Councillors have approved plans to erect a 35 metres-high communications mast near Masham to boost 4G coverage in rural areas.

Mobile infrastructure provider Cornerstone submitted plans to North Yorkshire Council to build the tower in Ox Close Plantation, Healey where a report said existing 4G coverage is “spasmodic”.

The application is part of the shared rural network venture, which is a £1bn drive between government and operators Vodafone, Three and Virgin Media-O2 to improve the UK’s digital connectivity.

However, because the plantation sits within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which has strict planning laws, a council officer recommended refusing the application to preserve “scenic beauty”.

But at a meeting of the Skipton and Ripon planning committee yesterday afternoon, councillors ignored the recommendation and enthusiastically backed the mast proposal due to its positive impact on residents and businesses in the area.

A statement was read out on behalf of Cllr Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, a Liberal Democrat who represents Masham and Fountains, and who has previously campaigned for better rural internet connectivity.

Although she said she supported the plans, her statement informed councillors she also has an interest as her husband owns the land that the mast would be built on so would receive rent.

Cllr Cunliffe-Lister’s statement said: 

“Life without this connectivity would become very challenging and become harder as services such as banking come online.

“Any concern about impact on landscape should be considered but not given priority.”

Read more

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• Communications tower plan near Masham would ‘harm landscape’

Veteran Skipton councillor Robert Heseltine said the plans should be approved “as a matter of principle” so rural communities can receive the same services as urban ones.

Cllr Heseltine said: 

“Residents and businesses of rural North Yorkshire have an absolute expectation to receive the same service as the rest of this nation. 

“Communications are a necessity for the safety of the public and viability of farming and rural businesses.”

Ripon councillor Andrew Williams, a member of the Conservative and Independents group, said there were exceptions for building in the AONB and the Yorkshire Dales and referred to the giant “golf balls” at RAF Menwith Hill which “obliterate” the landscape and the Bilsdale television transmitter.

Cllr Williams said: 

“The landscape has always changed and will continue to change. Here are people who are unable to work from home, they can’t get any form of communication, that has an impact on running businesses. 

“It’s not for townies to impose rules and restrictions on rural communities that makes them impossible to be viable. The plans are to be welcomed.”

The plans were approved unanimously.

Bonfire Night is approaching. From torch-lit processions and alpacas to live music and traditional bonfires, we’ve collated a list of bonfires in the Harrogate district.

If you know of an event we haven’t included, email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add it.

Friday, November 3

Ripon City Bonfire

Ripon City Bonfire will take place at Ripon Racecourse.

The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and fireworks will begin at 7.30pm

Gates open at 5.30pm.

Advance tickets start at £2 and can be bought at various venues in the city.

No own fireworks other than sparklers are permitted for safety reasons.

There will be no parking available at the racecourse due to the poor weather conditions.

Spofforth village fireworks

The event will be held at Spofforth Cricket Club.

There will be hot food, a bar and live music to enjoy ahead of the fireworks display.

Gates open at 5pm.

Family tickets cost £12.50 and can be bought at the village deli or post office.

Knaresborough Cricket Club and Aspin Park Academy PTA Fireworks Night

The event will be held at Knaresborough Cricket Club.

As well as a firework display, guests can expect food and drink, music and light-up toys for sale.

Gates open at 6pm and fireworks will be lit at 7pm.

Tickets start at £3 and can be bought at the gate.

Belmont Grosvenor School Bonfire Party

Belmont Grosvenor School will host a bonfire party in the school grounds.

There will be a bonfire, fireworks, food and drinks stalls, children’s activities, and music.

Gates open at 6pm, the bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and the firework display will begin at 7.20pm.

Tickets are free for U18s and cost £10 for adults. They can be bought at the gate or by contacting the PTA on pta@belmontgrosvenor.co.uk or 07525 907156.

Anyone is welcome to attend.

Stray Bonfire. Pic: Mark Dimmock.

Saturday, November 4

Stray Bonfire, Harrogate

The bonfire will be lit on the Oatlands Stray near to St Aidan’s Church of England High School.

It will take place from 5pm until 8.30pm and include fireworks, food and drink, and live music.

The event is free to attend but Harrogate Round Table, which is a charity, encourages donations. Proceeds will go towards Harrogate Homeless Project.

Yolk Farm, Minskip

Yolk Farm, near Boroughbridge, is hosting a dog and baby-friendly event without fireworks.

There will still be a bonfire and tickets include entry to the yard where visitors can see the animals, including goats and alpacas, as well as the opportunity to feed the pigs.

Hot food will also be on offer.

Gates open at 5.30pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm

Tickets can be bought online for £5.

Upper Nidderdale Scouts Group Pateley Bonfire

The event will be held at Pateley Bridge Showground.

Guests can expect a torchlit procession and bonfire, which begin at 6.30pm, and fireworks at 7pm.

