Consultation withdrawn on closure of Nidderdale village school

Governors at Fountains Earth Primary School in Upper Nidderdale have withdrawn their request for a consultation over its closure.

They had put forward the plans after finding the low number of pupils made the school in Lofthouse unsustainable, with just 11 on the role aged between four and 11.

However, a letter issued to parents at the end of term said:

“The governors have reviewed the current position of Fountains Earth. With new information to consider, we will be withdrawing the current consultation application sent to [North Yorkshire County Council]  whilst we review this new information.”

The move has been welcomed by parents who had opposed any possibility of the school’s closure.

Sharon Leeming, whose two children have both attended the school, is chairman of the village parents’ association.

It saw villagers rally in support of the school, turning out in force when the threat to it was discussed by Upper Nidderdale Parish Council at the beginning of July.

Ms Leeming told the Stray Ferret:

“The community are incredibly pleased and the 110-strong turnout at the parish council meeting showed what a thriving community we live in.

“We hope the governing body see the impact of a school closure would have on the young people in the area. There are increasing numbers of children over the next five years, so hopefully the school will remain strong and the community will continue to thrive.”

‘New information’

While the governors have not given a reason for their decision, North Yorkshire County Council confirmed the news to the Stray Ferret. Stuart Carlton, corporate director of children and young people’s services, said:

“The governors of Fountains Earth Primary School have withdrawn the application for further consideration after new information was made available.”

Ms Leeming said she and other parents had provided information about more families moving to the village in recent months, as well as others planning to do so.

Part of the reason for the village’s increasing popularity, according to Ms Leeming, was the number of people who were able to work from home for the first time following the covid pandemic.

She said:

“Superfast broadband has been installed in Nidderdale. A lot of current parents work from home and said they have never had a better internet connection.

“EE have switched on a mast up the dale and people can’t believe the signal they’ve got. Those kinds of things make a huge difference.”

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Unlike other schools under threat of closure, Ms Leeming pointed out Fountains Earth is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

It is part of a federation of schools with St Cuthbert’s in Pateley Bridge and Glasshouses Primary School, which has just received a very positive Ofsted report. The three schools share a headteacher, Nicola Thornber.

However, she said any threat over its future could lead people to choose other options rather than risk having to change their child’s school later on.

“If people hear a school is consulting to close, they won’t even consider moving to the village. If they know it has been withdrawn, or revisited, people will have more confidence in the village and in the school.

“There’s something special about Fountains Earth. We need to all work together now to keep it open.”

Free activities to do with the kids this summer in the Harrogate district

As the cost of living continues to rise, the thought of six weeks of trying to keep the children entertained on a tight budget can be daunting.

Fortunately you don’t always have to spend a fortune to have a fun day out.

We have put together a selection of free activities to enjoy with your family across the Harrogate district.

Pop-up parties – Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon

The Jubilee activities in Harrogate and Ripon were hugely enjoyed, so the summer programme organised by Harrogate Borough Council is sure to be popular.

There will be a chance for young people to enjoy juggling and circus shows, magicians, character meet and greets, and mini discos at three of the district’s picturesque parks and gardens.

Valley Gardens, Harrogate on Thursday, August 11 and Friday, August 12 between 11am and 4pm

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

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

The venues are also all worth visiting for a free day out, even if you are unable to make the parties.

You could enjoy a picnic and play in the Valley Gardens, plus a walk up to the Pinewoods. You could grab an ice cream and head to Knaresborough Castle, before wandering down the steps to the riverside. Or you could play a game of crazy golf in Ripon Spa Gardens.

 

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A day out at Brimham Rocks, Nidderdale

If you live in the district, chances are you have already visited the unusual moorland rock formations at Brimham Rocks.

However, the summer holidays are the perfect excuse to head up there again with a picnic.

If you haven’t been, you’re in for a treat as it really is nature’s playground for the whole family. Just make sure the kids are wearing decent shoes so they can climb the rocks. Also taking a photo of your children pretending to either push a huge boulder over or hold one up is essential.

The views over Nidderdale are stunning too.

There’s no admission charge at Brimham Rocks. Parking is free for National Trust members.

