Ripon Business Improvement District launched its Easter windows competition today as it seeks to attract more visitors to the city centre over the upcoming holiday period.

BID manager Lilla Bathurst told the Stray Ferret:

“Our aim is to encourage visitor movement around BID businesses and we have been working in partnership with the wonderful team at Jennyruth Workshops, who have created 40 decorated Easter eggs for businesses to display and build their themed windows around.”

Jennyruth Workshops is a social enterprise in Ripon where adults who have learning disabilities are trained in a wide variety of skills.

Ms Bathurst added:

“We already have 35 businesses involved and the five eggs that we have remaining are available to any BID member wishing to participate.

“Any trader who would like to be part of this year’s competition can email manager@riponbid.co.uk”

Yorkshire Building Society has already received its decorative egg produced by Jennyruth and branch manager Rosanna Ferrazzano, said:

“It is beautifully made and stylishly decorated and will take pride of place in the window display that we create.”

A new addition to Ripon’s hospitality sector has arrived with the opening of The Silva Bells restaurant and cafe at the bottom of Kirkgate.

Eight months after the closure of the Bambudda Asian fusion restaurant, a total refurbishment and kitchen re-fit has been carried out at the corner-site premises, located across the road from the city’s cathedral.

Following successful negotiations with landlord Mike Johnson, Silva Bells’ managing director Jenk Pepec and his business partner David De Silva invested time and money in delivering the new look.

The name recognises the vital role that Mr De Silva and his wife Betty played in getting the new venture off the ground.

Members of The Silva Bells’ chefs and kitchen team: (from left) Jack O’Brien, Lloyd Gardener, Carl Smith and Stu Hooren

Mr Pepek, who gained expertise through working in the hospitality sector in his home city of Bursa in northern Turkey and subsequently in Birmingham and York after he moved to the UK, told the Stray Ferret:

“I fell in love with this place the first time that I saw it and after a lot of hard work new life has been breathed into it.”

The business employs 17 people and is open six days a week, serving a selection of modern British and European cuisine and incorporating Mediterranean dishes.

Mr Pepec said;

“Our menu includes items ranging from traditional Sunday roasts to a ‘create your own’ pizza and we will also be serving dishes featuring locally-sourced game.

“We have received a warm welcome and look forward to contributing to the community of this charming and historic city.”

The main image shows Jenk Pepec (centre) with members of The Silva Bells’ front of house team — from the left: Gaby Symonds, Mia Kitching, Harry Jewers and Jack George

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A £300,000 temporary gym in the car park at the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre site in Ripon will be opening next month.

Its installation will enable the closure of the existing gym on the upper floor of the 28-year-old leisure centre next to the new swimming pool that opened last March, paving the way for ground stabilisation works costing £3.5million to be carried out under the building.

To ensure the temporary gym can be installed safely, the leisure and wellness centre and playground will be closed from 6pm Saturday (March 25) until Monday morning (March 27) .

The announcement has come from Harrogate Borough Council 10 days before it is abolished and becomes part of the new North Yorkshire unitary authority.

Last July, the council announced that the temporary gym would open ‘in the autumn’ (of 2022) but this date was subsequently put back.

This morning the council, which runs the site through its leisure company Brimhams Active, said:

“A temporary gym at the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in Ripon is set to open next month (April) to ensure residents can keep fit and active.

“The gym will include the high-quality, state-of-the-art Technogym equipment currently available in the existing leisure and wellness centre, as well as expert advice and guidance from the Brimhams Active team.

“Customers will still be able to use the changing and shower facilities in the new pool area – as well as the sauna and steam suite – as they will remain open as normal.

“Group exercise classes will also continue to be provided at Hugh Ripley Hall.”

The council statement added:

“The temporary gym, which has started to be installed, is being used to provide customers with an alternative offer while the ground stabilisation works take place.

“These works come following the discovery of a void underneath part of the original leisure centre. The void is understood to have been present for a number of years and was only discovered when the reinforced concrete slab, which provides the foundation for the new swimming pool, was cast.

“On discovery of this void, the borough council appointed a contractor to carry out a thorough investigation programme under the original leisure centre to determine what work may be required to ensure the facility can continue to be used for many years to come.”

Councillor Stanley Lumley, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, and chair of the board of directors at Brimhams Active, said:

“We remain committed to enabling people to enjoy physical activity. By providing a temporary gym, while the ground stabilisation works take place, we can minimise the disruption to current and potential customers and ensure they can continue to maintain their health and well-being goals.”

“The fantastic new swimming pool will also remain open as usual and continues to provide an excellent health and wellness experience.”

Former Made in Chelsea reality TV star Josh Patterson ran into Ripon yesterday evening to complete the 21st leg of his marathon effort to raise £1million for the Samaritans.

The 33-year-old aims to run 76 marathons in 76 days, covering every city across the four nations of the UK.

After completing the Ripon stage at the city’s cathedral, he told the Stray Ferret:

“My goal is to raise £1million so that as many people as possible going through mental struggles can get the crucial support they need from the the charity.

“As well as raising money, I’m aiming to raise the profile of the incredible life-saving work that Samaritans do by answering phone calls from people in vulnerable situations and listening, giving guidance and letting those who need help know that they are never alone.”

Josh Patterson is pictured with (from left) Millie Gray, Lottie Venables, Leanne Anderson and Lisa Medd, who ran with him yesterday.

Mr Patterson posted some spectacular images of the Ripon leg of his challenge on his Instagram page here.

On the Justgiving page he has set up, he said he has personally been affected by mental illness over the years and pointed out:

“It is simply unimaginable to have to face mental health problems alone. Just £5 equals one lifesaving phone call  (and) raising £1million will fund 200,000 phone calls.”

For yesterday’s Ripon marathon stage, Mr Patterson was joined by a number of local athletes, including Lottie Venables, who said:

“What Josh is doing is absolutely remarkable and I admire him for the way he is raising money for such an important cause.”

Today Mr Patterson is on the road again, with the 22nd leg of his marathon quest in York.

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Ripon residents can sample some of the best of what the city has to offer for free on Saturday.

The annual Sights and Sounds of Ripon event provides the opportunity for local residents to visit the workhouse, courthouse and prison and police museums without charge.

To gain free entry, all that is required is a proof of residence within the HG4 postcode.

In addition to the city’s three heritage attractions, family-friendly activities are also being staged from 11am at Ripon Cathedral and the library.

The event is being organised by Harrogate Borough Council as part of the Ripon My Neighbourhood partnership which involves a wide range of public and voluntary organisations.

Further details are available here.

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It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

The GreenHouse, an environmentally and ecologically-focused business in Ripon, is celebrating a successful first year this week.

Rebecca Crallan, who owns and manages the independent retailer based in North Street, told Business Breakfast: 

“We’ve had a fantastic first year year and are looking forward to many more.”

The business operates with a planet-friendly ethos, selling home and garden supplies designed to have minimal impact on the environment through use of refillable bottles, biodegradable packaging and the sale of items ranging from compostable sponges to bamboo toothbrushes, wax food wraps to solid shampoo bars.

Ms Crallan added:  

As a footnote to its first year of trading, The GreenHouse has donated 137 pairs of socks to homeless people via Thriving Earth’s donation initiative

Harrogate climate firm appoints new scientist

A Harrogate-based climate technology firm has appointed a new climate scientist.

Flotilla, which is based on Station Parade, has hired Dr Charlotte Weaver to the company.

Dr Weaver joins the firm after working with charities such as the United Bank of Carbon.

She will be tasked with carrying out data analysis of Flotilla’s carbon accounting to ensure its accuracy for businesses to use to monitor their carbon footprint.

Dr Weaver said:

“I am ambitious and hard-working with a passion for the environment. Flotilla’s drive for creating a greener future through helping businesses reduce their emissions thus really appeals to me.

“I’m also excited to be part of the talented, experienced, and friendly team that is Flotilla.”

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Four pupils of Holy Trinity School in Ripon are working together to raise awareness of road safety issues on nearby roads.

Kofi, Seth, Arabella and Isla were so concerned about the potential risks posed by inconsiderate, careless and law-breaking motorists, using Church Lane and Trinity Lane, that they decided to take action.

The enterprising foursome, who have the support of their parents, teachers, governors and North Yorkshire Police, were appointed as the school’s first-ever road safety officers.

Illegal parking on Trinity Lane increases the risk for both children and parents. Picture: Adam Kitching

Through contact with the police, a meeting with Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams and use of the Holy Trinity newsletter, they have been sending out messages designed to make life safer for fellow pupils and  parents who walk to and from the school each day.

Kofi said:

“Each week in the UK there is an average of one death and 37 people seriously injured while going to school in the mornings or on their way home.”

Seth and Arabella both believe that children and parents on foot are put in danger by people parking illegally or stopping in the middle of the road to drop children off or pick them up.

Isla said:

“We just want people to be aware that they are putting their own children at risk as well as others, by behaving in a selfish way.”

Sue Sanderson, executive head of the Holy Trinity Federation of Schools, which includes the junior school on Church Lane and nursery on Trinity Lane, said:

“In a meeting I had with children they told me that road safety was the issue at the top of their list of concerns and that led to the appointment of our road safety officers, who have shown a great deal of initiative.”

Adam Kitching, who is vice-chair of governors at Holy Trinity and has board responsibility for health and safety, pointed out:

“Currently there is just one patrol at the crossroad between Trinity Lane and Church Lane and he does a tremendous job in looking after children and parents, but beyond that crossing point, we have  Holy Trinity and St Wilfrid’s Junior School on Church Lane.

“As it is also a route for students walking to and from Outwood Academy and Ripon Grammar, there are in excess of 600 children, plus parents and grandparents on this stretch of road on each school day and we are concerned about potential accidents.”

Holy Trinity believes that an extra crossing patrol on Trinity Lane, combined with more no parking hatched areas and the introduction of short stay drop-off and pick-up bays, would make the road safer, but in the meantime, the message to all pedestrians is to take care when crossing the road.

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The contentious Illegal Migration Bill announced last week by Home Secretary Suella Braverman will come under the spotlight in Ripon on Thursday.

The bill says it aims to “prevent and deter unlawful migration, and in particular migration by unsafe and illegal routes, by requiring the removal from the United Kingdom of certain persons who enter or arrive in the United Kingdom in breach of immigration control”.

Ms Braverman said the bill “will allow us to stop the boats that are bringing tens of thousands to our shores in flagrant breach of both our laws and the will of the British people”.

But it was described by the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell as ‘immoral and inept’.

Now it will be discussed at a meeting arranged by Ripon City of Sanctuary.

The organisation, which was established in 2016, is part of the national network of City of Sanctuary groups that promote a culture of welcome for asylum-seekers and refugees.

In an invitation to supporters, chair Nicola David said this week’s meeting would explain what the bill really means. RCOS will also provide an update on work it is doing to help families who have resettled locally.

Ms David said:

“There are now 10 families from the Middle East in Ripon – nine brought by the government, and one by our own community sponsorship project. We continue to work very closely with North Yorkshire County Council on this.

“Our community sponsorship family arrived in July last year and those attending on Thursday evening can find out how they’re doing.

“We also have the money in the bank to bring a second family.”

Linton campaign

Last August RCOS was part of the campaign group which achieved a victory against the Home Office and then Home Secretary Priti Patel, when the government had to abandon its plan to place 1,500 asylum-seekers at Linton-on-Ouse – a village of 700 people just outside the Harrogate district.

Ms David said:

“That was to be the first of a series of horrible new ‘asylum accommodation centres’ but more are coming and we are currently supporting various campaign groups around the country who are fighting to get asylum detention centres shut down, or to stop them from reopening.

“The detainees’ only crime is claiming asylum here and we are working with Asylum Matters, Medical Justice and the Helen Bamber Foundation to challenge the government on clause 101 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which would allow the government do whatever it likes on Crown land, including setting up asylum centres, without consulting with local communities or seeking planning permission.”

In addition to its campaigning activities, RCOS has been working to help asylum-seeking veterinary surgeons to pass their UK ‘conversion’ exams, ensuring their exam fees are waived and providing grants towards the cost of their studies.

The programme also includes clothing collections, engagement with around 15 local schools to help raise a generation of young people who understand refugee issues, matching Ukrainians with hosts, and providing specialist support in some cases.

Ms David added:

“There’s a lot to discuss and I hope that as many people as possible can join us on Thursday, when we will be happy to answer any questions they have.”

The meeting will be held at Thorpe Prebend House, which is behind the cathedral on High St Agnesgate at 7.30pm. Light refreshments are being provided by Ripon Cathedral’s C3 group.

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Former Ripon Grammar School student Mark Hills has added an Oscar to the Emmy award that he received last year.

Computer expert Mr Hills and and his colleague Jim Vanns, were rewarded for their work with creative studio Framestore, on the design and engineering of FQ – a technology-based management tool utilised by movie makers.

The pioneering system has been used for the rendering of images that feature in more than 120 films, including Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Fantastic Beasts: Secrets of Dumbledore and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Mark Hills pictured at last year’s Emmy Awards.

Barbara Ford Grant, chair of the Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards Committee, pointed out:

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Ripon City Council has announced that the Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Sid Hawke, has been nominated to serve a third mayoral term.

He was the city’s mayor in 2008/09 and has now been nominated as mayor elect for 2023-24.

Cllr Hawke’s wife, Linda will accompany him during his year in office as mayoress.

Elected to Ripon City Council in 2002, he represents the Ure Bank Ward on both Ripon City Council and on Harrogate Borough Council.

Cllr Hawke said:

“I am delighted to be nominated by Ripon city councillors in the selection for the position of mayor for the second year running.”

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.

The current mayoral year has proved a busy one for the mayor and mayoress, including the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations in June, the mourning of Her Majesty’s death in September and the subsequent proclamation of King Charles III – all of which involved major civic events in Ripon.

The city’s annual mayor making ceremony will take place on May 10 and on May 21. Cllr Hawke will be installed as mayor in a service at Ripon Cathedral.

On becoming mayor for the third time, he will be matching fellow Independent councillors Eamon Parkin and Pauline McHardy, both of whom served three terms in mayoral office.

Cllr Parkin will serve as Cllr Hawke’s deputy.

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