Sneak Peek: New-look Halls of Ripon reopening tomorrowHalls of Ripon, the city’s only department store, will re-open with new traders from tomorrow morning (Wednesday, March 13).
The store on Fishergate closed for a major revamp and reconfiguration in January.
Ahead of tomorrow’s reopening, the Stray Ferret was invited for a sneak peek at the new-look layout.
Halls of Ripon director Mike Cooper (pictured above) said:
“For the next few days, entry will be via the Marshall Way Car Park entrance and Hive Cafe – which has remained open throughout the reconfiguration works.”
He added:
“Following discussions with our landlord, we decided that it was safe to allow customers in to the part of the building where the refurbishment has already been completed. The remaining works on the Fishergate frontage is ongoing.”
Hedley Hall’s vintage vehicles and collectables
The reconfiguration has increased floorspace and Mr Cooper added:
“We will be reopening with new entrants including Timeless Treasures (archaeological finds) Dennis Fielding (antiques and collectables) and Signature Baby Boutique.”
Halls of Ripon’s expanded offer includes a wide range of women’s fashion.
Owned by Ripon-based property investment and development company Sterne Properties Ltd, the former Wrens store re-opened under its new Halls of Ripon branding in July 2021.
Operations director Barry Cooper, who works alongside his father Mike and runs the Red Buttons Jewellers in Halls, said:
“We anticipated that the post-covid bounce back for Ripon retail would be led by the city’s strong mix of independent businesses and we got it right.
“The proof of the pudding can be seen in the fact that we are expanding when many of the big names on the high street are downsizing their portfolios and closing stores.”
Simon Richardson with his Timeless Treasure stall, is one of the three new entrants.
He added:
“We’re sure that Peacocks who opened a few doors down from us at the end of February, and Trespass who opened in the former Barclays Bank building in November, will have chosen Ripon ahead of other locations.
“This is because Ripon’s mixture of independent retailers and hospitality businesses, combined with affordable parking and £2 fares on the 36 bus all make this historic city an attractive proposition.”
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Bin collections enhance Ripon canal walksCanal-side walks in Ripon have become a pleasant experience once more after North Yorkshire Council stepped in to clear dog poo packages.
Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams, who also represents the Minster and Moorside division on the council, told the Stray Ferret:
“After the Canal and River Trust stopped emptying the black litter bins on the stretch from the canal basin to beyond Farmison, I started receiving complaints about the little black bags piling up around the overflowing bins.
“Clearly, this was an unsatisfactory situation for dog walkers, walkers, boat owners and other visitors to this picturesque part of Ripon.”
A penalty notice at Ripon Canal.
A red bin for dog poo bags.
He added:
“The matter was also raised by my colleagues at the city council and, after I met on site with officers, I was pleased when the unitary authority agreed to empty the black bins, along with the limited number of red bins dedicated for disposal of dog excrement that already came within their remit.
“It’s great to get this type of common-sense co-operation between councils and pleasing that the issue has been resolved ahead of the Easter holidays, when more people will be out and about enjoying this popular Ripon tourist attraction,”
Picture: Cllr Williams at one of the canal-side black bins now emptied by North Yorkshire Council.
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Councillors reject ‘ridiculous’ replica suggestion for Ripon military heritage siteHomes England‘s suggestion that extremely rare military buildings on the Ripon barracks site could be demolished and replaced with replicas, was greeted with derision at last night’s city council meeting.
Council leader Andrew Williams drew laughter from fellow councillors when he said:
“It’s like saying we’re going to knock down Fountains Abbey and replace it with a model that can be moved closer to Ripon!
“It’s clearly ridiculous and shows a complete lack of understanding of the major significance of the city’s military heritage.”
Cllr Williams and Cllr Barbara Brodigan, who are Ripon’s two representatives on North Yorkshire Council, spoke of their frustration at the lack of progress being made in discussions with Homes England about the protection and maintenance of ‘priceless’ historic buildings and structures, which could be bulldozed to make way for 1,300 houses on a development known as Clotherholme.
A computer generated image of the proposed barracks site which is rich in military history.
Members voted unanimously to support a proposal from Cllr Brodigan for the city council to write a letter backing the work of Ripon Military Heritage Trust, which was formed last year to research, conserve, interpret and provide access to the tangible and intangible military heritage of the City of Ripon.
Cllr Brodigan said:
“Both Homes England and North Yorkshire Council need to know that the barracks site is unique because it is unique in having heritage features of a national and international significance that help to tell the story of Ripon’s role in the two World Wars and the subsequent Cold War.
“Homes England just don’t seem to get this, as they showed when they came up with the idea of replacing the priceless huts dating back to World War II with replicas.
“They also seem to think that a few noticeboards and relevant street names will suffice, rather than a proper heritage trail, as recommended by the trust.”
Response from Homes England
Last month, after city councillors raised concerns about Homes England’s approach to military heritage at the barracks site, a spokesperson for the government’s housing and regeneration agency, said:
“We remain committed to delivering a military heritage strategy as part of our wider proposals for the site and continue to discuss options with the local planning authority and the Ripon Military Heritage Trust.”
The government agency pointed out:
- Details for the heritage strategy, its funding, and potential use of the existing military structures continue to be fine-tuned as part of the planning application process.
- As part of ongoing discussions with North Yorkshire Council, Homes England and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation have committed to spending £100.000 towards the progression of the submitted heritage strategy. The council has asked Homes England / the DIO to continue engagement with Ripon Military Heritage Trust over the submitted heritage strategy and a number of options are now being explored as part of those discussions.
Main image: Are these extremely rare Second World War huts at the Ripon barracks site, going to remain or be removed? Picture: Ripon Military Heritage Trust
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Your chance to experience the sights and sounds of Ripon free of chargeWould you like to be shown the ropes at bell ringing? or find out what life was like behind bars in Victorian Ripon?
On Saturday March 9, local residents have the opportunity to enjoy, free of charge, the Sights and Sounds of the city at an event centred on the cathedral and featuring family-friendly activities, including dance, choir performances and poetry readings.
The cathedral will also host an exhibition where more than 40 local charities, public service providers and voluntary organisations., will display details of the work that they do.
Sights and Sounds will also includes activities at Ripon Library and the city’s three museums
The event is organised by North Yorkshire Council as part of the Ripon My Neighbourhood partnership which involves a wide range of public and voluntary sector organisations working together, focusing on the Ripon Minster ward.
The cathedral will host bell ringing, tours of the belltower, family crafts and games, music performed by local choirs, a pop-up café and dancing from the Ripon City Morris Dancers and Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers.
Ripon Library is offering free storytime for under fives and a free Lego club
Alexa Vernon, director of Ripon Museum Trust, told the Stray Ferret:
“All three of our museums – the Workhouse on Allhallowgate, Prison & Police at St Mary’s Gate and Courthouse at Minster Gardens, are taking part in this community event.
“This presents a great opportunity for local residents to visit all three of these magnificent heritage attractions to get an insight into what life was like for less fortunate members of society who fell on hard times.
“From workhouse to courthouse, imprisonment and, for some, deportation or execution, it was the sad downward spiral for many who lived in poverty and our linked museums take the visitor on this grim, yet fascinating journey.”
At Ripon Library between 11am and 12.30 children will have the opportunity to put their building skills to the test at the free Lego club and from 11am until 11,30 and 12 noon to 12.30, there is storytime for under fives and their families.
Details of all events can be found here
Main image: A captivating experience awaits for Ripon residents visiting the Prison & Police Museum free of charge on March 9.
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Tickets go on sale for third Ripon Theatre FestivalRipon’s fast-growing theatre festival — now in its third year — will take place from Tuesday, July 2 to Sunday, July 7.
Building on the success of the two previous festivals, the events and activities will run over five days and six nights.
With interest expected to be high, tickets for six of the events will go on sale on Saturday (February 10).
This year’s highlights include an appearance by radical theatre company Red Ladder, a cabaret act featuring the music of Victoria Wood and a return visit from actor Barrie Rutter (pictured below)
Barrie Rutter. Pic: Nobby Clarke
Natalie Bellingham
This summer’s programme will see Newby Hall as a new location for festival favourites and open-air theatre specialists Illyria and the garden at the Old Deanery will also provide a backdrop for theatre al fresco when it hosts the Sunday night Shakespearean finale.
Festival director Katie Scott told the Stray Ferret:
“The first release of tickets includes Look After Your Knees, a beautiful and touching one-woman show from up-and-coming artist Natalie Bellingham, Shakespeare’s Royals from Barrie Rutter (plus special guest), Looking for Me Friend – the Music of Victoria Wood and We’re Not Going Back – Red Ladder’s thought-provoking musical comedy set during the 1984/5 miners’ strike.
“Tickets also go on sale this weekend for open air family theatre at Newby Hall (The Adventures of Doctor Doolittle) and Shakespeare’s As You Like It at the Old Deanery.”
Full details of all the festival’s plans including street theatre, pop-up events and free family activities will be announced at the official launch on Thursday 21 March.
Tickets are already on sale for this event which features comedy cook George Egg with his latest show Set Menu. Tickets include the show, refreshments and festival information.Full information at www.ripontheatrefestival.org
Main image: We’re Not Going Back – Red Ladder’s thought-provoking musical comedy, will be one of the festival highlights: Picture Ripon Theatre Festival
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Ripon photographer Tyler, 17, is turning his passion into a careerRipon-based photographer Tyler Parker (pictured above) is staking the claim of being the youngest businessman in North Yorkshire.
