Second banking blow for Ripon as Halifax announces closureRipon has suffered its second banking blow in the space of nine weeks, with the announcement that the Halifax Bank branch will close on November 14.
The closure of the branch on Market Square South, comes after Barclays advised its customers in May that it is closing its branch on August 25.
Reacting to the closure announcement, Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams, told the Stray Ferret:
“This is a bad news for Ripon, as we will be going from three high street banks to one, with the city left with just the HSBC branch.
“We are a growing city whose population is set to increase by up to a quarter by 2030 with new housing coming on stream.
“Among that increased population there will be many elderly people who either do not know how to use online banking, or are fearful of it.”
Closing on August 25 – Barclays Bank in Market Square East
Cllr Williams, added:
“With Christmas just four months away, the timing could not be worse for Ripon’s independent retailers, particularly due to the fact that after the Barclays and Halifax closures, residents and tourists visiting the city centre will not have access to cash machines outside normal trading hours.
“Not everybody wants to pay for a meal in a restaurant or a drink in a pub, with a plastic card.”
Figures produced by the Halifax as part of its explanation of the closure decision, shows that 22 percent of branch customers are 75 and above, while a further 37 percent are aged between 55 and 74.
The Halifax explains its decision
In its announcement, the bank, said:
“Following an in-depth review, this branch will close on 14th November 2022
“Like many other high street businesses, we’ve seen people using our branches less frequently in recent years as more customers choose to do most of their everyday banking online.
“We’re responding to the way our customers use our branches. We’ll continue to invest in our branch network, but we have to make sure our branches are where customers need and use them most.
“As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision to close this branch because customers are using it less often. In addition the majority of customers are also using alternative ways to bank.”
Four traditional pubs to visit in the Harrogate district
A new generation of drinkers are being drawn to craft beer and cocktail bars, sparking a decline in traditional pubs.
And while many of us love a good Negroni or an IPA, you can’t beat a good old fashioned British boozer.
Fortunately we are still blessed’ with some excellent ones in the Harrogate district.
We asked our readers for their favourites. Here are four of them:
Reputedly, the oldest pub in Harrogate has a history going back to the earliest days of the town’s emergence as a leading spa resort.
Originating as one of the first inns for spa visitors after sulphur wells were first established in the mid-18th century, sulphur springs still flow beneath the cellar and the distinctive odours occasionally percolate up to the bar area.
The premises were rebuilt circa 1827 and known as The Promenade Inn. At this time it was said to be a most successful coaching inn. It was enlarged in 1856 and known as Hodgson’s until 1882, when William Hales became the landlord.
The interior decor is reflective of the pub’s long history, with mirrors and fittings from the Victorian era, including traditional gas lighting and cigar lighters.
Stray Ferret reader Richard Dunston Brady said:
“Hales, is the best traditional pub for charm, atmosphere, friendly staff and a well pulled pint.”
Hales Bar, 1-3 Crescent Road, Harrogate, HG1 2RS
The Mother Shipton Inn has stood beside the Low Bridge of Knaresborough for centuries.
Nestled amongst ancient trees and the River Nidd, this sixteenth century coaching Inn has survived with its full character intact, boasting warm fires, quirky rooms and eclectic furniture. The hanging baskets on the pub’s exterior are also impressive.
Take in the surroundings of this olde worlde gem with a pint of real ale or locally-sourced home-cooked food.
Visitors to the pub praise the friendly staff and riverside setting.
Mother Shipton’s Inn, Low Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8HZ
51 Allhallowgate, Ripon HG4 1LQ
The Ship Inn, Aldborough, near Boroughbridge
The historic building dates back to 1340 and goes back several centuries as an inn.
It was almost certainly known as the Ship in the 17th century, as there is a token copper coin in existence, dated 1671, which shows a ship in full sale with the inscription “John Briggs in Aldborough his half penny”.
Brian Rey and Elaine Howden, the owners of The Ship Inn, have been restoring the pub since January following a fire. They have served many high-profile guests, including Prince William and Harry.
The traditional country pub in the Roman town of Aldborough is well-known for Brian’s Yorkshire puddings and ‘real gravy’.
Low Rd, Aldborough, YO51 9ER
Successful Ripon business built on the art of furniture restorationA dozen years ago, when Aelita Redeniece left Latvia she was prepared to take any job to get her foot onto the UK employment ladder.
