Two Ripon fire crews attended the fire
A battery in a pile of scrap metal is believed to be have causes last night’s fire at a specialist Ripon recycling company.
Nobody was injured in the blaze at K. A. Anderson metal recyclers on the Dallamires Lane Industrial Estate.
In its incident log, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service says this morning:
“Two crews from Ripon responded to reports of a fire in a scrap yard involving 2M by 4M of scrap.
“Crews used four breathing apparatus, three forty five mm jets, a thermal imaging camera and lighting, as well as a digger, to extinguish the fire.
“This was believed to be caused by a battery within the scrap pile.”
The fire was spotted shortly before 8pm.
“Nobody has been injured, it’s simply a fire that has started in a skip.”
The blaze was quickly brought under control by the fire crews
Thick clouds of dark acrid smoke billowed into the sky over Dallamires Lane, as officers worked to put out the fire.
They quickly had it under control.
K. A Anderson, a specialist in all aspects of metal recycling, is a third generation family-run business, operating for almost half a century,
On the company website, it says that the recycler has built a professional reputation for scrappage, processing and raw metals supply throughout the UK.
The company provides a complete metal recycling service, for many businesses and its major clients include Google and Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Two fire crews tackled a scrap metal fire at K. A. Anderson metal recyclers on the Dallamires Lane industrial estate in Ripon this evening.
The North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the large recycling site shortly before 8pm.
Dark acrid smoke billowed into the evening sky
A member of the K.A Anderson management, who was on the main gate to the premises to give fire crews access to the site, told the Stray Ferret:
“Nobody has been injured, it’s simply a fire that has started in a skip.”
The fire was quickly brought under control by the fire crews
Thick clouds of dark acrid smoke billowed into the sky over Dallamires Lane, as officers worked to put out the fire.
They quickly had it under control.
K. A Anderson, a specialist in all aspects of metal recycling, is a third generation family-run business, operating for almost half a century,
It says on the company website that the recycler has built a professional reputation for scrappage, processing and raw metals supply throughout the UK.
The company provides a complete metal recycling service, for many businesses and its major clients include Google and Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Meet the women behind Ripon’s royal miles of jubilee buntingA team of dedicated knitters are creating Ripon’s royal miles of bunting to wrap around the city in celebration of the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
The all-woman Knit and Natter Club has combined needlecraft and design skills to make masses of red, white and blue bunting emblazoned with golden crowns and the initials E:R.
With less than two months to go until the extended June bank holiday jubilee weekend, organiser Hazel Barker told the Stray Ferret:
“We have received hundreds of requests from shops, businesses and other organisations in Ripon, who want to decorate their buildings to mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
“We’ve still got a little way to go, but we are getting there.”
Collectively, thousands of hours of unrelenting effort has gone into this proud production line.
Mrs Barker, who was made a Freeman of the City of Ripon, for services to the community, said:
” At our homes we are spending every spare minute beavering away making the various elements of the bunting, from flags to the emblems of the four UK countries.
“A group of us then meet on Mondays to create the displays in readiness for them to go on everything from railings to retail premises, the town hall and the entrance to Spa Gardens.”
The knitters meet weekly at Hazel House, in the grounds of Community House
The weekly meetings are at Hazel House – a building in the grounds of Community House, named in honour of Mrs Barker for her work with the Girlguiding Association.
In addition to this, other knitters work from home, with regular supplies of wool provided for them.
The team, totalling 30, is also responsible for the countless hours of behind-the-scenes work that creates Ripon’s Remembrance displays.
They are part of the Ripon Community Poppy Project, founded by Mrs Barker and Councillor Stuart Martin, to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War in 2018.
Funding for the project
The community project is funded by donations from members of the public and businesses and supported by organisations such as the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and an army of volunteers who put up the displays.
For the platinum jubilee display, £2,500 of the sum used to buy the wool, netting and other materials was raised from the sale of decorative covid masks with Christmas designs on them.
And it comes as no surprise to discover that those whose painstaking work will be seen on the city streets in June, are the women behind the masks as well.
