Masham Sheep Fair to make annual return this weekend

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.

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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.

Business Breakfast: Swinton Estate restaurant to undergo £500,000 refurbishment

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.”

 

Masham cashmere business unveils new store

A second-hand cashmere business in Masham opened its new shop this week.

Nearly New Cashmere Co. spent four years trading on Leyburn Road but has now opened a bigger site on Common Head Lane.

The company, which launched in 2015, said it was “in desperate need for new premises” following a successful year of trade.

It has become the UK’s largest selection of second-hand cashmere products and has reworked 20,000 cashmere items in 2023.

The brand sells a range of restored cashmere jumpers, accessories, and vintage silk scarves too.

It also offers a care service where customers can take their cashmere to be repaired or washed.

Founder, Ali Orr, began selling cashmere at stalls and fairs before establishing a retail and online presence. She said:

“It’s important to me that Nearly New Cashmere Co. is an advocate for rural enterprise and growth.

“A significant part of our growth so far can be attributed to our investment in local people. We’re excited to celebrate the next step with our immediate team and our community.”

Nearly New Cashmere Co. is open Wednesday – Saturday, from 10am – 4.30pm.

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Business Breakfast: Goldsborough Hall appoints new Head Chef

Goldsborough Hall hotel in Knaresborough has appointed Daniel Ife as the hotel’s new Head Chef.

He joined the team over six years ago and helped the previous head chefs achieve a 3AA rosette and a feature in the Michelin guide.

Owner of Goldsborough Hall, Mark Oglesby said:

“Behind the scenes, Daniel has been running the kitchens at Goldsborough Hall now for many years, so we are very proud that he has finally agreed to take on the role of Head Chef.

“Over the many years he has been with us he has demonstrated passion and creativity which has helped to win us many prestigious awards.

“With his wealth of experience and innovative approach, we are confident that Daniel will continue to lead our dining experience to new heights.’

Mr Ife added:

“My style is seasonally driven, using modern techniques and styles with a classic French undertone.

“It is a real privilege to create dishes that befit the majesty of the hall’s historic dining room, where former Kings and Queens have dined.”

Masham brewery secures listings in 100 M&S stores across UK

 T&R Theakston, in Masham, has secured a listing to supply Theakston Old Peculier ale to 100 M&S stores across the UK.

The brewery has seen a value growth of 4.5% in the Off Trade market versus a bottle ale market decline of 6%.

Following the deal with M&S, the ale is now stocked in all UK major supermarket chains.

Simon Theakston, joint managing director, said:

“Theakston Old Peculier is a flagship beer for us and for the town of Masham, with its name a tribute to the unique ecclesiastical status of the town as a ‘Court of the Peculier’, first established in medieval times.

“It’s great to see the continued growth in popularity Old Peculier underpinning its status as one of the country’s most well-known and loved ales.

“As a result of this new M&S listing, it’s fantastic to be able say this beautiful brew is now listed in all UK major supermarkets, meaning that fans have the opportunity to enjoy the taste of Old Peculier from both their local pub and within the comfort of their own home.”

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Masham woman sets up fundraiser for bus driver involved in fatal A61 collision

A woman from Masham has set up a fundraising page for the bus driver seriously injured in a fatal collision on the A61 Ripon Road this month.

Daria Bartienieva, 35, her son, Ihor Bartienieva, aged 6, and Daria’s step-daughter, Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, died after a three-vehicle crash that involved a double decker 36 bus on the road near South Stainley on September 3.

It was the second fatal collision on the road on consecutive weekends.

Katie Sills, 23, told the Stray Ferret she had followed the fundraiser for 15-year-old Liza Bartienieva, who was orphaned following the accident.

It has so far raised more than £41,000 and Ms Sills decided to launch a similar appeal for the driver of the 36 bus known as ‘Bob’ because she had not seen anything being done on his behalf.

Ms Sills said she does not know Bob but wanted to help in any capacity she could:

“I just thought to myself ‘he’s a man with a family, bills and probably rent or a mortgage’.

“I’m not entirely sure what the money will be used for, but I imagine just everyday living if he’s not working.

“What he saw would’ve been absolutely horrendous and now he’s left with physical and mental trauma.”

After setting up the GoFundMe page on Sunday, which has now raised over £2,000, a friend of the bus driver reached out to Ms Sills.

