Harrogate farm shop to stage art exhibitionMackenzies in Blubberhouses to host art exhibition
Yorkshire artist Lynda Logan and her husband Terry are to display their work at Mackenzies Farm Shop in Blubberhouses to raise money for charity.
Ms Logan, who has a studio near Harrogate, was one of the original Calendar Girls in the 2003 film. She played a model and her husband was a photographer.
Their exhibition, which begins on April 9, will donate 10% of all sales to Blood Cancer UK.
Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in adults and the most common in children.
Paul Palmer, the owner of Mackenzies, said:
“We’re delighted to have Lynda and Terry exhibiting with us in the gallery. Their previous work for charity has been exceptional and we’re excited to help raise even more.”
Events company brings food festival to Pateley Bridge
A previous event hosted by Lily and Lister.
The first Yorkshire Feastival will take place at Pateley Bridge on June 25 and 26.
The event is primarily a food and drink festival but also has an inflatable village, fun fair and a mini farm.
The event will host multiple small business owners, artists and entrepreneurs from Yorkshire. The event is organised by Lily and Lister Events.
Anna Lister, from Lily and Lister, said:
“With so many amazing producers, food, drink and artists from Yorkshire we wanted to create an event celebrating the best of what Yorkshire has to offer and in exceptional countryside in the heart of Yorkshire.
“It’s a great opportunity to come and support local businesses whilst having an amazing day out.”
Two Harrogate restaurants launch charity menu and easter egg hunt
Provenance Inns & Hotels Group is launching a charity menu and a large easter egg hunt across all its seven venues.
The venues include the West Park Hotel in Harrogate and The Punch Bowl in Marton-Cum-Grafton. Dozens of eggs will be hidden in and around each venue and customers will attempt to find them using clues posted on Facebook.
Anyone who finds one of the chocolate treats can enjoy a free drink at their local Provenance bar.
The Inns group has also launched a new menu.
Tom Patrick, head of marketing at Provenance, said:
“Our Easter egg hunt is going to be quite epic, with not one but seven of Yorkshire’s finest pubs taking part.”
£1 from each Chicken Kyiv dish sold at Provenance venues will go to the Red Cross Ukraine crisis appeal.
MPs watch: Ukraine war dominates agendaEvery month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.
This month the war in Ukraine dominated the news, with constituents across the district raising money, donating goods and offering their homes to refugees.
We asked our three Conservative MPs, Harrogate & Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones, Skipton and Ripon’s Julian Smith, and Selby and Ainsty’s Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular that they have been doing this month, but, as usual, we did not receive a response from any of them.
Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.
Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.
In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found out on Mr Jones:
- Mr Jones spoke about the Ukraine war nine times in the House of Commons this month. On March 2, he said: “My constituents have told me that they want to see the government continue to support the Ukrainian resistance in three ways: humanitarian assistance in the region; welcoming refugees here; and military aid.”
- On March 1, the Conservative leader of Harrogate Borough Council, Richard Cooper, who is also Mr Jones’ office manager, told a council meeting that the MP had written to Boris Johnson to ask if council housing stock could be used to house Ukrainian refugees.
- On March 4, Mr Jones met with the new acting chief executive of the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, Jonathan Coulter, to discuss catching up on elective care and visiting arrangements at the hospital.
- Writing on his Community News website, Mr Jones praised the local fundraising efforts in Harrogate and Knaresborough for Ukraine. He wrote: “Locally, the outpouring support is typical of the generous and compassionate nature of our communities.”
- On March 22, the MP voted in favour of Clause 9 of the Nationality and Borders Bill. The clause is controversial and gives the Home Office the right to strip people of UK citizenship without warning. A petition calling for its removal received 325,000 signatures.
- Following news that rail operator Northern would be cutting several train services from Harrogate station, Mr Jones wrote to the company’s chairman urging it to ‘rethink’. Despite his plea, Northern announced on March 29 that the cuts would be staying.
- On March 24 Mr Jones called on the government to tackle fake ads that purport to be from consumer journalist Martin Lewis.
- On March 29, Mr Jones posed for a picture at a Sight Loss Councils event in Westminster. The group briefed MPs on issues affecting blind and partially sighted people.
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Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon.
In Skipton and Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:
- The Ripon MP praised Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky following his speech to MPs at the House of Commons on March 8. “Incredible leadership and resilience,” he tweeted.
- On March 9 in the Commons, Mr Smith called on the government to “look again” at its approach to Ukrainian refugees.
- On March 14, he thanked his “many constituents” for offering their homes as part Homes for Ukraine scheme that launched that week.
- The former Northern Ireland secretary attended a St Patrick’s Day event at the Ireland Embassy in London on March 16.
- Eight of his 11 tweets were related to Northern Ireland.
