Latest news with #YorkshireDales
The Sun
15 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Thousands of travellers with horses & caravans descend on tiny village for Appleby Horse Fair as locals brace for chaos
CROWDS of travellers have flooded a tiny village as the Appleby Horse fair gets underway, with locals bracing for incoming chaos. The annual gathering brings in around 10,000 travellers and a whopping 30,000 other visitors to the rural area. 8 8 8 8 Narrow country lanes leading to Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria have been bursting with horses and caravans in recent days. Cops have warned people to not drink-drive and to keep the peace ahead of the six-day event - which begins on Thursday. Almost 30 arrests have already been made by officers who have been working in the Eden and South Lakes area as part of the pre-fair phase of this year's policing operation. Police are also reminding motorists to drive with caution and to expect to encounter slow-moving traffic in the lead up to year's fair. Pictures show horse-drawn carriages and motor-homes already flocking to the village. Travellers are racing for the best spots ahead of the fair's first day. Appleby hasn't even started yet and that comes every year. Some locals are closing down services and pubs in protest. Fed-up residents living in the nearby village of Gargrave even drew up battle plan in preparation. For centuries, crowds have passed through the village on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales to attend the historic, week long gathering 70 miles away. However in recent years residents have complained of a spike in crime and anti-social behaviour with human excrement found in bushes, trees hacked down and scorch marks found on the village greens. Last year, more than 60 pick-up trucks and horse-drawn 'bow top' caravans descended on the village, many with loud generators running throughout the night. Massive clean up begins after Appleby Horse Fair as piles of rubbish are left behind by thousands of travellers Residents also complained about horse races being held in the village centre. Now, Gargrave Parish Council has drawn up measures and set new rules to keep the village "conflict free". Gargrave is a usual stop-off point for Travellers as it is the last village before the 70 mile trip through the Yorkshire Dales along the A65 before arriving at Appleby. The event first began in 1685 after a charter was granted by King James II. Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin of Cumbria Police – Police Gold Commander for Appleby Horse Fair – said: 'Public safety is our number one priority and we will continue to take enforcement action against those committing criminal offences. 'I would like to reassure all communities that there is no targeting of any specific community, but our increased policing presence will take action against individuals engaging in criminality regardless of their background. 'To date, we have seen a number of people putting lives at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. "Those who do so are being incredibly reckless and our officers will continue to stop people they suspect may be driving whilst impaired through alcohol or drugs. "We all know too well the tragic consequences that can occur when a driver makes the decision to drive whilst unfit because of their alcohol or drug consumption.' Det Supt St Quintin added: 'Drivers are likely to encounter slow-moving traffic, particularly on the A66, so please pay extra attention when travelling around the county. 'Please take extra care, be patient and plan ahead and set off early. Let's make sure everyone reaches their destination safely.' 8 8 8 8
BBC News
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- BBC News
Leeds-Morecambe 'lifeline' railway line celebrates 175th birthday
Volunteers who have helped to drive up passenger numbers on a railway line between Leeds and Morecambe are celebrating the route's 175th Bentham Line, originally completed on 1 June 1850 and highlighted by travel publisher Lonely Planet for its diverse scenery, has been designated the UK's first "dementia-friendly railway".The route, through the Yorkshire Dales, is one of 75 in the UK supported by a community rail partnership, with one station on the route adopted by Townson, chair of the Friends of Bentham Station (FOBS) and the Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership, says the railway is a "vital ingredient in the community". Improving the station means "substantially more people are making use of the line here at Bentham", Mr Townson the FOBS group was set up in 2011, approximately 11,000 journeys were made through the station each year, compared to 37,000 in the 2024/25 financial year."It makes a superb gateway to the town," adds Mr Townson."If you can get everybody out [and] off mobile phones and tablets, there's a good world outside." Recalling its history, Mr Townson explains how station buildings on the line were initially designed in a "mock-tudor" after "the woodworm got" Bentham in 1954, the station was demolished, with a new modular building