Ripon City Council has cleared an important hurdle in its double devolution bid to take control of city assets.

North Yorkshire Council invited town and parish councils to submit expressions of interest to run local services in November last year.

It was part of the Conservative-controlled council’s double devolution agenda which pledges to let local people take control of local assets.

The council said it would choose up to six locations this autumn to put forward full business cases. Final decisions are expected in spring next year before assets are transferred to successful bidders later in the year.

This afternoon Ripon City Council was notified by council assistant chief executive Rachel Joyce the evaluation board proposed to to set up individual project teams to work with Ripon and Selby.

The news is likely to come as a blow for other towns, including Knaresborough, which also expressed interest. Harrogate was unable to bid because it does not have a town council.

Ms Joyce said in correspondence with the city council:

“Two expressions of interest that were considered, submitted by Ripon Town(City) Council and Selby Town Council; were both ambitious and multi-faceted, with a number of service areas involved in the evaluation of their expressions of interest.”

Ripon Town Hall

The Ripon devolution bid sought management of Ripon Town Hall, Market Place and Car Park, public toilets within the city and the Wakeman’s House listed building.

Ms Joyce said:

“Whilst the bids were considered to be showing the level of ambition for their areas that was originally envisaged for the double devolution project they highlighted that the evaluation criteria was not sophisticated enough to manage a wide range of services within its scoring mechanisms.

“It is therefore proposed by the evaluation board that individual project teams are set up to work with Ripon City Council and Selby Town Council to bring forward double devolution proposals to be considered by the executive in these two areas recognising that these may require more support.”

The news has been welcomed by Cllr Andrew Williams, the Independent leader of Ripon City Council, who also represents the Minster and Moorside division on North Yorkshire Council.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“We have cleared an important hurdle and that’s very good news for Ripon as we seek greater say over our own destiny.

“We put forward a very strong double devolution bid and North Yorkshire Council has shown that it is willing to listen to us and work with us — in considerable contrast to the relationship that we had over almost 50 years with Harrogate Borough Council.”

Read more:

• North Yorkshire Council to pick double-devolution winners in October
• Claim Ripon’s bid to control town hall and market square a ‘done deal’

One of Ripon’s largest and most prominent pubs will reopen under new management tomorrow afternoon (Saturday), following its sudden closure in April.

The South Lodge doors will be open again from 4pm and at 9pm there will be free live music.

Ahead of the pub’s reopening, the Stray Ferret was invited for a sneak peek and the opportunity to meet new licensee Terry Flanagan and his daughter Sinead, to find out about plans for the Harrogate Road hostelry.

The pub’s wonky sign will be fixed shortly

Mr Flanagan, told the Stray Ferret:

“The minute I saw this pub was available, I just knew I had to have it. It’s in a great residential location and has bags of potential.”

With experience built over almost 30 years in the hospitality sector across Yorkshire, beginning in the mid 1990s when he was landlord of the Queen’s Head in Kirkby Malzeard, he added:

“I go on my gut instincts and could see that South Lodge has all of the ingredients needed for success.

“My aim is to put it right back at the heart of the community, welcoming families with children during the daytime and catering for adults in the evenings, with free musical entertainment at weekends, Thursday quiz nights and pool nights on Wednesdays.”

Ms Flanagan, also an experienced publican, is providing administrative support for the South Lodge reopening.

Sinead Flanagan

She said:

“The food offer, including Sunday carvery, will be up and running by the end of the month and we also have plans for the Christmas period.”

Re-decoration is nearing completion and the pub, which stands in its own grounds and has a beer garden, will have its sign fixed shortly.

South Lodge is located by the busy A61 on the route of the 36 bus service between Ripon and Harrogate.

Further information is available via the pub’s Facebook page.

Read more:

• New Bottleshop and Taproom opens in Ripon
• Ripon charity shop to close

An animal welfare charity is closing its Ripon shop today (Friday) due to declining trade.

This  proved the tipping point for the Blue Cross shop, which has operated for five years from a large corner unit in The Arcade.

