Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Bruno Mars

Marry You

Listen Live Podcasts

Tight 'knit' Harrogate family create blanket for vulnerable people

Monday, 13 January 2025 12:26

Ashville Prep School pupil James and Teaching Assistant Charlie Gill.

A tight 'knit' Harrogate family pulled together over the Christmas and New Year holidays to make a blanket for vulnerable people.

The McGinley family, led by Ashville Prep School pupil James, knitted squares of wool to help make a warm covering for needy people in disadvantaged countries.

James enlisted the help of parents, grandparents and even younger sister Grace to knit the squares which will be sewn together as part of the Junior Dukes project, led by Teaching Assistant Charlie Gill at Ashville Prep.

James said:

“It was the first time I had picked up a pair of knitting needles and my grandma took the time to teach me.

“It’s just one of the exciting activities we get to do with Junior Dukes at Ashville, and it keeps you entertained as well as preparing you for your future life."

Mrs Gill said she was impressed James had taken the time over the festive period to create a fun family activity.

The Junior Duke Award is a national scheme which helps children develop confidence and competence in life skills ranging from First Aid, to learning to swim and even delivering presentations.

Head of Prep Phil Soutar said pupils enjoy the competitiveness of the challenges throughout the academic year.

More from Local News

Your Christmas to provide seasonal joy on DAB across North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is getting its own special Christmas present this year - a radio station playing non-stop festive favourites and a flavour of the best of life at Christmas in the county.
Communities asked to help support new opportunities in Harrogate

Communities and businesses in Harrogate are being invited to help shape ambitious new plans to boost investment and opportunities in the town.
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust signs Smokefree Pledge

The trust confirmed its commitment to supporting patients, staff and the local community to quit smoking.
Henshaws Festive Showcase to return to Ripon for a second year

The Henshaws Festive Showcase will return to Ripon Cathedral on Monday 24th November 2025, following a successful debut last year.
Dame Judi Dench calls Harrogate Spring Water plans '‘environmental vandalism’

A decision on plans by Harrogate Spring Water to remove part of Rotary Wood for expansion has been delayed, following a meeting at Harrogate’s Civic Centre.
Theme park in Ripon listed for sale at £3 Million

Lightwater Valley, one of Yorkshire’s best-known family attractions, has been listed for sale with an asking price of £3 million.
Ripon Community Bonfire to return next week

Specsavers Ripon has been announced as the lead sponsor for this year’s Ripon Rowels Rotary Club Bonfire and Firework Display.
Harrogate festival shortlisted for 'Best Festival Newcomer' award

Love to be… Harrogate Festival has been shortlisted for the “Best Festival Newcomer” category at the 2025 Access All Areas Awards.
Do Not Drink Warning issued for parts of Harrogate after water quality tests

Residents in parts of the Harrogate district are being advised not to drink their tap water following test results showing the supply does not currently meet usual safety standards.
Police identify man who died after collision in Beckwithshaw

The police have revealed the identity of the man who died last Friday after a collision.
Local MP calls for children to be allowed to attend Great Yorkshire Show

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has spoken in Parliament about adopting a more flexible approach to school term-time holidays.
Specsavers to support Halloween events in Ripon

Children in the local community are being invited to take part in a range of Halloween-themed activities at Specsavers Ripon this half term.
Ripon Rotary President, 83, soars down 60mph zipline for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

83-year-old great-grandmother Alys Allardyce, President of the Rotary Club of Ripon, has completed one of Europe’s fastest zip lines to raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Harrogate running group supports women's campaign

Local community running group Early Bird Run Crew is inviting women to take part in its early morning 5km runs on Friday, 31st October, in support of the national campaign Let’s Lift The Curfew, led by This Girl Can.
Survey finds residents overwhelmingly reject Harrogate Spring Water expansion

A new independent community survey has revealed that 86% of Harrogate residents disagree or strongly disagree with the proposed Harrogate Spring Water bottling plant expansion.
Harrogate animal charity recieves huge donation from local business

A Harrogate animal charity has received a major boost after a local pet food company responded to its appeal for help.
Local sports coach launches free online sports courses for Harrogate children

Stuart Owen, a local sports coach, is offering free access to online sports courses for all primary school aged children in the Harrogate area through his social enterprise, Skillabus CIC.
Charity ball raises over £200,000 for children's hospice

Martin House hosted a Glitter Ball at Rudding Park to raise money for Martin House Children's Hospice.
Witnesses asked to come forward following fatal crash in Harrogate

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision near Harrogate.
New Cold Bath Road restaurant announces opening date

A new independent restaurant and bar is preparing to open its doors on Harrogate's Cold Bath Road.