Tim Flanagan, Author at The Stray Ferret

Ripon’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display cancelled

A fireworks display, which had been due to take place tomorrow night as part of Ripon’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, has been cancelled.

No reason for the cancellation has yet been given and it is currently unclear whether the rest of the night’s activities will take place.

Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams, told the Stray Ferret:

“We are having to cancel the display due to circumstances that are beyond our control and are also in discussion with authorities regarding the concert element planned for tomorrow.

“We will provide a further update later.”

Free entertainment was due to begin with the Ripon Hornblower ceremony at the obelisk at 9pm, followed by an Oasis tribute act and the Big Boyband Reunion.

The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, was then due to address the audience at 11.55pm and, following a blessing by the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt. Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the fireworks display was scheduled to start as the town hall clock strikes 12.

Ripon’s New Year’s Eve celebrations set to go ahead

Ripon’s New Year’s Eve free concert and fireworks display on Market Square is set to go ahead.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid’s announcement this week that no additional covid restrictions will be put in place in England before the New Year effectively gave Friday’s event the green light.

However, with the Omicron variant bringing a surge in the number of recorded covid cases in the Harrogate district, Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams is urging caution for the large public event.

He said:

“We ask anyone planning to attend to take a lateral flow test and only venture onto Market Square if it gives a negative result.

“We already had the licence for the event from Harrogate Borough Council and had been keeping a close eye on announcements from the government regarding covid measures.

“Now that we have the go-ahead, we hope that people will come and enjoy the night of free entertainment and ensure their own safety and that of others by taking sensible precautions.”

Fireworks display

Safety concerns about holding a fireworks display in Market Square to herald in 2022 have also been resolved. An alternative area of land to the rear of Ripon Town Hall will be used to discharge the display.

Entertainment will begin with the Ripon Hornblower ceremony at the obelisk at 9pm and will be followed by performances from an Oasis tribute act and the Big Boyband Reunion.

The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, will address the audience at 11.55pm and, following a blessing by the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt. Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the fireworks display will start as the town hall clock strikes 12.

New Year’s Eve celebrations have been held on Ripon Market Square since 1986 but covid caused the cancellation of the 2020 event.

No.9: Persistent crime in Ripon

In this article, which is part of a series on the 15 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2021, we look at the persistent problems on the streets of Ripon.

Stories about violent and anti-social behaviour in Ripon have featured regularly in the news this year.

Among the most disturbing, was our report in August about a terrifying ordeal for a young boy, who was held up by a man and a youth at knifepoint and robbed of this trainers, mobile phone and jewellery.

The thugs, who threatened to ‘shank’ his leg with the knife if he didn’t do as told, were soon arrested by the police and brought to justice.

In February, a Ripon retailer came to the aid of a man who was being set upon by two vicious thugs in broad daylight.

The retailer, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Stray Ferret the attack occurred when the victim remonstrated with youths who had thrown a snowball at him. He said:

“As I came out of the shop, the man was on the ground and one of the youths was kicking him in the head, while another was stamping on his face.

“I thought that they were going to kill him – I shouted at them and they ran off.”

Night of crime

Earlier that month, we reported on a three-hour spate of crime in Ripon on a Sunday evening that included a man carrying a machete, a robbery, thefts and gangs gathering.

The incidents, included a robbery in which a 23-year-old man suffered facial injuries after being attacked by two or three males, who stole his phone and watch.

Following the incidents, Inspector Alex Langley, head of neighbourhood policing for Ripon, tried to reassure people that the events were being taken seriously and that “we will be taking robust action against those responsible”.

Philip Allott, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner at the time, responded by saying he hoped an increased police presence in the city would send a message that “crime will not be tolerated”. He also urged more residents to “break silence” and report anything suspicious.

“Officers know who the perpetrators are, they have made arrests, they have got a grip on the situation, and I am confident of that.

“One of the problems we have in Ripon is sometimes a wall of silence by certain families and that makes it quite difficult to apprehend people.

“The police will still get those people. It just takes a bit longer.

Police step-up patrols

But further violent and anti-social behaviour in August prompted police to step-up patrols and launch investigations into four separate incidents

At the time, detective superintendent Steve Thomas, of North Yorkshire Police, said:

“Following the success of local policing operations to reduce anti-social behaviour in Ripon over recent months these latest incidents are disappointing.