At 17, the former Harrogate College and Nidderdale High School student, is gaining clients through the quality of his work and a willingness to cover assignments in all weather conditions.
Tyler told the Stray Ferret:
“Having completed my level 3 extended diploma photography course at the college, I decided the time was right to launch my business.
“Sometimes the photoshoots involve early morning starts covering mass participation events that take place come rain or shine and this has seen me carrying out paid work for organisations such as Ripon’s Royal Engineers, the young farmers’ organisation and tractor clubs.”
One of Tyler Parker’s many photos from the tractor run at F. Tate and Sons.
A testimonial from Ripon’s 21 Engineer Regiment, which can be seen on his website, says:
“We love having Tyler along with us at public events as he is always so punctual and always works around us, while being able to create photos we love.”
Tyler started taking photographs two years ago and made the smart move of getting himself and his photography known by initially working on a pro bono basis.
He said:
“I put myself out there by contacting everyone I could find who was hosting an event and then offering to take and supply the photographs free of charge. I’m pleased to say that this led to paid-for assignments.
“Currently I offer indoor and outdoor services, including portable studio photography, use of drones for aerial shots and videography.”
Tyler added:
“I’m always looking for new ways of expanding my business and the latest addition is the provision of a on-site printing service, which gives people taking part in events the opportunity to purchase and go home with photographs taken on the day.”
Are you a young entrepreneur who has just set up in business? Let us know your story by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
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Ripon’s military heritage under threat again after U-turnRipon’s priceless military heritage assets are under threat once more after an about-turn from the government’s housing and regeneration agency Homes England.
Ripon played a major role in both world wars and the Cold War. The poet Wilfred Owen was among thousands stationed in the city during the First World War and the Laver Banks site played a pioneering role in military bridges. Further details are available here.
Military and civic organisations campaigned to preserve this heritage when plans were revealed to build 1,300 homes at the city’s barracks, which will be the biggest single residential development in Ripon’s history.
They thought the section 106 agreement agreed with developers when the project was approved last year would do this but Jane Furse (pictured below) a trustee of Ripon Military Heritage Trust, told the Stray Ferret:
“Homes England has said that the military heritage aspects of the barracks site has not been included in the section 106 agreement that they have been drawing up with North Yorkshire planners.
“This comes as a massive disappointment after we have fought so hard to ensure that the extremely rare and historically-important assets currently on the proposed housing development site have the legal protection that would be afforded through the 106 agreement.
“Homes England’s actions fly in the face of a democratic decision made at a Harrogate Borough Council meeting last February, when members agreed that a legally-binding agreement needed to be in place to protect the site’s military heritage.”
Ms Furse added:
“Ripon, as a military city played a crucial role in both world wars and the subsequent cold war period in areas ranging from bomb disposal to the development of Bailey Bridges that were used in many different theatres of war.
“Its Royal Engineers received the Freedom of the City in 1949 in thanks for their worldwide service and it is rather ironic, in a year when we will be marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, to find ourselves in an uncertain position with regard to the heritage that Ripon has built over decades, and which now could be lost to a housing development
“Our fight goes on and we will be pressing North Yorkshire Council to call on Homes England to carry out the wishes of the councillors who represent Ripon and the wider area.”
This heavy girder bridge over the River Laver on the barracks site was the successor to the Bailey Bridge.
At the Harrogate Borough Council planning meeting in February at which Homes England was effectively given the green light for the 1,300-home development to be known as Clotherholme, councillors agreed a clause, referring to: ‘provision within the s106 to secure a strategy to secure military heritage within the site.’
Without this in place any plans to preserve and promote Ripon’s military history and develop a trail that has potential to attract heritage tourists to the city will remain in doubt.
The Stray Ferret is seeking a response from Homes England.
Main image: Rare huts that were home to Second World War soldiers are among the heritage buildings the trust is trying to preserve. Picture RMHT
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Ripon’s inner-city bus service to be extended to Ure BankA route on Ripon’s city-wide bus service is being extended to serve residents living in the Ure Bank area.
Launched last April, the service has guaranteed funding for four years and the prospect of more to follow.
Councillor Peter Horton, chair of Ripon City Council’s transport group, told the Stray Ferret:
“The Ure Bank extension has been approved by North Yorkshire Council and will come on stream from April.
“Usage of the bus service is steadily increasing across the four routes that serve the city and we are delighted that its reach is being extended to take in another residential area in Ripon.”
The runs from Monday to Saturday and city council leader Andrew Williams, who is also the North Yorkshire Council member for the Minster and Moorside division, said:
“We have been able to make this happen with the support of the new unitary authority, in addition to section 106 monies from retail and residential developments in Ripon and money from the city council’s contingency fund.
“Looking beyond the first four years, we will be seeking further section 106 contributions to support the service as more residential schemes, such as West Lane, come on stream.”
