Stray Kitchen is our column all about food written by renowned local produce expert, food writer and chef, Stephanie Moon. Stephanie is a champion of food produced in the UK and particularly in Yorkshire and the Harrogate district.
When I was a kid, I loved sledging. We had a field on the farm where you could really pick up some speed and hurtle down the hill holding your nerve before you caused yourself to stop in an unladylike crash. The alternative was to continue on and be impaled on a barbed wire fence below!
As Harrogate has been covered in snow, it has given lockdown a magical quality that takes me right back to the bright red faces of my sledging youth. With big smiles, wet socks, and old feed bags full of straw that was the farmers’ kids’ sledges.
It seems so weird to be stuck at home again! This lockdown is the toughest I am sure for many, and what we are all needing right now is comfort food and nostalgia – and lots of it. It could be a heart-warming crumble & custard or a simple bubbling cheese-on-toast with a hearty splash of Henderson’s relish, that famous Sheffield sauce. I have just had a big bowl of sausage & mash with gravy for lunch and the local farm shop sausages did the trick – I am feeling nostalgic in the snow.
I think the birds in my garden are loving the fact the Moon’s All-You-Can-Eat buffet on my bird feeders is in full throttle – niger seed and sunflower seeds meet fat blocks and peanuts – I must admit feeding the birds this lockdown has been a great pleasure (once a caterer always a caterer, we chefs are feeders!). I have learnt what each species likes now and like a demanding guest with the goldfinch, nuthatch and woodpecker being regular dinners to impress. With all this coming and going it is the busiest bird restaurant for miles around.
Under all the snow lies the green shoots of spring. They seem so far away right now and the thoughts of sitting at a table with the family a distant memory that I long to recreate. A big family meal with all the laughter and joy that will bring is my own motivation to stay the course and do our bit to get through this lockdown.
If you are looking for some foodie ideas to get through lockdown, a great idea for a seasonal food is our friend forced rhubarb. A great way to cook it is very simply:
Cut your rhubarb into sticks about 3 inches long, place them on a tray and sprinkle over some caster sugar before you place on a tin foil lid to the tray – place this in an oven at 180C for 8-10 mins and your rhubarb will be perfectly cooked; it won’t be mushy like when you cook it in a pot on the stove. Serve with lashings of custard or some heathy yoghurt and granola. Either way – yum!
So my advice now is to find your comfort food, no matter how simple, and take a moment to look ahead to when we can sit with family again. Lord knows it does us all good from time to time.
Stay safe,
Steph x
Photographers proud to put Harrogate in snow on showTwo photographers won first and third place in a global photography competition by putting Harrogate in snow on show.
The website StormHour runs weekly weather photography competitions in conjunction with the Royal Meteorology Society.
The competition attracts about 1,000 entries monthly but Harrogate photographers dominated the top spots in the latest weekly awards.
The recent snowy landscape provided the inspiration for Richard Maude, who was first, and Rachel Auty, who was third.
Mr Maude went to Valley Gardens with his camera and tripod in hand waiting for the lights to illuminate the Harrogate 1571 statue.
Rachel Auty and Richard Maude.
It’s a subject he has captured a lot but he knew it would be extra special in the snow. He told the Stray Ferret:
“I have been a big fan of the statue since it arrived. It is quite unique and it works as a beacon to draw people in.
“The statue lights up at 5.30pm but not everyone knows that. So when people were in the vicinity and it lit up there was an audible ‘oooh.’
“This is also extra special because two Harrogate photos featured as winners in the competition.”
‘Harvey’s Place.’ Image subject to copyright: Rachel Auty (@marketrach)
Rachel Auty went to Hookstone Woods, which has a special place in her heart. She told the Stray Ferret:
The Stray Gardener: On your marks, get set, grow!“Over the various lockdowns I’ve gone there to find some escape and comfort. I find the woods meditative.
“The place in the photo is an opening to the water there where I always stopped on walks to let my dog have a swim.
“My dog became suddenly very ill and died in November, which left me absolutely heartbroken.
“His name was Harvey, so now I refer to the spot as ‘Harvey’s Place’ and I often go back there and think about him. It feels like something of a tribute to him.”
The Stray Gardener is written by Rudding Park’s Kitchen Gardener, Fiona Slight.
Fiona has worked in horticulture for over 30 years in the UK and abroad, and specialises in growing fruit and vegetables for fine dining.
January weather getting you down? Here are five things I do to take my mind off those dull dark days, and to ensure things are raring to go when the weather improves and we have more motivation to get outside.
1. Grow what you like
At home, I only grow what I know we want to eat. Choose your favourite fruit and vegetables and if you think any of them will be difficult to grow, have a go anyway! Research well before starting, as this gives you a far better chance of success. If you have room, soft fruit is always an easy and very productive choice. Soft fruit can be very expensive even in season, so if you can grow your own, not only have you reduced food miles, you’ve saved money too. Most soft fruit freezes or preserves really well and has a multitude of uses at any time of year.
2. Get organised
Decide when and where things are going to grow, think about successions and using your space to grow the maximum number of vegetables – especially important in a small space. Don’t just think about summer, try to plan ahead for winter crops that will be ready to harvest in early spring the next year.
Make a plan for your 2021 planting
3. Be floral – Remember to add some flowers too. Not only are they pretty, they entice pollinating insects and many types of predators that will help to protect your precious crop. Flowers such as Violas, Nasturtiums, Sweet Alysum and Sweet Rocket are also edible and help to finish off a plate of food beautifully. Sweet peas (not edible) and Dahlias fit in a Kitchen Garden really well, and also provide beautiful blooms for cutting.
