Harlow Hill ‘men’s shed’ gets to work repairing Pinewoods sign

Members of Harlow Hill’s new ‘men’s shed’ have been busy repairing a damaged display board in the Pinewoods.

The men’s shed was set up in February for men in the Harlow Hill area to boost mental health and tackle loneliness in the area.

Many of their members have woodwork skills so the charity Pinewoods Conservation Group asked if they could help out repair a display board that helps visitors navigate the 96-acre woodland.

For their first job, men’s shed members have spent time over the last few weekends replacing rotten timbers and putting the board back in place.

Men’s sheds are part of a wider organisation of ‘sheds’ that began in Australia. Their goal is to create a space for older men to come together to create and build while making friends. Women are welcome, too.

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John Hart, who set up Harlow Hill men’s shed said:

“Our members know the Pinewoods well and were pleased to be able to help the Pinewoods Conservation Group. This was our first official job the group had carried out and are very pleased with the result. We know like many charities funding can be challenging so we hope there are more opportunities for us to support local groups”.

Neil Hind, chair of The Pinewoods Conservation Group said:

“We heard that the group was up and running so were delighted that they agreed to help us. Originally, we thought a whole new display board maybe required but with some ingenuity from the group they were able to repair the board in situ saving us considerable funds. The display board should now be operational for a good number of years to come.”

Five year old Harrogate boy wins competition with ‘happy pizza’ design

A five year old Harrogate boy has won a charity competition that will see his ‘happy pizza’ on sale at a local cafe.

The competition, organised by the Ripon Amateur Operatic Society, was made to promote the local show ‘Oliver!’ . Around 60 school kids sent in drawings of pizza designs.

Henry Elvin, aged five, was the winner. His pizza face had a ham smile, pepperoni eyes, a tomato nose and sweetcorn for hair.

Competition winner Henry (middle) with his Mum (Katy) & Dad (Dan) and two actors from ‘Oliver,’ Amber & Grace

The creation will be on sale at Starling Independent Bar Cafe Kitchen, and £2.00 of every pizza bough will be donated to the Harrogate District Foodbank. Henry also won four tickets to see Oliver next week.

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Hannah Ruddy, from the Ripon Amateur Operatic Society , said:

“Some of the themes in Oliver! surround poverty and going without. Sadly, we are all too aware there is still a huge issue and far too many people have to rely on the support of organisations, such as local foodbanks.

“As well as providing a food donation point at Harrogate Theatre foyer throughout the show’s run, we also wanted to get younger people involved, and thought the competition would be a nice way to raise awareness. We are grateful to Starling for joining us in this and agreeing to make a donation from their weekly special.”

‘Oliver!’ will be shown at Harrogate theatre from 20th-23rd April, and will feature 25 local children from ages six years old and above.

Artizan café in Harrogate expands to second floor

Artizan café, which opened on Cambridge Road late last year, is set to expand to an upper floor.

The floor was initially used for offices and storage space. Due to increased demand, it will now be opened up to the public as an extended café area.

Artizan International was founded by Suzie Hart MBE in 2013.

Ms. Hart will be behind the design of the second floor, which will include the same tiles, mosaics and artisan textures on the ground floor.

The café was introduced to help people with disabilities learn hospitality skills and get into the job market.

Anna Maria Wilson, part-time manager at Artizan café, said:

“It was always in the plan. We are definitely doing it sooner than was anticipated because there was that increased demand.

“We have been so busy, that we needed the extra space. It is beautiful up there, and we aim for it to be more of a tranquil and relaxed area for people to enjoy.”

Although the official date is not yet known, the second floor should be open in a couple of weeks for customers to enjoy.

Specsavers Harrogate to join CUES scheme

Specsavers, vision test

Specsavers Harrogate is joining the Covid-19 Urgent Eye Service (CUES) scheme

Specsavers Harrogate has announced that it will be joining the NHS Covid-19 Urgent Eye Service programme.

Those with urgent eye health issues can visit the store for treatment under the CUES scheme.

The service was launched to reduce pressure on the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.

Patients with urgent eye issues and in need of treatment will now be able to visit Specsavers Harrogate to have vision checks, which will be covered free-of-charge by the NHS.