constructed in just 16 1970, the station had 21 staff, with facilities including a porters' room and large waiting the following 30 years, the station became an "old, rundown place - with graffiti and all sorts of stuff", according to Friends of Bentham Station (FOBS) secretary, Lin Barrington - but the last decade has seen a transformation."The passengers can look out of the window, and it just looks welcoming and friendly," says retired maintenance electrician Chris Birkbeck, who moved from Bradford to work in the factory over the road from the station. Mr Townson believes the route "offers it all" - starting in previous industrial heartlands of Leeds, Bingley, Shipley and Keighley, emerging into the Yorkshire Dales at Skipton, passing by the "mighty" Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent mountains, along the Forest of Bowland, through the historic Georgian city of Lancaster, and ending at the coast."One of the most popular things, all the way from those Victorian times, has been the pilgrimage to Morecambe for an ice cream, a stick of rock and a fish-and-chip supper." 'It's a lifeline' The community is "quite fortunate to have our line", says another FOBS volunteer, Pete Hardman."So many others have closed down, but for people who live here, it's a lifeline. Without it, we'd be a bit isolated."The retired engineer says members of the group are brought together by "a will to help", but also have individual skills."I've done some bug hotels and some of the heritage side," he says. And their efforts are by no means purely aesthetic."Don't think about us as a set of people with trowels and not much else," Mr Hardman warns."The fact is, Gerald managed to get some of the train timetables changed to offer better connectivity in Lancaster and so on."This has proved even more important because of a declining bus service in recent years, Ms Barrington adds."I've got a son who was growing up in Bentham, and it means they get the chance to go to Leeds - the big city, or Lancaster," she says. Groups like FOBS work with a community rail partnership officer, who is paid to support Huddleston, who works on the Bentham Line, says it brings people together, enabling "active discussions about what people need, rather than presuming"."It feels great to give people a variety of opportunities and create a welcoming environment, while also helping wider causes like greener travel."She has supported FOBS and the Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership to make the line more welcoming for people living with dementia, work which has been recognised at government along the line have also taken part in initiatives focused on the environment and railway safety, while volunteers have given their time to help local refugee groups enjoy the Yorkshire Dales. Ms Huddleston explains how the community rail groups' work has, in some cases, been enabled by "skill swaps"."Gerald's a retired maths teacher and has delivered A-level lessons before, in return for a bit of gravel," she members' individual skills have also helped to raise money for a defibrillator on site, says former local government worker Martin himself, has a "secret talent" as a quiz-master, according to Mr Townson, while "Margaret's famous lemon drizzle cake" is a regular feature at bake Cowling is a former teacher from Coventry, who first joined the "Bloom in Bentham" group, and now leads gardening efforts at the she says: "It's all thanks to Gerald – he's the big Mr Motivator." Mr Hardman says everybody in the group "has a sense of pride" about the station, which is currently decorated to celebrate the 175th anniversary."The celebrations only come once every 175 years, so that's worth a bit of bunting."Another group member jokes: "This is your third one, isn't it?!" Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Emmerdale cast: who is the new character joining ITV soap?
Jaye Griffiths is joining the cast of Emmerdale 👀 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Emmerdale will get a new farmer very soon. Jaye Griffiths is joining the cast of the ITV soap. But who will she play - and where do you know her from? A new farmer is coming to Emmerdale next month, ITV has announced. Jaye Griffiths is joining the cast of the soap and is set to shake things up. It comes ahead of the big cross-over between the Yorkshire Dales set show and Coronation Street. The soaps are also due to get a schedule overhaul in the new year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jaye's addition to the Emmerdale cast comes after a Netflix star was announced for the iconic soap earlier in 2025. Here's all you need to know: Who is the new character on Emmerdale? Jaye Griffiths is joining Emmerdale cast | ITV When a neighbouring tenant farmer calls on Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) to enquire if she can rent two of her fields, Moira is quick to shrug her off, but this lady, Celia (Jaye Griffiths), clearly means business. Celia's reputation precedes her as Moira isn't keen to deal with this woman, despite bad finances on her own farm. And soon when poor vet Paddy (Dominic Brunt) is brutally attacked and hospitalised by one of Celia's guard dogs we start to get the measure of her true colours from her reaction to the attack. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Producer Laura Shaw explained: 'We are absolutely delighted to have Jaye Griffiths joining us to play the role of Celia. Having recently taken over a nearby farm, not much is known about mysterious Celia's past before arriving on the outskirts of the village. 'While Celia has a tough edge with an air of respectability, the audience, and our villagers, will soon start to see what this woman is truly capable of.' Jaye added: 'I was delighted to get this role - without giving the game away she is very different to anyone I have played before and I can't wait to really get into the heart of her storyline.' Celia is renting a neighbouring farm in Emmerdale from Kim Tate, but with the Barton's and Sugden's as farming families already well established within the community there is definitely conflict on its way. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Where do you know Jaye Griffiths from? The esteemed actor has had a long career on the small screen - and will be no stranger to regular ITV viewers. Jaye played D.I. Sally Johnson in The Bill for a decade through to 2003. She was also Dr. Elizabeth Croft on Doctors and played Elle Gardner in Casualty during the 2010s. Jaye has also had a guest role on Coronation Street and appeared in shows like Vera, Death in Paradise and more. When will the new character join the cast of Emmerdale? Jaye will first appear on the ITV soap at the end of June. Emmerdale continues Friday (May 30) at 7.30pm on ITV1 and STV or from 7.00am on ITVX and STV Player. Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at . It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Emmerdale cast: who is the new character joining ITV soap?
Jaye Griffiths is joining the cast of Emmerdale 👀 Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Emmerdale will get a new farmer very soon. Jaye Griffiths is joining the cast of the ITV soap. But who will she play - and where do you know her from? A new farmer is coming to Emmerdale next month, ITV has announced. Jaye Griffiths is joining the cast of the soap and is set to shake things up. It comes ahead of the big cross-over between the Yorkshire Dales set show and Coronation Street. The soaps are also due to get a schedule overhaul in the new year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jaye's addition to the Emmerdale cast comes after a Netflix star was announced for the iconic soap earlier in 2025. Here's all you need to know: Who is the new character on Emmerdale? Jaye Griffiths is joining Emmerdale cast | ITV When a neighbouring tenant farmer calls on Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) to enquire if she can rent two of her fields, Moira is quick to shrug her off, but this lady, Celia (Jaye Griffiths), clearly means business. Celia's reputation precedes her as Moira isn't keen to deal with this woman, despite bad finances on her own farm. And soon when poor vet Paddy (Dominic Brunt) is brutally attacked and hospitalised by one of Celia's guard dogs we start to get the measure of her true colours from her reaction to the attack. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Producer Laura Shaw explained: 'We are absolutely delighted to have Jaye Griffiths joining us to play the role of Celia. Having recently taken over a nearby farm, not much is known about mysterious Celia's past before arriving on the outskirts of the village. 'While Celia has a tough edge with an air of respectability, the audience, and our villagers, will soon start to see what this woman is truly capable of.' Jaye added: 'I was delighted to get this role - without giving the game away she is very different to anyone I have played before and I can't wait to really get into the heart of her storyline.' Celia is renting a neighbouring farm in Emmerdale from Kim Tate, but with the Barton's and Sugden's as farming families already well established within the community there is definitely conflict on its way. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Where do you know Jaye Griffiths from? The esteemed actor has had a long career on the small screen - and will be no stranger to regular ITV viewers. Jaye played D.I. Sally Johnson in The Bill for a decade through to 2003. She was also Dr. Elizabeth Croft on Doctors and played Elle Gardner in Casualty during the 2010s. Jaye has also had a guest role on Coronation Street and appeared in shows like Vera, Death in Paradise and more. When will the new character join the cast of Emmerdale? Jaye will first appear on the ITV soap at the end of June. Emmerdale continues Friday (May 30) at 7.30pm on ITV1 and STV or from 7.00am on ITVX and STV Player.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
I set up a successful jam business in most rural part of England – I don't have phone signal but turn over £2m a year
