The Corona Virus pandemic has certainly demonstrated how important it is to be able to contact friends and neighbours, especially if family are not available, or nearby.
It is good to be able to keep in touch with neighbours and fellow villagers and it is useful to be reminded that communication sharing is valuable and important.
Are you aware that in Staveley and Copgrove Parish there is a way to keep in touch with people locally using the enquiries service and a chat option on the Parish website? The chat option on the website has not really been used much to date by people but the enquiries option is more often accessed for all sorts of reasons. In fact the enquiries prove very useful for those outside the villages too, which is encouraging.
The Parish Council is regularly reviewing the best way to communicate and encourage communication from residents and regularly sends out a newsletter with local information points. Ideas for developing and improving the communication links available to everyone in the locality are always welcomed!
Do be aware also that Copgrove has its own active whats app group, which certainly seems to work well and gets important news shared around the village quickly. Do you remember that old advertising slogan?
There is a new Digital Inclusion project operating all over North Yorkshire. The Project is designed to try to help reduce isolation in the community by improving both the skills and confidence needed to access and use technology.
Citizens Online has been working in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, and all seven district councils in the county, to support as many people as possible to improve their digital skills and become more confident to use technology to connect with family, or friends and so reduce their isolation.
The project has recruited ‘Digital Champions’ in different locations. These Champions are trained to offer one to one help to build the confidence and motivation needed to use technology and the Internet.
Building a community of support
A key feature of the project has been to work in partnership with over 50 local organisations, charities and community groups who have shared their expertise and resources. One scheme developed in Scarborough, Beyond Housing , used free smart speaker devices to help vulnerable residents successfully connect with others.
Providing vital access to technology
A major barrier to using technology is simply not having devices to access the internet. There are several organisations, including Reboot North Yorkshire, that are encouraging residents to donate old technology, which can be refurbished and distributed to those in need. Anyone who would like to donate can find out more by visiting the Reboot North Yorkshire website or https://rebootny.co.uk/
Support with digital skills
North Yorkshire is now training Digital Champions to provide support and help to learn more.
110 Digital Champions have been recruited to work within organisations., called ‘embedded’ Digital Champions. 10 volunteer Digital Champions are also providing support remotely, via a free digital support helpline. The patient and friendly DCs have helped people to set up email addresses, access digital services and local history archives, and use Zoom to video call loved ones.
Recently a new helpline 0808 196 5883 has been launched as another feature of the project. It is a free service, manned by friendly volunteers and requires only a simple phone call to start the process of getting support.
The pandemic has been such an isolating period for so many within society. Accessing our basic needs from ordering groceries, making doctors’ appointments and claiming benefits has all moved online. Being online can also mean chatting with loved ones and being lifted by the smile of familiar faces. Once online you are also able to explore hobbies and it can open up a whole new world in a safe environment . If you think you could benefit from learning some new skills why not get in touch and give it a try? Or if it sin’t for you, could you pass on the help line number to someone else who might benefit from the project?
An election took place on Thursday 6 May to select a new Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire and York. Philip Allott, the Conservative candidate (pictured above), was elected with 84,737 votes. Mr Allott officially took up his post on 13 May. You can find the full result of voting here on the website.
Could you kick start your group after Covid with a grant?
If you’re involved in – or you manage – a local good cause or charity group in the Harrogate district, here’s some news which could help you restart your activities or services, post-Covid 19. THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate district is now accepting applications for grants ranging from £200 and £3,000. The fund has been established to help local community groups and charities across the district. It is supported by a partnership of Harrogate Borough Council, Harrogate and District Community Action and Two Ridings Community Foundation. It is designed to support the work of community groups and charities dedicated to improving the lives of local people. This is the second round of THE LOCAL FUND grant-giving thanks in large part to funds donated from THE LOCAL LOTTO and contributions from Full Circle Funerals. You can find out more about the grants – and apply – via the Two Ridings website.
Harrogate Borough Council are offering grant-funded insulation for low-income households across the district through the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG). HUG funding is available whether you own or privately rent* your home. As you’d expect the grant is subject to terms and conditions but it can be used for loft insulation, draft proofing or cavity wall insulation. If you are a home owner the entire cost of the works will be covered by the grant, if you rent your home* there is a maximum of £5,000 available for improvements. HUG in Harrogate is being run in partnership with the Council at the City of York, and Selby and Craven district councils, it is part of the Better Homes Yorkshire initiative. You’ll find more information on its website. *You’ll need your landlord’s permission to carry out any work if you are in private rented accommodation.
