Review: The Woman in Black haunts York’s Grand Opera HouseHarrogate Ice Rink organiser responds to complaints

The company operating Harrogate Ice Rink has responded to complaints about the condition of the ice and slow refunds.

York-based Events by Cynosure is running the rink in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council tourism body Destination Harrogate.

It opened in Crescent Gardens on December 1 but adverse weather has led to its closure eight times since then – including today (January 2).

The rink’s Facebook page has received numerous critical comments from people who have struggled to get refunds. Others have complained about the wet surface.

One unhappy customer, who asked to remain anonymous, claimed the conditions were unsuitable for skating on December 20.

In a letter to the organisers seen by the Stray Ferret, he said:

“The ice and surface were extremely dangerous, wet, rippled and extremely slippery and not maintained and far from the standard of an ice rink.

“For example, no one was able to let go of the side rails and people left the ice…raising a significant health and safety issue.”

He said he asked to speak to a manager at about 6.40pm to voice his concerns about the state of the ice only to be told the manager had “left the site and was unavailable to speak to”, adding:

“Others were also raising the same concerns – staff were unable to assist and had no authority to provide refunds or offer solutions.”

In the same letter, he also said he later approached a staff member wearing “management” uniform (pictured below) who “denied being management and would not make comment”, while “watching football on his iPhone”.

The customer said the man pictured “denied being management”.

The man also claimed the quality of footwear was “extremely poor” and that “rusty blades” had not been maintained.

The man pictured his “rusty” skates.

He today told the Stray Ferret he has “heard nothing at all” since sending the letter on December 21.

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Others have also voiced concerns. Local resident Emma Alderson’s booking was cancelled on Christmas Eve following a yellow weather warning.

Events by Cynosure said the “safety of our skaters is priority” and “all tickets will remain valid until the 7th January should you wish to visit us after Christmas”. However, Ms Alderson has struggled to get a refund since. In a response to the company seen by the Stray Ferret, she wrote:

“Thank you so much for blocking me on the Facebook page. Why keep posting and not reply to people who are trying to rebook?

“Such a bad, poor and disgusting service you offer!”

Despite asking for a refund, Ms Alderson today said she has “had no update from them at all”.

Rink is ‘suitable to skate’

John Lowery, chief operating officer at Events by Cynosure, told the Stray Ferret it was “aware of complaints in regard to the ice rink”. Mr Lowery added:

“In regards to the ice rink being wet we have suffered like all outdoor ice rinks in the country from some of the warmest temperatures and heaviest rain with two named storms alone.

“At no time have we operated the rink when not suitable to skate. We have offered customers the opportunity to come back on another date if they attended when wet.

“Our technical team have worked through the nights etc to make it as good as possible.

“As for refunds these take up to 10 days from when requested and are being processed for any sessions that we have cancelled that the customer cannot change the date until.

“Due to holidays our office was closed over Christmas Day, Boxing Day but we can assure people will be refunded where entitled.”

Harrogate Ice Rink, which debuted in 2022, is part of a three-year deal between Events By Cynosure and Destination Harrogate.

It is set to run until Sunday, January 7, but with just two dry days forecast until then, the weather may continue to have an impact.

Green Hammerton man jailed for historic sex offences in Harrogate

A 62-year-old man has been jailed for two years for child-sex offences committed more than 40 years ago.

Sean Harland, from Green Hammerton, appeared for sentence at York Crown Court on Friday after a jury convicted him of two counts of gross indecency with a young girl following a trial in September.

Prosecutor Paul Newcombe said the sexual abuse occurred in the Harrogate area in the mid-to-late 1970s, when Harland was a teenager.

He said that Harland made the girl perform sexual acts on him on “multiple” occasions.

Harland told her that if she ever told anyone about what he had done, she wouldn’t be believed. Mr Newcombe.said:

“She believed the threats.

“(Harland) clearly knew from a young age that what he was doing was wrong.”

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, didn’t tell anyone about the abuse until the early 1990s when she told her psychologist following a mental breakdown.

Police launched an investigation after being contacted by one of the victim’s family members about six years ago.

The victim read out a statement in court outlining the impact Harland’s offences had on her.

She had suffered from anxiety, depression and “severe” panic attacks for which she had received professional help from her teenage years to adulthood. She added:

“I’m still having counselling sessions and expect to need them until the day I die.”

Defence barrister Alasdair Campbell said Harland had no previous convictions and had always been a working man.

He added that Harland also had serious mental health issues for which he was receiving therapy.

Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, said that Harland’s offences had a “devastating” effect on the victim who had suffered “severe” psychological harm.

He said that despite Harland’s young age at the time, he would have still “known right from wrong” and that what he had done to the victim was a “disgrace”.

The judge said that the offences were so serious that only an immediate prison sentence could be justified.

He told Harland:

“The plea to suspend (the sentence) would have been more powerful if you had admitted (the offences), but you didn’t and you’re still in denial.”

Harland, of Meadow Vale, will serve half of the two-year sentence behind bars before being released on prison licence.

