arts and crafts centre and the charity as a whole and we have been working tirelessly to continue to support those who need it most, so I am absolutely delighted that we are now able to take this major step forward.”

About 2500 people signed a petition in June to keep the centre open.

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The charity is hosting a virtual tour on May 12 between 10am and 2pm to give potential art makers and their families a taste of what is on offer.

In October, the charity announced a Harrogate-based provider, Homes Together, would take over its residential services due to its financial situation.

A further planning application has been submitted for the re-development of one of the oldest inns in Knaresborough.

The building and land already has permission to be converted into three flats, three houses and a hospitality venue.

However, if approved, the new application would see an extra two one-bedroom flats built within the current building.

The plan is the 10th planning application for The Board Inn found on 3 High Street in its history.

The property was sold in August last year by Harrogate estate agents FSS Property after eight months on the market. It sold “very close” to the guide price of £325,000, according to the estate agents.

The residential units are intended to be rented out rather than sold. It is hoped the hospitality space will reopen as a restaurant or micro-pub.

The building near the bus station has lain empty for a number of years with the design consultants at MAS Design Consultants Ltd hoping this development will offer a “positive change”.

It is unknown when the works will begin but planning responses can take around 12 weeks.

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Across Britain the number of empty shops has risen again, but the Harrogate district has enjoyed a boost in businesses opening over the past 12 months.

In March 2020 8.6% of the district’s retail units were empty, but in March 2021 this had dropped to 6.8%.

Research by the British Retail Consortium published by the BBC found that one in seven shops in Britain were empty, with the north of England said to be the most affected.

But the Harrogate district is bucking this trend – despite the repeated lockdowns to tackle the pandemic.

Tina Parker opened a French furniture store, Once Upon A Time, in Killinghall in September and said she would never look back:

“We did feel like we were a little crazy at the beginning but we thought people would go back to supporting local after the pandemic and they have!

“It’s been fantastic, people have been really supportive.

“Of course it has been difficult having to close twice but luckily we did get some grants so it worked out well.”

Liz and Richard Hawkes with Anna Martola (left) from the Watermark Gallery.

Liz Hawkes, owner of the Watermark Gallery on Royal Parade in Harrogate, opened her premises just as the first lockdown was imposed last March. She said:

“We had already signed the lease and done the refurb just as lockdown was enforced but I’m glad we did open then otherwise I never would have done it. The independent scene in Harrogate is really strong and getting stronger.

“It’s been a positive experience for us and encouraged use to be more creative with our space, windows and how we serve our customers.”

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David Lombardi opened his music shop, The Music Bank, in Knaresborough in October and said although he has not been open as much as he would like, the local support has been great. He said:

“We kind of thought it was an opportunity and prior to the pandemic people were moving online so it was risky then too.

“I think we are stronger than we would have been if we stayed open because we had the time to work on the business.”