4. Clean – Tidy out your shed, wash pots, clean labels to re-use, clean tools. If everything is clean and ready to go, it saves time later in the year when you are most likely too busy to do it. Clean your green house if you have one, it makes a big difference in winter and early spring to have clean glass to let in optimum light levels. Use garlic candles, which are a more environmentally friendly way to kill off any overwintering pests, such as aphids and red spider mite that may be lurking in there.
Apple blossom will soon be in bloom again
5. Reflect – Take stock of your garden, slowly wander round looking at what you have, are you still using the fruit you put in? Does anything need lifting and dividing in Spring, such as Rhubarb. Do you have any room for a fruit tree? If so, order a bare root tree, they are much cheaper, and you get a lot more choice than you do with container grown trees. Lastly, how can you entice more wildlife in to your garden, this is not only more beneficial to the environment, but can help with controlling unwanted pests in your garden.
Remember, better weather and longer daylight hours are just around the corner!
Ripon couple saved as tree falls in heavy snow
Two couples from Ripon were caught up in unexpected drama yesterday when a tree fell under the weight of snow.
Nicole Bond and her partner Ben Crewe were walking near College Lawns, just off Palace Road, yesterday lunchtime when they heard a cracking noise.
Assuming it was pallets being broken up on the nearby business park, they thought nothing of it – but seconds later realised what was happening. Nicole said:
“Ben looked up and shouted ‘run!’. I froze, but he ran out of the way. Luckily, I was right by where the tree fell, but I didn’t have to move.
“There was a couple that didn’t have time to move. As the tree was falling, there was a massive plume of snow that came up and covered everybody.”
As soon as the snow settled again, Nicole realised how big the tree was – and the damage it could have done.
“I thought the worst had happened. We were screaming, ‘are you OK? Are you hurt?’ Ben went into complete action mode and started pulling branches to get to them and I called for an ambulance.”
The huge tree fell under the weight of snow in Ripon. Photo: Nicole Bond
Very quickly, Ben managed to reach the couple. The woman was shaken but didn’t seem badly hurt, but her husband had a head injury that was bleeding.
Ben and Nicole used their clothes to apply pressure and stop the bleeding, following instructions from the call handlers on the phone.
They were warned that, thanks to the road conditions, it could take 40 minutes for an ambulance to arrive – but it only took around five minutes before paramedics were on the scene. They treated the injured couple before taking them to hospital for further assessment.
Read more:
Nicole has since been contacted by the woman to say they are both recovering, her husband having been treated for concussion, and to thank her and Ben for their help on the scene.
It was only chance they were all in the wrong place at the wrong time: Nicole and Ben took a different route for their usual dog walk because of flooding. Having spent the morning helping drivers make their way along snowy roads near home, they had just paused to take a video of the road conditions in the area – and a few seconds more or less could have made all the difference to how the incident played out.
Nicole added:
“It’s just crazy. It was all over within 10 minutes, including the ambulance getting there. We barely even had time to think at all.
“I was quite glad I took Ben out for a walk with me, and for the ambulance staff keeping everybody calm. It could have been a lot worse.”
The fallen tree in Ripon has already been broken up and made safe. Photo: Nicole Bond
Covid vaccinations due to be given at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate tomorrow will be rescheduled because of the weather.
North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is rescheduling all its Saturday appointments because of lying snow, freezing conditions and further snowfall expected.
Instead, all appointments will be moved to the same time on Sunday, at the same venue.
GP practices, which are rolling out the vaccine to patients across the Harrogate district, are today contacting all those who have appointments to advise them of the changes.
A spokesperson for the CCG said the changes were being made to ensure the safety of those attending:
“Snow is forecast for the Harrogate district through the early hours of tomorrow morning. The majority of people who’d been invited to have their COVID jab tomorrow are elderly and many will be frail.”
The Met Office has issued another weather warning for snow overnight on Friday and into Saturday morning. It warns of a chance of travel disruption, with vehicles likely to become stranded, as well as the risk of slips on icy services.
Read more:
- Nidderdale minibus helps rural people get vaccines at showground
- LIVE: More snow forecast for Harrogate district tonight
Gallery: stunning images of snow in the Harrogate district
Ahead of another night of snow forecast for this evening, we asked our readers to photograph what they could see from their doorsteps.
We had people sending images from across the Harrogate district, here are some of the highlights.
In Harrogate and Beckwithshaw …
Mark Pallant captured the Stray just before dawn today.
Sylvia Skipper sent us this photo from Beckwithshaw.
The snow was still think outside of Martin’s house this morning. Photograph: @FIRSTmarty on twitter.
Elsewhere in Harrogate, Patrick Dunlop captured this image of the snow settled on rooftops.
There was still plenty of snow on Harrogate stray this morning.
On another part of the Stray people were enjoying a walk in the wintry conditions. Photograph: Victoria Purdy
Another photo of Harrogate Stray was sent to us by Megan Hatfield.
Andy Flockhart sent us this picture from Church Avenue in Bilton.
In Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale …
Joyce Liggins sent us this photo overlooking Pateley Bridge this morning.
Greta Knight sent us this image of the Nidderdale Greenway near Bilton today.
Susan Wrightson took this from the viaduct over the river nidd along the greenway.
Menwith Hill just outside of Darley still had plenty of snow today. Photograph: Sue Barlow
Elsewhere in the district …
Alison Fitzpatrick took this photograph in Summerbridge today.
These were the views from Charli Walker’s garden in Stainburn today.
Hannah Inglis captured this in High Birstwith this morning.
The Met Office has put a yellow warning for snow and ice in place from midnight tonight until Saturday evening meaning the Harrogate district could see snow once again.
Yesterday’s snow is continuing to make travel and opening schools difficult today with many of the district’s roads still covered in ice.
North Yorkshire County Council pounded the roads with gritters overnight but insists icy conditions cannot be avoided and people should only travel if essential.
Keep refreshing this live blog for updates throughout the day for school closures and road conditions.
