Extreme hot weather affected the Harrogate district today. Here’s a look back at today’s heatwave news.

It’s supposed to be even hotter tomorrow — please send details of travel problems/cancellations etc to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

6.49pm – Harrogate Grammar School to close tomorrow

Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is to close tomorrow due to the extreme weather.

In an email to parents, headteacher Neil Renton said:

“The classrooms seem to be tracking at least 2 to 3 degrees above the external temperature.

“The forecast for tomorrow from 1pm is 36 degrees with this rising to 38 degrees by 2pm. We have found even the temperature today to be an unbearable temperature for children to learn.

“Despite our best efforts to cool the building over the weekend, closing all the blinds, we now have high levels of residual heat in school from a very warm day today.

“Despite giving out free bottles of cold water to the children at lunch, our site team making outdoor spray stations and adjusting uniform expectations, the school has been very uncomfortable.

“The fact that we have a very strong remote learning offer, developed through two lockdowns, means that we can maintain the continuity of provision.

“As a result, we have made the decision to close the school due to the extreme weather conditions forecast.”

Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.

If you have details of other school closures tomorrow, message us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

5.25pm – Help a hedgehog during the heatwave

HAPPY (hedgehog appreciation prickly pals Yorkshire), based in Ramsgill, has asked people to leave a bowl of water out for hedgehogs during this week’s heatwave.

5.25pm – Fountains Abbey to open tomorrow – but no guided tours

National Trust-owned Fountains Abbey has said it will open tomorrow but urged people not to bring dogs and to consider coming on Wednesday, when cooler temperatures are forecast.

1/3 Whew! Today was a scorcher and tomorrow is set to be even hotter. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal will be open tomorrow but we would really recommend visiting on a different day if you can.
The site is very large with steep hills and few shady spaces. Visitors should prepare pic.twitter.com/AmhpXcSMQX

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

2/3 for walking for long periods in the direct sun and bring plenty of water and suncream. Please don't bring dogs with you if you're planning a visit tomorrow.
The weather is due to break on Wednesday so we should be back to normal then. For now, we wont be running

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

3/3/ guided tours and we may have to close some areas early for the welfare of our team.
Stay safe and cool – we'll be posting about ice and snow before you know it!

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

3.45pm – Some bin collections delayed

Harrogate Borough Council has said not all of its scheduled bin collections have been completed today because of the rising temperatures.

It has asked anyone whose collection has been missed to leave their bin out and crews will aim to return when the weather is cooler later this week.

Some collections from today (Monday) are also outstanding as our crews deal with the rising temperatures. Please continue to leave your waste or recycling out as we'll aim to return later in the week.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022

3.15pm – No London trains from Harrogate tomorrow

LNER has confirmed that no trains will be running from Harrogate to London Kings Cross tomorrow.

The company is running a reduced service due to extreme heat.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840

2.25pm – Temperatures reach 34 degrees in Knaresborough

The temperature has reached 34 degrees in Knaresborough, according to local weather stations.

Areas in Harrogate are currently at 32 degrees.

2.05pm – New caves keep people cool at How Stean Gorge

Visitors to How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale are keeping cool by using two new caves that the attraction has bought.

The two new caves are Hazel Close Cave, which is about 120 metres long and only accessible via a ladder, although features a walking passage for 37 metres. Oxbow Cave is the second new cave, on the north side of How Stean Gorge and is 25 metres in length.

Tony Liddy, director of How Stean Gorge, said: 

“We’ve transformed the site with our ambitious expansion plans to cater to the huge demand for adventure tourism. Acquiring the caves is an important part of that, as we want to showcase nature’s stunning playground in this unique gorge that has existed for ten thousand years, since the last Ice Age.”

1.05pm Quiet on the Stray in the afternoon sun

It looks like most people are heeding the warnings not to sit out in the sun today, with the Stray looking all but deserted in the high temperatures.

We saw just a few people walking across the grass, and even one runner, but it’s much quieter than usual for this time of day.

Meanwhile, the town centre itself feels quiet, though some hardy shoppers were still out on Cambridge Street – mostly sticking to the shade along the south side.

12.58pm: 34 degrees reported in Burn Bridge

According to local weather stations, Burn Bridge is the current hotspot, with the mercury hitting 34 degrees centigrade.

12.44pm – Umbrellas up as Harrogate hits 30 degrees

It’s a day for brollies… although not for their usual purpose. How are you spending your lunch hour?

11.45am – Harrogate charity offers help during extreme heat

Harrogate Easier Living Project has offered support to those struggling during the hot weather.

The charity is offering people emotional and practical support during the soaring temperatures.

If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with the heat, needs help and doesn't know where to turn, please call HELP on 01423 813090 and we can offer friendly practical & emotional support in #Harrogate #Knaresborough #Ripon and surrounding villages #HeretoHELP @HADCAcharity pic.twitter.com/9M3YJvNm8h

— HELP charity #HereToHELP (@HELP_Harrogate) July 18, 2022

11.30am – Ripon family enjoys the sun

It’s warmer than the Bahamas at the Borrage Green Lane Paddling Pool in Ripon, where mum Paula and her children Oli, two, Ted, six, and 10-year-old Arabella were managing to keep cool with an 11am dip.

11.15am – County council urges people to look out for each other

North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to look out for each other during the extreme heat.

Let's look out for each other during the hot weather.

Please remember to check on family, friends or neighbours who may need help keeping cool.

The heat can affect anyone, but for some it can have serious effects on health.

Get #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/aq0af1CC4V

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 18, 2022

10.55am – Knaresborough Town postpones match

Knaresborough Town AFC has postponed its pre-season friendly tomorrow due to the red weather warning.

The club was due to play Campion AFC at Manse Lane tomorrow evening.

https://twitter.com/KnaresboroughFC/status/1548664274280669185

10.50am – Convention centre issues advice

Harrogate Convention Centre has issued advice to those attend this week’s Home and Gift Fair.

The event is set to take place this week during the heatwave.

The convention centre has advised attendees to drink plenty of fluids, bring water with them and to look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated.

https://twitter.com/HgtConventions/status/1547895249137111043?s=20&t=zSOw9DeeoAzafHyGYK5Xbw

10.35am – Boroughbridge care home residents enjoy ice cream amid heatwave

Residents at Boroughbridge Manor care home kept cool over the weekend amid the hot weather with ice cream.

The home timed the treats well for National Ice Cream Day as the Met Office issued a red warning for extreme heat.

Ann, a resident said:

“I absolutely love ice cream. There really isn’t anything nicer on a hot summer’s day. We have had loads to sample today with all kinds of different sprinkles and sauces. They have all been truly delicious.”

9.55am – Yorkshire Ambulance Service urges people to take responsibility for themselves during extreme heat

Yorkshire Ambulance Service has issued advice amid the hot weather.

The service is asking people to take responsibility for themselves so ambulance crews can respond to the seriously ill across the region during the heatwave.

Dr Steven Dykes, Executive Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:

“This advice is common sense but, by reminding everyone, we hope that it will help to reduce the number of people who suffer any ill-effects from the hot weather.

“We will always respond to anyone needing time-critical medical assistance, but we ask that people think carefully before dialling 999 and only call for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.

“People suffering from minor illnesses and injuries should consider more appropriate services, such as visiting their local pharmacist or GP, attending a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111.”

9.40am – Direct trains to London cancelled

Direct trains from Harrogate to London Kings Cross have been cancelled due to the extreme heat.

LNER is running a reduced timetable amid the weather warning.

Network Rail is advising that passengers only travel if necessary both today and tomorrow.

9.25am – Advice for drivers in extreme heat

If you’re planning on driving today, National Highways has issued advice for precautions to take before getting on the road.

It includes taking a bottle of water in your car, leaving plenty of time for your journey and checking your vehicle before you leave.

You can read the advice here.

9.15am – Spa Croquet Club postpones match

Spa Croquet Club, which plays at Studley Royal Cricket Club, has postponed its match which was due to be played today.

The Federation match has been postponed to Monday, July 25.