“His friend said he’d seen my post about the fundraiser and that the man does not have social media, so he passed on my phone number and he text me not long after.”

The man told Ms Sills “I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and consideration”. She said:

“He told me in the text that the only reason he was working that Sunday was so he could take a day off to drive his son to university the following week.

“He also said he’d always be indebted to me.”

The initial target was £1,000 but now that has been surpassed, Ms Sills said she’d like to keep the page up to raise as much as she can.

A fun day will also be held at Ripon Bowling Club this Sunday to continue raising money for those affected by the collision – including the bus driver and Liza.

It will include cake stalls, a raffle, a live DJ and a magician.

The event will run from 1pm to 5pm.

It is free to attend but asks people to donate what they can.

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The Stray Ferret Business Awards to make its return in 2024

Not even an amber weather warning could stop the Stray Ferret Business Awards in March, with a turnout of nearly 400 people and many smiling faces, we’re looking forward to doing it all again in 2024.

Following the success of our inaugural event, the Stray Ferret Business Awards will be making its return next year – and we’re ready to receive your entries!

Sponsored by local financial advisers Prosperis, the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 will take place in the Pavilions of Harrogate on Thursday, March 14.

The awards ceremony will recognise businesses of all sectors and sizes to highlight the best and brightest in the Harrogate district’s business community – including Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Nidderdale.

The black-tie event will include our all-important awards ceremony, a special Winner’s Lounge sponsored by LCF Law and entertainment throughout the evening

Whether you’ve seen significant business growth, place sustainability at the centre of your core values, or provide great progression for your employees, our awards will shine a light on excellent organisations and individuals.

There are 10 award categories to enter:

Emma Harris, Commercial Manager of the Stray Ferret, said:

“We were blown away by the success of our inaugural Business Awards ceremony earlier this year and hope the 2024 event will not disappoint.

“The Stray Ferret Business Awards highlights businesses that are making a difference in the community, as well as those who have overcome adversity and are going strong.

“We can’t wait to see the entries.

“It is entirely free to enter and the Stray Ferret will showcase the fantastic work of all finalists and winners, so we encourage you to put your business forward today.

“The Harrogate district may be a small part of the world, but includes hugely successful businesses with talented individuals who we believe deserve to be recognised.”

Entries are now open.

*There are still a small number of sponsorship opportunities available, so don’t miss out on showcasing your business to the district ahead of and on the night of the awards ceremony.

For more information on the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024, contact advertising@thestrayferret.co.uk .

Masham pre-school rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted

A Masham pre-school has been rated inadequate by government inspector Ofsted due to “weaknesses in the leadership and management that compromise children’s safety and welfare”. 

Acorns Pre-School, which caters for 23 children aged two to nine, received its first inspection for six years on July 6. 

The pre-school was rated ‘good’ for quality of education and behaviour and attitudes in a report published today.

But its overall ‘inadequate’ rating was due to ‘inadequate’ gradings for leadership and management and personal development

The report said not all staff who work directly with children had an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check in place. It also described the safeguarding arrangements as “not effective”, adding:

“Supervision, coaching and mentoring of staff is not effective. Managers do not regularly monitor the quality of education delivered to children.”

‘Children are happy’

The report praised many aspects of Acorns Pre-School, which is based in Mashamshire Community Office on Little Market Place. It said:

“Despite weaknesses, children are happy to arrive and enter the pre-school confidently, ready to start their day.

“Staff are caring, kind and nurturing towards children. Children show that they feel secure, as they form relationships with staff and friendships with their peers from an early age.”

Children behave well and staff are positive role models who support children to be independent and confident, the report adds. Partnership with parents is described as a strength of the pre-school.

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Val Horstool, manager of Acorns Pre-School, said the overall rating was predominantly due to one new member of staff not having a DBS check at the time of the Ofsted visit.

Ms Horstool said:

“That has been resolved and we have complied with everything they wanted us to do.”

She added she expected the assessment to be upgraded when inspectors returned in the next six months.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate company in ‘strong financial position’ despite interest rate hike

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 rental company has said the firm remains in “strong financial position” despite a hike in interest rates this past month.

Vp, which is based at Central House on Beckwith Knowle, recorded a 6% increase in revenue to £371.5m for the year ending March 2023.

In a statement to its annual general meeting, Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of the company, said the group “remains in a strong financial position”.

