Veterans of the Royal Engineers, some of whom served in the Falklands War, will be in Ripon this weekend to mark the 40th anniversary of the end of the conflict.
They are former members of 11 Field Squadron, which used to be part of the 38 Engineers Regiment based in the city.
On Sunday, between 10.45am and 11.15am a short wreath laying ceremony will take place at the War Memorial in Ripon Spa Gardens.
No Ripon-based Royal Engineers died in the war, but the event, open to anyone wishing to attend, will give the chance to reflect and remember Royal Engineers from other parts of the UK who lost their lives fighting Argentinian land sea and air forces.
Before then, an informal reunion will be held tomorrow between 2pm and 7pm at Ripon Bowling Club on Bondgate Green.
Those wishing to attend the reunion at the bowling club are asked to contact Stan Darbyshire for further details and to register their attendance. He can be contacted on email at duffbudgie11@outlook.com or by phone on 07878 980630.
Read more:
- Falklands War widow, tells of her husband’s sacrifice
- Ripon soldiers in Cyprus to undergo mammoth charity challenge
The Royal Engineers have had a long and distinguished presence in Ripon, recognised by the fact that the Regiment was awarded the Freedom of the City in 1949.
This gives them the right to hold an annual Freedom Parade through Ripon.
Last year’s parade was held in September, when more than 200 soldiers took part in the march with a band playing and bayonets fixed, before a service in their honour was held at the cathedral.
Medals parade at Claro barracks
Mayor Sid Hawke meets the medal recipients.
Over 150 individuals from 21 Engineer regiment were issued HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medals for serving for over five years.
The medals were presented by Councillor Sid Hawke, the Mayor of Ripon with Major Daryl Murphy, the regimental second-in-command and Major Neil Chalmers, quartermaster, also handing out medals.
With most of the regiment deployed overseas in Poland and Cyprus, it was a greatly reduced medals parade. Those deployed had already received theirs last week.
There is anger and dismay in Ripon this week, following the announcement by Barclays that it will close its city branch in August.
Barclays has been present on Market Square East for generations and there has been a bank under various names at this prime location since 1785.
The anger is further fuelled by a Barclays report outlining the reasons for closure, which revealed that counter transactions went up in the two years to March 2020.
This week and last the Stray Ferret has been gauging reaction to the planned closure and among those to speak with us was 81-year-old Richard Tite, who has been a regular user of the bank’s counter services for 42 years. He told us:
“When they made their corporate decision to close Ripon and a number of other branches, Barclays showed that they just don’t care about people of my age, who don’t know how to use online banking and rely on the personal service.
“Having a human being that you can speak with and have your questions answered, is very reassuring and I must say that the staff here in Ripon are very good.
“I have no complaint about them, it’s the people above them that show that they simply look on people like me, who have been customers for more than 40 years, as if we don’t count.”
The decision to close Barclays’ long-established Ripon branch has brought an angry reaction.
“This is an absolute disgrace, I have been banking with Barclays for years, but I won’t be for much longer.
“I’m going to close all the accounts I have with them and put my money elsewhere.”
There was a similar response from another person, who also wished to remain anonymous. They said:
“I read in the Stray Ferret that the decision to close has been taken in spite of the fact the the Ripon branch has an increasing number of customers and that just doesn’t make any sense to me.
“Barclays sent me a round robin letter saying there are other branches, such as in Harrogate, that I can use, but that is not a proper option, because, on top of the inconvenience, there is the increased costs of fuel if you drive over, then you have to pay through the nose to park, simply to get your hands on your own cash.
“The sooner I can transfer my money elsewhere, the better.”
Banking choices in Ripon
Banking choices in Ripon are limited. Besides Barclays, there is HSBC, the Halifax, The Yorkshire and Skipton building societies.
Banking services are also available at the Post Office in The Arcade.
The cash machine currently at Barclays will no longer be available after August 25, meaning that people wanting to make a withdrawal in the city centre will have to go to HSBC, the Halifax or Sainsbury’s.
Read more:
- Former Ripon student’s global appointment at finance giant
- High flying Ripon Air Cadets spread their wings
After closing time at HSBC and Sainsbury’s, the only accessible bank machine in the city centre will be at the Halifax.
A report produced by Barclays to explain the rationale behind its closure decision, showed that more than 3,000 customers visited regularly for personal or business banking purposes in the last year.
But the bank added that only 121 customers use the branch exclusively for banking. Eighty percent of customers also use online and telephone banking.
The report says 41% of Ripon customers also use nearby branches, such as Harrogate and Thirsk.
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Global role at finance giant Allianz for former Ripon student
Former Ripon Grammar School student Christian Mackintosh (pictured above), who was born and bred in the city, has been appointed by
Mr Mackintosh, who is 32, graduated from Durham University with a BA in Modern Languages (German, Russian, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Montenegrin) where he was the founding vice-president and secretary of Entrepreneurs Durham.
A former t
The nature lover trustee of
Mr Mackintosh was a pupil of Ripon’s Holy Trinity Primary School before going to Ripon Grammar.
Double award success for Harrogate psychology practice
A psychology practice based in Harrogate has won two awards in the space of just a few weeks.
Evolve Psychology Services was named Independent Business of the Year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards, and Most Trusted Clinical and Forensic Psychology Clinic in Yorkshire and the Global Health and Pharma Mental Health Awards.
Founded by Dr Laura Powling eight years ago, the company offers neurodevelopmental, expert witness and wider psychological assessments and therapies.
Through its 28-strong team in Harrogate and Huddersfield, it works with individuals and families as well as courts, parole boards and immigration tribunals.
Dr Powling said:
RAF careers are taking off for Ripon Air Cadets“In 2021 we were awarded an NHS contract to support the NHS in significantly reducing their waiting times for neurodevelopmental (autism and ADHD) assessments in Yorkshire for children aged 0-19 which again have been impacted by COVID-19.
“This will make a significant difference to the children and young people, as well as their families. It’s fantastic that both the GHP and the Yorkshire Choice Awards have recognised this success and also the wider work we do within our communities in Harrogate and also Huddersfield.
“Awards like this help to raise the profile of the work we do and also the impact it can have.”
Two Ripon Air Cadets have completed and qualified on two of the most sought-after courses run by the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Sergeants Thomas Arcidiacono and Tobias Bennett have wasted no time after the Ripon unit’s return to normal parade activities following the covid lockdowns by applying themselves to some of the toughest training available to RAF Air Cadets.
Sgt Bennett was one of only a handful of cadets selected from 600 in the area to train and complete the Air Cadets Pilot Scholarship(ACPS) course at Tayside Aviation in Dundee.
Sgt Tobias Bennett (nearest camera) who passed his aviation course at in Dundee with flying colours
During his two-week course he passed aviation training and exams to go solo in the Aquila A221 at the age of just 16 years old.
Sgt Bennett said:
“It was a surreal experience that will stick with me for the rest of my life.”
He hopes to join the RAF as a pilot to continue his passion for aviation. He also wants inspire fellow cadets and said the course has given him the ability to add a further level of depth to his teaching at the C&E Yorkshire Wing Aviation Centre.
Sgt. Arcidiacono had a very different experience as he was selected as one of only 50 cadets from around the country to take part in the Air Cadets Junior Leaders Course.
The squadron’s Officer Commanding, Warrant Officer Wayne Cobbett, told the Stray Ferret:
“We are all extremely proud of the achievements Tobias and Thomas.”
He pointed out:
“For Tobias to be qualified to go solo in the Aquila A221 at such a young age is a tremendous achievement.”
WO Cobbett added:
“The course taken by Thomas was not for the faint-hearted. It is physically demanding and requires real commitment and determination and involves nine weekend training camps and an assessment week in leadership, military skills and tactics.
“It also involves the award of a Level Two Certificate in Team Leadership from the Institute of Leadership and Management.”
Sgt Thomas Arcidiacono (left) pictured giving instruction on the junior leaders’ course
Sgt Thomas Arcidiacono, said:
“The Junior Leaders’ course was easily the best thing I have done throughout my six years of being in the cadets.”
He thanked the support staff that ran the course, when he added:
“Even if they were tough at times; it is their support and guidance that drove me to do more and achieve what I never thought possible and become a Qualified Junior Leader(QJL).”
886 (City of Ripon) Squadron – Ripon Air Cadets, takes on cadets from age 12 (and in Year8) and are taking names for their September intake and Open Evening on Friday September 2, 2022.
For further information, contact the squadron’s Officer Commanding, WO Wayne Cobbett RAFAC on oc.886@rafac.mod.gov.uk
Read More:
- Ripon hits a high note for the Queen with Platinum Jubilee horn
- In words and pictures – how Ripon and the Harrogate district celebrated the jubilee
New horn is the jewel in the crown of Ripon’s royal celebrations
Ripon has added another possession to its priceless collection of ceremonial and historically-significant items.
Residents and visitors to this proud royal city now have a permanent reminder of the Queen’s platinum jubilee after a specially-commissioned horn was added to a treasure chest including the horn that Alfred the Great gave to the people of Ripon in 886.
That point was made by former mayor of Ripon and Honorary Freeman of the City, John Richmond BEM, as he presented the horn to the Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon, Cllr Sid and Mrs Linda Hawke.
Mr Richmond, who is 86 and the longest surviving former mayor, remains the only one in the city’s long and distinguished history to perform the setting of the watch ceremony while in mayoral office.
Last night, he told the packed crowd gathered on Market Square:
“I’m here to officially present the horn, but not to blow it this time!”
Mr Richmond who was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in the 2021 New Year’s Honours, added:
“This is another moment in history for this wonderful city and I hope you all remember this day forever.”
Jubilation – John Richmond who served as mayor of Ripon in 1975-1976 presented the new horn to the Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon Clllr Sid and Mrs Linda Hawke.
Cllr Hawke, who was recently installed as mayor for a second term of office, said:
“Ripon has always been a royal city and we have been graced by the Queen’s visits with her late husband Prince Philip.
“I can’t think of a better way of marking her 70-year reign than by having a jubilee horn dedicated to her and the lifelong service she has given to this country.”
In May 2019, to mark the end of her third term of mayoral office, Cllr Pauline McHardy, presented the Quest McHardy horn to the city.
The largest crowd of the extended Bank Holiday, estimated by organisers as being in excess of 3,000, was present to see the city receive the Platinum Jubilee Horn.
It, alongside the platinum jubilee horn, will be in regular use as the team of four hornblowers take it in turns to set the watch – in the world’s longest-standing ceremonial activity, dating back 1,136 years.
History of Ripon’s horns
Alfred the Great’s 886 horn was succeeded by the 1690 horn, costing six shillings and eight pence and to mark 1,000 years since the granting of Ripon’s first charter, Ripon received a ceremonial drinking horn from the famous Chillingham herd, presented to the city by the then Dean of Ripon the Very Revd W.R. Freemantle at the millenary festival held on August 25, 1886.
A further 100 years of Ripon’s history was marked in 1986 when an ox horn with ornate copper fittings was created by a local craftsman and financed and donated to the city by Sigma Antiques.
During the covid lockdowns, which prevented them from appearing on Market Square, the hornblowers kept the custom alive by blowing their horns behind closed doors at their respective homes.
Read More:
Derby Day and Ripon’s royal connection to the world’s greatest horserace
Away from the the sights and sounds of the platinum jubilee celebrations across the Harrogate district, it’s a fitting day to remember another royal connection from the Ripon area that goes directly to the Queen, via her great great grandmother, Queen Victoria.
It was Derby Day on Epsom Downs and the world’s most famous race grabbed national and international attention, with the easy winner and 5-2 favourite, Desert Crown, trained by Sir Michael, destined to earn a fortune at stud.
On the boundary wall at the Parish Church of St Lawrence in Aldfield — between Ripon and Fountains Abbey — there is a blue plaque recognising that William Powell Frith, the world-renowned painter, whose signature work was called The Derby Day was born in the tiny village on November 2, 1819.
A portrait of William Powell Frith as a young man. Picture: Mary Evans Picture Gallery
His mother Jane, was house steward to Sophia Lawrence of Studley Royal, before the family moved to Harrogate in 1826 to manage the Dragon Hotel.
Nine years later, at the age of 16, Frith decided to take his prodigious artistic talent to London, telling his family that his aim was to make his fortune.
This was no misplaced boast, as he was entered into the Royal Academy and earned the accolade of being one of Queen Victoria’s favourite painters.
The Queen, who is Victoria’s great great grandaughter, has never won the Classic race as either owner or breeder and the nearest she came was in her coronation year , when her horse Aureole finished second in the 1953 running.
Dreams of a fairy-tale win in platinum jubilee year were dashed when her horse Reach for the Moon was withdrawn from today’s race by joint trainers John and Thady Gosden, after the three-year-old colt suffered a training setback.
For only the third time in her 70-year reign, the 96-year-old Queen is also a ‘non-runner’ at Epsom today, with ongoing health issues meaning she will be watching the race on television.
Frith, who lived to the age of 89, died in 1909 assured that his Derby Day work created between 1856 and 1858 had earned him the fortune that he predicted.
His classic painting and other celebrated works – have put him forever in the frame as one of the world’s best known artists
Read More:
- Where you can go for the district’s jubilee celebrations
- Why was it time for a royal tea at Ripon Cathedral?
70 guests representing Queen’s 70 years attend Ripon tea party
Ripon Cathedral has hosted a tea party at which guests represented every year of her Queen’s 70-year reign.
The 70 attendees ranged in age from one-year-old Hugo Krippner to Lynn Gray, who was born in 1952.
Each invitee brought a guest with them and in total, 150 people were present for the event organised by Canon Aisla Newby and supported by a large team of volunteers
At your tea service … the volunteers ensured guests were topped up with tea and buns.
Another canon of the cathedral, Charles Dodgson, had a son, also named Charles, who wrote under the name Lewis Carroll and was the author of the world famous children’s classic Alice in Wonderland, which featured the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
Today’s gathering was well-organised in contrast to Carroll’s fictional and chaotic Mad Hatter event and the guests marked the monarch’s reign in an elegant and respectful manner.
Ms Gray who travelled to Ripon from Grassington, told the Stray Ferret:
“It’s an absolute privilege to be here, joining with different generations of people to celebrate the Queen’s jubilee and her incredible service to this country.”
For one-year-old Hugo, whose father Dr Ronny Krippner is Ripon Cathedral’s director of music, high tea was taken in a high chair and today’s get together will be a memory in the family album that he can look back on in future years.
Dr Krippner, whose wife Audrey and three-year-old daughter Sophie also attended, said:
“We are delighted to be part of an occasion which has historic significance for this community and the country.”
Read More:
Harrogate district jubilee: day one blog
This live blog of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is proudly sponsored by Boundless Networks – delivering quality broadband connectivity at a reasonable cost to homes and businesses in the Harrogate district.
The sun is out as four days of jubilee celebrations get underway in the Harrogate district today.
The Stray Ferret will be covering the festivities and the fun, the street parties and the ceremonies over the next four days in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham, and the villages in between.
We want to hear what’s happening in your town, village or city so email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add it to the blog.
5.24pm: Will it stay dry for tonight’s beacons?
It’s been a warm and sunny opening day to the jubilee celebrations but it is clouding over.
Beacons are due to be lit across the Harrogate district tonight, with most occurring at 9.45pm. According to the BBC weather forecast for Harrogate, some rain is possible.
Spofforth Castle, Ripon Market Square, Almscliffe Crag in North Rigton, the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, Kirkby Malzeard and Roomer Common in Masham are among the locations taking part.
So too is Knaresborough Castle, where Tamsin from the Stray Ferret will be among the onlookers.
4.35pm: Spofforth hosts children’s party
Fresh from his trip to Blubberhouses, our reporter Tom has been to Spofforth to witness today’s jubilee activities.
You can read his full account here.
4.17pm: Great and the good attend Ripon Cathedral’s civic event
Julian Smith MP
Harry Gration
North Yorkshire dignitaries gathered at Ripon Cathedral today for a service in honour of the Queen.
Those attending included the Archbishop of York, Ripon MP Julian Smith, Grantley Hall owner Valeria Sykes and former Look North presenter Harry Gration.
You can read our Ripon reporter Tim’s full account here.
3.58pm: Human plant pots in Harrogate town centre
Last year there was fake grass in Harrogate town centre — now there are human plant pots. And they’re certainly proving more popular with visitors, who posed for photos alongside them. It’s all part of the jubilee fun. Send us your jubilee pictures to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
3.27pm: First street party underway in Pannal Ash
Most street parties are on Sunday but the residents of Castle Hill Glade in Pannal Ash thought today might be a more family-friendly day and, judging by the weather forecast, they may have chosen the right day
Rachel Baskin (pictured far left), who applied for the street closure, told us the party idea evolved from covid, when residents living on the cul-de-sac would have socially distanced meetings on Thursdays.
There’s also an informal group called Ladies of Glade, who meet a glass of wine each week.
Residents in nearby streets are bringing their own teas and sitting outside together to enjoy the occasion.
2.55pm: Bilton’s Party on the Pitch proves a hit
People are pouring into Bilton Cricket Club’s free Party on the Pitch event, which runs until 9pm.
We’ve just been down and there is a wonderful atmosphere, which shows there is a great community spirit in Bilton and a thirst for get togethers like this since the demise of Bilton Gala on May Day.
There’s a barbecue, live music and plenty for children to do. People are just rocking up and having a picnic on the pitch.
Matt Thomas, cricket secretary, estimated about 1,000 people were there an hour ago and the number is growing. He added:
“It’s a great opportunity for the local community to get together and have fun.”
There is a collection for Yorkshire Air Ambulance — a cause dear to the club’s heart after a player had a heart attack on the pitch at an away game last year.
1.20pm: Jubilee shenanigans on Harrogate’s Beulah Street
It’s not every day you wander along Beulah Street and see people dressed like this belting out Land of Hope and Glory. But that’s what the jubilee does to you. It’s that kind of weekend.
What’s happening out in Bilton, Starbeck and Jennyfields, or in Pateley Bridge? Wherever you are in the Harrogate district we want to receive your jubilee news and images. Email us and we will add them to this live blog.
1.12pm: Live music all day in Ripon
Among those early to arrive on Market Square was four-year-old Aylar and her mum Susannah (pictured), who were blowing bubbles as the free entertainment started on stage with Lily Worth.
Lily sang a selection of songs from musicals, including the Greatest Showman. There is free live music all day in Ripon’s Market Square.
Meanwhile, a giant TV screen next to Ripon Town Hall linked the city to Horseguards Parade in London, where the Trooping the Colour ceremony, broadcast live on the BBC, marked the Queen’s official birthday.
Lily Worth on stage in Ripon today.
The big screen.
1.01pm: Blubberhouses flower festival tells Queen’s story
Our reporter Tom has been to Blubberhouses, where a jubilee-themed flower festival is underway.
You can visit it at St Andrew’s Church in Blubberhouses, just past Fewston Reservoir off the A59, from 11am to 4pm every day over the four-day weekend.
Further details are here.
12.26pm: Bishop leads county service of celebration
Ripon is pulling out the stops this weekend with activities galore, and Ripon Cathedral is at the heart of things. The Bishop of Ripon has tweeted about a service she led this morning.
https://twitter.com/HartleyHAM/status/1532321794765488128
12.05pm: Ripon mum wins Bettys Jubilee Bake Off
Ripon mum Lori Hendry (pictured holding the cake) has beaten three other shortlisted bakers to win the Bettys Jubilee Bake Off.
Lori’s Victoria sponge decorated with red, white and blue icing adorned with a crown and Union Jack flags wowed the judges. You can read more here.
11.10am: Free rides, entertainment and face painting in Valley Gardens
Free events are taking place in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens until 6pm. It’s very much a family occasion: kids can meet Elsa, Batman and Cinderella (pictured above), ride on the runaway train, climb a wall, jump on a bungee trampoline, watch jugglers — all for free.
Elsewhere in Harrogate, on a section of the Stray, which has been renamed Jubilee Square, people can watch a big screen of the BBC coverage of the jubilee.
10.27am: Recycling depots open as usual
North Yorkshire County Council tweets that its household recycling centres are open as normal this bank holiday weekend.
All our household waste recycling centres are open, as usual, from 8.30am to 5pm, throughout the Queen's #PlatinumJubilee bank holiday weekend.
Find your nearest site and what items you can take athttps://t.co/llRAH0z30s pic.twitter.com/rASZiF1jhk
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) June 2, 2022
9.32am: Bishop Monkton choir starts the jubilee weekend
Bishop Monkton kicked off the jubilee weekend last night a community concert given by a choir developed on Zoom during the pandemic.
The choir entertained an audience of 120 in the village hall with a show titled Seven Decades of Song, featuring music from the 1940s to the present day. The concert included hits from musicals like Oklahoma and the Sound of Music as well as more recent numbers from Leonard Cohen and Gary Barlow.
The choir grew out of the village’s Singing for Fun group, which had started just before the pandemic and which kept going through the covid lockdowns by meeting on Zoom. The show included a live rendition of a song called Lockdown, written during covid by the village’s jubilee queen, Pauline Beecroft, to the tune of the Petula Clark 1960s hit Downtown.
The concert ended with the singing of Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and the National Anthem.
Thanks to Colin Philpott for sending us this jubilee news in Bishop Monkton. What’s happening where you are? Message us your jubilee news and pictures at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
8.52am: Free music all day in Ripon
The stage is set in Ripon for the biggest royal party of the ancient city’s long history. Lily Worth will kick off a day of free music at 10.30am and she will be followed by Ripon’s own talented singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary.
Later, tribute acts will sing the songs of Stevie Wonder, Cilla Black, George Michael, the Everly Brothers and Katherine Jenkins. For nostalgia lovers, there will be wartime songs of Vera Lynn and others from 4.50pm.
Organisers Ripon City Council are hoping that the blue skies that have started the day will remain over the town hall and stage facing onto Market Square, where large crowds are anticipated.
8.45am: Stray Ferret journalists set to hit the road
Tim will be in Ripon all day and for the lighting of the beacon.
Tom plans to head to Blubberhouses and Spofforth
John will be in and around Harrogate
Tamsin will be in Knaresborough for tonight’s beacon lighting.
Say hello if you see us in our Stray Ferret hats and please send us your photos to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will do our best to upload them on to our blog throughout the day.
North Yorkshire dignitaries honour the Queen at Ripon Cathedral
Sun glinted off the many chains of office hung around the necks of dignitaries attending the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee service in Ripon today.
The great and good had gathered for the North Yorkshire Civic Service at the city’s ancient cathedral, which is itself in celebration mode as it marks the 1,350th anniversary since being founded by Wilfrid, who went on to become Ripon’s patron saint.
The service in honour of Her Majesty took place some 37 years after she visited the cathedral with her late husband Prince Philip to hand out Maundy Money to church workers and volunteers,
The Very Revd John Dobson, the Dean of Ripon, led the service and key moments within it were performed by the Archbishop of York the Most Revd and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell and the Rt Revd the Lord Bishop of Leeds Nick Baines, as well as the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Mrs Jo Ropner and the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, James Lambert.
The unmistakable Harry Gration who attended this morning’s service.
Among the congregation, was Harry Gration, the retired presenter of BBC TV Look North, who is a deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon Cllr Sid and Mrs Linda Hawke, pictured with Valeria Sykes.
From the business world, Valeria Sykes, owner of Grantley Hall hotel and wellness spa, was present and posed for a photograph with the newly-installed Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon, Cllr Sid Hawke and his wife Linda.
Ripon’s MP Julian Smith on his way in to the cathedral.
Local and national politics was represented, with the city’s Conservative MP, Julian Smith and Cllr Andrew Williams the Independent leader of Ripon City Council both present.
Cllr Williams, who was also elected by a landslide margin to the new North Yorkshire unitary authority, attended with newly-elected city councillor Jackie Crozier. They are pictured below.
Cllr Williams, told the Stray Ferret:
“It is absolutely marvellous to see Ripon host the civic service for the county in this very special platinum jubilee year.
“As a city, we are extremely proud of our royal roots and with events at the cathedral, Market Square and Spa Park, all elements of the community and people of all ages, are coming together over the extended Bank Holiday. to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event.”
Read more:
- The icing is on a royal cake for Ripon competition winner
- Ripon joins in district-wide celebrations of the Queen’s Jubilee
New platinum jubilee horn adds to Ripon’s rich royal history
History will be made in Ripon on Saturday night when the Platinum Jubilee Horn, made to mark the Queen’s remarkable reign, is blown for the first time.
The horn, commissioned by the city council to provide Ripon’s citizens and visitors with a ceremonial means of celebrating Her Majesty’s 70 years of service, will be presented to Cllr Sid Hawke, the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Ripon by John Richmond BEM.
Mr Richmond, an honorary freeman and former Mayor of Ripon, has the distinction of being the only person to carry out the internationally famous setting of the watch ceremony while in mayoral office, when he acted as a ‘stand-in’ hornblower in December 1975.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“It is an incredible honour to be asked to present the new horn in a city which takes great pride in its royal heritage.
“This goes back to Alfred the Great who, in 886, presented Riponians with their first ceremonial horn as a ‘thank you’ for their courage in fighting off a Viking raid.”
John Richmond BEM and Freeman of the City of Ripon who made history in 1975, will present the new Platinum Jubilee Horn.
The presentation will take place on Ripon Market Square at 8.45pm in time for the setting of the watch ceremony at 9pm.
The horn was made by Duncan Grimmond, a locally-based craftsman who has made several horns for the city council over the last four decades.
Mark Sidwell, musical director of Ripon City Band, advised Mr Grimmond on the process of making the horn, which is believed to be from an African buffalo and has silver mountings.
The mountings include the Commemorative jubilee hallmark and the inscription reads Presented by Ripon City Council to the City of Ripon on the occasion of HM Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee – June 2022.
Cllr Andrew Williams. leader of Ripon City Council who proposed the commissioning of the new horn, pointed out:
“This will be a permanent reminder of our jubilee celebrations this week which promise to be the most comprehensive anywhere in North Yorkshire”
The nightly setting of the watch has continued un-broken for 1,136 years and is believed to be the world’s longest continuously-held ceremonial event.
It has survived the Black Death, other plagues, world wars, civil war and, more recently, the covid pandemic lockdowns, which saw Ripon’s team of four hornblowers keep the tradition alive by sounding their blasts behind closed doors at their homes.
Read more: