Arsonists attempted to set fire to Ripon Cathedral this morning.
North Yorkshire Police, which was alerted to the incident at 10.40am, is appealing for information.
Nobody was injured and no damage was caused. No further details have been released.
A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said:
“We were alerted to a suspected attempted arson incident at Ripon Cathedral at around 10.40am today. Thankfully there were no injuries and no damage caused.
“An investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Read more:
- St Aidan’s Chamber Choir marks 30 years with Ripon Cathedral concert
- Harrogate’s Valley Gardens to host spectacular fire and light show
The cathedral, which is celebrating its 1,350th anniversary this year, was open as normal this afternoon.
A spokesperson confirmed firefighters were called this morning after smoke was smelt inside the building. The spokesperson added:
“We have been asked not to give any more details while investigations are ongoing.”
Inside the cathedral, pictured this afternoon.
Police asked anyone with information to email sarah.hargreaves@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101.
Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously via its website or by calling 0800 555 111.
Quote reference number 12220031515.
Families invited to enjoy the sights and sounds of Ripon
Seven of Ripon’s best-known locations are combining on Saturday March 12 to provide free entertainment and interactive fun for families.
The Sights and Sounds of Ripon programme, organised by Harrogate Borough Council, runs from 11am until 2pm at all venues.
It includes activities ranging from participation in a Victorian school lesson at the Workhouse Museum, to a visit to the bell tower at Ripon Cathedral.
Anyone interested in how fingerprints have been used to catch criminals can find out at the Prison and Police Museum, on St Marygate, where they can try fingerprinting themselves.
The cathedral will host singing, dancing, displays, craft activities and a bell tower tour.
At the nearby Courthouse Museum on Minster Road, visitors can see how the city’s criminals were brought to justice in bygone days.
In addition to the array of activities at the three heritage attractions run by Ripon Museum Trust, the cathedral, which celebrates its 1,350th anniversary this year, will host an exhibition featuring community services provided by 14 local organisations.
There be family crafts and games and performances from local choirs, Ripon City Morris Dancers and Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers.
The dancers and the Ladle Laikers will also be performing at the Workhouse Museum, along with singers and a ukulele band, while Punch and Judy shows will take place at 11.30am and 1.30pm.
The city council’s treasured items will be the focus of talks in the Mayor’s Parlour
At Ripon Town Hall, the city’s silverware and other treasures, collected over centuries, will be the focus of talks held on the hour from 11am in the Mayor’s parlour.
Those looking for some interactive entertainment will find it at Ripon Arts Hub on Allhallowgate, where they can view a working rehearsal by Ripon Youth Theatre between 11am and 12 noon and join in live Oliver! workshops at 12.15pm, 1pm and 1.45pm.
Read more:
The city’s library will hold storytime readings for 0-6 year-olds from 11am and there will be stories and activities for 7-11-year-olds between 12 noon a 12.45pm.
In addition to the daytime programme at the library, which will feature community information stalls, Ripon Poetry Festival will be staging a free to attend open mic night at 7.30pm, for which places need to be booked in advance.
Further programme details are available here.
The Harrogate district has been battered by wind, snow and torrential rain during 72 hours of wild weather.
Winds started picking up at around midday on Friday when Storm Eunice arrived, uprooting trees in its wake. By Saturday afternoon the district experienced its first significant snowfall of the weekend, which caught out motorists with its severity.
But worse was to come yesterday when torrential rain caused widespread flooding, especially in low-lying areas near the River Nidd in Pateley Bridge and Knaresborough.
Today has been a day for residents and business owners to clear-up debris and salvage what they can.
Here’s a look back at the extreme weather.
Friday, February 18 – trees uprooted by Storm Eunice
A fallen tree on Beckwith Head Road.
Minutes later a tree splintered on top of the shelter on West Park Stray.
Harrogate fire crews used the aerial ladder platform to prune a tree in danger of falling in Bilton. Photograph: GM Tony Peel
Saturday, February 19 – Snow show
Traffic came to a standstill on Cheltenham Parade and Parliament Street in Harrogate.
This DPD van got stuck on the Stray on Saturday when it tried to avoid the Beech Grove road closure.
Sunday, February 20 – Flooding begins
The water gardens at Fountains Abbey were ‘devastated’ by flooding. Photograph: National Trust
Pateley Bridge High Street flooded.
This screenshot of a video taken by Charlotte Gale shows the state of the River Nidd.
Monday February 21 – The clean up commences
Most of Margaret Pearson’s garden at Nidderdale Lodge Park, Knaresborough, remains underwater after she was forced to evacuate yesterday.
The water level begins to subside on Greenwood Road in Pateley Bridge. It had risen as high as the wheelie bin lids.
Flood defences couldn’t hold back all the water at Marigolds Cafe, Knaresborough
Residents and businesses are continuing the clean up in the wake of Storm Franklin which left many areas across the Harrogate district flooded.
Storm Franklin left many areas under water yesterday as heavy rain hit the district.
Follow our live blog for updates and send details of what’s happening in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Masham and all points in between by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or send us a message on Facebook.
2.40pm – River level in Boroughbridge
A picture posted by James Wilkinson on social media shows the current level of the River Ure in Boroughbridge.
2.35pm – Bewerley Recreation Park under water
Our reporter has captured these pictures this afternoon of Bewerley Recreation Park near Pateley Bridge flooded.
2pm – Road closures across North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire County Council has released a list of road closures, including some in the Harrogate district.
The roads are listed as closed or passable with care.
(2/4) – A168 near Thornton le Street
– B1223 The Fleet, RytherClosed:
– Road into Kirby Wiske
– Sandhill Lane (road to Holme on Swale from B6267
– Eldmire Lane
– Dalton Lane
– Occany Lane, Farnham
– East Farm to Grey Gables, Laverton/Ripon
– Catttal Moor Lane, Cattal pic.twitter.com/SpwSjRAMfm— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 21, 2022
(4/4) Closed:
– Morton on Swale Bridge
– Little Langton
– B1257 Golder Square to Stockings Lane
– Intake Lane, Beal
– Raw Lane/New Lane, Ulleskelf
– New Road Ulleskelf
– B6160 between Linton Crossroads and Threshfield highways depo pic.twitter.com/RA8Pc7bWOD— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 21, 2022
1.47pm – Knaresborough residents assess Storm Franklin flood damage
Knaresborough residents and business owners have begun to assess the damage caused by Storm Franklin after many were forced to evacuate their homes due to flooding.
The storm brought heavy rainfall to the area over the weekend and caused the banks of the River Nidd to break, leaving many houses in the surrounding area at risk.
You can read more here.
1.10pm – Dishforth Road water levels beginning to subside
Water levels on the flooded Dishforth Road near Ripon are beginning to subside and some motorists are now attempting to pass through the road.
Meanwhile, a blue Audi which was abandoned on the road earlier is still awaiting recovery.
12.55pm – Plea for better drains in Pateley Bridge after floods
Businesses and residents are calling for the drains to be improved in Pateley Bridge after the town flooded again yesterday.
Pateley has flooded frequently in recent years and the bottom of High Street was under water again in the early hours of Sunday
You can read more here.
12.45pm – Pateley Bridge devastated by flooding
Our reporter Suzannah Rogerson has been on greenwood Road in Pateley Bridge, which was hit hard by Storm Franklin this past weekend.
You can see the current situation in the town below:
12.06pm – Marigolds Cafe in Knaresborough. hopes to reopen tomorrow.
Justine Connolly, who co-owns Marigolds Cafe on Waterside, was forced to close the cafe on Sunday morning just as Storm Franklin was approaching the district.
She tells the Stray Ferret she hopes to reopen tomorrow. You can read more here.
11.40am – Ure expected to peak at midday as Boroughbridge bridge remains closed
Boroughbridge Emergency Response Team update has issued a flood update. It says:
“The Ure has burst its banks and is currently at 15.3m and holding steady, but not due to peak until midday today. The road is closed.
“That said people are still driving through causing great problems for home owners that are flooded. It is illegal to ignore a road closure and those that do will be reported.
“Yorkshire Water are in the car park to prevent flooding there. We have just witnessed a huge tree crashing down at the side of the river so if you are out walking take care.”
10.15am – Knaresborough resident speaks of being evacuated from floods
Margaret Pearson, a resident at Nidderdale Lodge caravan park, has been speaking to the Stray Ferret this morning about her experience of the flooding yesterday.
You can watch the interview below.
10.05am – Copgrove Lane flooded
Copgrove Lane in Knaresborough is currently flooded. Drivers are urged to avoid the area.
9.35am – Advice from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
Harrogate Fire Station has issued advice this morning to avoid flooded roads as water is still coming down from the hills.
9.23am – Ripon flooding footage
A Stray Ferret reader has shared this footage from Urebank Terrace in Ripon this morning, which has been hit hard by the floods.
9.18am – Studley Royal, Water Garden and Fountains Abbey all closed
The Studley Royal, Water Garden and Fountains Abbey at Ripon are all closed this morning due to the devastating floods yesterday.
National Trust park rangers are at the entrance to advise would-be visitors of the temporary closure.
9.10am – B6275 at Boroughbridge this morning
The B6275 at Boroughbridge this morning, which is closed due to flooding.
B6275 at Boroughbridge currently closed due to flooding pic.twitter.com/obQ7nZaN9M
— HBCEmergencyPlanning (@HBCPrepared) February 21, 2022
8.55am – Pictures of the River Nidd this morning
Here’s how the River Nidd and Nidderdale Lodge caravan park at Knaresborough look this morning.
Earlier, the Environment Agency said river levels on the Nidd had “peaked”.
8.39am – Reports of tree down at Mother Shiptons
Stray Ferret reader Nicola Johnson has shared an update that a tree is blocking the road near Mother Shiptons in Knaresborough.
If you have any further information on this you can email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or message us on Facebook.
8.30am – Bridge in Boroughbridge closed
The bridge in Boroughbridge has closed to traffic. River levels on the Ure have increased and traffic is being turned around in both directions.
8.20am – Flooding in Hampsthwaite
A Stray Ferret reader has sent this footage from flooding in Hampsthwaite yesterday.
8.05am – Boroughbridge Road at Hewick Bridge closed
Boroughbridge Road at Hewick Bridge, near Ripon Racecourse, is closed after the River Ure burst its banks.
It leaves routes into and out of Ripon limited, however traffic is still flowing on the bypass and the route to the A1 remains clear.
7.55am – Pateley Bridge bus services cancelled
Harrogate Bus Company has had to cancel some services to Pateley Bridge this morning due to flooding.
⚠️ Due to flooding in Pateley Bridge, the following journeys on the 24 are unable to run:
07.40 – Harrogate to Pateley Bridge
09.00 – Pateley Bridge to Harrogateℹ️ next buses – 2 hours
Our apologies for any inconvenience caused
@northyorkscc
— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) February 21, 2022
7.45am – Environment Agency: River Nidd levels “have peaked”
The Environment Agency has said this morning that river levels on the River Nidd have peaked.
However, a flood warning remains in place
River levels have now peaked in the upper catchments of the #Wharfe and #Nidd and our focus is turning to #York and #Tadcaster where levels will peak tomorrow morning. Check your flood risk now https://t.co/j6ls7uqAIb pic.twitter.com/bYfgvMygMp
— Environment Agency – Yorkshire & North East (@EnvAgencyYNE) February 21, 2022
7.35am – Drivers urged to avoid Dishforth Road near Ripon
Drivers are urged to avoid Dishforth Road due to flooding near to the Ripon bypass.
One driver has had to abandon their car due to the flood.
7.22am – Police urge drivers to avoid low-lying roads
North Yorkshire Police has urged people to avoid low-lying roads and footpaths as Storm Franklin continues to cause disruption.
https://twitter.com/NYorksPolice/status/1495653258169401350
7.20am – Yellow weather warning of strong wind
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for strong wind in the Harrogate District.
The warning is in place until 1pm today and may cause disruption on the roads and to public transport.
7.15am – River Nidd flood warning remains in place
A flood warning remains in place for the River Nidd at Knaresborough this morning.
The Environment Agency has warned that river levels have fallen since yesterday, but remain higher than normal.
The Environment Agency adds on its website:
Ripon gala concert will celebrate the Queen’s jubilee“Areas at risk are locations near the River Nidd, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around Riverside properties situated along the Waterside, Abbey Road, Spital Croft and Monskwell Park including part of Manse Lane Industrial Estate.”
A gala concert in honour of the Queen’s platinum jubilee will be held at Ripon Cathedral on Saturday March 5.
St Cecilia Orchestra will play some of the best-loved English orchestral music, compered by Nidderdale-based actor and playwright, Nevin Ward.
He promises:
“A glorious, thrilling programme that is not just some of the finest English music ever written, it’s some of the best music ever, full stop!”
The programme will open with Walton’s rousing Orb and Sceptre march, specially commissioned for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
This will be followed by Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, which takes the listener on a whistlestop tour of the orchestra by means of a cleverly adapted set of variations on a theme from Purcell’s Abdelazer.
Read more:
Mr Ward, a native Northumbrian who has lived in Nidderdale for 45 years, voices the narration in the evening concert and also in a special family highlights matinee at 5.00 pm – designed to give younger children the opportunity to take part in the celebrations and hear live orchestral playing.
Following the interval, the orchestra’s string section will feature in Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis, written for double string orchestra with string quartet and based on a melody of the English Renaissance.
Conductor Xenophon Kelsey is looking forward to hearing the fantasia in the generous acoustic of Ripon Cathedral. He said:
“The Vaughan Williams work is glorious – so atmospheric and evocative, especially in the cathedral!”
Elgar finale
The concert will come to a close with one of Elgar’s musical masterpieces, the Enigma Variations, consisting of 14 pieces based on an original melody, each of which is a sketch depicting one of the composer’s friends.
Elgar himself explained that the work ‘commenced in a spirit of humour’, as he improvised at the piano one evening, but it ‘continued in deep seriousness’.
In naming the theme ‘Enigma’, the composer posed a challenge which has generated much speculation over the years but has never been definitively answered.
Tickets for the full evening performance are priced at £20 for adults and are free for under 18s. Available via the orchestra website, www.st-cecilia.org.uk, from the Little Ripon Bookshop and Henry Roberts, or reserve by phone: 01423 531062. The performance begins at 7.30pm.
Tickets for the short family matinee at 5.00pm (Walton and Britten only) cost £5 for adults and are free for under 18s, and are available from the same outlets.
Flooding is causing major problems in the Harrogate district today. Many roads are treacherous and police are urging motorists to think carefully before setting off.
Here are some of the main stories so far today:
- A rest centre may be set up tonight in Knaresborough for flood evacuees.
- Pateley Bridge High Street was flooded first thing this morning but has cleared.
- Residents in Pateley have been battling to get hold of sandbags to protect their properties.
- The water gardens at Fountains Abbey near Ripon have been ‘totally devastated’ by floods.
- Travel conditions are hazardous — police are urging motorists not to risk driving through flooded streets.
Follow our live blog for updates and send details of what’s happening in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Masham and all points in between by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or send us a message on Facebook.
9.52pm: Rooms available in Knaresborough for genuine flood victims
9.47pm: Boroughbridge road predicted to flood overnight
It’s been a busy day for a lot of people but there are signs that things are starting to calm down. However:
⚠️River levels are still very high
⚠️B6265 Boroughbridge predicted to flood overnight
⚠️A Yellow wind warning is in place until 13:00 tomorrowhttps://t.co/bY84nwKX5L
— HBCEmergencyPlanning (@HBCPrepared) February 20, 2022
9.21pm: A658 south of Huby closed
Harrogate traffic constable David Minto has just tweeted a traffic update. We understand several cars have broken down after encountering the pot hole and are awaiting recovery.
https://twitter.com/TC174_NYP/status/1495508329787006978
9.18pm: Storm Franklin bringing high winds tonight
Winds of up to 51mph are expected overnight as Storm Franklin continues the wild weather in the Harrogate district.
A yellow weather warning for wind is in place until 1pm tomorrow.
It will be a very windy start to Monday due to #StormFranklin
Bands of rain & showers will also be sinking south during the rush hour, & combined with the strong winds may make travel difficult in places
Warnings are in force throughout the morning so stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/wtfn5NI9NF
— Met Office (@metoffice) February 20, 2022
8.57pm: River Ure at Boroughbridge close to record high
The Ure has also shot up today to near-record levels, as this graph shows.
According to the River Levels website, it was at 14.4 metres at 8.15pm tonight. The record is 15.79m, reached on September 26, 2012.
8.34pm: Video shows flooding in Pateley Bridge
8.19pm: Dramatic video shows Cattal flooding
8.10pm: River Nidd at Knaresborough near record level
This graph shows how rapidly the water level has increased today. The latest reading, at 7.30pm this evening, of 2.1m is only just below the highest ever, which was recorded on December 26, 2015 at 2.33m.
A typical level is between 0.43m and 0.63m.
However, the site says the river level is falling — it is 0.012m down on the reading 15 mins earlier.
7.41pm: 36 bus misses stops
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1495482851747414022
7.30pm: Leathley road ‘only passable by 4×4’
#StainburnClose #B6161 at #Leathley only passable by 4×4 due to floodwater.
If you are not sure of the depth STAY OUT.
Please do NOT attempt to drive through floodwater.— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 20, 2022
7.28pm: A61 at Harewood Bridge closed
#A61 #HarrogateRoad #HarewoodBridge at #Dunkeswick is closed to ALL traffic due to flood water.
— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 20, 2022
7.01pm: Ripon’s River Ure bursts banks
Thanks to reader Paul Smith, who has sent us these cracking photos of the Ure bridge at North Road in Ripon, which he took at 5pm today.
6.21pm: Busy day for firefighters in Nidderdale
Today’s North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service incident log is unusually long. It reveals the key role firefighters have played in the flood effort today. Call-outs include:
10:28 Mill Lane, Spofforth. Crews assisted with flood water in basement of property. Crew pumped water out of a basement using two light portable pumps.
14:49 Summerbridge. Crews assisted with diverting flood water away from residential properties. Small tools and sandbags used.
14:51 King Street, Pateley Bridge. Crews assisted several domestic properties with flood water. Crews pumping out.
15:25 Dacre Banks. Crews assisted homeowners in the area that had been affected by flood water. Crews used light portable pumps to alleviate water levels.
15:38 Low Wath Road, Pateley Bridge. Crews responded to a property that had water ingress affecting their electrics. Crews used a light portable pump to remove water from property.
15:40 Knaresborough. Crews assisted several residents to evacuate due to high levels of flood water. Crews used water rescue equipment
6.15pm: Naturist club reports damage
https://twitter.com/ValleyClubHgate/status/1495458782817787907
6.12pm: Video shows dire state of A61 at Harewood bridge.
6.07pm: Will rest centre for evacuees in Knaresborough be set up?
The Ready for Anything service, which is a group of volunteers co-ordinated by North Yorkshire County Council, is reporting on social media that Chain Lane community centre and the town hall are being considered as possible sites for a rest centre for flood evacuees.
The message adds Pateley Bridge and Boroughbridge are also being ‘closely watched’.
6pm: Pets rescued from Knaresborough caravan park
We reported earlier that firefighters were rescuing some residents. It seems they’ve gone back for the pets!
https://twitter.com/russjenks999/status/1495451705231790082
5.56pm: Avoid A61 between Harewood and Pannal
We are receiving reports the road is totally flooded and should be closed.
5.02pm: Firefighters rescue residents in Knaresborough
https://twitter.com/NorthYorksFire/status/1495440197638623238
4.53pm: Knaresborough street flooded
Thanks to Michael White for this photo of Rowan Close in Knaresborough, which he says floods frequently due to heavy rain and blocked gutters.
4.45pm: Latest flood alerts and warnings
There appear to be 17 flood alerts and flood warnings active in the Harrogate district. Eleven are along the River Nidd.
4.41pm: Firefighters called to Pateley Bridge
Kevin Wood has sent us this photo from Pateley Bridge. e says:
“Looks like the rain is with us for the rest of the day. Hope the rest of Pateley is OK as we can’t get out.”
4.32pm: Sections of The Stray in Harrogate under water
The Stray is no stranger to puddles of water but even so, the current situation isn’t looking too great.
4.29pm: Leak on Hollins Lane in Hampsthwaite
Be careful driving in Hampsthwaite.
4.17pm: Update from Knaresborough
Some great photos have been added to the Knaresborough Photography Facebook page.
3.45pm: Sandbag problems?
Thanks again to Louise Kendall in Pateley Bridge, who sent this photo of a home trying to withstand rising floodwater.
Louisa says:
“This is the result of the local council refusing to give us sandbags as they say the river is dropping however its the drains causing the problem.
“I messaged them and they said apparently sand bags are not being released at the moment as the river is going down.”
UPDATE: Louise messaged later to say: “They have given in after a lot of hassle and given us several.”
3.38pm: Update from Ripon
Our Ripon reporter Tim Flanagan has sent this update from the city.
The River Skell rages past the Water Rat – a popular gastro pub overlooking Alma Weir and Ripon Cathedral, that is owned by Rick Jones. The pub was inundated in the floods of June 2007.
As river levels rise in the downpour, the ford at the Firs Avenue crossing near Farmison was overwhelmed when the banks burst.
Ripon’s main River, the Ure is also rising fast and can be seen here at Hewick Bridge near Ripon racecourse.
The Skell between the Iron Bridge and Bondgate Bridge passes the children’s playground in full spate.
3.31pm: Cancellations and delays at Leeds rail station
https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1495419704076292099
3.29pm: Weather update: rain expected to continue
The latest Met Office forecast for Harrogate is for more rain until 9pm tonight but it could ease after 5pm. Don’t forget, a yellow weather warning for wind is in place until 1pm tomorrow, when this grim period of weather should finally abate.
3.20pm: Flooding at the Studley Royal water garden at Fountains Abbey
The National Trust has released this video of flooding that has ‘totally devastated’ the water gardens at Fountains Abbey today. You can read more here.
3.04pm: 24 bus route cancelled
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1495412109710082052
2.54pm: River Nidd in Knaresborough
Thanks to Michael Ward for this picture of the River Nidd in Knaresborough, where it has burst its banks and partially submerged some trees.
2.45pm: Latest in Pateley Bridge
Thanks to reader Louise Kendall for these photos taken in the last few minutes, Parts of the town remain under water but Louise tells us the flood has subsided on the High Street thanks to Lee from the Spar shop cleaning the drains. “Greenwood road is worse now,” she says.
Anyone from Knaresborough able to update us on the situation there? The caravan parks are close to the Nidd.
2.43pm: Police issue warning to drivers
Please be aware there are a number of flooded roads throughout the county. Pleas DO NOT drive into floodwater. North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service will not recover vehicles.
— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 20, 2022
2.34pm: Pateley Bridge still badly affected
The bottom of the Nidderdale town was flooded this morning after the River Nidd burst its banks. Many nearby roads are also affected. Let us know the latest situation by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
Half-term is almost upon us and the February break can often be one of the trickier holidays to navigate when it comes to keeping the kids entertained.
The weather isn’t always the kindest and it is still too early to bribe them with Easter eggs – even if they did arrive in shops on Boxing Day.
Fortunately there are lots of activities being planned in the Harrogate district, so parents can escape relatively unscathed.
We have put together a list of activities to do with the kids this half-term.
Harrogate Indoor Funfair – February 21-27
Always a popular one with families in the area, the indoor funfair is back at the Yorkshire Event Centre at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground.
With rides and inflatables for all ages, the event offers all the fun of the fair under one roof – perfect if you need to escape the unpredictable February weather.
Read more:
- Robot polar bear and 18m whale set to tour Harrogate district
- Dads create ‘Dingle Dangle’ toy to make nappy changing a breeze
- What’s On: A guide to events taking place across the Harrogate district
Morning sessions run from 10am until 1pm and afternoon sessions from 2pm until 5pm. For the first time, there will also be two 6pm-9pm sessions on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
Tickets on the door will be limited. Book online to avoid disappointment.
Online tickets are £10.99 for unlimited rides per session and can be purchased here.
Fountains Abbey, Ripon – February 19 – February 27
For those little explorers who love being outdoors, a number of activities are taking place at Fountains Abbey.
Children can pull on their wellies and spend a full day exploring, running and playing.
Families will be able to plant their own snowdrop to take home from 11am-1pm on February 19, 21, and 23 and the weekend of 26 and 27.
They can also grab a ‘spring-go’ activity sheet to take with them on their adventures, spotting signs of spring – as they go!
For a full list of half-term events click here.
Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge
This year the popular attraction, set in the stunning Nidderdale countryside, is opening earlier than usual.
Visit the farm this spring and say hello to all the expectant ewes in the barns ready to give birth. If you are lucky, you may even see a lamb being born.
The farmers will be on hand to answer any questions and tell you more about the animals.
For little animal lovers, as well as sheep, there are also piglets, goats, ponies, guinea pigs and donkeys.
After working up an appetite, enjoy a homemade ice cream at the farm’s café – it’s never too cold!
No booking is required and the farm is open from 10am-4pm
Admission is £5 for adults and children – under twos are free.
Stockeld Park, near Wetherby – February 19-27
The ever-popular family attraction is holding a ‘Talking Animals Week’ over half-term.
Our Planet Your World, across the Harrogate district – February 21-February 26
Two life-size kangaroo impersonators will arrive in Harrogate.
A robotic polar bear and an 18-metre whale are among the attractions travelling round the district as part of an environment-themed week of free events.
Visit Harrogate, Harrogate Borough Council’s tourism body, has organised the week of events named ‘Our Planet, Your World’, to offer activities for families with an over-arching message of protecting the environment.
The events are as follows:
Monday, February 21
Boroughbridge Library, storytelling sessions
10am-1pm
Tuesday, February 22
Masham Town Hall, sea-theme crafting activity
11am-4pm
Wednesday, February 23
Ripon Market Square, animatronic polar bear, interactive art sculpture, face painting, craft activities for children and live music.
11am-4pm
Thursday, February 24
Harrogate’s Valley Gardens
11am-4pm
Friday, February 25
Pateley Bridge play area, environmentally-themed crafting activity for children
11am-4pm
Saturday, February 26
Knaresborough Castle Grounds, Boat About, crafting activity for children, face painting
11am-4pm
Organisers have said some activities are weather dependent so are asking visitors to follow the Visit Harrogate social media channels.
Harrogate district taxi fares to rise by 5% to help drivers with ‘crippling’ costsTaxi fares are set to rise in the Harrogate district after the council-backed drivers’ calls for an increase to help cover soaring fuel costs which this month hit another record high.
The 5% fare rise will come into force from May 1 if no objections are raised.
It will make the Harrogate district the 14th most expensive council area for fares in the UK, according to a council report.
The rise was approved by Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing and safer communities, councillor Mike Chambers, on Tuesday after requests from several drivers.
This included Richard Fieldman, owner of A1 Cars Ripon, who said fuel prices have been “crippling” for the trade and that while he welcomed the decision, it should have been made sooner.
He said:
“I’m very pleased to see this passed because it is exactly what we asked for, even though the fare formula showed we needed a 11% rise to cover our costs.
“One thing that has really disgruntled me though is the length of time it is taking to implement this.
“I made the request in November and by the time it is introduced, it will be nearly a year and a half since our last increase in December 2020.
“In this current time when drivers are shouldering rising expenses and some are leaving the trade because they can’t make it pay, it is appalling for the council to show no urgency.”
Kevin O’Boyle, owner of Central Taxis and the longest holder of a taxi license in the Harrogate district, also welcomed the 5% increase which he said struck a balance between the needs of customers and drivers.
He said:
“We realise the fare formula said we needed a 11.4% rise, but times are not normal and everyone is having to bite the bullet.
“We as drivers felt 11.4% would be too great for the public – and while we would have gained more money in fares, we would have had people stopping using taxis because they would be too dear.”
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Fuel is the biggest expense for taxi drivers and petrol prices at the pumps reached 148.02p a litre at the weekend, while diesel hit a new record high of 151.57p a litre last Thursday.
This comes after a big drop in taxi earnings during the Covid lockdowns when some drivers abandoned the trade for other work.
Last November it was estimated that as many as 60 drivers in the Harrogate district quit with many now in new jobs and little desire to return.
Mr Fieldman said the 5% rise would go “some way” to keep drivers in their jobs as he also expressed hopes that trade will pick up after winter.
He said:
“We are still struggling and I just hope as we get into spring things improve for the trade and that drivers will be able to carry on and make it profitable.”
The 5% rise will be on the running mile and waiting times of journeys, and there will also be an increase in starting prices from £3.40 to £3.60.
It means customers will pay a maximum of £5.37 for a one mile journey, or £24.27 for 10 miles.
A council spokesperson said:
Storm Eunice eases after uprooting trees in Harrogate district“We are required to strike a balance between setting a fare that is acceptable to the customer and the taxi driver.
“These proposed fares are currently out for public comment, and should there be no objections, the changes will be implemented on 1 May.”
A yellow weather warning is in force across the Harrogate district this afternoon as Storm Eunice brings rain and winds of up to 60mph.
