Harrogate Photographic Society has announced plans for its 100th anniversary, which include showcasing historic images of the town as well as photos from the early days of Ukraine’s independence.
The society was founded on October 23, 1922 and was originally based at a shop on King’s Road.
Mike Hudson, the society’s president for its centenary year, said:
“There were seven members originally but that rapidly expanded… and it took off big time from then.”
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A team from the society has gone through the image archives at Harrogate Library and North Yorkshire County Council to find pictures from that time.
Many images have been lost but the ones which remain are set to be digitised and displayed to the public in the near future.
Mr Hudson said they were hoping to preserve elements of Harrogate’s history. He added:
“When someone passes away, the sons, daughters and relatives… [put photos] in the bin or in the skip and they’re lost forever. We’re very lucky to have just a few photographs and prints that have survived.”
There are also plans for a special presentation alongside local jewellers Ogden of Harrogate about the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt in 1922.
JR Ogden was tasked with advising archaeologist Howard Carter on the jewels and gold found within the tomb.
The covid pandemic was a challenge for the group, Mr Hudson admitted, with its meetings having to be held online.
However, he hoped that people would now be encouraged to return and meet the photographers in-person.
Some of the society members’ photos (photos: Harrogate Photographic Society)
Photos from Ukraine
Following the look at Harrogate’s past, the society will hear from globally renowned photographers including Tim Smith and Paul Haley.
Mr Smith will discuss his time spent in Ukraine and Russia in 1991, when Ukraine voted to declare independence from the Soviet Union.
Mr Haley, a war photographer, will be sharing his photos for the Falklands War, the 40th anniversary of which was this year.
Mike Hudson believed that each photographer brought something different in terms of their work. He said:
Ukrainian who fled to Harrogate sets up vodka and sunflower oil business“Each photographer has something special to say themselves. They each excel in the genres of photography they take.”
A Ukrainian entrepreneur has moved to Harrogate and launched a vodka and sunflower oil import business.
Fedir Haidai undertook a 14-day journey across Europe with his wife Katya and three-year-old son Misha after finding a sponsor family in Harrogate through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
He said:
“I was on a business trip to Kherson in February when we heard that Russia was assembling soldiers, tanks and military equipment around 100km away. I spoke to my wife in Kyiv and said we must go now.
“She left work, picked up our son from nursery and a few belongings from home. We crossed into Moldova where we were able to stay with friends. A few hours later we watched on TV as the invasion started.
“My parents are still in Ukraine and I am afraid for them.”
Mr Haidai was forced to abandon two businesses that employed 30 people in Kyiv.
His outdoor paving tile manufacturing company was destroyed by Russian attacks. A second company that imports central heating pipes became unsustainable because his main supplier was based in Russian ally Belarus.
He has now joined the North Yorkshire branch of the Institute of Directors to forge new connections and support as he restarts his business journey.
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Three months after arriving in the UK, he has three new ventures.
Sunflower Ltd – named after the Ukrainian national flower – will import Ukrainian sunflower oil, which Mr Haidai will market under the Holla Oils brand.
He is also to import Hetman-branded vodka. Lviv-based Hetman is one of the largest producers of alcoholic drinks in Ukraine, with a history dating back to 1782.
He plans to sell the products through online, physical retail and the hospitality trade.
A third business will help to relocate IT experts from Ukraine to safe European locations.
Mr Haidai said:
“The main thing is that we are safe but we don’t have any savings so I need to set up in business here.
“I know how to organise a company and build relationships with suppliers and clients. My idea is to import products from the west of Ukraine, where it is safer. There is a need for sunflower oil here and significant demand for Ukranian vodka.”
Harrogate ‘like a Harry Potter film’
Mr Haidai has faced challenges in setting up his business – not least finding a bank prepared to open a business account for him – but doors are now beginning to open.
“I need a lot of money to import vodka due to alcohol duty but I have found some people who want to help me,” he said.