He was also made subject to a sexual-harm prevention order, which will run for an indefinite period.

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Police appeal after nine goats found near Boroughbridge

North Yorkshire Police are appealing to find the owner of nine goats which were found near Boroughbridge.

The force said the herd was found in Thorpe Underwood and is “currently safe and being well cared for”.

In a statement, police said:

“This certainly isn’t a sentence you say every day, but if you’re missing nine goats or know anyone who is, we’d love to hear from you.

“Please email david.mackay@northyorkshire.police.uk

“You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for PC1452 David Mackay.”

Quote reference number 12230218867 when passing on information.

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North Yorkshire combined authority could be launched in January

A combined authority in York and North Yorkshire could be in operation in the new year after an order was laid before parliament.

The combined authority, which will be overseen by a directly elected mayor, is expected to have powers to make decisions on matters such as economic development and transport.

An order which would establish the organisation was laid before Parliament on Tuesday (November 7).

It paves the way for a North Yorkshire devolution deal, which is worth £540 million over 30 years, to become law.

MPs are now expected to consider the draft order before Christmas. 

James Farrar, interim director of transition for the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: 

“Subject to progress, a new combined authority could be operational in January and formally launched in February. 

“A mayoral election would take place on 2nd May 2024.”

Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, added:

“The prospect of bringing more decision-making powers and millions of pounds in additional funding from the government will bring real and tangible benefits for hundreds of thousands of people in York and North Yorkshire.”

The move to set up a combined authority comes as North Yorkshire agreed a historic devolution deal with government.

The proposed devolution deal includes a £7 million investment to drive green economic growth towards the ambition of York and North Yorkshire becoming the country’s first carbon negative region.

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There is also proposed investment of up to £2.65 million to deliver affordable low-carbon housing, and £13 million for the building of new homes on brownfield land during 2023/24 and 2024/25.

The elected mayor will make decisions on investments in strategic priorities such as for transport, housing, and adult education.

The mayor will also have responsibilities for community safety and strategic responsibility for the totality of policing, fire and crime for York and North Yorkshire.

They will appoint a deputy mayor to carry out many of the powers and duties of the role currently known as police, fire and crime commissioner.

Tockwith Show directors propose one-year break after volunteers step down

The directors of Tockwith Show have proposed to cancel next year’s event after five long-standing volunteers stepped down.

The agricultural show, which began in 1945, showcases a variety of livestock, horses and horticulture.

Organisers are now appealing for new people to take over a number of roles.

Current chair Georgina Watson, who is one of those stepping down, said:

“Being involved with Tockwith Show is incredible fun and a real privilege, but it can also take up a lot of time and energy.

“All the committee members standing down at the AGM have been involved with running the event for decades, and they have now decided it’s time to make way for someone else.”

The directors feel the break would allow time for more people to join the committee, as well as the chance to make any necessary changes to the show.

Locals will be able to vote on the proposal at the show’s annual general meeting – which will take place next month.

Ms Watson added:

“Over the past few years, we have been trying to attract new volunteers to prepare for this inevitable moment, but we have only had limited success.

“Our hope now is that we can attract enough new helpers from the community to allow for the key roles to be taken on by at last two people so the burden of the work is spread.

“For the directors and trustees, recommending taking a year’s break in the show was a very difficult decision, but we believe it’s not only the right decision but given our current situation the only decision to ensure the future of the show.”

Those attending the meeting will also be able to put themselves forward for any of the vacant roles, which include chair, secretary, main show ring steward, show direct and chair of the fundraising committee.

One of the directors, Mike Best, said:

“If the recommendation to skip a year is approved, then that gives us a real and exciting opportunity to take a good hard look at everything the show currently offers and see if there are any changes or improvements that can be made.

“Even if people in the community aren’t able to become volunteer helpers, we are hoping they will let us know what works and what doesn’t work.

“Each year we attract thousands of visitors to the event, and those people are the ones who really know what changes we could and should make to ensure that when we return in 2025 Tockwith Show will be better than ever.”

The meeting will be held in Long Marston Village Hall on Wednesday, November 15 at 8.15pm.

Anyone is welcome to attend and those that would like more information can email Mike Best on mike@bestmedia.co.uk

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Start date for North Yorkshire combined authority delayed

The establishment of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority looks set to be delayed, according to a council report.

The combined authority, which will be overseen by a directly elected mayor, is expected to have powers to make decisions on matters such as economic development and transport.

Its formation will be overseen by Harrogate-born James Farrar as chief operating officer in its transition year.

The authority had been due to be set up this year and begin operation in May.

However, according to a North Yorkshire Council report, the establishment of the authority looks set to be delayed as parliament debates the devolution deal later this month.

The Stray Ferret asked York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, which is helping to form the combined authority, when the start date would be delayed to.

In response, a spokesperson said:

“Assumptions used to form the combined authority budget were set against a timeline of key milestones, including a parliamentary debate period starting in September.

“This milestone is now anticipated to begin later this month and therefore reflects an amendment of the assumed start date. The timeline remains on track for mayoral elections to run in May 2024.”

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An order is expected be laid before parliament later in the autumn, which will include provisions for powers and funding tied to a devolution deal as well as paving the way for the creation of the authority.

The move to set up a combined authority comes as North Yorkshire agreed a historic devolution deal with government.

The proposed devolution deal includes a £7 million investment to drive green economic growth towards the ambition of York and North Yorkshire becoming the country’s first carbon negative region.

There is also proposed investment of up to £2.65 million to deliver affordable low-carbon housing, and £13 million for the building of new homes on brownfield land during 2023/24 and 2024/25.

The elected mayor will make decisions on investments in strategic priorities such as for transport, housing, and adult education.

The mayor will also have responsibilities for community safety and strategic responsibility for the totality of policing, fire and crime for York and North Yorkshire.

They will appoint a deputy mayor to carry out many of the powers and duties of the role currently known as police, fire and crime commissioner.

An election for the mayor will be held in May 2024. 

Police name teenager who died in fatal Brimham Rocks crash

A 17-year-old boy who died after a car collided with a wall on Brimham Rocks Road has been named by the police.

Alfie Lovett, from York, was a passenger in the Peugeot 107 which crashed on Tuesday at 6.50pm.

North Yorkshire Police reported he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have shared a tribute his family paid to him.

It says:

“Alfie was a unique personality who loved to make people laugh and lived for adrenaline fuelled adventures. He lived his life fearlessly and marched to the beat of his own drum without caring about what anyone thought of him.

“Alfie had his own world view that very few understood. He was only 17, but has made a huge mark in his short time and anyone who’s ever met him is not likely to ever forget him!

“Alfie was a fiercely loyal friend, a protective big brother to his 2 younger sisters and brother and loving father to his infant son. Taken from us far too soon with so much more to give, he’ll be very missed every day.”

Three other occupants of the car were left with minor injuries and the driver has been helping police with their enquiries.

An appeal was launched earlier this week for witnesses.

Officers added in the original appeal:

“We are keen to hear from anyone who has captured any dashcam footage of the vehicle prior to the collision.”

You can email Nicola.Peters@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101 and ask for Nicola Peters.

Quote incident number 12230173187.

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Business Breakfast: Mama Doreen’s Emporium to open York branch

Harrogate cupcake company Mama Doreen’s Emporium is due to open a new branch in York.

The restaurant, which serves afternoon tea, brunch dishes and cakes, opened in 2009 on Cold Bath Road, but moved to its current James Street site in 2019.

Now the company is on the hunt for a new general manager to run the York site.

In a social media post advertising the job role, a member of staff at Mama Doreen’s said:

“We are now ready to bring our amazing service, afternoon teas and of course cupcakes to York.”

The opening date and location of the new store have not yet been announced.

Harrogate tea company takes home Great Taste award

A Harrogate-based tea company has been recognised at the Great Taste Awards for its immunity tea.

Thankfully Healthy was one of 4,088 winners of the award, which had been narrowed down from over 14,000 entries.

The tea is made from a blend of herbs including turmeric, cardamom and rose to strengthen the immune system.

The accolade is given to ‘food and drink that delivers fantastic flavour’ and the product was dubbed “a bracing and spicy ayurvedic tea, full of interesting and complementary spices, most familiar from the spice box of India” by the judges.

Dipti Arora, founder, said:

“If you had told me when I first started thinking about my herbal tea business that I would receive a Great Taste award someday, I probably would have said, “only if such a wish could ever come true!”

“But here I am, a one-person team, nurturing my start-up, and this achievement feels like more than just a dream come true.

The judging took place over 89 days, with a panel of over 500 judges, and saw entries from 109 different countries.

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New name for Harrogate taxi firm following acquisition by York company

A Harrogate taxi company is to be renamed after being acquired by a growing York-based firm.  

Elite Taxis, which is based on Claro Road, came under new management on Monday, when it was bought by York Cars Taxis, and will be rebranded as Dash within the month. 

York Cars is one of York’s biggest taxi companies, with 15 locations in the area, and Elite’s 30 drivers brings its fleet to around 200 cars. 

Manager Billy Iqbal told the Stray Ferret: 

“When we bought York Cars in 2014, we had 15 drivers, and that increased more than tenfold over the next nine years.

“We did it by providing a great service to the people of York, and now we’re looking to expand and provide a great service to people in Harrogate and the surrounding area. Ultimately, our aim is to expand across Yorkshire, into Leeds and West Yorkshire too.” 

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Dash will provide a 24-hour-a-day service, and customers will be able to book by phone or via the Dash Request A Ride app, which is free to download on Google Play or Apple Store. Payment can be made by card, Google, Apple Pay or cash. 

York Cars Taxis now intends to enlarge its fleet and is recruiting new drivers in Harrogate and York to meet demand. Drivers’ rent is charged at 15% and capped at £75 regardless of takings.