Model boating must continue, says Friends of Valley Gardens

Model boating enhances Valley Gardens and should stay, says the charity that works to protect the park.

The comments from Friends of Valley Gardens (FOVG) come after a local model boating club told the Stray Ferret that plans for a fountain in the boating pool would end their hobby.

Claro Marine model boating club said water from the fountain would damage the expensive boats and members would have to go elsewhere if the fountain was installed.

The council had said that Friends of Valley Gardens supported the fountain, which is designed to improve water quality.

So the charity has found itself unwittingly in the middle of a watery controversy. In the past 24 hours, a large number of people have posted comments on its social media pages wanting the model boats to stay.

One of its four trustees, Andrew Jordan, told the Stray Ferret no one wants the model boaters to leave:

“Boating really enhances the Valley Gardens. The model boats are stunning – you can see the time and effort that goes into them. Going by the comments on our Facebook site today, there are a lot people who want it to stay.

“The whole purpose of the boating pond is model boating – I know Harrogate Borough Council wants to reduce costs but before the scheme goes ahead they’ll have to get the agreement from the boaters.”

He said when the council sent the charity a letter a month ago outlining a proposal for a fountain at one end of the pool, they assumed the model boaters would also be contacted and thought it was an early consultation – rather than a done deal.

They gave it approval but with lots of qualifications:

“We looked at it and we didn’t think the original plan would work. There wasn’t enough depth of water for the scheme they were proposing. We thought it was just an idea.

“From a maintenance and purification of water point of view, the fountain is a good idea but it has to be the right fountain for the site and for the other users of the boating lake.”

The charity is now urging the council to talk to Claro Marine model boating club and find a solution that works for all involved.

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Fountain will end model boating in Valley Gardens, says club

A Harrogate model boating club has said plans to erect a fountain in the boating pool at Valley Gardens will stop them being able to pursue their hobby.

Claro Marine model boating club meets twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays to operate motor boats on the pool behind the cafe.

Harrogate Borough Council plans to put a fountain in the pool to help improve water quality.

David Finnegan, secretary of Claro Marine, told the Stray Ferret it would make sailing the boats impossible:

“Model boats do malfunction – if we are distracted and steer them underneath the fountain by mistake, the boats’ electrics will be damaged and, if they fill up with water, it’ll sink them.

“A home made model boat can cost up to £1,000 — to get a well made British scale model steam plant for the boat can cost £800.”

Until recently council staff regularly drained and cleaned the pond of leaves and litter and then refilled it.

Last month, though, the pool was drained but not refilled due to the drought and the fountain is due to be installed next year.

Mr Finnegan said the council told him the decision had already been made:

“I am very disappointed at Harrogate Borough Council and certainly upset.  We have members who are elderly and can’t drive so we need a central location.

“It’s a cost-cutting exercise and they’ve made no real effort to get in touch with us

“I have one friend who lives on his own and he loves the hobby. He is a non driver and, for him, this is like the end of the world.

“For us boaters it is such a relaxing and pleasant thing to do”

Mr Finnegan, 68, says there’s a long tradition of boating on the small pond – as a child he paddled in the water amongst the vessels.  The boaters often have spectators who enjoy watching them – particularly children.

A video of the club’s boats being sailed on the pool. 

The Stray Ferret put the club’s concerns to the council. A spokesperson said:

“Currently, the boating pond in Valley Gardens is empty due to maintenance and the continued hosepipe ban in place across Yorkshire.

“Next year, we will be installing a new fountain to help aerate the water and improve its cleanliness (once the hosepipe ban has been lifted).

“It will also provide another distinctive area for people to enjoy and complement the award winning floral displays, Himalayan and Japanese gardens, Grade II listed Sun Pavilion and Colonnades, and games and attractions currently on offer.

“The fountain – supported by Friends of Valley Gardens – is controllable so once installed, if it is problematic for the model boating club, we would be happy to discuss it with them to ensure it can be enjoyed by all visitors of Valley Gardens.”

The Boating Lake, Valley Gardens, Harrogate c.1949

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Valley Gardens sculptures to be removed today

The kiwi and marlin sculptures are being removed today from the New Zealand garden in Valley Gardens due to rot.

The garden commemorates Harrogate’s twinning with Wellington and the country’s airmen being stationed in the town during the Second World War.

Chainsaw sculptor Mick Burns carved the marlin, kiwi and a carved Maori bench in 2010.

In 2020, suspected vandals also ripped chunks out of the Kiwi bird and hastened its decline.

Friends of Valley Gardens, a charity that helps Harrogate Borough Council look after the park, said:

“It was always known that when these sculptures were carved that they had a limited life, the softwood rots naturally, but they will be sadly missed.”

The Stray Ferret has asked Harrogate Borough Council if it has plans to replace the sculptures.

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Artisan market set to expand to Knaresborough Castle this weekend

A popular monthly market will move into a new location in Knaresborough this weekend.

Little Bird Artisan Market will hold its first even in the castle grounds on Saturday, after growing in popularity over recent months.

Jackie Crozier, managing director of organisers Little Bird Made, said:

“We are always looking at ways to improve the markets and we had outgrown our previous location in the Market Place.

“We are grateful to be working with both [Knaresborough Town and Harrogate Borough] councils to find an alternative venue in the castle grounds, which will allow us the opportunity to continue to grow and develop.

“Both staff are traders are really looking forward to the first market and we promise all our customers a great day out when they come to visit us.”

The event will also be in Harrogate this weekend, with its monthly market at the Valley Gardens on Sunday.

Both markets, running from 10am to 3pm, will feature independent bakers, crafters, designers, artists and photographers from around the region.

Visitors to the Valley Gardens will also have the opportunity to hear Harrogate choir The Stray Notes, fresh from their appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, performing in the bandstand from 2-4pm.

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Harrogate district’s floral displays fall victim to hosepipe ban

The Harrogate district’s famous floral displays will soon be looking worse for wear due to the hosepipe ban.

The ban came into force today and Harrogate Borough Council has confirmed it won’t be watering plants until it is lifted.

Yorkshire Water acted following months of dry weather, which have depleted water levels in the district’s reservoirs such as Thruscross and Swinsty.

It’s the first hosepipe ban in the area since 1995 and means the council’s parks and environmental services team, which looks after floral displays in parks as well as in towns and the city of Ripon, will have to watch its hard work wither until the ban is lifted.

parks and gardens

The district’s floral displays are a source of local pride.

Little rain is forecast for the remainder of the month.

A council spokesperson said:

“The Yorkshire Water website states that during the period of the ban councils cannot use hosepipes or sprinklers to water floral beds, displays or hanging baskets in public locations.

“This unfortunately means that we are not able to continue watering the floral beds, hanging baskets, barrier baskets or floral tubs around the Harrogate district.

“Using watering cans is not practical and continues to use water from our water supplies, which are currently in short supply and high demand”.

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The council also runs a subsidised hanging basket scheme in which businesses pay the council to provide the basket and plants. Staff then water and maintain the baskets throughout the summer.

The council says businesses who use the scheme will not be eligible for a refund.

Its spokesperson added:

 “The hanging basket scheme is already subsidised by the council to reduce the price of baskets to businesses in the town centre. 

“The hosepipe ban has come in at the end of the season so hopefully with lower temperatures and a bit of rain over the coming weeks the baskets will last a few more weeks until they are scheduled to be removed late September. 

“Whilst the hosepipe ban is unfortunate, it is also important that as community leaders we play our part in adhering to the restrictions and highlighting the need to conserve water”. 

Harrogate district paddling pools to stay open but flower watering to reduce under hosepipe ban

Watering of public flower displays in the Harrogate district could be reduced over the coming weeks after the announcement of a hosepipe ban later this month.

Harrogate Borough Council said it will be working to reduce its water use in line with Yorkshire Water’s decision, which comes into force on Friday, August 26.

However, the authority said its three public paddling pools will remain open in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, Knaresborough’s Bebra Gardens, and Borrage Green in Ripon.

A spokesperson said:

“Following the Yorkshire Water announcement about the hosepipe ban, we are looking at what measures we can and should implement to conserve water supplies.