A Met Office yellow weather warning means residents can expect more disruption to roads and public transport and there’s a chance of damage to trees and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs.
Strong winds are forecast until 9pm today when it is set to subside.
The Met Office has also issued a yellow warning for ice from 6pm this evening until 9am tomorrow.
A yellow warning for rain has been issued for Sunday between midnight and 6pm.
Follow all the latest updates below.
6.30pm: Harrogate town centre traffic lights not working
There are reports the traffic lights at the junction of Station Parade and Victoria Road in Harrogate are not working. It’s not known if it is related to the storm but it is making it difficult to pull out of Victoria Road at the moment.
5.45pm: Trains to Leeds cancelled.
Northern is running a reduced service to-and-from Leeds this evening with several trains cancelled due to the weather.
Trains will be leaving Harrogate Station every hour rather than twice an hour until 20.18. After that, only one more train is scheduled to leave at 23.18.
Visit National Rail for the latest updates.
5.40pm: Father and daughter see tree fall into cabman’s shelter
A father and daughter have told of the moment they watched a tree come crashing down on a cabman’s shelter on West Park Stray in Harrogate.
Colin Reynolds and his daughter, Lauren Reynolds, had just driven around the Prince of Wales roundabout and on to West Park Stray when they noticed the mature tree splinter.
You can read more here.
5.15pm: Tree crashes into cabman’s shelter on West Park Stray
A tree has just come crashing down on to West Park Stray. Traffic is reduced to single lane.
4.59pm: Tree down in Harrogate
Beckwith Head Road.
4.56pm: Gritters out tonight
We are #gritting priority roads across #NorthYorkshire overnight.
Road surface temperatures will widely fall below zero leading to a widespread risk of ice.
Remember gritting doesn't guarantee an ice or snow-free surface.
More info https://t.co/6cnhGrxFu6 pic.twitter.com/itSpVUu2as
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 18, 2022
4.51: North Yorkshire Police issues safety advice
– Check your windscreen wipers and all of your car’s lights are working
– Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles so keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel at all times
• If a road is flooded, turn around. Never drive through floodwater@HighwaysYORKS for travel updates pic.twitter.com/4YRqTQQCxj— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) February 18, 2022
4.35pm: Increase in calls for firefighters
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has noticed an increase in incidents in the last hour.
We've had a busy day with various incidents but only just getting a few storm related incidents in the past hour – a tree fallen onto a house in #Selby, unsafe chimney stack in #Bentham and a tree blocking the #A162 in #Tadcaster and an unsafe roof in #Harrogate
— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 18, 2022
4.15pm: Tree down in Weeton
A tree has fallen in the wind on Weeton Lane in Weeton and is blocking the road.
3pm: Tarpaulin in Bilton
A roof tarpaulin has landed on a driveway in Bilton this afternoon.
New Ripon group invites writers to unleash their talent
Ripon’s lively literary scene, made up of poets, creative writers and published authors, has welcomed a new arrival.
Dion Child, who previously lived in Wales, moved to the city a few months ago and has set up Write-on-Ripon as a means of meeting fellow wordsmiths.
The new group is attracting attention and attendees since its first meeting in November at Hive Cafe in Halls of Ripon, where its Tuesday afternoon gatherings have been held ever since.
A natural progression from this will be seen on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Curzon Cinema on North Street, when an open mic event called Write-On-Ripon Unleashed will be held. Entry is free.
Mr Child told the Stray Ferret:
“We would like as many people as possible to come along and join in the fun
“This is a fantastic opportunity for writers to unleash their inner creativity and share their talent by performing in the style of their choice to like-minded literature lovers.
“As I have found in the past, it’s a great way of making friends and sharing ideas.”
Among those who will be attending is Maggie Cobbett, chair of Ripon Writers’ Group and an accomplished and versatile author and poet, whose work includes the novels Foreshadowing, Workhouse Orphan and Anyone for Murder?
She said:
“Always keen to meet new people who ‘get’ why I’m rarely seen without a pen and notebook at the ready, I went along to the first session of Write-On-Ripon! and have become a regular attender.
“Write-On-Ripon! Unleashed offers a great opportunity for writers from any established group or none to get together in a convivial atmosphere, swap ideas and – should they wish – share some of their work.
“If the first session is well supported, the intention is for this to become a regular event in the cultural calendar of our little city.”
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