The Harrogate Review | Issue 25 | Dec/Jan 2020

ISSUE 25 Dec | Jan 2020 FREE

ED BYRNE Quarter of a century at the comedic coalface

HARROGATE’S WHAT’S ON GUIDE Distributed to over 400 venues in Harrogate every two months

BRIAN BLESSED - WINTER WALKS - HERITAGE OF HARROGATE - PAUL MIRFIN

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Contents

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26

30

36

06

16

44

At a Glance

West Park Quarter

Winter Wine Guide

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18

46

#myHarrogate

Victoria Quarter

Andrew Hitchen

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26

48

Heritage of Harrogate

Ed Byrne

Paul Mirfin

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30

60

Montpellier Quarter

Brian Blessed

Music Highlights

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36

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Kings Quarter

Winter Walks

DJ Trev's Annual Quiz

The Kimberley Hotel Christmas is a magical, yet busy time of year for us all: with the shopping, cooking, planning and decorating.

This year, why not let the Kimberley Hotel, Harrogate relieve all the stress for yourselves or a loved one with a festive getaway.

70 stylish en suite bedrooms Central location next to the Conference Centre Secure private carpark (limited spaces) Signatures Lounge Bar & Bistro (open every evening) Pet friendly Free Wi-Fi throughout Festive breaks Open all year Gift voucher available 11-19 Kings Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 5JY 01423 505613 | www.kimberleyharrogate.co.uk

Distribution We print 6,000 copies of The Harrogate Review, which we distribute to over 400 high-footfall public venues including shops, cafes, bars, offices and cultural destinations. Over 18,000 people read each edition of the magazine.

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Editors Note So this is the last issue for 2019. It's a tricky issue spanning two very different months of the year. We’re racing headfirst into the chaos that is December, complete with socials, Christmas markets, shops, overindulgence and dressing-up-tothe-nines galore!

What follows is a much more peaceful month. For many January is about rest, recuperation, and spending less. These are, of course, generalisations.

One thing I’m always keen on is not staying in during January. We obviously experience a boom in December, but what we don’t want is a bust in January. Our fabulous local independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants need our continued support.

In this issue we’ve got an interview with comedian Ed Byrne who is coming to Harrogate in January.

There’s a piece on the heritage of Harrogate, plus lots of eat, drink and shop inspiration should you need it. We meet Brian Blessed, who just loves talking about Harrogate; there's a piece on wonderful winter walks if you want to get outdoors; and there’s a feature on which wines to choose – complete with a ‘cheat’ guide - for quieter nights in or entertaining guests. The music this issue comes from The Paul Mirfin Band; we learn more about the Harrogate pantomime; and DJ Trev brings his eagerly anticipated annual quiz.

Have a fabulous time with those who matter most and I’ll see you in the pub soon.

Rachel Auty

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Submissions If you would like to contribute to the Harrogate Review email enquiries@festivalpublications. co.uk We’re always delighted to hear from writers, photographers and anyone involved in a local group or activity.

Disclaimer This magazine is published by Festival Publications Ltd. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of content we accept no liability for any resulting loss or damage. Views expressed by contributors are their own and not those of the publisher. ©Festival Publications Ltd. All rights reserved. No reproduction or copying without permission.

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At a Glance A round up of key events in and around Harrogate in December and January

6 December Frazer Theatre Comedy Club of 2019 top off their best year of comedy ever with a fantastic lineup including Stephen Carlin, Micky Overman Jack Topher and James Meehan.

7 - 8 December Visit Knaresborough's traditional Yorkshire Christmas Market for fine local food and drink stalls, handmade gifts and seasonal items.

Plus there's entertainment all day from brass bands, morris dancers, choirs and a grand firework finale on Sunday.

8 & 15 December Get in the mood for Christmas with the Fountains Abbey annual family carol service. Pick up a candle on your way in and see the flickering glow of nearly 1,000 candles light up the abbey cellarium. Grab a mulled wine or a hot chocolate and have a sing-a-long to all your favourite traditional carols.

11 December Henshaws annual carol concert takes place at St Wilfrid's Church with a number of fantastic performers including Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre band, The Hotspots, Soprano Elizabeth Frankland and the New York Brass Band.

19 December The worlds premier Beatles band, the Bootleg Beatles, come to the Royal Hall for a celebration of the Fab Four, including a special set to mark the 50th anniversary of Abbey Road.

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21 December The world famous Brighouse & Rastrick Band return to Harrogate's Royal Hall for their annual Christmas concert. A firm favourite in the Harrogate calendar, the band will join forces with Harrogate Gilbert and Sullivan Society for a fabulous Christmas concert to remember.

4 January The Magic of Vienna New Year Gala Concert features the Festival Strauss Orchestra and a host of incredible international soloists including John Savournin Natalie Montakhab and Owen Lucas.

12 January Head to the Blues Bar and enjoy an evening of 70s indulgence with top covers band Vintage performing a set of bonafide rock classics.

31 January 24 January Ed Byrne brings his brand-new masterclass in observational comedy to Royal Hall, hot on the heels of his 1718 Touring hit, Spoiler Alert!

See the UK’s authoritative Queen Concert Show performed live in Harrogate as Radio Ga Ga bring their in a two-hour rock spectacular to the Royal Hall.

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#myHarrogate

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#myHarrogate from Visit Harrogate, sharing the real images from visitors to Harrogate and the surrounding area.

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credit: zakir_munawer credit: bdbfinancialteam

credit: sarah_n_mills credit: loving.outside credit: HarrogateFest

Share your Harrogate with #myHarrogate to join in, see the full gallery at www.visitharrogate.co.uk/myHarrogate

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Harrogate Gift Card Launches The Gift Cards will be available from Harrogate Tourist Information Centre, Harrogate Theatre and Harrogate Bus Station.

The cards can be pre-loaded with any value up to £500 and used in participating town centre shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, businesses and attractions.

More than 80 shops and businesses in the town centre have signed up to accept the Gift Card, with more expected to join.

John Fox, Chairman of the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID), said: “The Harrogate Gift Card locks spend into the local economy as it can only be used in registered town centre businesses, not online or out of town. It means both the purchaser and recipient are supporting their local town.”

Venues taking part include Harrogate Theatre, big brands including Marks and Spencer and Primark, and independents such as Imagined Things bookstore, Sophie Likes and Ogden’s. You can also spend in popular cafes, such as Bean and Bud and Baltzersens, as well as restaurants and bars with Konak Meze, Las Iguanas, and Revolution de Cuba all accepting the card.

The Gift Card scheme has already been piloted

and been a proven success by BIDs in other towns and city centres, such as Wolverhampton.

The concept takes a leaf out of Bristol which has become renowned for its fierce independent spirit with the Bristol Pound, the UK’s largest local currency.

Such schemes work to make local economies more resilient and sustainable.

The Harrogate Gift Card gives shoppers the flexibility to enjoy a bespoke Harrogate experience, from hairdressers to theatre tickets, retail to restaurants.

John added: “Ultimately, the Gift Card encourages consumers to shop and spend locally, and is perfect for a treat or experience.

It’s more thoughtful than a cash gift as it demonstrates loyalty to local businesses and we hope, bolsters pride in our local offer. It’s a way to create a community that understands the value of their town centre at a time when High Streets across the UK are struggling.”

Businesses that accept the card will display a sign in their window or at their till. A directory of participating businesses can be found at www. harrogategiftcard.co.uk where you can also purchase a Gift Card

Est. 1988

One of Yorkshire’s finest cheese shops, stocking over 200 types of speciality cheese, hampers and cheese wedding cakes; local, British and Continental cheese.

We pride ourselves in stocking only the highest quality, seasonal cheeses.

Monday - Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm 1 Commercial Street, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 1UB 01423 508837 www.thecheeseboard.net

Escape the Christmas shopping crowds and discover Harrogate’s secret art gallery.

Featuring the RHS Garden Harlow Carr series of paintings by Harrogate Artist Anita Bowerman She has painted a series of much-loved scenes of RHS Garden Harlow Carr from the famous Doric Columns in winter to the vibrant summer colours of Streamside.

See all 12 months paintings in the gallery, take home your favourite month, with signed Limited Edition Prints available from £55.

Also catch Anita every Saturday in December during Glow until Christmas in the RHS Garden Harlow Carr Shop from 4pm to 8pm.

Gallery open Thursday, Friday 10am – 3.30pm, Saturday 12 noon to 3.30pm The Dove Tree Art Gallery is located on Back Granville Road, HG1 1AB Just near the Theatre behind Cardamom Black Restaurant.

www.anitabowerman.co.uk

Pathway to the Doric Columns – January

The heritage of Harrogate Longstanding family names are stitched into the fabric of Harrogate’s shopping scene. The old fashioned bricks-and-mortar service provided by independent family retailers have endured over the generations.

Christmas is a vital time for our local shops. As more of us fall down the internet hole of mass market Black Friday-style deals, the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) urges people to ‘Shop Local’ this festive season.

John Fox, Chair of Harrogate BID, said: “There is a wealth of family retailers that give our town a unique character. We want shoppers to show that they value the stalwarts of our spa town who are so vital to Harrogate’s charm and character.

The message is simple - if you don’t use them, you’ll lose them.”

There’s a wealth of family independents to find that extra special gift, not least the famed Bettys, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019.

Take Duttons for Buttons. Duttons opened as a trimming merchants in Leeds in 1906 and 50 years later the button shop was established in Harrogate. Current owner Deborah Richardson is the fourth generation of her family – the great granddaughter of the founder – to run the family business. It’s the perfect destination for those Christmas ribbons, craft kits, cards, fabrics for quilting and, of course, buttons.

Here is our spotlight on those retailing heroes that have withstood the test of time…

Farrah’s of Harrogate Farrah's was established in 1840 by John Farrah. The Original Harrogate Toffee was designed to clear the palate of the putrid taste of Harrogate's Sulphur Water, famous in the 19th century for its healing properties.