NO phone signal, temperamental WiFi connection and entire miles without any neighbours - it's not the ideal scenario to set up a business, but it's worked for Rachel Kettlewell. The mum-of-three, 40, runs Fearne & Rosie, which was last year declared the fastest growing jam brand in the UK and is set to turn over a staggering £2 million this year. 5 5 5 Rachel lives in the most rural part of England in the Yorkshire Dales. And despite not being able to take phone calls from her house and not having strong enough WiFi for Zoom calls, her business is a roaring success. The former primary school teacher is on a mission to make Fearne & Rosie the UK's most loved and trusted jam brand by making the fruity spread healthy again. She set up the business in 2019 after feeling disappointed by soaring sugar content in other jams available in the supermarket, The business was inspired by her children - Fearne, 10, Rosie, eight, and George, five - and Rachel's drive to make healthy food accessible to all children, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. 'It's the vulnerable children in society that go to school without a healthy breakfast,' she tells Fabulous for our exclusive series, Bossing It. 'I could see there was a problem with that, and I thought it was quite obvious someone needed to make a healthier choice. 'Then when I had my children, I learned about food in a different way, which further strengthened my belief that there was an opportunity to provide a healthier jam choice for families." Rachel is on a mission to create readily-available healthier breakfast choices for children and their families, and to reduce the amount of sugar consumed in households. When she set up Fearne & Rosie in 2019, her husband Andrew, 40, was already running his own chutney business, so she knew the basics of recipes. Rachel began making her own jams from their kitchen, and would take them with her to baby groups for her youngest, five-year-old George, and ask her mum-friends to try the recipes and let her know their thoughts. Once she had the tastes and textures nailed down, Rachel began selling the jams to farmshops across the Yorkshire Dales and sharing her recipes on Instagram. But with a bigger dream to land Fearne & Rosie in supermarkets, still in 2019, Rachel googled 'Waitrose head office' and rang the first number she found. She pitched her one-of-a-kind jam with no concentrates and 40% less sugar to the woman on the other end of the line, who turned out to be the receptionist. 5 When the receptionist told Rachel she needs to speak to a buyer, she recalls thinking: 'What's a buyer?' Hundreds more Google searches and countless phone calls later, Fearne & Rosie finally made it into Waitrose stores - a staggering 180 of them - in the same year it launched. Making those phone calls wasn't easy, though, given Rachel lives in a remote pocket of countryside in North Yorkshire. 'Where I live, there isn't any phone signal,' she says. 'And there's limited WiFi in our house, so you couldn't do a Zoom call or anything like that. Where I live, there isn't any phone signal. And there's limited WiFi in our house, so you couldn't do a Zoom is a challenge. Where we are is very rural Rachel Kettlewell 'That is a challenge - where we are is very rural.' Rachel continued to teach part time alongside raising her three children and running her jam brand. However, she took a step back from the classroom in 2021 for a sabbatical but never returned. 'I always said I wouldn't learn Fearne & Rosie impact teaching, as teaching came first at that time,' she tells. 'I stayed in my school for a long time, as I really loved it. It's the vulnerable children in society that go to school without a healthy breakfast. I could see there was a problem with that, and I thought it was quite obvious someone needed to make a healthier choice Rachel Kettlewell 'But as the business grew, it got to a point where teaching was impacting Fearne & Rosie.' This then led to the brand achieving a £550,000 fund raise, with investment from FMCG industry leaders Giles Brook, Oliver Lloyd and Pip Murray, along with VC backing from Twinkl educational publishers in July 2023. As far as awards go, Fearne & Rosie landed at number 53 in the Startup 100 list, while Rachel herself scooped Purpose Entrepreneur of the year at the GBEAs. However, the business owner is keen to stress that Fearne & Rosie wasn't an overnight success - it was something she was plugging away from on her phone in the early days. The past 12 months has seen the brand secure nationwide distribution with Asda and Co-op, increasing Fearne & Rosie from 300 stores to over 3,000 stores within six months. Its other stockings include Waitrose (thanks to that fateful 2019 phone call), Tesco and Holland & Barrett. Rachel's ultimate goal is to get her jams into school breakfast clubs, and Fearne & Rosie being the healthiest on the market is her first step towards that. With around 70% fruit per jar, Fearne & Rosie jams are HFSS compliant (meaning they're officially low sugar) and contain only natural ingredients, and never anything from concentrate. The entrepreneur has plans to expand into another category in the coming year, to further make healthy breakfast options available for all children.