All remaining stock is being sold off for £2 or less, ahead of this afternoon’s closure..

David Palmer, Blue Cross head of retail operations, told the Stray Ferret:

“We were coming up to the end of our lease and after considerable thought we have sadly taken the difficult decision to close our shop in Ripon due to a decrease in the levels of trade and low profitability.

“We’d like to thank the staff and volunteers for all their hard work in the shop and pass on our thanks to everyone in Ripon who has supported Blue Cross over the five years.

He added:

“We are constantly looking at all of our 55 shops across the country to ensure we’re raising as many funds as possible for the thousands of sick, injured and homeless pets we help every year.

“We have shops in Northallerton and Thirsk where we would be delighted to receive donations and people can also support our charity by volunteering with us.”

The former Caffe Tempo Unit (pictured right) has been vacant since late July.

In July, Caffe Tempo, which had traded for six years in the unit neighbouring the Blue Cross shop, closed because of spiralling ingredient and overhead costs, that wiped out its profitability.

The former Caffe Tempo and two further units  in The Arcade remain vacant.

Read more:

• Spiralling costs spell the end for Caffe Tempo
• YMCA says Ripon Charity Shop will re-open

Leaseholders at Bedern Court in Ripon, where four apartments were demolished this year, have voted to seek planning permission for a replacement block.

It follows reports from engineers which showed that no evidence of sinkhole activity was found on the site.

The 29 leaseholders, who are shareholders in Bedern Court Ltd, which owns the freehold of the residential properties, took the decision at their annual general meeting.

They did so after receiving a report from Harrogate-based engineering practice Hill Cannon, which included findings from a geotechnical investigator.

A thorough inspection of the foundations of the stricken block was made possible after it was demolished and the investigation carried out by Mugen Geo Ltd, of Hebden Bridge, concluded “there is no evidence of a sinkhole”.

Large cracks were visible on the properties before they were demolished

Surveyor Richard Willis, who is the managing agent for Bedern Court, said:

“It was discovered that the reinforced concrete raft under the block had not been installed properly and subsequently failed, causing extensive structural cracking which necessitated the evacuation and demolition of the building.

“All other properties on the site, where the foundations were properly installed, are unaffected and with sinkhole activity ruled out, a planning application for a replacement block will now be brought forward.”

The red brick residential development close to Ripon Cathedral was built in 1986 and in October 2020, the apartments at 1,3 and 5 Bedern Court and 17 Skellgarths, were evacuated after being deemed unsafe for human habitation.

The damage caused to the block was blamed over a number of years on sinkhole activity in the area.

Controlled demolition of the four properties was carried out over seven weeks and completed in early March.

The 2023 Ripon Poetry Festival, which came to a close yesterday evening, proved a success with sell-out performances and a record entry for the annual poetry competition.

The final event, held at the Ripon Arts Hub on Allhallowgate, was an evening with theatre legend Barrie Rutter, the actor and director who founded Northern Broadsides to champion acting talent from the north.

This year’s 11-day festival also featured Internationally-famous children’s author Michael Rosen, who made a return to the city, having helped to launch the first Ripon Poetry Festival in 2017.

Festival curator Andy Cross told the Stray Ferret:

“It has been another tremendous year. We’ve had sell-out events from the outset and more than 300 entries for the poetry competition, which is a new record.”

Mr Croft (pictured above, centre) was among the panel of three judges that included Ripon Theatre Festival director Katie Scott and last year’s competition winner Simon Strickland (pictured left) who selected the poem, Newborn, written by Edmund Thomson Jones as the 2023 winning entry.

His entry, which was inspired by the birth of his daughter, now features alongside other entries in the 142-page festival anthology titled Creative Juices.

A separate anthology including entries from children, has also been published.

The festival, which  is the biggest of its kind in Yorkshire saw performances from poets Hadley-James Hoyles, Alison Carr, Robert Powell and Sarah Wimbush.

In addition to workshops for children and adults there was open mic evening organised by Write-on Ripon and Ripon Writers Group.

A review of An Audience with Barrie Rutter is available here.

Read more:

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• Ripon and Harrogate to provide more homes to Afghan refugees

“The restoration will enable us to reveal classical features, such as stunning stained glass windows and ornate tiles dating back to the elegant Edwardian era, that have been covered up since 1936 when the site was remodelled to include a public swimming pool.

“These features are part of Ripon’s heritage and will be freely accessible for people to see in the pump room area, which will be open for the community to visit.”

The proposed north (top) and west elevations.

“We have carried out a great deal of research into the history of the spa to produce a scheme that re-establishes the seamless link that it previously had with Spa Gardens.

“The new buildings have been designed to be sympathetic to, and respectful of, their historic surroundings.”

Rhe distinctive terracota cladding.

The Dean of Ripon has said plans to remove trees from Minster Gardens to make way for a new £6 million cathedral building presented a “moral dilemma”.

The Very Revd. John Dobson presented the cathedral’s annual review on Saturday.

It addressed plans to fell 11 trees, including a beech listed by the Woodland Trust as having veteran status, to create space for a two-storey building on the gardens to the north of the ancient building.

The proposed annex development, which includes a song school, refectory, accessible toilets, shop and additional storage space, is part of the Ripon Cathedral Renewed project which aims to safeguard the future of the cathedral.

The Dean said all possible options for the location of the annex had been considered.

In a leaflet given to parishioners and members of the public who attended on Saturday, Dean John said:

“We regret the need to fell 11 trees and are sympathetic to public concern. There is a moral dilemma though which requires balancing this with urgent needs and undeniable benefits.”

“Providing 21st century facilities is not only essential, but will help to attract more visitors to the cathedral and thereby to the city.”

He added:

“Ripon Cathedral attracts 100,000 visitors per year, in addition to pilgrims, worshippers and concert goers. Experts predict that this project will result in an increase in numbers of between 30% and 50% — good news for the local economy and local businesses.”

Read more:

• Stunning photo of Northern Lights over Ripon this morning
• Sneak peek: Ripon’s newest hospitality venue opens today

The Dean acknowledged not everybody was in favour of the development and said:

“Some people here today will disagree with us about the felling of trees. We respect those people,  but we disagree with them.”

Jenni Holman, who has raised a petition signed by 1,400 people opposing the removal of trees to make way for the annex, said:

“The loss of mature trees and impact on the wildlife that depend upon them for habitat is totally unacceptable.

“This is not about a difference of opinions, it’s something that we say is just wrong.”

As part of its mitigation strategy, the cathedral proposes to plant 300 native trees on land near Studley, but fellow objector Pat Waterfall questioned:

“How will the planting of trees outside the city mitigate for the huge carbon footprint of the new building?

Traditional wooden signs that welcome visitors to Ripon and invite them to ‘stay awhile amid its ancient charms’ are in need of replacement.

At last week’s full city council meeting, former Mayor Councillor Eamon Parkin, said:

“The signs have been dropping to bits and I first asked for them to be replaced six years ago, but they remain in place and in a poor condition.”

Parts of the sign on North Bridge have fallen victim to the elements and vandalism

Last month, as part of Ripon BID’s commitment to improve wayfinding it announced it had partnered with North Yorkshire highways to put new metal boundary marker signs in place on Ripon bypass, Boroughbridge Road, Kirkby Road and Studley Road.

One of the metal boundary signs that is now in place

The project was supported by city and North Yorkshire councillors Barbara Brodigan and Andrew Williams through donations from their locality budgets.

The welcome sign on Rotary Way

However, at the city council meeting, Cllr Williams said:

“These were never intended to replace the wooden welcome to Ripon signs, which are part of the city’s heritage.”

Councillors agreed for costings to be sought for wooden replacement signs and, once obtained, for these to be considered at a future meeting.