The degree that she gained at the Art Academy of Latvia in Riga, opened the door to work as a graphic designer and then marketing manager in the Baltic country, but with the move across Europe, her professional and artistic skills were put on hold as she worked first in an egg packing factory and later in a care home.
She told the Stray Ferret:
“I was learning to speak English, but was not fluent at that time and that meant I didn’t have the confidence to apply for jobs more suitable for my qualifications.”
But, with encouragement from her partner and a couple of lucky breaks, she has finally been able to unleash her talent and is now running The Repair Shop – a highly successful business located within Halls of Ripon.
The focus is on refurbishing, re-upholstering and returning furniture to use – from much-treasured family heirloom pieces to chaise lounges given a new lease of life.
Through studies in Riga that earned her a fine arts degree, Aelita was taught how to use her hands to form clay into ceramic bowls, jugs and other items.
Now she has turned her hand and eye for detail to a different medium, making the step from potter’s wheel to busy workshop.
But why upholstery?
It may be that fate guided her, as Aelita explains:
“I bought a book in a charity shop about how to repair furniture and within days of reading it, I met, by pure chance, a craftsman upholsterer.
“After a brief conversation he very kindly agreed to take me on as his apprentice and teach me the skills he had gathered over more than 50 years.
“At first, I was doing simple tasks, but as I progressed, he gave me more complex things to do and eventually complete re-upholstery jobs.
“He is a lovely man and when I completed my apprenticeship and set up on my own working from home, he also put work my way.”
A showcase at Halls of Ripon
A second slice of serendipity came when Aelita enquired about the possibility of setting up her repair shop at Halls of Ripon.
She pointed out:
“I spoke with Mike Cooper because I noticed that there were second-hand sofas and chairs on sale there and he saw the synergy between this aspect of the business and the services that I provide.
“He, and the other independent traders at the department store, could not have been more helpful or friendly and with an affordable weekly rent, I was able to create my own showcase, with a unit that includes Victorian-style windows that were purchased from Lightwater Valley.”
Aelita has a growing order book from local, regional and national customers.
She is pictured above with an elegant French-style antique chair that she has fully refurbished for a customer who lives in Scotland and is a regular visitor to Ripon.
Aelita pointed out:
“Having seen The Repair Shop programme on TV, they wondered if I could renovate the chair and source a hunting print fabric for it.”
It now has pride of place back in the customer’s home, while many other sofas and chairs, have been diverted from a trip to the tip and returned to their former glory.
Read more:
Hot Seat: ‘We are a proud school, independent-minded’As an opening bowler for Ouseburn Cricket Club, Jonathan Webb has sent down a fair few short pitched deliveries over the years.
But as headteacher of Ripon Grammar School, he must sometimes feel he spends his entire professional life dodging bouncers.
Ripon Grammar is one of 163 UK grammar schools, and Yorkshire’s only state only state boarding school.
Founded in 1555, it is a unique and successful institution but even it is feeling the winds of change.
Covid, mental health, energy bills, pastoral care, academisation, Ofsted — all these issues weigh on leaders’ minds, never mind teaching.
Mr Webb says the last academic year, which ended on Friday, was “less disrupted” by covid than the previous one but the ongoing aftermath is, in some ways, even more damaging. He says:
“Academically our students did relatively well during covid although some did struggle. Where things have been more challenging is the socialising and, dare I say it, the civilising aspect of school.
“By not having that daily interaction with their peers they have got out of that rhythm.”
Many young people were struggling with the corrosive impact of social media and mobile phones even before covid increased their sense of isolation. Mr Webb says:
“A lot of things young people have to deal with, we never had to deal with. Even mobile phones have changed the way students interact with each other and they extend the school day.
“Mental health is a huge issue. But children are much more willing to talk about it. When I was at school the phrase ‘mental health’ wasn’t even coined.”
With students at Ripon Grammar School.
Are schools being asked to fill gaps caused by under-funded services?
“It feels like that. There is a big pressure on schools now. Increasingly we can’t just be establishments of education in the old fashioned sense of the world. We have an increasing and growing responsibility in terms of mental health practical support and safeguarding as well.”
Read more:
Improving Ripon
Mr Webb was educated at Batley Grammar School and has a history degree from Cambridge. Friendly and approachable, he was deputy head at Durham School for five years before moving to Ripon in 2017.
When he joined, he talked about there always being room for improvement. What does he think has been achieved?
He cites pastoral support. The school now has a pastoral management team with five heads of year, a pastoral support officer, a student welfare officer and a counsellor comes into school three days a week.
Looking ahead, he says pastoral care will remain a priority but there’s plenty else to ponder over summer, such as updating the school’s “pretty antiquated” heating system at a time of soaring energy bills and preparing for a visit from Ofsted.
Ripon Grammar hasn’t had an Ofsted inspection since 2012 when it was rated ‘outstanding’ although its boarding school was assessed to be ‘good’ this year.
Mr Webb says:
“We’ve been ready or aware since January that an inspection is imminent.”
Becoming an academy
There’s also the looming prospect of being forced to join an academy, as part of government’s plans for all schools to go down this route by 2030.
For a school that has excelled in splendid isolation for 450 years, this isn’t an entirely welcome prospect. Heavily oversubscribed at 11+, in 2021, 72 per cent of pupils achieved 9-7 at GCSE and 60 per cent achieved A*/A at A level. At least 85 per cent of students stay on for the sixth form and the over 60 per cent go to Russell Group universities.
There doesn’t seem to be a great reason to change but Mr Webb acknowledges “academies are the direction of travel”, adding:
“We are a proud school, independent-minded. Inevitably joining a trust involves joining with other schools. However we have to accept it’s going to happen and embrace the benefits.”
Boarding fees
Ripon Grammar, which moved to its present 23-acre site in 1874, is free for day pupils. Boarding costs about £11,000 to £12,000 a year, which is about a third the price of independent alternatives.
Former pupils include fashion designer Bruce Oldfield, former Conservative Party leader William Hague MP, Guardian editor Katharine Viner, TV presenter Richard Hammond and Olympic gold medallist diver Jack Laugher.
Mr Webb says there is a renewed focus on high quality teaching and learning. He’s particularly keen on oracy or, as he puts it, “developing the way students speak in an erudite and informed manner”, adding:
“It’s a life skill that never leaves somebody.”
The school is also embedding new subjects such as GCSE PE and A-level politics into the curriculum.
Mr Webb, who lives with his wife Helen and two sons near Ripon, has now spent as long at Ripon as he did at Durham but intends to continue. He says:
“I love this school and I love the job. I live very locally and both of my boys are here. They are doing well and enjoying it so I don’t see any need to move on at this stage.”
Second Harrogate district MP declares support in Conservative leadership battleA second Harrogate district MP has declared his support for Rishi Sunak in the race to become the next Prime Minister.
Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon, has publicly backed the former Chancellor of the Exchequer for the first time.
In a post on Twitter today, he said:
“Rishi has a proper plan to get us through the tough times ahead. He is committed to rebuilding the economy and delivering for our area.
“Only Rishi can unite our country and defeat Labour and he will have my full support in doing so.”
Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has already given his support to Rishi Sunak.
Selby and Ainsty’s Nigel Adams has yet to declare his allegiance. He has been a close ally of Boris Johnson, having publicly supported the outgoing PM on several occasions in recent months.
It has been reported that Mr Adams could be handed a peerage following Mr Johnson’s departure, which would then trigger a by-election in his constituency.
Mr Sunak will compete with Liz Truss to be elected leader of the Conservative party in September, after its members cast their votes.
The pair will take part in hustings events around the country over the next few weeks.
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Ripon boy, 12, solves Rubik’s Cube in 10 seconds at European ChampionshipsA 12-year-old from Ripon has solved a Rubik’s Cube in 10.72 seconds at the European Championships in Copenhagen.
Ripon Grammar School student Kris Lim is ranked among the top 100 in the country at solving the puzzle.
He was one of 550 competitors going head-to-head solving the 7×7 and the original 3×3 cube at the event in Denmark, which was organised by the Rubik’s World Cube Association.
Competing in Denmark
Kris’ 10.72 seconds time for the 3×3 was his best score in a competition.
He is currently ranked 96th in the UK in 3×3 one-handed with a time of 18.17 seconds. He’s also 98th in the UK in 2×2 with a single solve of 1.99 seconds.
He spends an hour a day cubing and solved his first cube when he was eight years old. He said:
“I started getting faster when I was 11 and people thought it was cool. I can solve a 3×3 blindfolded too, although I haven’t done this at a competition yet.
“The most enjoyable part at the competition was meeting other cubers, as cubing is a rare hobby. My ambition is to get a sub-10 3×3 average in a competition one day.”
The puzzle was was invented in 1974 by Hungarian professor Erno Rubik.
Read more:
Free summer parties to be held in Harrogate, Knaresborough and RiponHarrogate Borough Council is organising three summer events in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon for the whole family to enjoy.
