Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: How dementia led two carers to become best friendsThis year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district.
The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.
Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget those that need help this Christmas.
Today, Flora spoke to two women who met at the wellbeing café.
“It’s about knowing there’s someone at the end of the phone who understands what we’re going through.”
Cynthia Storie and Eileen King’s are both carers for their husbands, who are living with dementia, and have found comfort in each other through Dementia Forward’s wellbeing café.
Before their husbands’ diagnosis, Cynthia was a secretary and Eileen was a nanny. They were just like anyone else. But two years ago, everything changed.
Cynthia said:
“Your livelihood is taken from you – it’s a shocking blow.”
She was given a Dementia Forward leaflet following her husband Mike’s diagnosis. Eileen used the helpline service to work out their next steps.
Cynthia added:
“I wanted to make sure Mike could still socialise – he was so used to doing everything for himself.
“He didn’t want to come at all, but after I’d convinced him, and someone brought him a cup of coffee, he was chatting away. Two years later, he’s still here.”
The women said the café is an environment where their husbands feel understood. It combats the loneliness those living with dementia can often feel.
Carers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their loved one is safe at the café, and can share their experiences with with others facing similar challenges.
She continued:
“You find that friends who you have spent so long going out for dinner and socialising with are so sympathetic at first, but after they realise they don’t understand, you become so isolated.”
The café has helped Eileen and her husband more than she could have imagined. She said:
“It helps so much coming here. It’s frightening – you don’t know what’s around the corner.
“It means I’ve got support, and you can offload to people that understand. The staff here don’t judge at all, and they take the guilt away from the carers.”
The women also call each other regularly to check in, visit each other for a cup of tea, and even bake cakes for each other.
Eileen said:
“We, as carers, put on a front. When you’re on your own, you pick up the phone and tell a friend that you need to talk.
“It’s nice when somebody says, ‘how are you?’.”
Dementia has been life-changing for both ladies and their husbands, but the café has brought them some level of peace.
Cynthia added:
“We want people who are reading this to know it takes courage to walk through the door of somewhere like this, but they’re not alone and it’s so worth it to come to these groups.”
Thousands of local families are fighting a long battle with these horrible diseases – and they need your help.
Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward, helping us hit our £30,000 target to buy the charity a new minibus and bettering the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.
Dementia Forward’s current bus is old 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.
Please click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or a friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.
Thank you.
The NHS found that one in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia. If you need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.
Derelict Ripon petrol station finally set to be redevelopedA decades-long wait to build flats on a former petrol station at Skellbank in Ripon could finally end soon.
The site has been derelict for more than 20 years and has been described as an “eyesore” by local residents.
In 2003, Harrogate Borough Council approved a plan to demolish it in order to build eight flats but it never came to fruition with the permission now lapsed.
A similar plan was submitted in 2016 but was then withdrawn three years later.
However, Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams revealed at a recent meeting that he’s had confirmation from the site’s owner that it will submit a new planning application for eight flats in the next few weeks.
The former petrol station is in a residential area on the edge of the city centre and is on the route from Ripon towards popular tourist landmark Fountains Abbey.
Cllr Williams said:
“I’m hopeful that an application will be lodged in next few weeks that will hopefully, after decades of this land being derelict and an eyesore, mean it’s brought back into constructive use.
“Members of this council have repeatedly expressed concerns about this site and I’ve used what influence I have to get it this far. I’ve also had indication that the owner would consider screening the site in the interim.
“Residents in that area have for years had to look out onto that piece of land. I hope in the next 12 months that piece of land will be transformed into something much more appropriate.”
Read more:
Moorside Primary School in Ripon rated ‘good’ by OfstedMoorside Primary School and Nursery, in Ripon, has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.
The findings were published in a report yesterday following a two-day inspection in September.
Government inspectors rated the school and nursery, which has 168 pupils, ‘good’ in all four categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.
It was the first assessment since Moorside Primary School and Moorside Infant School amalgamated in 2019.
Inspectors said the school “lies at the very heart of its community” and found “pupils enjoy attending school”. They added:
“Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), establish positive relationships with staff. They describe their teachers as ‘caring’ and ‘kind’.
“Parents are effusively positive about the school. One parent captured the views of many in saying: ‘Our children are so lucky to start their education at Moorside. The school is a credit to itself and the community.’”
The report praised the wide range of opportunities given to children, including various clubs and the on-site forest school, as well as trips out into the local area – citing a recent trip to Fountains Abbey.