There will also be hot food and a best Guy competition.

Entry is by donation and doors open at 6pm.

No sparklers are allowed.

Masham Bonfire

Masham Bonfire will be held on The Holme.

Food will be served from 5.30pm, followed by the bonfire at 6.15pm.

There will also be a firework display at 7pm.

The event is free to attend.

Kirkby Malzeard Community Bonfire

The event will be held at North Close Farm.

There will be a bonfire, fireworks and food and drink on offer.

Gates open at 6pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm.

It is free to attend but organisers have asked for donations to continue running the events.

Sparklers are not permitted.

Birstwith Community Bonfire

Birstwith bonfire will be held on the field behind West House on Nidd Lane.

As well as the bonfire, which will be lit at 5.30pm, visitors can enjoy a bar, hot dogs and a children’s stall.

Organisers will be raising money for a vehicle-activated speed sign near Birstwith School.

No dogs or sparklers are permitted.

Gates open at 5pm.

Wath & Melmerby Community Bonfire

The event will be held Roger Clarke Motor Engines in Melmerby.

Visitors can expect a bonfire, fireworks, a BBQ and a bar.

It begins at 6pm and tickets cost £5 per family.

Sunday, November 5

Lightwater Valley, Ripon

Lightwater Valley will put on a firework display accompanied by the music of Swan Lake.

Admission is included in a day entry ticket.

The display will begin at 5.15pm.

The Queen’s Head, Kettlesing

The Queen’s Head will have a bonfire and fireworks on offer.

There will also be pizzas, sparklers and a charity cake to stand available.

The event will be fundraising for Felliscliffe School.

It begins at 5pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6pm.

Entry is £5 for adults and £2 for children under 16.

Scotton Cricket Club

The event will be held at the cricket club on Lower Moor Lane.

Gates open at 6pm, the bonfire will be lit at 6.45pm and the firework display will begin at 7.30pm.

Visitors can look forward to a bar, a BBQ and a cake stall.

Car parking is limited, so organisers have recommended people walk or car share to the event.

Donations are welcome on entry.

Harrogate Railway Football Club 

A firework display will be held at the club, which is on Station View in Starbeck.

There will be a DJ, fairground rides, a bar and a BBQ on offer.

The event is in association with Friends of Starbeck School and entry is £2.

Gates open at 4pm, followed by fireworks at 6.30pm.

There is no parking available at the venue.

Read more:

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Plans to construct a 35m-tall communications tower near Masham to boost 4G coverage in rural areas have been recommended for refusal ahead of a meeting next week.

Councillors on Skipton & Ripon’s planning committee will meet on Tuesday to consider an application from mobile infrastructure provider Cornerstone to build the tower in Ox Close Plantation, Healey.

However, because the plantation sits within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which has strict planning laws, a council officer has recommended the application is refused as “great weight must be given to conserving and enhancing the landscape and scenic beauty” of the AONB.

According to a report due before councillors, existing 4G coverage is “spasmodic” in the area serving Fearby, the hamlet of Leighton and part of the Healey and Ilton villages. Elsewhere, only areas of higher ground can receive a signal.

If the tower is built, it would mean a 4G signal could be received from the Vodafone, Virgin Media-O2 and 3 networks to most of the surrounding area.

The application is part of the Shared Rural Network venture, which is a £1bn drive between government and major mobile network operators to improve the UK’s digital connectivity.

By 2025, the venture is expected to achieve 4G coverage in 95% of the UK.

Read more

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• ‘No more new houses’: Harrogate residents and councillors call on council to remove sites from Local Plan

One nearby resident has submitted a letter of support to the application saying they experience no mobile signal due to the landscape and are too far from the telephone exchange to ever benefit from any landline broadband.

It has also been supported by Fearby, Healey and District Parish Council.

Ox Close Plantation lies on the north-west side of the Upper Pott Beck valley, where it is occupied by Leighton Reservoir.

The journey from Masham to Lofthouse descends to pass around the reservoir before climbing south-west with visitors experiencing expansive views.

Cornerstone says the tower must to be 35m so signal won’t be blocked by the trees but the planning officer said it would result in harm to visitors.

It said: 

“The height of the tower above the plantation in which it is to be situated is excessive and does cause undue harm to the AONB and the amenity of visitors. 

“The proposed development would introduce an incongruous feature into an unspoilt landscape creating an unacceptable level of harm to the landscape character of the Nidderdale AONB.”

Councillors will meet in Skipton on Tuesday afternoon (November 7) to consider the plans.

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise money for a minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district. 

The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.

Please read Flora’s story below and give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. They need your help.

Christmas is a time to create happy memories, to connect with family and enjoy each other’s company. But Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease take those memories away, and life can become confusing and isolating.

