A free yoga event will be held in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens this evening to mark the summer solstice.
Today is the longest day of the year, with the sun not due to set until 9.42pm in Harrogate.
To mark the occasion, Ebru Evrim, who owns a yoga and pilates studio on James Street in Harrogate, will lead people through 108 sun salutations, which are moves to greet the sun.
The event is open to everyone who brings a mat, and people can take part in as much or as little as they like. Instructors will be on hand to show beginners through modified variations.
It is free but pre-booking is required.
The company’s website says there will be “beautiful calming music in a stunning natural, peaceful setting”, adding:
“It is a truly powerful evening of connection – with self, with others, and with nature and the sun.”
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Harrogate wellness centre celebrates 20 years on Duchy Road
The Yorkshire Centre for Wellbeing is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.
The business is the longest-standing yoga and pilates studio in Harrogate, having opened on Duchy Road in 2003.
The owners said opening the studio was a “big financial risk at the time”.
However, founder Anne-Marie Burford believes “post-covid anxieties” caused a surge in prioritising health and boosted the credibility of yoga and pilates, as well as causing a shift in attitudes towards them.
She said:
“Yoga in the West can often be about images, especially now a lot of celebrities do it.
“That isn’t the true form of yoga – we just want to support health and wellbeing”.
Ms Burford also said social media has “probably caused the most significant change” in attitudes towards wellbeing.
The studio centres on being entirely holistic and focusses on incorporating Ayurveda, a traditional Indian healing therapy, into the yoga, pilates and tai chi classes.
The centre also “places focus on the spiritual aspect of wellbeing”, including soul coaching, reiki, and various Eastern-style massages.
Staff members have extensive spiritual and physical training, including one-to-one training with Deepak Chopra, as well as a South Asian spiritual pilgrimage. The business also offers yoga retreats to members, both nationally and abroad.
James Burford, one of the teachers at the wellness centre, said:
“I feel very encouraged by the support we already receive form our students, many of whom I consider friends, and the increase in number of students joining and connecting with our centre over the last few years“.
Yorkshire Centre for Wellbeing is holding an anniversary celebration on Saturday, April 16, with pop-up classes, afternoon tea and live music. Full details are on its Instagram feed.
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Half-term: Seven ideas in the Harrogate district to keep the kids entertained
February half-term is just around the corner, meaning many parents will be racking their brains for ideas to keep their children entertained for a week. Luckily, there are many options around the Harrogate district to help – keeping both your children and your bank balance happy.
Whether you fancy some fresh air, culture or just harmless fun, we’ve pulled together seven ideas for all the family.
Birchfield Farm: Spring on The Farm
A rural and inexpensive option, Birchfield Farm in Summerbridge will be open 7 days a week for the duration of the school holidays.
Spring on The Farm invites visitors to see pregnant sheep settling in the barns before birth. Some people may even be lucky enough to witness a baby lamb being born. Visitors are also able to bottle feed the lambs from 11am-2pm on a first come, first served basis.
Children can also enjoy seeing piglets, goats, ponies, donkeys and even pet the guinea pigs.
If that isn’t enough, children can also burn off steam on the bouncy castle, play in the mini construction play area and in the outdoor play area. Go-Karts, pedal tractors, swings and a giant outdoor sandpit can also be enjoyed.
The farm also has a café serving hot and cold food & drinks.
All activities are included in the entrance prices – with adults & children’s prices set at £5.95 and under 2s going free.
No booking is required. No dogs are permitted, except for guide dogs or service dogs.
For more information, click here.
Harrogate Indoor Funfair
If your child requires a little (or a lot) more tiring out over half-term, Harrogate Indoor Funfair could be a great option for you. The Funfair will run from 11-19 February, with a quieter session being held on 12 February from 10am-1pm.
With rides, traditional funfair snacks and inflatables, Harrogate Indoor Funfair offers all the joy of a regular funfair in an indoor, climate-controlled space. A nice way to shelter from the inevitable half-term rain.
Harrogate Indoor Funfair will take place at Yorkshire Event Centre, at the Yorkshire Showground. There is free parking at Yorkshire Events Centre and priority parking for Blue Badge holders.
