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.”
Harrogate district school unable to find new teacher for five years
A Harrogate district school facing closure has found it impossible to recruit a single permanent teacher for five years, according to North Yorkshire Council.
The council has recommended consulting on whether to close Fountains Earth Church of England Primary School in Lofthouse, near Pateley Bridge, on March 31 next year.
Elected councillors will vote whether to accept the recommendation next week.
The council claims the decision is largely due to falling pupil numbers, and with no children remaining on the roll the decision appears a formality.
But villagers claim they have been let down by the council and the Upper Nidderdale Federation, which the school is part of, and say closure will rip the heart out of Lofthouse.
The federation also includes St Cuthbert’s in Pateley Bridge and Glasshouses Primary School. The three schools share one headteacher.
A report by council officers ahead of next week’s vote said “it has not been possible to recruit a permanent teacher” for the last five years.
It attributes this to the school’s remote location as well as difficulty finding someone capable of teaching a wide range of ages and abilities from reception pupils to year six.
The report adds:
“Staff retention has also proved difficult with a high turnover of staff over the last five years resulting in use of agency staff which comes with increased staffing costs.
“The school is just over six miles from Pateley Bridge at the top end of Nidderdale which, by virtue of the local road, can be a slow journey as part of a longer commute for staff.”
The report added supply staff only need to give a day’s notice, which caused further disruption.
It said:
“Recruitment of the right people is a time-consuming activity which has required a substantial amount of the federation’s senior leadership team resource over the past few years.”
Fountains Earth was rated ‘good’ at its most recent full Ofsted inspection in April 2017.
The school’s governing board recently approached the council to request consultation on a proposal to close the school after all pupils had transferred to other schools by the start of the current academic year in September.
Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, the council’s Conservative executive member for education, learning and skills, will decide whether to trigger a five-week consultation starting in November.
Cllr Wilkinson said:
“North Yorkshire maintains more small, rural schools than any other local authority in the country. Sadly, the reality is that many of our schools, particularly those in rural areas, are seeing pupil numbers reduce year-on-year.
“Fountains Earth Primary School is among the rural schools finding itself in a difficult position, particularly around pupil numbers and funding, and I will consider these issues carefully when deciding if a public consultation should proceed.”
29 sheep stolen from field near Pateley Bridge
A total of 29 sheep have been stolen from a field near Pateley Bridge.
The sheep were taken from land next to Duck Street Lane at Greenhow between Tuesday October 10 and October 22, North Yorkshire Police said today.
Officers appealed for witnesses and information, particularly any suspicious movements of wagons or farm vehicles with trailers in the area.
Duck Street Lane
They urged anyone with information to dial 101 and ask for Dave Mackay or to email David.mackay@northyorkshire.police.uk
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Quote reference number 12230201258.
Stump Cross Caverns to feature in Channel 5 programme
Stump Cross Caverns near Pateley Bridge is set to feature in a well-known Channel 5 programme next week.
The Hotel Inspector, which is led by former hotelier Alex Polizzi, offers guidance to hotels and businesses on how to redirect themselves and avoid closing down.
Lisa Bowerman, owner of Stump Cross Caverns, told the Stray Ferret she saw a post from Channel 5 on Facebook looking for businesses to be part of the show.
She said:
“I was scrolling Facebook in February, and I noticed an advert calling for any business who needed help during these unprecedented times, including tourist attractions, to get in touch.
“We had watched The Hotel Inspector and had seen how Alex could turn businesses around, so I emailed straight away!”
The caverns have been open since 1860, but Ms Bowerman has been running the business for the last 20 years.
However, she added “after that long you don’t always see the things that need changing”.
“I applied because I was on my knees – I was knackered — I really needed an expert opinion on how to redirect the business into profitability.”
A spokesperson from Channel 5 said Alex quickly realised the business needed “streamlining and smartening”.
The filming finished towards the end of June and Alex’s “formidable force” has made a “massive difference to the business”, Ms Bowerman added.
“I cannot begin to tell you what it meant to have the expert support and guidance and motivation of Alex and her team.
“We will be forever grateful, and it will be something I never forget. Alex’s guidance has made us realise our mistakes.
“The changes have been successful, and we now feel we are on the right path.”
The episode will air next Tuesday, October 24, at 9pm on Channel 5.
Police enquiries continue into Pateley Bridge petrol station attempted arson
Police enquiries are ongoing into an attempted arson at a petrol station in Pateley Bridge.
The incident happened between 1.45am and 2.45am on Sunday, May 14, at the Dales Market Corner petrol station in the town.
Officers at North Yorkshire Police said two men walked onto the forecourt, placed a backpack in the area and set it alight. The backpack then self-extinguished.
The force has confirmed that enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.
It comes as two men were arrested in connection with the attempted arson following the incident.
Dales Market Corner petrol station in Pateley Bridge.
A 36-year-old man was arrested on May 14 on suspicion of arson and criminal damage. He was interviewed and later released on conditional bail.