“Unfortunately, this may result in our baskets and floral displays looking a bit the worse for wear but we hope people will understand the reasons why.

“Our paddling pools are currently filled until after the August bank holiday, and we welcome residents and visitors using ours across the Harrogate district rather than their own.”

Harrogate parks staff

Harrogate’s famous floral displays could go un-watered.

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire County Council said it would be following the rules when the hosepipe ban comes into force.

Council leader Carl Les, whose portfolio includes emergency planning, said:

“We are looking at our services and where exemptions may apply, and we will be conforming with the rules. We would urge all residents to follow the advice already given out nationally and regionally on how they can conserve water usage, as we will be.

“Let’s also take care in these tinder dry conditions to avoid starting fires, which not only use large amounts of water to extinguish, but can also threaten property and in some cases lives.”

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The hosepipe ban is the first to be introduced in Yorkshire since 1995.

People are asked not to use hosepipes for domestic activities including watering plants or grass, washing cars, filling paddling pools or swimming pools, or cleaning outdoor surfaces.

The activities are still permitted if they are carried out without a hosepipe, such as with a bucket or watering can, or if a water butt is used, for example.

Blue Badge holders, people on Yorkshire Water priority services register and those on the WaterSure tariff for medical reasons are exempt from the ban.

The restrictions do not apply to commercial premises using a hosepipe for essential activities.

‘Big change’ to tree lighting on Harrogate’s Stray

New lights are being installed on some of the trees on the Stray in Harrogate.

The existing lighting along Montpellier Hill, West Park and York Place is set to be replaced.

The new lighting will be modelled on recently installed lighting in Valley Gardens, where the lights are wrapped around the trunk rather than strung through the branches.

Harrogate Borough Council said in a statement today that the new system “should result in better resistance to the weather and fewer repair requirements through the season”. It added:

“More than 40 trees will each have around 100m of lights that will be a mixture of bright white, warm white and coloured, to produce a beautiful array of colour across the town during the autumn and winter months.”

The new lights have started to be installed this week following approval from Councillor Sam Gibbs, the cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling.

Councillor Gibbs said:

“The Stray is such an iconic landmark for Harrogate and throughout the year attracts thousands of visitors.

“We’re often complimented on the existing lighting, but it can be difficult to manage due to lights getting blown around, hanging down and becoming dangerous.

“The replacement project will be a big change compared to the current display and should continue to bring a smile to people’s faces as they travel through the town in the evening.”

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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.
Here’s what you can see and do at the Harrogate Carnival this weekend

A parade featuring music, dancers and colourful costumes is set to wind its way through Harrogate this weekend with the return of the Carnival.

The free event on Saturday will see flag-waving crowds line the streets for the procession, which will snake its way through the town centre and down to the Valley Gardens.

It will include performers from Leeds West Indian Carnival, who will be joined by Houriat Belly Dancing, Sweep of Swallows kite puppets, Chinese dragon dancers, the Bare Brass Band and more.

The party will then continue throughout the day and will feature street theatre, interactive workshops, international street food and two stages hosting music and dance performances.

The event, which was previously held in 2019, has been paid for by Harrogate Borough Council‘s tourism body, Destination Harrogate, and will be delivered by Harrogate International Festivals.

Read more: 

Sharon Canavar, chief executive, Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“The Carnival is free for everyone to attend and celebrate the diversity, colours, costumes, sounds and flavours from the four quarters of the world, right here in Harrogate.

“With global music and dance stages, themed food zones, art and craft workshops and street theatre, this family-friendly day is a true party in every sense of the word.”

The Carnival Parade starts at 11am at St Peter’s Church, On Cambridge Road, it will head up Oxford Street, along Station Parade, down Cambridge Street, past the Cenotaph and along Montpellier Hill into Valley Gardens.

Within Valley Gardens there will be family-friendly craft workshops, which will include chalking art, spray art graffiti, environmental craft, bunting making, mask making with the Leeds West Indian Carnival, and a dance workshop.

There will be a Global Music Stage, featuring DJ Trev, the Leeds West Indian Carnival, Bare Brass Band, Ajay Karmic Blues, Buffo’s Wake and Fernando Brazil.

