Tim Flanagan, Author at The Stray Ferret

History-making Ripon mayor receives New Year honour

A history-making former Mayor of Ripon has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community.

At the age of 39, in May 1975, John Richmond became the youngest person appointed to the city’s mayoral office.

Seven months later he achieved another unique feat, as the only serving mayor to carry out the hornblower ceremony, which dates back to AD 886.

Mr Richmond told the Stray Ferret:

“The hornblower was taking time off over the Christmas period and we urgently needed a stand-in to carry out the task of setting the watch – but who would do it?

“As chair of Ripon City Council, I called for volunteers, but nobody wanted the job, so in a fit of pique, I said, ‘ok then, I’ll have to do it.'”

John Richmond was recognised for his services to the city.

Mr Richmond had no experience of blowing a horn so over three weeks of discreet coaching sessions in the cellar of Ripon Town Hall, the city’s Sergeant at Mace and former hornblower, Cyril Hawley, taught him the technique.

His historic debut performance at 9pm on December 22, 1975, attracted an audience of 200 on Market Square, which applauded spontaneously after he completed four blasts on the city’s large African horn.

John pointed out:

“Part of the hornblower tradition involves announcing to the mayor that the watch has been set – so I was effectively informing myself!”

There were many more notable milestones in a 14-year career of civic service that started in 1967 when John was elected to Ripon City Council.

He subsequently won election to Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

Against all odds, as an independent attending his first full meeting at county hall in 1977, he persuaded councillors of all political colours, in a Conservative-dominated authority, to support a reference back and re-think on proposals to turn 500-year-old Ripon Grammar School into a comprehensive.

Mr Richmond, who was a pupil of the school from 1947 to 1951, said:

“I was told I had no chance, but I decided to give it a go and with fellow independent Jack Blakey seconding me, we forced a re-think.”

Margaret Thatcher gave the UK’s remaining grammar schools a lifeline after she became Prime Minister in 1979 and Ripon Grammar survived, following further public consultation,

Mr Richmond’s other highlights included meeting with the mayors of Ripon, California, and Ripon, Wisconsin, when he was invited to go to the USA in 1976 to join the country’s bicentennial celebrations.

Always by his side was his wife of 55 years, Barbara, who died in 2013.

Mr Richmond said:

“She was my driving force and I wouldn’t have achieved anything without her. Though she is no longer with us, Barbara shares this honour with me.”

Light in the 2020 darkness for Ripon

The Mayor of Ripon has given a message of support and hope for residents of the city as 2020 draws to an end.

Councillor Eamon Parkin, whose mayoral year has been extended after a new mayor could not be appointed in May due to the pandemic, gave the following message to the Stray Ferret for Ripon:

It has been a year of darkness and light for the citizens of Ripon.

Few will be sorry to reach the last page in their 2020 diaries, after the nine months we have just endured.

As the joint owner of a public house, I know the pain that fellow publicans and other small businesses in the hospitality sector have experienced in this stop-start, lockdown year.

All traders classed as ‘non-essential’ have been losing out since March, with some struggling to keep their heads above water.

Against this backdrop of hardship and heartache, Ripon’s independent spirit has shone through. We turn into 2021 financially poorer, but richer in other respects.

Though the civic year has been severely curtailed by covid, I have either witnessed or been told of hundreds of acts of kindness across our proud and ancient city.

Mayor Councillor Eamon Parkin sees Ripon’s Christmas lights as a symbol of hope

People who worked late into the night on kitchen tables to produce vital protective equipment, joined neighbours on Thursday evenings to applaud the service of our hard-pressed frontline workers.

Restaurants and cafes closed because of coronavirus restrictions, made thousands of meals that were taken to elderly and vulnerable people stuck in self-isolation.

A Ripon butcher delivered free weekly meat packs to help hard-up families.

Pupils at our schools sent cards and messages to lift the spirits of care and nursing home residents and and donations of goods flooded into foodbanks.

Throughout our long history, Ripon has survived the Black Death, a Viking assault, the English Civil War and two World Wars, but an unseen, yet lethal enemy was at our gate in 2020.

It robbed us of loved ones and put our normal way of life and traditions on hold.

Our three hornblowers had to vacate Market Square – though their nightly ceremony, dating back 1134 years, has continued behind closed doors.

Celebrations of the 75th anniversary of VE Day in May had to be scaled back to home front gardens and August’s Saint Wilfrid procession was cancelled.

Despite the days of disappointment, Riponians decorated their properties, strung bunting across streets and greeted each other over fences and hedges, while joining in community singing to music played through loud speakers.

Some of the money that had been set aside for public and civic events that were either cancelled or scaled back, was used to extend our festive decorations to cover three miles of streets.

While there was criticism in some quarters about lighting a city centre where many shops and other businesses were closed, I believe that they provide a symbol of hope.

People make places and the spontaneous collaborative community effort I have seen across the city, during 2020, tells me that Ripon has a bright future.

I wish everybody a peaceful Christmas and a brighter New Year.

Music licensing organisation demands fee for Ripon carol singers

The organisation that licenses music has asked Ripon City Council to pay a fee for staging an outdoor carol service that was attended by about 20 people.

PPL PRS sent the council an invoice for £1,505 for 45 public events that took place last year.

One of the events was a Christmas Eve carol service on the Market Square.

The costing for the afternoon carol service was based on a notional 750 people attending. But the council is disputing the claim.

Councillor Andrew Williams, the chair of the council’s events committee and leader of the council, told the Stray Ferret:

“There were fewer than two dozen people present because of the poor weather, so heaven knows where they got that ridiculous figure from.

“With so many other important things that we are having to deal with at present – such as the coronavirus crisis – receiving an unexpected bill that just doesn’t stack up has sounded a sour note with the council and we are challenging the invoice.

“If necessary, we are prepared to make a song and dance about this!”

Carollers beware – singing on Ripon’s streets could prove costly

Cllr Williams also queried whether the bill should have been sent in the first place.

He said:

“The public events involving music that we staged in the city during 2019 were all at venues or on land owned by Harrogate Borough Council and they hold the required licences.”

PPL PRS is a joint venture between the UK’s two music licensing organisations — PPL and PRS for Music

A spokesperson for the organisation said:

“In the instance of a live carol concert, providing the material used falls within PRS repertoire and the event has no admission cost, the fee charged is based upon the maximum capacity of the venue, in this case 750 people.

“If the venue is operating under a reduced capacity figure, the organiser can declare this to us and an adjustment in the cost can then be made at the point of the next review. If this information is not submitted to us the event would be charged at the capacity figure.

“We have previously been in touch with the customer in question to request the correct information from them, and we would be more than happy to speak with them to resolve any issues they have with regard to the music licence invoice and attendance figures/events.”

With regard to how it gathers information used in drawing up invoices, PPL PRS said it uses “online research and historical information provided by the customer to establish events taking place, the capacity of the venue, admission cost, and the expected attendance”.

‘Drivers treat our road like a racetrack’, say Ripon residents

Ripon residents have raised safety fears about a section of unmarked road used “like a racetrack” by speeding motorists.

A 300 metre length of Kirkby Road did not have white lines replaced when resurfacing work was completed in August.

Ten nearby residents met the Stray Ferret to discuss their concerns.

Helen Mars, a teacher at Ripon Grammar School who has two young children, said:

“With the speed that some drivers come along this stretch, it’s like a racetrack – particularly at the weekends.

“As this is a road that it also used by very large lorries, we believe that it is dangerous without the white lines and an accident waiting to happen.”

Photo of a section of Kirkby Road with no white lines

Part of the 300-metre section of Kirkby Road that has no white lines. Many of the concerned residents live in homes on the left.

Residents are particularly concerned about the lack of a crossing patrol for Ripon Grammar School students, who use a path alongside the Kirkby Road allotments on their way to school.

Barbara Brodigan said:

“At least 100 children cross the road in the mornings and evenings on their way to and from school.

“Our previous requests for localised speed restrictions, a crossing and other traffic calming measures have fallen on deaf ears at North Yorkshire County Council.

“We’ve been told that a crossing can’t be introduced because the path alongside the allotments is not an officially recognised route to the grammar school.

“In effect, that means the students cross at their own peril – which is clearly unacceptable.”

Christina Thomson Jones added:

“I have lived on Kirkby Road for 29 years and the traffic issues appear to get worse and worse.

“One of my neighbours was killed while crossing the road in 1996 and nobody wants to see another fatality.”

County Councillor Mike Chambers, who represents Ripon North, said he was aware of the issues and sympathetic to calls for safety measures. He said:

“I have spoken with the county council’s traffic department about the need for a crossing, introduction of a 20 mph speed limit and even the possibility of having a one way system.

“I have another meeting with the department on January 6 and will raise these issues again and ask about replacement of the white lines, but at the end of the day, it’s down to budget availability.

“Installing a lights-controlled crossing costs up to £50,000.”

Although that money may not currently be available, Cllr Chambers is hopeful that safety measures could be funded as part of highway works to accommodate the Ripon Barracks housing development.

He said:

“The developer will have to make payments through a Section 106 agreement for works associated with the scheme and we may be able to get some of that money to address the safety issues on Kirkby Road.”

New Year search for Ripon’s Community Diamond

In the New Year, the Stray Ferret will begin the search for an outstanding individual who has gone the extra mile to help others during the coronavirus crisis, with an incredible prize from The Vintage Room in Ripon.

The winner will receive a 25 point diamond that they can have put in a gold or white gold setting to create their own customised piece of jewellery, a prize worth up to £1,000.

The Ripon Community Diamond Award was the idea of Mike and Liz Cooper, who run Red Buttons jewellers in Queen Street, Ripon, and supported by Hedley Hall, whose antiques and collectables business is run from the same Vintage Room premises.

Liz said:

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Stray Ferret in the search for the man or woman, living or working in Ripon, who has really made a difference through their selfless service to the community. Because of the community spirit that we know exists in Ripon, we are sure that there will be numerous suitable candidates who can be nominated for the award.”

Hedley pointed out:

“Since March, we have been reading, on a regular basis, stories on the Stray Ferret website about acts of kindness and compassion from people in the Ripon area who have come to the aid of those stuck in isolation, or in need of other kinds of assistance.”

Mike said:

“In the eight years that we have been in business in Ripon, we have seen its community spirit. We wanted to find a way to recognise those who are the beating heart of this city.”

Nominations for the Ripon Community Diamond Award will open in January.

‘Independent shops will lead Ripon’s revival’, says ex-Wrens owner

Philly Butler firmly believes there is a bright future for independent retailers in Ripon.

For eight years, she and husband Mark provided a base at Wrens department store for fledgling businesses — more than a dozen of which grew and set up their own shops in the city.

‘The house of independent retailers’, as Wrens was known, closed this month after the cumulative effects of lockdown lost trade in the crucial summer and pre-Christmas periods took its toll.

Among 52 Wrens’ occupiers that had to look for a new location to sell their goods was Philly’s own fashion and accessories business Daisy Clover Boutique.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“Mark and I hoped above hope that we could continue with Wrens, but lost business along with the shut down of our tea room because of social distancing requirements were killer blows.”

But despite the disastrous impact of covid on retailers large and small, Philly remains confident of a post-coronavirus comeback for the high street in Ripon. She said:

“I think that the ‘shop local’ message has finally resonated with people who realise that independents are an important part of the community and you are being served by your friends and sometimes neighbours.”

Photo of winter hats at Daisy Clover boutique

A selection of winter hats at the Daisy Clover boutique

She added:

“Before I could find new premises, I received dozens of calls from customers asking where they were going to be able to get their winter hats.

“These are people who ask and care about my children and the family pets and these type of relationships have been built by retailers right across Ripon.”

Ripon’s vacant shops are smaller than those in bigger retail centres, such as Harrogate and Leeds.

Smaller units are likely be much easier to fill than large units vacated by the likes of Debenhams, which could be to Ripon’s advantage.

Philly said:

“Units of this size don’t remain empty for long in Ripon, because in normal times, small businesses with something special to offer can rely on footfall all year round, from summer tourists, to market day visitors and loyal local customers.”

Her niche is an ever-changing display of one-off hand-selected womenswear made mostly from cotton, silk or cashmere and imported from Europe.

Philly also has another string to her bow as a perfume designer who helps people create customised aromas for themselves or as personalised gifts. She said:

“At times like these, it’s amazing how the smell of a lovely scent can raise your spirits.”

Pateley Bridge hamper competition boosts Mayor’s Fund

A Christmas hamper competition supported by businesses and residents in Pateley Bridge has given a timely £1,000 boost to the town’s Mayor’s Fund.

The fund awards small grants to local organisations and events that promote cultural, sporting, heritage and community activities in Pateley Bridge and the surrounding area.

Andrew and Pat Waite, who own and run The Sandwich Box takeaway in Back High Street, originally hoped to gather enough donated prizes for one hamper, but ended up with three.

The hampers contained more than 40 prizes, ranging from fine food, champagne and wines to a £40 voucher for winter fuel.

Pat told the Stray Ferret:

“The response to our call for donated goods and services was incredible and that enabled us to create a hamper full of food and drink items, a second including gifts and vouchers and a third containing pamper and wellbeing products.”

“Our heartfelt thanks go to everybody who helped us.”

Flashback to 2019 and a photo of late night Christmas shopping in Pateley Bridge

The hamper contest has brought festive cheer to Pateley Bridge after covid caused the cancellation of the popular late night Christmas shopping event.

The winners were Mark Richards, Judy Grange and David Issitt.

Their names were drawn out of a hat by the Mayor of Pateley Bridge, Councillor Mike Holt, who said:

“I am finding it quite difficult to put into words how overwhelmed I am by the results of the raffle, so brilliantly organised by Pat and Andrew. They have shown a generosity of spirit to plan and put into effect the raffle on behalf of the Mayor’s Fund.

“The £1,000 raised shows great generosity from not only the people and businesses who donated to the hampers, but also the number of people who in these difficult times bought the raffle tickets.”

In a normal year the fund would have benefited from fundraising events such as the mayor’s charity ball, but covid prevented it and many other civic and social activities taking place.

Since its inception the fund has raised almost £30,000 for local organisations and clubs, including Nidderdale Community Choir, Wilsill Luncheon Club, Nidd Art Trail, the Friends of Pateley Bridge Cemetery and the local scouts.

Pupils send festive greetings to Ripon’s elderly

Ripon Grammar School is bringing festive cheer to elderly residents in the city’s care homes.

Hundreds of pupils from Year 7 and Year 8 are aiming to spread joy and laughter by creating hand-made cards and sharing poems, drawings, jokes, riddles and stories about their festive celebrations.

Arnav Kasireddy, 12, from Ripon, said he would be thinking of the elderly when he opened his Christmas presents:

“They may not be able to see family and may be lonely. I hope my letter brings someone some happiness.”

Head of Year 7, Arwen Hoskins, said the pupils had been inspired by The TES Classroom to Care Home campaign.

The campaign urges schools to send messages to local care homes, in the hope that this will forge connections not just for Christmas but beyond.

Photo of Annabelle Crossland's Christmas card

Twelve-year-old Annabelle Crossland, from Ripon, whose Christmas card is pictured above said:

“It’s important they feel loved and happy and that someone will reach out and be a good friend to them.”

Ethan Kendrick, also 12, from Ripon, added:

“It’s a good thing to do because Christmas will be a lonely time for many elderly people.”

Teacher Miss Hoskins said:

“Given the restrictions we have faced this year, we are aware many residents in care homes have had very few visits from friends and family members and may be feeling lonely.

“We hope that by writing letters to residents in our local care homes, we can spread a little Christmas joy and cheer by letting them know that our school community cares for them and is thinking about them at this difficult time.”

Pupils will be writing to residents in care homes including Borrage House, Caxton Lodge and the Moors Care Centre

Lesley Carter of the charity Age UK welcomed the initiative:

“Older people have really missed the visits from young people. Every older person would be able to recognise something that has been made by a child and it will bring back memories. Seeing lots of happy festive cheer from their local community will also give staff in care homes a boost.”

Ripon should be ‘meeting place of choice’ says Civic Society

Ripon Civic Society (RCS) has welcomed the move by Harrogate Borough Council to appoint consultants who will draw up a masterplan for the city.

RCS chair Christopher Hughes told the Stray Ferret:

“As one of the founder signatories of the Neighbourhood Plan for Ripon, we look forward to sharing our thoughts with the selected consultants.”

The society believes that people with an informed knowledge of the city, its planning issues and opportunities, should play a key role in guiding Ripon’s future direction. The city has suffered this year with the pandemic, with both the Ripon Spa Hotel and the Old Deanery closing down.

With a fee of £85,000 for a 12-month contract, consultants will be tasked with devising an “inspiring and innovative” vision that will be at the heart of the Ripon Renewal Project.

The contract is due to start on January 10.

Photograph of Ripon Civic Society plaque

Ripon Civic Society believes heritage attractions can help make the city a meeting place of choice

The move to develop a masterplan for the city comes at a time when future growth is on the horizon.

The major Barracks scheme known as Clotherholme will see Homes England deliver 1,300 homes in a number of phases on the outskirts of Ripon.

In the city centre, Ripon’s ancient Cathedral is planning its most significant development in centuries, with a £6 million extension, designed to provide modern facilities and additional space.

Mr Hughes pointed out:

“The society has always believed in adopting an holistic approach, which takes account of the things that make Ripon special, such as its heritage assets, Market Square and spa quarter.”

He added:

“There is also a need to look at how people arrive in Ripon – and how they move around when they get here in this very walkable city.

“If we get it right, there is the opportunity to position our city as the meeting place of choice.”

The appointed consultants will have to set out “clear and robust” delivery timescales, funding options and a business case for Harrogate Borough Council to use to bid for money for projects.

The contract brief says:

“The aim of this project is to maximise the opportunities within Ripon which will regenerate the city and boost the local economy.”

Councillor’s petition criticism infuriates Knaresborough and Ripon traders

Market stallholders and Knaresborough Chamber of Trade have reacted angrily after a councillor discredited a petition they raised about increased charges.

At the online full meeting of Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) in October, Steve Teggin, president of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, presented a ‘save your market’ petition with 4,000 signatures, raised during the summer at the town’s Wednesday market and Ripon’s Thursday market.

Following the meeting, Councillor Andrew Paraskos, HBC’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, contacted individual signatories, saying in a letter sent by post to their homes, or to email addresses:

“The statements made in the petition were misleading and incorrect.”

Photograph of the entrance to Harrogate Civic Centre

Harrogate Borough Council has an uneasy relationship with stallholders at its markets in Knaresborough and Ripon

The petition said:

“Harrogate Borough Council is increasing the cost of rent and stall assembly to traders by over 25 per cent. This will mean that it will not be financially viable to continue trading for several market traders.

“Other local councils helped market traders who could trade during lockdown providing essential food products. This was through charging no rent or discounting rent.

“When non-food traders were allowed to return, after not being able to trade for 3 months, full rent was charged (by HBC), despite other local councils providing financial assistance.”

Twenty non-essential traders applied for local authority discretionary grants and each received payments of £10,000 in two instalments – the first in the summer of £2,000 and then £8,000 in October. At the time the grant money was welcomed by those who had received it.

However, the stallholders are unhappy about an increase of £5 plus VAT from August 1 for the supply and assembly of stalls by the council. Traders who erect their own stalls have not had to pay the additional fee.

The bid to get a council u-turn on increased charges failed, but Cllr Paraskos’s letter has reignited feelings of distrust between the traders and the council and the relationship has deteriorated. A statement on the letter was given by HBC:

“It is not unusual for an elected member to correspond with the electorate on a range of different issues, whether related to their cabinet responsibilities or ward matters.

“In this case, it was important to set out in clear terms the council’s position on Knaresborough and Ripon markets after much mis-reporting and false claims circulating.

“There were only 747 unique names and addresses among the signatories on the petition.”

Mr Teggin told the Stray Ferret:

“I speak on behalf of stallholders, when I say attempts to undermine the petition is an insult, not only to the people who signed it, knowing it was factually correct, but to the market traders in Knaresborough and Ripon who have played an important role throughout the coronavirus crisis.

“We have already lost traders who have found the increased cost too much to bear and we cannot understand why Harrogate Borough Council treats us with such disdain.”

Brian Murphy, who represents Ripon’s stallholders, pointed out:

“The monthly invoice for rental and assembly of stalls that I paid the council in June was £550 including VAT and in August it shot up by £156 to £706 – that’s an increase of more than 25 per cent.

“I feel that with his letter, Cllr Paraskos was calling me and other market traders liars, but he has failed to substantiate in what ways the wording on our joint petition was ‘misleading and incorrect’.

“Attempting to cast doubts over a petition signed freely by the people who visit and value the markets in Ripon and Knaresborough, is yet another kick in the teeth from a council that is completely out of step with neighbouring authorities, who genuinely support and have a good relationship with stallholders.”

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