Picture: The Ripon bus service covers for routes
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Will Sharow’s potholed roads ever be top of a levelling up agenda?Will enough of the pots of money for pothole repairs announced by the government find its way to sorting out Sharow’s unresolved road issues?
The village near Ripon has 195 potholes of varying dimensions along 300 metres of Sharow Lane — its principal throughfare — and New Road.
When Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled the HS2 high speed rail project and promised to use the billions saved on solving the nation’s persistent pothole problems, Sharow resident and former parish councillor James Thornborough initially felt that his lobbying on the issue would finally reap reward.
But the long-time road and environmental campaigner now believes that his village could be overlooked as the re-directed HS2 is spent on other locations across North Yorkshire.
Spending of £630,000 to solve nearby Ripon’s long-running rocky road issues around Market Square looks a certainty, but Mr Thornborough has already spotted the potential get-out clauses that would enable North Yorkshire highways to make a last-minute swerve around Sharow’s resurfacing request.
The potholes run the length of New Road
An email sent to him last month by Barrie Mason, North Yorkshire’s assistant director for highways and transportation said:
“The Highways Capital Annual Programme for 2024/25 was recently approved. The roads in Sharow were not included in this programme, however, North Yorkshire Council has been awarded additional funding as part of the government’s Network North funding.
“We are currently in the process of developing an updated programme for 24/25 which will outline how this additional funding will be spent.
“Both New Road and Sharow Lane are being considered for this additional programme in 24/25. It is the intention that the updated programme will be finalised and formally approved in late January 2024.”
‘So many false dawns’
For Mr Thornborough, it’s the words ‘being considered’ which gives him most concern. He told the Stray Ferret:
“There have been so many false dawns on this long and bumpy journey and I currently feel pessimistic rather than optimistic, but have fingers crossed.”
He believes that the on-going situation is unsustainable and pointed out:
“All we are getting is reactive repairs to an increasingly worsening situation
“The current default of filling every new pothole does not constitute ‘corrective action’. Corrective’ action requires a sustainable solution and filled in Sharow potholes barely survive three months.”
Sharow Lane, where temporary-fix repairs have been made to the deteriorating road surface
Mr Thornborough added:
“New Road and the top of Sharow Lane bear manifest evidence of a failed defect strategy. At last count 195 repaired pot holes spanned 300 metres of highway. No other road section in the region bears evidence of such wholesale degradation. Driving over the road surface is a ‘bone shaker’.
“The North Yorkshire highways director has conceded repairs amounting to £200,000 are needed. To date that sum has never received capital award, despite the appalling condition. Intervention is required.
“In the case of Sharow, future tarmac repairs will only survive if the road is returned to a level surface. Highways engineers will need to complete a graded mechanical scrape followed by a new tarmac top. North Yorkshire Highways have no other option because they have admitted that the road surface is so decrepit that it will not support ‘dressing’ with chippings.”
Halls of Ripon to expand through major reconfigurationHalls of Ripon, the city’s only department store, is increasing its floorspace as part of a major revamp and reconfiguration.
The store in Fishergate which is home to 16 independent retailers, will be temporarily closed from Friday and is scheduled re-open in early February.
Owned by Ripon-based property investment and development company Sterne Properties Ltd, the former Wrens store re-opened under its new Halls of Ripon branding in July 2021.
Halls of Ripon director Mike Cooper (pictured below) whose son Barry runs Red Buttons Jewellers within the store, told the Stray Ferret:
“It’s testimony to the strength of Ripon’s independent retail offer that we are expanding when many of the big names on the high street are closing stores.”
He pointed out:
“The demand for space remains very strong and we will be able to satisfy that demand with a reconfiguration that will create room for up to seven more independent businesses.”
Halls of Ripon director Mike Cooper
For Zoe Wotherspoon, who owns the ladies fashion, accessories and gifts retailer Robin Gifts, the increased space is timely.
She said:
“We have done so well since opening our second outlet at Halls last February, that we decided to move out of Harrogate and consolidate our offer at one location.”
Ms Wotherspoon, added:
“The revamp will give us 40 percent more space in the prime location at the front of the store and we feel very confident for the future as we continue to attract new customers.”
While the work at the front half of the department store is under way, The Hive Cafe, which can be accessed from the Marshall Way car park entrance, will remain open throughout.
Keeley Buller who co-owns the business with her partner David Ward, said:
“Over the past 30 months we have built a loyal customer base and the enhancements that will come with the revamp are good news for us.”
In addition to the reconfiguration of the department store, Sterne Properties will be remodelling the building and installing a new roof to create two high quality apartments on the upper floors of the building.
Main image: Zoe Wotherspoon, whose Robin Gifts business is expanding with the increase in floorspace at Halls of Ripon
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