Since the retirement of John Farrah in the early 1900's Farrah's was owned by the Armitage family and latterly the Waddington family before being brought back from the brink of closure in 1997 by father and son Gary and Peter Marston. Over the generations, Farrah's has become famous for Original Harrogate Toffee, recognised the world over for its distinctive blue and silver embossed tins. Its customers include Selfridges and John Lewis, and Harrogate Toffee is sold in America, Australia and Europe.

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Ogden of Harrogate Ogden of Harrogate is an independent family-run jewellers since 1893, who see themselves as ‘stewards’ of their distinguished jewellery business. Now in its fourth generations with brothers, Robert and Ben Ogden, its founder James Roberts Ogden was considered to be an ‘electric’ and ‘magnetic’ personality; the showroom still retains his original Edwardian fixtures and fittings. It offers a wide-range of jewellery and watches from many eras and brands, with a recently extended contemporary jewellery collection.

Woods of Harrogate Stitched into the town’s fabric is Woods of Harrogate, boasting the finest linen in the world, this family enterprise dates back to 1733. As well as surviving two World Wars current owner, the renowned interior designer William Woods, has his own remarkable story, taking over the business aged just 17 after his parents’ tragic deaths. There is heart and passion in a history that adds romance and storytelling; a name woven in tradition.

His daughter, Sarah Woods, a talented interior designer is Creative Director, and his son Jonathan also works in the family business.

Jespers of Harrogate Jespers of Harrogate is a fourthgeneration retailer. Established in 1901; initially as a hand engraving business – it has evolved into a beautiful traditional stationery store that has served Yorkshire well since the 1950s. It now boasts a stunning selection of stationery, greetings cards and gifts as well as home office supplies and an extensive art and crafts showroom too. Jespers has been taken over by new owners, the Yorkshire-based Morris and Vickers families, who have secured the future of this 118-year old and much-loved store; its longstanding steward, Peter Jesper, continues in a consultancy role.

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The Montpellier Quarter ! e d i u G s a m t s Chri

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Eat. Christmas is indulgence, and you’ll find some of Harrogate’s finest dining destinations in Montpellier Quarter, including the famed Drum and Monkey, the exquisite Orchid restaurant, the classic William & Victoria and The Ivy, for a little decadence.

Drink.

The cosy classic pub, The Old Bell, is hard to beat for Christmas drinks and the Fat Badger is a stylish hang-out.

For your caffeine fix, Hoxton North is on trend and for a reviving cuppa after hitting the shops, Palm Court Cafe is a restorative haven. Don’t miss a trip to the independent Harrogate Wines to stock up for the holiday.

Shop.

With Montpellier Mews Antiques Centre and quirky gift shops such as Isles of Wonder, the cobbled streets of Montpellier Mews are full of inspiring ideas for shoppers. From indulgent luxury at Hawico Cashmere and Westmorland Sheepskins to Spirit of Harrogate’s unique Christmas Pudding

Stocking Filler.

Farrah’s is a sweet-haven, renowned for its famed Harrogate Toffee, and a host of sweets, biscuits and its own chocolatier counter. For beauty, H2K of Harrogate has a fine selection of skincare gifts.

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The Kings Quarter ! e d i u G s a m t s Chri

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Eat.

Drink.

There’s a European vibe in Kings Quarter.

From the Italian charms of Gino D’Acampo’s Italian restaurant to the revamped Vivido or the acclaimed Turkish restaurant, Konak Meze. Throw in a little Greek escape at Mykonos, and put a little sunshine into the freezing festive season.

It’s the on-trend destination for that after-work Christmas tipple – Cold Bath Brewing Co. is perfect for craft beer, or pop into neighbouring Stuzzi for an Italian aperitif.

Shop.

It’s been dressing the discerning gent for over 30 years, and is the perfect store to get advice on what to buy for your granddad, uncle, dad or brother. Bring a little Savile Row style to your Christmas stockings courtesy of Rhodes Wood.

For her, tap into your inner magpie and enter the jewellery emporium, Bijouled, a treasure-trove of sparkles and absolutely fabulous fun.

Stocking Filler.

No Christmas is complete without a book to digest (while you’re busy digesting) over the festive period. Imagined Things can advise on bestsellers and thoughtful gifts for the bibliophile in your life.

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The West Park Quarter ! e d i u G s a m t s Chri

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Eat. Slingsbys café is a quirky and sweet spot to grab a cappuccino in between browsing the local boutiques. Weetons is always crammed to the rafters at Christmas, as shoppers make the most of its pavement café seating, before shopping in its food hall. Bag the finest Christmas goodies from its food hall, including bespoke Xmas Hampers made up of Yorkshire brands. For those who want to take the hassle out of Christmas, Cook offers an incredible range of pre-cooked dishes, party food, and festive puddings.

Drink.

The Coach & Horses is one of Harrogate’s best-loved locals, and you’ll find festive cheer at one of the quarter’s newest venues – Three’s A Crowd.

Shop.

West Park is all about the boutique! Hop from Boho Chic, Georgies, Lynx Menswear, Moda in Pella to White’s Boutique – for one-off signature fashions and stylish shoes. It’s also home to some beautiful interior design stores, from Arlo & Jacob whose showroom is brimming with hand-crafted sofas that will leave you lusting for a home makeover, to the aspirational Elni Interiors, to OKA for homeware, accessories and furniture.

Stocking Filler.

A Puregym membership - the perfect gift to put those New Year resolutions to work!

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The Victoria Quarter ! e d i u G s a m t s Chri

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Eat.

Drink.

The Victoria Quarter is packed with boltholes for a restorative drink from small and welcoming independent bar The Disappearing Chin, the award-winning craft ale micropub, The Little Ale House, or the on-trend North Bar.

Crammed with culinary choice, you can’t beat Graveley’s for fish and chips to fuel the festive shopping spree. W Café in Waterstones offers a relaxing haven to browse for that perfect book, while grabbing a flat white. Treat yourself to a Christmas movie at the Everyman - and a burger served to your sofa.

Shop.

Food is everything at Christmas. The Yorkshire Farmers Meat Co. is a must for that Christmas ham, roast and morning supply of bacon and eggs.

The Cheeseboard is always an annual highlight to find the perfect after-dinner indulgence. Deck the table with help from Blamey’s Florist or Helen James Flowers.

Stocking Filler.

Hotel Chocolat, Jo Malone, Molton Brown, Lush and L’Occitane en Provence are the ultimate luxurious touches for extra special gifts. And don’t forget your pet! A.P & K Stothard Pet Store will keep you out of the dog house.

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TWO HOMES, ONE CHRISTMAS Surviving the festive season as separated parents For many of my clients, how to handle Christmas following a divorce or separation is a big concern. It may be the season to be jolly but for those people co-parenting it can sadly be the season for stress and disappointment.

But it does not have to be that way. Managing Christmas post-separation is no easy feat but with some careful planning, compromise and putting the children first you may find some peace this festive season after all.

At times contact and communication are difficult making pre-planning for Christmas complicated.

In the absence of an order or arrangements, please do consider mediation and/or amicable correspondence through solicitors.

T O P T I P S F O R C O - PA R E N T I N G AT C H R I S T M A S Christmas is chaotic and organising a coparenting schedule on top of everything else is never going to be easy.

PUT THE CHILDREN FIRST

First and foremost, put the children at the heart of all the plans you make. A different type of Christmas can still be a good Christmas. Talk about the positive: two Christmas Days, two sets of presents‌ P R E PA R AT I O N I S K E Y

Sit down with your ex, as early as you can, get the calendar out and look at how you are going to share the Christmas break. Sorting this out early gives you the time to discuss plans and compromise to create arrangements that work for you all.

Some clients I have worked with agreed that the children would spend Christmas Eve at one 22

home and then return to the other for lunch on Christmas Day through until the 27th.

Other clients decided that they would spend the whole festive period with one parent and the next year spend it with the other, alternating between the two.

It is a personal choice based on what works for your family but also the age of the children, location and how amicable you are.

K E E P T H E C H I L D R E N I N V O LV E D

Putting a plan in place will prevent any time pressures and enable you all to enjoy the festivities. Sharing plans with the children means they know where they will be throughout the holiday and the routine will make them feel safe and secure.

Creating a visual plan can help as dates can be difficult for a child to understand. One client created a Christmas themed wall planner for

their younger children. A tech-savvy teenager may prefer or a joint Google calendar.

STICK TO THE PLAN

It is important that, whatever arrangement you come to, you stick to the plan.

Last-minute changes can cause feelings of disruption and uncertainty for children. And, whilst flexibility is an essential part of positive child arrangements, it is important to maintain consistency and provide stability.

C O O R D I N AT E P R E S E N T S

In certain situations, coordinating presents will not be possible.

However, Christmas must not descend into a competition between you and your ex-partner about who can buy the children the hero presents.

Get together to discuss and coordinate gifts as this will help reduce the risk of tension and conflict between you both and less stress for the children.

REMEMBER THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS IS A MYTH

Trying to have a perfect Christmas is doomed whatever your relationship status so now is a good time to reset your expectations. Yes, it will be different but embrace this and make new traditions of your own.

Perhaps a Christmas Eve movie night, spend Christmas Day with other single friends, or have a family Christmas dinner on Boxing Day. One of my clients decided to go abroad on holiday the first year she did not have her children. They all celebrated Christmas together before she went and afterwards. There is no rule book, so enjoy the flexibility.

And if does not work, learn the lessons and make changes for the year after.

It is not easy to co-parent at Christmas and it will not be the same, but it can still be a happy time for all of you. You just need communication and compromise to pave the way.

David Milburn, Managing Partner at Stowe Family Law in Harrogate.

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The UK’s largest specialist family law practice delivered in an office local to you.

Whatever your family situation it will be familiar to us. Our Harrogate team, led by David Milburn combines expertise with exceptional care to identify the best approach for you.

