Nine years ago there was the Tour de France; then there was the UCI Road World Championships in 2019.

Now the Harrogate district has another major sports tourism event heading its way — the Long Course Weekend.

The three-day event is less well known, which is little surprise given that it’s never been held in England before.

But the annual Long Course Weekend in Wales has grown to attract 11,000 athletes and 35,000 supporters from 56 nations to Pembrokeshire.

North Yorkshire Council, which has agreed to host the event annually for the next three years in Pateley Bridge, has estimated it will bring £2 million to the local economy.

The council has paid a £25,000 hosting fee to the event organisers.

Matthew Evans, the founder and chief executive of Long Course Weekend, was at Nidderdale Showground yesterday for a media event to announce the venue will be the centrepiece of next year’s inaugural event from September 6 to 8.

Mr Evans pledged to bring to Nidderdale “a different sports event to anything you have had here before”. He joked:

“Pateley Bridge will be turned into a bit of a Lycra-clad community for a few days.”

But what is Long Course Weekend and what will it mean to local people and businesses?

(from left) Mike Holt, Cllr Derek Bastiman, Emma Robinson and Matthew Evans at yesterday’s launch.

What is Long Course Weekend?

The Long Course Weekend caters for swimmers, cyclists, runners and triathletes of all abilities over one weekend.

But unlike triathlon, in which competitors perform all three disciplines in succession, a day is dedicated to each activity.

Friday will feature swimming in a Nidderdale reservoir; Saturday will feature a cycle ride around North Yorkshire and Sunday will see a run ending on a red carpet in Nidderdale Showground.

Competitors can participate in one discipline or all three.

The swim distances range from 1.2 miles to 2.4 miles, cycling routes will be from 56 miles to 112 miles and the run will start at five kilometres to a full marathon. There will also be a children’s running event.

The number of swimmers and cyclists is expected to be capped at 1,000 each for the first year at Pateley Bridge, although no figure has yet been given for the maximum number of runners.

Where is it being held?

Nidderdale Showground

Nidderdale Showground will become ‘event village’ — the centrepiece of the three days. A red carpet will be laid out in the showground.

The full 112-mile cycle ride is expected to take in most of North Yorkshire and finish at the showground. The swim will be in a yet-to-be-finalised Nidderdale reservoir — not the River Nidd.

The exact details have yet to be finalised and applications for competitors are due to be opened later this year.

Why is it being held in Pateley Bridge?

Gemma Rio

Yesterday’s announcement was the culmination of years of discussions between Gemma Rio, head of council-owned tourist body Destination Harrogate and Mr Evans.

Ms Rio said she hopes it will “become a significant annual event like the Great Yorkshire Show” that will boost the wider local economy. She added:

“There will be a festival feel at the showground and the benefits of the event will extend to multiple Nidderdale villages and dales.”

Will Pateley Bridge cope with the crowds?

Between 18,000 to 25,000 people are expected to visit for the event, according to the council.

Cllr Derek Bastiman. the Conservative-run council’s executive member for open to business, said it was an ideal opportunity to improve the post-covid Nidderdale economy.

He said accommodation providers and hospitality businesses for miles around would benefit and although there were likely to be road closures and some disruption the benefits would outweigh any problems.

Pateley Bridge-based voluntary organisation Nidderdale Plus will help to mobilise volunteers for the event.

Asked whether Pateley’s infrastructure could cope, Mr Evans acknowledged each Long Course Weekend “comes with challenges” but pledged to work with organisations to ensure the area could cope.

According to the council, North Yorkshire’s visitor economy brings in more than £1.5 billion a year from domestic visits alone. Tourism accounts for 10 per cent of the county’s overall economy, and 41,200 workers are employed in the sector.

What they say about it

Emma Robinson

Yesterday’s announcement at the showground included representatives from the council, tourism and sport.

Emma Robinson, 43, a mum-of-three and member of Harrogate Triathlon Club who has competed for Great Britain in the 35 to 39 age group, said:

“The beauty of the Long Course Weekend is the chance to take part in the individual disciplines. As a triathlete I will probably take part in all three, but it’s great that others can choose to just take part in the swim, the cycle or the run.”