A second man, 45, was arrested on June 5 in connection with the incident. He was bailed while enquiries continue.
Meanwhile, police have reiterated an appeal to the public to get in touch if they have any information or can identify the man in CCTV images issued by the force.
A police statement added:
“Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation is asked to email Jill.Cowling@northyorkshire.police.uk or you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Jill Cowling.
“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Please quote reference number 12230086186 when passing on information.”
Photo of the Week: Greenhow Hill
This week’s photograph was taken by Sue Whitaker, capturing the view from Greenhow Hill near Pateley Bridge.
Sue Whitaker
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.
Despite leaden skies, thousands of people flocked to yesterday’s Nidderdale Show.
The event, which celebrated its 151st anniversary this year, is organised by Nidderdale Agricultural Society.
It is held annually at Pateley Bridge Showground and marks the end of the local agricultural show season.
Last year, it was moved from its traditional Monday slot to a Sunday to avoid clashing with Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and proved such a success organisers decided to stick to the Sunday.
Visitors could enjoy a range of classes, from cattle and sheep to showjumping and pigs, as well as rabbit and pigeon displays, dry-stone walling and a band parade.
Here are some photos of the day in case you missed it.
Just two of the many prize-winning pigeons.
York North & West of Yore Hunt and hound demonstration.
The Wharfedale Terrier Racing team.
The brass band performed in the high-street parade and throughout the day.
Rebecca Richards, 8, and sister Jess, 6, showed their sheep in the young shepherd/shepherdess class.
Proud parents gathered to watch their little ones in the young handlers class.
Everything you need to know about Nidderdale Show tomorrow
The annual Nidderdale Show signals the end of summer and the local agricultural show season.
More than 15,000 people are expected to attend tomorrow’s event, which takes place at Nidderdale Showground in Pateley Bridge, and will showcase some of the finest animals and agricultural products the country has to offer.
From show jumping and cricket matches to terrier racing and prize cattle, here’s everything you need to know ahead of the event:
Doors open at 7.45am and close at approximately 6pm.
Trade stands and marquees are open from 9am to 5.30pm, and the popular band parade down Pateley high-street will begin at 11am.
Pic: Jemison Photographer
Classes and competitions will take place throughout the day – with a breakdown of the schedule is available at the show.
With a wide variety on offer, visitors can watch traditional farm animal classes, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, while horse-lovers can enjoy equine classes and show jumping.
Four-legged friends will feature in the sheep dog trials and terrier racing classes.
The show will have a funfair and children’s entertainment area for little ones to enjoy. Sunflower’s Day Nursery will provide a family area where children can relax. It also includes a nappy changing area, bottle warming facilities and a quiet area for nursing mothers.
Visitors can expect a dry-stone walling class, forestry exhibition, a heritage marquee, and farm crops and home produce competitions too.
For those looking to do some shopping, trade stands will also be in place, and cricket fans enjoy a friendly match between Nidderdale XI and Craven XI.
Food and drink will be on offer throughout the day.
The dining marquee will offer a two-course hot carvery lunch, hot meals and a range of hot and cold sandwiches.
Food and drink stalls will also be available around the showground.
Pic: Jemison Photographer
All car parking is free and parking areas will be well signed.
In addition, the show is offering a free tractor park and ride service – the route is shown below.
Drivers are advised to travel early or use alternative routes to avoid heavy traffic.
Dogs are welcome on short leads but will not be allowed in livestock marquees.
Tickets can be bought on the gate or online before midnight tonight.
Adult tickets will cost £15 and children under 16 go free. Have fun!
21% price increase at Bewerley Park proved ‘prohibitive’ to schools
North Yorkshire Council has said a 21% price increase for trips to its outdoor learning centres proved “prohibitive” to some schools.
The council runs outdoor learning sites at Bewerley Park near Pateley Bridge and East Barnaby at Whitby.
It hiked fees and charges by 21% this year to reflect increases in inflation and costs.
However, Teresa Thorp, head of outdoor learning service at the council, said in report:
“There have been a few schools who have found the increase in fees and charges for 2023-24 prohibitive, demonstrating that last year’s fees and charges increase has adversely affected the take up of services in some cases.”
Ms Thorp added the council had to compete with other outdoor learning centres, such as Low Mill, Robin Wood and Carlton Lodge.
Robin Wood is currently charging £250 for a three day and two night stay compared to £275 at a North Yorkshire Council run site.
Competitor prices for outdoor learning centres. Picture: NYC.
In her report, Ms Thorp said that the market would “not sustain a further price increase”.
As a result, the council has proposed keeping charges the same for the academic year from September 2024 to March 2025.
However, the authority has proposed to increase course fees offered by the outdoor learning service by 6.8% in line with inflation.
It also plans to implement charges for corporate and conference facilities to generate income.
Ms Thorp added:
“It is believed that continuing with our fees and charges for school residential will enable the service to retain its current customer base, recruit new customers and compete with its surrounding competitors, all of which will result in increased bookings and customer retention.”
Major new event aims to revive sports tourism around Harrogate
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”