The Stray Ferret has set new monthly records as it continues to reshape the face of local news in the Harrogate district.
Articles on our website attracted just over one million page views from 218,000 site users in July.
A further 574,000 page views were made by almost 4,500 people on the Stray Ferret app, which was launched at the end of last year.
The combined total of 1.6 million monthly page views is a new record, as is the number of people visiting the site.
Page views have more than doubled in the last year as increasing numbers of people tune in to our lively combination of rolling news, human interest stories and political analysis. Our social media engagement is also leading the way in the district.
Read more:
- Stray Ferret’s election coverage attracts record audience
- Five reasons why you should download the Stray Ferret app
Last month we ran live blogs at the Great Yorkshire Show and during the heatwave. We led on coverage of plans to reduce the number of fire engines in Harrogate at night time to one, reported on Harrogate-born England footballer Rachel Daly’s ascent to international superstar, showcased businesses such as the re-opened Coach and Horses pub in Harrogate, covered visits to the district by celebrities including Alan Carr and Helen Skelton, and provided live footage on our Facebook page of St Wilfrid’s Procession in Ripon.
We also published daily business news a well as traffic and travel bulletins, and provided unparalleled scrutiny of our local MPs, councils and courts.
Tamsin O’Brien, managing director of the Stray Ferret, said:
“The Stray Ferret has become an unmissable read for anyone interested in the Harrogate district.
“Thank you to all our readers in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge, Masham and all points in between.
“We will continue to strive to bring the best daily news and hold those in power to account.”
You can download the Stray Ferret app by clicking on the banner below.
Harrogate Grammar School closed tomorrow due to heatwave
Extreme hot weather affected the Harrogate district today. Here’s a look back at today’s heatwave news.
It’s supposed to be even hotter tomorrow — please send details of travel problems/cancellations etc to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
6.49pm – Harrogate Grammar School to close tomorrow
Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is to close tomorrow due to the extreme weather.
In an email to parents, headteacher Neil Renton said:
“The classrooms seem to be tracking at least 2 to 3 degrees above the external temperature.
“The forecast for tomorrow from 1pm is 36 degrees with this rising to 38 degrees by 2pm. We have found even the temperature today to be an unbearable temperature for children to learn.
“Despite our best efforts to cool the building over the weekend, closing all the blinds, we now have high levels of residual heat in school from a very warm day today.
“Despite giving out free bottles of cold water to the children at lunch, our site team making outdoor spray stations and adjusting uniform expectations, the school has been very uncomfortable.
“The fact that we have a very strong remote learning offer, developed through two lockdowns, means that we can maintain the continuity of provision.
“As a result, we have made the decision to close the school due to the extreme weather conditions forecast.”
Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.
If you have details of other school closures tomorrow, message us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
5.25pm – Help a hedgehog during the heatwave
HAPPY (hedgehog appreciation prickly pals Yorkshire), based in Ramsgill, has asked people to leave a bowl of water out for hedgehogs during this week’s heatwave.
5.25pm – Fountains Abbey to open tomorrow – but no guided tours
National Trust-owned Fountains Abbey has said it will open tomorrow but urged people not to bring dogs and to consider coming on Wednesday, when cooler temperatures are forecast.
1/3 Whew! Today was a scorcher and tomorrow is set to be even hotter. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal will be open tomorrow but we would really recommend visiting on a different day if you can.
The site is very large with steep hills and few shady spaces. Visitors should prepare pic.twitter.com/AmhpXcSMQX— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022
2/3 for walking for long periods in the direct sun and bring plenty of water and suncream. Please don't bring dogs with you if you're planning a visit tomorrow.
The weather is due to break on Wednesday so we should be back to normal then. For now, we wont be running— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022
3/3/ guided tours and we may have to close some areas early for the welfare of our team.
Stay safe and cool – we'll be posting about ice and snow before you know it!— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022
3.45pm – Some bin collections delayed
Harrogate Borough Council has said not all of its scheduled bin collections have been completed today because of the rising temperatures.
It has asked anyone whose collection has been missed to leave their bin out and crews will aim to return when the weather is cooler later this week.
Some collections from today (Monday) are also outstanding as our crews deal with the rising temperatures. Please continue to leave your waste or recycling out as we'll aim to return later in the week.
Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022
3.15pm – No London trains from Harrogate tomorrow
LNER has confirmed that no trains will be running from Harrogate to London Kings Cross tomorrow.
The company is running a reduced service due to extreme heat.
https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840
2.25pm – Temperatures reach 34 degrees in Knaresborough
The temperature has reached 34 degrees in Knaresborough, according to local weather stations.
Areas in Harrogate are currently at 32 degrees.
2.05pm – New caves keep people cool at How Stean Gorge
Visitors to How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale are keeping cool by using two new caves that the attraction has bought.
The two new caves are Hazel Close Cave, which is about 120 metres long and only accessible via a ladder, although features a walking passage for 37 metres. Oxbow Cave is the second new cave, on the north side of How Stean Gorge and is 25 metres in length.
Tony Liddy, director of How Stean Gorge, said:
“We’ve transformed the site with our ambitious expansion plans to cater to the huge demand for adventure tourism. Acquiring the caves is an important part of that, as we want to showcase nature’s stunning playground in this unique gorge that has existed for ten thousand years, since the last Ice Age.”
1.05pm Quiet on the Stray in the afternoon sun
It looks like most people are heeding the warnings not to sit out in the sun today, with the Stray looking all but deserted in the high temperatures.
We saw just a few people walking across the grass, and even one runner, but it’s much quieter than usual for this time of day.
Meanwhile, the town centre itself feels quiet, though some hardy shoppers were still out on Cambridge Street – mostly sticking to the shade along the south side.
12.58pm: 34 degrees reported in Burn Bridge
According to local weather stations, Burn Bridge is the current hotspot, with the mercury hitting 34 degrees centigrade.
12.44pm – Umbrellas up as Harrogate hits 30 degrees
It’s a day for brollies… although not for their usual purpose. How are you spending your lunch hour?
11.45am – Harrogate charity offers help during extreme heat
Harrogate Easier Living Project has offered support to those struggling during the hot weather.
The charity is offering people emotional and practical support during the soaring temperatures.
If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with the heat, needs help and doesn't know where to turn, please call HELP on 01423 813090 and we can offer friendly practical & emotional support in #Harrogate #Knaresborough #Ripon and surrounding villages #HeretoHELP @HADCAcharity pic.twitter.com/9M3YJvNm8h
— HELP charity #HereToHELP (@HELP_Harrogate) July 18, 2022
11.30am – Ripon family enjoys the sun
It’s warmer than the Bahamas at the Borrage Green Lane Paddling Pool in Ripon, where mum Paula and her children Oli, two, Ted, six, and 10-year-old Arabella were managing to keep cool with an 11am dip.
11.15am – County council urges people to look out for each other
North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to look out for each other during the extreme heat.
Let's look out for each other during the hot weather.
Please remember to check on family, friends or neighbours who may need help keeping cool.
The heat can affect anyone, but for some it can have serious effects on health.
Get #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/aq0af1CC4V
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 18, 2022
10.55am – Knaresborough Town postpones match
Knaresborough Town AFC has postponed its pre-season friendly tomorrow due to the red weather warning.
The club was due to play Campion AFC at Manse Lane tomorrow evening.
https://twitter.com/KnaresboroughFC/status/1548664274280669185
10.50am – Convention centre issues advice
Harrogate Convention Centre has issued advice to those attend this week’s Home and Gift Fair.
The event is set to take place this week during the heatwave.
The convention centre has advised attendees to drink plenty of fluids, bring water with them and to look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated.
https://twitter.com/HgtConventions/status/1547895249137111043?s=20&t=zSOw9DeeoAzafHyGYK5Xbw
10.35am – Boroughbridge care home residents enjoy ice cream amid heatwave
Residents at Boroughbridge Manor care home kept cool over the weekend amid the hot weather with ice cream.
The home timed the treats well for National Ice Cream Day as the Met Office issued a red warning for extreme heat.
Ann, a resident said:
“I absolutely love ice cream. There really isn’t anything nicer on a hot summer’s day. We have had loads to sample today with all kinds of different sprinkles and sauces. They have all been truly delicious.”
9.55am – Yorkshire Ambulance Service urges people to take responsibility for themselves during extreme heat
Yorkshire Ambulance Service has issued advice amid the hot weather.