4pm – Road closure to fix water problems in Harrogate
Yorkshire Water is planning to close Crescent Road in Harrogate to fix a burst main.
Resident in the HG1 area of town have had issues with water for most of the day as a result of the burst.
The water company expects to fix the problem by late afternoon.
Sorry to all our customers that are experiencing issues with their water due to a burst main. We are presently awaiting for traffic management to arrive before we can continue further with repairs, and will update as we receive further information. pic.twitter.com/8Su3HXJ6lb
— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) January 15, 2021
3.30pm – Harrogate council suspends waste and recycling collections
Harrogate Borough Council has suspended its waste and recycling collections for today and tomorrow.
In a tweet, the authority said:
“Where we can, we will do our best to collect any outstanding household waste next week.
“Unfortunately, any outstanding recycling won’t be collected until the next scheduled recycling collection date.”
Use bags and cardboard boxes to store any additional recycling you may have as a result of the delays.
2.30pm – Covid vaccines rescheduled due to the snow
Covid vaccinations due to be given at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate tomorrow will be rescheduled because of the weather.
The snowfall forecast for tonight is forcing North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to reschedule all its appointments for the same time on Sunday.
12.43pm – Harrogate Town match postponed
The team’s fixture against Exeter City was due to kick off tomorrow at 3pm. Following a pitch inspection by an ERL referee today it has had to be postponed.
Harrogate Town has said the pitch is currently under heavy snow and with tomorrow’s forecast looking to get worse the decision has been made to postpone the game.
❌ | Tomorrow's @SkyBetLeagueTwo fixture against @OfficialECFC has been postponed following a pitch inspection
Due to the recent snowfall, it has been decided the pitch will not be playable by 3pm Saturday#ProudToBeTown
— Harrogate Town AFC (@HarrogateTown) January 15, 2021
12.14pm – Knaresborough 1B bus returns to full route
The Harrogate Bus Company is now able to run its full route between Harrogate, Knaresborough Bus station and Eastfield.
To find out if your local service is running check the Transdev app.
Good news! 1B is now able to run it's full route between Harrogate, Knaresborough Bus station and Eastfield
Thank you for your patience during this time, keep up to date through our app Transdev Go here https://t.co/PxPTgD0hZI pic.twitter.com/jc0HBEJ3sz
— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 15, 2021
12.04pm – Harlow Carr remains closed tomorrow
RHS Harlow Carr and its garden centre will remain closed tomorrow due to the snow forecast overnight.
Unfortunately due to continued heavy snowfall and icy conditions, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Garden Centre will remain closed on Sat 16th January.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have paid for tickets, please contact harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk to arrange a refund. pic.twitter.com/hYrds63E5s
— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) January 15, 2021
11.46am – A59 is open but police warn of black ice
North Yorkshire Police Traffic Bureau has answered local enquiries about the conditions on the A59. It says it is open and passable but warns drivers to take care of the black ice.
The force is once again insisting it is only to be used for essential travel.
*WEATHER UPDATE*We are receiving enquires regarding the road conditions around #Craven area#A59 is open and the road is passable with care. Due to low temp (-6)there is black ice in places so drive carefully & leave space from the vehicle in front.
Only travel if essential. pic.twitter.com/zOFtgFR3Ja
— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) January 15, 2021
11.26am – Met Office warns of more snow tonight
The Met Office has put a yellow warning in place for snow and ice overnight. The warning is in place from midnight until 6pm tomorrow.
The Harrogate district has been covered by this warning, meaning a band of “heavy snow” could return tonight.
The Met Office warning covers the district. Photograph: Met Office
11.01am – A59 near Harrogate ‘slippery in places but passable’
North Yorkshire Police Traffic Bureau has said the A59 section near Harrogate is passable but still icy and slippery.
The police force have encouraged people to only travel if essential whilst the wintery conditions last.
A59 between Harrogate & Skipton is icy and slippery in places but passable. Lots of snow on higher ground.
A56 Broughton into Lancashire is clear and not much snow & ice.
— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) January 15, 2021
10.57am – London to Harrogate trains cancelled
Signalling failures around Harrogate are continuing to cause mayhem for scheduled trains. LNER has released a list of those trains disrupted.
https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1350027023176101888
10.54am – Harrogate HELP reminds people it is there for them whilst stuck indoors
Harrogate HELP has reminded people, via its twitter, that whether its the snow or coronavirus restrictions keeping you indoors it is there to help.
The charity has said the snow is heightening anxiety for some people and it wants to offer them support.
Whilst this snow is picturesque, it's also adding to anxiety for some local residents struggling whilst having to stay at home. A reminder that we're here for you on both a practical & emotional level at this difficult time.#Harrogate #Ripon #HereToHelp pic.twitter.com/4LFDvaTHvk
— HELP charity #HereToHELP (@HELP_Harrogate) January 15, 2021
10.42am – Updated School closures
A number of schools have already announced they will remain closed to all today, including the children of key workers, as a result of the snow.
All have said the road conditions make it unsuitable to open.
- Admiral C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- All Saints C of E Primary School, Kirkby Overblow
- Beckwithshaw Primary School
- Bilton Grange Primary School, Harrogate
- Birstwith C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Boroughbridge Primary School
- Dacre Braithwaite C of E Primary School, Summerbridge
- Darley Community Primary School, Harrogate
- Dishforth C of E Primary School
- Dishforth Airfield Primary School
- Follifoot C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Fountains C of E Primary School, Ripon
- Grewelthorpe C of E Primary School, Ripon
- Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School, Harrogate
- Killinghall C of E Primary School
- Markington C of E Primary School
- Nidderdale High School
- North Rigton C of E Primary School
- Oatlands Infant School, Harrogate
- Oatlands Junior School, Harrogate
- Pannal Primary School
- Richard Taylor C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Ripley Endowed Primary School, Harrogate
- Roecliffe C of E Primary School, Boroughbridge
- Rossett Acre Primary School, Harrogate
- Saltergate Infant School, Harrogate
- Saltergate Junior School, Harrogate
- Spofforth C of E Primary School
- Springwater School, Starbeck
- St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Harrogate
- St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Knaresborough
- St Nicholas C of E Primary School, West Tanfield
- St Peter’s C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Scotton Lingerfield Primary School
- Summerbridge Community Primary School
- The Forest School, Knaresborough
10.40am – Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal to stay closed through tomorrow
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal has announced it will close tomorrow due to the weather.