- On March 14, Mr Smith voted against a Liberal Democrat amendment to the government’s Animal Welfare Bill that would force the government to publish the number of animals killed by sewage dumping in rivers every year.
- Posting on his website on March, 18, Mr Smith said he was pleased to hear that work on the A59 at Kex Gill is expected to start at the end of this year.
In rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Adams:
- On March 30, the MP praised the bravery of fellow Tory MP Jamie Wallis for coming out as trans.
- Whilst attending the Conservative Party spring conference in Blackpool, Mr Adams had another confrontation with ‘Stop Brexit Man’ Steve Bray. The MP said in a video: “I see a village has lost its idiot”. Last year, Mr Adams told Mr Bray to f*** off outside Parliament.
- On March 20, the MP met the Ukraine ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, in Blackpool. He said it was “great to see him join the standing ovation for Boris Johnson”.
MP’s memorial tree at RAF Menwith Hill savedA memorial tree at RAF Menwith Hill that was under threat of removal has been saved and replanted.
The tree was originally planted in 1994 in memory of Bob Cryer, who was the Labour MP for Bradford South. He was a vocal campaigner for transparency at the base and died in a car accident in 1994.
Mr Cryer secured a debate in parliament a few months before he died when he claimed the aim of the base was to “assert and retain United States supremacy”.
The Ministry of Defence, which owns the site, is building a new visitor centre, vehicle canopy and changes to the road junction on Menwith Hill Road.
However, this work involved removing the memorial tree that was replanted close to the site’s main gate in 2002. It was planted alongside the public highway on land not owned by the MOD.
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Last year, the Stray Ferret spoke to the late MP’s wife, Ann Cryer, who was the MP for Keighley from 1997 until 2010. She said she was “very upset” about the possible removal of the memorial tree.
But on Thursday, the MOD replanted the tree 100 metres away from its old location with work overseen by both an arboriculturist and an ecologist.
This means the tree should hopefully survive while plans to upgrade the entrance at the base can continue.
Bob Cryer’s alder tree in its new location
Sqn Ldr Geoff Dickson, RAF Menwith Hill, said the MOD wanted to ensure the move was done in a way that was “sympathetic to the memory of Mr Cryer”.
A second alder tree was also planted.
Sqn Ldr Dickson said:
“Mindful of the significance, we wanted to be sympathetic to the memory of Mr Cryer and to the sensitivities of the protest groups. Accordingly, we hired a professional tree removal company to re-locate the alder some 100 metres further west on the verge bordering Menwith Hill road.
“The operation was successfully carried out last Thursday, with the roots of the tree being dug out by hand so as to avoid damage to the roots system. The work was overseen by both an arboriculturist, and an ecologist. A second alder similar in size was planted a few feet away to complement the original tree. We sincerely hope the tree will survive and thrive in its new habitat.”
The move was welcomed by Lindis Percy, co-founder of the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases.
Ms Percy said:
“The America base at Menwith Hill is to be significantly upgraded so the alder tree dedicated to the memory and work of Bob Cryer MP had to be moved.
“He worked tirelessly to make the base accountable to Parliament. His work has been continued by many people since his untimely death in 1994 and we hope the tree survives the move.”
Starbeck shows support for Ukraine with giant painted flagA group of Prince of Wales pub regulars have shown their support for Ukraine by painting the country’s flag on the side of a derelict supermarket in Starbeck.
The idea came from Starbeck Community Group’s Lucky Hubbard and pub landlady Alyson Griffiths. They wanted to show Starbeck is behind the war-torn country whilst at the same time tidying up the former McColl’s supermarket that was ravaged by fire in 2018.
Within hours, a group of drinkers at The Prince of Wales had volunteered their time and they have been there from 5am to 7am for the last few mornings painting the blue and yellow flag before they go to work.
The group of painters included John Kean, David Stead, Colin Shiel, Nick Mills and John Read.
It still has doves of peace and sunflowers that will be added next week as well as six new planters and hanging baskets donated by Starbeck Post Office.
Farball Coatings donated £500 worth of paint and Jewson donated the timber.
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Ms Hubbard said:
“The difference is unbelievable. It looks a lot cleaner and tidier.”
Andrew Hart, who set up Starbeck Community Group and owns the post office, said he has been in contact with the landlord of the building who was very supportive of the flag being painted.
He added:
“We wanted to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people during this terrible situation.”
A Starbeck knitting group has decorated this post box with the Ukraine flag.
A month after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Lewis Edwards is planning to return to his home city of Ripon with Ukrainian partner Tanya Bogdanovska.
Teachers Mr Edwards and Ms Bogdanovska fled Kyiv, where they had been working at a private school, on February 25.
Joining the mass migration of refugees who sought safety in neighbouring NATO countries, they arrived in Slovakia.
There, they and eight friends created a shelter to help Ukrainian women, children and men over 60 find sanctuary in other parts of Europe.
