The owner of the Stump Cross Caverns tourist attraction has confirmed that one lucky supporter will win a flat in Pateley Bridge on Christmas Day.
The news came after a £130,000 crowdfunding target, which had to be reached by December 25, was achieved yesterday with just a few days to spare.
Lisa Bowerman and fiancé Nick Markham launched their Crowdfunder campaign in autumn 2021, offering their one-bedroom flat on Pateley Bridge High Street as a raffle prize and asking supporters to buy tickets for £10 each.
It took 20 months for the campaign to break through the £100,000 barrier, but just a week to raise the final £30,000.
In a Facebook post, Lisa said:
“This is going to happen now! We will definitely be giving this apartment away on Christmas Day!”
Read more:
- Stump Cross Caverns owners live underground for 105 hours
- Stump Cross owners in last push to raise £130,000 target by Christmas Day
The couple are raising funds to pay for a much-needed specialist lighting system at Stump Cross, whose limestone caves stretch for miles under Greenhow Hill. The new German-made illuminations can resist the cold and damp conditions underground, and cost around £200,000.
Lisa said:
“The profits that we have made as a business would normally be used to reinvest in the business, however they are being reabsorbed due to the rising cost of living/bills.
“It almost seems even more appropriate now than before to give the flat away on Christmas Day and make at least one person’s life easier whilst going through these tough times. £10 could turn into £130,000 for someone.
“Monies raised will in turn help to protect and preserve a little bit of history for our future.”
Tickets for the draw will still be on sale right up until midday on Christmas Day, unless the next target, of £200,000, is reached first. The draw will be held in the afternoon of December 25.
Lisa Bowerman in Stump Cross Caverns, whose strange formations were created by dissolved limestone in dripping water over thousands of years.
Stump Cross Caverns were formed around 500,000 years ago, but only discovered by lead miners in the mid-1800s. Ancient animal bones have been recovered from the caves, some of them from the last Ice Age, including wolves, reindeer, bison, and wolverines.
Stump Cross owners in last push to raise £130,000 target by Christmas DayA crowdfunding campaign offering people the chance to win a flat in Pateley Bridge is set to end on Christmas Day.
Lisa Bowerman and her fiancé Nick launched their competition through Crowdfunder 20 months ago and hope to reach their £130,000 target by the time it closes at midday on December 25.
At the time of going to press, it had generated £103,000.
The campaign aims to raise enough money to install new lighting at Stump Cross Caverns. The current lights have been in place since 1948.
Ms Bowerman said this would not only “preserve and protect the cave” but also be more sustainable and environmentally friendly because the system would use less energy. The lights will only come on if there are people in the cave. Ms Bowerman also said that the new system would minimise algae growth.
Tickets to win Ms Bowerman’s one-bedroom apartment on Pateley Bridge High Street cost £10.
An image of the flat.
Ms Bowerman said:
“Once the winner is announced they can pick up the keys there and then.”
She explained there would need to be discussions with solicitors to change the property into the winner’s name, but after that it’s theirs.
The couple have held multiple fundraisers to draw attention to the campaign, including their 105-hour sleepover in the caves that took place in October 2021.
Lisa and Nick have also been taking part in a 105-day bike challenge to raise money for the campaign. The number of days relates to Geoff Workman, who lived in the cavern for 105 days on his own in 1963.
More recently, they held another sleepover in the cave, where they took 12 people down with them from 9pm to 9am.
Ms Bowerman said:
“It was full within hours of launching the idea.”
However, of the 12 that Ms Bowerman took down, only eight lasted the full 12 hours because of the cold and damp.
Read more:
- Stump Cross Caverns owners live underground for 105 hours
- Stump Cross owners to raffle their £130,000 flat
In the lead up to the closing date, Ms Bowerman has been doing “everything she can” to get the message out there, including updating social media platforms including TikTok “every waking minute” to try to reach as many people as possible.
Lisa and Nick want to improve the cave lighting.
Stump Cross Caverns has awarded free meals in the cafe and cinema to the public as part of their marketing drive.
Ms Bowerman said that when the lights are being fitted, the caves will close for a period of time.
If the campaign does not reach its target of £130,00 by midday on Christmas day then the supporters will receive a full refund and the campaign will be declared unsuccessful.
Click here to visit the Crowdfunder page.
Nidderdale luxury glamping site expandsYurtshire, in the Nidderdale countryside, is drawing on the power of nature, to create a revitalising experience for visitors from across the Harrogate district and further afield.
The 93-acre site, which features Eavestone Lake, is being developed by Tom Sterne, whose family are long-term investors in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, in Ripon and surrounding areas.
Located between Ripon and Pateley Bridge, just off the B6265 road, the site with its nine luxurious tree yurts, opened last summer.
Following the high demand of a staycation year, three more units are being added, after planning permission was granted by Harrogate Borough Council.
Plans are also in hand to add spa-type facilities and services, including a sauna, facial and body massages.
The site features the 13-acre Eavestone Lake
Mr Sterne, who has more than ten years of experience of outdoor hospitality-based business, gained through his operation of hire company Yorkshire Yurts and YurtBar, which caters for the corporate entertainment market, told the Stray Ferret:
“I’m using the expertise that I have gained to create a new facility to satisfy the needs of people who are increasingly focused on wellness, lifestyle issues and the environment.”
He pointed out:
“Our site has an abundance of natural assets, including forty acres of forest, a 13-acre lake and the biodiversity that goes with them, from birds, butterflies and insects to clear night-time skies that are perfect for people whose spirits are lifted by looking at the stars.
“The aim is to harness and harmonise with all aspects of the natural environment – woodland, water and wildlife – to provide guests with a restful and regenerative stay that is good for mind, body and the healing process.
“That is why people wanting to find a peaceful and idyllic place to go on retreat, represent a growing part of our business.”
The yurts have been designed to provide a five-star level of luxury
In the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Yurtshire is surrounded by stunning scenery, that would not look out of place on a canvas by the landscape master painter J.M.W. Turner.
Views from the decking of each Yurt site, which has its own private hot tub, underline why nearby Grassington was chosen for filming of the smash-hit Channel 5 programme All Creatures Great and Small.
Each of the nine placements has its own private hot tub and decking area
With Grassington and other attractions, such as Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal, Brimham Rocks and Stump Cross Caverns, drawing more staycationers to Yorkshire, there is scope for Yurtshire to build on a successful first season.
Nicola Warters, pictured here with Tom Sterne, says the yurts provide five-star luxury in idyllic surroundings
Yurtshire manager Nicola Warters, said:
“We are providing the type of luxury accommodation that can be found in a five-star hotel, but instead of waking up surrounded by bricks and mortar, our visitors are in the heart of the woodland and arise to the sound of birds singing.
“Some also come for the pleasure of picking out the star constellations, as they relax in the soothing waters of their hot tub. It’s therapeutic on every level.”
Read more:
- The natural beauty of Fountains Abbey captured on camera
- Stars of All Creatures Great and Small stars seen in the Harrogate district
Creepy caves, pumpkins and witches: half-term fun in the district
This article is sponsored by Berwins
With Halloween falling during October half-term, there is a seriously spooky theme to this year’s family activities across the district.
And with last year’s Halloween celebrations being pretty much cancelled due to the pandemic this year’s spooky season is bigger and better than ever.
So whether you fancy a trip to some dark, scary caves, some pumpkin picking on a farm or some ghostly fun in Harrogate town centre, we’ve put together a list of five places to take your little witches and wizards for some Halloween fun.
Birchfield Farm Pumpkin Festival
Pick your own pumpkins at Birchfield Farm.
When Birchfield Farm launched its Pumpkin Festival on October 2, I think most of Harrogate visited. My social media feeds were jam-packed with pumpkins in wheelbarrows and smiling faces.
Fortunately there are plenty of pumpkins to go around and you can visit everyday until Halloween.
A firm favourite with families across the district, including my own, there are also lots of activities to do on the farm so you can make a morning or afternoon of it.
After you have picked your pumpkin from the patch – and there really is a huge selection of all shapes and sizes – you then have the option of visiting the farm for £5 per person. Then take your kids for a homemade ice cream at the farm’s café, which is currently serving takeout food and drinks.
Activities include:
- A huge carving barn where you can create your pumpkin masterpieces
- Bouncy castles
- Play equipment
- A 6-acre maize maze
- Woodland and den building
- Animals
- A giant bale mountain
HarroScream 2021
Enter Harrogate town centre if you dare this half-term…
- A supernatural-themed interactive trail on the loyalfreeapp
- A mysterious pop-up photobooth in the Victoria Shopping Centre
- Ghostly street entertainment
- A sinister, live radio show with Your Harrogate
- Petrifying prizes to be won throughout
Mother Shipton’s The Witching Hour
Mother Shipton’s is hosting The Witching Hour over half-term.
It’s the witching hour at Mother Shipton’s. Deep in the spooky forest where the world-famous prophetess was said to have been born during a terrifying thunderstorm, the spirits are flying high. You may hear the cackle of old souls wandering the ancient woodland or feel a shiver down your spine as you step into the Haunted Halloween Village.
Suitable for all ages, watch out for witches, ghosts, and creepy skeletons around every corner. There’s frightful fun to be had with photo opportunities and fancy dress competitions. Share your spooktacular photos and inventive costumes on social media using the hashtag #mothershiptons to be in with the chance of winning prizes and tickets.
See the incredible Petrifying Well as it turns items to stone as if by magic. Become spellbound as you make a wish in the wicked wishing well, warm-up with refreshments and hot drinks served from the vintage-style coffee kiosk.
The park has scenic picnic areas alongside the River Nidd, an adventure playground, and a museum, featuring petrified celebrity items. Access to the adventure playground is subject to weather conditions.
Stump Cross Caverns Halloween Half-term
Go on a Halloween trail at Stump Cross Caverns.
Spooky family films, including Casper and Scooby Doo, will be shown in the cinema room daily, with food and drink served from the Time Café to your seat for the ultimate Halloween experience.
From 3pm to 6pm every day during half-term and on Thursday until 8pm, you can also experience the caves as you have never seen them before with a self-guided torchlit ultraviolet tour.
Stockeld Park Halloween Adventure
Stockeld Park has a new skeleton trail this half-term.
Stockeld Park is another firm family favourite and the Halloween festivities are always great fun.
As always, there will be lots of spellbinding surprises in store in the Enchanted Forest, and little ones will love to exploring the pumpkin patch and will be able to pick their very own pumpkin to take home. Every paying child will get to choose a free pumpkin.
Spooky real live characters will be dotted around the park, providing photo opportunities and fun interactions for families.
New for this year, skeletons have taken over Stockeld with the skeleton trail. You can also try your luck with a spot of graveyard golf – the attraction’s brand new Halloween mini golf, which is undercover so you can play whatever the weather.
There’s something suitably scary for all ages.
The owners of Stump Cross Caverns are taking on a mammoth 105-hour stay underground to raise money.
Lisa Bowerman and Nicholas Markham, who own the limestone caves near Pateley Bridge, are staying in one of the caverns as part of a crowdfunding campaign for new cave lighting.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret, Ms Bowerman said the move was inspired by Geoff Workman, who in 1963 spent 105 days in one of the caverns and broke the previous world record for time spent continuously underground by 40 days.
The pair have set a crowdfunding target of £200,000 and will remain in the cave until 8pm on Friday.
Ms Bowerman told the Stray Ferret:
“We decided that we needed to do something crazy. It’s a massive undertaking and we need this crowdfunder to work.
“I said to Nick that if we do nothing then we will get nothing.”
Read more:
- Stump Cross Caverns camper van winner named
- Stump Cross owners to raffle their £130,000 flat
- Stump Cross Caverns issues plea for survival
The couple, who are dressed as a caveman and cavewoman, are live streaming their stay in the cavern every day on their Facebook page.
As part of the fundraising campaign, the pair have also decided to raffle off their £130,000 flat in Pateley Bridge.
They hope to sell 20,000 tickets for £10 each to generate funds to maintain the ancient limestone caves.
In March, the couple raffled their VW Campervan, which raised £72,5000 in 40 days — enough money to keep the caverns open.
You can find out more on how to support the Stump Cross Caverns campaign here.