The number 7 and X70 buses stop at Sainsbury’s on Wetherby Road, just one mile from the Funfair entrance.
Prices range from: £12.99 online and £14.99 on the door. Babies in arms go free.
Keep an eye on their website for the upcoming ride list.
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Half-Term Kids Yoga Workshop
If your child has ever asked what you get up to whilst they’re at school, this half-term activity may give them an idea.
Harrogate Yoga and Pilates studio, Ebru Evrim, is hosting a one and a half hour kids yoga workshop this half-term.
The workshop will be brought to life with specially designed music linked to the theme and stories behind the session and lead the children to ultimate relaxation.
The workshop is set to improve concentration and focus, as well as aiding the children to deal with their emotions and self-regulation of moods.
Who knows, your child may even go to bed without any protest that night.
The workshop host, Jenny White, holds a DBS, is fully insured and is also paediatric first aid trained.
Children can expect a day of yoga, arts, dance, mindfulness and, most importantly, lots of fun.
The session is suitable for ages 6-11 years and will cost £12.
Find more information here.
Ebru Evrim is hosting a kids yoga session.
The Little Gym Holiday Camps: School’s Out, Fun’s In
For those children that may require a little more bounce in their half-term break, The Little Gym Holiday Camps may be a good solution.
Running from Monday 13-Sunday 19 February, The Little Gym in Harrogate is offering gymnastics camps that run from 8.30am-5pm – including a Breakfast Club to help those parents working over the holiday. The camps vary from as little as 3 hours to 7.5 hours a day and children will learn new skills that they can practise and perfect throughout the session.
The sessions vary each week to stimulate children both physically and mentally, all under the care of qualified and dedicated instructors.
The camps, classes and session suitability ranges from 3-8 & 5-12 years.
Half-day prices begin at £35.
Click here for more information.
Ripon Ghost Walk: Children’s Half-Term Special
The Ripon Ghost Walk half-term special is a spookily inexpensive option to feed your child’s fear-factor!
The half-term special Ghost Walk promises the discovery of ancient burial sites, bone finds and maybe even the presence of deceased Ripon residents.
The half-term Ghost Walk begins much earlier than usual at 16.15pm in the Market Square, meaning it will be dark enough for the ghosts to come out, but early enough to ensure your children are still in bed on time.
Prices start from £4 for under 16s and £6 for adults.
Find more information on their website.
Beyond Imagination Emporium Princess Academy: Valentine’s Special
Calling all Prince and Princesses! Beyond Imagination Emporium in Harrogate is re-opening their Princess Academy this February half-term with a Valentine’s special.
The one-hour Princess Academy sessions take place on select dates during school holidays.
There are two Princess Academy sessions taking place on Saturday 11 February. At 11am, children will be joined by Frozen’s Anna and Kristoff, while the 2pm session will be hosted by Beauty and The Beast’s Prince Adam & Belle.
Children spend time learning royal dances, princess etiquette, arts and crafts and fairy-tale play. The session includes sweet treats for the children, as well as refreshments for the parents.
Children can also make a Valentine’s Day card to give to someone special to them.
The sessions cost £13.95 and are ideal for ages 3 – 9 years.
Find more information here.
Children can meet their favourite Prince and Princesses.
Fountains Abbey: Mindful Family Crafts
If you’re looking to join your children in their half-term fun, Fountains Abbey in Ripon is hosting a Mindful Family Crafts event.
The crafting will take place in Swanley Grange, located in the grounds of the Abbey. The event will be running from 11 – 19 February (excluding 12 February), starting at 11am.
Children and parents can get their creative juices flowing using sustainable and natural materials.
The event is suitable for all ages and abilities. Those that may prefer to craft quietly can attend the “crafting quiet hour” from 2pm – 3pm.
The event itself is free, but regular admissions prices apply. Admission for one adult and three children starts from £27.
Click here for more information.
Business Breakfast: Harrogate’s Windsor House opens pilates studio for tenantsThe Stray Ferret Business Awards will be held on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate. The event will be a celebratory night with prize draw and afterparty. Richard Flinton, the chief executive of the new North Yorkshire Council is the guest speaker. Early bird ticket prices are available until February 9 and available to buy here. Bring your team, network and have fun.
Harrogate’s Windsor House has opened a dedicated yoga and pilates studio for tenants.
Towards the end of last year, Boultbee Brookes – owners of the former Grand Hotel which is now home to more than 115 businesses – trialled lunchtime yoga classes..
As a result, the company has now created a dedicated yoga and Pilates studio, where two instructors are offering morning, lunchtime and evening classes, four times a week to its tenants.
Karen Winspear, Boultbee Brooks’ building manager for Windsor House, said:
“When we introduced a weekly yoga class, we weren’t sure just how popular it would be.
“It proved to be a great success, and that led to us taking the step to not only increase the number of yoga classes, but to also introduce Pilates classes.
“We have created our own studio, and I’m delighted to announce that regular classes, led by Jess Barnard, for yoga, and Fern Summerton, for Pilates are now in full swing.”
Further information about Windsor House can be found at its website here.
New Harrogate business group launched to support women
Pictured from left are Carol Beeley and Sarah Shaw from LWL Harrogate and Jan Moxham of Lilypad Restaurant.
A new business group has been launched in Harrogate aimed at offering professional support and friendship to women working in the area.
Part of the nationwide Ladies Who Latte (LWL) network, the group is free to attend and open to all women who are in employment, own a business or are starting a business.
The group will meet at Lilypad restaurant on King’s Road between 9.30am and 11.30am on the second Wednesday of every month, with the first event on February 8.
It is being led by Carol Beeley, director of On The Spot Accountants, and Sarah Shaw, a European strategy consultant with WEConnect International.
Ms Shaw said:
“If you’ve always been nervous about networking, or are looking to meet like-minded working women in an open and relaxed setting, please do come along.
“Even if you can only spare half an hour to drop by for a quick coffee, you’ll be given a warm welcome.”
LWL is for women who want to build a professional, local support network and feel part of a business community. It offers them the opportunity to promote themselves while sharing their knowledge and passion with others, gaining inspiration and confidence to drive their ambitions and business forward.
For more information on Ladies Who Latte, visit the group’s website here.
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Anger at decision to seal off part of Harrogate’s Valley Gardens
Exercise groups have criticised Harrogate Borough Council‘s decision to seal off a popular part of Valley Gardens.
The path in front of the Sun Pavilion is widely used by people taking part in fitness classes, including yoga and tai chi.
But gates have been put up forbidding access.
Michael Constantine, head of operations at Harrogate Convention Centre, said:
“The Sun Pavilion is a privately run venue, we have sadly had to take the decision to close off the gates due to recent vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
“In addition, some of the fitness groups have also caused damage with their equipment meaning the council tax payer has had to fund preventable repairs”.
Exercise groups have reacted angrily to the loss of the facility — and the suggestion they cause damage.
Bridget Tayan, speaking on behalf of Red Orchid Tai Chi group, which uses Valley Gardens regularly, said:
“Ou tai chi group have been practising up there for over 10 years and have never caused damage or inconvenienced anyone.
“Indeed we are often asked questions about the Sun Pavilion by passing tourists.
“I also pointed out that most of our group are in their 60s and 70s and not likely to vandalise anything. I have not had a reply.”
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Ms Tayan said several other fitness groups, including yoga organisations and army-style fitness sessions, along with personal trainers and individuals who liked to keep fit. also used the area when it rained and were “equally dismayed”.
She added:
“I know that many of the Valley Garden regulars are concerned about the gates being locked as it has always been a right of way, apart from when there are functions, which is fair enough.
“Visitors like to stand on the terrace to take photos and it is one of the few places you can shelter if it is raining hard.”
Ms Tayan also suggested the size of the gates was unlikely to deter vandals.
‘Our council tax pays for this’
Comments on Friends of Valley Garden’s Facebook group were overwhelmingly critical of the move.
One said:
“I am a member of a fitness group who use Valley Gardens. We would never cause damage to the gardens and appreciate the beautiful gardens we can look at while at our classes.”
Another said:
“Another example of the short-sightedness of Harrogate council. I’ve exercised here for years, many others do so too. I have never, ever witnessed any damage of any kind. Our council should be facilitating and encouraging outdoor fitness.”
“So we can have a nice amenity just as long as we don’t use it? Our council tax pays for this and we want it back.”
How Stean Gorge is urging people to head outdoors in an effort to improve mental health.
The advice comes ahead of World Mental Health Day, which takes place across the globe on Monday.
The Nidderdale visitor attraction, carved out over thousands of years by waterflow, features an 80ft-deep chasm and underground cave network.
Recently, it has welcomed yoga and wild swimming to its outdoor activities, which include rock climbing, canoeing, abseiling, caving and gorge scrambling.
Above the gorge it also boasts the only Via Ferrata – a series of high wire and zip wires– in Yorkshire; one of just three in the UK.
Tony Liddy, director of How Stean Gorge, in Lofthouse, said:
“It’s proven that children and adults who spend more time in nature are healthier, happier and more resilient. It may be clichéd but it’s proven that nature does have healing qualities, it is our Natural Health Service.”
Studies show being in nature helps to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the production of stress hormones.
Mr Liddy said:
“We’re becoming a bit of a hot spot for natural detoxing, offering a complete escape. Our upcoming Springtime Cleanse will include yoga, wild swimming and gorge walking, whilst our Flow Back to Nature Weekend Retreat offers yoga, Stand Up Paddleboarding and bushcraft. The perfect antidote to stressful, hectic lives.”
Some experts are urging cold water outdoor swimming to be adopted as a public health measure, as it’s proven to help reduce inflammation, which is linked to health issues ranging from heart disease to depression.
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Outdoor activities generally can advance motor skills, lower body mass index, improve muscle strength and generally boost overall health. Mentally, outdoor challenges can improve self-confidence, independence and self-esteem.
Mr Liddy said:
“Taking on physical challenges has huge mental health benefits. Our team of trained adventure instructors encourage visitors of all ages and skill-levels to take the opportunity to push themselves, mentally and physically. It boosts confidence, helps you overcome fears, and is a fantastic stress-buster. Ultimately, it’s about having fun.”
Other proven benefits include better resilience, being present in the moment, boosting creativity and problem solving.
The gorge has recently undergone a major face-lift, expanding its 20-pitch campsite and installing six new eco-friendly chalets with hot tubs and wood burning stoves.
Mr Liddy added:
“We’ve transformed the site with our ambitious expansion plans to cater to the huge demand for adventure tourism. We want to showcase nature’s stunning playground in this unique gorge that has existed for ten thousand years, since the last Ice Age.”
Graded as a triple Site of Special Scientific Interest, the gorge hosts geological formations, features bats hanging from its caves and fossils frozen in its limestone.
Celebrity guest for village yoga session near RiponA surprise guest with a film crew brought a bit of fun to a village yoga class near Ripon last week.
Hugh Dennis, best known as a comedic actor including in sitcom Outnumbered, was in Studley Roger filming for archaeology show The Great British Dig.
The TV crew asked if they could join Kirsten Agar Ward’s Iyengar yoga session at Studley Roger Village Hall, so they could invite participants to help with the dig.
While there, Hugh and co-presenter Natasha Billson joined in the class, which was all filmed by the production company. Kirsten told the Stray Ferret:
“I’ve been filmed quite a bit before, not for TV but I’m fairly used to it, up to a point. I was a little bit nervous, I have to admit, but once I’d started I just got into what I was doing.
“It was a very unusual situation. It was fast-paced and fun, and they said they’d enjoyed it and seemed quite relaxed at the end.”
The session proved fruitful for the visitors, who recruited a number of locals for their dig, which will be shown as part of a new series of the programme next year.
Kirsten hopes some of their yoga session will be included in the final edit, not only to raise the profile of her classes but also to spread the word about Iyengar yoga.
She trained extensively in India and is a senior level three teacher, travelling around the world to deliver classes as well as setting up the Bath Iyengar Yoga Centre in 2000.
Now based back in Yorkshire, she leads sessions in Ripon and Harrogate too, along with online classes which attract international participants from Tasmania, Costa Rica and elsewhere.
She said:
“I’m very committed to teaching this method. it’s very structured and progressive and safe. The teachers are rigorously trained.
“It’s very good for meeting people’s needs, because you aren’t just doing one thing, you can adapt and grade it according to people who are coming, whether they are old, young, bendy, stiff, have health problems or whatever.
“I’m very pleased they came to film the class. Part of the Great British Dig is they’re trying to build community and that’s what I’m trying to do too, so it was a good mix.”
Read more:
Three-storey boutique ‘wellness venue’ set to officially open in Harrogate town centre
A three-storey boutique “wellness venue” is set to officially open in Harrogate town centre tomorrow.
Ebru Evrim will offer daily classes and workshops in yoga and Pilates in the former Laura Ashley premises, on James Street.
It follows a 4,000 sq ft refurbishment thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign, which saw more than £300,000 raised.
A launch party, featuring food from Hustle & Co, took place at the venue last night and guests were given a tour around the building.
The third floor.
Ebru Evrim is the name of the brand’s founder and owner, who moved over from Istanbul in 2015.
She began to teach yoga and pilates in village halls in the Yorkshire Dales, before launching her first studio in Skipton.
Apparatus in one of the studios.
Following its success, Ms Evrim looked to Harrogate as a vibrant spa town already famed for championing wellness.
Ms Evrim, who also runs wellness holidays and yoga retreats, said:
“I’m so happy I think we are unique and I’m super excited to bring some healthy living to Harrogate. And I’m excited to introduce ourselves, our teachers and our services. I think it’s going to be great. I can’t wait.
“I was so lucky to find this place. We still have some work on the building to complete, but it has all been done by local tradesmen.
“The location is amazing. I’m so grateful to be given the opportunity to open this venue. Life is short and I want to give something good to this place.”
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On the ground floor shop-front, Ms Evrim’s own-branded boutique fitness clothing is on sale.
On the second floor, state-of-the-art Pilates reformer apparatus will be in place. The machines are being made in California and were expected in April. However, they are now unlikely to arrive until September as a result of shipping delays.
Apparatus in one of the studios.
The apparatus will be alongside a space for working with clients requiring specialist therapy for conditions such as lower back, scoliosis, arthritis and osteoporosis. The floor also features showers and changing rooms.
The third floor, complete with industrial-style exposed brick walls and ambient lighting, provides space for yoga and Pilates classes with 30 mats and underfloor heating.
There will also be a cafe on the ground floor, offering snacks and healthy food, which is set to open in a month’s time.
Classes will begin tomorrow from 9am.
Yoga teacher to run free solstice sun salutation in Valley GardensA yoga and pilates instructor will hold a free sun salutation event in Harrogate to mark the summer solstice on Tuesday.
Ebru Evrim, who is set to open a new studio on James Street on July 2, will hold the event in the Valley Gardens, near the cafe, from 6pm to 8.30pm.
She will lead participants through 108 sun salutations, a number representing spiritually significant landmarks including the number of sacred sites in India.
She said:
“Summer solstice is a lovely time of year, and it adds something extra special when practicing yoga outside in the evening sunshine – hopefully!
“This free event is a great opportunity for anyone with experience of yoga to enjoy an outdoor session, or for those interested in trying it for the first time.”
While beginners are welcome to participate, Ebru said the session will be physically demanding, though she will offer modifications to suit different abilities. Anyone taking part will be asked to complete a health questionnaire and must alert the instructor to any injuries or difficulties.
To book a place, email info@ebruevrim.com or call 01756 229356.
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Free events at Harrogate’s Festival of Wellbeing
A day of free events in Harrogate will promote wellbeing to mark the beginning of Stress Awareness Month next weekend.
The Festival of Wellbeing on Saturday, April 2 will include pilates, yoga, barre, and nutrition sessions hosted by the company OneWellness at its studio on Mowbray Square.
It is the third time the festival has been held and aims to boost participants’ moods as well as increasing their energy levels through activities as part of a group.
Alasdair Everest-Ford, head of OneWellness, said:
‘’Lack of support can cause loneliness and isolation, lowering personal wellbeing and impacting people’s health.
“At OneWellness, we believe community support should continue during and beyond challenging times. A community is much more than just a group of people; it’s about connection, having fun, and feel supported and accepted.”
The day will also feature Rose Petal Tea Room from Knaresborough, Sweaty Betty, and The Body Shop. It will raise money for mental health charity Mind, including through donations as part of a series of fitness challenges.
For more information or to book a place on one of the sessions, click here.