Former Pateley Bridge mayor Mike Holt, a volunteer with the Nidderdale Plus community support organisation, said:

“Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale are such wonderful places, and we do attract a lot of visitors from around the country and from abroad already.

“But to have such a successful internationally-recognised event coming here will broaden our appeal to an even wider audience.”

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Matthew Evans, the Long Course Weekend’s founder and chief executive,  said:

“We have wanted to bring the Long Course Weekend to England for a long time now, and North Yorkshire is the perfect location as the county has a proven track record of staging major sporting events, such as the Tour de France’s Grand Départ.

“It is one of only a few sporting events that encompasses swimmers, cyclists, runners and triathletes of all abilities over one weekend.”

Cllr Bastiman said: “To host such a well-respected and internationally-renowned sporting event is a real coup for us.

“The Long Course Weekend has become a very popular date in the sporting calendar in countries across the world, and it will be a privilege for North Yorkshire to host an event next year. It will give us the chance to showcase to a global audience what we can offer here in what is one of the most beautiful and diverse parts of the country.”

A major sporting event expected to attract thousands of competitors will be staged in Pateley Bridge next year.

The Long Course Weekend started in Wales in 2010 and now attracts over 11,000 athletes and 35,000 supporters from 56 nations to Pembrokeshire over three days.

The event is based on the principles of the triathlon but is tailored to open up the three disciplines of swimming, cycling and running to as wide an audience as possible.

Long Course Weekends now take place worldwide but this one — hosted by North Yorkshire Council — will be the first one in England.

Nidderdale Showground.

It will take place in Nidderdale between September 6 and 8 next year.

Competitors will have the choice to participate in one of the individual disciplines or choose all three, with different distances for swimming, cycling and running available to suit those taking part.

Cllr Derek Bastiman, the council’s executive member for open to business whose portfolio includes the visitor economy, announced the Long Course Weekend at a media event at Nidderdale Showground in Pateley Bridge this morning.

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North Yorkshire Police has urged people to stop sharing footage on social media of the crash that killed 17-year-old Alfie Lovett.

Alfie, from York, was a passenger in a Peugeot 107 which crashed into a wall on Brimham Rocks Road, near Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale, on Tuesday at 6.50pm.

Three other people in the car were left with minor injuries and the driver has been helping police with their enquiries.

The constabulary issued a statement this afternoon saying it was “aware of numerous video clips that are circulating which show footage from the fatal road traffic collision at Brimham Rocks on Tuesday evening”.

The statement added:

“Officers are urgently asking anyone who is in possession of any of this video footage to save it and immediately make contact with the police as this could be critical to the investigation.

“To preserve the integrity of the investigation and out of respect to Alfie’s family officers are also asking that anyone who has any of the footage refrains from sharing it with anyone else other than the police.”

Police urged anyone with video footage to email general.enquiries@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101.

Quote reference number 12230173187.

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A grocery store and bakery in Pateley Bridge will open its doors for the last time this weekend after 40 years of trading.

Park View Stores opened in the 1980s and has since supplied Nidderdale with everyday essentials, as well as homemade breads, sweet treats and takeaway sandwiches.

Karen Seale, who co-owns the company with her family, said the store has not been ‘financially viable’ since the pandemic.

She added:

“Sadly, the business has become very financially challenging.

“Much like other businesses we’ve seen footfall drop massively – everything has changed since covid.”

Ms Seale’s parents, Dorothy Wilson and her late husband Malcolm, bought the unit, which was formerly a sweet shop, over four decades ago.

She added:

“We’ve all worked in it for the majority of its life.

“My brother and I have worked in the shop since we were teenagers – even just helping stacking shelves on weekends.”

Ms Seale said the business has been up for sale for over two years, but they haven’t yet found a buyer.

She told the Stray Ferret her family has been overwhelmed by the support they have received since announcing the closure.