For non-National Trust members, car parking charges are  £6 for up to four hours and £8 thereafter.

Library events – district wide

On a rainy day, nothing beats a free trip to the library, where you can lose yourself in all the amazing children’s books on offer.

A Summer Reading Challenge is taking place to encourage your children to pick up a book, which isn’t always easy in the holidays.

Children aged four to 11 years just need to call in at their local library to sign up.

The challenge is free to take part in and children get to collect rewards for the reading that they do over the summer holidays. To complete the challenge they have to read six library books between now and September 10.
There are also lots of free activities on offer over the school holidays, including workshops, Lego building and family board games days.
Frances Atkins’ new Killinghall restaurant secures place in Michelin Guide

She was one of Britain’s first female chefs to win a Michelin star. Now, Frances Atkins could be in the running for the prestigious accolade again.

Paradise Cafe at Daleside Nurseries, in Killinghall, has been chosen as one of six of the inspectors’ favourite new additions to appear in the Michelin Guide this month.

This means the lakeside restaurant, which only opened its doors in April, could now be up for a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand.

Ms Atkins said:

“As a new business, we are delighted.

“It doesn’t make any difference in terms of what we offer. We will continue to to do what we do, which is to use fresh foods we produce ourselves, grown here at Daleside.”

A scallops dish.

Ms Atkins held a coveted star for 16 of the 23 years she was chef-patron of The Yorke Arms at Ramsgill in Nidderdale. Although she sold the business in 2017, she continued to work for its new owner until 2020, when it closed as a restaurant as a result of the pandemic.

With two long-term Yorke Arms colleagues, John Tullett, general manager and front of house, and head chef Roger Olive, she bought a silver Airstream caravan and parked it at Daleside.

The Paradise Cafe wagon at Daleside Nurseries in Killinghall.

The Paradise Cafe Airstream caravan.

From here, the trio served  began serving food on disposable bamboo plates for 18 months, before moving into the long-planned 80-seat cafe.

The Michelin Guide entry says:

“It may be a garden centre café, but this is not just any old garden centre café: it’s located in a separate building for a start – a spacious and smart modern space with a jewel of a terrace overlooking a lake.

“And then there’s the food: a frequently changing, seasonal menu bursting with delightful dishes which are fresh, unfussy and full of flavour.

“Come for coffee and cake, breakfast, brunch or lunch; there’s plenty for vegetarians and vegans – and a chef’s table if you’d like to watch and chat to the chefs as they work. Do book ahead, as the aptly named café is likely to be busy.”

Paradise Cafe is open Tuesday until Sunday, from 10am until 4pm.

Dinner is available on Friday evenings from 7pm.

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‘Use water wisely’ plea as reservoir levels drop in Harrogate district

Yorkshire Water has advised residents to use water wisely as the spell of warm, dry weather continues.

The organisation said a lack of rainfall over many months has affected the amount of water it has been able to collect in its reservoirs.

Stocks in reservoirs are at 62%, which is 18% down on usual stocks at this time of year.

Meanwhile, in the hot weather, demand is particularly high, further draining supplies in reservoirs including Fewston and Swinsty, west of Harrogate.

Yesterday, Yorkshire Water supplied over 1.5 billion litres of water, which is 200 million litres above normal levels, equivalent to 530 full 25m swimming pools.

Neil Dewis, the company’s director of water, said:

“Our region has seen a prolonged dry spell, and while we’ve not had a bumper summer of sunshine and high temperatures, there has been very little rain with just some short, sharp showers that don’t deliver the water we need in our reservoirs and rivers.

“We’ve got teams out and about across Yorkshire, working round the clock to save water from leaky pipes, prioritising larger leaks. We’re also asking our customers to help us save water where they can. Simple steps can help reduce wastage and ensure we make the most of the water we’ve got so there’s enough to go around.”

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Rainfall has been below average in North Yorkshire since last autumn, when the county had only 86% of the average amount.

In winter, rainfall was 95% of the average, while in spring it was 73%. Figures for the summer so far show only 19% of an average rainfall amount has fallen, though they only reflect around a third of the season so far.

Head of the Met Office National Climate Information Centre Dr Mark McCarthy said:

“Summer so far has been drier than usual, and with little significant rain in the forecast this could lead to increasing pressure on valuable water resources.

