No hosepipe ban for Harrogate district despite falling water levels

A hosepipe ban is not being introduced in the Harrogate district despite continuing dry weather — but Yorkshire Water has said it “cannot rule it out” in future.

The water company is advising people to reduce their usage as much as possible as water levels remain low in Swinsty, Fewston and Thruscross reservoirs to the west of Harrogate, as well as Scar House and Grimwith in Nidderdale.

However, despite there being no rain in the forecast for the coming fortnight, the authority has not said it will follow in the footsteps of others by introducing a hosepipe ban.

A spokesperson for the company said:

“Yorkshire has experienced a particularly dry spring and summer and the reservoirs and rivers in our region are seeing the impact. Reservoir levels are currently around 51% – they declined by 2% over the last week despite the rainfall we had across Yorkshire.

“We’re always asking our customers to reduce their usage where they can and allow their lawns to go brown, not wash the car for a few weeks and turn the taps off when they’re brushing their teeth to stop waste and reduce the likelihood of restrictions later in the summer.

“We’re working around the clock to move water around our network of pipes to keep taps flowing and we’re doing our bit to save water where we can too. Our team of leakage inspectors are out and about across Yorkshire, working hard to save water from leaky pipes, and are prioritising larger leaks.”

Hosepipe bans take effect today in Hampshire, with Kent and Surrey to follow next week. This morning, it was announced that a further ban will be applied in south-west Wales from Friday, August 19.

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Free activities to do with the kids this summer in the Harrogate district

As the cost of living continues to rise, the thought of six weeks of trying to keep the children entertained on a tight budget can be daunting.

Fortunately you don’t always have to spend a fortune to have a fun day out.

We have put together a selection of free activities to enjoy with your family across the Harrogate district.

Pop-up parties – Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon

The Jubilee activities in Harrogate and Ripon were hugely enjoyed, so the summer programme organised by Harrogate Borough Council is sure to be popular.

There will be a chance for young people to enjoy juggling and circus shows, magicians, character meet and greets, and mini discos at three of the district’s picturesque parks and gardens.

Valley Gardens, Harrogate on Thursday, August 11 and Friday, August 12 between 11am and 4pm

Knaresborough Castle on Friday, August 26 between 11am and 4pm

Ripon Spa Gardens on Saturday, August 27 between 11am and 3pm

The venues are also all worth visiting for a free day out, even if you are unable to make the parties.

You could enjoy a picnic and play in the Valley Gardens, plus a walk up to the Pinewoods. You could grab an ice cream and head to Knaresborough Castle, before wandering down the steps to the riverside. Or you could play a game of crazy golf in Ripon Spa Gardens.

 

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A day out at Brimham Rocks, Nidderdale

If you live in the district, chances are you have already visited the unusual moorland rock formations at Brimham Rocks.

However, the summer holidays are the perfect excuse to head up there again with a picnic.

If you haven’t been, you’re in for a treat as it really is nature’s playground for the whole family. Just make sure the kids are wearing decent shoes so they can climb the rocks. Also taking a photo of your children pretending to either push a huge boulder over or hold one up is essential.

The views over Nidderdale are stunning too.

There’s no admission charge at Brimham Rocks. Parking is free for National Trust members.

For non-National Trust members, car parking charges are  £6 for up to four hours and £8 thereafter.

Library events – district wide

On a rainy day, nothing beats a free trip to the library, where you can lose yourself in all the amazing children’s books on offer.

A Summer Reading Challenge is taking place to encourage your children to pick up a book, which isn’t always easy in the holidays.

Children aged four to 11 years just need to call in at their local library to sign up.

The challenge is free to take part in and children get to collect rewards for the reading that they do over the summer holidays. To complete the challenge they have to read six library books between now and September 10.
There are also lots of free activities on offer over the school holidays, including workshops, Lego building and family board games days.
Refresh your summer wardrobe with these stylish picks from three Harrogate boutiques

This weekend is my favourite time of year – the clocks are going forward! Finally!

And after a glorious week of weather, I think most of us are getting in the mood for summer.

We are finally able to turn our attention to the spring-summer 2022 fashion trends. While we might still need to have a chunky knit on standby, rest assured, balmy eves are just around the corner.

So with that in mind, it’s time to clue up on all the biggest styles, colours, prints and It-pieces set to dominate the season ahead.

And fortunately Harrogate has some incredible clothes shops – both independents and chains – so you don’t even need to travel to get kitted out.

Here are some top picks from three fashion boutiques in Harrogate:

Infinity & Co, Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza

Infinity & Co owner Sam Gallagher models her first spring summer outfit choice.

Sheer pink top with tassels: £99

White trousers: £45

Straw bag with statement tassel, sparkly trim and leather strap: £92

Shoes: Model’s own

Sam Gallagher, owner of Infinity & Co boutique, which moved from a pop-up unit to a bigger space at the Victoria Shopping Centre seven weeks ago, said:

“Across the whole of this season we are seeing lots of bright colours coming through and I think we are all ready for that after the last two years.

“What we are seeing as we are coming into summer is the brights are becoming more neon and we have seen a lot of Aztec influence – in bag straps, in embroidery, so this top is a typical example of what we are seeing coming through. We are also seeing the bohemian trend going bigger this year. So this top is a combo of both the Aztec and bohemian trends.

“The white trousers are a “magic pant”, which is a new technology of fabric, which doesn’t go see-through when it stretches, so you can buy a size 10-16. For an independent this is great as it means we can stock a lot more styles. They also have an elasticated waist, which I call ‘lockdown clothing’, so when you are feeling a bit bloated it’s comfortable.

“Then you have this gorgeous straw bag with a statement tassel.”

Joined by Bailey the dog, Sam models her second spring summer outfit choice.

Dress with gold embroidery: £99

Bohemian-style tassel pendant: £28

Shoes: Model’s own

Sam said:

“This is from a new collection that we have got in, which has really pretty gold embroidery and, again, lots of beading.

“I’ve teamed this with one of the bohemian-style pendants, which we have got in loads of different colours. It’s just great for layering.

“It’s so pretty and would be great for going beach to bar or a garden party, or for a drink on West Park.”

Mint Velvet, James Street

Tan casual leather jacket: £299

Bronze sequin ruffle top: £69

Hazelnut Monroe crop wide trousers: £79

Anges white leather saddle bag: £119

Fern gold metallic wedges: £169

Manager Suzie Poole said:

“This year there is lots of tonal dressing with neutrals, such as whites, creams and golds. There is usually some sparkle added to this with sequins. It’s kind of a reaction to the pandemic – casual but with a bit of extra sparkle. It’s about making you feel a bit more special about the outfit you’re wearing.”

Ivory gathered back shirt: £79

Zest chunky v-neck tabard: £79

Utility slim jeans: £89

Camille tone leather loafers: £99

Gold ball pendant: £29

Supervisor Terina Daly said:

“Lime green is really on-trend at the moment and bright colours in general. It just looks really fresh. The lime seems to be a colour that suits everyone, even though people can be scared of brighter colours.

“We have noticed more people coming in since the pandemic saying they need some more colour in their wardrobes.

“Animal print is also huge and it’s coming through a lot in accessories. So if you don’t feel confident enough, you can just wear a headband and have a little pop of print.

“The military trend is still big and these khaki trousers are really popular. We also do them in other colours.”

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Porters, James Street

Universal Works navy bakers jacket: £249

Oliver Spencer navy and cream conduit stripe T-shirt: £85

Universal Works light olive fatigue trousers: £135

Hoffs Bangkok City beige and orange trainer: £99

Carhartt Nomad script bucket hat: £45

Carhartt WIP Vista tie dye socks: £20

Website manager Charlotte Woodhead said:

“This outfit is smart/casual with some nice layering. With the warmer weather coming, it’s nice to have a bucket hat for summer vibes, which you can use to dress down an outfit.”

Traffic People ITJ Cleo animal print jumpsuit: £120

Matt & Nat chili vie vintage bag belt: £70

Rebecca Jones, website assistant, said:

“The jumpsuit is made with a really lightweight fabric, it’s really floaty with three-quarter length sleeves and a wide leg, which is great because if it’s too long it’s really easy to hem up. It has a really flattering waistband.

“Jumpsuits are here to stay as it’s an outfit in one, you don’t have to worry about what you have got on top and bottom.

“They are really smart and easy to wear. You could dress this up with a pair of heels and a nice blazer, or down with a pair of trainers and a leather jacket. We do this jumpsuit in different colourways.

“The bag is made from a sustainable vegan leather. It’s what you would call a ‘bumbag’ and it’s really on-trend to wear them across the shoulder as it’s a more stylish way to wear them. We do them in black as well.”

Six outdoor workouts to try across the Harrogate district this spring and summer

We have been bathed in glorious sunshine this week and it feels amazing to get outside and feel the sun on our skin again.

While our sunny disposition may change with the weather, it’s always good to make the most of it while you can – and that includes exercising outdoors.

Because, let’s face it, the treadmill and weights areas just don’t have the same appeal when it’s warm outside.

If you’ve only ever really worked out at a gym, however, you might be wondering how to make your sweat session an al fresco experience.

From wild swimming and cycling to bootcamps and running, here are six outdoor workouts across the Harrogate district to get you out in the sunshine this spring and summer:

Outdoor fitness sessions with Set the Tone Fitness – Ripon and Knaresborough

A Set the Tone outdoor fitness session.

Head fitness coach Stu Clark and his team run outdoor sessions across Ripon and Knaresborough.

You can expect a mixture of cardio and non-cardio exercises and activities, along with fun warm-ups, team and pair work, accompanied by some “excellent tunes”.

The sessions are suitable for all levels of fitness.

Stu said:

“There’s nothing better than breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sun on your back while you’re doing squats or a one-minute plank.

“It makes you feel alive. There’s something about being in amongst nature and hearing those sounds that brings peace and calm.

“You can forget your other pressures and focus on enjoying the outdoors – even if that involves getting a bit of a sweat on and doing more star jumps than you thought possible.

“The sessions and are great fun. After all, laughter is great for your stress levels and may lower blood pressure.”