Local charity Dementia Forward works to support people living with these life-changing and disabling conditions, but it can only do so with the help of charitable donations.

So this Christmas, the Stray Ferret is asking you to support to this local organisation and ensure it can continue to offer the vital services it provides.

We want to raise £30,000 to buy a new minibus so that Dementia Forward can carry on bringing people struggling with memory loss to social events and a supportive environment.

The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare, so every penny donated will go directly to Dementia Forward.

The charity’s minibus service is currently used by more than 50 people. It also takes them on days out across the county, which is a huge part of the Dementia Forward programme. It is used to help people access the charity’s social events for those that can no longer drive, as well as weekly day trips for those with young onset dementia. The group visits a variety of places, including the Yorkshire coast, nature reserves, walking trails, llama farms, art galleries and so much more.

However, Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and tired and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going.

Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need. 

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward to help us hit our £30,000 target.

Over the next seven weeks, we’ll be bringing you stories that show just how important Dementia Forward is, and the impact it has on local people’s lives.

Please read them, share them, and donate whatever you can.

Let’s not forget those who need our help this Christmas.

Thank you.

The NHS found 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 are living with dementia in the UK. For those who need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser. 

Vida Healthcare offers specialist residential and nursing care across three state-of-the-art homes.

James Rycroft, managing director of Vida Healthcare, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting the Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal in aid of Dementia Forward.

“It is such an amazing local charity supporting people living with dementia.”

North Yorkshire Council has hired a West Yorkshire company to clean toilets in Masham and Ripon amid staffing issues.

Cleaning at public toilets in both areas of the Harrogate district were previously carried out by the local authority.

However, council officials said the service had been “failing” due to a lack of staff and the toilets were at risk of closure if a contractor was not brought in.

As a result, a £32,760 contract has been directly awarded with no competitive tender to Marsden Contract Services.

According to the government’s contract portal, the company is based on Hollins Lane in Keighley although its website says it is based in Skipton.

Karl Battersby, corporate director for environmental services at the council, said the move was necessary as a recruitment process had found “no suitable applicants” to take on the cleaning roles.

When asked why the service was not put out to competitive tender, Mr Battersby added:

“Toilet cleaning has been undertaken in Ripon and Masham by staff from North Yorkshire Council, and previously the former Harrogate Borough Council, but the service had been falling behind due to staffing issues, and our recruitment process had found no suitable applicants to take on the roles.

“A direct award was made with a trusted contractor as the service needed immediate attention.

“Failure to act quickly would have resulted in a fall in cleaning standards or closure of sites and neither of these options would have been acceptable.

“This contract is for one year to help us maintain our services, after which, if needed, we will follow a competitive tender process.”

Read more:

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• North Yorkshire Council set to lobby government for water quality measures

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am. 

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

Masham brewery T&R Theakston has announced changes to its leadership structure.

Simon Theakston, joint managing director of the family-controlled business, will become company chairman from January 1, 2024.

Mr Theakston will continue to be actively involved in the brewery and supporting the board in his new position.

Meanwhile, Richard Bradbury will assume the role of sole managing director.

Mr Bradbury has been a director of T&R Theakston since 2015 and joint managing director with Mr Theakston since November 2020.

Mr Theakston said:

“This is a natural evolution from how Richard and I currently work together. 

“Having jointly charted the company through the challenges of the covid pandemic and the current cost inflation impacts on the brewing and hospitality sectors, this new structure will ensure Theakston’s continued growth as we look forward to its bi-centenary in 2027 and beyond.”

Council offers businesses net zero project grants

Business grants have been made available to firms across North Yorkshire.

As part of the government’s shared prosperity funding, North Yorkshire Council has made grants and support available for companies looking to take on net zero initiatives.

Support will be offered by York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub and grants will be made available for up to £2,000 or 80% of project costs.

More information on the application process can be found on the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub website.

Read more: 

• Business Breakfast: London firm acquires Harrogate car leasing company
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate digital agency to expand

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am. 

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 rental company has reported a “solid” first half year of financial results.

Beckwith Knowle-based VP said in a trading update this week that the firm had “continued to trade resiliently” amid a “backdrop of challenging macro-economic conditions”.

Its interim results for the period up to September 30 will be published on November 28.

Anna Bielby, Chief Executive of Vp, said:

“We have delivered a solid performance in the period and are confident that we will continue to achieve our objective of driving demand for our products and services.

“With our strong financial position, we have an excellent track record of successfully navigating volatility in our core markets.

“We continue to closely monitor the impact of weaker markets in housebuilding and general construction; however, we remain confident that the Group will continue to provide shareholders with an attractive level of returns.”

Masham company shortlisted for Yorkshire business awards

A Masham company has been chosen as a finalist at the Yorkshire and Humberside Business Awards.