“We are determined that this small group of individuals are held to account for behaviour that harms the quality of life for everyone else.

“Local residents will see an increase in police presence over the coming days and we want to reassure you that we will do everything necessary to tackle this isolated problem.”

This is just a snapshot of some of the incidents that police in Ripon have had to tackle in 2021. They have also run, in conjunction with Operation Spectre, a national campaign to engage with schoolchildren in the city about the dangers of knife crime and taking drugs.

Sergeant Heidi Lewis, of the schools liaison team, said officers were there to build relationships with the children and answer any questions. She said:

“Education at an early stage is crucial to steer children away from falling into a criminal lifestyle and becoming exploited.

“Some young people think it’s safe to carry a knife in case they need it for self-defence – but this could not be further from the truth. Any knife in the hands of anyone can cost lives.”

The city will be hoping to make headlines for more positive reasons in 2022.

Ripon councillors call on crime commissioner to keep CCTV promise

North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe has been called on by Ripon City Council to keep a promise made by her predecessor regarding the purchase of CCTV cameras to combat violent and anti-social behaviour.

Former commissioner Philip Allott, who resigned in October, said he would pay £20,000 for two cameras out of his PFCC community fund.

He pledged in September to pay for cameras for use in the Bondgate area of the Ripon, following a “mini crime wave”.

He told a meeting of North Yorkshire County Council‘s Skipton and Ripon Area Constituency Committee that his office was willing to pay for the extra cameras, costing £10,000 apiece, if Ripon City Council submitted an application — which it did.

He subsequently resigned before the cameras were bought.

The PFCC has now said in an email to the city council:

“The PFCC community fund is not, at this stage – under the funding criteria as it stands – in a position to support your application for the CCTV requested.”

The email added that the PFCC has agreed with North Yorkshire County Council that a joint strategic approach to a countywide CCTV review will proceed after the May local elections next year.

Ms Metcalfe told the Stray Ferret:

“It is deeply disappointing that the previous commissioner committed resources without advice and full consideration of the funding criteria of the community fund, and I am sorry the city council has been put in this position.

“Unfortunately, if we were to fund CCTV for one area, we would find ourselves in an impossible position of being asked to replicate this type of provision across the whole of York and North Yorkshire.

“The funding pot we have available is simply unable to support this, which is why it is important we take an overall view.

“I give my full assurance to the city council and the residents and businesses of Ripon that my team and I will support them to address their community safety concerns together with the appropriate statutory partners.”

Councillor Andrew Williams, leader of Ripon City Council, said:

“I have been contacted by the commissioner, who has offered to meet with me.

“I will be taking her up on the offer, so that I can press the case that residents in Bondgate were promised by her predecessor two CCTV cameras, which are much-needed to ensure that residents who have felt blighted by anti-social behaviour feel safe.

“The temporary camera installed in Bondgate by Harrogate Borough Council earlier this year had a significant impact and a permanent solution now needs to be delivered as promised.”

Mr Allott, stood down after making comments in a radio interview about the murder of Sarah Everard murder trial.

Pilgrims brave the elements for Ripon’s Boxing Day walk

Persistent morning rain did not deter a hardy group of pilgrims from maintaining a Boxing Day tradition in Ripon.

More than 100 people made the four-mile journey from the city’s ancient cathedral to Fountains Abbey.

Walking at a gentle pace, wearing waterproofs, raincoats and with some carrying umbrellas, they retraced the steps of the 13 Benedictine monks, who set off from the cathedral on Boxing Day 1132 to become the original founders of the abbey.

Pilgrims walking along Kirkgate at the start of their journey to Fountains Abbey

The annual pilgrimage, which began in 1976, was cancelled last year because of covid, but with smaller numbers than usual taking part this year, the event was safely staged, as walkers covered the route in small groups.

The pilgrims, carrying a cross, were led on the walk to the abbey by the Dean of Ripon, The Very Revd. John Dobson (pictured below, second from left) with five fellow walkers.

At the abbey, the cellarium, with its vaulted roof (pictured below) provided shelter from the elements for a carol service led by the Dean and cathedral clergy.

