The annual bonfire and firework display on the Stray has been cancelled due to the current pandemic restrictions. This would have been the 50th anniversary of the event, which will now be postponed until 2021. Each year the event, organised by Harrogate District Round Table, raises money for charities and local groups.
An opportunity not to be missed
Elizabeth Smith from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission travels around the country talking about the work of the CWGC which maintains all the headstones and memorials to the fallen of WW1 and WW2 throughout the world. As well as talking to groups and school children, last year she conducted two fully-booked Heritage Day visits to Stonefall Cemetery in Harrogate, which included the histories of some of the nearly 1000 air crew members who are buried there.
Elizabeth will be giving free tours of the war graves at Stonefall as part of Heritage Open Days over the weekend of the 12th / 13th September. The numbers are very limited (5 to a tour and only 6 tours) due to Covid restrictions. All tickets need to be booked in advance and the link to book is via the HOD site: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/commonwealth-war-graves-walk-and-talk-stonefall-cemetery-harrogate
Update September 3rd – All places have now been booked. Thank you for your support.
End of an era
After 30 years of service, the Bookstall newsagents in Harrogate train station is closing. This shop stocked a really comprehensive selection of magazines. It was always handy if you wanted to pop in for something to eat or drink – or perhaps a little light reading for your journey. Not to mention greetings cards, guide books ….. This was a vital part of Harrogate station and will be missed.
Yet another ‘end of an era’
Stray fm radio station will cease broadcasting this week. Yet another local radio station which will no longer provide local news and support local initiatives. The staff at the station worked so hard on behalf of the local community by publicising and reporting on local events and achievements – both group and individual. As well as providing up-to-date weather and traffic reports. It will be sadly missed.
Christmas Market cancelled
Harrogate Borough Council has just announced that the annual Christmas Market which takes place at the bottom of Montpellier has been cancelled. This is due to concerns about maintaining public safety during the pandemic.
Are you feeling anxious during the current pandemic?
Recent research has shown that many people are feeling anxious and/or depressed as a result of the restrictions imposed during the current pandemic. Some people are reacting to the loneliness of self-isolation, quarantine or shielding and this is having an adverse effect on their mental health. Whilst interactive chats via social media are helping some people communicate, others have been seeking relief from comfort eating and increased alcohol consumption. If you feel that you need help and support, there are many organisations which can offer this. Some of these can be found on our Support Groups page on our Information Hub. There is also some useful advice here.
‘Cold callers’ could be active in your area
Now that the lockdown restrictions are being eased, the Consumer Association (Which?) is warning residents to be on their guard for an increase in cold callers on your doorstep. These operators might be offering repair jobs such as gutter cleaning, roof repairs etc.
You are advised not to use cold callers as they may suggest that more work is required than initially stated. They will probably charge much more than usual and the work may be of an inferior standard.
If you feel intimidated by these people or have a complaint, please contact Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133.
New scam warning about a ‘police’ scam
What is number spoofing?
On our ‘Alerts’ page you find an warning from the North Yorkshire Community Messaging service.
It relates to ‘number spoofing’ ….. yet another type of telephone scam.
COVID-19 NHS Test and Trace scam warning
COVID-19 NHS Test and Trace scam warning
City of London National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has issued information about the risk of a scam involving the NHS Covid-19 Test and Trace procedure.
This information has now been circulated by the Yorkshire Community Messaging Service.
Please visit our ‘Alerts’ page for further details.