Dance group for over 50s to launch Harrogate classes

A dance group for over 50s that launched in lockdown is opening classes in Harrogate town centre.

Following the success of classes in Darley, Ripley, Ripon and Knaresborough, Happy Dance will begin hosting weekly sessions in Harrogate in May.

The group began during the pandemic, with just five members dancing over zoom. Three years later, Happy Dance boasts over 80 members aged between 53 and 93.

The classes take place in various village halls and consist of 45 minutes of upbeat dancing. They involve stretching, balance, work-out sequences, or just ‘boogie exercise’.

Happy Dance founder Jane Waring is an experienced dancer and qualified RAD ballet teacher. She choreographs dances for all fitness levels to ensure members can work to their own abilities.

Ms Waring focusses heavily on the social element of the classes – particularly for those combatting feelings of loneliness – and encourages members to carry on the socialising after.

Ms Waring told the Stray Ferret:

“I can almost guarantee that at the end of class you will feel happier, taller, lighter and proud you have danced for 45 minutes, had fun, laughed and danced well over 3,000 steps!

“It is so good for your well-being.”

Happy Dance will be held in Harrogate at St Robert’s Centre, on Robert Street. Classes will take place every Tuesday at 11.45 am, beginning on Tuesday, May 16.

Booking details can be found on the Happy Dance website.

Ex-Harrogate Lib Dem candidate jailed for abusing girl

Former Harrogate Liberal Democrat candidate Anthony Medri has been jailed for over two years for sexually abusing a teenage girl and paying her to send him intimate photos of herself.

Medri, 64, from Knaresborough, sexually assaulted the girl on several occasions and sent her a picture of an intimate part of his body, York Crown Court heard.

The Harrogate Borough Council candidate in 2015 also urged her to send him indecent pictures of herself, said prosecutor Shaun Dodds.

He said that Medri, who is married, had sexually assaulted the youngster by touching her on intimate parts of her body and kissing her on the lips.

Medri asked the girl on social media if she had “ever seen a grown man’s (private parts)”. He then sent her an intimate picture of himself and told her to delete the messages.

Mr Dodds said that in 2017, Medri started transferring money into the girl’s bank account and asking her what she was wearing.

This was followed by a request for a picture of her in her underwear and a promise to pay her £50 if she sent it. Mr Dodds said:

“She sent an image of herself wearing a bra.

“He had previously bought her some underwear…and asked her for photos wearing that underwear.”

The prosecutor said that between 2017 and 2019, £580 of payments were made into the victim’s account for intimate photos of her. Mr Dodds added:

“Sometimes she would also get payments in cash as well.”

Grooming process

Medri – who stood unsuccessfully as a candidate for the Lib Dems in the 2015 local elections when he contested the Stray ward – initially gave the girl money so she could treat herself, which the prosecution said was part of the grooming process.

He would tell the girl “to get yourself something nice”, said Mr Dodds.

The victim “wasn’t in a good place” at the time and she felt that Medri used this to take advantage of her difficult circumstances.

He bought her treats such as perfume, clothes, tobacco and vodka – along with a sex toy and told her to “try it out”. The victim put the item in a bin.

Mr Dodds said that on the occasions Medri tried to kiss the girl, she would pull away, but he would kiss her again. He once drove her to a remote location where he sexually assaulted her.

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Medri was ultimately brought in for questioning and accepted having asked for pictures of the girl in her underwear and that he had given her money, but initially denied sexually assaulting her.

A trial was due to be held but Medri ultimately admitted one count of intentionally causing a child to look at an image of a person engaging in a sexual act, three counts of sexual assault and three counts of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child to become a prostitute or be involved in pornography, namely asking the girl for photos of herself in her underwear.

Mr Medri, of Forest Moor Road, appeared for sentence today when the court heard a harrowing statement from the young victim.

She said she had been left with the “overwhelming” feeling that she was somehow at fault for the abuse.

This and the fact that Medri had protested his innocence for so long had caused her “extreme anxiety”. She added:

“I don’t think I will ever get over what has happened. I think about it every single day.”

Carer for disabled wife

Defence barrister Jeremy Barton said there had been a “plethora” of character references provided by friends and family of Medri.

He conceded, however, that Medri’s offences, which occurred over a period of about a year, were “disturbing and worrying”.

He said that Medri, who had worked all his life and was now a carer for his disabled wife, had shown a “degree of remorse”.

Judge Sean Morris told Medri he should have owned up to his offences “a long time ago” and described his protestations of innocence until his belated guilty pleas as “gutless”.

He told Medri:

“For heaven’s sake man, why did you put this girl through all those months of anguish waiting for (what was expected to be) a trial. It’s gutless.”

He said that only an immediate prison sentence was appropriate for inciting a young girl “in a vulnerable position to sell pictures of (herself) for Medri’s “sexual pleasure”.

The judge said that Medri had taken advantage of the girl when she was in a “desperate state” because of her life circumstances.

Medri was jailed for two years and two months, but he will only serve half of that behind bars before being released on prison licence.

Medri was also given a five-year sexual-harm prevention order to protect children and placed on the sex-offenders’ register for 10 years.

 

Vodafone Pro Broadband x The Stray Ferret

This story is sponsored by Vodafone Pro Broadband.

What could be better than the fastest possible internet speed? Perhaps a free voucher as well as the fastest possible internet speed…

The Stray Ferret has teamed up with Vodafone to spread the word about its brand-new Pro Broadband connection. With a deal exclusive to the Stray Ferret, Vodafone are offering customers that sign up via our affiliate programme a free voucher in return.

Whether it’s Netflix buffering, your Zoom meeting glitching, or the PlayStation freezing mid-game, we’ve all been frustrated over poor broadband connection. Fear not, Vodafone Pro Broadband is here to answer the Harrogate district’s internet wishes.

Rather than using copper cables that slow down upload and download speeds, Vodafone use full fibre-optic cables every step of the way for connection, with download speeds of up to 900Mbps.

Loosely translated: your internet will be very fast.

What does it really mean?

Internet speed is integral to the day-to-day running of our society, but it can be a tricky thing to understand.

Broadband speed is measured in Mbps (megabits per second). The higher the Mbps, the faster your internet speed. The faster your internet speed, the more devices can be used at once under one roof.

How would this benefit me?

Maybe you’re a family with a smart TV, a gaming console and congested internet use. Maybe you’re working from home and looking for super speedy download connections; or perhaps you’re just wanting to rid your home of slow WIFI. No matter which one you are, Vodafone Pro Broadband could certainly help you.

Vodafone Pro Broadband uses full-fibre optic cables all the way to your house, with download speeds around 15 times faster than a copper cable connection — reaching a top speed of 910Mbps.

The stress of a slow internet speed will soon be a distant memory.

Availability

Vodafone Pro Broadband is already available to households across Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The full-fibre service will also be on offer to Ripon residents very soon.

Voucher Scheme

Stray Ferret readers can sign up using this link and will redeem a voucher up to £75 with either Amazon, M&S, Morrisons or The White Company. 

Find out more:

Visit vodafone.co.uk/broadband/pro-ii to find out more about Vodafone’s Pro Broadband.

Andrew Jones MP appeals for help at ‘critical time’ for River Nidd bathing water bid

Conservative MP Andrew Jones has issued a plea for volunteers to help in the campaign to achieve bathing water status on the River Nidd.

Mr Jones plans to submit an application for bathing water status at Knaresborough Lido after reports of numerous bathers falling ill last summer.

If successful, it would oblige government agencies to take action to improve water quality.

In a three-minute video on his Community News website, the Harrogate and Knaresborough MP blamed the Victorian-era sewage system, run-off from agricultural land and drainage from housing estates for polluting the Nidd.

He asked for volunteers to help with the campaign. He said:

“May this year is a critical time as it marks the start of the bathing season when evidence must be collected for the bathing water application that I’m leading.

“This campaign is building momentum but we can’t let it slide. That’s why I’m calling out to anyone who is passionate about our environment or who uses the River Nidd to come forward and help with the volunteer work.”

Mr Jones said data would be collected over summer and urged anyone interested in helping to get in touch.

He said he would be working alongside Nidd Action Group between now and September to apply for bathing water designation.

Steve Kirkley, from Blenkhorns Boats

Steve Kirkley, from Blenkhorn’s Boats

Steve Kirkley, from Blenkhorn’s Boats, which operates boat hire on the Nidd, told the video improved water quality would “lead to more enjoyable surroundings” while David Clayden, secretary of Harrogate Fly Fishers’ Club, said it would create “a better environment for the river”.

Nicola Shaw, chief executive of Yorkshire Water, said it was important to work in partnership to improve water quality.

‘Nidd plagued by foul sewage’

This week Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, accused Conservative MPs of “blocking new tough measures on water companies” to tackle sewage discharge.

Mr Gordon said the Sewage Discharge Bill would have introduced automatic fines on water companies breaking their sewage dumping permits but Conservative MPs voted to block it.

Mr Gordon, said:

“The Nidd has been plagued by foul sewage discharges. People across Harrogate and Knaresborough are furious about this, yet the Conservative government keeps blocking new laws to get tough on water companies.”

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Business Breakfast: Knaresborough housebuilder partners with housing association

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The fourth in our series of networking events, with Banyan Bar & Kitchen, is a breakfast event on April 27 from 8am.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Knaresborough housebuilder partners with housing association

A Knaresborough house builder has partnered with a national housing association to build 449 homes.

Ilke Homes has announced the partnership with The Riverside Group, which currently oversees more than 75,000 homes across England and Scotland.

The company is working with the housing association to finalise plans for the homes at a 21-acre site in Kent.

The homes will be a mix of houses and apartments and will be manufactured at Ilke Homes’ factory in Knaresborough.

Subject to planning approval from Thanet District Council, the company hopes to start work at the site in 2024.

Tom Heathcote, executive director of development at ilke Homes, said:

“ilke Homes continues to partner with some of the country’s most well-known housing associations, largely in part to our ability to deliver high quality, energy-efficient homes quickly. The Riverside Group, as part of its adopted ESG strategies, has acknowledged the increasing importance of sustainability and our partnership will help future-proof their investment from rapidly changing building regulations and government guidelines.

“We look forward to working with both local planning officials and other stakeholders to progress the proposals through planning to deliver a truly sustainable and well-designed community that will be providing much-needed, high-quality housing for the area.”

Harrogate business group appoints acting chief executive

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce has appointed an acting chief executive.

Martin Mann, who was vice president of the organisation, has been confirmed to take on the role.

The move comes as current chief executive, David Simister, is seriously ill in hospital..

Mr Mann confirmed on LinkedIn that his new role would not affect is IT support business

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Knaresborough doctor wins prestigious US placement

A Knaresborough doctor is one of only four UK people to have won an international placement in the United States.

Dr Joe Tay has been selected for a Harkness fellowship in health care policy and practice by the US-based Commonwealth Fund in 2023.

The fund, which was established in New York in 1918, aims to promote a high quality, affordable health care system for everyone.

Its fellowships provide opportunities for medical professionals committed to advancing health care policy and practice to spend a year in America.

Dr Tay, who currently works as the clinical director of Forward Leeds, the city’s alcohol and drug service, said:

“This is an incredible privilege for me, made possible partly due to the amazing work that Forward Leeds as an organisation undertakes in supporting people with their alcohol and drugs issues.

“I’m looking forward to learning and bringing back insights and experiences helpful to Yorkshire, and hopefully opportunities for national and international cooperation as well.”

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Blood testing to move from Harrogate to Knaresborough due to Sainsbury’s pharmacy closure

A blood testing service in Harrogate is set to move to Knaresborough after the closure of a supermarket pharmacy.

The relocation comes as Lloyds Pharmacy in Sainsbury’s on Wetherby Road is set to close.

The service, which is run by Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, is operated from the supermarket pharmacy to provide flexibility for patients who require a blood test.

This is in addition to appointments at Harrogate District Hospital.

The service will relocate to Chain Lane Community Hub in Knaresborough on Tuesday, May 2, and will be open Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 11am.

Emma Jocelyn, phlebotomy manager at HDFT said: 

“We know that being able to have a blood test at a community location is extremely popular.

“We were keen to continue this service in the future and we are delighted to have found the ideal venue at the Chain Lane Community Hub which offers ample free parking, is well served by public transport, is fully accessible and has convenient shopping nearby.”

Ms Jocelyn added:

“The Chain Lane Community Hub location will be more convenient for some people, and we know that for others, the chance of being seen more quickly than at our hospital due to the shorter queues will appeal.

“We look forward to welcoming those people who need our help to our fantastic new location.”

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People who would have previously gone to Sainsbury’s for blood tests are being encouraged to visit the Chain Lane Community Hub amid upcoming building work at the hospital, which will reduce the waiting area at the hospital blood test service.

Visitors will not need to book an appointment, however they will need to bring with them an ICE request form from their GP or consultant for the test to be undertaken.

Sue Vasey, from the Chain Lane Community Hub, said: 

“We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the phlebotomy team to the community centre.

“This will be great for the people of Knaresborough and surrounding areas and we look forward to supporting this important new service to the town.”

Lloyds Pharmacy announced in January it was to close 237 of its outlets in Sainsbury’s supermarkets nationally.

The group said it made the decision due to “changing market conditions”.

Harrogate and Knaresborough to host international orienteering race

An international orienteering event is set to be held in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The EuroCity races will be held this July and see participants compete in multiple locations including Cordoba, Vigo, Ghent and Sopot/Gdansk.

Harrogate and Knaresborough are set to host parts of the race on July 15 and 16.

The event is set to see between 300 and 500 participants take part.

Kay Hawke, project officer at British Orienteering, said:

“It is a typical orienteering event where participants wear an electronic timing chip and receive a map at the Start (they are not allowed to see the map beforehand).

“They must visit all of the controls (checkpoints) on their map in numerical order, choosing what they think is the best way between the checkpoints, simple – fastest time (and controls completed correctly) wins.”

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She added:

“The beauty of the sport is that following someone may not be the best option anyway, especially if they have chosen a longer route to a control.”

The Saturday will see a short sprint event based from and around the grounds of Knaresborough Castle, while Sunday will see an urban event around the streets of Harrogate.

For more information on the EuroCity race and how to take part, visit the website here.

Mark Hunter wins contest to be Knaresborough’s next town crier

Mark Hunter has won a contest to become Knaresborough’s next town crier.

In a ‘cry-off’ with two other entrants described by organisers as “almost too close to call”, Mr Hunter was selected to succeed Roger Hewitt.

The competition took place during Knaresborough Community Festival on Saturday, which celebrated the town’s many community organisations.

Organised by the Knaresborough & District Chamber, which manages the town crier position, the event saw competitors give renditions of Mr Hewitt’s pre-prepared cry and their own original contributions.

Knaresborough Town Crier contest

Retiring town crier Roger Hewitt introduces the second round of the competition. Pic: Charlotte-Gale

Mr Hewitt and fellow judges Cllr Kathryn Davies, Mayor of Knaresborough and chamber executive member Charlotte Gale selected Mr Hunter to be the town’s next town crier and the other two candidates — Leigh Hudson and Andrew Richards — to serve as deputies.

Knaresborough-born and bred Mr Hunter has sung in the choir at St John’s Church and is the church’s current director of music.

He is also a keen amateur naturalist and wildlife photographer.

Ms Gale said:

“We’re delighted to invite Mark to be Knaresborough’s next town crier.

“It was a fantastic competition and we’d like to thank all our contestants for the huge effort they put into it and for their entertaining performances on the day. It certainly made the role of judging a tough one.

“We will be very sad to see Roger go and we’d like to pay tribute to eight years of outstanding service, but we are also looking forward to a new chapter and the continuation of this historic role in Knaresborough.”

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Mayor of Knaresborough Kathryn Davies added:

“Records show there has been a town crier in Knaresborough since the early 1600s, although the tradition probably dates back to earlier times.

“In those days the town crier used to be called the bell man. Literacy amongst the general populace would have been low and the bell man fulfilled an important role in delivering news to local townsfolk.

“Although literacy rates are now much improved, the popularity of the role means that Knaresborough Town Council, Knaresborough and District Chamber and the people of Knaresborough are keen to maintain this important tradition for the town.”

Main pic: Charlotte Gale, Leigh Hudson, Mark Hunter, Roger Hewitt, Mayor Kathryn Davies and Andrew Richards (entrant)

Firefighters called to Harrogate hospital to remove girl’s ring

Firefighters were called to Harrogate District Hospital last night to remove a ring from the finger of an 11-year-old girl.

An appliance from Harrogate Fire Station on Skipton Road was summoned to the hospital ay 6.16pm last night.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident log this morning said:

“A Harrogate fire appliance attended A&E to use an electric saw to remove a ring from the finger of an 11-year-old girl.”

It added the request to attend was made by medical staff and the unnamed child and mother were unable to travel to Harrogate fire station.

Last night also saw Knaresborough firefighters respond to a fire in a back garden on Whincup Avenue at 9.42pm.

The incident log said household items were being burned and advice was given.

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