And a Global Dance Stage, will feature Annapurna Dance, Houriat Belly Dancing, St. Aelred’s Irish Dancers, and Anonymas Dance.

There will also be a food zone featuring food from around the world.

Harrogate district sizzles on hottest day ever

The Harrogate district is slowly cooling down from its hottest day ever.

Here’s how the heatwave impacted on life in the district today.

5.39pm – Temperatures start to fall

Temperatures are finally beginning to fall from their afternoon peak. It is forecast to still be 26 degrees at 10pm and not drop below 17 degrees all night. Tomorrow is set to be much milder, with some rain later on, and a maximum temperature of 23 degrees.

4.10pm – Met Office storm warning

A Met Office yellow weather warning is in place in Yorkshire and Humberside from 4pm until 8pm.

The Met Office says:

“Thunderstorms could bring disruption this afternoon from lightning strikes and strong, gusty winds.”

4.06pm – Yorkshire Water reports record water use

Yorkshire Water has said it provided more than 1.56 billion litres of water on Monday – which is around 260 million litres more than usual.

The increase is enough to supply the equivalent of the whole of York and Leeds and is the highest the water company has seen since 2006.

Yorkshire has seen a particularly dry spring and summer, with only 52% of rainfall expected in June actually falling on the region.

Neil Dewis, director of water at the company, said:

“Our reservoirs are still feeling the impact and levels do continue to decrease. As the ground incredibly dry, we would need a few weeks of wet weather to help them return to their usual levels, so it’s really important that people keep taking steps to save water throughout the summer.”

3.38pm – Temperatures touching 40 degrees as peak heat hits

We are now hitting the hottest part of the hottest day. According to local weather stations, which post their details online, most places are at about 38 degrees but Staveley is at 39 degrees. In old money, 39 degrees is 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

2.50pm – Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate

Bystanders in Harrogate had to smash a car window today to free four dogs who were trapped for 40 minutes without even a window open.

Ruth Watson and her partner had been shopping at Aldi on Oak Beck Road at around midday when they spotted the labradors who were visibly distressed and barking in the sweltering heat, which has topped 38 degrees today.

Read the full story.

1.25pm – Lunchtime meltdown in Valley Gardens

Harrogate is unusually quiet at lunchtime as most people avoid the approaching hottest part of the day.

Daniella Kerr and Albie Kerr, one in the Valley Gardens paddling pool

Daniella Kerr and Albie Kerr staying cool in Valley Gardens paddling pool.

Staying in the shade

Valley Gardens heatwave

Brollies up to shield from the sun.

12.31pm – Major Tom’s closes for the day

Major Tom’s Social on The Ginnel has succumbed to the heat for the day.

A post on its Facebook page says:

“Hey all, we’re taking the day off today. It’s already pretty warm in here and the kitchen feels like the centre of the earth at the best of the times! Back to normal from tomorrow.”

12.22pm – Free ice cream in Harrogate

A cafe on Beulah Street in Harrogate is offering free ice cream to help shoppers stay cool.

Cafe Lago Di Como posted on Facebook that it was going to place an ice cooler filled with free water bottles outside its cafe today. It added:

“We are also offering for free ice cream all day.”

11.54am – Burst main causing low or no water in HG2

On a day when we are being urged to keep hydrated, this isn’t great news for people in HG2,

#HG2 #RedfearnMews

⚠️ We are currently doing some work on a burst on a main in the area which may be causing low pressure or no water. We aim to get your supplies back to normal as soon as possible. -Tarna pic.twitter.com/AbgWXwZFHt

— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) July 19, 2022

11.05am – Harrogate chip shops closed for the day

The Wharfe of Harrogate has confirmed it will be closed today.

In a post on its Facebook page, the restaurant said it will be shut due to extreme heat but be open as usual tomorrow.

10.45am – Heatwave impacts on River Nidd

The heat is having an impact on the Harrogate district’s rivers.

Compare and contrast the two pictures from the River Nidd at Birstwith above. Pictured right is the river in February and left is its current level.