W E Jameson & Son Ltd was shortlisted for both the agribusiness and wholesaler categories at this year’s ceremony.

Chris and Graham Jameson, directors at W E Jameson & Son Ltd.

This year’s event will be held at The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate on November 10.

Graham Jameson, managing director of the company, said:

“Our family business has been established for 93 years and we are delighted to have been shortlisted for these awards.

“Every member of the Jameson team should be very proud of their efforts in maintaining the family culture of the business, caring for and supporting work colleagues, the community in which we work and the family farming businesses we supply.”

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Harrogate estate agent expands sales department
• Business Breakfast: Construction firm hires two new directors
• Business Breakfast: Knaresborough company acquires local financial firm

An air ambulance rescue of a Masham cricketer who snapped his ankle while playing is set to feature on a television series tonight.

Brendan Jackson, 15, was playing for Masham Cricket Club’s second team in April this year when he was injured.

During a match at Walton Park Cricket Club near Wetherby, Brendan caught his studs in the crease while bowling his third over. He dislocated his ankle and fractured both bones in his lower leg.

A helicopter from Yorkshire Air Ambulance was dispatched from Topcliffe Air Base in Thirsk to complete the 20-mile journey to the club.

Upon arrival, paramedics administered gas and air to alleviate Brendan’s pain.

Brendan described the crew who arrived on scene as “superheroes”. He said:

“I remember my first reaction vividly; it was a mix of shock and fear. I just looked down, and all I could think was, ‘Oh my word, what has happened, and will I ever be able to play cricket again?’ It was a terrifying moment for me.

“When the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team showed up, it was a massive relief. They were like superheroes, and I’m so grateful for how they were able to take away some of my pain. I can’t thank them enough for being there.”

A still from Helicopter ER, which features Brendan’s rescue.

Brendan was also given Ketamine medication to help relieve the pain, but also give a dissociative effect and help him cope with the traumatic experience.

After his leg was put in a splint, he was transferred to Harrogate District Hospital for surgery.

Diane Sharp, Brendan’s mother, said she remembered the incident as a “traumatic day”. She said:

“I didn’t see his leg initially; I just thought he had tripped. But once I heard him shouting in agony, I knew I had to rush over and keep him as calm as possible until more help arrived.”

The rescue by Yorkshire Air Ambulance is set to feature on an episode of television series Helicopter ER tonight.

The new series will be broadcast on Quest at 9pm.

Read more:

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• Masham community scheme pioneers wool insulation

The annual Masham Sheep Fair will return this weekend.

The two-day event, which began over 30 years ago, commemorates the market town’s long history of sheep farming.

Founded by Susan Cunliffe-Lister, it was intended to be a one-off event to raise money for farmers in Africa but has become one of the biggest events in the Harrogate district.

Pic credit: Guy Carpenter

The fair began raising money for Yorkshire-based charities and has since amassed nearly £160,000.

Until the First World War, up to 70,000 sheep would be bought and sold in Masham every year.

Read more:

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Visitors can expect a wide range of activities. From school exhibitions, flower festivals and wool competitions, to sheep shows, brewery tours and sheepdog displays, the weekend promises fun for all the family.

It is free to attend and will be held around the Market Place, with activities beginning at 10am tomorrow and on Sunday.

A full breakdown of the weekend can be found here.

A restaurant at Swinton Park Hotel is set to undergo a £500,000 refurbishment.

Samuel’s Restaurant, which is based at the Swinton Estate in Masham, will revamp its kitchen by January 2024.

The refurbishment will see it update the entire kitchen, equipment and workflows to reduce its carbon footprint and create a new state-of-the-art facility.

Head chef, Ruth Hansom, has also extended her six-month residency until the end of the year to help oversee the refurbishment.

Andrew Mackay, general manager at the restaurant, said:

“This is a very exciting time for the team at Samuel’s Restaurant, where they will have access to a brand new kitchen in which to prepare the finest Yorkshire food.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ruth for staying on to help us see this project through, and we’re confident that our ambitious plans will continue to attract and retain the best established and up-and-coming chefs to the estate.”

Grantley Hall launches motorsport concierge service

Grantley Hall near Ripon has launched a new motorsport concierge service.

Called Grantley Motorsport, the service will offer guests bespoke packages for track days, in-house professional simulator hire, automotive events and VIP experiences to top-tier motorsport events.

The scheme has been launched in partnership with Hype Motorsport, which will provide access to professional instructors as part of the service.

Richard Sykes, managing director of Grantley Hall, said: 

“At Grantley Hall, we continually strive to provide our guests with extraordinary and unforgettable experiences. 

“Grantley Motorsport is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. From our on-site professional racing simulator suite, right through to VIP motorsport events, we aim to deliver an unparalleled journey into the world of motorsport, ensuring our guests create cherished memories to last a lifetime.”