This morning Mr Edwards told the Stray Ferret:
“We are awaiting the outcome of Tanya’s application to travel with me to the UK and once all is in place, our plan is to head straight to Ripon.
“That will give us time to find our feet again, while being with family, friends and meeting some of people who have been so generous in supporting our work with refugees.”
Former soldier Mike Heelan is also returning home to Harrogate after travelling to Slovakia to help. Mr Edwards said:
“I would like to say a massive thank you to Mike Heelan, who came over from Harrogate when he read about what we have been doing in Slovakia.
“His help has been invaluable and we will be wishing him well when he heads off back to the UK later today.”
Former soldier Mike Heelan is returning to Harrogate.
Fundraising for Ukraine to continue
Their efforts have been supported by a gofundme page launched by Mr Edwards’ family. More than £19,000 has been raised.
Though they are leaving Slovakia, the fundraising will continue.
Mr Edwards’ mother, Ali, said:
“We are excited that he will be returning to the UK with Tanya and look forward to their safe arrival in Ripon.
“Though they leaving Slovakia, we are committed to continuing the fundraising for the people of Ukraine, who face a desperate situation for the foreseeable future. The monies raised will go to other groups who will be providing humanitarian assistance.”
The flag of Ukraine flies above Ripon Town Hall
The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, supported the gofundme appeal through an event staged this month at The Magdalens Pub, which he owns and runs with his consort, Nigel Guy,
Cllr Parkin, said:
“We already have the flag of Ukraine flying on the town hall and Lewis and Tanya will be welcomed as heroes, when they arrive in the city.”
Funds raised in Ripon have been used to source ambulances, buy and transport vital medical supplies and food and provide shelter.
This work will continue, through the increased involvement of the Slovakian government, acting in liaison with humanitarian aid agencies and on-the-ground volunteer groups.
Harrogate schoolchildren hold peace walk for UkraineMore than 200 children from a Harrogate primary school took part in a peace walk for Ukraine this morning.
Pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, on Coppice Rise, walked from the school to St John’s Church on Bilton Lane to raise money and awareness for those fleeing the conflict.
Children were encouraged to come to school dressed in yellow and blue, the colours of the Ukraine flag, for the walk and to make a donation to the UNICEF campaign to support children in the country.
Beforehand, they took part in a liturgy led by pupils from years three and five.
Pupils at St Joseph’s with their banners which they created for the Ukraine walk.
Children sang peace hymns for Ukraine, held prayers and read from passages in the Bible.
Rachel Rouse, headteacher at St Joseph’s, said:
“We do a lot of fundraising for other things.
“We felt as a whole school that we needed to do something for Ukraine.”
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On the walk, pupils were given blue and yellow ribbons and waved banners at passing drivers on Skipton Road.
Once at St John’s, the whole school gathered to sing a hymn to show they were united for Ukraine before returning to finish with further prayers and singing.
You can donate to Unicef’s campaign for children here.
Harrogate’s John Shackleton hoping to deliver ambulance to UkraineHarrogate’s John Shackleton, 83, is hoping to deliver an ambulance to war-torn Ukraine in September.
Local hero John has delivered almost 40 ambulances to hospices and hospitals in Eastern Europe since 1990 through his charity Aid to Eastern Europe.
He is no stranger to Ukraine, having previously delivered ambulances there in 2014 and 2016. He described it as “such a beautiful country”.
He said if the situation with the war improves, he will buy an ambulance from auction in Amsterdam and drive into Ukraine so it can be used by people injured in the conflict.
If he’s not able to enter the country, he has a backup plan to deliver the ambulance to a hospice in Georgia.
John said:
“Its very sad, I’ve been trying to contact my pals there but haven’t been able to get through. The situation is terrible.
“Ukrainians are exceedingly friendly, lovable people and they are very devoted to their country. They are so powerful in their thinking, they will die for their country”.
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To raise money to buy the vehicles, John chops down trees, cuts lawns, mends bicycles — anything to raise the £12,000 to £15,000 it costs to purchase an ambulance.
But he is currently under doctor’s orders to rest after suffering a heart attack last month.
It happened while he was chopping a tree down at the Oval in Harrogate last month whilst he had his chainsaw in hand.
Fortunately, he had his team with him and they took him straight to Harrogate District Hospital.
Amazing adventures
In January, The Stray Ferret met John at his home to discuss his amazing charity adventures and life.
Since then, he’s been featured on BBC News and had offers from Japanese, German and Gibraltar TV to come on his next trip.
He added:
“I don’t know how to deal with this, never had this publicity!”
To donate and help John buy a new ambulance, email johnshackleton@aidtoeasterneurope.co.uk
Ripon responds to desperate plight of Ukraine peopleReminders of the desperate plight of the embattled people of Ukraine have been evident across Ripon in recent days.