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Divorce _ Separation _

Child_ law Wills & inheritance _ Financial settlements Harrogate Office t: 01423 582432 w: stowefamilylaw.co.uk

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Ed Byrne

I do genuinely annoy myself 26

A household name teetering on the brink of national treasure status, award-winning comedian Ed Byrne enjoys worldwide acclaim for his stand-up. With 25 years under his belt, Ed has parlayed his on-stage success into a variety of notable television appearances. A regular on Mock The Week and The Graham Norton Show, Ed has recently co-presented Dara & Ed’s Big Adventure and its follow-up Dara & Ed’s Road To Mandalay, and managed not to disgrace himself on Top Gear or whilst tackling one of The World’s Most Dangerous Roads. As a semi-professional hill-walker himself and fully paid-up humanist, he also brought a refreshing warmth and honesty to BBC2’s recent hit The Pilgrimage.

But the Irishman is still best-known and best appreciated for his stand-up performances.

A quarter of a century at the comedic coalface has equipped Ed with a highly evolved story-telling ability and a silky mastery of his craft. Yet his wit, charm and self-deprecatory observational humour is often underpinned by a consistently hilarious vitriol and sense of injustice at a world that seems to be spinning ever more rapidly out of control.

Having recently hit a new peak with shows such as the sublime Spoiler Alert and reflective Outside, Looking In, which explored the minefield that is modern parenting and a generational sense of entitlement, Ed’s new show If I’m Honest digs ever deeper into a father’s sense of responsibility, what it means to be a man in 2019, and whether he possesses any qualities whatsoever worth passing on to his two sons. Occasionally accused of whimsy, If I’m Honest is a show with a seriously steely core.

Gender politics, for example, is something Ed readily engages with – deploying his customary comedic zeal. ‘I’ll admit that there are things where men get a raw deal,’ he says. ‘We have higher suicide rates, and we tend not to do

well in divorces, but representation in action movies is not something we have an issue with.

It was Mad Max: Fury Road that kicked it all off, even though nobody complained about Ripley in Alien or Sarah Connor in Terminator 2. Of course, social media means this stuff gets broadcast far and wide in an instant, which emboldens people.

‘The problem with men’s rights activists is that it’s not about speaking up for men’s rights, it’s about hating women. If you’re a men’s rights activist, you’re not going to care about the fact that there’s an all-female Ghostbusters remake.

That’s nothing to do with men’s rights or female entitlement. That’s everything to do with being, well, a whiny baby.’

As ever, Ed manages to provoke without being overly polemical, a balancing act that only someone of his huge experience can really pull off.

‘I did stuff about Trump and the Pizzagate right wing conspiracy,’ he says, ‘and a couple of the reviewers said, “Oh, I would have liked to have watched a whole show of this”. And I think, ‘well you might have, but the average person who comes to see me would not like to see that’.

I like to make a point or get something off my chest, or perhaps I’m talking about something that’s been on my mind, but the majority of stuff is just to get laughs.

‘People who come to see me are not political activists necessarily, they’re regular folk. If you can make a point to them, in between talking about your struggles with aging, or discussing your hernia operation or whatever it is, you can toss in something that does give people pause as regards to how men should share the household chores.’

He continues, ‘It’s not that I feel a responsibility, I think it just feels more satisfying when you’re doing it, and it feels more satisfying when people hear it. When a joke makes a good

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point, I think people enjoy it. It’s the difference between having a steak and eating a chocolate bar.’

Ed, who broke through in the mid-1990s when the New Lad became a genuine cultural phenomenon, doesn’t want to submit to any unnecessary revisionism, but admits that if the times have changed, he has changed with them. He reflects a little ruefully on one of his most famous jokes. ‘There’s an attitude towards Alanis Morrisette in the opening of that routine that I’m no longer comfortable with, where I call her a moaning cow and a whiny bint… slagging off the lyrics of the song is fine, but there’s a tone in the preamble that I wouldn’t write today.’

The new show also takes his natural tendency towards self-deprecation to unexpected extremes. ‘I do genuinely annoy myself,’ Ed concedes. ‘But the thing of your children being a reflection of you, gives you an opportunity to build something out of the best of yourself only for you to then see flashes of the worst of yourself in them. It’s a wake-up call about your own behaviour.’

the frustration that arrives in middle age – and lives up to its title. ‘I’m bored looking for things, I’m bored of trying to find stuff, because I can never find it, and it is entirely my fault,’ Ed says.

‘Nobody’s hiding my stuff from me. Although my wife did actually move my passport on one occasion’.

He insists that, while the show might have mordant and occasionally morbid aspects, it’s also not without its quietly triumphant moments.

‘I thought I was being quite upbeat talking about the small victories,’ he says. ‘You know, finding positivity in being able to spot when a cramp was about to happen in your leg and dealing with it before it does. I was very happy with myself about that.’

Age, it seems, has not withered him. Especially now that he’s figured out how to head off ailments before they become a problem. ‘You see comics who are my age and older but are still retaining a level of “cool” and drawing a young crowd. I can’t deny that I’m quite envious of that. But there’s also something very satisfying about your audience growing old with you.’

When I challenge him over the degree of self-loathing he displays, he disagrees. ‘Selfaggrandising humour is a lot harder to pull off than self-deprecating humour,’ he insists. ‘A lot of people get really annoyed when Ricky Gervais is self-congratulatory. I always find it very funny when he accepts awards and does so in the most big-headed way possible. I think it’s a trickier type of humour to pull off, talking yourself up in that way.

‘So no, I don’t think I’m being massively hard on myself. The fact is when you’re the bloke who is standing on the stage with the microphone, commanding an audience’s attention, you’re in a very elevated position anyway.’

That said, If I’m Honest brilliantly elucidates

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Ed Byrne brings his 'If I'm Honest...' show to Royal Hall, Harrogate on 24 January.

Tickets avaliable at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

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Brian Blessed

Harrogate will be magical for me 30

As Brian Blessed heads to Harrogate for an Evening at the Royal Hall, Ann Chadwick speaks to the actor and tour de force, who can truly own the expression: ‘larger than life’.

‘How delightful!’ he says it is to talk. Especially about Harrogate. Brian Blessed is a blessing.

“Harrogate has a wonderful sound to it,” he begins. “It sounds like it’s on fire, it sounds like it’s full of energy – HARROGATE!” Brian Blessed is heading to the Royal Hall next March for a special one-man show, presented

by Cause UK for the Harrogate Film Festival.

And gosh, do we need Brian Blessed in these insular, anxiety-heavy, divisive days.

He has a message for his audience in Harrogate: “What I’ll tell the audience is, here you are ladies and gentleman sitting here, and you’re actually travelling at 60,000 miles an hour on rocket ship Earth. So when you wake up tomorrow morning you’ll be in a different part of the universe. We are children of stardust, yearning for the stars.”

“I’ll throw in some Shakespeare, my acting, some speeches, and they’ll be a lot of comedy as well. I’m looking forward to meeting the people there and making them laugh, making them cry. And I hope that I can change every cell in every body’s body.”

If anyone can...

“Mainly, particularly in this day and age – I want to say - you know, that there is no one like you. We’ve all got something that nobody else has got, and you’ve got to be able to bring it out – fulfil your dreams.”

The 83-year-old actor is a life force.

Though don’t mention his age.

“I can’t stand all this age crap. I mean 40 is very young indeed, and I was supposedly middle aged between 55 and 65, but it’s not

how old you are; it’s how you are old. Death doesn’t exist for me, so I’m climbing these mountains and going on expeditions, and fulfilling my dreams. I think life is the last word and death is not! I know we have Brexit and God knows what, which is very boring, but I think as a race we’re going to make it!”

Brian wants to talk about the ‘marvellous things’ in the world, not all the ‘negative messages’.

He’s planted over 500 trees at his home, valuing their oxygen – which feeds his famed operatic bellow –cutting down a tree is a ‘very serious thing’ but! “We are winning and fighting back.

And young people are doing such good work – and old people as well – The politicians at times really do bore the bloody arse off me!”

Famed for being ‘50% actor, 50% explorer’ – he’s a fully trained cosmonaut (he says he’s completed 900 hours space training with NASA).

“Oh yes. I’m going to go into space, yeah. Of course in Russia I went into a jet to just over 95,000 feet so I’ve already been into space you might say, but yes I’m going into space and encouraging other people to go as well.

Young and old will get out there! That’s why I do all this space training in old age, as an example to the fact you can do anything. I train like hell, I have a gym like Rocky in the Rocky films. I bench press 300 pounds, I run five miles a day - not out of vanity - so that I’m fit for the things I want to do. So I train, and keep very fit. I have rowing machines, bike machines, sacks full of weights – crude and wonderful – and keep myself very, very fit, so actually I would say really I’m about 40 years of age.”

Brian Blessed is a human roar. The man who

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will always fight against the dying of the light.

Who hasn’t let go of his childhood wonder.

Alongside his antics around his superhuman spirit, it’s actually an anecdote on falling for his wife whilst in Harrogate- the actress Hildegarde Neil - which makes him even more loveable. It’s a beautiful story that he begins with the words: “The extraordinary thing is...”

He begins to explain how in the 1970s he met Hildegarde - both were filming a Yorkshire TV series called Boy Dominic.

“Hildegarde was the face of the ‘70s, and she was this very beautiful woman with grey-green eyes and black hair. She played Cleopatra with Charlton Heston, and was in England Made Me as Peter Finch’s leading lady, and The Man Who Haunted Himself with Roger Moore. She was in every magazine. Anyway, we were doing this series for Yorkshire Television filming around Harrogate, and I’ve climbed Mount Everest, I’ve done space training – you name it - and everyone was saying, for Christ Sake the pair of you are so in love, but I was filming with Hildegarde for about 15 weeks and we didn’t even hold hands!”

