Photo of the Week: Newby Hall

This week’s photograph was taken by Christiane Gul, Showcasing the gardens leading up to Newby Hall.

Christiane Gul

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

Ripon to stage public meeting on new tourism strategy

A public meeting is being held in Ripon next week to hear views on how to shape a new tourism strategy for North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Council, which came into existence last month, is devising a strategy to boost the county’s multi-million pound tourism industry.

As part of this, the council is staging three free workshops, including one at the Old Deanery in Ripon from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday.

A council press release this week said the events would “gather information and views from key organisations and enterprises involved in the tourism sector to develop the first countywide destination management plan”.

Attendees will be asked about their priorities and aspirations for the tourism industry as well as the strengths, opportunities and challenges being faced by North Yorkshire’s visitor economy.

Newby Hall 1 by Mervin Straughan

Newby Hall. Pic: Mervin Straughan

The council’s Conservative leader, Cllr Carl Les, said:

“The opportunity to develop the first county-wide plan to promote tourism is a major milestone for North Yorkshire.

“The views of businesses and organisations involved in tourism will be key to developing the strategy and the future of the industry as a whole.”

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In-person events will also be held in Ripon, Skipton and Scarborough followed by two online sessions from 5.30pm to 7pm on Tuesday, May 23, and then from noon until 1.30pm on Thursday, May 25.

The draft destination management plan is due to be finalised by the end of June, before being presented to councillors the following month.

A bid is then due to be submitted to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in September for North Yorkshire to be home to a Local Visitor Economy Partnership, which would involve both the private and public sectors and would need to follow a new national process to be eligible for support and potential funding from the government.

Tourism in North Yorkshire accounts for 11 per cent of the county’s overall economy and employs 41,200 workers.

The county is home to two National Parks for the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, as well as Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, which is one of only two World Heritage Sites in Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire also has stately homes, including Castle Howard, Kiplin Hall and Newby Hall, as well as 23 English Heritage sites, including Whitby Abbey, Richmond Castle and Rievaulx Abbey, along with the recently acquired Thornborough Henges.

The county also has a wealth of famous food and drink producers responsible for brands including Bettys Café Tea Rooms, Wensleydale Cheese, Harrogate Spring Water and Yorkshire Tea.

Further details of the workshops are available here.

You can complete a 10-minute questionnaire on North Yorkshire’s visitor economy here.

The stately home near Ripon that has its own coronation crown jewels

Newby Hall near Ripon is home to its very own crown jewels.

The house, which dates back to the seventeenth century, has a full replica set of the official coronation regalia that will form part of tomorrow’s ceremony to crown King Charles III.

The Compton family which own Newby Hall has a close association with the crown jewels. A distant ancestor commissioned the official coronation regalia for Charles II after the originals were destroyed during the Civil War.

Newby Hall’s royal past 

Sir Robert Vyner was appointed goldsmith and banker to King Charles ll in 1661 when he commissioned the coronation regalia.

The Vyner name can be traced back through the family ancestry of Newby Hall.

Sir Robert’s invoice for the regalia was £12,184.7s.6d, equivalent to £1,754,496.00 today.  The invoice is on display on a wall outside Newby’s Billiard Room.

Newby’s replica set was made in the last century and includes an Imperial State Crown; St Edward’s Crown and Staff; St George’s Bracelets; Queen Consort’s Ivory Rod; Royal Sceptre with the Cross; Sovereign’s Sceptre with the Dove; Anointing Spoon; Ring; Ampulla; St George’s Spurs; King’s Orb; Sword of Mercy, and Sword of Temporal Justice.

All are on display at the house.

Richard Compton said:

“We are very much looking forward to marking the King’s coronation with our once in a lifetime afternoon tea in the magnificent setting of our award-winning herbaceous borders.

“It is so fitting that Newby has its own replica set of the coronation regalia which we are delighted to own and have on display for visitors. The regalia will take pride of place at Newby on His Majesty’s coronation weekend in May.”

Newby’s afternoon tea to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III is on Monday afternoon.

Visitors can mark the historic event by trying on the replica Saint Edwards Crown for size.

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Unique ‘Brighouse Bugatti’ to feature at Newby Hall sports car show

Organisers are expecting a record turn-out next month for Sports Cars in the Park, the annual celebration of classic vehicles and super cars held each spring at Newby Hall. 

A firm favourite in car enthusiasts’ calendar, the event was started by Yorkshire businessman Chris Crossley because he was fed up with all the good car events being held in the South. 

The show, on Sunday, May 7, brings together exhibits from car clubs and individual car enthusiasts across the region, attracting more than 1,000 sports cars and 5,000 visitors. Cars attending must be a roadster, a sporty car, modified or unusual or fun in some way. 

This year’s event is expected to bring together a wide range of prestigious car marques. Highlights will include the “Brighouse Bugatti”, the sole survivor of 10 cars made between 1922 and 1928 by Brighouse engineer Frederick William Bond.  

There will also be a rare LaFerrari, a car so refined it was priced at $1.5 million when it was first released 10 years ago.  

Visitors will also be able to spot a Ferrari Enzo and a Porsche Carrera GT, as well as a wide variety of sports cars including examples from Aston Martin, Lamborghini, McLaren, Lotus and TVR. The displays range from new BMW and Audi cars to classics like the Ford Cosworth and Minis. There will also be several hybrid and electric cars, and a range of trade stands. 

Stuart Gill, commercial director at Newby Hall, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Sports Cars in the Park again this May. It’s great to see so many enthusiasts sharing their passion for their prized cars with visitors in our perfect setting.” 

Newby Hall, which is located across the River Ure from Bishop Monkton, is one of the UK’s finest Adam houses and its 25 acres of gardens include an “enchanted” woodland walk and a miniature railway. Entry to Newby’s award-winning gardens, adventure playground, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions is included in the admission price.     

Sports Cars in the Park will be held on Sunday, May 7 from 10am to 4pm. Ticket cost £18 for adults and £15 for children (aged 4-15). A family ticket costs £56, but under-4s are admitted free of charge. 

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Newby Hall plans solar panel scheme to generate renewable energy

Newby Hall Estate near Ripon has tabled plans for a solar panel scheme to help generate renewable energy.

In proposals submitted to North Yorkshire Council, the estate has earmarked arable land outside the historic park and gardens for the project.

It would see four rows of solar panels installed which would generate 142,145kW hours per annum.

The estate estimates that the scheme could save 28.5 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

In documents submitted to the council, Carter Jonas, which is acting on behalf of Newby Hall, said the proposal was designed to complement the estate’s existing hydroelectric scheme in the River Ure.

It said:

“The proposed solar scheme is designed so that when the hydroelectric scheme isn’t generating as much energy in the summer, the solar panels will provide an additional renewable supply. 

“During summer, the water levels in the river typically reduced, meaning sometimes the hydro scheme does not run at all – this season is when the demand for the visitor attraction peaks and therefore the generation profile from solar will complement the hydroelectric scheme.”

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

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Autumn Harrogate Flower Show starts tomorrow at Newby Hall

Floral designers have created a Cinderella-themed display for the Autumn Harrogate Flower Show, which starts tomorrow.

The three-day event takes place at Newby Hall, between Boroughbridge and Ripon.

Harrogate Flower Shows are staged twice a year, in April and September, by the North of England Horticultural Society.

The society announced the relocation of its autumn event to Newby Hall at the end of 2019.

The spring flower, which remains at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, will next be staged on April 20-23.

The show at Newby will feature plant nurseries, a giant vegetable competition, live theatre and Britain’s biggest display of autumn blooms.

Visitors will also see arrangements from celebrity floral designer Jonathan Moseley and hear the story of Newby Hall’s rock garden.

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Tickets cost £23.50 for adults and £8 for children aged five to 15. Under fives enter for free. Admission includes access to Newby’s gardens and children’s adventure park.

Show director Nick Smith said:

“Last year we held the autumn show at Newby Hall for the first time, we were delighted that it was such a huge success.

“This autumn, with so many fantastic exhibitors and an enticing programme of events lined up, we are incredibly excited to welcome our visitors and exhibitors back for what promises to be a bigger, brighter and even better autumn show.”

Get your antiques valued by TV expert Paul Martin at Newby Hall

People can get their antiques valued for free in the Harrogate district this week by TV expert Paul Martin and his team.

Mr Martin, who has presented programmes including Flog It! and Trust Me, I’m a Dealer is filming a new Channel 5 series called The Great Auction Showdown.

The series will see Mr Martin go head-to-head with a rival expert as they compete to make the most at auction.

Filming will take place at Newby Hall, which is between Ripon and Boroughbridge, on Thursday and Friday from 10am to 5pm this week.

People are invited to take their antiques for valuation or just turn up and watch.

Executive producer Rosy Marshall McCrae said:

“This series will be so much fun and we really want to speak to members of the public in Ripon who maybe have a beloved or curious object they want to know the value of, or fancy making some cash at auction.

“We’d love to see unusual or one-of-a-kind pieces and can’t wait to see what precious antiques the area holds with its rich history.”

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Mr Martin said:

“I can’t wait to get on the road, meet local people and see what incredible items I’m sure we’ll find.

“This series is a competition – and one that I definitely want to win each week! – so if you have something quirky, historical or exciting at home that you think could just be worth something, come on down!”

For more information email TheGreatAuctionShowdown@stv.tv or call or text the production team on 07717 694989.  

 

August Bank Holiday 2022: Events happening this weekend in the Harrogate District

The August Bank Holiday weekend is upon us and it’s our last long weekend until Christmas.

If you haven’t decided how you will be spending it, here’s a guide to some of the events taking place in the Harrogate district.

There’s a wide range of events happening from live music to children’s activities. They offer a perfect excuse for families and friends to get together while the sun is still shining.

Jurassic Crazy Golf, Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza, Harrogate

Some of the Jurassic Crazy Golf holes which will appear in Harrogate.

Some of the Jurassic Crazy Golf holes.

This nine-hole mini golf course combines crazy golf with dinosaurs and is accompanied by an educational Dino Trail around the town centre.

Matthew Chapman, manager at Harrogate BID which commissioned the course and trail, said:

“With the school summer holidays nearing an end, parents maybe scratching their heads thinking what to do to entertain their children.

“Well, we have the answer – jurassic golf! And what could be me more fun than a combination of dinosaurs and crazy golf?”

The Dino Trail is a fun, educational trail where people can find answers to jurassic-themed questions by scanning a QR code on a poster, displayed in shop windows.

The answer will then appear on their phones.

As people complete the trail, they will also be collecting letters that form a simple, themed anagram. Users can then submit the anagram/answer via the LoyalFree app for an additional chance to win a prize draw.

Those wishing to play a round of golf can turn up on the day or book at the jurassic golf website here.

The cost is adults £3, children £2.50, family of four (two adults and two children) £10 and one adult and one child £5.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, jurassicgolf.co.uk/harrogate

Fireworks Championships, Newby Hall, Ripon

A dazzling night of fireworks at Newby Hall and Gardens, which sees three teams create stunning displays choreographed to music and the audience voting for a winner on the night via SMS.

The event also includes a final display by SmartPyro to round off the night. Watch from a picnic rug or camping chair against the stunning backdrop of 17th century house and its impressive grounds

There will also be a drone light show, courtesy of DroneSwarm, funfair rides, music and food and drink.

Mat Lawrence, managing director at event organiser MLE Pyrotechnics, said:

“It’s an honour to return to Newby Hall for another year of our Firework Champions event. We’ve got a tonne of great entertainment in store thanks to our three competitors, as well as a spectacular closing display. It’s going to be a great day out for families.”

Gates open for entry at 4pm, alongside pre-show entertainment. The DroneSwarm light show takes place at twilight and the main event begins at 9.30pm, with SMS voting at 10.15pm. The larger closing display takes place at 10:30pm and the results are announced at 10.40pm.

Book your ticket here.

Saturday, fireworkchampions.co.uk

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Leeds Festival, Wetherby

Leeds Festival is once again set to take over Bramham Park, near Wetherby.

Thousands of people are expected at Bramham for the three-day event, which starts on Friday and is headlined this year by the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The 1975, Dave, Halsey, Bring Me the Horizon and Megan Thee Stallion.

Last year’s new format continues, with two main stages instead of the previous one.