From the Rotary Club of Ripon collection at a bustling Market Place, to the contemplative silence of churches, there have been opportunities for residents to provide financial support, pray, or both.
On Rotary Way, customers at the Marks & Spencer food store are being invited to make a donation when they pay for their shopping. Similar collections are being held at other Ripon shops and businesses
Further down Rotary Way, an iconic image from another war provides a simple and moving message of support for passing motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
The silhouette of the First World War soldier and his sweetheart has had the blue and yellow ribbons of Ukraine added along with a posy of flowers of the same colours.
The Our Lady of Fountains Altar at St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church, where The Pope’s prayer for peace can be seen
Prayers were said at churches of all denominations in the city and surrounding area yesterday and will continue throughout the week.
At St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church on Coltsgate Hill, the altar of Our Lady of Fountains is decked in yellow and blue. The altar also displays the prayer for peace of Pope Francis.
The altar was bequeathed to the church by the family of the 1st Marquess of Ripon, a man known for his kindness and compassion, who died in 1909.
The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin and his consort Nigel Guy (right), are pictured with Ali Edwards (centre) her partner Lizzie, and some of the 40-plus people who attended the fundraising event
Ripon’s Lewis Edwards, who escaped Kyiv late last month with his Ukrainian partner Tanya Bogdanovska and is now in Slovakia, spoke via his mobile phone to family, friends and supporters gathered at a fundraising event held at the Magdalens pub on Saturday evening.
Mr Edwards told attendees at the packed venue, how former Harrogate soldier Mike Heelan had arrived safely in Slovakia to lend an extra experienced pair of hands to the 10-strong team, which is helping refugees seeking sanctuary in countries across Europe.
The event, hosted by the pub’s owners, the Mayor of Ripon Councillor Eamon Parkin and his consort Nigel Guy, raised more than £1,300, which be will added to £16,000-plus already raised through donations to the gofundme page set up by Mr Edwards’ family.
Harrogate school fundraiser raises over £500 for UkraineSt Robert’s Catholic Primary School in Harrogate has raised £504.98 for a Ukraine humanitarian appeal by selling crafts and old school uniforms.
St Robert’s has a large number of Eastern European children so the school wanted to do something to help at such a difficult time.
Mum Catherine Maguire made Ukraine-inspired crafts, including painted stones, cards, bookmarks, ribbons, pom-poms and cupcakes.
The school also donated all proceeds from a school uniform sale held at the same time to the Ukrainian disaster appeal run by the Catholic aid agency Cafod on behalf of the Disasters Emergency Committee.
Some of the crafts that were on sale
Ms Maguire said:
“It’s about showing our support for them and their families. It’s not just about raising money”.
The school also created a prayer tree where children could write prayers on a sunflower and hang them.
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Headteacher Jill Collins added:
“St Robert’s Catholic Primary has lots of children from different countries and especially eastern European countries. We want to extend our love and support to our families who have relatives in Ukraine and nearby countries.
“The fundraising event is small way of letting people know we are truing to help and support in any way we can.”
Thankful for support
Ukrainian couple Taras and Viktoriia Jakubiak, whose daughter Isabella attends St Robert’s, said they were thankful to everyone at the school for holding the fundraiser, which took place on Friday afternoon.
The Jakubiak family at the fundraiser.
Mr Jakubiak also spoke about his fears for close family members who are encircled by Russian forces in Ukraine and unable to flee.
Read the full article here.
Bus leaves Knaresborough on 1,550-mile mission to help Ukrainians fleeA van has set off from Knaresborough to transport Ukrainians out of the war-torn country to safety.
The 34-seat bus has been provided by two Harrogate district businessman, Mark Smith of The HACS Group and Ray Allott of Chimneycrete.
Mr Allott had the idea after a chat with a friend called Pavl in Poland.
Pavl said he was using his car to drive 39 miles from his home to the Polish/Ukraine border each night to transport people and supplies.
Mr Allott wanted to do all he can to help so, with support from Mr Smith at HACS, he acquired the bus.
He set off from Knaresborough yesterday afternoon to drive 1,550 miles to Ukraine.
The bus will then be left in Ukraine to be used to help refugees get to safety. It is currently packed with generators and radios, donated by local supporters.
Once it reaches the border it will be handed over to local activists to help get women and children out of Ukraine to other European countries, including the UK.
Mr Smith said:
“It was all Ray’s idea, as soon as he asked I just said ‘yes’. We’ve got to do something and do it fast, there’s plenty of people that need help. Our aim is to get as many people as possible out of Ukraine or further from the Polish border into mainland Europe.
“We’ve put a tracker on the bus too, to see how often Pavl is going into Ukraine then we can send over sufficient funds to cover petrol costs.”
Mr Allott has set up a justgiving page for people to donate to. Money raised will be used for petrol and supply costs. So far it has raised more than £3,000.
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Ray Allott