Harrogate Scrubbers to showcase memory quilts in Victoria Shopping Centre

Quilts made by members of Harrogate Scrubbers are set to go on display at the Victoria Shopping Centre.

Harrogate Scrubbers had 800 members making scrubs for hospital staff during the first covid lockdown.

In just six weeks, they handed over 2,037 scrubs to front line staff at Harrogate District Hospital at a time when there was a shortage of PPE supplies.

To celebrate their achievement, the scrubbers were invited to sew a square of fabric detailing what it meant to them to be part of the sewing group. The squares were then stitched together to create five memory quilts.

The group showcased the quilts at Pavilions of Harrogate in May. Now, the quilts are set to go on display for the public in the shopping centre in Harrogate town centre on Wednesday, July 27 until the end of August.

Founding member Fran Taylor said:

“We were so overwhelmed by the reaction of the public to the memory quilts that the group made to remember the scrubs that were made for Harrogate hospital in the first lockdown, that we decided to find somewhere to display them for everyone to be able to see them.

“It has been brilliant to collaborate with the Victoria Shopping Centre and use one of their units to display them all, throughout the whole summer, enabling people to come and see them from anywhere.

“We want people to look back and remember some of the positives that came out of the pandemic, and how the community pulled together to support each other, also benefitting everyone’s mental wellbeing as well.”

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James White, centre manager of Victoria Shopping Centre, said: 

“It is a true privilege to be able to honour the exceptional work that the Harrogate Scrubbers have done and continue to do for our community.”

 

Pop-up shop selling inflatable spas opens in Victoria Shopping Centre

Harrogate-based business Play Outdoors has opened a pop-up shop in Victoria Shopping Centre. The store will be open for 12 weeks and sells paddling pools, water slides and outdoor games, as well as their signature inflatable spas.  

The inflatable hot tubs have proved extremely popular among shoppers on the online site, and can be delivered and installed for free in any HG postcode.  

Owner Mark said:  

“During the lockdown these became a must-have item and their popularity as a must-have garden accessory has continued to soar.” 

The Victoria Shopping Centre has seen a series of successful pop-up shops in the past year. The most recent venture was a digital museum experience, created by Harrogate Business Improvement District.

Harrogate Chocolate Factory to hold networking event  

Local business Harrogate Chocolate Factory, is holding a networking event this Friday 20th May.  

The event is free of charge and will offer coffee and cake, a tour of the chocolate factory, and a chance for informal networking.  

The Harrogate Chocolate Factory is a social enterprise which aims to help young people with learning disabilities and autism gain valuable skills for the world of work.  

The networking event will be held on East Parade next to the Odeon.  

Contact Angela at angela@hs4lc.org.uk to book a place. 

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Six free or low-cost family Easter holiday ideas in the Harrogate district

The Easter school holidays are almost here, but for many families this means two weeks of the children at home and increased costs of keeping them entertained.

This year in particular most of us are feeling the crunch thanks to a huge rise in the cost of living and soaring energy bills.

We have teamed up with parenting website Harrogate Mumbler and put together six free or low-cost ideas for the Easter holidays across the district.

Kayti Mewis, content creator for Harrogate Mumbler, said:

“You don’t always have to spend a fortune to have a fun day out with the kids. For example, we always enjoy a day at Valley Gardens with a picnic over the holidays.”

 

Free street entertainment in Harrogate town centre – from April 9

Following the success of Harrogate Business Improvement District’s (BID) street entertainers during the October half-term last year, they will be back in the town centre over the Easter holidays.

On Saturday, April 9, Pete and Ged Moss the gardeners will be in town with their ‘Easter Egg Stravaganza walkabout special’.

They will entertain crowds with their musical wheelbarrow, brimming over with colourful Easter eggs of all shapes and sizes – expect lots of audience participation.

On Good Friday, April 15, the Easter Bunny will be taking some time out from his Easter duties to share some early treats with the children of Harrogate. He will be at the Victoria Shopping Centre at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 3pm.

On Saturday April 16, ‘Val N Halla’ will be travelling in their musical longboat through the town centre. The two Abba-obsessed Scandinavians will bring “entertainment, mayhem and mirth wherever they go”.

 

Peter Rabbit and Friends Easter Trail at Swinton Estate, near Ripon – April 9 to 24

Head to Swinton Bivouac for an Easter adventure with Peter Rabbit and Friends.