“Climate change projections show that many parts of the UK, including Yorkshire, are likely to experience milder wetter winters and hotter and drier summers, with this year so far following that pattern.”

Yorkshire Water has advised measures including limiting showers to just four minutes, mulching flower beds to reduce the need for watering, reusing water where possible and turning off the tap while brushing teeth.

It has also said lawns do not need watering as even if they turn brown, they will quickly return to normal as soon as it rains.

West End village emerges

At Thruscross reservoir, the long dry spell has led the flooded village of West End to start appearing above the water line.

The village was evacuated in 1966 so it could be made into a reservoir, with homeowners forced to sell up to the Leeds Corporation.

Thruscross Reservoir's water levels are lowThruscross Reservoir. Photos by Louise Pullan.

Graves were exhumed before the area was flooded, but the gravestones still emerge along with some of the buildings when the water level drops, as has been happening in the last few weeks.

Louise Pullan, who owns nearby Breaks Fold Farm with husband Richard, said until recently it was quite rare for the water level to get that low:

“It has been more frequent over the last few years than it was previously. I don’t know if that’s due to a change in climate.

“It will probably get lower because they tend to use Thruscross to top up Fewston and Swinsty.

“It’s still a bit of a sore point with some of the farmers who had their land compulsorily purchased.”

Nidderdale tractor run to take place tomorrow

More than 50 vintage and modern tractors are set to take to the streets of Nidderdale tomorrow.

The first Nidderdale Charity Tractor Road Run will start in Kirkby Malzeard at 10.30am and wind its way towards Middleham before heading back.

Masham, Grewelthorpe and Jerveulx will be among the places passed.

Ryan Atkinson, who is managing director of R&J Yorkshire’s Finest Farmers & Butchers in Kirkby Malzeard, is co-organising the event with Simon Dickinson.

The two men are both members of West Yorkshire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club.

Mr Atkinson said:

“Both of us have a love of vintage tractors. We just wanted to put on an event and raise money for charity.”

About 50 tractors have signed up so far. Entries are welcome on the day for a cost of £15, of which £10 goes to Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

People will gather for breakfast at R&J butchers from 8.30am before departing at 10.30am.

Families are welcome to watch the tractors set off and cheer them on around the route.

Tomorrow’s route

The 40-mile parade on public and private roads will take place over two legs, which are expected to last two hours each, with a stop at Brymor Ice Cream at Jervaulx in between.

R&J Butchers is providing hot dogs and drinks at the finish back in Kirkby Malzeard at about 4pm.

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Companies ‘unlikely’ to receive pay-out from Bleikers Smoke House, say administrators

Administrators dealing with the collapse of a food company founded in the Harrogate district have said it is “unlikely” its 108 unsecured creditors will receive any of the money they are owed.

Bleikers Smoke House Ltd fell into administration in April, when it was also revealed that the company was being investigated for possible food fraud.

Now, administrator FRP Advisory Ltd has revealed a growth in the price of raw materials and difficulty in finding temporary staff at Christmas put “pressure” on the company. The latest report said:

“In late March 2022, the company’s biggest customer (approx 50% of sales) notified the company of concerns regarding the provenance of goods supplied and withdrew its products from sale in its stores, ceasing all orders.

“Despite an ongoing dialogue and a number of audits being undertaken by the customer and its agents, no resolution could be reached.

“A confidential settlement was subsequently reached with the customer on April 26, 2022, which ended the relationship.

“The sudden loss of this customer’s business, combined with the already weakened financial position meant the company was no longer viable.”

The latest update reveals a sale of the company, founded in 1993 at Glasshouses Mill, was attempted in April but a buyer was not found. After the company entered administration, there were two parties interested in buying it, but they pulled out when news of the Food Standards Agency’s investigation emerged.

However, a sale to Sixto Strategic Sourcing LLC for a total price of £300,000 has since been agreed, and could see production restarted from Bleikers’ most recent home at Leeming Bar.

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As well as negotiating the sale, administrators reported they had secured the return of the company’s trademark and branding rights from a company owned by the children of Bleikers’ directors, Charles and Annabel Andrew.

