Business Breakfast: Ripon company raise £20k in memory of former director

A memorial fund in honour of former businessman Andrew Lupton is set to beat its fundraising target of £20,000.

Ripon-based Econ Engineering set up the Just Giving campaign to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation following the death of their sales director in 2022.

Mr Lupton, ran the family business alongside his brother Jonathan and was 56 years old when he died of a heart attack. Founded by their father Bill 55 years ago, Econ is a manufacturer and supplier of winter maintenance vehicles.

Econ’s managing director, Jonathan Lupton said:

“We have been proud to partner with the British Heart Foundation and absolutely delighted that we have been able to support them with our fundraising. This is particularly poignant given the sad death of Andrew and we want to do as much as we can to increase awareness of heart disease and raise vital money for the charity, in his memory.

“We may have reached the £20,000 mark, but we are not finished yet. A team of Econ employees will be tackling the Three Peaks in May and we hope people will continue to support the memory of Andrew by donating to their efforts.”

To support the Econ Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge click here.

Investment management and stockbroking firm win management award

(L-R): Charlotte M, Sharon G, James I, Evelyn J, Richard R, Katie J, James W, Mary C, James S. A and Grace P-B.

Redmayne Bentley received the London Stock Exchange Award for Best Execution-Only Stockbroking at the City of London Wealth Management Awards 2024.

This year’s awards were highly contested. The awards were decided by public vote, with over 50,000 cast, the greatest number of votes the process has ever received.

Lawrence Fisher, head of investment said:

“As we approach our 150-year anniversary, this outcome reinforces the success we’ve enjoyed over many years in our industry, rewarding the personal service the firm provides to clients.

Traditional stockbroking is where Redmayne Bentley first began in 1875. Our services have expanded over time however our values remain at the centre of everything we do. This award reflects the excellence and teamwork delivered by Redmayne Bentley colleagues across the firm every day.”

Knaresborough clinic celebrates 20 year anniversary

Staff at Castle Clinic, left to right: Chris Horsman, Anna Mackay, Hilary Clissitt, Brit Watson, Seb Contreras, Sarah Chisem, Jon Rebanks

Castle Clinic has celebrated its 20th anniversary.

The clinic first opened in April 2004 as the vision of acupuncturist, Janice Miller, to bring together a range of therapists and disciplines all under one roof.

Tony Cowley bought the Knaresborough clinic in 2009 and retired at the end of 2022, selling the clinic to osteopath, Seb Contreras, who has worked at the clinic since July 2004.

Mr Contreras embarked on a clinic wide renovation plan refurbishing and adding to the site. The business now offers more than 1200 appointments every month in acupuncture, audiology, chiropractic, physiotherapy, podiatry and osteopathy.

Harrogate bus company announce charity partnership

Transdev bus company collaborates with Yorkshire Cancer Research

Yorkshire Cancer Research has been named as the charity partner of Transdev bus company.

Dr Kathryn Scott, chief executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:

“We’re so grateful to have been chosen by Transdev as their charity partner for the coming year. The partnership kicked off with a visit from a Transdev bus and we’re looking forward to many more opportunities to bring the two organisations together to raise awareness of cancer research in Yorkshire.

Transdev will show support for cancer research with activities including training for employees on the signs of the most common cancers, collections at local bus stations and getting involved in Yorkshire Day celebrations. The company will also be adding the charity’s branding to a new bus to help raise awareness of the charity.

Harrogate company wins Broker of the Year

Synergy Car Leasing was named Broker of the Year award as well as the Best Customer Service Award at the Broker News Awards 2024

Ralph Morton, editor of Broker News said:

“Synergy Car Leasing has absolutely nailed customer service. In their category, they were winners by a significant margin with enough points to ensure they also carried off the Broker of the Year title.

“For a leasing business that has also been awarded a Feefo 10 Years of Excellence Award for 10 successive years of attaining the Trusted Service Award earlier this year, it is fitting that they should be recognised with the Broker of the Year title.”

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Harrogate team take on coast-to-coast cycle on a quadtandem

Four people from the Harrogate district have set out on a coast-to-coast quadtandem challenge for charity.

Thebike ride along 170 mile Way Of The Roses began yesterday in Morecambe at 8am and is set to end tomorrow evening in Bridlington.

The team are raising money for Yorkshire Cancer Research and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Their target is £5,000 and will be split between the charities.

On the way the team have passed through Pateley Bridge and Ripon, they stayed in Applewick last night and will dismount in York tonight.

The quadtandem is handmade using parts from four scrap bikes that the team found on scrap piles and Facebook marketplace, which have been welded together. The creation took a few months to complete.

The team is made up of Pete Wyldbor, riding in first position, Tom Hardy, in second, Ed Yates in third and Paul Abbott at the rear.

The team on their 170 mile ride

The team have honoury members in the form of their substitute rider, Ian Lythe, who will take over third position tomorrow, and John Marshall, the team’s top supporter and is at the ready with spare parts.

The team are all from the district, with members from Harrogate, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge and Scotton.

The challenge began as an idea from Mr Wyldbor, 40, who crafted the four-person bike. He revealed the inspiration behind the challenge was the 2006 film ‘Beerfest’, in a scene where five people ride one bike.

Mr Wyldbor said:

“I just thought I’d make one, just for something to do and it all escalated from there. It is a mad idea so I thought it would be good to put it to use for worthwhile charities. If we were doing it for the sake of it that would be nuts.

“We all know someone, friends or family who have been touched by cancer in the past and you really never know when you might need an air ambulance.

“None of us are cyclists and the weather has been against us, we are tired and the hills have been horrific, I will be scrapping the bike when we are done, but we are keeping going for good causes.”

The team at Morcambe, the start of their challenge

To donate to the team’s fundraiser click here.

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Ripon tinsel tractor run raises £1,500 for Yorkshire Cancer Research

The Nidderdale Charity Tinsel Tractor Run, which took place around Ripon last weekend, raised more than £1,500 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

17 tinsel-covered tractors departed from F Tate & Sons Garden Centre.

In sub-zero degree temperatures, drivers followed a 21-mile route which passed through Bishop Monkton, Roecliffe, Boroughbridge and Skelton-on-Ure before returning to Ripon Market Place at around 6pm.

Simon Dickinson, who founded the tractor run, said he “couldn’t have wished for it to go any better”, adding:

“It was just absolutely fantastic.

“People were stood in the middle of nowhere to watch and cheer.

“I was really nervous in the morning, thinking ‘will my tractor get stuck’ but it was great.”

Entry cost £15 per tractor and donations were collected at different points along the route, including Morrisons in Ripon and Boroughbridge.

Caffè Nero, in Ripon, also stayed open late to serve the drivers free hot drinks upon their return.

Mr Dickinson, who is from Ripon but now lives in Northallerton, founded the Nidderdale Charity Tractor Run last year.

It attracted more than 55 vehicles and raised more than £2,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance service in June this year.

Mr Dickinson, who is a member of the West Yorkshire Vintage Tractor & Engine Club, told the Stray Ferret he chose to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research this time after his brother-in-law had bladder cancer.

“Luckily, he’s in remission now, but so many of my customers have prostate cancer too.

“It’s just everywhere.”

Mr Dickinson said the event was a great success and he will “definitely do it again” next year.

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Tinsel tractor run coming to Ripon and Boroughbridge

A tinsel tractor run is to be held around Ripon and Boroughbridge on December 2.

Up to 30 festively-decorated tractors will depart from garden centre F Tate & Sons on Studley Road, near Ripon, at about 2.30pm.

The brightly lit vehicles will then follow a 21-mile route that passes through Bishop Monkton, Roecliffe, Boroughbridge and Skelton-on-Ure before finishing in Ripon Market Place at about 5.30pm.

Simon Dickinson, who organises the Nidderdale Charity Tractor Run each year, decided to stage the event to raise money for Harrogate-based Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Mr Dickinson, a window cleaner who grew up in Littlethorpe and now lives in Northallerton, said he wanted to raise money to help people affected by cancer and had been inspired by tinsel tractor runs held overseas.

He added he had been amazed by the response since the event was announced last night. Fifteen tractor drivers have already signed up.

Mr Dickinson, who is a member of West Yorkshire Vintage Tractor & Engine Club, added:

“I want to get it off the ground this year and then do it year after year.”

Tractor drivers pay £15 to enter and collections will be held at key points along the route.

The Nidderdale tractor run, which Mr Dickinson founded last year, attracted 55 vehicles and raised almost £2,000 this year. Next year’s event will be on June 30.

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New charity shop and cafe to open in Harrogate

A new charity shop and café is to open at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate next week.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is opening the shop and café at its new centre on Hornbeam Square West.

Income will fund services such as the charity’s health and wellbeing programme for people with cancer called Active Together, which will be available at the same centre from November.

Tony Graham, director of retail at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:

“Our beautifully stocked shop will offer a unique experience where people can purchase high quality pre-loved fashion, accessories, home-ware, books and records.

