This week’s photograph was taken by Mark Fuller from Harrogate, capturing one of the art installations from BEAM, hosted in Harrogate last weekend.

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(Image: Mark Fuller)

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week. We reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

If you find yourself walking through the Valley Gardens in Harrogate on a Sunday morning, you might spot an unusual sight – one that seems out of place in a Yorkshire town.

In the shelter of the pavilion, people perform a set of intentional and graceful movements, like a slow dance.

Every Sunday this group meet to practise tai chi – an ancient martial art known as a form of gentle movement, self-defence and moving meditation.

Guided by Paul Gitsham – the founder of martial arts school Bamboo Forest – the hour-long class is held in the gardens, come rain or shine. Hosting sessions outside is a way to ‘bring the natural world back into our lives’, according to Paul.

He explained:

“As the seasons pass, it’s a very different experience. You can be training on a cold winter’s morning or a spring day, and that will change how you move – it’s a very reflective art.”

One of Bamboo Forest’s Escrima, Staff & Stick classes

Passing the art to the next generation

Embracing nature is one of the many benefits Paul believes that tai chi can offer. Born in Doncaster, he didn’t take up martial arts until he was in his early twenties, and at first only considered it as a form of self-defence.

However, Paul soon found that studying tai chi offered him innumerable benefits, and he went on to train under the tutelage of one of his heroes, Nigel Sutton of Zhong Ding International.

He has travelled extensively to learn more about the cultural philosophies underpinning the practice, including visiting training centres in Penang, Malaysia.

With two decades of teaching experience across Yorkshire, he then set up his own business in Harrogate three years ago, as a way to continue the legacy of tai chi.

A younger Paul at a training centre in Malaysia

He believes that in the UK it can be often overlooked, due to the popularity of taekwondo, karate and judo.

Paul said:

“The essence of it as a martial art is really starting to fade, and as one of the younger members of the community, I didn’t want it to disappear.

“There’s a sense of passing on the art to the next generation.”

The name Bamboo Forest hold special significance too – firstly it works as a nod to the concept of Wu Lin (martial forest), which symbolises how all martial arts are distinct but intertwined.

Secondly, Paul believes that bamboo represents ‘strength, flexibility, and adaptability’ – all key principles in martial arts, particularly tai chi.

A familial structure

Paul’s classes attract a broad demographic – one of his youngest regulars is 30 years old, and the oldest is 79 – a true veteran of the art, having trained for many years.

He explains that a traditional Chinese class structure is one of family, rather than strictly student-teacher, to encourage a sense of community.

“It’s hard to translate the exact definition of the relationship as something gets lost, but it’s all about looking out for each other.

“There are people I’ve known and trained with for 15 years. And after class, we get a coffee from the Valley Gardens café, have a catch up and a chat.”

Paul runs two classes on a Sunday in the Valley Gardens: Applied Tai Chi, and Escrima, Staff & Stick which explores movements with traditional Asian wooden weapons.

The classes take place in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens

Reported benefits of tai chi have been increased flexibility, strength and posture, as well as improving cardiovascular fitness.

Paul himself highlights a ‘greater understanding of his body alignment’, which is helpful to people of all ages, but particularly older people, who may be more prone to trips and falls.

He added:

“Tai Chi teaches you a lot about yourself, and your awareness of space. It’s like driving – to start with you’re feeling your way around, but soon enough it’s second nature.

“It’s gentle, low-impact, and you can go at your own pace. It has a welcoming community too, you’ll get out of it what you put in, but the benefits can be enormous.”

Bamboo Forest’s Applied Tai Chi classes take place every Sunday in the Valley Gardens, from 9.30am – 10.45am, followed by Escrima, Staff & Stick from 10.45am – 12pm. 

Read more:

• Discover the Harrogate artist transforming furniture as part of the ‘upcycling revolution’
• 5 things to do in the Harrogate area this weekend
• 5 minutes with… the artist behind BEAM Light Festival, James Bawn

As 2023 draws to a close, we look back at some of the striking images that appeared on the Stray Ferret.

1 Historic Hampsthwaite Bridge damaged

One of our best-read stories this year was about the sudden closure of Hampsthwaite Bridge in June. The bridge was closed to vehicles for about two months after sustaining damage that cost £60,000 to repair. It occurred after this heavy goods vehicle squeezed over and this image of it doing so generated a lot of interest — and disbelief.

2 Northern Lights dazzle

The Northern Lights never seemed closer than they did in 2023. The aurora borealis appeared to be visible more often than ever and social media was flooded with images of multi-coloured skies. It’s doubtful if anyone captured it better than Paul Oldham, whose photos of it included this one beauty over How Hill in Ripon in late September.

3 The crushed Harrogate Porsche

Zenya Dunn, standing next to her partner’s Michael’s Porsche.

This year included more than its fair share of another natural phenomenon — storms. But although lightning never strikes twice, storms do, as a Harrogate couple discovered during Storm Otto in February. A large branch from a tree crashed onto their Porsche. Zenya Dunn, who lives on Granby Road, said her partner Michael woke to go to work, only to find his Porsche beneath a branch. She said it was the second time a branch from the same tree had crashed down on to one of their vehicles and her Range Rover only narrowly escaped this time. The tree was later severely pruned.

4 Cow in Valley Gardens

A genteel Saturday morning in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens was disturbed one summer morning when a cow appeared. Valley Gardens isn’t particularly near any cattle fields and where the cow came from remains a mystery. Police somehow led it to safely.

5 Bizarre cycling message

Mystery also surrounds the message daubed on a fallen oak tree at the junction of Bilton Lane and Woodfield Road in Bilton. The decaying tree was felled by the council in August and this message appeared the following month. What it means, however — and what cyclists have to do with it — is anyone’s guess.

6 ‘Stonehenge of the north’ opens near Ripon

A cluster of three Neolithic monuments on a raised plateau above the River Ure at West Tanfield opened to the public in September. Construction firms Tarmac and Lightwater Holdings gifted the site, known as Thornborough Henges, into the legal ownership of Historic England, although it is managed by the charity English Heritage. Historic England describes it as “probably the most important single ancient site between Stonehenge and the Orkney Islands in Scotland”.

7 Knaresborough Tractor Run dazzles again

Knaresborough Tractor Run never fails to deliver. It doesn’t change much, but the sight of some 350 vehicles parading around the district, infuriating cars stuck behind them and delighting children lining the streets to watch, has become one of the most fun and fantastic days of the year.

8 Ripon’s streets lined for St Wilfrid’s Procession

The ancient tradition sees an actor on horseback adopt the role of St Wilfrid, Ripon’s patron saint, and ride around the city. The event attracts thousands of people and this year’s procession, which tied in with celebrations on Market Square, created a carnival atmosphere.

Read more:

• North Yorkshire Council says Ripon clock tower has been fixed
• Ripon developer plans to bring back cinema to the city

King Charles III celebrated his coronation this year – and the Harrogate district certainly celebrated with him.

From street parties and parades to afternoon tea and live music, people went all out to mark the new king in May.

See our gallery below to look back on the royal celebrations near you.

Harrogate

Over the three-day weekend, Harrogate saw a range of celebratory events.

People gathered for an afternoon tea at the Oatlands Community Centre, others watched a livestream on the big screen in the Valley Gardens.

Local businesses also showed their colours — and some four-legged friends even waved the flag for the day.

Afternoon tea at Oatlands Community Centre.

The Valley Gardens was also looking patriotic for the occasion.

People watched a livestream in the Valley Gardens.

Local businesses got into the royal spirit.

Betsy got coronation ready too!

Ripon

Ripon kicked off the royal celebrations with a live performance from Complete Madness in the Market Square.

Services in the cathedral and street parties followed, and surrounding villages gathered to mark the occasion too.

Former Ripon Grammar School student, 72-year-old Bruce Oldfield, even designed Queen Camilla’s coronation dress.

Fountains Abbey was lit up in honour of the King.

Floral displays created by the Ripon Cathedral Flower Guild and Ripon Flower Club. 

Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Ms Jo Ropner and the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson.

Complete Madness kicking off the celebrations.

Residents of Carr Close threw a street party.

Around 100 people partied on the street.

Masham and Kirkby Malzeard

Masham and Kirkby Malzeard residents came out in their droves to celebrate the royal event.

There was a car rally, a float parade, BBQs, maypole dancing and more.

Masham had a float parade.

Maypole dancing in Kirkby Malzeard.

Vintage cars also rallied as part of the parade.

Knaresborough

Knaresborough House held a livestream of the coronation service, as well as a Coronation Concert over the weekend.

The concert, which was held at Knaresborough Castle, celebrated at music through time and people smiled as the sun shone down.

Livestream at Knaresborough House.

Hundreds gathered for the Coronation Concert.

Knitting Pretty and Number Thirteen in Knaresborough were decorated for the coronation.

Read more:

• As it happened: Harrogate district celebrates King Charles II coronation
• As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate district

Further details of the proposed new bike track in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens have been revealed.