The friendly against Ben Rhydding due to be played today has also been postponed, but a new date has yet to be agreed.

9.10am – Dog walkers up early in Harrogate

Some dog walkers were up early to beat the rising temperatures this morning.

The heat is expected to reach highs of 34 degrees in Harrogate today.

9am – Hospitals, schools and care homes braced for hot weather

Schools, care homes and public services across the Harrogate district are putting in place measures to protect vulnerable people from the extreme temperatures expected today and tomorrow.

With the Met Office forecasting highs of 38C and red warnings in place, there is a risk to health, especially for the elderly, very young and people with existing medical condition.

You can read more on how schools, hospitals and care homes are preparing here.

8.50am – Ripon Cathedral School reschedules Shrek performance

With temperatures rising, Ripon Cathedral Primary on Priest Lane has organised for a portable air conditioning unit to be put in place in the school hall and planned performances of the Legend of Shrek by key stage 2 pupils, to be re-scheduled from tomorrow, to Wednesday and Thursday.

In a message to parents and carers, head teacher Steven Holmes said he had taken the difficult decision to move the sold-out performances until later in the week.

He said:

“We are concerned about the potential temperatures in the hall for the Tuesday performances of Shrek with over 200 bodies in one space.

“As a school we have invested in LED lighting to reduce heat and have organised for a portable air conditioning unit.”

Tickets bought for tomorrow’s performances will be automatically transferred.

8.40am – Amber weather warning

The Met Office has an amber weather warning of extreme heat for the Harrogate today and tomorrow.

The warning means that “population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life.”

It also means that “substantial changes” in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required.

8.30am – Fountains Abbey makes changes amid hot weather

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal at Ripon has made changes amid the hot weather.

Its Studley refreshment kiosk will be closing at midday and guided tours of the abbey and water gardens will not be taking place.

8am – Northern: Only travel if necessary

Northern has urged passengers to only travel if necessary during the extreme heat.

It has also warned that its services could be cancelled at short notice amid the hot weather.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1548918144286175234

The 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.

Read more:

• Major crop fires underway near A61 in Ripon
• Seven weeks of gas works set to start on Ripon’s Clotherholme Road

A man has been arrested in Ripon after a car was stolen in a burglary in the early hours of this morning.

The Volvo V70 failed to stop after a request from police just after 3am and officers discovered it had been stolen earlier in the night.

Within 45 minutes, CCTV cameras in the city spotted the car in the market place, and police made chase as it turned into Ure Bank Terrace and reached a dead end.

The driver got out and ran back along the street but was stopped by officers.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, burglary, failing to stop and dangerous driving. He remained in custody with North Yorkshire Police this morning.

Read more:

• Police anti-social driving clampdown makes 10 arrests in Harrogate district
• Gang of girls admits causing actual bodily harm in Harrogate

The Dean of Ripon has asked city councillors to ‘stand shoulder to shoulder’ with the cathedral and support its plans for a £6 million development.

Ripon Cathedral is hosting an exhibition of the plans in the north transept until the end of July.

They include building a two-storey standalone building on parkland adjacent to the Old Courthouse Museum and near the Garden of Remembrance installed by the Ripon branch of the Royal British Legion.

The building would include new toilets, a refectory, a gift shop and storage space.

Speaking at Monday’s full council meeting, the Very Revd. John Dobson said it was import to provide 21st century facilities that could serve the needs of parishioners and the growing number of visitors to the ancient building, which is celebrating its 1,350th anniversary this year.

Dean John said:

“I hope that the city council will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in supporting a development that will benefit the Ripon economy by bringing more visitors.

“While coming to enjoy the splendour of the cathedral, they will have the opportunity to visit the many attractions that Ripon has to offer.”

The plans are on display in the north transept at Ripon Cathedral.

The proposed development across Minster Road would also, he said, provide space for choristers to practice, as well as accommodate meetings of members of the cathedral congregation and the wider community.

Dean John told councillors:

“I’m pleased to report that we are having our best-ever year in terms of visitor numbers but as the cathedral’s reputation grows locally, regionally, nationally and even internationally, there is a need to provide modern-day facilities — particularly for those who come from afar.”