Parkrun – Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon

A parkrun in Harrogate from 2015.

Parkrun sees runners of all abilities take part in a 5km run every Saturday morning.

It holds three events in the Harrogate district: on The Stray in Harrogate, at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough and at Fountains Abbey in Ripon.

It offers an opportunity for all the local community, regardless of age or gender, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy the beautiful green spaces and get physically active at the same time – and best of all, it’s free!

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Wild swimming – various locations

Ben Pitts tests the waters at Janet’s Foss in Malhamdale.

Wild – or outdoor – swimming has enjoyed increased popularity in recent years, with more and more people even braving the elements and swimming throughout the seasons.

If winter swimming sounds a little on the chilly side, then luckily late spring and early summer is a more favourable time to start.

Wild swimmer Ben Pitts, from Harrogate, said:

“I started back in 2019 with a friend from work. For some reason we decided November would be a great time to start, so there was actually frost in the shaded part around the lake. I’m pretty sure we were only in there for a minute, but that was long enough.

“I wanted to get into it after reading about the benefits of it in one of Ross Edgley’s books.

“The mental clarity you get from being in the cold and the rush of energy once you’re out are fantastic, so it’s not hard to see why more people are getting into it with everything that has been going on. It also increases your white blood cell count, which helps your immune system.”

Swimming outdoors is a great way to stay fit and connect with nature, but some basic safety precautions must be taken.

When it comes to locations, a good place to start is here.

Cycling with The Personal Cyclist, Harrogate area

Head outside on a bike with confidence – even if you don’t know where to start.

If you’re anything like me and you love the idea of heading out on a bike, but have no idea where to start, The Personal Cyclist offers cycling confidence coaching and personalised guided cycling tours in and around Harrogate.

Founder Kate Auld said:

“Cycling outdoors with the wind in your hair is one of the best ways to see the world, get close to nature and get a cracking workout in the process.

“You can’t check your phone and just ‘switch off’, you have to really engage with your surroundings and that’s what makes it magic.

“Often people who haven’t ridden for years just need a little extra support to cycle safely and socially. It’s a myth that you need to have all the gear (or go fast) to reap the benefits of cycling outside.”

Ready Steady Mums walking group – Harrogate

Ready Steady Mums brings new parents together once a week to walk together

Ready Steady Mums brings new parents together once a week to walk together.

In Harrogate, simply going for a weekly walk around The Stray has been a lifeline for dozens of new parents, who bring their babies along to get out of the house and make friends at what can be a very isolating time.

Formed in 2016, the volunteer-run group offers “friendship, support, cake, fresh air and fitness” and meets at St Mark’s Church, just off Leeds Road, at 10am every Friday.

It is free to attend and there is no need to book. I’ve heard amazing things about the homemade cakes!

Bootcamps with Lauren Randall Fitness – Harrogate

Bootcampers get stuck in at “The Ranch”, just outside Pannal.

Personal trainer Lauren coaches at the biggest outdoor gym space in the area, just outside Pannal, complete with a full gym rig and plenty of kit – perfect for adult PE.

Sessions at “The Ranch” are 45 minutes and focus on everything from weight lifting technique to cardio endurance to sport specific training, catering for all levels of fitness.

Lauren said:

“Research continues to prove that being outdoors and around nature improves mental health, lowers blood pressure, improves mood and relieves stress.

“Combine that with the endorphin release and plethora of benefits of exercising and you can’t go wrong.

“The winter weather can make it more challenging to get outside, but you’ll soon notice a surge in outdoor activities and better moods.”

Dig out your treasures: BBC’s Antiques Roadshow comes to Newby Hall

BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow has confirmed it will be returning this summer, with Newby Hall named as one of its 8 locations.

Viewers are being asked to contact the Roadshow team with any hidden gems and stories to tell. A form is available on their website where owners can fill out details of their objects.

For the first time in the show’s history, the series will be filmed on a closed set with only a small audience invited. This is to ensure the safety of guests, the production team and the wider public.

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Presenter Fiona Bruce has been at the forefront of Antiques Roadshow for 13 years.

“Normally we welcome around 5,000 people to each Antiques Roadshow, but of course in these extraordinary times we will have to do things very differently. We’ve come up with a new way to safely film the show yet still bring you amazing items and stories. I can’t wait to see what treasures you have hidden in your homes.”

The Roadshow normally sees around 5,000 visitors at each venue.

The show was first broadcast in 1979 and has since become one of the most popular programmes on BBC One, with around 6 million viewers tuning in every Sunday evening.

Robert Murphy, BBC Studios Series Editor said:

“To keep everybody safe and comply with current government and WHO regulations, we have planned our filming days very differently this year…Our team of experts are looking forward to seeing your heirlooms and finds, so do go to our website and let us know about your treasures.”

Some of the Roadshow’s most remarkable finds have included a hand written document signed by Elizabeth I and a ring containing a lock of author Charlotte Bronte’s hair.

If you have a hidden treasure you wish to uncover, share your story at www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow.

newby hall

Newby Hall has been named as one of 8 venues for this summer’s series.