It said customers who have booked to visit the grounds will receive an email.
Due to the ongoing snowy and icy weather, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal – including the deer park – will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 16 January. If you have booked to visit, you will receive a cancellation email shortly. Please check the website for further updates.
— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) January 15, 2021
10.08am – Harrogate and Ripon recycling centres close
North Yorkshire County Council has closed recycling centres in Harrogate and Ripon today due to the snow.
⚠️Household waste recycling centres.⚠️#Harrogate, #Leyburn, #Ripon, West Harrogate, #Catterick Bridge, #Skipton, #Leeming Bar and #Northallerton household waste recycling centres are closed.
Other sites are open, but please only use them if essential. pic.twitter.com/AHmmd8uJD8
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 15, 2021
10.01am – Faulty signalling in Harrogate causes delays to LNER services
A signalling fault in Harrogate is causing delays to the LNER services. The train operator has said trains may be delayed by up to 45 minutes, cancelled or revised.
LNER has also said its services are not running between Leeds and Harrogate. The operator has told commuters to use Northern services instead.
https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1350002497553883136
09.54am – Harrogate College closed today
Students will be working online today as Harrogate College closes for the second day in a row.
College will be closed again today. Online learning will continue as normal.
— Harrogate College (@HarrogateColl) January 15, 2021
09.48am – Harrogate book shop suspends click and collect
Imagined Things Bookshop has said it will be suspending its click and collect service today due to the snow. It hopes, if the weather improves, to bring it back tomorrow.
Our apologies, we’ll be CLOSED for Click&Collect today. Weather permitting, we will be back for Click&Collect tomorrow from 10am-2pm. If you need to get in touch please email us at books@imaginedthings.co.uk pic.twitter.com/8mYeFKl9bV
— Imagined Things Bookshop (@ImaginedThings) January 15, 2021
09.22am – Recycling bins won’t be collected today
Harrogate Borough Council has responded to a resident’s tweet to say recycling won’t be collected today due to the snow. The council has said recycling with be collected on your next collection date.
Hi Matt. Unfortunately, after assessing conditions this morning, rounds have been stood down. We will collect any additional recycling on your next scheduled recycling collection. Sorry for the delay. ^James
— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) January 15, 2021
08.42am – Harrogate buses run with a limited service
The Harrogate Bus Company has updated its twitter to explain the routes that are able to continue today. Some have had to be limited due to the snow.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349999540879958019
08.32am – County Council says avoid travel
North Yorkshire County Council has used its twitter to plead with people against travelling today and over the weekend.
Yellow weather warnings are in place for tomorrow too, meaning road conditions could become dangerous once again.
https://twitter.com/northyorkscc/status/1349997278707261442
08.19am – Local police officer warns against using travel
A North Yorkshire police officer has used his twitter this morning to urge local residents to only travel if essential. The district’s roads remain icy.
https://twitter.com/TC174_NYP/status/1349992880505556993
08.09am – Yorkshire Water updates residents on burst pipe
Yorkshire Water has said, via twitter, that the burst pipe has been located on Crescent Road in Harrogate but has warned repairs could take longer than normal due to the weather.
The repair team are yet to arrive, keep an eye on their twitter for further updates.
We have located the burst in #HG1 on #CrescentRoad this morning. Further updates to follow, once the repair team arrive on site. Due to weather conditions this morning, this may take slightly longer than usual. Thanks for your patience. pic.twitter.com/ySDK6ww2UX
— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) January 15, 2021
08.07am – Harrogate High School to open
Harrogate High School has let its pupils know it will remain open today. It has encouraged those who get a lift into school to study from home today, if possible, and avoid the icy roads.
HHS is open today, but would advise any student that gets a lift to school, to work from home today, where possible, given the icy conditions on the roads.
Please take care.
Mrs Clarke— HarrogateHighSchool (@HarrogateHigh) January 15, 2021
08.02am – Western Primary School to open later today
Western Primary School in Harrogate posted on its twitter this morning to say the school plans to open at 10am today.
It says it is to give staff and pupils more time to travel. Its turquoise nursery, for 2 year olds, will remain closed.
Parents who feel it is not safe to travel with their child today can call the school and use online learning instead.
We will be open today but not until 10am.
Please note the following:
School will not be open for 2-year-old provision (Turquoise nursery)
School will not be open to pupils until 10.00 a.m. in order to give staff, parents and pupils more time to make their journey safely
Cont…— Western Primary School (@PrimaryWestern) January 15, 2021
07.58am – Burst water pipe on Crescent Road, Harrogate
Yorkshire Water has said it is investigating reports of a loss of water and low water pressure in Harrogate on its twitter this morning.
The water provider responded to a resident’s comment to say a pipe had burst on Crescent Road and the repair team were on their way.
We are aware some customers may have no water or low pressure this morning in the #HG1 area. We are currently investigating this, further updates to follow. Many Thanks
— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) January 15, 2021
07.50am – Henshaws College to close
Henshaws announced on its twitter today that it has had to close the specialist college due to the snow.