“I am surprised and happy that so many local people want to help us in different ways. People are so open and friendly. We have been introduced to so many new people.”
Mr Haidai has been joined in Harrogate by his sister and 17-year-old niece, who have also found a sponsor home in the town. He said:
“My first impression of Harrogate was it looked like a Harry Potter film, with all the old buildings.”
Knaresborough man appeals for help to bring Christmas cheer to Ukraine
It may still be the height of summer but a Knaresborough man is asking people to donate Christmas presents as he prepares to travel to Ukraine for the fifth time.
Bob Frendt, 71, has already made four trips with medical supplies and other aid since the country was invaded by Russia in February.
Now, he is hoping to bring a little cheer to families still stuck in the war-torn country in time for the festive season. The retired truck driver told the Stray Ferret:
“People have been so generous up to now so I could make the trips to get supplies where they were needed.
“I took an old tour coach over earlier in the year and it’s now being used as a triage unit. It’s great because it means they can put casualties in the beds and evacuate them.
“Apparently Kylie Minogue used the coach many years ago when she was on tour — and now look where it is.”
The former tour coach is now being used as a medical triage unit.
Donations have rolled in for his previous missions, with Medequip and Andway Healthcare both contributing medical equipment and other businesses giving cash to cover the cost of the trip.
As the cost of living crisis hits the UK, however, Mr Frendt said he is struggling to get enough donations to cover petrol, tax and insurance for his next six-day trip in October.
To make up the funds, he has been collecting prizes from local businesses to raffle off, and already has vouchers and hampers from several well-known firms including Bettys, Mother Shipton’s Cave, Goldsborough Hall and Harrogate Theatre.
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The trip usually costs around £2,500 to complete – though rising costs are affecting this too. However, Mr Frendt is determined to do what he can for the volunteer army of citizens defending their country.
“The main aim this time is to take things for the kids. It will be the first Christmas for them since this began.
“I’m looking for toys particularly, but also old laptops and even solar panels and small power packs. They often have no electricity so they need ways to generate power and charge things up.
“They’re mechanics and butchers and bakers and street sweepers. They’ve been left on their own. The civilians are being looked after by all the usual aid agencies, but these guys have been left to fend for themselves.
“When I first got involved, I was talking to the commander of 204 Squadron and he said ‘we’re desperate for medical stuff’. They were using upside down brooms for crutches and people were sleeping on cardboard boxes.
“It could reduce you to tears, some of the things I’ve seen.”
To donate to Mr Frendt’s fundraising or contribute something for his next trip in early October, click here to send him an email.
Harrogate independent school offers free places for Ukrainian refugeesA Harrogate independent school is offering free places to Ukrainian children displaced by war in their home country.
Brackenfield School, on Duchy Road, has already welcomed one child and another is set to join in September.
Staff are giving them extra support to make sure they feel safe and comfortable in their learning environment and “have a fair opportunity to thrive”.
Joe Masterson, headteacher at Brackenfield, said:
“We are privileged to welcome these extremely brave and resilient children into our school community and are doing all we can to ensure our new pupils are as much a part of school life as every other child.
“Everyone deserves an education in a safe and caring space and we’re proud to be hosting Ukrainian children in our school and making them part of the Brackenfield family.”
Read more:
Mr Masterson said it was also a valuable learning opportunity for other students.
He added:
“They can learn and ask first-hand about Ukrainian culture, gain a better understanding of the world around us and see with their own eyes that giving a helping hand makes everyone stronger.”
It’s believed that 2.5 million children have fled Ukraine since the start of the war, many leaving everything behind and being displaced for months before arriving in a safe country.
Deputy head Paul Jenkins with pupils.
Brackenfield is one of seven independent schools owned by Forfar Education to welcome Ukrainian refugees.
John Forsyth, chief executive of the Forfar Group, said its schools had a moral duty to support Ukrainian families as they settle into UK life.