The service is asking people to take responsibility for themselves so ambulance crews can respond to the seriously ill across the region during the heatwave.
Dr Steven Dykes, Executive Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:
“This advice is common sense but, by reminding everyone, we hope that it will help to reduce the number of people who suffer any ill-effects from the hot weather.
“We will always respond to anyone needing time-critical medical assistance, but we ask that people think carefully before dialling 999 and only call for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.
“People suffering from minor illnesses and injuries should consider more appropriate services, such as visiting their local pharmacist or GP, attending a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111.”
9.40am – Direct trains to London cancelled
Direct trains from Harrogate to London Kings Cross have been cancelled due to the extreme heat.
LNER is running a reduced timetable amid the weather warning.
Network Rail is advising that passengers only travel if necessary both today and tomorrow.
9.25am – Advice for drivers in extreme heat
If you’re planning on driving today, National Highways has issued advice for precautions to take before getting on the road.
It includes taking a bottle of water in your car, leaving plenty of time for your journey and checking your vehicle before you leave.
You can read the advice here.
9.15am – Spa Croquet Club postpones match
Spa Croquet Club, which plays at Studley Royal Cricket Club, has postponed its match which was due to be played today.
The Federation match has been postponed to Monday, July 25.
The friendly against Ben Rhydding due to be played today has also been postponed, but a new date has yet to be agreed.
9.10am – Dog walkers up early in Harrogate
Some dog walkers were up early to beat the rising temperatures this morning.
The heat is expected to reach highs of 34 degrees in Harrogate today.
9am – Hospitals, schools and care homes braced for hot weather
Schools, care homes and public services across the Harrogate district are putting in place measures to protect vulnerable people from the extreme temperatures expected today and tomorrow.
With the Met Office forecasting highs of 38C and red warnings in place, there is a risk to health, especially for the elderly, very young and people with existing medical condition.
You can read more on how schools, hospitals and care homes are preparing here.
8.50am – Ripon Cathedral School reschedules Shrek performance
With temperatures rising, Ripon Cathedral Primary on Priest Lane has organised for a portable air conditioning unit to be put in place in the school hall and planned performances of the Legend of Shrek by key stage 2 pupils, to be re-scheduled from tomorrow, to Wednesday and Thursday.
In a message to parents and carers, head teacher Steven Holmes said he had taken the difficult decision to move the sold-out performances until later in the week.
He said:
“We are concerned about the potential temperatures in the hall for the Tuesday performances of Shrek with over 200 bodies in one space.
“As a school we have invested in LED lighting to reduce heat and have organised for a portable air conditioning unit.”
Tickets bought for tomorrow’s performances will be automatically transferred.
8.40am – Amber weather warning
The Met Office has an amber weather warning of extreme heat for the Harrogate today and tomorrow.
The warning means that “population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life.”
It also means that “substantial changes” in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required.
8.30am – Fountains Abbey makes changes amid hot weather
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal at Ripon has made changes amid the hot weather.
Its Studley refreshment kiosk will be closing at midday and guided tours of the abbey and water gardens will not be taking place.
8am – Northern: Only travel if necessary
Northern has urged passengers to only travel if necessary during the extreme heat.
It has also warned that its services could be cancelled at short notice amid the hot weather.
https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1548918144286175234
Former Pateley Bridge police station sold for £297,000The old police station in Pateley Bridge has been sold for £297,000.
Former North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Julia Mulligan, announced that the station on King Street would be sold in January 2021.
Officers based at the site have since been moved across the road where they share space with Harrogate Borough Council.
According to the police, the move is expected to save £19,000 per year.
Read more:
- Local firm averts traffic danger at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show
- Man arrested after early morning Knaresborough crash
The commissioner’s office confirmed that the police station was sold last month for £297,000. It had initially been estimated to sell for £142,000.
Details of the buyer have yet to be made public.
The commissioner’s office said the funds will help to pay for policing in North Yorkshire.
A decision notice to sell the building said previously:
Fire crews called to garage blaze in Lofthouse“Pateley Bridge station is a large building and is relatively expensive to run.
“Whilst local officers and staff are based there, the building is far too large for the size of team based there.
“New mobile working technology means officers are spending less time in the station and more time in the community, which has also affected how often the current station is occupied. This will decrease further as new applications are added to the technology.”
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.”
Read more:
- North Yorkshire fire service has adequate funding, says minister
- Fire Brigades Union ‘seriously concerned’ over cuts to Harrogate service
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read more:
- New trail running group formed in Pateley Bridge
- Ofsted praises ‘small school with big ambitions’ in Nidderdale
New funeral directors at Harrogate firm
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Independent funeral directors W Bowers has appointed two new funeral directors.
The firm, which was founded in 1945 by Billie and Josephine Bowers, has branches in Harrogate and Hampsthwaite.
New appointees Michael Primrose and Ella Benson are both from Harrogate.
Mr Primrose previously worked with the public in the construction sector.
Ms Benson has previous experience in the funeral industry and has also worked as a carer.
The company said in a statement:
“We are confident they will ensure the future of the company as we are committed to remain a family business bringing that personal and comforting support to all the clients we are honoured to serve.”
Pateley Bridge Pharmacy wins award
Samina Khan (centre) at the awards.
Pateley Bridge Pharmacy has been recognised for its efforts providing the covid vaccine in Nidderdale.
The pharmacy has been a lifeline for people in Pateley Bridge who want to receive the vaccine but struggle to travel to other sites, such as Knaresborough and Ripon.
At the Community Pharmacy North Yorkshire Awards, the Pateley Bridge business was named team of the year.
Samina Khan, director of the pharmacy, was runner-up in the pharmacist of the year and the unsung hero categories. Ms Khan said:
“I really wanted us to win team of the year because it recognises everyone’s hard work setting up a covid clinic.”
The pharmacy is still providing covid vaccine clinics, with one scheduled today.
Council’s Brierley Group reports £327,000 loss
North Yorkshire County Council has reported a £327,000 loss for its Brierley Group of companies for the last financial year.
The council set up the group in 2017 to bring together council-owned companies and save money.
But the group, which includes housebuilding firm Brierley Homes, NY Highways and Yorwaste, reported the loss for the 2021/22 financial year against a budgeted profit of £324,000.
The group lost £639,000 in the previous financial year and the latest figures have raised questions about the council’s ability to run businesses.
According to a council report, authority officials put the loss down to the “impact of covid and the current and emerging market conditions”.
It remained confident that the Brierley Group would turn around the financial situation and post a profit in 2022/23.
Read more:
- Council accused of ‘trophy investment’ for £9m purchase of Harrogate’s Royal Baths
- Harrogate’s Royal Baths: the council’s under-performing ‘trophy investment’
- Council predicts loss-making Brierley Group will return to profit
The council said the overall loss was “driven principally” by two of the companies, Brierley Homes and NYHIghways, posting losses for the year.
However, it added that Brierley Homes’ loss was in line with budget as three of its sites “were in a construction phase during the year” and expected sales were to be realised next year.
The sites include Woodfield Square in Bilton, Millwright Park in Pateley Bridge and Yew Tree Farm in Marton-Cum-Grafton.
NYHighways’ loss was attributed to it being its first year of operation and “higher mobilisation and integration costs”, the report said.
The council report said:
“The expectation is a return to a positive profit after tax position through FY22/23.”
“Brierley Homes will see the sales completion of a number of sites; Woodfield Square, Millwright Park and Yew Tree Farm and NY Highways are now in a stronger position to refine and streamline the business, with other companies in the portfolio like First North Law, Align, NYnet and Veritau building on the successes of FY21/22 with high levels of customer retention and satisfaction as well as additional capacity and expertise into their teams.”
‘Sad state of affairs’
Stuart Parsons
Cllr Stuart Parsons, leader of the Independent group on North Yorkshire County Council, described the loss as a “sad state of affairs”.
He added it would mean less money for vital services.
Cllr Parsons said:
“It’s a sad state of affairs. The company was created by North Yorkshire County Council to generate profits which would be used to support services like adult social care.
“Expecting North Yorkshire County Council to guarantee this loss means that even less money is available for front-line services.
“North Yorkshire County Council obviously does not have the capacity, nor the ability, to run commercial companies.”
Cllr Gareth Dadd, the council’s executive member for finance, assets and resources, said:
Boy, 11, rescued after falling at Brimham Rocks“The Brierley Group includes several companies providing services for us and financially most performed well last year, with some outstripping expectations.
“While we are disappointed the group recorded an overall loss, we recognise the unique set of circumstances which contributed to the position and are also reflected across the whole of the economy last year. However it should also not be forgotten that the profit or loss a Brierley group company makes is only part of the picture.
“All companies generate a value for North Yorkshire County Council as shareholder and last year the value of this was £5.6m through interest payments to the council alongside contributions towards council service costs.”
“We are confident in the outlook for the future as the group emerges from the challenges of covid and that it will return to a financial surplus in the current year.”
An 11-year-old boy had to be rescued after falling at Brimham Rocks.
The young boy was coming down from one of the high rocks near the car park when he fell onto a grassy area on his arms.
Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association was summoned to help the boy. The team stretchered him to an ambulance where he was treated for arm injuries.
One of the association’s volunteers, Derek Hammond, said he thought the boy fell “about three or four metres”, putting his arms out to protect himself as he fell.
The volunteer rescue team were at the the National Trust-owned site near Pateley Bridge for 52 minutes.
Just last month, The Stray Ferret wrote about the latest young boy to fall from the rocks.
Read more:
Knaresborough, Pateley and Markington could get new electric vehicle charging points
North Yorkshire County Council is to bid for £2 million worth of funding to install electric vehicle charging points in rural areas.
The proposal comes as the government has launched a £10 million pilot fund to rollout the infrastructure across the country.
The county council’s bid would see 70 charging points installed across the seven districts. It has suggested three areas in the Harrogate district, including Markington, Pateley Bridge and Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough.
A submission to government to bid for the funding was backed by Cllr Keane Duncan, executive member for highways, this morning.
Cllr Duncan said:
“We have embraced this opportunity to bring forward the strongest possible proposal within the tight 12-week deadline to benefit rural parts of our county.
“This is a competitive process across the whole of England for a relatively small pilot funding pot, so success is not guaranteed, but this bid is another clear signal of our ambition to improve transport options for people across our large, rural county.”
Read more:
- Harrogate council awards £280,000 electric vehicle contract to London firm
- Locations of 34 electric vehicle charge points revealed
- Harrogate businesses go electric as number of cars licensed doubles
The charging points would be powered by renewable energy, including small-scale hydroelectric generators and solar panels linked to battery storage.
Council officials said the move would help to tackle poor connectivity and opportunities in rural areas of the county.
The bid for funding is supported by district and borough councils and the county council plans to work with NYnet, the council-owned broadband company, and Northern Powergrid on the scheme.
Harrogate Borough Council recently commissioned London company, ConnectedKerb, to install 34 charging points across the district as part of a £280,000 contract.
Pateley Bridge drama group puts on play about wartime bombing of Majestic HotelPateley Bridge Dramatic Society returns next week with a play set in 1940 questioning the cause of the Second World War bombing of the Majestic Hotel.
‘The Stray’, a play written by Nidderdale playwright and member of the society Keith Burton, explores what might have happened in Harrogate during the week before the hotel was bombed on September 12, 1940.
The play begins on Sunday, September 8 when Buckingham Palace was bombed. This triggered The Coats Mission – a top secret plan for the evacuation of the royal family from London.
One of the proposed temporary homes was Newby Hall, Ripon, with Winston Churchill staying at Grove House across from Harrogate Fire Station.
On Thursday, September 12 the Majestic hotel was bombed by a ‘stray’ plane as part of a larger raid. This was the only bomb to fall on Harrogate during the war and questions have surrounded its motive ever since.
The play centres around one possible scenario with the added drama of love, betrayal, heroism and espionage during the Second World War.
Read more:
- Pateley Bridge turns pink to fundraise for baby Arlo with leukaemia
- Pateley Bridge enjoys a party in the park
Writer and director Keith Burton said:
“The Stray was originally commissioned as part of North Yorkshire’s calendar of events to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe. These celebrations were massively disrupted by covid but it does mean that the second ever production of this play about the secrets of the Second World War in Harrogate will be by my local dramatic society – which thrills me enormously.”
During rehearsals
The play was previously performed by Harrogate Dramatic Society in November.
The play is being performed at Pateley Bridge Memorial Hall whilst renovations continue at the playhouse between Tuesday, June 14 and Saturday, June 18. Tickets can be booked here.