He said the Benedictine rule that guided Wilfrid in his work establishing the church in Ripon in AD 672 involved extending the hand of hospitality to visitors but, ironically, more than 1,300 years later the cathedral lacks the facilities to fulfil this mission.

Dean John added:

“I would like to thank those councillors who have already taken time to look at the proposals and we would welcome any of you who haven’t seen the plans to come and have a look and let members of the team know your views.”

Councillor Pauline McHardy said she supported the proposals and added:

“It will include the city centre’s first Changing Places toilet, making this magnificent cathedral more accessible to people with disabilities.”

Read more:

• Ripon Vision Support receives £7,000 boost from mayor’s appeal
• Ripon’s Spa Baths to be returned to its former glory

Seven weeks of roadworks are set to start on Ripon’s Clotherholme Road from Monday.

Work is being carried out by Northern Gas Networks to replace ageing pipework with plastic pipes.

It will see temporary traffic lights in place on Clotherholme Road for seven weeks from July 18.

Northern Gas Networks said in a statement that although most work will be carried out on the road, engineers will need access to customer properties to complete the project and ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas.

Russ Kaye, Business Operations Lead for Northern Gas Networks, said: 

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Ripon.

“We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”

Read more:

• No increase in wheelchair accessible taxis in Harrogate district
• Harrogate and Knaresborough trains to Leeds to be reinstated in December

This story is sponsored by Halls of Ripon.

It has been a sparkling first year for the 20 plus independent retailers at Halls of Ripon.

At Red Buttons – one of the jewels in the department store’s crown – the celebrations continue for owners Mike and Liz Cooper as they will soon reach a golden milestone, having married in August 1972.

The couple, along with Hedley Hall, Ben Butler and Lloyd Sheard, were instrumental in the re-birth and re-invention of the unique retail destination on Fishergate, under the famous Halls name, so fondly remembered in Ripon and across the Harrogate district, for the quality of its goods and the excellence of its service.

In their own golden wedding anniversary year, Mike and Liz have launched a sale of select rings and other jewellery items, offered at discounted prices that customers can purchase to mark their own special occasions, from silver to gold, diamond and platinum.

The special anniversary sale of select jewellery items is now on at Red Buttons

Mike, who worked for more than 40 years in senior management at some of the best-known jewellers on the UK high street, said:

“Jewellery is a personal, emotional and sentimental gift that carries deep meaning and lifelong memories.

“Over the years it has been a pleasure to share in everything from marriages and the earliest wedding anniversaries, to the birth of a child, by helping people to find the appropriate piece or pieces of jewellery.”

Mike pointed out:

“For some customers, diamonds have been selected as the mile-stones that tell the story of their lives.

“The sentimental value goes on when single items or entire collections are left to loved ones and become treasured heirlooms that will be passed on to future generations.”

Creating customised Jewellery

Red Buttons takes pride in providing a personalised service and experience for customers, supported by designers and craftsman jewellers who can create customised pieces, often involving the recycling of a family’s redundant and damaged items.

Mike explains:

“A lady brought gold rings inherited from her parents, that she was unable to wear and within a matter of days we transformed them into a simple, but stylish cross that can be worn every day.

The gold heart with diamonds, created from wedding rings and an engagement ring

“For another customer, the wedding ring of her late mother and grandmother’s diamond engagement and wedding rings, were united in a single gold and diamond heart, whose sentimental value is beyond price.”

Red Buttons’ services include free jewellery cleaning and inspection, re-sizing, stone replacement, claw re-tipping and replacement. Part exchange is also available for customers with items that they wish to trade.

A community of independent retailers 

Liz Cooper, said:

“Our independent retailers cover all ages, from clothes for babies and children to hand-made furniture and a newly-introduced repair shop where classic sofas and chairs are re-upholstered and returned to use.

“All traders have expanded over the past year and each has something special to offer that adds to the department store experience. The coffee, homemade cakes and sandwiches at The Hive cafe within the store are highly recommended.”