“Thanks to supporters’ kind donations, the shop offers a range of desirable products – from vintage collectables and high-end labels to nearly-new fashion.”

The new Café Hornbeam

 

Staff and volunteers celebrate the opening of the shop and café.

The charity said its Café Hornbeam will serve healthy breakfasts as well as waffles, sandwiches and salads. Harrogate-based bakery Baltzersen’s will provide the pastries and cakes.

The shop will open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

The café will open from 8am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

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Harrogate woman with incurable cancer raises charity funds with crystal art

A Harrogate woman has been creating crystal art to raise funds for a local cancer charity after being diagnosed with the disease.

Paula Grainger, 79, discovered she had ovarian cancer in 2019. Since then she has been “giving something back” to Harrogate-based Yorkshire Cancer Research by selling her artwork at community events.

She said:

“I came across Yorkshire Cancer Research, and I didn’t realise that there was a regional cancer charity, so I thought ‘right, what can I do to help?’. I’ve always liked crafts, so I started producing some artwork to sell and donating the profits to the charity.”

Paula creates crystal art by placing crystals onto a canvas and sells it at events such as Bilton Cricket Club’s party of the pitch. She said:

“I’ve always made cards and other bits, but when I started doing crystal art, I just loved it. It’s really satisfying and once it’s finished it shimmers and shines.

“I live with my eldest daughter and her family, and I’ve almost taken over with all my craft supplies and artwork. They’ve given me half of the garage to store everything.”

Paula first visited her doctor after she noticed that she’d lost weight and was having trouble eating.

She was referred for further tests at St James’s Hospital in Leeds and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, Paula was told that her cancer was incurable.

Paula Grainger

She said:

“I didn’t go to the doctors immediately when I started feeling unwell. I meet up with a group of friends once a week and they gave me a push to make the appointment to speak to my doctor. It was such a shock when the diagnosis came through.

“That’s something I’d want to get across to people, it feels daunting but it’s so important to go and speak to your doctor if you have anything you’re concerned about so you can catch the cancer early.”

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Paula had chemotherapy and after two years of monitoring, was given a second round in 2021. She now takes medication to prevent the cancer from spreading.  She said:

“It’s been a difficult journey, especially when your mind is constantly thinking about the cancer, but I’m pleased with where I am now.”

Yorkshire Cancer Research funds research to tackle cancer in the region.

Mum-of-three Paula said:

“It was important to me to raise funds for a local charity. Yorkshire Cancer Research funds research in Leeds, where I was treated, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to help support the people who had supported me.

“I’m not doing it for people like me, I’m doing it for people like my daughters and my grandchildren, and everybody else who may be affected by cancer in the future and can benefit from developments in cancer research.

“When you think about the developments that have been made even in the past 10 years, it’s incredible. My mum and grandmother both passed away from cancer, and it was a very different prognosis then than it is now.”

Harrogate cancer charity pays tribute to ‘staunch supporter’ Sir Michael Parkinson

Harrogate-based Yorkshire Cancer Research has paid tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson, who died last night.

Sir Michael became a patron in 2016 following his experience with prostate cancer.

He supported the charity’s aim to address inequalities in cancer diagnosis and treatment in Yorkshire after he was successfully treated.

At the time, he said:

“I believe that everyone should have an equal chance of living a long and healthy life, so I am delighted to support the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research and help them address these unacceptable inequalities.” 

Sir Michael also helped with fundraising and awareness-raising.

Promoting the charity’s work.

Dr Kathryn Scott, chief executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:

“Sir Michael was a staunch supporter of equality and equity for people with cancer, no matter who they are or where they live.

“By speaking out about his own personal experience, he played an important role in both raising awareness of cancer and raising funds for vital research into the disease.”

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Yorkshire-born Sir Michael visited Harrogate many times and often made a beeline for Graveleys of Harrogate.

He once said his perfect day out in Yorkshire would involve “watching Joe Root score a century in an Ashes Test at Headingley and then a big plate of fish and chips at Graveley’s seafood restaurant in Harrogate”.

Asked to name his favourite Yorkshire restaurant in the same interview with the Northern Echo in 2017, he said it was “a toss up between Graveleys and Bettys tea room in Harrogate“.

Graveleys re-opened in Harrogate in February this year after a three-year absence.

Owner Simon Pilkington said today:

“Sir Michael was a regular visitor back in the day when Yorkshire were playing at Headingley or he was appearing in Harrogate.

“He very much kept himself to himself but chatted occasionally to my father.

“But he did love his Yorkshire fish and chips from Graveleys!”

 

Bilton to host second Party on the Pitch

Bilton Cricket Club in Harrogate is to host a second Party on the Pitch this month.

Last year’s first party, held as part of the late Queen’s jubilee celebrations in June, was a big hit, attracting about 2,500 people.

If the second event is also successful it could become an annual event.

It could even replace Bilton Gala, which has not been held since 2019, as the community’s main annual get-together, albeit on a smaller scale.

The party, which is free to enter, will be held on August 27 at the club’s pitch on Bilton Lane.

Starting at 12.30pm, it will include four live bands from 3pm to 9pm, a hog roast and various children’s entertainment, including a bouncy castle and a magician.

Bilton Cricket Club

Club president Jane Blackburn said:

“Unfortunately Bilton Gala no longer takes place and people in the community have asked if we will be doing our Party on the Pitch again.

“As we are primarily a cricket club, we didn’t want to do it in June or July in the middle of the season so we thought we’d have it at the end of August when there are only a couple of fixtures left.

“If the community likes it and it goes well we will do it every year.”

Ms Blackburn said she hoped the party would attract 2,000 people. Funds raised on the day will be divided between the club’s £42,000 appeal to buy new cricket nets and Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The club has currently raised £23,000 towards its target. It hopes the new nets will be installed by April in time for next season.

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£3.5m gym for cancer patients to open in Harrogate

A £3.5 million exercise and wellbeing centre is to open in Harrogate in autumn.

The Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre at Hornbeam Park will offer free, personalised fitness, nutrition and wellbeing support to people with cancer. It aims to help patients prepare for treatment and recover better.

The building will incorporate a café, shop and donation centre and will also become Yorkshire Cancer Research’s new head office. The charity will relocate from its premises at Grove Park Court in Harrogate.

It currently has 70 staff, including those at its seven shops, and expects to have 100 by March next year, partly due to the new centre, which will create 10 new jobs and 40 volunteering opportunities.

Its shop sites include Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough.

People will be able to self-refer to the exercise centre and visit for free, although they will need to sign-up and book.

Most users are expected to come from within 15 miles of Hornbeam Park and up to 1,500 people are expected to use the service in its first three years.

Yorkshire Cancer Research gym

The gym will offer one-to-one support

The charity is recruiting fitness instructors with specialist cancer knowledge. Many sessions will be one-to-one.

Everything people do at the centre will be analysed and used to improve understanding of exercise as a treatment for cancer patients.

Yorkshire Cancer Research plans to open at least four new fitness and wellbeing centres across the region in the next 10 years.

Dr Kathryn Scott, chief executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:

“Yorkshire will be at the forefront of exercise as a treatment” and the centre would “inform future cancer treatment in the UK and elsewhere in the world”.

Evidence shows that exercise can increase the success of cancer treatment, reduce side effects and speed up recovery, as well as improving life expectancy.

The programme builds on the charity’s Active Together service in Sheffield, which was launched in February 2022, in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. So far it has helped more than 370 people with cancer.

Yorkshire Cancer Research will relocate from its current site at Grove Park Court in Harrogate.

Dr Scott said:

“Despite clear evidence that being physically active is safe and has a positive effect for people with cancer, exercise services are not routinely available and most patients are not as active as they could be following a diagnosis.

“Our long-term goal is for these programmes to become a standard part of care embedded in and delivered by the NHS across Yorkshire and beyond.”

Charity shop opens tomorrow on Harrogate’s Oxford Street

A new charity shop will open tomorrow on Harrogate’s Oxford Street as part of ambitious expansion plans.

Yorkshire Cancer Research will open the shop in the former Porters clothing shop, after the business moved to James Street two years ago.

Tomorrow’s official opening will be conducted by TV presenter and journalist Christine Talbot, with the Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Cllr Victoria Oldham, also attending.

The Harrogate-based charity already has five shops and plans to open a further 15 in the next five years, saying it plans to open units on every high street in Yorkshire.

Each shop is expected to raise £100,000 a year for the charity, which funds research into cancer. YCR is the largest regional cancer charity, funding 62 research programmes and allowing 250,000 people to participate in pioneering research and treatment.

The former Porters shop on Oxford Street

The former Porters shop on Oxford Street.

A spokesperson for YCR said:

“As well as raising funds to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, the shops are the ‘greenest on the high street’, allowing people to recycle pre-loved items and buy sustainably sourced products.

“They also provide opportunities for people to learn new skills, meet new people and play a role in helping those with cancer in Yorkshire through volunteering.”

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