Friday to Monday, leedsfestival.com

Family Fun Day at Ripon Races

The final family fun day of the season is taking place at Ripon Races on Bank Holiday Monday. It will also be hosting the only listed race of the season, the EBF Ripon Champion Two-Year Old Trophy. Pack a picnic basket and blanket and enjoy lots of free fun for the children in the course enclosure including:

Monday, ripon-races.co.uk/family-days

Free entertainment on the Market Square, Ripon

Ripon City Council’s season of complimentary summer events for residents and visitors will finish on a high tomorrow (Saturday), with a full-size ferris wheel operating on Market Square from 2pm until 8pm.

City council leader Andrew Williams, said:

“This is the first time that the council has had a ferris wheel for families to enjoy as part of its fairground attractions.

“It will be alongside a climbing wall for older children and a ride for younger children.”

Climbing Wall on Ripon Market Square

A climbing wall will be among the attractions

All rides will be free of charge, like the evening of musical entertainment starting at 6.30pm, when Ripon singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary takes the stage.

He will be followed by tribute acts singing the hits of Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Olly Murs and country and western favourites.

Performances will go on until 11pm with a break from the contemporary sounds at 9pm, when attendees will be able to see one of Ripon’s team of Hornblowers, setting the watch.

On Sunday and Monday the Market Square will host another Little Bird Artisan Market. Open from 10am until 3pm, it will again include stalls selling goods ranging from food to home furnishings, produced by local and Yorkshire-based traders.

Saturday and Sunday.

Pop-up parties, Knaresborough Castle and Ripon Spa Gardens

Harrogate Borough Council has organised these summer events for the whole family to enjoy.

The events are all free and are a chance for young people to enjoy juggling and circus shows, magicians, character meet and greets, and mini discos.

They follow a party held in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens earlier this month, which was a huge success.

 

Knaresborough Castle on Friday, August 26 between 11am and 4pm

Ripon Spa Gardens on Saturday, August 27 between 11am and 3pm

Friday and Saturday

Appeal after indecent exposure at Newby Hall

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after a man exposed himself to a group of three women at Newby Hall.

The naked man approached the women on the woodland walk in the gardens of the hall at about 3.40pm on Thursday last week.

Officers are looking for any witnesses who were in Newby Hall gardens at the time.

The hall is situated between Boroughbridge and Ripon.

A police statement said:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help identify the man and in particular, we’re appealing to anyone who’d been at Newby Hall gardens on the day and may have information which could assist our investigation.

“The man is described as being white, aged 40-50 years old, 6ft to 6ft 2′ tall, of a medium build with a slight beer belly and dark brown hair in the style of a short back and sides that had grown out.

“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email Richard.Jackson@northyorkshire.police.uk You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC 1505 Jackson.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220113065.”

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Newby Hall owner proposes new quarry on land near Ripon

A proposal by the ancestral owner of a 17th century historic house to create a sand and gravel quarry near Ripon could create risks to human health from noise, air quality and vibration, a study has concluded.

North Yorkshire County Council planners have told Newby Gravels Ltd that its plan to extract up to 30,000 tonnes of materials a year from a nine-hectare site at Great Givendale, beside the River Ure south-east of Ripon, would have “significant impacts” and a series of measures would be needed to mitigate them.

Documents submitted to the authority ahead of an anticipated planning application state the firm estimates that quarrying work and restoration of the land would take place over a decade.

They state Newby Gravels, whose director Richard Compton is the owner of the nearby grade I listed Newby Hall, would remove the minerals from the site, which is currently agricultural land in open countryside opposite a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust haven, by 20-tonne trucks making 12 trips a day, joining the public road at Skelton Lane.

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The papers state transportation of the sand and gravel from the quarry, where at least four people would be employed, would be suspended during major events taking place at the hall.

They add the firm is currently exploring the feasibility of the establishing rental holiday lodges at the site following the quarry.

They state:

“Such a leisure activity would complement the existing activities of the hall and wider Ripon area including the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Yorkshire Dales National Park.

“Restoration would therefore be to a combination of wetland areas with surrounding amenity woodland and grasslands with up to 20 short-term let lodges for holiday use.”