Robert May, optometrist director at Specsavers Harrogate, said:

“The Cues scheme has been set up as we have the expertise and equipment in-store to deal with a range of eye-related emergencies.

“We’re seeing around one hundred customers every week through the scheme, which is definitely taking the pressure off the NHS’ services and waiting times.”

You can find out more about the CUES scheme here.

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Tributes to long-serving Harrogate hospital cardiologist

Dr Hugh Larkin, a retired cardiologist and consultant in acute medicine at Harrogate District Hospital for 39 years, has died.

Dr Larkin, who was 78, died on April 1 following a battle with cancer. He leaves behind wife Lynn, children Hugh, Philip, Samantha, Nicola and Tristan and grandson, Hugh.

He joined the cardiology department at the hospital in 1983 and worked through the pandemic until his retirement in January 2021.

Dr Jacqueline Andrews, executive medical director at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT), said:

“Dr Larkin was one of our longest serving consultants, joining HDFT in 1983 and working with us during the covid pandemic where he returned to support his colleagues and patients at a time of great need.

“He was a kind, caring and talented doctor who was highly respected by colleagues and patients and he will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.”

Born in 1943, Dr Larkin grew up in Glasgow, joining the navy at 16 years old and before studying Medicine at the University of Glasgow.

On graduation in 1974, Dr Larkin became a resident at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary before working at the Western Infirmary and Sydney’s North Shore Hospital.

Dr David Earl, deputy medical director at HDFT said:

“Hugh was a gentle and kind man. He was a wonderful teacher, who was respected as a colleague and friend, and most importantly by the population of Harrogate itself.”

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Sammy Lambert, business development, charity and volunteer manager at HDFT said:

“Hugh was an amazing person and highly thought of by so many people.  He saved so many lives – including my own father. His passing is such a sad loss, but his legacy will live on not only with the funds raised in his memory, but also through the difference he made to so many people’s lives.”

The Larkin family said in a statement:

“Hugh was a cherished husband and loving father; he was a family man in the truest sense of the word and was happiest when surrounded by his wife and children.

“As a family, we knew how much his work meant to him and we were incredibly proud of everything he did as a doctor. We hope his legacy in cardiology, as well as the positive impact he had on the lives of the people of Harrogate, lives on.”

Dr Larkin’s funeral will take place on Tuesday 19 April at 12pm at Our Lady Immaculate and St Robert’s Catholic Church in Harrogate.

Dr Larkin’s family have asked for donations in his memory to go to the cardiology department at Harrogate District Hospital via a dedicated donation page at https://hhcc.co.uk/hhcc-post/in-memory-of-dr-hugh-larkin/

 

Charity Corner: the local charity supplying 36,000 wheelchairs worldwide

Since setting up in 2003, Wheelchair Foundation UK has shipped more than 36,000 wheelchairs to people around the world who cannot afford them.

The charity was set up by Milton Frary who lives in Little Ribston, near Spofforth. Mr Frary has been part of Rotary Club of Wetherby & District for decades and a rotary conference in Texas sparked the idea.

After hearing from another charity in the US doing this kind of work, he knew his Rotary connections would help him set up something similar in the UK.

The charity has shipped containers full of wheelchairs to African countries such as Kenya, Nigeria and Botswana, as well as to Serbia and Poland in Europe.

An elderly lady in Kitwe, Zambia being brought to a central collection point to receive her wheelchair.

Mr Frary says that with Rotary being an international organisation, he is able to contact groups worldwide to identify local need.

In recent years, Mr Frary has joined forces with PhysioNet. Together the charities send new and second-hand wheelchairs as well as other medical equipment, such as Zimmer frames and hospital beds, to foreign countries.

Some recipients in Mozambique.

He says seeing the smiles on people’s faces and hearing the screams of glee keeps him determined to fundraise more.

“We have delivered to 31 countries now. Wherever there is a need we will do our best to help.

“When we first started the World Health Organisation said there were 150 million people in need of wheelchairs, this is the biggest understatement I’ve heard because they haven’t included the elderly. It’s mind boggling when you understand the need.”

Two boys in Botswana after receiving their wheelchairs and blankets.

Mr Frary said the charity is always seeking donations of second-hand wheelchairs and walking aids, which it can then service and send abroad.