Read more:

• New Ripon boundary marker signage installed
• Vaccination clinics cause traffic tailbacks in Ripon

The newest addition to Ripon’s hospitality sector opened its doors at 12 noon today (Saturday).

Adam Coulson, owner of the Portly Pig on Kirkgate, invited the Stray Ferret to an eve-of-opening sneak peek to find out what the independent bottleshop and taproom has to offer – and there was plenty to see.

The focus is on serving real ales, craft beers and ciders on tap in bottles and cans, while spirits and wines are also on the drinks menu.

The bottled and canned drinks are principally produced in Yorkshire.

Mr Coulson told the Stray Ferret:

“The majority of the drinks have been sourced from independent breweries, distilleries and wine suppliers based in Yorkshire.

“We’re offering something a bit different that we hope adds to the attraction of Ripon as a city with a great community of independent  businesses.”

Dog owners and their dogs are welcome.

The Portly Pig’s historic premises, which have been converted to include a ground floor bar and upstairs seating areas, have seen a variety of uses over two centuries.

Number 5 Kirkgate will be known to many as the former Oasis Florists and those with longer memories will recall it being the offices of the Ripon Gazette newspaper.

A civic society plaque by the front door shows that before then it was a Town (Council) House from 1835 to 1851and then a borough police station with four cells between 1875 and 1887.

Read more:

• Trespass has plans for prime Ripon retail location
• New hair salon opens in Ripon

The Stray Ferret is the media partner for the St Wilfrid’s Stars Awards 2024, with our coverage kindly sponsored by Little Bird Made and Grantley Hall.

Nominations for Ripon’s 2023 St Wilfrid’s Stars Awards are open until Saturday September 30 and there is still time to nominate the organisations, individuals or businesses that you believe have made a positive contribution to enhance the life of the city.

The awards, bearing the name of the city’s patron saint, were launched by Ripon Together in the cathedral’s 1,350th anniversary year, to recognise the selfless giving of Ripon’s unsung heroes – many of them volunteers – who help others through their behind-the-scenes work.

Who received awards in 2022?

Here is a selection of last year’s winners.

In 2022, the Youth Award was presented by the Mayor of Ripon Councillor Sid Hawke, to Rosie Sturt (pictured below) who led a team of young volunteers who have created a Lego Club at Ripon Library.

The aim of the club is to help young children to increase their social skills and confidence in the wake of the covid lockdowns.

A St Wilfrid’s Star was also presented to Sarah Jaques – a Ripon Library volunteer and co-ordinator – who won the community award for her tireless and dedicated work.

Her citation read:

“Without volunteers, there would be no library and there would be a great gap in the life of the city.”

For the overall 2022 volunteer of the year award the panel of judges selected Gloria Sturdy, who has devoted her life to supporting many causes in the city.

This includes the provision of lunches at Holy Trinity Church for people in need and sewing PPE kits for frontline workers during the pandemic.

The 2022 culture award was presented to the Ripon Theatre Festival organising committee, in recognition of it staging a highly successful inaugural performing arts event from a standing start.

Building on last year’s success the 2023 event, led by festival director Katie Scott (pictured above) again added considerably to the cultural life of the city.

Caroline Bentham, who has supported groups in Ripon through her community scrap fund, which raises money from the sale of recycled metal, received last year’s  environment award.

As well as being a supporter of many good causes, she is an active Girl Guide Leader and an assistant county commissioner.

The 2022 St Wilfrid’s Star Award for tourism was presented to to Ripon Community Poppy Project, whose decorative work and detailed designs have delighted local residents and  visitors to the city.

There was no bigger event in Ripon in 2022 than the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the army of non-stop knitters ensured that the city’s streets were wrapped in Royal bunting.

They went on to create a dazzling star-spangled backdrop for last year’s awards evening at Ripon Cathedral, while the trophies presented at the event were designed and produced by Jennyruth Workshops.

Read more:

• Ripon’s search for the St Wilfrid’s Stars of 2023

• The St Wilfrid’s Stars winners of 2022