The school has high expectations of pupils’ behaviour, the report added, and said “pupils enjoy the praise they receive for their good behaviour”. It said:
“They treat their teachers and each other with respect. They talk politely and confidently to visitors, enjoying opportunities to talk about their school.
“Pupils say that they feel safe and they know they can share any concerns with staff.”
Read more:
The report said staff are “well trained” and they have a good understanding of the subjects they teach, while leaders and governors have a “shared ambition for the school and its pupils”.
Inspectors also found the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “carefully considered” and adjustments are made to enable these pupils “to successfully access the same curriculum as their peers”.
It added:
“Pupils study a well-sequenced curriculum for personal, social, health and economic education.
“They learn about positive relationships, mental health and the benefits of diversity. Pupils learn about British values.”
The environment of the “warm and welcoming” early years department was found to be “bright and inviting”.
Areas of improvement
Despite the “ambitious” curriculum, inspectors found the school had not “defined precisely the important knowledge that they want pupils to learn”, adding:
“Consequently, some pupils struggle to retain their learning and, therefore, cannot build on this over time.
“The school should review some aspects of the curriculum to ensure that there is greater clarity for teachers about what pupils should know and remember at each stage of their learning, across all subjects.”
It also said, although the school “prioritises” reading, some pupils are given books to read that are “too difficult” and “not well-matched to their phonic ability”, meaning they “struggle to practise” what they have learned.
“The school should make sure pupils’ reading books are well matched to the phonics pupils know.”
‘A fantastic milestone’
In response to the report, Claire Rowett, headteacher of Moorside Primary School and Nursery, said:
“I would like to thank the dedicated and committed staff and governors who have been part of our unique journey, and helped us to not only physically build a school, but a strong community ethos with children at the heart of it.
“I would also like to thank the parents for their overwhelming support; working in collaboration with us to support their children and for also sharing their views with Ofsted where 100% of them said that they would recommend our school to another parent.
“This is a fantastic milestone on Moorside’s journey to celebrate and the school endeavours to continue to build on their success in the future.
“We are always pleased to share our wonderful provision that we have grown here a Moorside and offer opportunities for prospective parents, families and members of the community to visit at any time.”
Ripon peace campaigners call for ceasefire in GazaA silent vigil was held on Ripon Market Square this morning at which a group of campaigners called for an immediate ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.
The situation in Palestine has deteriorated since October 7, when Hamas invaded Israeli villages over the border from Gaza and killed an estimated 1,200 people and took more than 200 hostages. It is estimated that more than 12,000 Palestinians – the majority of them women and children – have died in Israeli attacks since then.
Vigil organiser Andy Croft (pictured centre in our photograph) told the Stray Ferret:
“We are not taking sides and are carrying the flags of both Israel and Palestine, as we call on the UK government and opposition to support the growing call for an immediate ceasefire.
“Too many people have already died and it is heartbreaking to hear about the civilian casualties and see television pictures of tiny babies having to be moved from intensive care incubators because the hospital that they were in no longer has the electricity to power them.”
Mr Croft added:
“We have decided to hold a weekly half hour silent vigil by the obelisk at 10am each Monday until there is a ceasefire and are holding it in Ripon so that local residents who want to join the ceasefire call don’t need to travel to Leeds or York.
“Before organising the event, we sought and received approval from North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Council and also liaised with Ripon City Council.”
Read more:
Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: ‘There’s no light at the end of the tunnel’This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district.
The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.
Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.
Today, Flora spoke to someone on the helpline team.
Hundreds of families in the Harrogate district are losing their loved ones to dementia every day and now, more than ever, specialist support services are needed.
Today, Keith Townson tells us about swapping his working life in Qatar for a role on the Dementia Forward helpline.
“I was working as a mechanical engineer in Qatar.
“The maximum working age there is 60, so when I reached that, we moved back to Burton Leonard and I took on the role as chairman of the parish council.”
It was then that Keith spotted George Armitage House, Dementia Forward’s flagship hub in the village, and realised he wanted to give something back in his retirement.
He was offered a position as a volunteer bus driver in 2016 and spent five happy years transporting people across the county.
The minibus allows people to access vital care that they may not otherwise be able to access, and helps to combat loneliness those living with dementia may feel. It is also used to take people on day trips out and to social events, like going to the beach, to art galleries or even just to a café for a cup of tea.
Keith added:
“I loved driving the bus so much – it’s so lovely when clients are singing.
“What better thing can you do than help people?”
Two years ago, Keith was offered a position on the helpline.
“I actually originally suggested my son apply for the role – since he was out of work at the time – but after he was offered a job, Dementia Forward offered it to me.”
The helpline is the first point of contact for those with dementia-related enquiries.
The advisers help anyone in need — including family members, clients and medical practitioners — whether it’s providing emotional guidance to people losing their loved ones, or support on how to find dementia care.
It covers the whole of North Yorkshire and refers people to dementia experts in their local area or district.
Keith said:
“No two days are the same. You can receive some pretty horrible calls relating to very sad situations.
“But then there are some really lovely ones too — it’s a real mixture of emotions.
“The most common call is from a family member or loved one that has just received the devastating diagnosis and is looking for the next step.
“That’s what we’re here to give them.”
Dementia Forward’s flagship hub, George Armitage House
The helpline is one of many amazing services on offer for those living with this life changing disease, as well as their loved ones. Keith added:
“The helpline is a reason to get out of bed in the morning and come to work – it’s the best feeling I’ve had from a job.
“It can be heart-breaking though. No two people with dementia are the same, and I’ve learnt there’s no real light at the end of the tunnel…that it doesn’t get better.”
Dementia Forward helps hundreds of families across the Harrogate district every day. The charity eases the pain as much as it can – but it can only do so with the help of charitable donations.
Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward, helping us hit our £30,000 target to buy the charity a new minibus and bettering the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.
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.
Click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or your friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.
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.
Tinsel tractor run coming to Ripon and BoroughbridgeA tinsel tractor run is to be held around Ripon and Boroughbridge on December 2.
Up to 30 festively-decorated tractors will depart from garden centre F Tate & Sons on Studley Road, near Ripon, at about 2.30pm.
The brightly lit vehicles will then follow a 21-mile route that passes through Bishop Monkton, Roecliffe, Boroughbridge and Skelton-on-Ure before finishing in Ripon Market Place at about 5.30pm.
Simon Dickinson, who organises the Nidderdale Charity Tractor Run each year, decided to stage the event to raise money for Harrogate-based Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Mr Dickinson, a window cleaner who grew up in Littlethorpe and now lives in Northallerton, said he wanted to raise money to help people affected by cancer and had been inspired by tinsel tractor runs held overseas.
He added he had been amazed by the response since the event was announced last night. Fifteen tractor drivers have already signed up.
Mr Dickinson, who is a member of West Yorkshire Vintage Tractor & Engine Club, added:
“I want to get it off the ground this year and then do it year after year.”
Tractor drivers pay £15 to enter and collections will be held at key points along the route.
The Nidderdale tractor run, which Mr Dickinson founded last year, attracted 55 vehicles and raised almost £2,000 this year. Next year’s event will be on June 30.
Read more:
Harrogate Grass Machinery to close after 24 yearsWell-known firm Harrogate Grass Machinery is to cease trading after 24 years of trading.
The South Stainley company, which services and sells lawnmowers and grass machinery, announced its closure on social media.
Owner Victoria Waite set up the business with her husband in 1999, and employed four staff, but told the Stray Ferret she now wanted to retire.
Ms Waite added:
“It’s very bittersweet.
“People have been saying ‘what am I going to do now?’”
The 58-year-old also said her husband’s death four years ago “played a big part” in deciding to close the business.
“It’s been emotional, but things need to keep moving forward — that’s what I tell myself.”
Harrogate Grass Machinery’s last day of trading will be on Wednesday, December 20.
Read more:
Ripon gets set for Saturday’s festive lights switch on
Ripon’s festive season gets into full swing on Saturday, with the switch on of the city’s Christmas lights, combined with an afternoon of family entertainment.
The illuminations will come on at 5pm and before then, Market Square will be a hive of activity from 1pm onwards with Santa and his reindeer, free fairground rides and live music between 3pm and 6pm.
The event is being organised by the city council, with support from Ripon Business Improvement District.
Festive lights on Fishergate are ready for Saturday evening’s city-wide switch on
Enhancements have been made to the city council’s decorative displays thanks to £4,000 of funding from the BID and the £7,000 raised through the Christmas Lights Appeal, run by Councillor Eamon Parkin during his three consecutive years in office as Mayor of Ripon between May 2019 and May 2022
The year-on-year improvements ensure that the city centre and adjoining streets will be lit with festive lights throughout the season.