Go on…

“The time came, and I did eventually approach her and kissed her for the first time on her lips, and that required more courage for me than climbing Mount Everest! I was so shy. And we went to Harrogate to celebrate this moment. We went to a restaurant in Harrogate, and they’d prepared a lovely meal for us, and neither of us could eat it. It was beautifully put together and the chef was so upset, and the waiters were so upset, and they came to see us and said is the food not right? I said, ‘We’re so in love we can’t eat!’ Our stomachs and hearts were so in ecstasy that we couldn’t bloody eat!! That was it, and it was the start of our relationship and our marriage, and we’ve been married now for going on 50 years.”

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And so, he says, “Harrogate will be magical for me” when he performs at the Royal Hall in March.

Brian is of course a Yorkshireman. The son of a miner from Mexborough who went to drama classes with Patrick Stewart – the boy in the next village. “My dad knew the whole of Hamlet and he was a coal hewer. Patrick Stewart’s dad was a milkman, and he knew the whole of Julius Caesar!” he says proudly. Patrick and Brian got a scholarship to drama school.

As an actor, Brian’s voice has never been in such demand – in Netflix films, on Peppa Pig, and he’s just done Call of Duty. “I’m a very modern man,” he laughs. He counts Kenneth Brannagh as the one actor he has a deep friendship with, but says he’s more likely to get a phone call from Buzz Aldrin – the first man on the Moon (“he’ll ring me up sometimes”).

Brian tells an epic story of heroism of his father, who he says saved hundreds of miners’ lives after dangerous gas entered the mine; he was crushed pulling boulders off four of them. Brian left school to work aged 14 to supplement his dad’s sick pay. If Brian was born of the grit of coal, he’s pressured it into diamonds.

“I’ll end on this,” Brian says: “People say isn’t it not dangerous going to Mount Everest? And I say, the greatest danger in life is not taking the adventure. Everybody’s got Everest. It can be your garden, it can be your projects, whatever it is - it might be eventually taking one more step in your Zimmer frame in hospital.

The greatest danger in life is not taking the adventure. You’ve got to go for it! And don’t let the bastards grind you down!” And with that, the interview ends. “Much love! Bye-bye!”

An Evening with Brian Blessed presented

by Cause UK and the Harrogate Film Festival is on Sunday 15 March, 7pm, at the Royal Hall, Harrogate. For tickets: www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

“The greatest danger in life is not taking the adventure. You’ve got to go for it! And don’t let the bastards grind you down!”

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60 TOWER STREET, HARROGATE 01423 501500 | LINGERIE-ROOM.CO.UK

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return to Harrogate with their fabulous festive

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and special guests, The Tewit Youth Band

Saturday 21 December, 2019 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Tickets from Harrogate Theatre Box Office 01423 502116 www.HarrogateTheatre.co.uk 34

HARROGATE CHORAL SOCIETY Presents

HANDEL

MESSIAH

In the Garden Rooms at Tennants, Leyburn

Sunday 8 December 2019, 6pm (Doors 5pm)

With The Amici Ensemble Bibi Heal, Soprano Beth Mackay, Mezzo James Micklethwaite, Tenor Phil Wilcox Bass

Conducted by Andrew Padmore

Tickets: £15 (section A), £12 (section B)

(Section B only - Students and IBA £5, under 16s free when accompanied by an Adult)

Tennants, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 5SG www.tennantsgardenrooms.com Tel 01969 621146 info@tennantsgardenrooms.com

Harrogate Choral Society www.harrogatechoral.org.uk Charity No 1164776

Speciality Coffee, Loose-leaf Tea & Single Origin Hot Chocolate Breakfast | Lunch | All Day Treats Open 7 Days | 14 Commercial Street, Harrogate, HG1 1TY

Wonderful winter walks

Explore the landscape heritage and wildlife of the Harrogate District with ten great walks for autumnal afternoons and winter wanders. These walks vary from long to short, simple to more adventurous so there is something for everyone.

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Nidderdale Greenway The Sustrans route from Harrogate to Ripley is a perfect walk at all times of year. You can pick the Nidderdale Greenway up from the centre of Harrogate, or from residential area of Bilton where it crosses Bilton Lane and meets the Beryl Burton cycle Way. This walk is fully surfaced making it particularly accessible all year round passing beautiful woodland and open fields. Following the greenway to Ripley also takes in Nidd Valley viaduct, which appeared recently in Paddington 2, and looks out over the River Nidd and surrounding woodland.

Length: Up to 8 miles there and back, up to 3 hours Good for: Families, mobility devices, young ones on balance bikes or learning to ride.

Scar House Reservoir Experience the higher reaches of Nidderdale with this four mile loop around one of its great Edwardian wonders. Access to the Reservoir is from the village of Lofthouse via the route of the old railway line that was used in the construction of the dam.

This circular walk takes you across the dam of Scar House, and its immediate neighbour Angram. While the path on the far side of Scar House Reservoir is natural terrain and rough track, the walk up to Angram and both the dams are well surfaced and suitable for all.

Length: Four miles Good for: Birdlife, remote countryside photography

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Victorian Gardens of Pateley Bridge This simple to follow and ever popular three mile walk (with options to lengthen) is a quiet loop from Pateley Bridge to Glasshouses by the river, returning along quite lanes. Along the River Nidd there are places for skimming stones and feeding the ducks. The return leg passes fields with cows, sheep and horses before returning through the village of Bewerley with the optional route through Fishpond Wood. This walk has about as few hills as it is possible to get in a Nidderdale walk, has low levels of traffic and offers a host of cosy pubs and tearooms at its end.

Length: 3 miles 1hr -1hr 30m Good For: Quick short walks, young children/buggies, dog walking

The Nidderdale Way Set yourself a challenge for the winter months to complete the 54 miles of the Nidderdale Way, our local Long Distance Walking Route.

This cumulative challenge is a great way to keep the walking up through the darker half of the year. You can devise small loops that tick off the Nidderdale Way in small bits or use the Nidderdale buses to take it on in longer end-to-end chunks. This popular route will show you the variety of landscape that exists in Nidderdale, from the rolling hills that surround Ripley and Birstwith, to the wide open fells and moors that surround Scar House Reservoir.

Length: Not 54 miles in one go! – we would suggests chunks between 5 and 8 miles, including extra bits to make a loop.

Good for: Staying active over or after Christmas, photography, exploring Nidderdale

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Guise Cliff Circular Walk

Fewston Reservoir

Beginning from Pateley Bridge this scenic walk is a Yorkshire Classic. Climbing up the valley side through the village of Bewerley the walk passes by local landmark Yorke’s Folly or Two Stoops. The walk then crosses the open moor with the option of a clifftop path that features some of the best views up the length of Nidderdale. The two routes re-join before descending back to the valley floor through the beautiful Guise Cliff Woods, passing the dark still water of Guise Cliff Tarn.

At the foot of the hill is the village of Glasshouses where the historic glasshouses mill is currently undergoing refurbishment. The walk returns to Pateley Bridge along the River.

Relax and enjoy this surfaced walk around one of the Washburn Valley reservoirs. The advantages of a reservoir loop are not only the surfaced path, but also the ease of navigation.

Keep the water by your side and you simply cannot go wrong. As you make your way round this walk, you can enjoy the views out over the water.

These are often even more dramatic under the low winter sun. You can also take the chance to watch the bird life that has made these waters its home.

This is a moderately easy walk of 5 miles with a few short ramps but mostly level. You can add the neighbouring Swinsty Reservoir for a more serious 8 to 9 mile walk.

Good footwear is advised for this walk, and only the sure of foot should consider the clifftop option as it does directly traverse the crags at some points. Pick up some tasty treats for your walk in Pateley Bridge as you set off.

Length: 5.5 miles, 2hrs 30m + time for admiring the views and points of interest Good For: Views, local history, strong climbs

Length: 5 miles, 2 hrs.

Good for: Ease of navigation, young children, water views and bird life.

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Valley Gardens to Harlow Carr This beautiful walk connects two of Harrogate’s best known gardens: the Grade II listed Valley Gardens and the RHS Garden Harlow Carr. The route is surfaced from end to end and is an enjoyable way to stretch the legs and see the winter gardens and the peaceful pine woods that separate the two. This walk is particularly easy to follow, and can be undertaken from either end with the added bonus of delicious refreshment at the other.

Length: 3 miles, 70 – 90 minutes walking time.

Good for: Walking from the town centre, horticultural enthusiasts, traffic free.

Ripon to Fountains Abbey Enjoy this scenic route between the city of Ripon and Studley Royal crossing the fields that separate the two. Explore the Studley Royal deer park and enjoy the fantastic view across the lake. At Studley Royal you can enjoy refreshments, or even visit the Water Gardens themselves - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This walk also forms the route of the annual Boxing Day Pilgrimage in Ripon.

Length: 8 miles (or shorter as a ‘there and back’) Good for: Energetic families, photographers

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Beningbrough Hall River Walk While known for its walled and formal Gardens, Beningbrough Hall retains some of the beautiful country park that was once just part of the estate. The Beningbrough River Walk starts from the Beningbrough Hall car park and is fully waymarked. The route follows paths round the parkland to pick up the riverside path alongside the River Ouse.

At the furthest point from the Hall you can see where the River Nidd joins the Ouse and ends its 58 mile journey from the top of Nidderdale. The walk follows the river to the northern extent of the grounds and the village of Newton on Ouse before returning to the Car Park across the parkland.

Throughout the route you can enjoy ever changing views of the hall and its surrounding buildings.

Length: Up to 2 hours – 3.5 miles.

Good for: Family walks, NT members, Dog Walkers, ease of navigation

Hackfall Woods Explore the remarkable landscape of Hackfall Woods with all its winding paths and water features.

In and amongst this landscape you will also find curious follies and remarkable views. Hackfall is a rolling landscape with some significant climbs and steep steps along its paths. Few of the paths are surfaced, so good water resistant footwear is advisable. A leaflet that includes a map of the woods is available from the Tourist Information Point at the Masham Community Centre, and other Visitor Information Centres.

