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Ripon City AFC, has announced plans to move from its Mallorie Park ground and create a new custom-built facility elsewhere in the city.
The club, which celebrates its 125th anniversary next year, has been playing at the ground for more than 100 years.
But a long-held ambition to find a more suitable location is now taking shape, following a formal offer to acquire the site made by an unnamed care home operator.
Club secretary and former player Daniel Metcalfe told the Stray Ferret:
“We’ve been looking elsewhere for many years and by drawing up and publishing plans on our website, we are signalling our serious intent.
“This is the first major piece in our jigsaw and there are many hurdles to cross, but we are determined to create a new place to call home and see the club thrive over the next 100-plus years.”
He added:
“A shortlist of potential locations has been drawn up, but the move will only take place when we have a new site with all necessary planning and other approvals in place.”
Ripon City AFC’s Mallorie Park ground
On its website, where initial draft plans can be viewed, the club says its privately-owned ground:
“Has significant challenges across a number of areas such as lack of security, unauthorised use, criminal behaviour (drug dealing, drug use and violent crime), criminal damage, limited to one pitch and more importantly restrictions on improvements.”
As a not-for-profit community amateur sports club run by volunteers, Ripon City AFC plans to use proceeds from the sale of its ground to develop new facilities and states on its website:
“The aspirations for our new facility will be a purpose-built, secure facility with a floodlit 3G pitch, a floodlit grass pitch, seated stands, multipurpose clubhouse containing community and event spaces with bar and catering facilities, fully accessible changing spaces and a first-floor housing classrooms and office space.”
Ripon AFC accepts that its plans will not have unanimous support, saying:
“We appreciate that not everyone will be supportive of our proposals.”
It does, however, add:
“The proposed facilities will be a game changer for sport (not just football) in Ripon and the wider district.
“A new facility would also support the club to grow on and off the pitch to ensure that we survive for another 125 years.”
The 150-member club, has 100 registered players in teams that compete in the West Yorkshire League, Harrogate and District Premier League, the North East Regional Women’s Football League and the Harrogate and District Junior Football League.
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Ripon Cathedral’s St Wilfrid banquet raises £25,000
Ripon Cathedral’s music, heritage conservation and education programme is to benefit from the £25,000 raised at a banquet in honour of the city’s patron saint.
The event, hosted by the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd. John Dobson, saw the culmination of the cathedral’s 1,350th anniversary celebrations which, over six months, focused on the life and work of Wilfrid, who founded the cathedral in 672 AD.
Held in the cathedral’s ancient nave this month, the banquet was sponsored by estate agent Knight Frank LLP and supported by Harrogate law firm Raworths.
The 300 guests at the black-tie event were entertained by close-up magician Rob Hutchinson and took part in fundraising activities, which included a raffle and angel tree, with prizes donated from the local community.
Diners also participated in both a live and silent auction and the evening finished with a silent disco – where guests donned a pair of headphones and took part in the unique experience of dancing inside the cathedral.
Ripon Cathedral development trust manager Margaret Hammond said:
“The banquet is one of the most spectacular events the cathedral hosts during the year. The building comes alive with guests enjoying the evening in the beautiful candle-lit setting. A unique dining experience held in one of Yorkshire’s most stunning venues.
“The evening provides an opportunity for individuals to support this wonderful ancient building and at the same time enjoy gourmet food, music and much more”.
The next major fundraising event at the cathedral, will be the Christmas Gift and Food Fair, which will be held over two days on November 25 and 26.
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All Creatures Great and Small author in the spotlight at Harrogate Library
The daughter and son of Alf Wight, author of the James Herriot books, will provide an insight into their father’s famous stories, at Harrogate Library this week.
The book signing event on Wednesday with Rosie Page and Jim Wight marks the publication of The Wonderful World of James Herriot.
It is being organised by Harrogate bookshop Imagined Things and will include a question and answer session.
The new book, a classic collection of the late author’s stories, contains insights from his children.
It looks sure to appeal to fans of the best-selling All Creatures Great and Small books and the current smash-hit Channel 5 TV series, set in the rural communities of the Yorkshire Dales.
Ian Ashton, managing director, the World of James Herriot tourist attraction in Thirsk, said:
“Rosie and Jim’s insights add authenticity to the many tales of the animals and people which are at the heart of Herriot’s stories.
“There’s never a dull moment in Herriot’s company, whether he’s becoming pen pals with Tricki Woo the spoilt Pekingese, dodging a raging bull on a risky artificial insemination assignment, or the inevitable trials and tribulations of lambing season, Rosie and Jim have seen it all”.
The book signing starts at 7.15. Tickets cost £5 (redeemable to those who purchase a copy of the book) and are available at the shop, or by calling 01423 391301.
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Benches are restored in Ripon’s Garden of Remembrance
The Ripon Royal Engineers Association and the Ripon branch of the Royal British Legion have joined forces to restore benches in the city’s Garden of Remembrance.
The restoration was carried out by former serving Sapper Keith Riley and the re-painted wooden benches with their brass plaques gleaming again, are back in place ahead of the service of blessing at the garden on November 5.
Mr Riley, who learnt carpentry along with many other skills during a 37-year career in the Royal engineers, told the Stray Ferret:
“It was an honour to be asked to carry out this work and I was pleased that I was able to do my bit.”
The newly restored benches
Kenn Hart, former serving Sapper and Ripon REA chair, said:
“I noticed that the three benches in the memorial garden were in a terrible condition, so I contacted Keith, who I know has expertise in restoration work of this nature.
“He was supported by two more former serving Sappers Alec Lutton, representing the Ripon RBL and Hamish Hamilton of the REA.”
How the benches looked before they were restored
All bills for the work were paid by the REA, on behalf of the community of Ripon.
Mr Lutton, who cleaned the memorial plaques on each of the benches added:
“We are grateful to H.A.Green & Sons, who have cleaned the plinth in the garden.
“It is important to keep the benches usable, for the many visitors who walk in the garden and may wish to sit and reflect on the past and the sacrifices made by our wonderful forces.”
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Royal icing on Ripon Library’s birthday cake
Ripon Library, which received a royal seal of approval, when the then Prince of Wales formally opened it two decades ago, is holding a double celebration today.
The Prince, who was proclaimed as King Charles III last month, was made a Freeman of the City in October 2002, in appreciation of his ‘unique contribution to the regeneration of Ripon.’
Part of that regeneration included the opening of a new library and the anniversary of his visit is being celebrated, alongside the fifth birthday of the Ripon Library Action Group (RLAG), whose volunteers work in partnership with permanent staff, to support the provision of services to the community.
The plaque at Ripon Town Hall which commemorates the then Prince of Wales being made a Freeman of the City
To celebrate both the library’s 20th anniversary and the partnership with RLAG, there will be a birthday party for invited guests this afternoon.
Sarah Jacques, chair of trustees of RLAG, said:
“I am really proud of the impact that the Library has in the city and surrounding villages. We are statistically one of the most used and most successful libraries in the county. That is down to the commitment of both the staff and volunteers working closely together.”
The library is central to much that happens in the city, including working closely with the theatre festival, poetry festival, Ripon Museum Trust, the YMCA and others on youth development.
It is also central to children’s education, going out to schools and running the summer reading challenge every year.
Ms Jacques added
“The library and our volunteers were honoured in the recent St Wilfrid’s stars scheme run by Ripon Together. It was wonderful to see that the city appreciates what we do for everyone.”
Little Bird spreads its wings with markets across the Harrogate district and further afield
This story is sponsored by Little Bird Made.
Jackie Crozier’s ambition is to make the Harrogate district and neighbouring areas a Mecca for artisan markets, where local traders can showcase and sell their hand-crafted goods and customers can find those extra special and unique items.
In the four years since she hatched a plan to hold an inaugural market in her home city of Ripon, Jackie’s Little Bird Made venture has spread its wings and now has more than ten venues in North and West Yorkshire where its events are regularly held.
Pictures above and below, from the bustling artisan markets held by Little Bird in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens last Christmas
The latest exciting addition to a fast-growing list of attractive and historic locations is Harewood House, where the talented and hard-working Little Bird team will curate a four-day Artisan Winter Market from Thursday November 3 until Sunday November 6.
Little Bird founder and managing director Jackie, said:
“This will be the largest event that we have ever staged, with more than 100 stalls each day located on the North Park Walk facing onto the magnificent 18th century country house.”
She added:
“It’s a fabulous setting for a pre-Christmas market and there will be a wonderful atmosphere for visitors and our community of traders.
“In addition to the wide-range of handmade goods and food and drink items on sale, there will be demonstrations of artisan crafts and a special letterbox where children can post a letter to Santa.”
Entry to the winter market is £5 and includes access to the grounds, but there will be no charge for Harewood members. Tickets can be booked by clicking here.
The market will be open daily from 10am until 4pm.
Jackie, who was born and bred in Ripon, launched Little Bird after being away from the city for more than 20 years, working as the Director of the Manchester Pride Festival and later as an events manager working on a number of high-profile events including the London 2012 Olympics.
The expertise that she gained in working with stakeholders including local councils, community groups, performers and suppliers, has been put to good use in developing the Little Bird business and ethos.
She said:
“Our aim is to create added value events that bring increased footfall to the marvellous market towns that we have in the Harrogate district and further afield.
“Visitors who come to our markets often stay to look around local attractions and spend money in shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, before they go home.”
Jackie, added:
“We are planning to add to our list of locations next year and believe that there will be further economic, and community benefits all round if we can make this area a Mecca for artisan markets.
“We are also always looking for local artisans who would like to join us and share in the Little Bird experience.”
Upcoming Little Bird Christmas markets
Following the Winter Market at Harewood House, Little Bird will, for the second year running, be holding Christmas Markets with 75 stalls in the Sun Colonnade at Harrogate’s Valley Gardens on December 3,4,10 and 11.
Between November 12 and December 18, one day markets with up to 60 artisan traders present, will be held in Easingwold, Boroughbridge, Wetherby, Richmond, Thirsk, Leyburn, Harrogate Horticultural Nursery, Ripon, Driffield and Northallerton.
Click here to see the full list of Little Bird Made events coming soon.
Firefighters put up poppies as Ripon prepares for services of RemembranceKey locations in Ripon are being decked with thousands of knitted poppies ready for this year’s remembrance events.
Over the weekend, members of Ripon Community Poppy Project were given a helping hand from city firefighters as displays were put in place at the town hall.
Hazel Barker, who founded the project in 2018 with former mayor Cllr Stuart Martin, told the Stray Ferret:
“We have knitted thousands of new poppies to replace some of the ones that have been used in previous years.”
She added:
“We are grateful, as ever, to the fire brigade for the tremendous help they have given us in putting up the town hall display.”
To support the work of the Community Poppy Project, a Concert of Remembrance featuring Ripon City Band, The Dishforth Military Wives Choir and the Duchy Belles, will be held at Ripon Cathedral on November 10, starting at 7.15pm.
Tickets are £12 and available from Stuff 4 Offices on Fishergate and the Wakeman’s House Cafe on Market place.
Hazel Barker and Councillor Stuart Martin of Ripon Community Poppy Project, are pictured with the crew Ripon’s Red Watch, from the left: Firefighters Turner, Harvey and Foster and crew managers Fagg and Thwaites.
Meanwhile, the Ripon Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) has confirmed details of services to be held on November 5 and 13.
On Saturday November 5, the Garden of Remembrance created by the Ripon branch of the Royal British Legion in 2018, following donations from the public, authorities and the business community, will be blessed by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson.
The blessing ceremony, followed by a two-minute silence at 11am, will be attended by the Mayor of Ripon Cllr Sid Hawke, serving officers, members of the RBL and standard bearers.
Guests and other attendees will have the opportunity to place a poppy cross in remembrance of the fallen who died, not only in the first world war, but all war and conflicts since.
Remembrance Sunday Service
Ripon’s Remembrance Sunday service will be held on November 13 at the war memorial in Spa Gardens, where there will be a two-minute silence before wreaths are laid in honour of the fallen, by civic dignitaries, members of the armed forces, the RBL and representatives of other organisations. Those planning to attend are asked to arrive by 10.30am.
On completion of the service at the war memorial, the civic party will proceed to the town hall where there will be a march past and salute.
The march past, including members of the Royal Engineers, standard bearers, veterans, Ripon City Band, cadets, scouts and guides and representatives of other organisations, will head down Kirkgate to the cathedral, where a service will be held.
Jeet Bahadur Sahi, chair of the RBL Ripon Branch, said:
“We remember those who lost their lives on active service in all conflicts, from the beginning of the First World War right up to the present day. We also remember all those who have served and their families.
“Remembrance events encourage communities to come together to honour those who served and remember their sacrifices.
“We unite across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth.”
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Ripon BID looks to the future after a busy first year
Ripon Business Improvement District (BID), has reflected on a busy first year, while looking forward to plans for the future.
Speaking at Monday evening’s annual review meeting in the Claro Lounge, BID manager Lilla Bathurst, said that the objective has been to generate increased footfall and profits for businesses in the Ripon city region, by raising its profile and making it more attractive to visitors and local residents.
She pointed out that initiatives undertaken since the BID came into being last autumn, have ranged from steam cleaning of more than 5,000 square metres of streets and ginnels, to supporting festivals and events and launching the Ripon Apprenticeship and Training Hub (RATH).
Other activities in the year include the installation of lighting in ginnels and alleyways, working alongside Ripon in Bloom to fund new floral displays and providing free, independent consultancy advice to businesses to help them identify savings that can be made on energy and other bills.
Ms Bathurst, said:
“It has been a busy first year and we thank all businesses that have worked with us to make Ripon and more vibrant place.”
She added:
“Looking ahead, we are planning further investment in home-grown events, a continuing programme of cleaning and greening, the full launch of RATH in schools and through employer networking events and progressing our wayfinding initiative.”
BID board member Rick Jones, owner of Valentino’s and the Water Rat gastro pub, said:
“Plans are in hand to introduce a walking map of Ripon, that will be available in all car parks and other locations, where there will be information boards.
“This will help to guide people and encourage them to explore all areas of the city.”
Fellow board member and leader of Ripon City Council, Andrew Williams, pointed out:
“The council is spending an additional £40,000 on Christmas lights this year, with the aim of attracting more visitors and increasing footfall, so that people with disposable income spend their money here.”
Chair of the BID board and owner of Newby Hall Richard Compton, who chaired the meeting, said:
“We are committed to creating an environment that will help businesses in Ripon and the outlying areas to succeed and a great deal has been achieved in a relatively short space of time.”
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Archbishop speaks of his devotion to St Wilfrid at celebratory Ripon service
The Archbishop of York, The Most Revd. Stephen Cottrell, spoke of his ‘great love and devotion to St Wilfrid’ in a sermon to a packed congregation at Ripon Cathedral yesterday.
The Patronal Eucharist service marked the climax of six months of celebrations, which focused on the life and work of the city’s patron saint.
It brought leading clergy and civic dignitaries from across the region to the church founded in 672 AD.
The congregation at yesterday’s service.
At the conclusion of the service, the archbishop, attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Jo Ropner, the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt. Revd Nick Baines and the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. John Dobson, dedicated a newly-created ledger stone to the visionary Benadictine monk.
The ledger stone at Ripon Cathedral.
He said:
“Gracious God, as we celebrate the 1,350th anniversary of Ripon’s Anglo-Saxon crypt, we give thanks for its ancient stones which bear witness to your faithfulness to us in every generation.
“As Wilfrid, holy and bold, built up your church in his day, so may we now, in and through this cathedral, bear witness to the inclusive good news of your kingdom for this city, diocese and region.”
The archbishop, added:
“May this stone, now incorporated into the fabric of this ancient cathedral as a lasting expression of gratitude for our founding patron, St Wilfrid, prompt us to follow his example of bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to your world.”
The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Jo Ropner, gave a reading from the New Testament.
Attendees at the service, led by the Bishop of Leeds, included the Harrogate Borough Mayor, councillor Victoria Oldham and the Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon, councillor Sid and Linda Hawke.
In his welcoming address, Dean John Dobson (pictured above) said:
“For six months we have been enjoying a full programme of events which has helped us mark the 1350th anniversary of St Wilfrid dedicating his great basilica here in 672 AD.
“That was a church building which spoke of wider, universal influence and the determination to equip the church for fitting worship and active mission in the world.”
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Archbishop at Ripon Cathedral tomorrow to honour St Wilfrid
The Archbishop of York and Bishop of Leeds will be at Ripon Cathedral for a special service tomorrow to mark the culmination of the cathedral’s 1350th anniversary celebrations.
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell and Rt Revd Nick Baines, will be at the 10.30am Eucharist Service, which will conclude with the dedication of a ledger stone honouring the cathedral’s founding father St Wilfrid
Throughout this year, the cathedral community has been telling the story of the missionary bishop and patron saint of the city, with art installations, son et lumieres, lectures and worship.
The ledger stone has been laid under the central tower, above the crypt dedicated by St. Wilfrid in 672AD and near to where the saint was buried. The crypt is the oldest built fabric of any English cathedral.
The stone has been created by letter carver Charlotte Howarth from Making Marks in Norfolk, who worked round the clock for four weeks to complete the work on time.
Her previous projects include the carving of the gilt lettering into the oak for the Remember Me memorial portico entrance at St Paul’s Cathedral, dedicated to those who died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Carving the ledger stone was highly skilled and physically demanding work, using an extremely hard stone called Stanhoe Framp.
Ms Howarth, said:
“You become emotionally involved with a project when you work on it. I do think it looks fabulous, there is an overwhelming feeling of relief to see it laid in the floor of the cathedral.”