North Yorkshire Council is running a six-week consultation on whether to replace the nine-hole pitch and putt course with a pump track.

Pump tracks use bumps and bends in the land to allow cyclists and scooter riders to generate momentum.

The consultation says the “new facility would be approximately 2,000 square metres”.

However, the council has now said the track itself wouldn’t be this size, and much of the pitch and putt course would be returned to grassland.

A council spokesperson said the track, which would cost £2,000, is likely to be similar in size to the one in Wetherby, which is shown below and in the main image. It could be open by April.

A council spokesperson said:

“It is a small beginners track that would be made of compacted hardcore.

“It would be 1 to 1.5 metres wide and will be based in a circular shape.

“The pump track is aimed at beginners to complement the existing skate park that attracts older and more competent children.

“It is not going to cover the whole area of the pitch and putt, only a smaller area where holes one to nine are. The frisbee golf is staying.”

Asked what would happen to the remainder of the pitch and putt area, the spokesperson added:

“The whole pitch and putt course would be closed and the remainder would be returned to normal parkland.”

Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director for environment, previously said:

“The track proposed would have gentle slopes, curves and bumps, be accessible all year, and replace the existing nine-hole pitch and putt golf course.”

Read more:

• Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dems criticise homeless tent restriction plan
• New bike track could be in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens by April

A bike track for young people in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens could be installed by April next year, according to North Yorkshire Council.

The council is running a six-week consultation on whether to replace the nine-hole pitch and putt golf course with a pump track, which cyclists and scooter riders navigate using the natural bumps and bends in the land to generate momentum.

The track, which would take up 2,000 square metres, would be free to use and provide an additional activity for children aged up to 10.

Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director for environment, said:

“We are running a six-week consultation to see what people think of the idea of a free of charge compressed hardcore beginner’s pump track as an addition to our popular Valley Gardens.

“The track proposed would have gentle slopes, curves and bumps, be accessible all year, and replace the existing nine-hole pitch and putt golf course.”

‘Significant drop’ in golfing

The track would signal the end of pitch and putt in Valley Gardens.

Mr Battersby said:

“The decision to look at closing the golf course has been made for numerous reasons including a significant drop in people using it over the last 10 years, despite attempts to increase popularity by reducing it from 18 holes to nine, introducing season tickets and working with schools.

“Equally, unpredictable weather and natural springs creates sloping wet land making it unsuitable for golf for a large portion of the year.

“We do not want to close an activity in the gardens without replacing it and a pump track would lend itself to the existing slopes and bumps in this area. We are always looking to enhance our parks and the proposed track would also work alongside promoting nature and wildlife as we would also plant more trees and longer grass areas.

“If there is support we hope the track, which would be installed the council’s parks team, could be in place by April next year.”

Cllr Sam Gibbs, a Conservative who represents Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate on the council, welcomed the proposal.

He said:

“I’m supportive of schemes that bring more visitors into the Valley Gardens and supportive of activities for young people.

“I’m also keen the views of other local people, community groups, such as the Friends of Valley Gardens and others who use the park on a regular basis are taken into account and have encouraged many to take part in the consultation.

“From speaking with people in the gardens, most seemed supportive. Nobody I spoke to used the golf facilities although some did raise concerns around safety of participants and whether the area would be fenced off.”

Read more:

• Bike track could replace pitch and putt course in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens
• Harrogate’s Rachel Daly ranked 10th best player in world

The pitch and putt course in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.could be replaced with a bike track for young people.

North Yorkshire Council is conducting a survey on installing a pump track in place of the nine-hole course.

A pump track is a hard-surfaced circuit designed for bikes and scooters which uses the natural bumps and bends in the land to generate momentum.

The council said the track, which would take up 2,000 square metres. would provide an additional activity for children up the age of 10 years.

Read more:

• Harrogate hotel employee rewarded for 35 years’ service
• High levels of faecal bacteria in River Nidd confirmed

The pitch and putt course costs £5.50 for adults and £3.50 for concessions and closes in winter.

If the pump track goes ahead, it would be the first of its kind in the Harrogate district.

The survey runs until November 30. The council has yet to give any details on what will happen then.

Pateley Bridge Town Council is also considering the installation of a pump track in the town, following a suggestion at September’s meeting. However, a decision has not been made yet.

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Nearly daily the news reports serious dog attacks and fatalities. Almost dying because of a dog attack myself, I know how serious the dog problem in the Pinewoods and Valley Gardens could be. I was about seven years of age, just playing in the street with friends when I was attacked by a Spaniel, a neighbour’s family pet.

In my experience, most dog owners are responsible by always keeping their dogs under close control and removing their dog deposits. Most days, dogs running wild and even out of sight of their owners can be seen in these locations. Poo bags are being left on the ground or hanging in trees which is a health risk and another sign of irresponsible dog ownership. This is bad enough, but my main concern is lack of effective control of their dogs by some owners which could result in a serious incident with life changing consequences. I have owned dogs myself in the past and I know how attached owners are to their dogs. I am sure most owners feel their dogs are harmless and they would never attack anyone. The owners of the dog which attacked me, said the same thing.

I am asking all dog owners to consider what I have said and to keep their dogs under close control, in their sight at all times and to remove their dog deposits. I would like to thank the council’s dog warden who has been very helpful in recent years with dog problems in the Pinewoods and Valley Gardens. Having said that, as the council must accept some responsibility for the safety of visitors to these areas, I am calling on them to take note of this very real threat and to take action to prevent irresponsible dog owners.

Lyndon Wallace, Harrogate

Read More:

• Stray Views: New larger waste bins are a ‘wasteful debacle’
• Stray Views: Let’s not alienate young people using cycle paths in Harrogate woods

Bog Lanes closure

Would be interested to find out from the council/NYCC whether the road will be one way or two way when it reopens. Looking at the finished junction to the new housing estate, any vehicle wishing to turn left as they exit the new development on to Bogs Lane is going to find it impossible. 

I can only presume that the final decision when its announced will be a permanent closure to through traffic. Personally, I think a closure would be the best outcome. 

The increasing numbers of pedestrians and cyclists using the road, and the width of the roadway, necessitate its permanent closure on health and safety grounds alone. But is this yet another case of public bodies reluctant to make a decision?

Stephen Huxley, Harrogate

It’s the mystery that has been hanging over Harrogate for a week: how did a cow get into Valley Gardens — and was it reunited with its herd?

The story of the cow wandering towards the Magnesia Well Tea Room last Saturday morning is one of our best-read this week.

It has provoked numerous head scratching because Valley Gardens is nowhere near grazing cattle. It has even inspired a poem, which we’ve published below.

Dog walker Lucy Emma Renshaw-Martin spotted the bovine beast when she was taking her usual morning stroll.

The cow heads to the tea room.

Police dealing with the incident.

Lucy, who sent us these photos, still has no idea how the cow got there or what happened to it. She left as the police were struggling to deal with the loose cow.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Police last weekend for details of the incident. The force finally replied today with a one-line statement saying only that ‘the cow was reunited with its owner’ — leaving the mystery only partially solved.

Poem about the cow

Carole Keegan, a member of Harrogate Writers’ Circle, compiled this imaginative poem about the cow’s sojourn to Valley Gardens.

“I want to break free” sang the Friesian cow

Not to the abattoir just right now.

Aha! A hole in the fence, looks big enough for me

Plenty of Flora and Fauna and of course the magnesia well for a cup of tea

It’s strange to be here without the herd

A few pics and police but nobody’s saying a word

Everyone’s looking at me but not even a MOO

Perhaps I should pop over and shout BOO!

It’s a mystery how I got here, buts it’s been such fun

I do love Patrica Hodge as Miranda’s mum!

AND an added boost I can manure the roses and plants

Maybe to the onlookers it will be pants.

I’ve looked all over and don’t know how I will be taken away

Oh the memories of such a glorious day

Gosh,I know I will put a daisy in my mouth, with a pout

Join the Magic Roundabout….hey Zebedee

Please wait for me!

Read more:

• Cow found wandering around Harrogate’s Valley Gardens
• Last Post marks 100th anniversary of Harrogate war memorial

People enjoying the sunny weather in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens today were shocked to stumble across a wandering cow.

Lucy Emma Renshaw-Martin was one of many dog walkers going about their morning routine at about 8.30am when she saw the beast.

It was casually ambling around the central section, appearing to head in the direction of the Magnesia Well Tea Room.

The cow heads towards the tea room.

Lucy managed to photograph the cow from distance and later got a more close-up image when she was safely behind the barriers on Valley Road.

She told the Stray Ferret she had no idea how the cow, which appears to be a Holstein or Friesian, ended up in the 17-acre gardens, which are not particularly close to any fields.

Read more:

• ‘Extensive action’ pledged to tackle teen bike track in Harrogate woods
• Tickets selling fast for Harrogate Town’s big match against Blackburn

She said:

“The police were there but just herding it around from what I saw.

“It’s not every day you see a cow on your morning dog walk.”

Do you know more about the cow and how it ended up in Valley Gardens? If so email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Police were dispatched to help.