He said:
“Forfar had taken the decision to offer free places to Ukrainian children fleeing conflict at the time the war broke out, so we’re proud to be leading the way for other independent schools considering doing the same.
“It’s important to show solidarity in times of crisis. We believe everyone has the right to a good and safe education, which is why we have opened our doors to those who need it most exactly when they need our help.”
Forfar has offered places in all of its schools, with no limit of the number of spaces available.
Harrogate business backs trio’s 15,000-mile trek to IndiaA Harrogate business is backing three men who are embarking on a 15,000 mile trek in aid of Ukraine.
Daniel Patton, 22, Joe Fisher, 23 and Callum Kitson, 22, who are from New Zealand but have Harrogate connections, are driving from Orkney Isles in Scotland to India in a small hatchback car.
The journey forms part of the Mongol Rally, which challenges drivers to take a 1.3 litre vehicle on a trek in aid of charity.
The trio, who call themselves The Kiwis Don’t Fly Rally Team, are raising money for the DEC Ukraine appeal.
They stopped at the Royal Pump Room Museum in Harrogate on Tuesday as part of the first phase of their journey.
Ethical Team, a PR company based at the Grosvenor Buildings on Crescent Road, has backed the effort.
Iain Patton, director of Ethical Team, said:
“It’s incredible how the plight of Ukraine has garnered support from young people all around the world.
“It’s inspiring how ‘Kiwis Don’t Fly’ want to do everything in their power to make a difference and show solidarity with Ukrainians in such difficult times.”
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The men said they were embarking on the mammoth trek to raise money amid the Ukraine war.
They said:
“We have dedicated over two years of research to this adventure, and when the opportunity came up to participate in an expedition organised by The Adventurists along the way we couldn’t say no.
“We happen to think our charity of choice is a pretty special too.”
The first leg of their journey will see the trio head from John o’ Groats to Georgia.
After this, they will navigate south on their own from Georgia through Azerbaijan, Iran, and Pakistan to reach their destination in the south of India.
You can donate to the trio at their JustGiving page here.
Harrogate teenagers to embark on 48 mile walk in aid of UkraineTwo Harrogate teenagers are set to embark upon a 48 mile walk in two days in an effort to raise money for Ukraine.
Grace Brierley and her friend Elena Dickson, who are both 14, will start the walk by taking on the Knaresborough round on Saturday, July 9.
From there, they will walk the Harrogate ringway on Sunday and will be camping out in between.
Money raised will go towards United 24, an initiative set up by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, amid the war with Russia.
The charity aims to be a direct source for donations for the country and helps with medical aid, rebuilding and defence.
Grace and Elena have set up a JustGiving page as part of their walk. You can find their page here.
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Could Harrogate host Eurovision again?
Enthusiasm is mounting for Harrogate to put in a bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest again in 2023.
The European Broadcasting Union, which runs the event, announced yesterday it had concluded this year’s winner, Ukraine, was unable to host the event because of the on going invasion by Russia.
It leaves the door open for the UK, as runner-up, to be next in line to host the event next year.
Speculation has grown rapidly on Twitter about the potential host town or city – and Harrogate’s name has cropped up more than once.
Bring it back to Harrogate. https://t.co/khvYS1Loqy
— Duncan Woods (@the__DAW) June 17, 2022
The prospect has been welcomed by the town’s business leaders. Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID Manager, said:
“I think it would be absolutely brilliant if Harrogate was to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“Harrogate is no stranger to staging major international events, and let’s remember 40 years ago Eurovision was held in the newly opened Harrogate Convention Centre.
“Once again, images of the town and wider district would be beamed into homes around the world. It would bring thousands of visitors into the town, give the local economy a massive shot in the arm and benefit many businesses.”
Jan Leeming hosted Eurovision live from Harrogate in 1982.