We can report that the weather in #Harrogate is only slightly better than the blizzard we experienced last Friday! As you can see, the levels of snow were unprecedented, and we had no choice but to shut @HenshawsCollege for the day to ensure safety for all. #SnowDay2021 pic.twitter.com/J7AOVseRbk
— Henshaws (@Henshaws) January 15, 2021
07.42am – Bus services limited due to road conditions
The Harrogate Bus Company has had to amend a number of its services due to road conditions making some areas inaccessible.
The number 1 bus is running between Harrogate and Knaresborough but will avoid the Knaresborough estates.
The 2A service to Harrogate to Bilton and Dene Park is continuing but cannot reach stops on Dene Park.
The 2B route from Harrogate to Bilton and New Park continues its normal route as far as Bachelor Gardens. Stops will be missed at The Knox and Skipton Road. Buses are using Crab Lane and Bilton Lane instead.
The 21 for Knaresborough, Minskip and Boroughbridge is still running but will not cover small villages this morning.
⚠️ Due to snow and ice, The 21 will run direct between Knaresborough, Minskip and Boroughbridge, we're currently unable to reach our stops in the villages. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. pic.twitter.com/q8OFFMApUw
— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 15, 2021
To get up-to-date information check the Transdev app.
07.30am – Weather disrupts rail line
Train operator Northern has told commuters the service between Harrogate and Leeds faces disruption today due to weather conditions. Services have been reduced to one per hour in each direction this morning.
A tree fell on the line and the operator says essential works to the line continues.
https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1349965598328033280
Big freeze forecast tonight as temperatures plunge to minus fourTemperatures are forecast to fall to minus 4 degrees centigrade tonight in the Harrogate district, leaving many minor roads and pavements treacherous tomorrow.
Snow is expected to turn to sleet this evening before drying out as temperatures plunge.
They are not forecast to rise above freezing at all tomorrow so ice is likely to persist even though gritters and snow ploughs have been out today.
A Met Office yellow warning for ice is in place until 10am tomorrow.
That might not be the end of the cold snap: a further yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for Saturday, from 3am until 9pm.
Train operator Northern tonight warned of ongoing disruption affecting services between Harrogate and Leeds that will continue tomorrow.
No further services are running tonight and there will just be one per hour tomorrow morning.
Here’s how today’s weather affected the district.
7.05pm – Oatlands Infants School to stay closed tomorrow
Zoe Anderson, the headteacher, has said the school will remain closed tomorrow due to the weather making travel unsafe.
4.50pm – Yorkshire Ambulance Service urge public to only call in a “serious or life-threatening emergency”
Yorkshire Ambulance Service has asked the public to only call in the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency as crews tackle snowy conditions.
Mark Millins, strategic commander at the trust, said:
“Due to the very snowy conditions across West, South and North Yorkshire, driving conditions are very difficult and many roads are gridlocked so this is having a severe impact on our operations. We are implementing a number of actions in order to protect our core services for patients and respond to the ongoing demand, including increasing our 4×4 capacity.
“We are asking members of the public to only call us in a serious or life-threatening emergency to help us focus our efforts on our most poorly patients.
He added:
“Our dedicated staff are working extremely hard to reach patients as quickly and safely as possible but, understandably, the hazardous driving conditions and blocked roads mean that it is taking us longer than normal in the worst-hit areas.
“If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, they should call 999 immediately. For anyone with less serious illnesses and injuries, our NHS 111 service is available online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.
“Please take extra care when out driving or walking and, where possible, avoid travelling at all in snowy or icy conditions. If you do have to go out, ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing. Also, please stay in touch with elderly and vulnerable relatives and neighbours to ensure they are safe and well.”
4.30pm – Snow to continue into the evening
The Met Office has forecast snow for the Harrogate district into this evening until 9pm.
A yellow warning for ice remains in place for tonight into tomorrow morning. Temperatures in the district are expected to plummet to -4 degrees overnight.
The Met Office said rain, sleet and snow dying out will leave “a risk of icy surfaces and difficult travel conditions” tomorrow morning.
4.20pm – Young farmer helps stranded lorries near Pannal
A young farmer has come to the aid of stranded lorries to help them up the A658 near Pannal. Photographer Giles Rocholl shot this video:
3.10pm – Harrogate 36 bus back running
Harrogate Bus Company has tweeted that the 36 bus running to Leeds from Harrogate, as well as between Harrogate and Ripon, is back up and running.
❄️ #The36 is now back to running through to Leeds from Harrogate as normal, as well as between Harrogate and Ripon
Keep up to date with how all our buses are running here on Twitter, or on our website https://t.co/JWTWD3sxUI pic.twitter.com/ZUjnadzZPP
— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 14, 2021
2.45pm – Home carers won’t let clients down
Care workers across the Harrogate district have been doing their utmost to keep to schedule today, despite the challenging conditions.
Staff at St Margaret’s Home Care are among those who have fought through the snow to ensure their clients got the help they needed.
One even had to abandon her car in Pannal, complete her round on foot and then walk home to Jennyfields.
Manager Vicky Clark sent us some photos and said:
“A day in the life of a carer! Our amazing care workers have done their best to get to our clients today, unfortunately getting stuck in the snow and having to abandon their cars and walk. Please could you say a massive well done to all care workers out there.”
Carers from St Margaret’s Home Care have battled through the snow today to help clients. Photos: Vicky Clark
2.10pm – Northern advises rail passengers not to travel
Northern has advised people not to try to use the rail line between Harrogate and Leeds.
Heavy snowfall and a fallen tree have led services to be cancelled on the route this afternoon. They are unlikely to be reinstated until at least 4pm. A spokesperson for Northern said:
“The adverse weather is having a significant impact on our ability to operate services, particularly in Yorkshire where heavy snow continues to fall.
“We are working closely with colleagues at Network Rail to get our services up and running as soon as possible. In the meantime, we’re asking customers not to travel on the specified routes until further notice.”