Summer bedding plants are now on sale at the Harrogate Borough Council nursery site: Nursery Lane East, off Harlow Moor Road in Harrogate. Use the postcode HG2 0FH in a sat nav. The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 9am until 4pm and Saturday, Sunday and on bank holidays from 10am until 4pm. Currently there is a range of plants available to buy, including: geraniums, French marigolds, begonias, fuschia and strawberry hanging baskets, petunias, lobelia and impatiens. This year there are more plants for pollinators on sale as these will help wild bee and other insect pollinators which are in decline, but crucial for maintaining plant diversity. Also on sale are a small selection of herbs and a variety of plant pots for gifts; compost, bark and manure. There is now a click and collect service available from 9 am to 3pm, Monday to Friday or it is possible to request a delivery* to your home in the Harrogate district and you can shop online . (*delivery is only available for orders over £5.)
You can now swim at Ripon Spa Baths and enjoy general sessions – and rejuvenating treatments – at the Turkish Baths in Harrogate. Both venues are delighted that it is now possible to welcome back visitors once again. You’ll need to book your swim at Ripon Spa Baths and visits to the Turkish Baths in advance. Social distancing rules remain in place, limiting the number of people in both buildings at any one time. As you’d expect, various measures are in place at all Harrogate Borough Council sites to ensure safety during each visit. Please wear a face covering while you’re in communal areas, use the hand sanitiser provided and follow the signs and the one-way routes. But above all enjoy!!
Could you benefit from some office furniture, which Hempsons no longer require due to office restructure? The furniture includes desks with or without pedestals and cabinets(click links for photos)
Desk measurements: 1600mm x 1600mm with pedestal and 1600mm x 1200mm without. 3 drawer cabinets 1070mm W 1100mm H
If you are interested, please contact Mick Parker, Facilities Manager at Hempsons, Harrogate on 01423 724066 or m.parker@hempsons.co.uk
Friday 28 May until Monday 7 June West Park Stray in Harrogate
A visually stunning touring art installation, from award winning artist Luke Jerram, designed as a temporary memorial to those we have lost over the last 15 months. In Memoriam is also a tribute to frontline NHS staff and care workers who have constantly put their lives at risk during the ongoing pandemic.
Description: 2 signs indicating entry to Copgrove, 1 on Wath Lane and 1 on Apron Lane.
Estimated Value: £710
Acquisition: Purchased in November 2020 and installed in February 2021.
Locations:
Wath Lane – Grid Reference:
Apron Lane – Grid Reference:
Recreation Field
Description: Enclosed field of public open space with a fenced children’s play area and small football pitch.
Location: Arkendale Road, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE
Rented From: Staveley Relief in Need Charity Rental Fee: £70 per annum
Allotments
Description: 2 allotment plots leased annually to local residents.
Location: Arkendale Road, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE
Rented From: Harrogate Borough Council Rental Fee: £40 per annum per site Lease Agreement
Posts & Chains
Description: A row of posts and chains along the edge of the village green west and the unmade road in front of the Royal Oak pub, acting as a barrier to prevent car parking on the green.
Location: Village Green West, Main Street, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE 363 627
Acquisition
Date: Not known Cost: £665
Current Use: Boundary fence
Notice Boards
Description: 3 village notice boards at various locations around the two villages.
Total Estimated Value: £1,425
Notice Boards 1 and 2
Location: Village Green East, Main Street, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE 366 627
Estimated Value: £950
Acquisition: 1997 and 2005/6
Key Holder(s): Bill Kirkpatrick, Neil Horton
Notice Board 3
Location: Start of St. Mongah’s Lane, Copgrove. Grid Reference: SE 345 632
Estimated Value: £475
Acquisition: 2002
Key Holder(s): Peter Edwards
Safety Barrier
Description: Safety barrier alongside the pull-in in front of the primary school. The Parish Council financed the barrier following the withdrawal of funds by North Yorkshire County Council.