Sue Kramer, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce president, said:
“Holding Eurovision would give the town and the district an enormous feel good factor, and with little disruption. It will also attract a significant number of visitors and a huge TV audience. Bring it on!”
Chamber chief executive David Simister added:
“I remember the excitement in the town when we staged it 40 years ago.
“Over the subsequent years the popularity of the Eurovision Song Contest has grown significantly, and hosting it would certainly be a fantastic opportunity for Harrogate.”
However, not everyone seems to feel so positive about it.
https://twitter.com/connormoseleyx/status/1537775214536364032
Having just celebrated the 40th anniversary of it being held in Harrogate, is there a possibility the town could be called on again to welcome fans, contestants and international media?
Sadly, it seems unlikely.
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In 1982, Harrogate Convention Centre was chosen because it was a brand new venue – a chance for the UK to show its modern facilities and ways of working.
However, its 2,000 capacity – perfectly adequate at the time – is unlikely to meet the organisers’ needs to accommodate the huge crowds who clamour to attend each year.
This year’s contest in Turin was held at the PalaOlimpico, which has a capacity of up to 15,657 for concerts. Rotterdam Ahoy, which hosted in 2021, can welcome audiences of more than 16,000.
So if not Harrogate, where?
The UK has hosted Eurovision eight times: four in London, and one each in Edinburgh, Brighton and Birmingham, as well as Harrogate.
Near neighbour Leeds is on the list of potential contenders, with the city council quick to confirm it will bid to hold the event at the First Direct arena, with its 13,781 capacity.
In a joint statement, council leader Cllr James Lewis and Cllr Jonathan Pryor, executive member for economy and culture, said:
“It goes without saying that Leeds will be bidding to host Eurovision in 2023. Together with ASM Global, the operators of the First Direct arena in Leeds, we have already been in touch with both the Government and the BBC to discuss our plans.
“Leeds has already proved that it has the capability and capacity to host major international events and ASM Global successfully hosted Eurovision in the Avicii Arena, Stockholm Sweden in 2016. Given that we will be mid-way through the Leeds 2023 year of culture, it could not come at a better time.
“We are extremely disappointed that Ukraine will be unable to host in 2023, but it would be an honour to host on behalf of them, especially given that West Yorkshire is home to a large number of Ukrainians. If we are successful with our bid, we will be looking to get the local Ukrainian community involved with our plans as much as possible.”
Still, Harrogate’s Eurovision enthusiasts can dream that perhaps one day the contest will return – and bring with it some of the profile that came 40 years ago as our European neighbours ask themselves again, “Où est Harrogate?“
Harrogate man gives garden a Ukraine-themed makeoverHarrogate man Paul Ivison has given his landmark garden a Ukraine-themed makeover to raise money for the Disaster Emergency Fund.
Mr Ivison has lived in his house on the corner of Mayfield Grove and Mayfield Terrace for over 15 years and likes to decorate his garden with different themes.
When the Stray Ferret visited last summer, he had created a loud and proud mental health-themed garden to raise money for Mind.
For winter, he created a ‘Toytropolis’ with toys to make children and their parents smile.
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This time he wants to support the humanitarian effort in Ukraine and also pay tribute to Poland for housing two million refugees.
During the 1990s, Mr Ivison was the manager of LGBT magazine, Now UK, and he is also displaying photos he took of celebrities including Graham Norton, Lily Savage and Ian McKellen.
The garden is open to visitors seven days a week and all of the toys are for sale. It’s been sponsored by the sweets supplier Maltese Connections. Some pictures are below:
To donate to his fundraiser visit here.
Ukrainian refugee plans to rebuild her life in Ripon
After receiving a hero’s welcome from the mayor of Ripon, Ukrainian Tanya Bogdanovska is looking forward to rebuilding her life in the city.
Councillor Eamon Parkin, along with his consort Nigel Guy, greeted Ms Bogdanovska, her partner Lewis Edwards and his mother Ali, at The Magdalen’s pub.