2.07pm – Jennyfield bus service suspended
The number 3 bus service in the Jennyfield area of Harrogate has been suspended because of the continuing snowfall.
❄️ Our buses on the 3 are temporarily paused due to heavy snow
Keep up to date with how all our buses are running here on Twitter, or on our website https://t.co/JWTWD3aX3a pic.twitter.com/vFMhuGl84J
— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 14, 2021
Meanwhile, staff members from The Harrogate Bus Company are hard at work clearing paths around the town centre bus station. IN last week’s heavy snow, they were out on the roads helping to spread grit and keep traffic moving.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349717545008459777
2pm – Rail line still blocked
The fallen tree on the railway line between Leeds and Harrogate is expected to continue causing disruption until at least 4pm.
Train operator Northern reports one of its trains hit an object on the line between Headingley and Horsforth. Services are currently unable to run, with Network Rail en route to remove the tree.
https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1349705276073635841?s=20
1.50pm – Essential food deliveries still getting through
Among those battling through the weather are people delivering essential food to vulnerable people across the district.
Sue Cawthray, of Harrogate Neighbours Housing Association, posted a photo take from a car as key workers continue to do their best for clients.
The Food Angels meals on wheels service has become a Snow Angels delivery for one day only, ensuring nobody who relies on it will go without the vital service.
Food Angels has become Snow Angels today. Photo: Sue Cawthray
1.37pm – Gritters on the roads
Road conditions are still poor around the district, by North Yorkshire County Council gritters continue to operate.
Harrogate and Pannal Ash Residents’ Association (HAPARA) spotted one making its way up Otley Road in Harrogate this afternoon.
Interesting on Otley Rd – especially uphill….
….but help on the way! pic.twitter.com/Xt5XYM4f5q
— HAPARA (@HaparaHgt) January 14, 2021
1.30pm – Bus stranded near Spofforth
A number 7 bus has got stuck in the snow as it tried to reach Harrogate from Wetherby.
The bus has become stranded as it attempted to come up the hill into Spofforth on the A661.
Photo by My Homecare
The Harrogate Bus Company has kept many of its services running today. The 24 to Pateley Bridge has been suspended, as has the 8 to Calcutt and Wetherby, and the Flyer A2 to Leeds-Bradford Airport.
The number 1 from Harrogate to Knaresborough is running, but missing out stops between Starbeck and Knaresborough as well as the Knaresborough estates. The 2A is missing out stops on Dene Park, while the 2B is missing stops between The Knox and Bar Chapel, using Crab Lane and Bilton Lane instead.
1.22pm – Businesses battle through snow
Local business owners across the district have been fighting on despite the weather and poor road conditions.
Regal Fruits on Kings Road reminded its customers and other locals that they can still get essentials from nearby, even in heavy snow.
Great day to shop local #positivity #shopsmall #supportsmallbusiness #Snowing #snow pic.twitter.com/LvF19q5X6c
— Regal fruits (@regalfruiterers) January 14, 2021
However, for Paradise Foods at Daleside Nurseries in Killinghall, the snow defeated their attempts to get to the food wagon and open up.
The team is hoping to return to normal service from tomorrow, when it is open from 10am to 2pm.
1.10pm – Bin collections suspended
Harrogate Borough Council has suspended its waste and recycling collections across the Harrogate district as snow continues to fall.
The authority says bin crews will try to collect household waste over the coming days, but recycling collections will be completed on the next scheduled date.
Collections were already a day behind after heavy snow last week interrupted the schedule. HBC said crews will be working on Friday and Saturday as they try to catch up.
As you’ve probably seen, it is continuing to snow quite heavily across the Harrogate district. ❄️
Our crews have been doing their best they can this morning but with the conditions getting worse, waste and recycling collections have now been stood down. pic.twitter.com/vGDCOO1YXX
— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) January 14, 2021
1.03pm – Fallen tree blocks railway line
The rail line between Harrogate and Leeds has been blocked by a fallen tree, causing disruption to services.
National Rail reports delays and cancellations are expected until 2pm.
⚠️NEW: #Harrogate – Disruption between Leeds and Harrogate expected until 14:00
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) January 14, 2021
12.55pm – Police urge people not to travel unless necessary
North Yorkshire Police has issued a warning people not to travel unless they really need to.
Having dealt with more than 20 crashes already today, the force’s Roads Policing Group is asking people to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel.
While the Harrogate district is contending with continuing snowfall, flooding is affecting roads elsewhere around the county.
12.15pm – Updated list of school closures
- All Saints C of E Primary School, Kirkby Overblow
- Beckwithshaw Primary School
- Coppice Valley Primary School, Harrogate
- Dacre Braithwaite C of E Primary School, Summerbridge
- Darley Community Primary School, Harrogate
- Forest Moor School, Darley
- Fountains C of E Primary School, Ripon
- Fountains Earth Lofthouse C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Goldsborough C of E Primary School, Knaresborough
- Grewelthorpe C of E Primary School, Ripon
- Hampsthwaite C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School, Harrogate
- Killinghall C of E Primary School
- Kirkby Malzeard C of E Primary School
- Nidderdale High School
- North Rigton C of E Primary School
- Oatlands Infant School, Harrogate
- Oatlands Junior School, Harrogate
- Pannal Primary School
- Richard Taylor C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Ripley Endowed Primary School, Harrogate
- Roecliffe C of E Primary School, Boroughbridge
- Rossett Acre Primary School, Harrogate
- Rossett School, Harrogate
- Saltergate Infant School, Harrogate
- Saltergate Junior School, Harrogate
- Springwater School, Starbeck
- Staveley Community Primary School, Knaresborough
- St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Harrogate
- St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Knaresborough
- St Nicholas C of E Primary School, West Tanfield
- Summerbridge Community Primary School
- The Forest School, Knaresborough
- Western Primary School, Harrogate
- Willow Tree Community Primary School, Harrogate
11.55am – Disruption to household waste services
Harrogate Borough Council says its bin collection services are continuing despite the weather, but it may not be able to reach all the homes on today’s routes.
The council was already working to catch up on services missed during last Friday’s heavy snowfall.
Meanwhile, all three household waste recycling centres in Harrogate have been closed by North Yorkshire County Council because of the snow.
The county council’s website shows gritters were out on priority one routes over night, after a weather warning was issued by the Met Office.
#Skipton, #LeemingBar, #Northallerton, #Catterick Bridge, #Harrogate, #Leyburn, #Ripon and West Harrogate household waste recycling centres are closed due to #snow. pic.twitter.com/5A9oMVocc2
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 14, 2021
11.30am – disruption on bus routes to Leeds and Pateley Bridge
The Harrogate Bus Company has suspended its 36 service beyond Pannal to Leeds because of the condition of the A61.
It continues to operate between Ripon and Harrogate, and on to Pannal.
The 24 service between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge has been suspended, but the number 6 service to Pannal Ash has been reinstated after being stopped earlier in the morning.
Buses are now running on the 6 Harrogate-Pannal Ash
Unfortunately we're not able to reach any of our stops Between Pannal & Leeds on #The36. Were running as normal Ripon-Harrogate and Harrogate-Pannal.
Keep up to date with us here or at https://t.co/JWTWD3aX3a pic.twitter.com/p45X6JvhGR
— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 14, 2021
10.35am – ‘Treacherous road conditions’ in Harrogate
North Yorkshire Police control room has shared a video of Harrogate onto its twitter this morning warning people to stay off the road unless it’s essential.
It may look very pretty, but it’s treacherous road conditions. Please only travel if it’s essential and absolutely necessary. This picture was taken in Harrogate. pic.twitter.com/Cf4oWg9v85
— NYP Control Room (@NYPControlRoom) January 14, 2021
10.22am – Snow prevents buses getting to Knaresborough
The Harrogate Bus Company has said it is unable to reach any of its stop to or around Knaresborough this morning.
The number 1 service is currently still running between Harrogate and Starbeck. Make sure to keep an eye on their twitter for further updates.
❄️ Our buses on The 1 are running between Harrogate and Starbeck, but we're currently unable to reach any more stops to or around Knaresborough.
Keep up to date with how all our buses are running here on Twitter, or on our website https://t.co/JWTWD3aX3a pic.twitter.com/CC2hOsxn32
— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 14, 2021
10.14am – School closures
Schools across the Harrogate district are closing to all, including the children of key workers as a result of the snow.
- All Saints C of E Primary School, Kirkby Overblow
- Beckwithshaw Primary School
- Coppice Valley Primary School, Harrogate
- Dacre Braithwaite C of E Primary School, Summerbridge
- Darley Community Primary School, Harrogate
- Forest Moor School, Darley
- Fountains C of E Primary School, Ripon
- Fountains Earth Lofthouse C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Goldsborough C of E Primary School, Knaresborough
- Grewelthorpe C of E Primary School, Ripon
- Hampsthwaite C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School, Harrogate
- Killinghall C of E Primary School
- Kirkby Malzeard C of E Primary School
- Nidderdale High School
- North Rigton C of E Primary School
- Oatlands Infant School, Harrogate
- Oatlands Junior School, Harrogate
- Pannal Primary School
- Richard Taylor C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Ripley Endowed Primary School, Harrogate
- Roecliffe C of E Primary School, Boroughbridge
- Rossett Acre Primary School, Harrogate
- Rossett School, Harrogate
- Saltergate Infant School, Harrogate
- Saltergate Junior School, Harrogate
- Springwater School, Starbeck
- Staveley Community Primary School, Knaresborough
- St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Harrogate
- St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Knaresborough
- St Nicholas C of E Primary School, West Tanfield
- Summerbridge Community Primary School
- The Forest School, Knaresborough
- Western Primary School, Harrogate
- Willow Tree Community Primary School, Harrogate
10.07am – Recycling collection continues in some areas
Harrogate Borough Council has replied to a tweet from a local resident to say that recycling collection is continuing today in most areas. The council has said some areas that are difficult to get to may not be reached today.
Residents have been asked to leave their recycling outside for the time-being.
10.01am – Cars stuck in snow at Kex Gill
Multiple vehicles are reportedly stuck in the snow and ice near Kex Gill this morning.
The North Yorkshire Police Traffic Bureau has tweeted to say the A59 at Bolton Abbey is closed.
*TRAFFIC UPDATE* The #A59 at #BoltonAbbey is currently closed due to multiple vehicles stuck nr #Kex Gill in the snow & Ice.
— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) January 14, 2021
09.46am – Harrogate and Ripon recycling centres closed
North Yorkshire County Council has made the decision to close recycling centres in Harrogate and Ripon.
Due to the #snow, #Catterick Bridge, #Harrogate, #Leyburn, #Ripon and West Harrogate Household Waste Recycling Centres are not open. pic.twitter.com/NR5pGXv3tH
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 14, 2021
09.18am – Some Harrogate bus services suspended
The Harrogate Bus Company has tweeted about further disruption due to the snow. It has said the 36 service is still running between Harrogate and Pannal but it cannot run through Harewood.
The 24 service from Harrogate to Pateley Bridge and number 6 between Harrogate and Pannal Ash have been suspended.
The snow is causing a few issues on the roads again this morning.
We're running buses on #The36 between Harrogate & Pannal, and between Leeds & Alwoodley. We're unable to run through Harewood.