You can also enjoy a post walk lunch at the pubs in Masham and the neighbouring village to the woods, Grewelthorpe.

Length: 3 – 7 miles, depending on route options chosen Good for: Young children with energy to burn off, dog walking, exploring photography

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Delivering Christmas to your door Stockeld Park, Yorkshire’s largest Christmas tree grower, has launched a home delivery service for its locally grown Christmas trees.

The estate near Wetherby, which counts Bettys tearooms, Emmerdale, and the set of the hit TV series Victoria, as customers for its Christmas trees, also features a Christmas Shop at Stockeld Park. Visitors can enjoy a glass of mulled wine while choosing their tree and from a host of decorations and gifts.

Stockeld Park grows around half a million Christmas trees - of which 35,000 will be sold this year after a good growing season. “The mild, wetter summer may have been frustrating for holiday-goers, but it has been very good for baby Christmas trees,” says George Grant, Stockeld’s Estate manager.

George adds: “More people are keen to buy a locally-grown tree, but they need to be aware that not all trees are equal as some may well have been cut quite a few weeks before they’re sold. It therefore pays to buy freshly cut ones.”

Most of the Christmas trees at Stockeld are beautiful Nordmann firs which have long-lasting needles. During the growing period, which can take up to nine years, each tree is individually handled involving labour-intensive tasks, such as side cutting, to ensure the trees don’t get too wide.

As George explains: “It’s a myth that we simply plant a tree and watch it grow. There’s a lot of cultivation work that goes on and our management of the trees also must reflect things like room trends. For instance, as wider flat screen televisions have become the norm in homes, there’s less living room space for the Christmas tree which is why we put so much time into side-cutting.”

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George’s father Peter, who lives at Stockeld Park with his wife Susie, planted the Nordmann fir trees 40 years ago across 250-acres of plantations, in an early initiative to diversify the estate. Back then, the couple had no idea that the forest at Stockeld Park would grow into a magical winter wonderland for families that attracts thousands of people every festive season.

“It’s a useful alternative crop, which is ecofriendly. We didn’t know quite where this would lead us,” he says.

In 2006, the couple opened a Christmas tree shop in the park selling their estate-grown trees to the local community, rather than selling them all at wholesale. “We put up some lights and opened a temporary shop,” says Susie. “All the other estates were closed during December and we realised that people wanted somewhere to go. We employed some freelance artists to put up some wire sculptures in 2007 and had a wooden chalet.

“When we started the Christmas Adventure here, we had no idea how popular it would be. We had 20,000 people.” Now 100,000 visit the Christmas Adventure and the illuminated forest trails which are open until January 6.

“We had the first Illuminated Enchanted Forest in England, filled with twinkling lights and festive fairy tale sculptures. To this we added the only illuminated yew tree maze in Yorkshire as well as a large outdoor ice rink and a unique artificial Nordic ski trail,” Susie adds.

The Christmas Shop sells the non-needle drop trees, ranging in size from 4-12 foot and you don’t have to enter the Christmas Adventure to visit. Also, on offer is a range of Christmas tree stands, indoor and outdoor LED lights, and shelves packed with glittering decorations and festive treats.

Festive Events at Stockeld Park Enchanted Forest Interactive play for children of all ages in the adventure playgrounds, while adults can enjoy the woodland, as the forest is lit up by thousands of twinkling lights in the winter illuminations and a magical, mxusical light show on the lake.

Winter Illuminations One of the country’s largest and most creative light displays has dazzling light effects, a captivating soundscape and animated installations, which come together through almost a mile of beautiful, ancient woodland.

Ice skating and skiing The 630 square metre ice rink is a big attraction and there’s a 1.2km Nordic Ski Trail route – both are artificial and are open throughout the festive period.

Snowflake Maze The giant yew tree maze, has over two miles of paths in this 8-foot-high labyrinth, designed by maze genius Adrian Fisher and illuminated with a thousand twinkling lights.

For more information visit stockeldpark.co.uk

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‘Tis the season of indulgence

By Nichola Bottomley, Ake & Humphris

It’s party season and that means one thing in food and drink. Indulgence. Whilst we’re revelling in the festivities, as a nation we’re expected to drink around 2.4 billion glasses of wine. That’s enough to fill 168 Olympic Swimming pools! Mad, right? But what tasty tipples are we likely to be imbibing this year?

There are three words that come to mind when it comes to winter wine, Burgundy. Claret.

Champagne. Like a Dickensian trio, these are the wines sent to haunt every reveller looking to save money.

Now, we’re not saying that you can’t get brilliant Burgundy, cracking Claret or showstopping Champagne at a reasonable price, it can just be tricky. So, we have a few alternative suggestions to help make sure you can indulge in the frivolity of the season, without breaking the bank!

Claret The one to curl up by the fire with. Perfect with red meat and good company.

The look-a-like: Portuguese Reds The underdog: Merlot or Cab Sauv from the South of France The mould-breaker: Patagonian Merlot (we recommend the Aniello 006 Merlot)

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White Burgundy The one for all day!

Big enough for turkey, elegant enough for starters The look-a-like: White Rioja or unoaked new world Chardonnay The underdog: Any Macon. Real Burgundy, at great value.

The mould-breaker: Big & buttery, the Hungarian wine (yes, Hungarian) Battonage (£19.99) is a Meursault-esque treat!

Champagne

Red Burgundy

The one for toasting (or breakfast). Adding a touch of sparkle to your day

The one for the traditionalist. Simple sophistication (great with Turkey).

The look-a-like: Franciacorta, Italy’s Champagne. Same technique, same quality. Just ask the guys at Stuzzi.

The look-a-like: The Pinot of Spain, Mencia (usually from Bierzo).

A little juicier than the French

The underdog: Crémant – The other French Fizz.

The mould-breaker: Tasmanian Sparkling – Take a punt. It will be worth it.

The underdog: Beaune, Mercurey and other Burgundian satellite villages offer incredible value.

The mould-breaker: Hungarian Pinot Noir (Trust us)

Credit: Nicci Peet

Winter Warmer Beers

By Rachel Auty

If you love your pubs, you’ll already appreciate how there’s simply nothing better in winter then relaxing in your favourite local with a great beer – with bonus points for a real fire! What may be up for debate, however, is what the best beer is for these dark, cold evenings. Here are my favourite styles, with some local recommendations to watch out for too…

Top tips Trust the offers – Usually wine merchants want you to try these because they love them! Plus, there’s no harm in buying by the case. Wine will last.

Listen to the experts – no one wants you to drink something you won’t like, so if a merchant recommends something you’ve never heard of it’s because they think you’ll like it.

Remember wine merchants have tried A LOT of wine.

Buy what you like! – There’s no point in drinking something you’d never ordinarily pick just because someone on TV told you to. If you want a Sauvignon, beer, or even a G’n’T just go for it!

Stout or Porter

Darker beers can be very comforting and a popular choice in winter. Do you know the difference between a stout and a porter? Generally, the main difference is usually the kind of malt used for each. Stouts are primarily made from unmalted roasted barley, which is where that underlying coffee flavour comes from. Porter uses malted barley. Other than that, it can get a bit woolly, and who cares! Try a few of both and enjoy.

Watch out for a couple of my favourites on the bar – Plum Porter by Harrogate Brewing Company, and Lucid Dream, a cookie cream stout by Turning Point (Knaresborough). They are both fantastic examples!

IPA

I love a well-kept pint of cask IPA in the cooler months. The golden colour and bold hoppy flavours always make me feel warm and cosy, no matter what the weather outside decides to do. A couple of my favourites from local breweries are Baby Faced Assassin

by Roosters Brewing Co (Hornbeam Park) and Sunshine

by Brass Castle (Malton).

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Andrew Hitchen

Celebrating 25 years of Wesley Centre Concerts Andrew Hitchen was awarded the BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June for services to music in Harrogate. We met over coffee in Betty’s when he explained the connection he has with the Wesley Centre Concerts, which celebrated its 25th season this year.

How did the Wesley Centre Concerts start?

In 1994 Olive Dobson, a life-long member of Wesley Chapel and member of the choir, made a bequest of £100 000 with the aim of, among others, enhancing the musical life of the chapel, as well, as more widely, in Harrogate. The chapel decided to buy a concert-quality Yamaha piano for £33,000.

How did you get involved?

My family had been members of the congregation since the 1890s and I had grown up a member. Once we had acquired the piano, I offered to organize professional piano recitals. The response amazed me: I was being approached by agents seeking dates for their artists. The series has grown gradually from these modest beginnings to ten lunch-time and three evening recitals each season. The recent reordering of the chapel gave us the flexibility to add chamber and instrumental music to the mix.

Do you play the piano yourself?

No. My father, who was a family dentist, was a keen amateur pianist and organist and there was always music in the house growing up. I became a lawyer but gave it up after 25 years in favour of teaching English to students from Europe and China.

To what do you attribute the success of the Wesley Centre Concerts?

A number of factors. We have an enthusiastic

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audience whom performers find attentive and responsive. They like the ambience of the chapel and its sound quality: it is often described as the ‘Wigmore Hall of the north’. Another factor is the hospitality we provide the musicians. We try to make them welcome when they arrive at the church for rehearsal. Moreover, many of the musicians stay with us, and my wife and I endeavour to make them feel as at home as possible. Also, we have a dedicated team who provide a light lunch for the audience before the recitals.

Do they like the piano?

They appreciate its sound quality and the fact that it is in well looked after. They also like the acoustic in the chapel, which is a shoebox in design with wooden panels. Recently the piano was showing signs of wear and we benefited from the advice of three of our performers, not least Jean-Efflam Bavouzet who introduced us to Yamaha’s top man in the UK. After 24 years the piano was still in remarkably good condition but none the less getting it back to concert standard cost £10 000. It is a measure of the unstinting support we get from our audience that we raised the money in ten weeks.

How do you find performers?

Let me answer that by telling you something about the programme for this season. There will be two evening piano recitals. Clare Hammond, the hands in the film, The Lady in the Van, gave a lunch-time recital here two years ago. She contacted me to say she was making her debut on London’s South Bank in June 2020, so I invited her back to give the same program here. And the same goes for Julien Brocal, who I initially invited last year as the BBC Music Magazine’s Newcomer of the Year in 2018: he is making his

Wigmore Hall debut in March and so is coming here again in February. As to the lunch-time recitals, the pianist Simon Lepper is a good friend of the Wesley concerts and he has recommended the young soprano Soraya Mafi with whom he is currently working: that is in November.

Susan Tomes lecture-recitals have proved very rewarding and she is coming for the fourth time in December. I booked both the Fidelio Trio in February and the violin-piano duo, Lorenzo Gatto and Julien Libeer in June, after hearing their CDs sent to me by their agents. I should also add that we are frequently approached by agents for ‘run through’ recitals prior to performances in larger venues.

That sounds as if you are pushing the boat out.

How do you manage financially?

The cost of tickets is kept low: it will be ÂŁ8 this season, so we rely on grants and donations.

Four years ago we launched a Patrons Scheme and thanks to over twenty generous supporters we now have money in the bank. The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation have also been very supportive.

The 25th season was launched in splendid style by the Italian pianist Elsa Tomellini. Her playing of Liszt and Rachmaninov combined bravura with delicacy, fully justifying the five stars awarded her recent CD by BBC Music Magazine.

For more information visit: wesleycentreharrogate.org.uk/concerts

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Up Close with Paul Mirfin

By Andrew Cameron

The Paul Mirfin Band was founded in 2015 and have become a staple of the local music scene since. I spoke to its namesake about their latest release.

Your new EP 'Light Up' is a sprawling, fourtrack sampling of various styles within the charming sound of your band. Tell us a little about the thoughts and process behind its creation?

Whilst writing the EP we thought it would be a nice opportunity to experiment with a different style to our album Ancient Roads - which is more Americana/folk rock - and go with a slightly more commercial sound. We were asked by Lightsong record label if we would cover the classic gospel track 'Ain't No Grave' to go on the EP, which became number 1 in the UK Gospel charts. We are really happy with the way the EP has been received and how it sounds.

The video for your single ‘Nothing’ is based largely in Blind Jack's pub in Knaresborough, and is as beautiful as could be expected given the location. How did this come about, and what does it mean to you to have been able to film there?

Track two, 'Nothing', is to me the most personal track I've written. My faith and my mum were the inspiration for this song, written whilst on retreat in the North Yorkshire Dales in February 2019.

My mum is going through cancer so wanted to dedicate it to her, but also to all precious mums everywhere, so all the bands’ mothers are

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featured in the video as a thank you for all that they have done for us.

We looked at a few locations locally and then decided to go for a pint. The filmmaker Daniel Tremble walked upstairs in Blind Jack's and his eyes lit up; he said “it needs to be here”! The lighting and mood were perfect for the song, so we spoke to the landlord who was happy for us to film there and very helpful. I was very happy to film at Blind Jack's because it’s one of those pubs that draws you in, especially during the winter months with its amazing mulled wine.

What is your favourite thing about the local music scene at the moment?

It would have to be all the open mics around Harrogate and Knaresborough. Whether you've been playing a while or for the first time, there's always a warm reception. The music scene in our area is fantastic, we’re blessed to be living here.

What gigs do you have coming up, and where can people find out more and keep up to date with the band?

We have an almost full diary starting in the new year, including an April 4th gig at the Frazer Theatre. You can contact us or see what we are up to through our website thepaulmirfinband. com or Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

Image by Rainbow Rice Photography

Credit: Nicholas Teal Photography

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A year to look forward to for Harrogate International Festivals

Harrogate International Sunday Series A world-class line-up of classical musicians has been announced for next year’s Harrogate International Sunday Series. Hosted by Harrogate International Festivals and staged in the Old Swan Hotel, the Sunday Series “coffee concerts” have been an annual fixture on Harrogate’s classical music calendar since 1993.

The series opens at the beginning of February with German-born Swiss pianist Andreas Haefliger celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday year. Later in the month we welcome the winner of the 2016 BBC Young Musician competition, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Famed for performing at the Sussex Royal Wedding, Sheku is joined onstage by his sister, pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. The Ashwell Trio share their passion for music spanning the Classical, Romantic and 21st Century eras and the Esmé Quartet, praised for their warm sound and powerful stage presence, also feature in the series.

Bringing the series to a close is pianist and double winner of the International Classical Music Award, Joseph Moog.

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Berwins Salon North Berwins Salon North returns to the Crown Hotel on Thursday 23rd January 2020, presenting the most stimulating and relevant ideas in art, science and psychology designed to change your life for the better. Three expert speakers, each given thirty minutes to wow you with their subject, interspersed with intervals allowing time for a well-crafted gin and tonic – what better way to start the new year?

Daniel Susskind reflects on the world of work in the age of artificial intelligence and computerisation, David Barrie guides us through animal navigation, and Gustav Kuhn reflects on the psychological processes that underpin the human experience of magic – and what it all means about us.

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Ian Rankin takes the helm as the 2020 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Programming Chair, following on from recent Chairs including Mari Hannah, Lee Child, Elly Griffiths and Peter James. Rankin is a No.1 bestseller in the UK and has received the OBE for services to literature. He will be putting together another stellar programme with Special Guests to be announced in the coming months. The Festival returns for a long weekend of the best in crime fiction from 23rd – 26th July 2020 at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate, with individual tickets and Rover passes going on sale in Spring 2020.

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NEW YEAR GALA CONCERT

The Royal Hall

H A R R O G A T E , S A T U R D AY 4 J A N U A R Y 7. 3 0 P M

Ring in the New Year with style!

The magnificent National Festival Orchestra, conducted by Aidan Faughey will accompany our international soloists in a magical programme of Viennese favourites.

The National Festival Orchestra & Soloists

Aidan Faughey

Special Christmas Offer BUY ONE GET ONE

HALF PRICE

(Excludes any other discounts and seating is in the Grand Hall) Offer closes midnight December 27th.

USE CODE: REV20 John Savournin

Natalie Montakhab

Owen Lucas

Tickets from ÂŁ25 are available from the Box Office 01422 323 252 online www.gsfestivals.org or from Tourist Information Centres in Harrogate - Knaresborough - Ripon

Credit: Karl Andre

Dreaming of a Snow White Christmas Following a record-breaking and awardwinning year in 2018, Harrogate Theatre is underway with another eight weeks of festive pantomime fun.

Snow White runs until 19 January, with a total of 76 performances. Expect all your favourite panto characters, spectacular scenery, sparkle, sing-along songs and buffoonery aplenty.

There’s the usual top-notch professional cast with many returning names for 2019.

Harrogate Theatre’s loveable comic character Tim Stedman is back to perform in his 20th Harrogate Theatre’s pantomime. This year he’s playing the part of Happy Harry.

year, both in Panto and HT Rep 2018.

Pamela Dwyer is also back - you may have last seen Pamela in 2015's Aladdin? In Snow White Pamela will play Ruby Rainbow/ Hunter the Handyman making a welcome return to the town.

Colin Kiyani has previously performed in Cinderella and Aladdin in the Harrogate Theatre pantomime and returns for 2019 to play Prince Lee.

For the title role of Snow White the fabulous Zelina Rebeiro takes to the stage. This is Zelina's first time performing in Harrogate.

Once again, this year's talented dancers come from a range of local dance and secondary schools. In addition, members of Harrogate Youth Theatre are taking on important roles as puppet operators, but there are no more spoilers on that here - you’ll have to come along and see for yourselves!

Howard Chadwick is here again for 2019.

Those of you who’ve been coming to panto over the years will know Howard well, most recently from Jack and the Beanstalk last year. This time around Howard is playing No Nonsense Nora the Nanny – no doubt with some rather special outfits as an extra treat!

Behind the scenes David Bown & Phil Lowe are the scriptwriters and Lowe is also Director again this year; Nick Lacey returns as Musical Director, Rachel Sampley is on Lighting Design, David Lee is our Choreographer, and Morgan Brind returns for a second year as Set and Costume Designer.

The Evil Queen is played by another familiar Harrogate Theatre face - the superb Polly Smith, who spent a lot of time on the main stage last

Book online at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk or at Box Office on 01423 502116

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Carols by Candlelight Knaresborough based disability charity Henshaws is hosting its annual Christmas Concert on Wednesday 11th December, raising funds to support the redevelopment of the Arts & Crafts Centre.

Supporters of Henshaws are being encouraged to get into the festive period by joining the candlelit carol concert at St Wilfrid’s Church in Harrogate, which starts at 7.00pm.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £7 for concessions, with guides and carers going free. New this year, the entire concert will be illuminated in candlelight throughout, with mulled wine and mice pies also available to purchase during intervals and breaks. The concert looks set to be the perfect way to kick of the festive season.

All money raised from ticket sales and donations and purchases on the night will go towards funding the redevelopment of Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough, with plans to expand and update the centre to provide a more accessible environment and grow the number of local people living with disabilities that it can support.

There will be performances from Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre's bands The Hotspots & Mini Hotspots, students from Henshaws College plus soprano Elizabeth Frankland who will be joined by Sarah Penrose and Steph Highett, the New York Brass Band, as well as many more.

Last year’s event was a sell out, so guests are requested to book in advance to not miss out on this magical evening.

Book online at henshawsarts.org.uk/carols-by-candlelight

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Harrogate Choral Society: Handel's Messiah 8 December, The Garden Rooms, Tennants of Leyburn

There are many works of classical music that are known to the general public. The Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s Messiah is possibly one of the most famous pieces of music ever written, even though it comprises only a small section of the complete work. Messiah is known as one of the greatest musical works ever produced and it wouldn’t be Christmas without the opportunity to hear this great Oratorio.

Harrogate Choral Society will be joined by soloists Bibi Heal, Beth Mackay, James Micklethwaite, and Phil Wilcox. They will also be accompanied by the Amici Ensemble with David Francis on Harpsichord and conducted by the HCS Music Director Andrew Padmore.

CAROLS

BY CANDLELIGHT

ST WILFRID’S CHURCH

11

DECEMBER 2019

at 7.00PM

FEATURING Soprano Elizabeth Frankland with Sarah Penrose and Steph Highett The New York Brass Band The Hotspots Many More!

Adults £10 Concessions £7 (Concessions include those with visual impairment, disability, students and OAP)

Guides/Personal Assistants FREE

BOOK TICKETS NOW 0300 222 5555

henshawsarts.org.uk/carols-by-candlelight

Harogate Open 2019 The 2019 Mercer Art Gallery’s biennial Harrogate Open, one of the most popular competitions in the northern arts calendar, features over 150 artworks comprising paintings, prints, textiles and ceramics. The works have been selected for exhibition from a cohort of 600 entries by the competition’s judges which included the acclaimed Yorkshire artist Emerson Mayes, York gallery owner Lotte Inch and heritage retail consultant, Michael Richards.

said: “Both Neil’s and Balbinder’s paintings stood out to us for their confident and skilled painterly technique which in both cases created an arresting finished composition. The hidden narrative in Neil’s painting was particularly strong and left us all very intrigued.

Professional artist, Neil Bolton from Ripon scooped the coveted first prize this year with a large scale figurative oil painting and the runner up prize was awarded to Balbinder Broadbent from Harrogate for her vibrant, abstract painting entitled Motion.

Prizes were presented by Judith Thomas, Chair of the Friends of the Mercer.

Highly commended awards sponsored by Friends of the Mercer were also presented to; Elysian Fields by Richard Gray, The Still Centre of the Turning World by Catriona Stewart, Home Life Girl by Jemma Sharp and Twiggy, Not Perfect but Human by Kay Latto.

Judge Emerson Mayes who has also been a judge for the prestigious New Light competition

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Image: Home Life Girl by Gemma Sharp

“We were overwhelmed with the standard and variety of the submissions and found making the final selection for exhibition a challenge.”

The Open Exhibition 2019 will be on permanent display at the gallery until 11 January 2020.

For more visit www.harrogate.gov.uk/open2019

Theatre Highlights Snow White 27 November - 19 January, Harrogate Theatre Join Snow White and a host of characters for the adventure of a lifetime, as they set out on a thrilling quest to defeat the spells and enchantments of the evil Queen. Chock full of magic and sparkle, Harrogate Theatre's pantomime is a firm festive favourite. Expect all of your favourite panto characters, spectacular scenery, sing-a-long songs and buffoonery aplenty.

A Christmas Carol 18 & 19 December, Harrogate Theatre Join Ebeneezer Scrooge and a host of familiar characters on a journey into the past, present and yet to come, in this innovative adaptation of one of the most famous Christmas stories. Combining the unmistakeable prose of Charles Dickens with an original, live violin score, prepare for some cosy, hair raising, festive fun with the return of the Musician and the Storyteller.

Watch with delight as the atmosphere of Victorian London is brought to life‌and the ghosts of Christmas return from the dead!

Sorry I Haven't a Clue 28 January, Harrogate Convention Centre BBC Radio's multi award-winning antidote to panel games returns to the stage in 2020 with its sell-out touring show. Join Tim Brooke-Taylor, Tony Hawks, Miles Jupp, Richard Osman and host Jack Dee for an unmissable evening of inspired nonsense. Colin Sell provides piano accompaniment.

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Outdoor Events Knaresborough Duck Race 1 January 2020 Around 5000 plastic ducks will be dropped from High Bridge in Knaresborough, and then make their way downstream to the finish line outside Marigold's Cafe. The first duck to the finishing line wins £100! Tickets are on sale now for £1. Also there is a corporate ticket option, £25 per ticket with corporate prizes and promotions and you also get a gold duck too!

Glow Winter Illuminations Until 28 December, RHS Harlow Carr Immerse yourself in the festive season with an illuminated adventure at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. As dusk falls, special lighting effects bring a touch of colour and magic to the garden – see iconic features including Streamside, the Queen Mother’s Lake, Winter Walk, Doric Columns and Alpine House transformed.

New for this year, enjoy illuminated sculptures, including a striking silver angel, meander through a tunnel of twinkling lights as you enter the Kitchen Garden, and finish the trail at a festive-themed marquee with Christmas carols.

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Music Highlights

Rick Wakeman 10 December, Royal Hall

Legendary rock keyboardist Rick Wakeman brings his latest show to the Royal Hall including music, chat and 'knockabout, bawdy humour' from his epic career.

Alongside solo songs, Rick will be dipping into Yes’s distinguished back catalogue and also performing tracks by David Bowie, The Beatles and more.

Harrogate International Sunday Series: Andreas Haefliger 2 February, The Old Swan Hotel, HG1 2SR

Bootleg Beatles 19 December, Royal Hall

The world's most famous Beatles tribute band is heading to the Royal Hall again with a stunning recreation of the greatest songbook of all time.

Tracing the Fab Four’s journey through the sixties, every tiny detail is meticulously covered from costumes to authentic period instruments; from their witty ‘Scouse’ banter to their ‘inflection perfect’ vocal mimicry.

60 60

Born into a distinguished Swiss musical family in 1962, Haefliger studied at Juilliard and has since enjoyed performing regularly both in recital and with orchestras across the globes.

Haefliger’s elegant programme celebrates Beethoven’s 250th birthday with a Fantasia and Sonata followed

by Mussorgsky’s 10-movement musical work that was inspired by a visit to an art exhibition. Although originally composed in 1874 for solo piano, Pictures at an Exhibition became better known in orchestral form, particularly as arranged by French composer Maurice Ravel in 1922. harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

01423 566881 www.bluesbar.co.uk

Live Music SUNDAY 1ST DEC (3PM) THE PETTY HEARTBREAKERS ...

SUNDAY 1ST DEC (6PM) STICKS & STONES ...

SUNDAY 1ST DEC (9PM) THE MATT GOLDBERG BAND ...

MONDAY 2ND DEC JAM NIGHT

SUNDAY 8TH DEC (6PM) ROBBIE MILLER ...

SUNDAY 8TH (DEC 9PM) HOWLIN’ MATT ...

MONDAY 9TH DEC JAM NIGHT

SUNDAY 15TH DEC (9PM) ROB REYNOLDS ...

MONDAY 16TH DEC JAM NIGHT HOSTED BY MARTIN ROSE

MONDAY 23RD DEC JAM NIGHT

HOSTED BY MARTIN ROSE

...

XMAS EVE 24TH DEC XMAS PARTY ...

BOXING DAY 26TH DEC FRANK BOUGH’S CARDIGAN ...

FRIDAY 27TH DEC JUNKHOUSE DOG ...

SATURDAY 28TH DEC (4-7PM) SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN

...

TUESDAY 17TH DEC HOSTED BY MARTIN ROSE ACOUSTIC SESSION ... ...

WEDNESDAY 18TH DEC TUESDAY 10TH DEC THE PAUL MIDDLETON ACOUSTIC SESSION ...

ANGST BAND ...

HOSTED BY MARTIN ROSE WEDNESDAY 11TH DEC ...

THURSDAY 19TH DEC THE PAUL MIDDLETON TUESDAY 3RD DEC SCAPEGOAT KELLY ANGST BAND ... ...

DJ MARTIN - ON THE ONES AND ACOUSTIC SESSION TWOS ...

THURSDAY 12TH DEC FRIDAY 20TH DEC ...

WEDNESDAY 4TH DEC THE RESONATORS PAT FULGONI SATURDAY 28TH DEC ... ...

THE PAUL MIDDLETON ANGST BAND FRIDAY 13TH DEC SATURDAY 21ST DEC (4-7PM) THE JED THOMAS BLUES BAND ...

THE ALEX FAWCETT BAND SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN ... ...

DJ MARTIN - ON THE ONES AND THURSDAY 5TH DEC SUNDAY 9TH DEC (3PM) TWOS THE BREEZE SATURDAY 14TH DEC (4-7PM) ...

THE LOWELLS ...

SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN ...

SATURDAY 21ST DEC DJ MARTIN - ON THE ONES AND FRIDAY 6TH DEC SUNDAY 29TH DEC (6PM) TWOS JED THOMAS BLUES BAND SUPERCELL ... ...

RIVER ROOTS ... ...

SATURDAY 14TH DEC SUNDAY 22ND DEC (3PM) SATURDAY 7TH DEC (4-7PM) SUNDAY 29TH DEC (9PM) JED THOMAS BLUES BAND STAX SATURDAY SHAKEDOWN ... ...

GOSH HAWK DJ MARTIN - ON THE ONES AND ...

TWOS SUNDAY 15TH DEC (3PM) SUNDAY 22ND DEC (6PM) ...

MONDAY 30TH DEC BLUEPHUNK THE LAST EPISODE ... ...

SATURDAY 7TH DEC JAM NIGHT HOSTED BY MARTIN ROSE LIZZIE ON THE LOOSE SUNDAY 6PM 15TH DEC (6PM) SUNDAY 22ND DEC (9PM) ...

FLATCAP CARNIVAL THE BONDURANTS SUNDAY 8TH DEC (3PM) EMPRESS

The Blues Cafe Bar, 4 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 2TJ

Film Review with Henry Thompson

The upcoming release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will bring at least a temporary end to what has been the most remarkable franchise in the history of movie making. The original Star Wars trilogy (1977, 1980, 1983) targeted a teenage baby boomer generation with a combination of simple story-telling and state-ofthe-art special effects.

Whilst the original trilogy and the subsequent ‘prequel’ trilogy were all released in the springtime the more recent ‘sequel’ trilogy which concludes with The Rise of Skywalker shifted to December release dates- confirming that Star Wars has morphed from teen entertainment to family viewing, with baby boomers and their off-spring all now joining in the fun. That fun will in due course be available to a new generation of boomer grandchildren- a new trilogy of Star Wars films is already in the works! Not the end, not the beginning of the end . . .

In an industry footnote that has become Hollywood lore, director George Lucas took a pay cut on the original film in order to secure all merchandising rights from the Star Wars brand.

Quite what the current total merchandising earnings from the films, the video games, the television series, the hook-up with Lego and much more is anyone’s guess. As an early indicator, a fairly reliable estimate of merchandise earnings from the first six films came in at about $20 billion. For comparison, the six films took around $4.3 billion at the box office worldwide.

Star Wars has always styled itself as a story about democracy verses dictatorship. Whether the presumably benign rule of Princess Leia is, strictly speaking, a democracy is never examined!

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Nevertheless, if you are just joining or have been riding the Millennium Falcon since 1977, this ‘final’ episode is not to be missed.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, and well away from the franchise multiverse, first-time writer-director Tom Cullen’s film Pink Wall is worth looking out for. Whilst the ‘break-up drama’ genre has been well covered over the decades, the performances and the editing in Pink Wall mark it out as an exceptional piece of filmmaking.

Also worth a look is Motherless Brooklyn, directed by Edward Norton. Drawing on Jonathan Lethem’s 1999 novel, the film’s main plot is a classic gumshoe set-up, with a detective (played by Norton) who suffers from Tourette’s Syndrome posing as a journalist in order to investigate the death of his boss. In a shift from the novel, the setting is 1959 New York City which allows the story to embrace the skulduggery of property developer Moses Randolph, played by Alec Baldwin and modelled on real-life urban developer Robert Moses. Baldwin’s regular appearances on US television comedy shows as Donald Trump, give his portrayal of Randolph an extra edge and emphasises the undoubted political hue of a film that otherwise has more than a hint of Polanski’s Chinatown about it.

Happy solstice!

Henry Thompson is Research Fellow in film at the University of Manchester. His acclaimed book on Oliver Stone (co-authored with Ian Scott) was released in 2016. www.harrogatefilmsociety.co.uk

( p m)

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Dj Trev's annual quiz of Harrogate Hi chums. Instead of the usual restaurant/ tourist attraction/ Star Wars collectible figurine* review (*delete as applicable) I felt I could once again baffle the editors of this fine publication with another quiz.

As one of only 4,386 people running a quiz night in Harrogate, I am almost uniquely placed to get some real insight on the town and vex you with it. Stick on a brew, award bonus points for spotting the stealth promotion of my own nights at Foundry Project every Saturday, comb your hair and ask yourself ‘do I know my 'arragut from my 'nares, bro?’

1) Recently you may have seen thousands of people gather on the Stray for the fireworks.

Or perhaps you stayed home and complained about it. Whatever, who organizes the annual bonfire?

A: The Freemasons B: The Round Table C: Friends of the Valley Gardens D: Ross from Friends

2) Knaresborough's Mother Shipton's was home to a mystic who made vague and unconvincing predictions. They would have been more believable if she'd followed them with the phrase ‘do or die’, but hey. What is the official address of Mother Shiptons?

A: The Kings Road Tap House B: The Conference Club C: Cold Bath Brewing Taphouse D: Cartridge World

4) Which Harrogate act played at Leeds/ Reading festival this year, just below PVRIS and Of Mice and Men? A: Sidney Youngblood

A: Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge

B: Blood Youth

B: Oracle House, Low Bridge

C: Blood Orange

C: Archer House, Ambridge

D: Blood, don't make me get old school

D: Perinium Gooch, Bifkins Bridge

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3) Whilst Harrogate has undoubtedly seen its share of high street closures, there have also been plenty of success stories. One such is a brewery tap house that has opened on Kings Road opposite the Conference Centre. What is it called?

5) Harrogate also produced a huge rave band, or, at least half of one. Dj Tim, who used to be a resident at The Mix (underneath Pinocchios, which in turn is now a curry shop) was half of the Utah Saints. Their debut song, ‘What can you do for me’ famously sampled Annie Lennox and Gwen Guthrie for the main vocal hooks, but which artist was sampled for the main vocal on their follow up hit, ‘Something Good’?

8) In September of this year The Royal Hall hosted ‘Broken Ring Wrestling’, but was the ring really broken?

A: Herman's Hermits

D: I dunno, he landed on it pretty hard

A: Yes, in round 3 Giant Haystacks smashed Shirly Crabtree right through it B: No, it was a metaphor C: No, they actually used a cage

B: Kate Bush C: Scooter D: Scottish Rapper McHammer

6) Harrogate is home to its own festival scene, and if you've never witnessed the violent circle pits at the Harrogate Flower Show, and you've not really lived. What is the Harrogate International Festival Called?

A: Harrogate Welcomes the World but complains about it on Facebook B: The Eurovision Song Contest C: Conference City D: Harrogate International Festival

7) Not to be outdone, Knaresborough has its own festival, but what does FEVA stand for?

A: Festival for Everybody

10) Globally famous brand and landmark, Betty’s tea rooms, offer a ‘gentleman’s selection’ gift box for dads. Which of the following items features in it?

A: Gentlemans Relish B: Tangy Marmalade C: A set of spanners D: Hand cream and tissues

Answers: 1 – b, 2 – a, 3 – c, 4 – b, 5 – b, 6 – d, 7 – b, 8 – b, 9 – ffs 10 – b Tie Breaker: In the unlikely event that you are actually doing this quiz, and in the even less conceivable situation that two of you have done it and, less probable yet, you both scored the same, here is a tie-breaker; it's a physical challenge. You have to follow Trevor A. Broadbank on Facebook, and go to his quizzes. The first player to do that gets to ro-sham-bo the other one.

B: Festival of Entertainment & Visual Arts C: Festival of Eating Very Early Really D: Frank Enjoys Vigorous Angling

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About the Harrogate Review WHAT IS THE HARROGATE REVIEW? The Harrogate Review is a free magazine distributed throughout Harrogate town centre and parts of the district every two months.

The Harrogate Review is a full-colour, content-led magazine featuring articles and interviews on local events, culture, art, music, film and local business. Established in 2017, it is now read by around 20,000 people each month.

WHO DO WE WORK WITH? We work with local and regional businesses, community groups and events organisations to promote positive activity in Harrogate. In 2019 we formed a partnership with The Harrogate BID who have helped us further our aims as a what’s on guide, increase the size of the magazine and provide a platform for more promotion of local businesses.

We attribute a maximum of 40% of the magazine’s pages to advertising, as opposed to the saturated 75% of many other free magazines, ensuring that your business stands out. We believe, as do our readers, that this adds integrity and value to the content of the magazine and The Harrogate Review as a trusted brand.

HOW DO WE PRINT? Each issue of The Harrogate Review is printed on high quality uncoated stock, working with trusted local print suppliers to ensure a high quality finish.

WHY USE PRINT WHEN YOU HAVE FREE SOCIAL MEDIA? With the rise of digital and social marketing, we understand it can be difficult to see how print fits into your marketing strategy. The power of print advertising is that it’s trusted and, when combined with high-quality design and a respected publication, it really stands out.

Print advertising is not fleeting. It presents a consistent and enduring image of your business, meaning that the messages conveyed stay with your customers. Social media is a fantastic way of engaging with your customers, but for consumers to remember a message they need to see it several times.

Advertising in The Harrogate Review is a fantastic long-term branding exercise, with many copies in circulation for longer than the two month shelf life. As a business, you will be associated with a magazine which helps spread a positive message about Harrogate and recognises the people doing great things here.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT? The Harrogate Review is available to pick up for free throughout Harrogate, with around 300 pickup locations in the town centre. We update our list of pick-up spots with each issue as more and more businesses and community organisations ask to be added to our distribution list. The Harrogate Review can be found in shops, bars, restaurants, hairdressers, libraries, tourist information centres, hotels, cinemas, cafes, takeaways, museums, theatres, University and colleges, as well as online. We also supply 1000 copies to LNER for passengers traveling on the Kings Cross to Edinburgh Azuma service.

How to Advertise ADVERTISING COSTS We offer flexible packages to suit various budgets so you can book per issue on an ad-hoc basis or if you prefer to plan your marketing campaigns well in advance, we offer discounts for block bookings. Just follow these steps to book your campaign with us...

ISSUE 25 Dec | Jan 2020 FREE

ED BYRNE Quarter of a century at the comedic coalface

HARROGATE’S WHAT’S ON GUIDE Distributed to over 400 venues in Harrogate every two months

1. Choose your ad size/placement 2. Tell us how many issues you’d like to book for 3. Pick which issue/s youd like to be in 4. Send us your artwork by the deadline 5. Look forward to seeing yourselves in print!

HARROGATE - PAUL MIRFIN WALKS - HERITAGE OF BRIAN BLESSED - WINTER

Price Per Issue

BID members

Back Cover

£350

£275

ADVERT SPECS

Inside Front/ Page 3

£225

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DPS

£250

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Full Page

When designing your advert, please keep all details clear from the edge.

Simple, bold designs work best. Artwork to be sent as PDF with all images minimum 300dpi.

£150

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£50

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All prices +VAT Discounts available for block bookings

Any problems? Contact enquiries@festivalpublications.co.uk

T SE ICKE L FA LIN TS ST G !

Harrogate Theatre’s Magical Family Pantomime

“...annual family-friendly festive extravaganza is one of the best in the whole country.”

Harrogate Advertiser

WED 27 NOV 2019 - SUN 19 JAN 2020 Great British Pantomime Award Winner 2018/19

BOX OFFICE 01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk Snow White A5 updated flyer Jun19.indd 1

05/06/2019 14:07