Ripon bistro introduces dog menuDog-loving Ripon bistro owners have created a menu designed to attract customers accompanied by canines.
Lou Grant and her husband Tim, have launched Olly P’s Doggy Diner at Oliver’s Pantry on North Street, so that man (and woman’s) best friend can tuck into a meal or snack alongside their owners.
The menu includes Pooch’s Brekkie comprising sausage, scrambled egg and buttered toast, Scooby Scrambled, with eggs cooked to order and WaggyChino cups of whipped cream.
Ms Grant, pictured above with her two-year-old Labradoodle, Wilma, told the Stray Ferret:
“We trialled our doggy menu at Easter and got such an amazing response that we decided to make it a permanent part of our offer.
“Each of the dishes created for our canine customers has been tried by Wilma and her favourite is definitely the Scooby Scrambled.”
People wanting to dine with their dogs can use the downstairs and garden areas at the bistro, while upstairs is for humans only.
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Ripon military heritage campaigners to hold public launchAn organisation fighting to save forgotten but nationally important military heritage will hold its public launch in Ripon on Saturday.
Members of Ripon Military Heritage Trust (RMHT) will be on hand at Market Square from 10am to tell people about the campaign to protect and preserve structures and buildings currently threatened by demolition as part of a redevelopment of MoD property by the government agency Homes England.
The redevelopment area at Clotherholme is currently occupied by Claro and Deverell Barracks and the Laver Banks Training Ground.
Trust chairman Guy Wilson, former Master of the Royal Armouries (RA) who played a leading role the creation of the RA museum in Leeds, said:
“Ripon has a long and rich military heritage but its key role in helping secure the liberation of Europe in the Second World War and then maintain it has been largely forgotten.
“The redevelopment site at Clotherholme contains a number of unique and very rare military buildings and structures, worth preserving on their own account, but even more so when what was happening in and around them is understood.”
The relocation of the Royal School of Military Engineering to Ripon in 1940 meant the city played a huge part in training combat engineers.
It was here that the famous Bailey bridge, in its many varieties, was tested and perfected before seeing use in theatres of war across the world. So important was bridge building and the other engineering activities in Ripon that the US Army formed its own ‘American section’ to train its key engineers.
Early in the war British army bomb disposal training was centralised on the site and in the aftermath of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour, a secret delegation of US Army personnel, led by Major Thomas Kane, came to the city to train.
On completing the course they were presented with Royal Engineer ‘Bomb Disposal’ patches and given the unique honour of being able to wear them on their US Army uniforms.
Kane returned to the Unites States where, with British help, he set up his own version of the Ripon School. He is regarded as the father of US Army Bomb Disposal.
Saving some of the remaining structures at Clotherholme that tell this story and its continuation into the Cold War is the RMHT’s first important task. But it has a wider remit and is dedicated to researching and preserving Ripon’s long and varied military heritage.
The trust aims to preserve a number of the surviving structures on a site at Laver Banks and develop a military heritage centre alongside countryside trails which will interpret the city’s unique military heritage.
Pictured above are members of the trust on the Heavy Girder Bridge at Laver Banks. From the left: Lt Col Bob Lisle (ret’d), Jane Furse, Stuart Martin MBE, Guy Wilson and Michael Furse. Picture: Ripon Military Heritage Trust.
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Dignitaries gather for Ripon’s mayor making ceremony
Local dignitaries, alongside representatives from the Royal Engineers, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and North Yorkshire Police, gathered at Ripon Town Hall to see Councillor Sid Hawke elected as the city’s mayor for a third term in office.
Ripon City Council’s annual meeting and mayor making ceremony was held last week and this coming Sunday Cllr Hawke will be installed as mayor at a civic service to be held in Ripon Cathedral.
He will be accompanied by his wife Linda, who will be mayoress during his mayoral year.
