Nidd Art Trail in full swing as local artists begin to open their doors

Local artists, craftspeople and photographers are opening their doors to the public this weekend to showcase work as part of NiddArt Trail.

The trail, run by community organisation Nidderdale Art Trail, aims to highlight both the artistic talent on offer throughout the district, as well as keep community spirit alive.

It originated as Nidd Art Fest, which ran from 1997 to 2008, and has been known as NiddArt Trail since 2009.

Venues in upper and lower Nidderdale, Pateley Bridge, Bewerley, Knaresborough and surrounding villages will house the works of both professional artists, such as Claire Baxter Gallery and JOT’s Gallery, as well as amateur groups such as Pateley Bridge Art Club, which will hold its summer exhibition in St Cuthbert’s School, and Lofthouse Art Group.

A number of community venues will also host featured works, including Summerbridge Methodist Church and Sawley Village Hall.

St Paul’s Art Group will have a variety of mediums on display, including photography and crafts, with some on sale to the public. The work will be held in St Paul’s United Reformed Church, Harrogate, on 26 and 27 August. Refreshments will also be available.

Poetry readings will also take place at Darley Methodist Church as part of the trail. Reverend Alastair Ferneley of Dacre and Alan Jordan, Lay Pastor in the Methodist Church, will be reciting their own poetry on Saturday, August 19, and Saturday, August 26.

Paintings, pottery and photographs curated by local artists will all be housed in St Andrew’s Church, in Blubberhouses, on 19 and 20 August, as well as 26 – 28 August too.

Treasurer Charles Mellor said:

“It’s very much a community event and is made from a mix of talent and community effort.

“There is quite a spectrum of activity this year.”

Some pieces will be available to buy from both the professional and amateur artists, however many choose to simply be involved in the trail.

“I think people just really enjoy being a part of it.

“Many of the groups and venues involved become very enthusiastic about the trail.”

The participating venues are free to attend and will be open at various times from Friday, August 18 to Monday, August 28.

The trail has been available to view online from August 1.

Find a full breakdown of the participating artists and venues, as well as their opening times, here.

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Anonymous £10k boost to Knaresborough man’s Ukraine fire engine appeal

A fundraising campaign by a Knaresborough man to buy a fire engine to send to Ukraine has received a £10,000 donation.

Bob Frendt was hoping to raise £20,000 to buy the appliance and send it to Volodymyr, which had its fire engines commandeered by the army in the fight against Russia.

However, he said he was worrying the total was unachievable, after getting stuck at £7,000 for several weeks.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“I was getting a bit depressed and very stressed over it. I was thinking, ‘I’ve bitten off more than I can chew’, making promises I couldn’t keep and letting people down.

“Then I got this call out of the blue from a man who came to a fundraising folk night in Wetherby and heard me say a few words about what I was doing.

“He said he wanted to make a donation and asked for my bank details. He didn’t say how much – but when I saw it come through, I couldn’t believe it.

“I’m still buzzing now. I can’t believe it has happened. It just shows you what wonderful people there are around.”

The donor has asked to remain anonymous, but said the money was taken from a legacy left by his mother after she died earlier this year.

The man told Mr Frendt she was always a generous supporter of good causes, and had left him “more than he could ever spend” in her will.

In recognition of their generosity, Mr Frendt said he will name the fire engine after the man’s mother.

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Now, he is working with a former fire officer to source an appliance that he can take across Europe and hand over to the fire service in Volodymyr.

He added:

“I just need to raise the last £3,000 now.

“The paperwork shouldn’t take too long to get sorted. Hopefully, we can get it to Volodymyr before the end of October, when the weather closes in.

“If we can’t do that, we’re looking at not doing it until the end of March next year. I don’t want to leave it that long – they’ve got to have that fire engine.”

To help him take his funds from £17,000 to the total, Knot Another Choir will be performing a fundraising concert at Trinity Church in Knaresborough on October 6.

Tickets are £10 and available to buy online in advance.

Donations can also be made via Mr Frendt’s Just Giving page.

New roadworks revealed for Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon

Details of upcoming roadworks for Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon have been revealed.

Cllr Paul Haslam, a Conservative who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge on North Yorkshire Council, posted details of scheduled resurfacing schemes on his Facebook page.

The information is set out below with details of where and when each scheme will take place and the accompanying plan to manage traffic.

North Park Road, Harrogate

Monday, August 21 to Friday, September 1 (7pm to midnight)

21st, 22nd, 24th, 25th 29th – traffic management – combination of two-way lights and road closure during working hours

23rd, 30th, 31st and 1st Sep – traffic management – road closure during working hours. Access for residents will be maintained

A61 Leeds Rd, Harrogate

(Prince of Wales roundabout to St Georges Rd roundabout)

Monday, August 29 to Friday, September 15 (7pm to midnight)

Traffic management – road closure during working hours. Access for residents will be maintained

A658 Harrogate Road, Harrogate

Thursday, September 14 to Friday, September 22 (9pm to 5am)

Traffic management – road closure during working hours. Access for residents will be maintained.

High Bridge, Knaresborough

Wednesday, September 20 to Friday. September 29 (7pm to midnight)

Traffic management – road closure during working hours. Access for residents will be maintained

B6163 Briggate, Knaresborough

Friday, September 29 to Monday, October 9 (7.30am to 5.30pm)

Traffic management – road closure during working hours. Access for residents will be maintained

Dragon Road area, Harrogate

(Dragon Rd / Back of Dragon Rd / Dragon Terrace / Rear of Dragon Terrace / Dragon Ave / Dragon Parade, Mornington Terrace / Mornington Terrace)

Monday, October 9 to Wednesday, October 11 (7.30am to 5.30pm)

Traffic management – road closure during working hours. Access for residents will be maintained

Coppice Way, Harrogate

Thursday, October 12 to Wednesday, October 18 (7.30am to 5.30pm)

Traffic management – road closure during working hours. Access for residents will be maintained

Harewood Road, Harrogate

Thursday, October 19 to Friday, October 20 (7.30am to 5.30pm)

Traffic management – road closure during working hours. Access for residents will be maintained

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Priest Lane, Ripon

Monday, October 23 to Tuesday October 31 (7.30am to 5.30pm)

Traffic management – road closure during working hours. Access for residents will be maintained

A61 Dallamires Lane, Ripon

Monday, October 30 to Friday, November 3 (7pm to midnight)

Traffic management – road closure during working hours. Access for residents will be maintained

 

Police warn of new scam in Knaresborough

North Yorkshire Police has alerted Knaresborough residents to a new scam that involves impersonating police officers.

The force said in a statement today it had received at least three reports over the last two days about bogus callers.

Someone calls, claiming they are a police officer and asks about a fictitious person in custody. They then ask the resident if they are at home and when they will be out or returning home.

The statement said:

“This is a scam, and police have urged residents to put the phone down, do not engage in conversation with the caller, and do not give any personal information to them.”

Police urged anyone who may have received such a call to call 101 and pass information to the force control room, adding:

“Although we have not received any reports of anyone physically calling at a property, please do be vigilant when it comes to any unexpected callers at your door.

“If you don’t know who it is, don’t answer the door, and keep your doors locked, even when you are at home.”

More information about checking a police officer’s identity can be found here.

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Harrogate and Knaresborough MP calls for police talks on remembrance parades

Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP Andrew Jones has written to North Yorkshire’s chief constable asking her to reconsider the force’s approach to this year’s remembrance parades.

North Yorkshire Police has said it will no longer provide traffic management for parades, including those on Remembrance Sunday, ending a practice that has lasted for decades.

Knaresborough Royal British Legion has said the decision threatened this year’s parade in the town from taking place.

Mr Jones has called for the police to continue to provide the service this year, as there is little time for alternative arrangements, and then work with community groups so they can take over in future.

North Yorkshire Police claims its decision is due to changes to the law in 2004 and subsequent guidance from professional bodies representing police. It also says it is now out-of-step with other police forces which ceased traffic management of remembrance parades many years ago.

Knaresborough Remembrance Day 2019

Remembrance Sunday in Knaresboroug. Picture: Charlotte Gale

Mr Jones wrote to North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe asking her to review the force’s decision and reinstate police support at remembrance parades.

His office said today chief constable Lisa Winward had replied “outlining the legal position and the guidance from professional bodies”.

Mr Jones has asked the chief constable asking her to reinstate police traffic management for remembrance parades this year.

He said:

“Remembrance is about our public services coming together and facilitating a collective act of tribute not just to those who have fallen in our armed forces but those in the emergency services who have given their lives that we can be free.

“The parades are an integral part of this and an important tradition that will be lost without traffic management.

“The sudden decision by North Yorkshire Police has endangered that tradition and left little time to put in place alternative arrangements.”

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Recognising the police want to stop traffic management duties, Mr Jones has asked Ms Winward to meet with him and parade organisers to discuss “a managed handover of traffic management to volunteers, community groups or council staff”.

He said:

“If the police want to stop traffic management for remembrance it is an operational decision.  I think it is a poor decision but in the final analysis it is their decision to take.

“But the sudden announcement means there is little opportunity to save this year’s parades.  That is why I am asking them to reconsider the approach for this year and then work with community groups to ensure they have the capacity and knowledge to provide the support for future years.

“I am hopeful that by taking a constructive and collaborative approach we can save these much-loved parts of our remembrance in which the police join and in which we remember the fallen among their number too.”

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate manufacturing firm appoints new board member

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Harrogate manufacturing firm has promoted a long-term employee to its board of directors.

Belzona Polymerics Ltd, which is based on Claro Road, has appointed Charli Walton to the board after 12 years of service.

Ms Walton joined the company, which is a global designer and manufacturer of industrial repair and protection materials, in its marketing team back in 2011.

Now, she becomes the first female member of the Belzona board.

Mrs Walton said: 

“It is a great honour to be appointed to the board of directors. I would like to thank Belzona for giving me this incredible opportunity, as well as for the extensive investment made into my training and development in preparation for my new role.”

Barry Nisill, chief executive of Belzona, added:

“During Charli’s career with Belzona, she has developed an extensive knowledge which, teamed with her boundless enthusiasm, has seen her become an important member of the Belzona leadership team.

“On behalf of everyone at Belzona, I would like to congratulate Charli and wish her every success for the future.”

Knaresborough building society celebrates first anniversary with grant award

A building society in Knaresborough has celebrated its first birthday by offering a £3,000 grant to Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre.

Newcastle Building Society opened its doors in the town’s library last summer.

As part of its anniversary, it has offered a grant to Henshaws from the Newcastle Building Society Community Fund.

The funding will help to purchase iPads and art makers, which will be used to support people living with disabilities and visual impairments.

Heather Pearman, manager of Newcastle Building Society’s Knaresborough branch, said: 

“Since opening our Knaresborough branch we’ve developed a strong relationship with Henshaws.

“Colleagues have lent their time to volunteer with the charity at some of its largest annual fundraising events, including Henshaws Bed Fest, with further plans to support the charity later into the year.”

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Knaresborough prepares for three-day beer festival

Knaresborough’s festival feel this month will be lubricated by the return of the town’s annual beer festival.

Beer will be flowing from 5pm on Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 20 at Knaresborough House. Entry is free.

Knaresborough Lions has once again organised the event as part of the town’s 10-day arts festival Feva.

Drinkers will be able to choose from 22 beers and seven ciders, along with lager, Prosecco, wine, Aperol Spritz and non-alcoholic drinks. There will also be a burger bar.

The beers include local favourites from Harrogate-based Roosters Brewing Company and other Yorkshire breweries as well as ales from further field, including Cornwall and Norfolk.

Ciders range from a traditional scrumpy to a perry or a marmalade-flavoured offering.

The main date is the Saturday afternoon when the beer festival will run alongside Feva’s Picnic in the Park at Knaresborough House.

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Lions president Bob Godsell said:

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed for sunshine again this year.

“Our profits from the beer sales help finance Picnic in the Park, so we’re looking forward to people being able to enjoy the live music with a delicious pint in hand.”

Visitors can buy a starter pack of six tokens for £12 which entitles them to three pints and a commemorative glass. Otherwise tokens will be on sale for £2 each with all pints priced at £4.

Sessions run from Friday 5pm-11pm, Saturday midday-11pm and Sunday midday-5pm — or until the beer runs out.

Further information, including taster notes, is available on the Knaresborough Lions Facebook page.

Photo shows (left to right), Lions Lynn Nudds, Jeremy Crow, Mark Flood, Martin Brock, Jon Smithells, Tony Pedel and Matt Walker

 

Knaresborough man jailed for dangerous driving after high-speed police chase

A serial driving offender has been jailed for putting lives at risk during a high-speed police chase through Knaresborough.

Liam Edmondson, 26, a white-collar boxer, sped off when a traffic officer spotted him driving his VW Golf while using a hand-held mobile phone and tried to pull him over at traffic lights. 

But Edmonson ignored the flashing blue lights and sped off, prosecutor Rachael Landin told York Crown Court.

Edmondson drove at speeds of up to 90mph in restricted zones as he overtook vehicles, shot straight over junctions and at one stage drove on the wrong side of the road in midday traffic.

Eventually, following the chase along High Street and York Road, he abandoned the vehicle in a street of Kingfisher Road, ran off and jumped over a boundary fence in a residential garden into a neighbouring property. 

However, a neighbour’s ring doorbell provided video footage of Edmondson’s escape and he was identified by one of the pursuing officers.

Edmondson, of Pasture Crescent, Knaresborough, was charged with dangerous driving, using a hand-held mobile phone, driving while disqualified and without insurance. 

He ultimately admitted all the offences – albeit claiming he was driving at lesser speeds than alleged – and appeared for sentence yesterday.

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Ms Landin said that Edmondson, a fighter in Ultra White-Collar Boxing, had sped through 30mph and 40mph zones during the chase involving two police vehicles on March 3.

Edmonson had failed to slow down even at junctions as he sped and failed to give way to other vehicles as he drove on the wrong side of the road. He was driving so fast that a pursuing police car, travelling at over 90mph, lost sight of the Volkswagen as they approached a roundabout.

Ms Landin said:

“The defendant’s vehicle was found abandoned outside a property (near Kingfisher Road).”

Edmondson’s eight previous convictions comprised 16 offences including many driving matters and serious violence. They included failing to stop after an accident, driving without a licence and insurance, and careless driving.

In April he received a two-year community order for assault occasioning actual bodily harm after knocking a rugby player unconscious inside a bar in Harrogate.

The victim in that case was out drinking with his rugby mates when he was involved in a “heated discussion” with Edmondson in the men’s toilets. 

Edmondson, a self-employed labourer, struck him in the face and the victim was knocked out. The next thing the victim remembered was being woken by police officers while laid out on the floor. He suffered “severe” facial injuries.

Defence barrister Eleanor Durdy said that Edmondson, a father-of-one, had raised a lot of money for charity through his involvement with Ultra White-Collar Boxing. 

A representative for the charity boxing organisation provided a character reference attesting to the fact that Edmondson had trained very hard for his fights and raised money for cancer research.

Judge Sean Morris blasted Edmondson for his reckless driving which had put the lives of police officers and the general public at risk.

Mr Morris added:

“This was midday and there would have been children about.

“You were undertaking ridiculous driving manoeuvres. You could have killed a police officer and that is why dangerous-driving police chases are so very dangerous.” 

Edmondson was jailed for 11 months and given a 17-month driving ban.  

Equipment from Ilke Homes’ Flaxby factory to be sold

Equipment and machinery from Ilke Homes’ factory in Flaxby near Knaresborough will be put up for sale this month.

The modular house builder fell into administration in June after failing to find a buyer or further investment. A total of 1,150 staff were made redundant.

Administrators AlixPartners has commissioned Hilco Valuation Services to auction off a number of items of machinery on Tuesday, August 17 at 10am.

The equipment from the factory, which closed when the company fell into administration, will be sold online.

It includes electric hand tools, ladders, tipping skips and machinery such as automated wall panel lines.

In a statement last month, AlixPartners told the Stray Ferret that it was in the process of realising the company’s assets.

It said:

“The administrators are now working with a small number of retained employees to realise the assets of the business on behalf of creditors and are soliciting expressions of interest for any or all of those assets.”

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The factory at Flaxby was closed immediately after the company entered administration and all site activities ceased.

Administrators added the firm had “faced the challenges of unprecedented inflation and a lack of land supply linked to planning processes”.

Officials at Ilke Homes said previously that it needed additional funding to fulfil a £1 billion order book and to protect jobs, adding that new investment was needed to build its pipeline of 4,200 new homes.

For more information on the online auction, visit the Hilco Valuation Services website here.

Knaresborough’s 10-day arts festival set to begin — despite Facebook hack

Knaresborough’s annual summer arts festival Feva will begin on Friday with a 10-day programme of about 80 events.

Feva has become one of the town’s main events of the year, with many shops decorated in promotional pink as part of a window competition organised by Knaresborough and District Chamber.

First held in 1996, this year’s line-up include a talk by book editor Ana Sampson on the hidden history of woman writers, an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Status Quo tribute act Status Faux.

Picnic in the Park, a free afternoon event at Knaresborough House featuring bands and DJs, takes place on August 19.

With Knaresborough Lions‘ three-day beer festival taking place on the same weekend, the town will be in celebratory mode.

Shop windows are decorated in Feva pink for the festival.

However, preparations have been hit by the Feva Facebook page being hacked,

Gwen Lloyd, chairperson of the Feva committee, said it had done everything possible to take back control of the site or even get it removed but Facebook had not acted.

A new Feva Facebook page with details of events is available here.

Ms Lloyd said:

“It’s been very frustrating. We’ve had to set up a new page and getting people to realise has been tricky.

“The old Facebook page is now under the control of someone in Vietnam. We can’t even get Facebook to close it down.”

Feva, which was founded by the late Derrick van Zelst and his son Robin, includes a combination of free and paid-for events.

It was initially called Knaresborough and was more of a folk festival, but changed its name to Feva — which stands for ‘festival of entertainment and visual arts — in 2001.

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