After 10 weeks of community spirit and support, The Stray Ferret has reflected on the appreciation shown from people all over the borough.

Every Thursday at 8 pm for the past 10 weeks the sound of clapping, cheering and wooden spoons hitting saucepan lids has filled the streets of the district as we celebrated those working on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.

But the founder of the ‘clap for carers’  has now said this is a good time for the clapping to end.

Steve Russell, the Chief Executive of Harrogate Hospital was outside the hospital for the official final clap.

Although the official clap marks its end, I think we all know that the communities across Harrogate will carry on clapping inside for weeks months and years to come… I am incredibly proud of my team here and really grateful to everyone that has shown so much support.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Harrogate were at Harrogate district hospital last night to pay their thanks to staff in what could be the final clap for carers.

April Martin, was in intensive care at Harrogate hospital with coronavirus.  She told the Stray Ferret that she would not be here today if it wasn’t for the treatment she received.

 It’s very emotional, some of the nurses have come up to me saying I know you won’t recognise me but it is great to see you.

The Mayor described what could be the final clap as very moving:

I didn’t think we would see this day if I’m honest… I was very worried when they put April in the ambulance and asked if I wanted to come and say bye, I thought to myself this could be the last time I see my wife… It’s very emotional here at the hospital tonight.

People across the Harrogate district, including firefighters and police officers, turned out this evening to show their appreciation for the staff working at care homes.

The Stray Ferret took videos of clapping at Sycamore Care Home in Ripon as well as The Cuttings and Belmont House, which are both in Starbeck.

Natalie Pye, a Senior Care Assistant at Belmont House, said that it was lovely to see the support they have after a busy 12-hour shift.

The weekly celebration of the NHS and other care workers organised in the Magdalens area of Ripon by Mayor Councillor Eamon Parkin, brought tears as well as cheers on Thursday evening.

Cllr Parkin, has transformed his pub The Magdalens – which is temporarily closed because of the coronavirus crisis – into a community hub and for the last five Thursdays, he has hosted the 8pm salute.

This week’s ‘thankyou’ to key workers in the front line of care, brought tears to the eyes of residents in the streets neighbouring the pub, as the Mayor played ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’  – the record that Captain Tom Moore has recorded with Michael Ball – who is one of his favourite artists.

Just two days after fundraising phenomenon Capt Tom was guest of honour via video link for the opening of the new regional Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate, his strong Yorkshire tones added to the poignancy of the evening.

Cllr Parkin, told The Stray Ferret:

“These Thursday evening celebrations are always emotional and I thought it was highly appropriate to play his song, in view of the incredible things he has done for the NHS.”

Olivia Grigoras is a Maternity Support Worker at Harrogate Hospital. She told the Stray Ferret that she was ‘In tears’ last night when she heard the applause and cheers for healthcare workers on the street outside her house. She then had an ‘even more tearful’ experience this morning, when she woke up to a lovely surprise from her 6 year old daughter, Iris.

At 8pm last night people from all over the Harrogate district took part in a nationwide “Clap for Carers” tribute, saluting NHS and care workers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. People from all over the district have sent us videos of their applause. A message from the NHS on social media described the tribute as ’emotional’.