The rights had been transferred within the last 12 months but were returned in order to facilitate a sale of the business, the report said.

Of the company’s 86 members of staff, just three have been retained on a self-employed basis to assist with specialist knowledge. A food hygiene specialist has been appointed to liaise with the environmental health office.

Administrators said the prospect of any of the company’s 108 outstanding creditors receiving any payment is “unlikely”.

Meanwhile, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said it continues to investigate Bleikers Smoke House over allegations of food fraud.

Another Harrogate district primary school faces closure

Another primary school in the Harrogate district with dwindling attendance could close.

Governors at Fountains Earth CE Primary School, in Lofthouse said today they have made the decision with a “heavy heart” to begin the process of applying to North Yorkshire County Council for a consultation for closure.

The news comes the day after a consultation closed on the proposed closure of Woodfield Community Primary School in Bilton.

Last year Kell Bank Church of England Primary School in Masham said goodbye after 200 years.

Baldersby St James Church of England Primary School is due to close next month.

A final decision on Fountains Earth is due next spring.

The school has 11 pupils on its register, with the same figure due to attend in September 2023.

It belongs to the Federation of Fountains Earth and St Cuthbert’s CE Primary Schools.

The closure proposal does not apply to St Cuthbert’s, which is in Pateley Bridge.

11 pupils on register

A press release by North Yorkshire County Council today said the lack of pupils meant sustaining a varied, thorough curriculum was impossible, due to the lack of age-appropriate peers and the wide age range across the class.

Abi Broadley, chair of governors, said:

“Despite the best efforts of our headteacher, staff and governors, we cannot overcome the challenges of having such low pupil numbers.

“Our pupil numbers have been declining over the last few years and we now have just 11 children. We understand there is no sign of the school population growing significantly in the future.

“With such low pupil numbers and no hope of them dramatically increasing them soon, we will continue to have limited children in each year group. Indeed, some year groups are void of children altogether.”

Ms Broadley added the governors had “exhausted all options”, adding:

“A lot of work has been undertaken by our headteacher and team which has improved the situation, but it just isn’t enough due to a lack of pupils.

“These interventions include introducing a more structured curriculum, structured sessions and interventions from subject lead teachers from across the federation, all in an effort to try to meet educational needs; and Federation Fridays to help to address the social and emotional needs of the children.

“Although Federation Fridays are successful in enriching the lives of our children, they can only cover certain subjects such as personal, social, health and economic PSHE education, music and PE.

“This cannot be a long-term solution and further highlights the fact that our Fountains Earth provision alone does not adequately meet our children’s needs.”

The county council will consider the request for consultation. Its executive member for education and skills, Annabel Wilkinson, the Conservative councillor for Morton-on-Swale and Appleton Wiske division, will decide whether to approve the proposal.

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If the consultation to close the school is agreed, it is likely to start early in the new academic year. It will consist of a six-week period of consultation through the autumn term, which will include a public meeting.

A final decision on closure would be made once the consultation responses had been reviewed. That decision is likely to be made in the spring of next year.

Fountains Earth CE Primary School will remain open throughout the process.

Fire crews called to garage blaze in Lofthouse

Fire crews were called to a fire at a garage in Lofthouse late last night.

Fire fighters from Masham, Summerbridge and Lofthouse were summoned to the village at 11.51pm.

The fire was estimated to have damaged 50% of the garage and its contents.

The owner of the property extinguished the blaze before North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue arrived.

The service added in an incident log:

“Crews carried out an inspection using a thermal imaging camera and gave advice to the owner.

“The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.”

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Parks authority rules out wolves reintroduction to Yorkshire Dales

A nature recovery strategy for the Yorkshire Dales will not lead to wolves and big cats roaming the national park, a meeting has been told, but it will set out to encourage action to help struggling species.

A meeting of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority heard agreeing an ecological plan was important as government and private funding available to farmers and landowners in the Dales was likely to be tied to environmental issues.

However, it also heard that a consensus had yet to be agreed between interest groups on several issues, such as the amount of trees which should be planted in the park.

Senior officers said it would not be possible to reach a resolution over all areas of contention, but as fresh government environmental policies were expected the strategy would not be finalised before June next year.