“Customers have been really sad about the closure – I think we’re the only people some customers speak to in a day.

“We’re very grateful to all our customers, suppliers and employees who have been supported us for all these years.”

Park View Stores will trade for the last time this Saturday.

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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:

• Best Employer – sponsored by Jones Myers
• Best Use of Digital – sponsored by A.S.E Computer Services
• Business Growth – sponsored by Raworths Solicitors
• Business of the Year – sponsored by Reed Boardall
• Inclusivity Award – sponsored by Kempston-Parkes Chartered Surveyors
• Rising Star Under 30 – sponsored by Thompsons Chartered Accountants
• Sustainable Business – sponsored by York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub
• Best Independent Retailer*
• Dynamic Leader*
• Employee Appreciation*

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 .

Hunt saboteurs have disrupted shoots near Pateley Bridge at the start of the grouse shooting season.

Calder Valley Hunt Saboteurs ran a series of protests shortly after the ‘Glorious Twelfth’ — the date in August marking the beginning of the annual grouse shooting season.

The saboteurs targeted shoots on Heathfield Moor, Braithwaite Moor, Ramsgill Bents Moor and Stean Moor.

The group claimed on Facebook its protests led to “shooters sullenly trudging back to their vehicles” and cancelling their planned activities.

Hunt saboteurs protest in Nidderdale.

Mendip Hunt Saboteurs also took part in the protests. Both groups are part of the Hunt Saboteurs Association, which opposes the hunting of wildlife in Britain.

The saboteurs shared pictures on Facebook of the police arriving at the scene and claimed the police failed to “deter” them.

Read more:

• Grouse shooting in Nidderdale: barbaric or necessary?
• Ethical dilemmas to be discussed in Pateley Bridge

North Yorkshire Police’s community messaging website posted a message alerting people to the situation. It said:

“Anti-grouse shooting activists are operating in the area of Lofthouse and Ramsgill who are affecting local businesses and communities. Please report any issues of concern or suspicious vehicles to North Yorkshire Police on 101.”

Police responds to a protest.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Police for further details of the activists, including whether they were doing anything illegal.

A police spokesperson said:

“Local residents had reported unusual activity and unknown vehicles in the area, so a message was sent via community messenger to ensure local residents were aware of possible protest activity in the area and provide some reassurance.”

Nidderdale is known for its fantastic views, which were made even more beautiful this morning when a full rainbow appeared in the sky.

Reader Joyce Liggins captured the optical phenomenon at about 9.30am from her bedroom in Pateley Bridge.

It shows the view looking towards Greenhow Hill — a sight Joyce is familiar with having lived on the same street all her life.

Joyce, who took the photo on an iPad, said:

“If I see something that looks nice, I take a photo of it.”

We love receiving your photos. Don’t forget you can send in your images to letter@thestrayferret.co.uk to be featured in our photo of the week on Sunday.

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• Ethical dilemmas to be discussed in Pateley Bridge
• Reservoir monument restored and returned to Nidderdale Museum

A Nidderdale pub has been named country pub of the year by the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

The Crown at Middlesmoor has picked up the award, which recognises “beer quality and its contribution to the community and tourism”.

Alan Gould, chair of the Harrogate and Ripon CAMRA, presented the prize to landlady Angie Snow and her son Samuel.

Mr Gould said village pubs were important and pointed out some were the subject to campaigns to be bought by their local communities.

In a post on its social media, the pub said:

“So we have just been awarded country pub of the year 2023. So proud of all our staff who work hard to keep us going.”

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The pub is known to attract celebrities on occasion and was visited by Oscar winning actress, Kate Winslet, in May this year.

Kate Winslet, centre, with Megan Dunn and Angela Snow at the pub this year.

CAMRA’s Harrogate and Ripon branch covers a large area of North Yorkshire including parts of a national park and an area of outstanding natural beauty.

It runs two separate pub of the year awards, one for country pub and another for town pubs.

Last month, CAMRA awarded The Oatlands club on Coronation Grove in Harrogate best club in the area for 2023.