He added that he expected company results for the upcoming financial year to be in line with board expectations despite “market headwinds” and the Bank of England’s decision to hike interest rates to 5.25%.

Mr Pilkington said:

“We remain focused on the quality of our equipment and excellent service delivery to our customers with an ongoing drive to deliver sustainable solutions to our customer base.

“The group remains in a strong financial position with an excellent track record of delivery. Despite both market headwinds and increases in interest rates, we continue to see opportunities and expect performance for the current financial year to be in line with board expectations.”

Black Sheep launches beer in partnership with Rob Burrow

Black Sheep Brewery has launched a new beer in partnership with Rob Burrow MBE.

The brewery, which is based in Masham, released Burrow Blonde to raise funds for Rob Burrow 7 Discretionary Trust and the Rob Burrow Racing Club.

A total of 10p from every pint and bottle sold is donated to charity.

Picture (from left) Phil Hawthorne, The Good Racing Co, Alex Brandon-Davies, Senior Brewer at Black Sheep Brewery and Rob Burrow and Lindsey Burrow.

Picture (from left) Phil Hawthorne, The Good Racing Co, Alex Brandon-Davies, Senior Brewer at Black Sheep Brewery and Rob Burrow and Lindsey Burrow.

Barrie McDermott, Sky Sports pundit and former Leeds Rhinos teammate of Rob, said: 

“I’m incredibly proud to support the launch of Burrow’s Blonde, a fantastic beer for a fantastic cause, it’s yet another way to get behind our little mate Rob Burrow and his family in their battle against MND.”

Rob’s wife, Lindsey Burrow, said:

“We’re really excited to be working with Black Sheep Brewery and launching Burrow’s Blonde. It’s a great opportunity for people to support Rob by simply buying a beer and enjoying a drink with loved ones.”

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Government urged to help rural areas near Masham get broadband

Masham and Fountains councillor Felicity Cunliffe-Lister has written to the government urging it to help rural areas without broadband get connected.

About 300 homes in Masham and Fountains — about nine per cent of the total — are without fibre optic broadband to their premises.

A meeting organised by Cllr Lister last month heard this number might not reduce for several years.

This has prompted her to write to science, innovation and technology secretary Michelle Donelan asking her to bring back a voucher scheme that enabled people to install their own gigabit-capable connections at reduced cost.

Cllr Cunliffe-Lister, a Liberal Democrat who was elected to North Yorkshire Council this year, said in her letter:

“A voucher payment could, for example, help subsidise the cost of a Starlink satellite connection (£500), or for a community to pay to install a mobile mast or wireless broadband transmitter.

“This would otherwise be out of reach for most of my rural residents who are largely hill farmers, agricultural workers or otherwise on a relatively low income.”

Cllr Cunliffe-Lister said the roll out of broadband had been effective in urban locations in North Yorkshire but “rural residents will be feeling more remote and isolated than ever before”.

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She added:

“There are many issues that are a daily challenge to living in remote locations, but a good broadband connection would be transformational and would help breathe life back into communities that are struggling to survive.

“In terms of the levelling up agenda, these are the residents who should have been first in the queue.”

Woman seriously injured in Masham tractor accident becomes fundraiser for rescuers

A woman seriously injured in a tractor accident near Masham has become a fundraiser for the air ambulance charity that came to her rescue.

Michelle Raine suffered a broken pelvis and serious spinal injuries when a tractor she was a passenger in rolled down a hill in August 2017.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance provided her with critical emergency medical care, pain relief and airlifted her to Leeds General Infirmary.

Ms Raine underwent emergency surgery to stabilise her pelvis and during her two-week hospital stay she also battled pneumonia, which resulted in the collapse of her lungs.

She then spent two months in a wheelchair but eventually made a full recovery.

Ms Raine, whose rescue was broadcast on the TV programme Helicopter ER, has now become a community fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

She said:

“Their swift response and expert care during my accident were nothing short of miraculous.

“Now, as part of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance family, I cherish the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of others, just like they did for me.”

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Ms Raine’s passion for the cause has been evident a long time already: one year after her accident she organised a fundraising ball that raised £15,000 for the charity.

Regional fundraising manager Linda Stead said:

“Michelle is an invaluable asset to our fundraising team. Her firsthand experience as an ex-patient allows her to connect with donors and supporters on a deeper level, inspiring them with her remarkable journey and gratitude.”