For the second year running, the BID has paid for the production and distribution of 25,000 brochures, promoting Ripon as an attractive retail destination for both residents and visitors.
The brochure, which is being delivered to homes in the city and surrounding areas, highlights a strong mix of independent traders, while providing details about the events that will be happening in Ripon, between now and New Year’s Eve.
Main picture: Santa and his reindeer are due to arrive at 1pm
Read more:
Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: Combating the isolation of dementiaThis year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise £30,000 for a much-needed minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district.
The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.
Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.
Today, Flora spoke to members of the Hub Club – one of the charity’s day services.
People living with dementia are slowly being robbed of their former lives and can often feel lonely and isolated.
It’s a disease that makes people feel misunderstood and invisible, but Dementia Forward works tirelessly to combat that. The charity’s Hub Club provides people with a safe place and good company – it makes those living with this life-changing illness feel seen.
“It’s a lovely atmosphere.
“I like seeing everybody and having a laugh.”
This is how one member, 91-year-old Mary, described the Hub Club.
After the minibus drops them off, the group start their day with a quiz, followed by coffee and cake.
The group are made to feel relaxed and comfortable and have so many activities to enjoy. Some do crosswords and puzzles, some enjoy drawing and music, and some even tackle 1000-piece jigsaws. People laugh and chat – they’re friends.
The days are tailored to the needs and interests of the members – staff even curate playlists of the members’ favourite songs.
Another member, David, spends his morning reading the paper accompanied by a playlist of his favourite 1950s songs – including Gracie Fields. He said:
“It’s just nice to get out of the house for a few hours and I’ve made friends here.”
It’s a place where people can feel heard and understood.
For three days a week, these people can temporarily escape from the disease they’re living with.
One carer told the Dementia Forward team:
“You understand better than most what we deal with.
“Being able to drop my wife off at the Hub Club this morning and sit here with my feet up, feeling confident that she is being properly looked after, is brilliant.”
But the reality is, the members of the Hub Club are fighting a losing battle with dementia. Dementia Forward eases the pain as much as it can – but can only do so with the help of charitable donations.
Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward, helping us hit our £30,000 target to buy the charity a new minibus and bettering the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.
Dementia Forward’s current bus is old 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.
Click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or a friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.
Thank you.
The NHS found that one in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK are living with dementia. If you need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.
Commercial waste could be banned at council tips in North YorkshireNorth Yorkshire Council is considering whether to ban people depositing commercial waste at all of its household waste recycling centres.
It is one of a range of options being considered as part of cost-saving measures.
Other ideas include restricting the number of trips vans can make to the centres and banning people who don’t live in North Yorkshire from using them.
The options, which would affect sites at Penny Pot Lane and Wetherby Road in Harrogate, Dallamires Crescent in Ripon and mobile sites in Pateley Bridge and Boroughbridge, are due to go out to consultation.
The Penny Pot Lane tip.
A council decision notice last week announced plans to consult on changes, which it said would “avoid the need to reduce the service but do impact certain site users”.
The Stray Ferret asked the council why it was proposing changes, what the options were and the likely cost associated with them.
In a statement, it replied:
“To help make savings and improve the service they provide, North Yorkshire Council is looking at various changes at household waste recycling centres.
“This includes limiting the use of HWRCs to North Yorkshire residents only, limiting the access for commercial-like vehicles as well as changes to commercial waste.
“Around 15 per cent of visits are not made by North Yorkshire residents. Limiting the use to the county’s residents could generate savings of about £140,000 every year and would align with neighbouring authorities.
“The council is also proposing to limit access for commercial-like vehicles (including those in a van or pick-up). Figures show 93 per cent of visitors in a commercial-like vehicle make less than 12 visits per year. Limiting these vehicles to 12 visits could bring savings of about £370,000 and could reduce congestion at the sites.
“Before implementing these changes, people will be asked to share their views on the proposals, as well as whether they support commercial waste continuing to be accepted at HWRCs.”
Read more:
According to the council’s website, commercial waste is currently accepted at all of its centres except Wetherby Road in Harrogate.
Environment minister Rebecca Pow announced in June that households would no longer have to pay to get rid of DIY waste at household waste recycling centres.
DIY waste is now treated the same as household waste, saving tip visitors up to £10 per sack of rubble or sheet of plasterboard.
North Yorkshire Council said this would cost £889,000 and force it to look for new ways of saving money.
Last month, the Local Government Association, which is a membership body for councils, warned the change could mean tip closures and reduced hours in some council areas.