10am – 30 degree morning heat in Killinghall

Local weather stations are reporting 30 degree heat in Killinghall at 10am.

Meanwhile, its 29 degrees in Knaresborough and 28 degrees in Ripon.

9.50am – Businesses close during the heat

Some businesses in Harrogate are either closed today or closing early because of the extreme heat.

KD Fruiters, which is based at Harrogate District Hospital, will be closed today as its stall is outside.

Meanwhile, Imagined Things Bookshop, which is based on Montpellier Parade, has asked customers to check its social media in case it makes the decision to close early.

Resurrected Bites has also asked people to keep an eye on its social pages for information on whether its grocery outlets will be open. It has, however, said its Gracious Street cafe will be closed.

9.20am – County council warning over tourist hotspots

North Yorkshire County Council has issued advise over tourist hotpots during the extreme heat.

It has urged people to plan journeys in advance and take water with them.

Popular tourist destinations are expected to be very busy during the hot weather.

If you're planning a trip out please:
– Plan your journey in advance
– Take water with you
– Be kind to others around you
– Park considerately

Get #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/rAYqnilVAs

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 19, 2022

8.45am – Yorkshire Water issues reservoir plea

Yorkshire Water has urged people to act responsibly around its reservoirs today as temperatures soar.

It has also asked people not to use the reservoirs to cool off.

https://twitter.com/YorkshireWater/status/1549295368994783233

8.35am – Bin crews out early in Ripon

Harrogate Borough Council’s refuse crews across the district are ensuring that homes are clear of rubbish as temperatures soar. In Ripon, the sack crew who collect black bags left outside thousands of city homes, started two hours early at 5am today in a bid to beat the heat, while maintaining hygiene for householders.

Simon and Danny (pictured) were out in the city this morning.

8.20am – Northern: Do not travel

Northern is urging people not to travel today amid the extreme heat.

Those who have to travel are advised to carry water and find a safe spot in the shade while waiting for their train.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1549287296825966594

8am – Amber weather warning in place

The Met Office has an amber weather warning in place for the Harrogate district until midnight.

7.45am – Dog walkers out early in Ripon to beat the heat

Dozens of early to awake men and women were out before dawn in Ripon today to walk their dogs before the scorching sun makes being outdoors too hot to handle.

Later today, there will be nowhere hotter than Hell Wath’s wide open spaces, so many regular dog walkers wanting to find cool paths to protect the paws of their pets, were up before the dawn and walking in the shade of the nature reserve’s trees and shrubs.

Kathy and her dogs Mile and Max.

Kathy and her dogs Mile and Max.

Among them was Kathy, with her rescue dogs Mila aged 12 and six-year-old Max, who told the Stray Ferret:

“I wouldn’t normally be here this early, but with the forecast weather, I decided to take the dogs out before the heat arrives to keep them safe.”

Paula with her fox red labrador at Hell Wath

Paula with her fox red labrador at Hell Wath.

The same applied to Paula and her Fox Red Labrador, who said:

“This is definitely the best time to come, before the paths get too hot.”

Hell Wath, which is one of the few places in Ripon  where it is safe to let a dog off its lead, has been popular with generations of owners, many of whom bring their pets for morning exercise.

7.23am – Bin collections to start earlier

Harrogate Borough Council has said bin crews will be out earlier this morning due to the soaring temperatures.

It has advised people to put their waste and recycling out early.

⚠️ Due to the expected high temperatures tomorrow (Tuesday) and possibly later in the week, our crews will be starting earlier than normal.

Please can you ensure your waste and recycling is presented the night before your scheduled collection. pic.twitter.com/ST4GQIWDIr

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022

7.20am – School closures amid heatwave

Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is closed today due to the extreme weather.

Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.

Meanwhile, St Aidan’s Church of England High School has told parents that the school will be open. Those in year 7 to 10 can wear their school PE kit, while sixth form can wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

7am – LNER cancellations

No trains will run from Harrogate to London Kings Cross today due to the extreme heat.

LNER has cancelled the direct trains and urged customers not to travel.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840?s=20&t=RqCt_XWfE1CyMZlgOOFXLQ