Holi to bring a taste of Indian culture to Ripon LibrarySarita McDermott and her talented team of dancers will provide a taste of Indian culture in Ripon on Monday evening (March 18).
Ripon Library is the venue and all are welcome to attend from 5pm to both watch and join in 11 traditional dances that will celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi.
To round off the evening, attendees are invited to sample, free of charge, some genuine Indian cuisine.
Ms McDermott (pictured above) who owns Realitea Indian bistro and tearoom on North Street has, through performances that focus on the Holi and Diwali festivals, given Ripon residents an insight into the the culture of her native country
She told the Stray Ferret:
“Holi signals the arrival of spring — focusing on love, new life and reconciliation. It’s all about making a fresh start, forgiving and forgetting, loving and looking forward, as we leave the cold winter weather behind us and enjoy the spring and sunshine.”
Part of the Holi Festival celebrations involve coating people with brightly-coloured powder paint. Picture: BBC
On Monday, Lisa Fletcher, who works at Ripon’s Walled Garden, will have her debut Holi dance, alongside Martin Grainger, who works at Reality and Bethany and Matthew Evason, who are employed at Jennyruth Workshops,
Main picture: The team led by Sarita McDermott performing at Holi Dance at last year’s event in Ripon Library. Picture Sarita McDermott
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Ripon garden centre now equipped to look after hearts and flowersTom Tate has a personal reason for installing a defibrillator at the Ripon garden centre and nursery that bears his family’s name,
The family-run business, which was founded by Fred and Frank Tate more than 80 years ago, faced a worrying time when Tom’s son Freddie — the newest member of the dynasty — was diagnosed with a heart condition after he was born at Harrogate District Hospital two years ago.
Tom told the Stray Ferret:
“It was an anxious time for his mum Sarah, myself and all the family, but the doctors sorted him out and he is a healthy and happy little boy.”
Freddie Tate carrying out an inspection of the family-owned garden centre on his miniature John Deere Gator. Picture: F. Tate & Sons
He added:
“With this experience, it made me realise that heart issues can affect anybody, from new born babies to the elderly and with the 150,000 plus visitors that we welcome here each year, installing a defibrillator made a lot of sense.
“We have people who come to buy flowers. plants and ornaments for their gardens, or to dine in our Olive Tree restaurant and in addition to this, thousands come in all weathers to the annual charity tractor events that we stage”
Tom’s mum Jayne, pointed out:
“With the newly-installed defibrillator we are equipped to look after hearts as well as flowers and we hope that this gives added peace of mind to people who visit us.”
Tates garden centre is the 24th location in Ripon and the surrounding area to install a defibrillator. All other locations can be found be clicking on this link to the Defibs Ripon Facebook page.
Main picture: Tom Tate with his mum Jayne next to the newly-installed defibrillator
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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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Still time to enter Ripon Civic Society’s design awardsWould-be candidates for the biennial Ripon Civic Society design awards have until the end of the month to submit entries.
The awards, which will be presented in April, recognise project excellence within Ripon and its surrounding areas.
Awards are made in seven categories, ranging from best new building to city centre revitalisation and entries are open until the end of January.
Details of all categories can be found here and more information can be found by calling the society’s co-chair David Winpenny on 01765 608320
He told the Stray Ferret,
“We keep a weather eye on local developments and events, but we are conscious that things can sometimes slip below our radar. So we should appreciate hearing about anything that might potentially qualify for recognition at our awards ceremony.
“Although judging of a shortlist will not take place until early March, long-listed nominations are required by the end of January. Entries can be submitted online.”
Picture: Grantley Hall was a multiple winner at the society’s 2022 design awards
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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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National broadcasters focus on Ripon Cathedral’s £6 million annexe plan
The decision to pause
Ripon Cathedral’s controversial annexe planning application came 14 days before Channel 4’s chief correspondent Alex Thomson was due to put the issue under the national spotlight.
BBC wildlife presenter and conservationist Chris Packham urged his 630,000 followers on X, formerly Twitter, to support the ‘save our trees’ petitioners in Ripon on Friday.
He said:
“Ripon Cathedral were due to fell 11 beech trees in a conservation area to build a cafe, but paused when made aware @Channel4News were coming to interview campaigners.”
“Tree vandalism’ in our precious urban green spaces must end – please support those that are fighting back . . .”
Chris Packham
Alex Thomson
Feargal Sharkey
The cathedral responds
In response to Mr Packham’s claim that the cathedral’s actions in pausing the planning application were carried out only because of the Channel 4 interest in the plans, a spokeswoman for the Dean and Chapter, said:
“This is not the case at all. This pause and opportunity for further consultation was discussed by Chapter in the autumn and the decision made to request a pause in December. This took effect once planning officers gave their approval in January. Conversations with Channel 4 about the opportunity to speak with them are unrelated.”
The spokeswoman, added:
“It should also be noted that the cathedral is not planning to remove 11 Beech trees from a conservation area.”
The 1,000 sq metres annexe would include an 80-seat refectory, gift shop, song school, new toilets with accessibility for disabled people and space for storage. But the cathedral proposes to make space by removing the trees and compensating for their loss by planting 300 trees on private land near Studley.
Last month, the proposed removal of a veteran beech and 10 other mature trees from Minster Gardens brought a similar call from pop star-turned-environmental campaigner Feargal Sharkey who brought the issue to the attention of his 229,000 followers on X.
He described the proposal to plant 300 trees on land near Studley as compensation for the felled Minster Gardens trees as “greenwashing at its finest”.
Environmental journalist Mr Thomson was scheduled to visit Ripon on January 30 to report on plans for a £6 million development and while that is now on hold, he is keeping an eye on developments in liaison with fellow environmental journalist and Ripon-based tree campaigner, Brian McHugh.
The Woodland Trust’s reaction
The beech tree is on the Woodland Trust’s inventory of ancient trees.
Jack Taylor, lead campaigner at the conservation charity, said on Wednesday it was “delighted” the cathedral was reconsidering its plans. He added:
“With 80% of the UK population living in urban areas, urban trees provide so many benefits, from cleaning our air, to capturing carbon, shading our streets and supporting urban wildlife.
“We would also like to extend our gratitude to the local people who have taken up the fight for their trees. These irreplaceable living legends absolutely need people to stand up for them. We now encourage Ripon Cathedral to go back to the drawing board and ensure they are protected.”
The day before the trust’s announcement,
the Stray Ferret revealed the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson and the cathedral chapter, had put the plans on hold “for a number of months”.
An aerial computer generated image of the proposed annexe development. Picture Ripon Renewed..
Ripon city council leader Andrew Williams, had called for the cathedral to pause its plans shortly before it did so.
The cathedral’s statement
A statement issued on behalf of the Dean and Chapter on Tuesday afternoon, said:
“Following continued and constructive collaboration with planners from North Yorkshire Council, Ripon Cathedral has taken the decision to pause the planning application for its proposed north side development for a number of months.
“During this period, there will be opportunities for additional consultation, where we will once again be able to listen to comments and concerns from the people of Ripon and the region in relation to the proposed new building. We will also continue to work constructively with the planners and other key stakeholders.
“We hope that this will allow us to move forward in a way that considers people’s genuine concerns and takes in the opinions of stakeholders, whilst allowing us to deliver the amenities that the cathedral so desperately needs along with the benefits the building will bring to the city and region.
“The exhibition of the project remains in the cathedral and further opportunities for informed feedback will be advertised on our social media channels and website in due course.”.
Main image: Save our Trees campaigners led by Ripon resident Jenni Holman who has raised a petition with more than 2,100 signatures.