The service provided a heart-warming finale, full of festive cheer for the pilgrims.

photo of the cellarium at Fountains Abbey

Yesterday’s event was the second pilgrimage of the year from the cathedral to the abbey.

In September, Ripon Together’s Yorkshire Pilgrimage was held as part of its Healthy Journeying campaign, which encourages people to walk in the Yorkshire countryside for physical and mental wellbeing.

Ripon’s Boxing Day pilgrimage takes place tomorrow

It was cancelled last year because of covid, but tomorrow’s Boxing Day pilgrimage from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey is scheduled to go ahead.

The event, which regularly attracts upwards of 1,000 people, will follow the 9.30am Eucharist service for St Stephen’s Day.

At 10am, pilgrims will set off from the cathedral on the four-mile journey to Fountains Abbey.

Walking at a leisurely pace, they will retrace the steps of the 13 Benedictine monks who were the original founders of the abbey in 1132.

At the abbey, a carol service will be led by the Dean of Ripon The Very Revd. John Dobson and cathedral clergy.

The pilgrimage between the two iconic heritage and religious sites has been held since 1976.

Sunday’s event will be the second pilgrimage of the year from the cathedral to the abbey.

Salvation Army brings a ray of hope across the Harrogate district

Despite the cancellation of its traditional lunch in Ripon, The Salvation Army has given gifts and festive treats to those in need across the Harrogate district.

On Christmas Day 2019, the Salvation Army Hall on Lead Lane was a hive of activity, as volunteers cooked and served three-course meals for dozens of people.

The lunch, held annually for almost two decades, will not take place today. As in 2020, it has fallen victim to coronavirus.

For the usual attendees, who are lonely, short of money or have health issues, the cancellation will come as a disappointment.

But behind the scenes, the spirit of Christmas has continued.

Although unable to invite guests for lunch, The Salvation Army has reached out to hundreds of men, women and children across the Harrogate district.

Photo of the Salvation Army Hall

Donated gifts and festive treats (some of which are pictured above) were gathered through its annual appeal, from individuals, retailers and other businesses.

They have now been given to more than 150 families facing difficult circumstances.

Pat Clark and Alison Hewitt – members of the church leadership team at Lead Lane – have witnessed the growing need across the district, as an increasing number of people have struggled to make ends meet.

Both believe that a combination of factors, including the increased cost of gas and electricity, the end of the furlough scheme, rising food prices and changes to Universal Credit, have added to a worsening situation for many.

Pat, told the Stray Ferret:

“Because of the semi-rural area that we live in, wages are traditionally low for a large number of people and those on a tight budget have no room for manoeuvre.

“This can lead to them getting trapped in a level of debt that they can’t handle and they don’t know where to turn.

“We are here to listen and help in a confidential and non-judgemental way.”

Alison, added:

“This year we have seen a lot more families who have been finding it hard and Christmas puts them under even greater financial pressure.

“We hope that the gift packs that we are able to give them through the appeal have helped to ease their burden.”

The packs include four gifts, a book and a selection box for children and there are also presents for adults.

In addition, each family receives a bag of festive food goodies.

The names of recipients, which remain confidential, are provided by agencies that act as a link between those in need and The Salvation Army.

It is not as yet known if the Christmas Day lunch will be able to return next year, but the annual appeal will continue to provide a lifeline for families in the festive season.

Ripon Cathedral’s 1350 programme receives £60,000 boost

Next year’s Ripon 1350 volunteer programme is being supported with funding of £60,800 from the National Lottery.

The award, from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Digital Skills for Heritage initiative, will help Ripon Cathedral to celebrate the 1350th anniversary of its foundation by Wilfrid, the city’s patron saint.

Ripon 1350, which will include a programme of events throughout 2022, is one 17 projects across the UK to receive funding to create digital volunteering opportunities, supporting volunteers to develop and contribute their digital skills.

Some opportunities will be offered online – removing barriers such as place, mobility, time commitments and confidence in returning to in-person activities due to the pandemic.

In turn, heritage organisations will gain the perspectives and skills of ‘at distance’ and on-site digital volunteers including many who may not have had the chance to volunteer before. The impact of the new volunteering opportunities and ways of working will be shared across the heritage sector.