Help Peter and Benjamin to save Easter by rescuing all of the Easter eggs from the clutches of the pesky Samuel Whiskers.

Solve the clues to crack the code that will open the chest to rescue the egg – and earn an Easter treat for yourself as well.

There will also be an opportunity to explore the ruins and follies of Druid’s Temple, built in 1820, reconnect with nature in the woodland of Swinton Estate and take in the views over the Leighton reservoir.

Trail maps are £5, with each completed answer sheet earning a prize. All money from the trail goes directly to the Friends of Grewelthorpe School (FROGS) charity.

 

The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt – April 9 to 24

Organised and presented by Painting Pots Knaresborough, this quirky event is now in its fifth year.

There will once again be 17 ceramic bunnies hopping into local businesses.

The bunnies are hand-painted in vivid patterns, some inspired by characters or recognisable personalities and products. Painted mostly in house by Laura of Painting Pots, and more recently Natasha Gilyard.

A map with the locations of the bunnies is hand-drawn and painted by local artist Helen Salmons, who is known as The Relentless Crafter, while the bunnies themselves are the handiwork of Natasha Gilyard and Painting Pots’ Laura.

The maps can be purchased for £3 from Painting Pots, Castlegate, and the Oldest Chemist Shoppe, Market Square.

Bunny hunters use the map to find the bunnies, fill in their form and hand them back in to receive a sweet treat, a wristband, sticker and entry to win prizes donated by local businesses.

Over the last four years, The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt has raised more than £6,000 for local charities. All profits this year will go to Lucie’s Animal Rescue and Inspire Youth.

The event will be officially launched at the Knaresborough Spring Fayre on April 9, where there will also be the first ever Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt Parade.

 

Activities at Knaresborough Library – April 16 and April 21

Hoglets Theatre will be performing their play The Sleep Pirates on Saturday, April 16 at 2pm, featuring swashbuckling pirates, flying ships and shooting stars.

The event is aimed at families with children aged four to eight. Places are limited so booking is essential and children need to be library members. Pop in to the library or call 01609 533610 to book your place.

Alternatively, enjoy some arty fun with a print workshop with artist Lana Grindley on April 21 at 2pm.

Children aged 7 to 11 are invited to design and print their own book cover artwork, inspired by their favourite book illustrations. The designs will be displayed at a special exhibition in the library following the workshop.

Book your free ticket here.

 

There are also some great events at places that offer membership. If you are already a member, these events are usually included, or have a small additional price:

The Giant Easter Egg Hunt at RHS Harlow Carr – April 9 to 24

Enjoy a supersized family adventure this Easter holiday at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

Go hunting for the larger-than-life hand-painted eggs hidden around the garden on ‘The giant Easter egg hunt’, and from Good Friday to Easter Monday meet the Garden Detectives for more family fun.

The Easter egg hunt sees children equipped with an explorer pack. Follow the trail around the garden to find the giant painted eggs. There are fun puzzles to solve and plants and wildlife to spot along the way.

Children will be rewarded with a free chocolate treat after completing the trail.

The event is free to RHS members and children under 5.

Easter egg hunt at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal – until April 17

Pick up an adventure trail for £3 and follow the map to complete 10 fun activities during your visit.

See if you can shake like a squirrel, rise like the sun and listen to nature’s orchestra. Complete the trail and earn your chocolate egg reward at the end.

Harrogate’s award-winning ice-cream man keeps up the family tradition

This post is sponsored by C and M Ices

The ice-cream phenomenon, C and M Ices has scooped up a prime spot in front of the Victoria shopping centre. So instead of listening out for the familiar ice-cream van jingle, we will know exactly where to get our 99s and Mr Whippy’s come this summer.

Sid Taylor has ice cream in his blood and is the fourth generation of his family to win awards from the Ice-Cream Alliance.

Sid says:

“I was brought up on ice cream, I’ve been doing it since I was 14. I’m the 4th generation of C and M Ices from my uncle parking me up on a pitch in a Bedford van and leaving me there all day, to getting my own van and now being the flag bearer of the business. I cannot see myself ever doing any other line of work and wouldn’t want to. It puts smiles on people’s faces.”