To contact Mr Frary about a donation, email info@wheelchairfoundationuk.org.

Carers’ Resource finds new Harrogate home

Carers’ Resource, the charity which supports unpaid carers looking after family members or friends, is moving to a new base in Harrogate.

The charity has had its head office at North Park Road, Harrogate, since 1995, but is now relocating to more modern premises at nearby Grove Park Court.

Staff have started moving in to the new office, which will be fully operational by April 11.

Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, will cut the ribbon to officially open the new site on May 13.

Chris Whiley, chief executive of Carers’ Resource, said:

“This charity began its life in Harrogate and while we have expanded over the years, this move demonstrates our huge commitment to carers in the Harrogate area and beyond.

“We have recently secured a new contract from North Yorkshire County Council to continue delivering services for unpaid carers in Harrogate and Craven, and to start delivering a full range of services in Selby.

“This move will give us a strong base from which we can continue to provide vital information, advice and support to carers.”

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Carers’ Resource was founded by Anne Smyth, who was awarded an OBE by the Queen in 2013 for her services to carers.

A small carers project initially operated out of Harrogate District Hospital before moving to North Park Road in 1995 and becoming an independent, not-for-profit charity with four staff. The young carer project started a year later.

Carers’ Resource now supports unpaid adult and young carers in Harrogate, Bradford and Craven districts, and will also be providing services in Selby from July 2022.

 

Harrogate estate agents take on Yorkshire Three Peaks

Harrogate estate agents take on Yorkshire Three Peaks for charity 

Harrogate estate agents, Feather Smailes Scales (FSS) are hoping to raise more money for Maggie’s Centres by climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

The team at FSS said they wanted to support a charity that helps those undergoing treatment.

Maggie’s Centres builds centres next to NHS hospitals to offer professional support for anything from treatment side effects to money worries.

The FSS team will take on the 24-mile hiking challenge tomorrow.

Partner and auctioneer Richard Smailes said:

“Last November, I was incredibly touched by the enthusiasm of those supporting the charity. Those who were affected by cancer planned to carry out incredible tasks to raise money for a cause that supports those suffering take back control when cancer turns their life upside down.”

To donate click here.

Networking event for SMEs at Harrogate Convention Centre this month

Harrogate Borough Council and SME Growth Managers have organised an event for Harrogate district businesses to share ideas and solve problems.

The event, on April 21, is aimed at local SMEs, small to middle-sized businesses.

‘Five tips to sales and marketing effectiveness in challenging times’ will hear from numerous business owners about the impact of marketing.

The event lasts 90 minutes and is free to attend. It will highlight funding opportunities and give business owners the chance to meet with similar, like-minded businesses.

The event begins at 9.30am at Co-Lab Harrogate, through entrance three at the convention centre.

Harrogate Convention Centre

 

Harrogate clothing firm partners with cafe to help the homeless

HGTE collaborates with BrewBar for Harrogate Homeless Project

Sara Shaw, owner of HGTE clothing, is collaborating with BrewBar cafe in Harrogate to help the homeless.

A portion of the profits raised from the sale of the clothing will go to the Harrogate Homeless Project.  The company has already raised over £14,000 for the charity since Christmas 2016.

Ms Shaw explained that the idea of HGTE is to not just to raise funds, but also to raise awareness about homelessness in Harrogate.

“The aim is to support a vital local charity with a quality product that is ethical.

“BrewBar is situated right in the heart of Harrogate, and Simon has such a loyal customer base due to his teams brilliant customer service – I couldn’t say no.”

Simon Somerville-Frost, owner of Brewbar, added:

“In our collaboration we provide a space for Sara’s vision to take place. To see the benefits of these contributions to the community is truly humbling, and we look to continue to give back to the community.”

HGTE started as a one-off, with Ms Shaw printing 25 sweatshirts with the logo. However, it continues to grow, with pieces being posted internationally.

From law graduate to part-owner of Harrogate Family Law: Laura Mounsey 

Laura MounseyLaura Mounsey who only became a qualified solicitor at Harrogate Family Law in 2019 has now become a partial owner of the firm.

Andrew Meehan, managing director of HFL, said:

“I am delighted to announce that Laura Mounsey is now a part owner and director of Harrogate Family Law. Laura joined HFL in 2015 and will be a key part in taking the firm from strength to strength as it continues to grow.”

Ms Mounsey was awarded the Cohen and Career Guarantee Scholarship at BPP Law school and was recognised with a ‘Safe Pair of Hands’ award for her ability to help people.

Ms Mounsey wrote a series of columns for the Stray Ferret in 2020:

Provenance Inns wins ‘Best Food Offer’ at Publican Awards 2022

West Park Hotel, Harrogate

Provenance Inns and Hotels has won a national award for ‘Best Food Offer,’ after being recognised for its consistent, high-quality dishes.

The North Yorkshire based company was up against competitors such as well-known Farmhouse Inns which owns 70 sites across the UK.

Group executive chef, Jason Wardill, said:

“To beat off every other pub company in the UK is testament to our fresh food, and our hard-working chefs who deliver the menu to the same standard every day across all seven sites.”

The company continues to expand across North Yorkshire, having acquired The Coach and Horses in Harrogate last year which it hopes to refurbish.

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Race for Life returns to Harrogate this summer

Cancer Research UK is inviting people to take part in Race for Life in Harrogate on Sunday, July 10.

Women, men and children can choose to enter 3k, 5k and 10k events in the town that all start from The Stray.

There is also a chance to take part in obstacle courses Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids.

Race for Life was cancelled in 2020 due to covid but returned to Harrogate in September last year.

Money raised from the event helps scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

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Race for Life

Siobhan Byrne, Race for Life spokesperson for Harrogate, said:

“Our Race for Life events are open to all. For some people, the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder, taking up the challenge of the 10k distance and even pushing for a new personal best time.

“But what is for certain is we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities. Race for Life Harrogate will be fun, emotional, colourful, uplifting and an unforgettable event this year.”  

Anyone who signs up between Monday April 4 and Monday April 18 can claim a 30% off the entry fee as part of a special sale by using the code EASTER30.

Besides the entry fee, competitors will be asked for £50 minimum sponsorship.

To sign up, visit raceforlife.org.

Charity seeks volunteers to care for dogs in Harrogate district

A charity is seeking dog lovers to help look after pets across the Harrogate district.

The Cinnamon Trust matches walkers and foster carers to owners who are no longer able to care for their pets alone.

They may be elderly or undergoing medical treatment which prevents them from going out for walks each day. In some cases, the owner may be moving into a care home or facing the end of their life and looking for someone to look after their pet in the long term.

Mandy Scott, appeals coordinator at the trust, said:

“We need more volunteers in the Harrogate area. We’ve got seven volunteers already. There are three long-term foster pets, and across Yorkshire there are 114 pets with 795 volunteers.”

The charity, which was founded in 1985, matches each pet and owner with a team of volunteers. This means there is less pressure on a volunteer to walk a dog every day and there is always cover if anyone is unwell or goes on holiday.

Flexible arrangement

Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they are able, even down to a single half-hour or hour long walk each week, and Ms Scott said the trust recognises that people’s availability can change over time.

When an owner dies or moves into a care home and can’t take their pet, a long-term foster place is found among the volunteers. The trust keeps in touch with all foster carers and helps to coordinate any vet treatment required. Pets which are older and need more care can be rehomed at one of the charity’s two sanctuaries in the south-west, where they receive 24-hour care.

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Volunteer walkers range from teenagers completing their Duke of Edinburgh awards – with support from a parent – to people in their 80s who are still active. Each is checked via references from people who have known them over many years.

Ms Scott added:

“It’s about their experience, their empathy with the older generation, their experience with animals and how they will manage in a crisis. We ask them to complete a form and they can elaborate if they want to – you get a good feel for people that way.”

Once matched, owners are slowly introduced to volunteers, who use ID badges when meeting them in person to give reassurance that they are sent by the Cinnamon Trust. The process of finding the right volunteers after a request for help can be onerous, but Ms Scott said it is worth it to give someone peace of mind.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be able to say you’ve got that extra help, you can close the appeal. You talk to an owner and they say, ‘once I had spoken to you, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders’.

“We do what it says on the tin. We provide that extra help and reassurance.”

For more information about volunteering with The Cinnamon Trust, click here.