To a round of applause, he spoke of the heroism of the young couple who have captured the hearts and minds of the Ripon community.
In her first media interview, Ms Bogdanovska, who made the long journey to seek sanctuary in the UK with support from her partner and his family in Ripon, told the Stray Ferret:
“All of the time, I think about Ukraine and the ongoing suffering of the people there facing Russian aggression and cruelty.
“Thankfully, members of my family managed to escape the attacks on Zaporizhzhia and move to a safer part of the country, but I have friends who didn’t make it.”
The flag of Ukraine has been flying over Ripon Town Hall in a show of solidarity.
Ms Bogdanovska said:
“On February 24, Lewis and I were teaching children and the next day we were fleeing for our lives, heading for the Slovakian border.”
Having made the 500-kilometre journey on roads packed with cars and coaches carrying women, children and men over the age of 60 to the safe haven of a NATO country, they and eight friends set up a shelter to help fellow refugees following on behind them.
The shelter was set up largely through the generosity of Ripon people, who read of their plight on the Stray Ferret and dug deep to donate more than £20,000 to a gofundme page launched by Lewis’s family,
Before setting up the page, they received invaluable advice from Nicola David, chair of Ripon City of Sanctuary.
Mr Edwards said:
“Tanya and I stayed for as long as we could in Slovakia but, as we were officially refugees ourselves, there was a limit on the time we could be there.
“However, we and our eight friends were able to help those on their journey to seeking sanctuary and people who were left trapped in Ukraine, by providing vital supplies such as medicines and sourcing military ambulances.
“It was a surreal situation to find ourselves in, but we knew we had to do something.”
Since his recent return to Ripon, Mr Lewis and Ms Bogdanovska have been welcomed with open arms everywhere they go. She said:
“We are grateful for the kindness and love that we have received and are moved by the support being given to my countrymen and women who remain fearless in their fight against the Russians.”
As part of getting her life back on track, Ms Bogdanovska is seeking employment from any local company that may be looking for a graphic designer and illustrator.
District businesses donate to Ukraine aid convoy
Businesses from across the Harrogate district have shown their support for Ukraine by donating dozens of pallets of supplies.
Neom Organics has given shower gel, soap and hand sanitiser, while Taylors of Harrogate has contributed supplies of tea and coffee.
Children’s shop Milk and Honey donated thousands of pounds’ worth of clothes, from wellies and hats to summer clothes. Other donations have included bottled water and fizzy drinks.
The supplies are being sent to Global Empowerment Mission, which is distributing them to refugee camps as well as communities in Ukraine.
Organiser Whitney Vauvelle said:
“It has been an incredible effort from the Harrogate and Yorkshire community. It really speaks highly of the bread and butter of what this community is about.
“People are going numb on this and we can’t let that happen. Supply chains are severely disrupted into Ukraine so we have to keep donating and sending trucks over.”
A final collection will be held at White Horse Machinery (WHM) on Hornbeam Park on Wednesday, May 18, from 9.30am to 1.30pm, when businesses and individuals can make contributions.
Donations of non-perishable foods are needed, along with clothing including shoes, new underwear, new and like-new trainers, and sportswear for children.
For more information, call Ms Vauvelle on 07860 922600.
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Home care company expands from Harrogate base
A home care company founded in Harrogate in 2018 is expanding to a satellite office in West Yorkshire.
West Park Care will cover Ilkley, Burley in Wharefedale, Guiseley, Menston, Yeadon and surrounding areas from its new office at Wharfe Bank Mills in Otley.
Founder Tom Page said:
“We’ve got through the pandemic which has been a slog to say the least. We’ve come out of that relatively unscathed and now we’re looking to expand.”
The company offers domiciliary care to private clients in their own homes, and now has 30 staff and 44 clients on its books.
Mr Page said its point of difference was not using zero-hours contracts and paying above minimum wage, which helped it to keep staff turnover low.