The C and M van can be found every day except Sundays, weather permitting, outside the Victoria Shopping Centre from now until the end of summer. They serve ice creams, warm desserts, slush and cold drinks alongside their seasonal specials like Easter egg sundaes or fresh strawberries and ice cream, just in time for the nice weather.

Award-winning Ice Cream

C and M Ice is multi-award-winning, having been given over 50 awards for their quality. In 2019 and 2020 they placed 3rd in the UK & Ireland Mobiler of the Year category. They also receive awards for their soft-serve ice cream; with a Gold medal in 2021, and a Silver medal this year.

The company was established in 1889, and that pedigree shows in the quality of the ice cream they serve, as well as Sid’s own passion for his craft. Innovation is also a touchstone of the company, and customer favourites like ice cream served in half an easter egg, brownies, waffles, and fudge cake, means there is the perfect treat for you and your family, no matter your preferences.

Follow C and M Ices on their socials and visit them outside the Victoria shopping centre.

Refresh your summer wardrobe with these stylish picks from three Harrogate boutiques

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infinity & Co, Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza

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

Sheer pink top with tassels: £99

White trousers: £45

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

Shoes: Model’s own

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dress with gold embroidery: £99

Bohemian-style tassel pendant: £28

Shoes: Model’s own

Sam said:

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

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

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

Mint Velvet, James Street

Tan casual leather jacket: £299

Bronze sequin ruffle top: £69

Hazelnut Monroe crop wide trousers: £79

Anges white leather saddle bag: £119

Fern gold metallic wedges: £169

Manager Suzie Poole said:

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

Ivory gathered back shirt: £79

Zest chunky v-neck tabard: £79

Utility slim jeans: £89

Camille tone leather loafers: £99

Gold ball pendant: £29

Supervisor Terina Daly said:

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

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

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

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

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Porters, James Street

Universal Works navy bakers jacket: £249

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

Universal Works light olive fatigue trousers: £135

Hoffs Bangkok City beige and orange trainer: £99

Carhartt Nomad script bucket hat: £45

Carhartt WIP Vista tie dye socks: £20

Website manager Charlotte Woodhead said:

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

Traffic People ITJ Cleo animal print jumpsuit: £120

Matt & Nat chili vie vintage bag belt: £70

Rebecca Jones, website assistant, said:

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

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

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

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

Victoria Shopping Centre value falls by more than 80% in 10 years

When Harrogate’s Victoria Shopping Centre opened in place of the old Market Hall in 1992 it came at a time of hustle and bustle on the high street.

Two decades later, things are now very different with the rapid emergence of online shopping and the covid pandemic dramatically changing people’s shopping habits for good.

This changing state of the high street has been highlighted by new figures which show the shopping centre is worth less than 20% of what it was valued at a decade ago.

The figures from Harrogate Borough Council – which owns but does not run the shopping centre at Station Square – show its estimated value has fallen from £4.8 million in 2011 to just £925,000 last year.

And the latest evaluation is an even bigger drop from when the building lease was bought by developers for £23 million in 1998 ahead of a revamp of the building, which was initially inspired by the famous Palladian Basilica in Italy.

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The council has this week confirmed it has no plans to sell the shopping centre and also said it believes the building will play a key role on the high street for years to come – especially with the £11 million Station Gateway project, which will get underway this year. It is part of the wider Transforming Cities Fund project.

A council spokesperson said: 

“Like all high streets up and down the country, the demand for and value of some commercial properties has declined over the last few years.

“There are numerous reasons for this, not least the increase in online sales as well as the introduction of out-of-town retail parks and the global pandemic over the last two years.

“We aspire to continue this drive in footfall by working with colleagues at North Yorkshire County Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to deliver the £11 million Transforming Cities Fund project.

“This project, which has been supported by government funding, will begin later this year to improve sustainable travel options and provide a better town centre environment to help support the local economy.”

The council also said its new destination management plan – which was approved yesterday and aims to boost the value of the district’s visitor economy from £600 million to £835 million by 2030 – will also help drive footfall on the high street.

It said the plan will “position the Harrogate district as a first choice destination for tourism, large-scale events and investment.”

The council added: 

“The visitor economy makes up 14.3% of the economy in Harrogate district and tourism plays a significant role in helping to ensure this continues.”

In numbers: how the Victoria Shopping Centre’s value has declined

The company that runs the Victoria Shopping Centre declined to comment.