Ros Kerslake, CEO at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting and sharing the UK’s heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players we are delighted to support these trailblazing projects, including ‘Ripon 1350’ as they create exciting new digital volunteering opportunities, helping to break down barriers and inspire the sector to get even more people involved in the heritage they love.”

The Ripon 1350 programme will develop participants’ knowledge, skills, and experience, through digital activities connected to the cathedral’s heritage.

It will provide, for the very first time, opportunities to become a digital volunteer and volunteer remotely. The project will also significantly contribute to the digitisation of the cathedral’s heritage, aimed at attracting and engaging new audiences from the UK and abroad.

The project will expand the cathedral’s current volunteer programme of 100 volunteers, by providing new digital volunteering opportunities in roles such as social media, photography, collections, visitor experience and website development.

Currently many of the cathedral’s volunteers are aged 55 or over, living locally and generally engaging in roles at the cathedral in daytime hours. These roles are difficult to access by those working, those with family or caring commitments, those living outside the area or those without the means to travel.

Volunteers will be trained in the production of digital tours, educational and collections videos, live and pre-recorded lectures and talks, aerial drone film production and social media. Role opportunities include a digital volunteer coordinator – a part/time paid role to manage the project and coordinate, train and support all Ripon1350 digital volunteers

Pateley Bridge Christingle service is postponed

One of the main Christmas events in Pateley Bridge has been postponed because of covid concerns.

The annual Christingle Service, which has been held at the parish church of St Cuthbert for more than 30 years, has been put on hold until next year.

Organiser Joyce Liggins told the Stray Ferret:

“It’s disappointing, as we were all set for Christmas Eve, but we decided to postpone, because of the covid situation.

“We are now looking to re-schedule, possibly for the first week in February.

“It’s a shame, because many local people view the service as their start to the festive season and the church is usually packed.

“Over the years, the service has also raised funds for the Children’s Society and while we can’t go ahead on Christmas Eve, we hope that people will still support the society.”

Donations can be made through a newly set up JustGiving page .

Last year, with a covid lockdown in place, a virtual Christingle service from St Cuthbert’s was posted on Facebook and £750 was raised through donations.

Since 1968, Christingle services have been held across the UK to raise money for the Children’s Society charity, which helps vulnerable young people.

The Christingle tradition has, like the bringing of an evergreen tree into a house, its roots in Germany and dates back to the 18th century, when it was introduced by Moravian Bishop Johannes de Watteville.

Ripon museums receive £100,000 lottery boost

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded almost £100,000 to Ripon Museum Trust to develop a major project.

The Inspiration for a Fairer Future project will enable the stories of poverty, law, crime, punishment and justice to be explored by a wider, more diverse audience.

It will also enable work to be carried out to safeguard the future of the Grade II listed Ripon Workhouse building.

The successful first round funding application provides the financial means for work to begin in spring, which will inform a larger proposal for £1.7 million, to be submitted to the heritage fund for consideration in 2023.

A fundraising campaign is being launched to secure match funding for the project.

The trust runs the Workhouse, Courthouse, and Prison and Police museums and the project will create a more cohesive story across all three sites, giving access to more historic spaces, improving orientation and creating new digital and on-site interpretation.

A new lift will be installed in the Workhouse to allow access to the upper floor and the dormitories will be opened up to provide new meeting spaces for community groups, schools and researchers.

There will be new facilities for school groups and other learners as well as new community spaces.

The initial development funding of £99,396 from the heritage fund will be used to appoint project staff and undertake community consultation to ensure the project reflects the needs of the people it seeks to engage, inspire and support.

Trust director Helen Thornton said:

“We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players. Our long-term vision for the three museums in our care can now begin to be realised.

“This grant will significantly increase the opportunities for people to get involved here – after reflecting upon our history and themes we hope to inspire people to seek a fairer society”.

Richard Taylor, chair of trustees, said:

“We were able to purchase the workhouse complex in 2016 due to a significant grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“Thanks to their ongoing support, we can safeguard an important listed building for the future and link up all the fascinating powerful and personal stories we have from the Workhouse, the Prison and Police Museum and the Courthouse Museum.”

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