Buses on 24 Harrogate-Pateley Bridge and 6 Harrogate-Pannal Ash are not able to run. pic.twitter.com/WGc7ssjVsG
— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 14, 2021
09.10am – Kettlesing Primary School to close
Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School has contacted the Stray Ferret to confirm it has made the decision to close the school.
It had previously hoped to open for pupils at 10am.
09.03am – Ripon market remains open
Ripon market is still open today despite the snow. The essential stalls open today include two fruit and vegetable stalls and a fishmongers.
08.44am – Beckwithshaw Primary School to close
Beckwithshaw Primary School has now said it will close due to the snow.
It had previously planned to open at 10am.
08.25am – Ripley Primary School to close
Ripley Endowed Primary School has made the decision to close the school today due to the weather.
It had previously planned to open the school at 10am.
08.15am – Buses between Leeds airport and Harrogate disrupted
The A2 service from Bradford to Harrogate bus station, going via the airport, has been disrupted due to the snow.
Flyer Buses has reported, on its twitter, that it is unable to get into Harrogate due to a block in the road at Pool Bank.
Further updates can be found on its website.
https://twitter.com/FlyerBuses/status/1349626771017244672
08.05am – Only travel if essential says North Yorkshire County Council
The county council has reminded local residents of the yellow weather warning in place on twitter this morning. It has asked people to only travel if essential.
The gritters were out overnight in an effort to limit disruption.
A @metoffice yellow #weatherwarning for #snow and #ice in #NorthYorkshire is in place until 9pm today. We have gritted priority roads. Please only travel if essential and take extra care.
You can keep up to date with the forecast here ⬇️https://t.co/zHvC8EqeVU pic.twitter.com/CLUnA8AVNY
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 14, 2021
07.30am – Some schools remain open
In a twitter post, Harrogate High School has said it will remain open today.
It has advised its pupils who get lifts to school to work from home if possible and avoid the roads.
HHS is open today, but would advise any student that gets a lift to school, to work from home where possible, given the weather forecast of snow all day.
We will review the situation throughout the day.— HarrogateHighSchool (@HarrogateHigh) January 14, 2021
07.10am – Harrogate Bus Company says buses are still running
In a twitter post, Harrogate Bus Company has left commuters know their services are still running despite the snow.
It said those using them for essential services should keep an eye on the Transdev app for any updates.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349615061002805248
Gallery: the day snow returned to the Harrogate districtSnow has been falling throughout the day in the Harrogate district.
The weather has forced schools to shut, even to the children of key workers, as roads and pavements became treacherous.
Cars and lorries have found themselves stuck and police and council officials have urged people to only drive if it is essential.
Readers from across the district have sent their photos of the snowy scenes. Here are some of the highlights:
In Nidderdale and Pateley Bridge …
Henry the llama (left) and Basil the alpaca (right) are loving today’s wintery conditions in Nidderdale. Photograph: Nidderdale Llamas
St Mary’s Church in Pateley Bridge surrounded by snow. Photograph: Ben Derrick
These two photos of snowy Pateley Bridge were sent to us on Twitter. (Left) by @suzehu on and (right) the B6265 down towards Pateley Bridge by @juliatetley.
In Ripon …
Ripon Cathedral stood out against the snow.
The obelisk in Ripon.
In Harrogate …
The Stray Ferret captured this image of Harrogate this morning as some braved the conditions.
Someone was able to enjoy the snow on the Stray today. Photograph: Samantha Armitage.
Sylvia Skipper, a reader, sent these snowy photos of Beckwithshaw.
Harrogate town centre was quiet today as many people stayed indoors.
The Pinewoods in Harrogate looked like something out of a film. Photograph: @PinewoodsHgt on twitter.
Sean Rutter sent us this photo of Harrogate Grammar School in the snow today.
In Knaresborough …
This pup enjoyed its morning walk in the Knaresborough snow this morning. Sent by Mark Hook on Twitter.
This stunning picture of Knaresborough viaduct was sent in by Sharon Colgan on Facebook.
Elsewhere in the district …
Spofforth in the snow sent on Facebook by Rory Ffoulkes.
The snow in Kettlesing was heavy today. This was sent by reader @Kettlesingbob on Twitter.
One of our readers sent us this shot on Markington today. Photograph: Tracie Kay
Gritters are out in force today as the Harrogate district braces itself for a second bout of heavy snow in a week.
Fountains Abbey near Ripon and RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate have already decided to close tomorrow, with the Met Office warning of road closures, stranded vehicles, power cuts and loss of mobile phone coverage.
With heavy snow forecast all day tomorrow (Jan 14), Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, including the deer park will be closed all day for the safety of visitors and staff.
If you've booked to visit tomorrow you should receive a cancellation email shortly.@GHRHarrogate pic.twitter.com/iwPF7JWxWi— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) January 13, 2021
Unfortunately with more heavy snow forecast in Harrogate tomorrow, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Garden Centre will be closed on Thurs 14th January.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have paid for tickets, please contact harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk to arrange a refund. pic.twitter.com/oW6oKnTMJI
— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) January 13, 2021
A yellow weather warning for snow and ice is in place until 9pm tomorrow.
Although less severe than amber and red warnings, the Met Office still warns of “possible significant travel disruption”.
Overnight temperatures are forecast to fall as low as minus two degrees centigrade and not rise above freezing until Saturday, when another weather warning — this time for heavy rain — if effective.
A @metoffice yellow #weatherwarning for #snow and #ice in #NorthYorkshire is in place until 9pm tomorrow. Our gritting crews are treating priority roads but, if you must travel, please take extra care.
You can keep up to date with the forecast here ⬇️https://t.co/zHvC8EqeVU pic.twitter.com/02QCYkusKz
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 13, 2021
There are currently no flood warnings in the Harrogate district but they are in place nearby on the River Swale and River Ouse.
The Stray Ferret will provide weather and travel updates throughout the day tomorrow.