Cafe M closes in Harrogate’s Victoria Shopping Centre

Cafe M, opposite Harrogate train station, has closed due to circumstances “beyond our control”.

The cafe has been a part of Harrogate town centre for many years but the unit has already been stripped out and all that remains is the sign.

It is not yet known what will take over the unit but, according to a recent Cafe M Facebook post, the business “will be back soon”. The post says:

“Due to circumstances beyond our control Cafe M is having to relocate. We will be back soon. We will keep this page updated as to our new whereabouts. Thank you to each and everyone of you for your custom and support during the pandemic. We will be back.”

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The Stray Ferret approached the Victoria Shopping Centre for details on what will happen to the vacant unit. Centre manager James White said he had nothing to report at this time.

Cafe M was owned by Milligan’s, a bakery business based in Gateshead.

Louise Milligan, former director of Milligan’s, said the business went into liquidation at the beginning of the pandemic and its assets were sold to another company.

Harrogate Discount Store to close this month

A discount shop which has operated in Harrogate for the last two years is set to close its doors at the end of the month.

The Harrogate Discount Store took on prime retail space on James Street on a temporary basis after Next moved to the Victoria Shopping Centre.

It will close on Tuesday, January 25 but the owners hope to find smaller premises elsewhere in the town centre.

The company moved in when the landlord wanted a business to fill the space while seeking planning permission for a renovation.

Harrogate Borough Council approved the renovation works, which include refurbishment of the shop front and the addition of separate access for the upper floors of the building, in December.

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In the planning documents, the landlord said the proposal would improve the chances of attracting a “quality long-term tenant”.

Gavin Broadbent, who runs the Harrogate Discount Store with another employee on behalf of the owners, told the Stray Ferret:

“As far as I am aware, the landlord just needs the place back. We were only meant to be here for three months but that was two years ago.

“We have been on a rolling deal and have done quite well out of the place. We have been really busy so we are going to try and find somewhere a bit smaller in a couple of months.

“It has been great. We have really built it up to be quite well liked. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea being on a posh street in the middle of Harrogate but people like a bargain.”

Harrogate Christmas lights switched on by ‘Harry’s Heroes’

The finalists in the search to find the Harrogate district’s community champion were invited to perform the official Christmas lights switch-on in Harrogate last night.

Lauren Doherty, Greta Knight, Susie Little, Helen Mackenzie, Mark Oldfield and Cath Wilson asked to perform the duties outside the Victoria Shopping Centre at 5pm.

Mark was unable to attend but the five others were there, along with representatives from Harrogate Business Improvement District.

Those selected are finalists in Harry’s Heroes — an event run by the Stray Ferret in conjunction with former BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration and Harrogate Spring Water to find the people in the district doing exceptional things to help others in the community.

Christmas lights switch on

The BID, which organised the switch-on, did not publicise it in advance this year to avoid any covid risk caused by crowds gathering.

The BID, which is funded by a levy on businesses, aims to increase footfall in Harrogate town centre and boost trade.

It is also involved with this year’s Christmas Shop Window contest as well as the Father Christmas Experience at the Crown Hotel.

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Christmas lights switch on

Harrogate gets another pop-up shop as demand soars

The Victoria Shopping Centre in Harrogate is to get a second pop-up shop in the run-up to Christmas.

The company behind the initiative, Barker Proudlove, said it had seen a surge in enquiries in the run-up to the festive season and was confident it could fill another unit.

The pop-up shops give independent businesses the chance to rent units in the centre of Harrogate on a weekly basis without having to commit to long-term rents and rates.

The first one opened in the Victoria Shopping Centre on the corner of Cambridge Street in September and is already fully booked until Christmas,

Following its success, the former Grape Tree health food shop is also to become a pop-up.

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Jessica Swain, from Barker Proudlove, said:

“It is incredible that we have so much demand for the pop up shop and we are thrilled to continue working with the Victoria Centre team to bring more businesses to Harrogate’s high street during the seasonal period.”

The new pop-up will open with Martha and Bea, a clothing and accessory business from Ilkley, on Monday.

Barker and Proudlove said there were still opportunities to hire the new unit this month and in December.

The Cambridge Street shop currently houses 2 Little Mice, with Jane Gales Designs arriving next week followed by Posh Tat on November 15.

Caption: New pop-up shop unit in Victoria Shopping Centre (left) the first tenant will be independent shop Martha and Bea (right)