Photos released by Harrogate firefighters have revealed the extent of yesterday’s field fire near Ripon.

The blaze, which occurred just after 4pm at Hutton Bank, Sharow, was one of two crop fires in the district as the heatwave hits.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident log says:

“Ripon and Harrogate crews attended reports of a field of standing crops on fire.

“They requested a further four appliances due to the 300m fire front. Crews worked with the farmer to extinguish the fire. Incident has been scaled down now.”

Minutes later crews from York, Northallerton and Colburn attended a large field fire measuring approx 100 metres at Dishforth.

They used pitchforks and beaters and a hose reel to extinguish the flames.

Read more:

• Six baby hedgehogs in Ripon rescued from bonfire at last minute
• North Yorkshire fire service has adequate funding, says minister

Firefighters are attempting to put out crop fires in fields close to Ripon this afternoon.

The fires are in fields alongside the A61 around Hutton Bank and billowing smoke can be seen for miles around the area.

Today has been the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures of 29 degrees recorded in the Harrogate district.

North Yorkshire Police has advised motorists to avoid the area. A spokesperson said:

UPDATE 6pm: Harrogate Fire Station has said the fire is now out.

Read more:

• Horror crash in Harrogate sees pair lucky to escape alive
• Harrogate boy, 15, admits stealing car and carrying knife on Stray

A mum from Ripon will be signing copies of her book tomorrow about domestic abuse and the pain of losing a daughter to suicide.

Ally Garbutt said she decided to write Losing Lisa after escaping an abusive marriage that lasted 40 years.

The book is named after her daughter Lisa, who took her life aged just 23 after a difficult upbringing in the family home. She said she wanted to give Lisa a voice and tell her story.

Since splitting from her partner, Ms Garbutt has lost contact with her two youngest children and the book explores parental alienation, which is sometimes involved with family break up.

Ms Garbutt said:

“The book exposes what’s going on behind closed doors. It was traumatic writing it but also therapeutic. It helped me deal with abuse I had.”

Read more:

• Write-on Ripon open mic evening returns on Thursday
• Ripon Tennis Centre opens new £180,000 padel tennis courts

Profits from the book will go to domestic abuse charities. Ms Garbutt said she hopes the book will help other people in similar situations and show that there is a way out.

The author also reveals the traumatic psychological impact of coercive control, which is now recognised as a criminal offence.

She added:

“So many people are going through the same thing but you can get out and break the silence. After 40 years, I am free but it’s difficult.”

“I’m trying to get the message out there that people can break free from suffering and there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The book is available to buy online from Amazon, WH Smith and Waterstones websites. Physical copies are available at Little Ripon Book Shop on 12-13 Westgate.

Ms Garbutt will be at the Little Ripon Book Shop from 11am-1pm tomorrow signing copies of the book.

Six baby hedgehogs were lucky to escape alive after being found in a bonfire just before it was about to be lit.

Ramsgill-based hedgehog rescue centre, HAPPY (Hedgehog Appreciation Prickly Pals Yorkshire) was called by a vet in Ripon this week to say the animals had been found just in the nick of time.

Jacqui Morrell, who runs the centre with her husband Peter, said the lucky animals “had a close shave”.

Ms Morrell said hedgehogs like the secluded space offered by an unlit bonfire but many people don’t often think to look for them, or other animals, before lighting up.

She said:

“Bonfires are ideal homes for hedgehogs but people don’t always think about wildlife. There’s all sorts in bonfires and it’s not just hedgehogs.”

Ms Morrell added that the hedgehogs will eventually be released back into the area where they were found.

Read more:

• Harrogate family reunited with missing cat after five years
• Harrogate rallies in search of missing dog Molly

The centre was previously based in Ripon but recently moved to a larger property in Nidderdale.

The Morrells are currently looking after 40 hedgehogs where they will nurse them back to health before releasing them into the wild.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal and Ms Morrell said if you spot one in daylight hours, it means they are in trouble and need help.

If you see a hedgehog during the daytime call HAPPY on 07506 186567.

Ms Morrell added:

“Don’t delay if you see one out in the town.”