Read more:
- The waters beckon for Harrogate district paddlers
- Will regeneration of a Ripon pub site reduce crime?
Empty Ripon pub plagued with anti-social behaviour to be redeveloped
The Ship Inn, in the shadow of Ripon Cathedral, was once one of the city’s landmark pubs.
Since its closure, two years ago, the vacant site has been the location for a number of incidents of violence, anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
The area has planning permission for the creation of ten dwellings but in the meantime, the premises have been secured with metal shuttering on doors and windows, while a sign says that all internal valuables have been removed.
The former pub, is to be converted into five apartments and the 0.34 acre site will also include a detached house and four terraced houses.
Architects Watson Batty Properties LLP has submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council, seeking ‘a changed location by 3m to the northwest of 4 terraced houses and revised fenestration featuring ivory sandblasted masonry walling with pewter split face feature banding.’
Once that application has been determined the site will be ready for its transformation from empty pub to residential use.
The site is close to Ripon Cathedral
Residents living on Bondgate and adjoining streets, who have witnessed gangs of youths causing trouble in the area, will hope the redevelopment of the site may help tackle the problem.
Government guidance on how new developments can reduce crime and create safer communities, says:
“Good design means a wide range of crimes from theft to terrorism are less likely to happen by making committing those crimes more difficult. It helps create safer places.”
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- Residential redevelopment of Ripon pub site
- Man jailed for knifepoint robbery in Ripon
- Robbery, thefts and a man with a machete in Ripon’s Bondgate
The rivers beckon for paddlers from the Harrogate district
Covid lockdowns put a two-year hold on the outdoor activities of the Dales Canoe Club, but members of all ages will soon be taking to the water once more.
The multi-generational, family-focused club has 40 paddlers aged from 11-year-olds to people in their mid-70s, who come from across the Harrogate district..
They keenly await April 28, when they will head for the River Nidd in Knaresborough for their first meet of the season.
Between then and September, the Thursday evening gatherings will be held on rivers and canals throughout the Yorkshire Dales and further afield.
Winter practice at Starbeck Baths.
Fundraiser Jeremy Dunford has been involved with the club since 2015, when his son Reuben started as a novice.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“We had a boost with a successful application to the National Lottery, which brought nearly £10,000 and we have also received financial support from North Yorkshire County Council.
“The money has ensured that we are able to take all the new paddlers on the river at the same time over the summer.
“A key principle of the club is to ensure that paddling is affordable to all and the equipment can be expensive.
“We keep a certain amount of stock but this ages quickly as well as getting damaged. All our new paddlers have access to club kit for as long as they need (including kayaks and paddles).”
The club caters for people of all ages, from children to grandparents
Through the winter, members have been practicing at Starbeck Baths, but with the warmer weather and lighter nights they will be back on river banks across the region and ready to go immediately after the Easter holiday.
Educational and enjoyable
Mr Dunford said:
“Paddlers often use their involvement with the club as a springboard to academic progression elsewhere. One is currently studying outdoor adventure sports at uni having done, as my son did, a BTec in outdoor adventure sports at Askham Bryan and this in turn has enabled them to get places on camp in Canada.
“Some members also use the club as part of BTec course evidence, GCSE Sports Science and D of E awards evidence.
“We welcome, paddlers with conditions such as epilepsy, autism and ADHD, all of whom have had their paddling experience adjusted to ensure their needs are met.”
Members enjoy the social, as well as the sporting activities of the club.
Long-term members
The club started in 1976. and Maurice Young, a retired GP now in his 80s who took his sons along from day one, has been chairperson since 1978..
Dave Titchmarsh, who is the second in command, is a paddler in his 70s and has been with the club for many years as well.
One of the club’s senior members, Ted Walton, started as a teenager and is now in his 50s and leads a lot of activities.
The club, which adheres to all safety standards, currently has a full complement of members but opportunities for more people to join in September will open up as some move on to university.
Further details are available by clicking here.
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Positive drugs test for man stopped by police in Harrogate
A motorist whose driving caused concern to a member of the public was arrested by police in Harrogate after giving a positive drugs test.
The member of the public has been praised by North Yorkshire Police for contacting them about the way in which the vehicle was being driven.
In a Facebook post, which included a photograph of the the roadside wipe test kit that had been used, police said:
“The driver, a man in his 20s, gave this positive reading for cocaine and white powder was located during a search of the vehicle.
“He was arrested and a blood sample has been obtained which will be sent off for analysis.”
The motorist was stopped by police after a member of the public raised concerns about the standard of his driving
Police added:
“The consequences could have been much more serious – so a huge thank you to the person who called us.
“We always say if you are concerned about someone’s driving, call us and in this case, earlier this week, a motorist was stopped by one of our officers after a member of the public contacted us concerned about the standard of their driving in Harrogate.”
The government warns motorists about use of drugs and driving, saying:
“It’s illegal to drive if either:
- you’re unfit to do so because you’re on legal or illegal drugs
- you have certain levels of illegal drugs in your blood (even if they have not affected your driving)
“Legal drugs are prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If you’re taking them and not sure if you should drive, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.
“The police can stop you and make you do a ‘field impairment assessment’ if they think you’re on drugs. This is a series of tests, for example asking you to walk in a straight line. They can also use a roadside drug kit to screen for cannabis and cocaine.
“If they think you’re unfit to drive because of taking drugs, you’ll be arrested and will have to take a blood or urine test at a police station.
“You could be charged with a crime if the test shows you’ve taken drugs..
Read more:
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- Harrogate district drug driver jailed after court hears of 130mph police chase
- Police in Harrogate spot 222 driving offences in just five hours
It will be business as usual for a Ripon art gallery, if plans to extensively redevelop premises in a prime city location receive approval.
David Harrison owns and operates the gallery at 19 Kirkgate, where he also provides a bespoke framing service.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“I’ve had amicable and constructive discussions with the landlord and I am happy with what they are proposing.
“I’ve been here for seven years and their plans mean that I will be able to continue to trade from this location”
Mr Harrison, who was born and bred in Ripon, is well-known by the city’s arts community. Work by locally-based contemporary artists, such as Carol Ashworth, can be bought from his shop.
He said:
“I went to school in the city and my parents used to run the White Horse pub in North Street, so I know a lot of people in Ripon.”
David Harrison pictured in his gallery next to an original work by Carol Ashworth
Sterne Properties, which owns 19 Kirkgate, has submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council for internal reconfiguration of the building, which currently comprises Mr Harrisons’ retail unit at street level and a two-bedroom flat above.
The Ripon-based property company is seeking permission to create a cottage incorporating two flats at the premises, which are close to the city’s iconic cathedral.
With changes to the internal layout of the building including the removal of a wall, the gallery will be able to retain its space.
Read more:
The building has had an arts connection for many years. Prior to Mr Harrison setting up his business, 19 Kirkgate, was home to Alan Matthews Watercolours and works of the artist could be seen and purchased from the premises.
Sterne’s track record
Sterne’s track record of property development has supported retail regeneration and the hospitality and leisure sectors in Ripon.
The company’s projects include the mixed-used redevelopment of the former NatWest bank building next to Ripon Town Hall, which brought the Claro Lounge to the city and saw the creation of apartments on the upper floors.
Other developments include Halls (formerly Wrens) on Fishergate, where Ripon’s only department store reopened last year.
The company was also responsible for the redevelopment of a former furniture store on North Street, which enabled Curzon to bring cinema back to the city for the first time in more than 30 years.
Write-On Ripon stages second open mic eveningLiterature lovers are getting ready for the sequel to Write-On Ripon‘s first open mic evening in February.
The stylish brick-built basement under Curzon Cinema on North Street, will again be the venue for Monday night’s readings of poetry and prose..
Dion Child, who organises the writing group, told the Stray Ferret:
“The first event proved such a success, that we agreed on the night that we would come back for more.
“The 30 people who attended, were able to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, the great acoustics and the positive audience reaction, to an eclectic mixture of original works.”
Mr Child, himself a creative writer and poet, added:
“I am relatively new to Ripon and am absolutely knocked out by the depth of writing talent that I have seen from people of all ages in this magnificent and inspiring city.
“There is still room for more writers to join us on Monday and whether they want to read a short poem or story they have written, or simply listen to the words of others, all will be given a very warm welcome.”
Write-on Ripon Open Mic II begins at 7.30pm and entry is free. Further details are available here.
Read more:
Rat-hit Ripon playground could reopen by Easter
The play area at Quarry Moor Park, which was closed in September because of rat infestation, could reopen in time for the Easter holidays.
The Ripon City Council-owned and operated playground shut after discarded food items attracted rodents.
Since then the council has tried to eradicate the rats. It has also removed a waste bin and put up a sign at the entrance to the adjacent Quarry Moor Nature Reserve, and park, asking visitors to take rubbish home.
City council leader Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret:
“Earlier this week, we appointed contractors to carry out the necessary refurbishment work and cleaning ahead of reopening.
“It is our hope that this can be achieved in time for the Easter holiday, but that will be reliant upon all equipment passing rigorous hygiene and safety checks, as the wellbeing of children playing there is of paramount importance.”
This sign was put in place after rat infestation caused the closure of the playground.
Longer-term plans for the playground include replacement of the play equipment and erection of new fencing.
A total of £70,000 from the Ripon parish precept has been set aside for this work and the city council is seeking additional sources of funding, before it proceeds with the refurbishment programme.
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Quarry Moor Park
The park, just off the A61 on the southern approach to Ripon, was created on land donated to the city by Alderman Thomas Fowler Spence in 1945.
He served as the mayor of Ripon between 1927 and 1929 and was managing director of varnish manufacturer T and R Williamson — a prominent employer in the city since the 18th century.
Alderman Spence donated the 24-acre site on the understanding that it would “be kept for Ripon children for all time”.
It has been held in trust ever since, becoming one of the city’s most valued attractions.
In recognition of its unique geology and rare species-rich magnesian limestone grassland, Quarry Moor was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1986 and is now managed for both nature conservation and recreation.
Patricia Jones-Davies will swap the heat of a Ripon kitchen for the arctic chill of Finland when she reaches another significant milestone on Sunday.
The chef manager at Sunnyfield Lodge Extra Care Housing will celebrate her 50th birthday by taking part in the Arctic Marathon, where competitors can expect temperatures as low as minus 12 centigrade.
Ms Jones-Davies leaves for Helsinki on Thursday, carrying the warmest wishes from residents and colleagues because she is running to raise money for Papyrus UK — a charity that prevents suicide in young people. It is a cause dear to her heart.
She told the Stray Ferret:
“My daughter Anne-Dora went to school in Harrogate with Dom Sowa, who very sadly took his own life at the age of 17.
“In his memory, I ran 17 races over different distances, to both raise money for Papyrus and raise awareness of the wonderful work that it does, by helping young people who have suicidal thoughts.
“I will be thinking of Dom and other young people, while I am running.”
Ms Jones-Davies with some of her supporters at Sunnyfield Lodge.
In Ripon, Patricia has a huge team of supporters at Sunnyfield, which provides 40 one and two-bed retirement apartments. She has worked there for three years.
Among those wishing her good luck is 101-year-old Annie Charnley, who takes a keen interest in all her sporting feats.
They include two Manchester Marathons, a Chester Marathon and a virtual London Marathon.
Man of iron – Patricia’s husband Keri Jones-Davies
Husband Keri is also taking part in Sunday’s event.
He is a multi-talented endurance athlete, who has competed at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships, having also represented GB in his age group at triathlon.
The ironman event involves a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile cycle ride and a 26.2 mile run, so Mr Jones-Davies is well-placed to assist his wife as she trains for her long-distance runs.
She said:
“When it snowed a few weeks ago, I went straight out for a run. It wasn’t as cold as it will be in Finland, but we are well-prepared and have bought all of the right gear for cold-weather running.”
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