The events are all free and are a chance for young people to enjoy juggling and circus shows, magicians, character meet and greets, and mini discos.
Details about each event are available below:
Valley Gardens, Harrogate on Thursday August 11 and Friday August 12 between 11am and 4pm
- 11am – Juggling/circus tricks show
- 11.45am – Magic show
- 12.30pm – Character mini disco
- 1.30pm – Juggling/circus tricks show
- 2.15pm – Magic show
- 3pm – Character mini disco
Knaresborough Castle on Friday August 26 between 11am and 4pm
- 11am – Bubble circus tricks show
- 11.45am – Magic show
- 12.30pm – Character mini disco
- 1.30pm – Juggling/circus tricks show
- 2.15pm – Magic show
- 3pm – Character mini disco
Ripon Spa Gardens on Saturday August 27 between 11am and 3pm
- 11am – Circus tricks workshop
- 11.45am – Magic show
- 12.30pm – Character mini disco
- 1.30pm – Circus tricks workshop
- 2.15pm – Magic show
- 3pm – Character mini disco
Conservative councillor Sam Gibbs, HBC’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:
“Following the success of our free events to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we’re back with four events across the summer for all the family to enjoy.
“We know it can be difficult, and sometimes costly, to entertain the family during the six-week holidays, that’s why we’ve decided to provide free events once again to help keep children entertained. And what better setting than Valley Gardens, Knaresborough Castle and Ripon Spa Gardens?
“So why not bring a picnic and enjoy our parks this summer?”
Read More:
‘Ambitious’ Ripon school praised by Ofsted for transformationA Ripon primary school has received a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted five years after it was branded failing.
Outwood Primary Academy Greystone joined the Outwood Grange Academies Trust after it was rated ‘inadequate’ in 2017.
Now, in its first inspection since joining the trust, the school has been praised for the way it has turned around its standards.
Inspectors said:
“School and trust leaders have a clear vision and ambition for the school. Their relentless focus on ‘raising standards and transforming lives’ has secured rapid improvement.
“This transformation is a result of their swift action and hard work to improve the quality of education for all.”
The school’s early years provision was rated ‘outstanding’, with inspectors highlighting the “well-resourced” indoor and outdoor classrooms and “ambitious” curriculum designed to offer the best start to their education.
Inspectors also praised the way to school created “confident and fluent” readers through an effective phonics programme, as well as supporting those pupils who needed more help.
Read more:
The report said teachers were thorough in delivering the curriculum and checking children’s knowledge. However, it said some subject leaders were newer to their roles and there were still some gaps in pupils’ knowledge which had not been recognised.
Inspectors also said the assessment process in some subjects could be more rigorous to ensure teachers were getting an accurate picture of pupils’ knowledge compared to what they expected.
The school was also advised to ensure any concerns raised by pupils were acted upon and systems for dealing with them were followed, to give children the confidence to report their worries.
The inspectors added:
“Leaders have systems in place to ensure that all pupils regularly attend school. Their mission is that every pupil develops as a well-rounded and responsible citizen.
“All pupils work towards the ‘Outwood Primary Diploma’. Pupils complete activities such as how to be a good British and international citizen. These activities are helping to prepare pupils for their adult lives ahead.
“Staff feel that leaders genuinely care about their well-being and workload. They feel supported. Staff appreciate the training and coaching they receive from school and trust leaders.”
Outwood Primary Academy Greystone principal Emma Abbott said:
“We are delighted that the hard work of the school community has been recognised by Ofsted and we are now officially a ‘good’ school with an ‘outstanding’ early years foundation stage.
“Since joining the Outwood family, the academy has gone from strength to strength, raising standards and transforming lives. We are proud that the report acknowledges that ‘Pupils love to learn at Greystone’ and that they are ‘happy and feel safe’.”
Harrogate Grammar School closed tomorrow due to heatwaveExtreme 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Drone captures scale of Ripon field fireThe scale of this week’s field fire near Ripon is captured in this drone image sent to the Stray Ferret.
Harrogate district drone photographer Paul Smith took the image on Tuesday, the day after the blaze occurred at Hutton Bank, Sharow.
It was one of two crop fires in the district that day. At one point the flames came close to the main A61 road.
Ripon and Harrogate fire crews were first at the scene and requested a further four appliances due to the 300-metre fire front.
Firefighters worked with the farmer to extinguish the blaze, in which nobody was hurt.
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