The strategy is being developed after studies identified how the park has significant areas of 17 different habitats and more than 100 different species that are UK priorities and have been facing national declines.

Yorkshire Dales.

Yorkshire Dales.

It also follows a commitment by interest groups in the park to making “the Yorkshire Dales home to the finest variety of wildlife in England”.

The park’s nationally important wildlife populations include black grouse,  rare plants such as bird’s-eye primrose, globeflower and baneberry, scarce invertebrates such as the northern brown argus butterfly and mammals, such as the red squirrel.

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It is hoped the strategy will help create networks for the park’s abundant wildlife to increase biodiversity in its surrounding areas.

The draft strategy proposes what officers have described as a “relatively modest” increase in the proportion of the park covered by native woodland  from 4.5% to 7% alongside creating nature recovery areas across 15% of the park.

Although both targets have been criticised as insufficently ambitious by some, several members raised concerns over calls to radically change the management of land, and in particular burning of the heather moorland to encourage regrowth and habitats for grouse, following proposals to phase it out.

Environmentalists have cited how a University of Leeds study concluded burning grouse moors degrades peatland habitat, releases climate-altering gases, reduces biodiversity and increases flood risk.

However, Wensleydale farmer Allen Kirkbride told the meeting long heather caused “chaos for square miles” when it caught fire. 

He said: 

“The idea of not burning heather is ludicrous.”

The authority’s outgoing member champion for the environment, Ian McPherson, said it faced a challenge in deciding how much of the national park should be set aside for nature recovery areas.

He said:

“What we are trying to do is get a good balance between the needs of environmentalists, farmers and land managers.”

Mr McPherson said while the possibility of reintroducing some native species to the area was being considered as part of the strategy it would not see “wolves and lynx and so on roaming the Yorkshire Dales”, but instead seek to raise awareness some species were at a low ebb.

Running wild in Nidderdale

There are two indisputable facts about Pateley Bridge: 1 It’s beautiful. 2 It’s hilly. Which makes it the perfect challenge for running.

Trouble is, if you want to avoid the roads and get the authentic Nidderdale cross-country experience you risk getting lost or being garrotted by a low hanging branch.

So the formation of a new trail running group called Pateley Runners presents the perfect opportunity to give it a go.

Trail running, as opposed to road running, is about being close to nature rather than pounding tarmac.

The group, set up by keen runner Si Lawson, is an informal community of runners like the Early Bird Run Crew, which organises regular free jogs around Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Si promised the group would be inclusive and friendly and, better still, free.

Pateley Runners

Passing former lead mines.

About 25 of us turned up at the bandstand in Pateley at 7pm for the inaugural Tuesday night run. A good proportion were what is generously described in running circles as ‘veterans’.

There is no way out of Pateley that doesn’t involve hills but few are as tough as the climb to Greenhow Hill, the highest place in the Harrogate district, with reputedly the highest parish church in England.

So the first stretch, which began along dungy sheep fields and quiet lanes, opened the lungs but the pace was gentle. It was certainly easier than cycling to Greenhow and there was not an engine to be heard.

Si and two friends took it in turns to lead and bring up the rear and every so often they stopped to regroup. Nobody was left to run alone and we chatted as we jogged.

Pateley Runners

The notorious Nidderdale microclimate led to a brief downpour but nobody minded. By then we had hit our stride and the whole point of the exercise is to feel alive in nature.

The route we followed.

We passed lead mines, cattle grids and caravan parks before finally heading back down to the river in the muggy damp twilight, brushing off flies, which sparked talk about the best way to repel them. Marmite, garlic and Avon cream were all mentioned.

Pateley Runners

Stopping to regroup.

We saw Scouts throwing axes in a field before being summoned by the sound of church bells back to the bandstand in the recreation ground at Pateley.

We had covered about six miles in a glorious hour of friendly and relaxed running. It’s hard not to feel happy when you’re in the heart of such countryside but being part of the group enhanced the experience. Si is knowledgeable and welcoming — little wonder the group already has 100 followers on Facebook.

Pateley Runners meets on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday but anyone is welcome to arrange their own runs and invite others.

More details are available here.

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