Local dignitaries pictured during the mayor making Ceremony
Speaking following his election, Cllr Hawke, said:
“I am proud to be elected as the mayor of this wonderful city for a third time and thank my fellow councillors for their continuing confidence in me.
“I would also like to thank the many people who supported me throughout the past year, particularly in helping to raise thousands of pounds for my chosen charities Ripon Dementia Forward and Harrogate and District Mind.”
Born and bred in the city, Cllr Hawke is semi-retired and has previously served in the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in Ripon.
He was elected to represent the Ure Bank ward on Ripon City Council in 2002 and became mayor for the first time in 2008-2009.
His recently completed second mayoral year proved a busy one, including the Queen’s platinum jubilee in June, the mourning of Her Majesty’s death in September, the subsequent proclamation of King Charles III and coronation celebrations – all of which involved major civic events in Ripon.
On being elected as mayor for the third time, Cllr Hawke matches fellow Independent councillors Eamon Parkin and Pauline McHardy, both of whom served three terms in mayoral office.
At the mayor making event Cllr Parkin was elected to serve as Cllr Hawke’s deputy.
Main picture: The Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon Councillor Sid Hawke and his wife Linda (middle row, centre) with Serjeant at Mace, David Coates, councillors and the Dean of Ripon the very Revd. John Dobson, following the mayor making ceremony.
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Summerbridge Players to perform a tale of spying and spooky eventsSummerbridge Players will perform the comedy Give Us A Sign by award-winning playwright Tony Domaille next week.
The play, which features a Russian spy, spooky happenings, a drunk CIA man, MI5 and the ghost of a dead professor, makes for a hilarious comedy of errors.
The players’ preview, says:
“When unemployed Ken Lockwood sets himself up as a clairvoyant he bites off more than he and his wife Rachel can chew and things soon get out of hand.”
Performances will be staged at Dacre and Hartwith Village Hall in Dacre Banks on May 18, 19 and 20, starting at 7.30pm and tickets costing £6, are available from Todds stores, Summerbridge or can be reserved by e-mailing Jackie Kerr – jackiekerr812@btinternet.com
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Tree campaigners protest against Ripon Cathedral development plansCampaigners who have raised a petition signed by about 500 people seeking to save an ‘irreplaceable’ veteran beech tree from being felled, gathered at Ripon’s Minster Gardens yesterday.
Their petition, which will be submitted to North Yorkshire Council, objects to Ripon Cathedral’s Ripon Cathedral Renewed planning application.
The application proposes erecting a two-storey building on Minster Gardens, which would require the loss of the tree – described as T14 – and 10 other trees on site.
The petition states:
“We, the undersigned, do not approve of the felling of ancient trees on public land, to make way for the new build proposed by the cathedral. We believe there are alternative solutions, including the utilising of pre-existing buildings.”
The petition reflects concerns raised by statutory consultees including Jack Taylor, the Woodland Trust’s lead campaigner for woods under threat and North Yorkshire Council’s principal ecologist, Dan McAndrew.
In his response to the planning application, which can be seen on the council planning portal, Mr Taylor said:
“This loss of a veteran tree is contrary to both local and national planning policy and this application should be refused in its current form.”
The veteran beech tree described as T14 in documents relating to the annex planning application.
He added:
“Veteran trees are irreplaceable habitats, once lost they are gone forever. Any development resulting in loss or deterioration of veteran trees should not be taken forward.
“The Woodland Trust objects to this application on the basis of loss of a veteran beech tree and the loss and potential deterioration of other notable trees that are also likely to hold considerable value now and in the future, ecologically and culturally.
“Therefore, we request that planning permission is not taken forward for this site unless the plans can be suitably altered to avoid the loss of the veteran tree and suitably protect both retained veteran and notable trees on site.”
Mr McAndrew said in his response:
“I object to this application in its current form because I do not accept that there is no possible alternative location or configuration of the layout of the proposed building, which could avoid the loss of the veteran beech tree, T14, which I view as an unnecessary loss of ‘irreplaceable habitat’.
“In my view, it ought to be possible for the applicant to devise a solution, involving the reconfiguration of the building or its location which would enable T14 to be retained.”
The National Planning Policy Framework identifies ancient and veteran trees as ‘irreplaceable habitat’. It states development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists.
Petition organiser Jenni Holman (pictured above, front middle) said:
“The petition has been signed by local residents and some visitors to Ripon, who are totally opposed to felling of the veteran beech and other mature trees that play an essential role in the biodiversity of this area of the city.
“This is a lovely, peaceful open space and many of those that have signed find it inconceivable that this is even being contemplated.”
Fellow campaigner Pat Waterfall said:
“The loss of trees and this green space when other alternatives are available, is unacceptable.”
Response from Ripon Cathedral
A spokesperson for the Ripon Cathedral Renewed programme said:
“The planning application is going through its due process, as such we don’t respond to individual comments or objections during this process.
“What I can say is that we have investigated all available options within the cathedral estate, and none of the sites were suitable for the new building. This was the opinion of a range of external experts who specialise in heritage buildings and conservation as well as architects and project management experts. The needs of all internal and external users of the proposed new building cannot be met by using any other existing chapter property and all cathedral property is currently being used to its maximum capacity.
“As we’ve previously said, the building will be an asset to the people of the city, providing much needed facilities, including a safe space for our choristers to rehearse that is fully accessible, along with public toilet facilities (including a new Changing Places toilet, suitable for those who struggle to use standard accessible toilets).
“While we understand that some people may see the loss of 11 trees as too heavy a price to pay, the development will tidy up an unloved part of the city, increase the amount of public open space and enhance the existing much-valued memorial garden. The plans we’ve submitted also include the planting of 14 new trees around the cathedral, along with a further 300 trees on land made available by a supporter of the project and will see an overall increase in biodiversity across the area.”
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As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate districtCoronation celebrations continued across the Harrogate district today.
Today’s events include a parade of floats in Masham, The Big Lunch in Pateley Bridge, free entertainment in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, maypole dancing in Kirkby Malzeard, a picnic in Beckwithshaw, street parties and a fireworks display and Beatles tribute band at Spofforth Castle.
Our reporters were out and about capturing the fun and celebrations.
For a full list of events, visit our coronation diary here.
You can catch up with Saturday’s live blog here.
7.04pm – Big crowd for Coronation Concert in Knaresborough
Kelly Young (centre), alongside other chamber members
Nearly 400 people have gathered in the grounds of Knaresborough Castle to watch a livestream of the Coronation Concert on a big screen.
As the sun still shines, families and friends are seated with picnics and drinks waiting to enjoy the BBC concert. Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has also created a video compilation of iconic moments in the King’s life, including his christening, his crowning as the Prince of Wales, and music from the 1940s up to the 2000s.
Knaresborough Castle is part of the Duchy of Lancaster, a property portfolio owned by King Charles III himself, but the castle is predominantly run by North Yorkshire Council and the people of Knaresborough.
Kelly Young, director of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, said:
“We’re grateful to Matthew Walker and North Yorkshire Council for the funding to host this event.
“We hope to have many more events like this in the future”.
6.32pm – Coronation tea at Oatlands
A good turnout for the coronation afternoon tea at Oatlands Community Centre in Harrogate. Pics by Oatlands Community Group.
4pm Carr Close Street Party, Ripon
With nearly 100 attendees, Carr Close in Ripon hosted a street party to continue the royal celebrations. Residents of the street have enjoyed a lunch in the sun, a royal raffle and lots of dancing and games.
The party began at 1pm and will end at 6pm when the road closure ends. It has been in the works for six months, after Harrogate Borough Council allowed the street closure.
The party’s royal raffle raised £100 for Harrogate Road Methodist Church in Ripon.
The residents of Carr Close gave a cheer to the new King.
Organiser Jane Lincoln, a resident of Carr Close, said:
“Today has made me feel so lucky to be part of such a lovely community”.
Carr Close resident Julie Carr said:
“It has been a great day, with lovely weather and lovely company.
“We have spent it with our friends and family”.
3.30 Ripon Cathedral begins Commemorative Service
Whilst the festivities continue in villages across the district, the bells of Ripon Cathedral have been ringing to mark the start of a special commemoration service.
The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Ms Jo Ropner, representing the newly-crowned King Charles III, arrived at a packed Ripon cathedral this afternoon for a commemorative service to celebrate yesterday’s coronation.
She was greeted by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson. Both pictured below.
Among the 600 plus in attendance are civic dignitaries from across the county. The service will see the cathedral’s girl choristers, choral scholars and lay clerks sing with the additional accompaniment of Ripon City Band (pictured).
The service is being led by the Dean, with readings from The Lord-Lieutenant, and the commanding officer of the Royal Engineers’ 21 Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Perry Bishop. The regiment is based at Claro Baracks, Ripon.
3pm – Masham parade
Flora has now moved from Kirkby Malzeard to Masham to cover the afternoon fun.
The coronation float parade has begun into the town’s square, featuring a performance from Elvis, a live band and the fire service.
Richard and Sandy Cole, drivers of a Morgan in the parade, said:
“It’s been a wonderful day. It’s lovely to be in the fresh air and always good to be in our cars. We feel we’re in good hands with King Charles III.”
The First Rainbows, Brownies and Guides won best float
Vick Greensit who’s two daughters were on the winning float (below) told the Stray Ferret:
“ It’s been a fantastic day and atmosphere. Masham has pushed the boat out and we all love a community event.”
Ellie Greensit (L) aged 7 and her 10 year old sister Jessica on the winning float
1.10pm – Kirky Malzeard’s Big Lunch gets underway
The Stray Ferret’s Flora Grafton has started her coverage of the district today in Kirkby Malzeard.
Around 300 people have gathered in the village in aid of the national Big Lunch event.
As well as a picnic lunch, visitors can enjoy maypole dancing, sword dancing and a bouncy castle.
Villager Karen Pickles said:
“People gathered together to have lunch and I’m just to glad it has brought the village together.”
Pippa Manson chair of Kirkby Malzeard Parish Council (R), Karen Pickles and Jeni Cropper (L)
The Kirkby Malzeard Long Sword Dancers
12.50pm – weather forces change of venue in Pannal
The earlier torrential rain has meant a change of venue for today’s festivities in Pannal to the Village Green and Church car park.
Ripon bell ringers prepare to ring for the King
Their work high up in the south west tower of Ripon Cathedral goes unseen, but they are heard across the ancient city.
The 32-strong team of bell-ringers, whose numbers have increased recently with four new recruits, will ‘ring for the king’ once more this afternoon, with a joyous quarter peal between 2.15 and the start of the North Yorkshire commemorative service at 3.30, which celebrates yesterday’s coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Ringing master Martin Davies, told the Stray Ferret that 10 of the cathedral’s 12 bells were cast in 1932 and were rung to mark the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953.
This afternoon’s service will be attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Ms Jo Ropner, along with other civic dignitaries. It will be led by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. John Dobson.
Our pictures show members of the bell-ringing team in action prior to this morning’s Sung Eucharist Service and a group photo supplied to us by Mr Davies.
Rockets and rock bring rousing end to Ripon coronation concertFlash:Queen and a fireworks display fit for a king provided a sparkling end to two days of coronation celebrations on Ripon Market Square last night.
The accomplished tribute act entertained a crowd of more than 1,500, with a selection of favourite hits from the songbook of Mercury, May and Taylor.
The 90-minute top of the bill performance, featuring Radio Ga Ga, We are the Champions, Under Pressure and Don’t Stop Me Now, among others, engaged the audience and saw many join in the Queen classics that have become rock anthems.
The band was still performing on stage when Ripon Town Hall clock clicked onto 10.50pm, and a fireworks display lit up the sky above buildings in Market Square East, providing a double crescendo that brought the night of entertainment to an end.
Celebrations to mark the coronation of their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, were organised by Ripon City Council and funded from the parish precept,
They included more than 12 hours of musical entertainment provided by tribute acts and Tamsin (pictured above) who performed under her own name,
In addition to the coronation concerts held over two days ,free fairground rides were provided yesterday and proved popular with children of all ages.
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Ripon Market Square set for fireworks finaleRipon Market Square will host live music culminating in a fireworks finale tonight at 10.50.
The pyrotechnics will bring an end to a day of coronation celebrations in the city.
Afternoon sunshine brought hundreds of people, including a large number of families with young children, to the square.
A Katherine Jenkins tribute act wrapped in a Union Jack, sang a range of stirring patriotic songs, while children queued for their turn to ride free of charge on the galloping horses and Sizzler fairground attractions.
Earlier today, Ripon Cathedral hosted a live screening of today’s coronation ceremony.
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Eve of coronation celebrations highlight Ripon’s royal connectionsResidents were rocking in Ripon last night as the ancient city kicked off celebrations for the new king and queen with an eve of coronation concert.
With connections to monarchy going back to 886 AD, when Alfred the Great is said to have recognised the bravery of locals for fighting off a Viking incursion with the award of a ceremonial horn, Ripon has remained staunchly royal and loyal.
The Market Square, where Royalists forces of Charles I fought off Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentary troops in a Civil War skirmish in 1643, provided a fitting setting to celebrate the imminent crowning of the descendant who shares his name.
Crowds in front of Ripon Town Hall
The stage for last night’s free concert featuring the tribute acts Jersey Beyond, Aftersun Party Band (pictured below) and Complete Madness (main picture) was located in front of Ripon Town Hall where two plaques are in place to mark visits of the then Prince of Wales
The first came in 1994, and the second in 2002, when he became a Freeman of the City in recognition of his contribution to Ripon’s regeneration, which included the building of a new library and The Arcade retail development.
Amid the nostalgic rock and pop music from the 60s, 70s and 80s, came the ever-present link to the city’s historic past, when Patricio Maglio, a member of the city’s hornblower team, set the watch at 9pm.
Today (Saturday) following the Coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey – which can be watched on large television screens in Ripon Cathedral starting at 9.30am – there will be further revelry on Market Square, with musical entertainment from 3pm and free fairground rides from 11am until 8pm.
The festivities will finish with a fireworks display between 10.50pm and 11pm.
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Chocolatier’s royal creation is catching the eye at Halls of RiponA business newly-arrived at Halls of Ripon department store is catching the eye with its hand-crafted creations that include a chocolate crown inspired by the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Ben Ellis, a former head pastry chef at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, took three months to make the spectacular sculpture using the finest Belgian chocolate, isomalt sugar work, marshmallows and edible inks.
The chocolate crown created by Ben Ellis
Mr Ellis runs Ben Ellis Pastry Chef & Chocolatier with his wife Vicky and specialises in the creation of handmade and hand-painted artisan chocolates, using fresh and raw ingredients, that are gluten free and suitable for anybody who is dairy intolerant or vegan.
He said:
“With the coronation in mind, I decided to make the crown as a showpiece to illustrate what I can do in creating chocolate-based edible art. I’m pleased to say that it has attracted a lot of attention.
“Every aspect of the crown can be eaten, including the jewels made with isomalt and the ermine made from marshmallows.”
Prior to setting up the business with his wife, Mr Ellis worked at a number of large restaurants and hotels in London and as the head pastry chef at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to the Chelsea Pensioners and venue for the world-famous annual flower show, he created dishes for members of the royal family.