A stone monument built in 1913 depicting Angram reservoir has been restored and donated to Nidderdale Museum.

The reservoir was one of three built in the Nidderdale area between 1896 and 1936 by Bradford Corporation Waterworks Department.

The company also built a railway to transport people and equipment from Pateley Bridge to the three reservoirs – Gouthwaite, Angram and Scar House. 

Stonemason Robert Drummond, who was part of a team of stonemasons employed to build the reservoir, created the monument of Angram, which weighs over a ton.

It stood outside the Bradford Corporation Waterworks Office, moving several times before resting in the private garden of one of Mr Drummond’s descendants.

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In 2021, the monument was offered as a donation to the museum by members of the family, and it was accepted.

Stonemasons HA Green & Son from Ripon dismantled it and transported it to their workshop, where the monument underwent a restoration, sponsored by Yorkshire Water’s Beyond Nature Initiative.

On Friday, it was unveiled outside Nidderdale Museum in Pateley Bridge to serve as a reminder of the history of the dams in the area.

Sue Welch, chairman of Nidderdale Museum Society said: 

“We are delighted that Yorkshire Water agreed that the monument should come back to Nidderdale and be displayed so that everyone can learn more about the reservoirs and its history.”

The Lord Mayor of Bradford was in Pateley Bridge last Friday to unveil the model (pictured below).

Pictured are (left to right): Joyce Dixon, granddaughter of the stonemason; Sue Welch, chairman of Nidderdale Museum; Cllr Gerry Barker, Lord Mayor of Bradford; Jean Barker, Lady Mayoress of Bradford; Cllr David Ireton, chairman of North Yorkshire Council; Andy Shaw, head of water production for Yorkshire Water

The story of Angram

More than a thousand workers were involved in the construction work, with most of them living on site.  During the work at Angram and Scar House the accommodation built was much better than most in the local villages, with electric power, communal buildings, a school and a cinema.

Many stonemasons were employed to build the reservoirs, and one of them, Robert Drummond, created this scale model of Angram during his spare time, working with his son Duncan.

It was finished in 1913 six years before the reservoir opened.

The aqueduct built to transport the water from the reservoirs to the water filtration plant at Chellow Heights near Bradford was a major feat of engineering, transporting the water underground for over 30 miles purely by gravity.

There is no pumping involved. The system is still in operation today, providing water to the Bradford area.

Nidderdale Museum, in the Old Workhouse, Pateley Bridge is a volunteer-run independent museum with 12 rooms full of items and information from the past 200 years of Nidderdale life.

It is open from 1.30pm to 4.30pm daily except Mondays over summer.

More than 150 children from Nidderdale have taken part in an educational scheme which aims to teach people about moorland landscapes.

The Let’s Learn Moor events are co-ordinated by Countryside Learning, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the Regional Moorland Groups.

The scheme saw children from Nidderdale put out wildfires with an argo, rescue a teacher who needed stretchering off the moor with fell rescue, and watch a sheep shearing demonstration this week.

Also in attendance were Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue and the fire brigade from Lofthouse Volunteer Fire Station, which supplements the nearby retained stations of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

Almost 12,000 children have now attended Let’s Learn Moor events since the project was launched in 2017 – and more than 2,000 of them attended events across the north of England this week alone.

Curtis Mossop, BASC’s head of education and outreach, said: 

“Nidderdale Moorland Group’s Let’s Learn Moor days are a fantastic example of how multi-faceted our moorland areas are. 

“Hosted by the gamekeepers, but supported by Yorkshire Water, Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue, Lofthouse Fire Station, a local farmer and local beekeepers, the children learn to understand that these are incredibly important ecosystems which require a multitude of management techniques. 

“Who better to teach that than the very people who live and work on the moor.”

Tracy Johnson, from the Nidderdale Moorland Group, said:

“As an organiser it’s s so rewarding to see how excited the children are to learn about what happens on the moors and to have a go at doing things themselves.

“Although for many of them the Yorkshire Moors are not far from where they live, lots of them may never visit them or understand what goes on.”

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