Location: In front of primary school, Minskip Road, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE 366 628
Acquisition
Date: November 2011 Cost: £550
Current Use: Public safety barrier
Childrens Playground
Description: Childrens Playground, located on the recreation field comprising the following equipment items:
Wicksteed Whirly Bird
Record Cradle Swings
Record Flat Seat Swings
Hags Multi Pondo
Play and Leisure Multi Unit
Play and Leisure Fish Spring Mobile
Ledon Car Spring Mobile
Bench
Fencing and Gates
The playground is inspected annually by RoSPA and four times per year by a local specialist contractor. It is also visually inspected weekly by a team of local volunteers and stands on land rented annually from the Staveley Relief in Need Charity.
More information about the development of the childrens play area is available here. Maintenance of the playground is one of the Parish Council’s ongoing projects. Progress on the project can be seen by selecting the Children’s Play Area project page.
Location: Arkendale Road, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE 366 625
Acquisition: Adopted .
Estimated Value: £12,000
Bus Shelter
Description: Coated steel frame, clear screen shelter with 4 seats
Location: On village green east, Main Street, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE 366 627
Acquisition: January 2012. Purchased by the Parish Council, thanks to a donation from Abacus, a local employer based at Jubilee Court, Copgrove.
Description: Ex BT telephone box, now home to the village public defibrillator unit. The phobe box is a K6, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1936 and introduced to celebrate the King George V Silver Jubilee. It was probably installed under the ‘Jubilee Concession’, which meant kiosks were installed in every town and village with a Post Office. The K6 was 80 years old in 2016.
Location: Opposite the village green east, Main Street, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE 366 627
Acquisition: Phone box purchased from BT in May 2016 for a nominal sum of £1. The defibrillator was purchased from Wel Medical Ltd. and installed in June 2016.
Cost: £1,800 Current Valuation: Defibrillator £1,800. Replacement cost of K6 approx £2,500 plus delivery and installation.
Further Information:The defibrillator is checked weekly by the local Community First Responders coordinator. See Community First Responders for more details on how to use the unit.
Wooden Benches
Description: 5 wooden benches at various locations around the two villages.
Estimated Value: £1,900 for benches 1 – 4
Bench No. 1
Location: Wath Lane, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE 359 625
Acquisition: 1995
Bench No. 2
Location: Village Green West, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE 363 627
Acquisition: 1995
Bench No. 3
Location: Village Green West, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE 363 627
Acquisition: 1995
Bench No. 4
Location: Main Street, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE 365 627
Acquisition: 1995
Bench No.5
This seat was removed in 2020.
Location: Arkendale Road, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE 368 624
Bench No.6
Location: Open space on St. Mongah’s Lane, Copgrove. Grid Reference: SE 345 633
Estimated Value: £475
Acquisition: 2002
Stone Bench
Description: Wooden bench set within a stone surround.
Location: Junction of Main Street, Minskip Road and Arkendale Road, Staveley. Grid Reference: SE 366 627
Acquisition:
Estimated Value: £2,375
From the Archive: The seat when new in 1990
The Pinfold
Description: An animal pound where stray livestock were impounded. Animals were kept in a dedicated enclosure, until claimed by their owners, or sold to cover the costs of impounding. The term pinfoldis saxon in origin and common in the north of England. A village pound was a feature of most English medieval villages.
Location: Arkendale Road, Staveley. Size: approx 250 sq mt including the adjacent land. Grid Reference: SE 367 626
Acquisition: Erected in 1832 by public subscription and restored in 1986. Date: Not known Cost: £20,470 Current Valuation: £20,470
Current Use: Public amenity
Further Information: In 2012, thanks to an initiative by Staveley resident Ken Barker, a rose garden was planted in land next to the Pinfold to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. In 2019 a new gate to the Pinfold was installed by D.Hargreaves (Blacksmith) of The Forge, Coneythorpe.
Village Green East
Description: Former allotment site, purchased from the estate of F.L. Knowlson. A copy of the deed of conveyance is available here.
Location: Junction of Main Street, Minskip Road and Arkendale Road, Staveley. Size: Grid Reference: SE 366 627
Acquisition
Date: 2nd September 1986 Cost: £750 Current Valuation: £750
Current Use: Public open space
From the Archive: Oak Tree Planting
Village Green West
Description: Triangle of land registered to the Parish Council under Section 3 of the Commons Registration Act 1965 when no evidence of ownership was offered to the Commissioner at a hearing in Harrogate on 31st October 1973. A copy of the decision notice is available here.
Location: In front of the Royal Oak pub Main Street, Staveley Size: Grid Reference: SE 363 627
Acquisition
Date: 9th November 1973 Cost: £0 Current Valuation:
