Ripon residents are being given the opportunity to play a part in an innovative community project being created for the city’s first theatre festival.
At the Workhouse Museum on Allhallowgate between 11am-1.30pm today, would-be actors, scriptwriters, set designers and props handlers are invited to find out more.
The aim is to recruit people who would like to have a role in Jubilee at the Workhouse — a living history project by Fell Foss Theatre Company, under the direction of Mark Cronfield.
Participants will develop scripts with the museum’s volunteer research group alongside local writers and specialist script writer Simon Kirk of Time will Tell theatre company, long-time collaborators with English Heritage.
The finished production will reflect on previous royal celebrations in Ripon, such as Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, which was marked a year later, when the clock tower at the junction of Palace Road, North Street and Princess Road, was officially opened in front of a huge crowd.
Performances will take place on the final afternoon of the festival (Sunday June 26) when a promenade of colourful characters, will interact with the audience, as they make their way through the museum’s historic spaces.
The theatrical venture is being made possible through a collaboration between Ripon City Festival Trust and Ripon Museum Trust.
Festival co-director Katie Scott, said:
“This is our inaugural year and we are so pleased that we have been able to include this project in our plans.
“The festival aims to celebrate the unique city of Ripon through live performance and our ambition has always been to programme original and site-specific work alongside visiting companies. This is a creative and thought-provoking way to begin”.
Dr Laura Allan, community curator at Ripon Museum Trust, added:
“The historic spaces of the Workhouse Museum will be transformed into a stage with volunteers and the local community at the centre of the story. We are asking the local community to give it a go and get involved with this special jubilee performance”.
The festival runs from June 23 to 26, with a wide variety of performances from street theatre and puppetry to dance, storytelling and open-air Shakespeare
Tickets go on sale next month.
Environment Agency called to investigate potential Ripon pollution
The Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water are being called upon to investigate a foaming discharge into the River Ure in Ripon.
There are fears the discharge could be potentially harmful to humans, aquatic life and water fowl.
The Stray Ferret contacted the EA incident line after seeing the discharge yesterday and understands that the stretch of river near the Duchess of Kent Bridge on the A61 Ripon bypass has been affected since the weekend.
James Thornborough, an internationally-recognised authority on spillage on land and water, reported the incident to YW and said it would be normal practice for them to share the information with the EA.
The expert, who lives in nearby Sharow, told the Stray Ferret:
“I pass this part of river, which can be seen from the Dishforth Road, on a regular basis and on Sunday noticed the foaming on the water coming from a drainage outlet that feeds into the Ure.
“In my opinion this is not normal occurrence for this part of the river and that is why I reported it.
“It certainly warrants scrutiny by the EA to find out what exactly is being discharged and whether it is benign or potential harmful to people and animals.
“If it is discovered to be harmful, urgent remedial action will need to be taken.”
The drainage outlet (top right on the photograph) has been the source of the white foaming substance.
Mr Thornborough added:
“The EA, as the national competent authority for protecting the natural environment of the UK, is bound to assess any reported pollution incident and I would urge anybody who witnesses something like this, that looks out of place, to report it as soon as possible.
“Rivers collect water naturally from the atmosphere (rainfall), surface drainage (run off), ground waters, and underground aquifers.
“Unfortunately rivers must also cope with Industrial waste. Controlled industrial discharges are subject to license conditions. Uncontrolled industrial discharges occur due to operating controls failures, accidents or deliberate intention (criminal behaviour).”
What can the Environment Agency do?
Mr Thornborough said he expected the EA to analyse water samples. He added:
“Industrial pollution can reduce the concentration of bio dissolved oxygen in the water phase which can cause fish kills.
“At the very least, the biodiversity of the River Ure in the surrounds of this foaming event, has likely been impacted and microscopic marine organisms will have been killed upsetting the food chain.
“With this in mind, all stakeholders – from business operators, to the public and compliance organisations such as the EA, have a role to play in ensuring that our precious water resources are safeguarded.”
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Archbishop of York presents long-service medal in Kirkby Malzeard
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, made a rare visit to St Andrew’s in Kirkby Malzeard to honour one of the church’s most loyal servants.
In what was the first visit by an archbishop to the church in living memory, he presented a specially-commissioned silver medal to Chris Slater.
Mr Slater retired from his unpaid role of parish sexton and verger at the church near Ripon last year.
The award was in recognition of his work over more than six decades, which included meticulously caring for the grounds at St Andrew’s while keeping the building’s fabric in good condition and the clock on time.
Chris Slater, wearing his silver medal for long-service, is pictured at St Andrew’s.
Mr Slater married his wife Mary at St Andrew’s 58 years ago and the church, where they and their daughter Susan were christened, has been supported by the family for decades.
Mr Slater, who is 81, told the Stray Ferret:
“This church has been my life for more than 60 years and I looked after it in the way I have looked after Mary and Susan, with care and devotion, taking great pride in everything I have done there.
“It was a surprise, when I heard that the archbishop was coming to Kirkby Malzeard and I was honoured to receive the long service medal from him.”
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As well as looking after the grounds and the fabric of the church, Mr Slater attended, without fail, funerals there while his wife and daughter prepared the church for wedding services.
An indication of his dedication to St Andrew’s came in 2003 when he raised £3,000 with the help of family and friends to pay for the installation of an electronic mechanism to wind the church tower clock and its chimes.
He said:
“Before then, I had to wind the clock twice a week – with hundreds of turns each time – one to keep the clock going and the other to set the chimes. It was hard work.”
The presentation of his medal was made as part of the Plough Sunday service at the church.
Exhibition shows Fountains Abbey’s natural and man-made beauty
The raw force of nature is captured in this snow storm photograph by Joe Cornish.
Mr Cornish’s work can be found at Fountains Mill and the follies throughout the water garden and a free exhibition map can be obtained at entrances.
The map will guide visitors on a journey that, through his lens, illustrates how both man and nature have sculpted the landscape.
From the elegant manicured surroundings of the water garden created in the early 18th century by the Aislabie family, to the naturally-formed designs found in fallen trees around the site.
The Temple of Piety is one of the exhibition locations.
In addition to the exhibition map, a trail has been created for children, which aims to engage their imaginations by encouraging them to explore the whimsical themes in Mr Cornish’s work, such as hunting for hidden weather-beaten faces found in the bark of trees.
The Fallen series focuses on a number of trees which have a powerfully sculptural quality. The title given to this aspect of the exhibition, acknowledges the on-going job they do, providing a refuge for many species of tiny creatures, fungi and microbial life.
The children’s trail encourages young people to look for faces in the bark of trees.
Root and branch – the photographs of Joe Cornish feature some of the extraordinary trees at Fountains Abbey and the Studley Royal Deer Park.
Within the ornate alcoves of the Banqueting House there are two large-scale panoramic photographs of the sweeping views in the water garden and the Octagon Tower is the venue where visitors can view a series of six photographs themed ‘The Fallen’.
These provide a close-up look at the shapes that nature formed over centuries, on trees felled by storms and other incidents, that remain in situ and provide a wildlife habitat for many different varieties of creatures.
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For the first time ever, no Conservative candidates will be seeking election to Ripon City Council on May 5.
The party is fielding candidates though in the election being held on the same day for the new North Yorkshire Council.
The apparent bloc decision means the Conservatives have disengaged from grassroots parish politics in the city with devolution less than a year away.
Who is standing in the Ripon City Council election?
While the ballot for Ripon’s two seats on the new unitary North Yorkshire authority will be hotly-contested, the election for the 12 city council seats is looking more clear cut.
In the Minster Ward, Independents Pauline McHardy, Chris Hardisty and Tony Duncan, are already elected, because no other candidates are standing against them.
With no Labour candidates standing either, the nine remaining city council seats in the Moorside, Spa and Ure Bank wards are up for grabs in a two-way fight between the Independents and Liberal Democrats.
In the Moorside Ward, current councillors Peter Horton and Andrew Williams, are standing for the Independents, along with Julia Martin-Long, while Tom Cavell-Taylor and Paul Dinning are standing for the Liberal Democrats.
The Spa Ward sees Barbara Brodigan and Bill Swaney, of the Liberal Democrats, against Independents Jackie Crozier, Stuart Flatley and Walter Woods, while Mayor Eamon Parkin and fellow independents Jo Bate and Sid Hawke are standing for re-election in the Ure Bank ward against Liberal Democrats Libby Clements and Helen Mason.
Disengagement from parish politics
The Conservatives’ disengagement from parish council politics, comes at a time when the demise of the Harrogate district, potentially puts greater emphasis on grassroots decision making and the running of services.
In the devolution melting pot are issues such as ownership and operation of assets including Ripon Town Hall, Hugh Ripley Hall, Market Square, Spa Gardens and Spa Park.
Former mayor John Richmond (pictured above) told the Stray Ferret there’s a need for the city to be represented from the grassroots upwards.
Mr Richmond emphasised how important it is people vote, saying:
“Irrespective of whose name people plan to put their X against on May 5, I urge them to use their vote, because the bigger the turnout means the greater the mandate that those selected to represent us will have, when it comes to fighting for what Ripon requires.”
The independent-controlled city council has, with the support of Conservatives, called for assets handed over to Harrogate at the last major local government reorganisation in 1974, to be returned to the city’s ownership from the soon to be defunct borough.
The Conservatives have also voted unanimously with the independents over the past two years to freeze the Ripon parish precept and there was also unanimity between the two groups in calling for Homes England to reduce the number of houses at the huge barracks development, amid concerns that the city’s road infrastructure could end up in perpetual gridlock.
The need for consensus at grassroots level
Although he is no longer involved in politics or aligned to any party, Mr Richmond remains passionate about the future of the city.
He advised:
“If ever there was a time for consensus and bi-partisan decision making at a very local level, that time is now.”
Mr Richmond, who was first elected in 1967, when he stood for the Conservatives, subsequently became an Independent and served as Mayor of Ripon in 1975-1976:
He pointed out
“The local government reorganisation in 1974 was a turbulent time, as we were going into totally unknown territory.
“The seat of power was no longer at Ripon Town Hall, but divided between the newly-created Harrogate District and North Yorkshire County Council.
“Against this backdrop of change and uncertainty, I soon learned how important it was to work alongside people of different political colours, when fighting for local issues.
“They, of course, were going to fight their corner for the people that voted them in and I was going to do the same for Ripon.”
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New artworks commissioned for Ripon Cathedral anniversary
Unique works of art are being created as part of a programme to mark the 1,350th anniversary of Ripon Cathedral.
They will include paintings by internationally-renowned Syrian artist Sara Shamma, who has been commissioned to produce three portraits featuring St. Wilfrid and his contemporaries, who founded the church in 672.
Ms Shamma’s work will be centrepieces of the From Rome to Ripon exhibition, which has been produced in collaboration with Paul Baily and Jack Chesterton.
It will be on display at the cathedral from May 27 until November 1.
Before then, weaver, Chrissie Freeth’s tapestry work Beyond Words can be seen from Thursday April 28 until May 26.
Chrissie Freeth’s tapestries will be on display from April 28
Ms Freeth, was shortlisted for last year’s Cordis Tapestry prize and her work Momento Mori was also selected for the Royal Academy’s summer exhibition.,
She blends folklore, family stories, medieval iconography, and craftsmanship in her large tapestries, 13 of which will be exhibited at the cathedral.
Between May 27 and July 26, Peter Marlow’s exhibition will give a fascinating insight into how English cathedrals developed
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. John Dobson, said:
“To reimagine this sacred space with new artworks from such a wide range of renowned artists, each working in different ways, is a fitting tribute to our founding father, Wilfrid.
“It will tell us something new about who we are, re-connect us with our past, and ground us in our future and I wholeheartedly commend this arts programme to all of you.”
Celebrations of the iconic building and its fundamental importance to Ripon’s development, begin on April 28 and will continue over the Bank Holiday Weekend,
The festivities will include dancing in the nave to a local jazz and swing band, a beer festival on the Bank Holiday Monday in the cathedral grounds, a pilgrimage from Bradford Cathedral, and a Son et Lumiere finale that promises to recreate Wilfrid’s miracles – including that of the lunar rainbow.
Rome to Ripon is a partnership between Ripon Cathedral and Art in the Churches, an award-winning local charity that aims to bring major contemporary art into rural churches to reposition them as the beating heart of their communities.
Who was St Wilfrid?
Wilfrid – one of the greatest and most controversial English saints – was born into a noble Northumbrian family, a patron of the arts, he studied at Lindisfarne before embracing the Roman ways, was deposed on more than one occasion, and yet helped unite England behind a single Christian tradition.
It is said he was born in flames, survived shipwrecks and exile, and his jailers could not keep him chained. He was a healer, he kept people from hunger by teaching them to fish, and it is said that the moon and stars shone so bright for him, that a lunar rainbow appeared on the anniversary of his death.
In his early twenties, he made a pilgrimage to Rome and was much inspired by the lives of the saints there, and the great basilica churches. He brought some of the beauty of Rome back to England with him.
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California awaits the arrival of ‘Mr Ripon’s’ smash-hit memoirs
From Ripon UK, to Ripon, California USA, John Richmond’s memoirs have proved a transatlantic hit.
In less than a month, every copy of the first-time author’s book Beyond the Farm Gate has been sold and more than £5,000 has been raised for Breast Cancer UK.
The final 20 copies, from a print run of 400, are being shipped to America later this week and a re-print is under consideration.
The 86-year-old former mayor, who earned the nickname ‘Mr Ripon’ for his wide-ranging community work, told the Stray Ferret:
“The book is dedicated to my late and beloved wife Barbara who died of cancer in 2013 and I have been overwhelmed by the response to it.
“It appears to have struck a chord both here and in the United States.”
Three Ripons united in the States
The California connection, which features prominently in John’s memoirs, was established 46 years ago, when he was invited to represent the world’s foremost Ripon at the USA’s Bicentennial celebrations.
Flying out at short notice and his own expense, in February 1976, he travelled to San Francisco, where he met the mayors of newer namesakes from California and Wisconsin.
The trip gave him the platform to speak about his home city’s ancient cathedral and history and traditions established over more than 1,300 years, including the world-famous hornblower ceremony, with its Royal roots going back to 886 AD and Alfred The Great.
Brenda Lange has been liaising with Paul Richmond to arrange the Transatlantic transaction. Picture: Jeremiah North Ripon CA Fire and Rescue
A huge hit in Ripon, California
A person who has taken a keen interest over many years in Ripon, North Yorkshire is Brenda Lange, who works for the fire and rescue service in Ripon, California.
Brenda visited with her parents when she was a teenager and they received a first-hand introduction from the Richmond family to the city’s ancient charms.
Following an article published in January 2021 about John’s receipt of the British Empire Medal, for services to the community, she contacted the Stray Ferret in a bid to track him down and send congratulations.
Since the contact was renewed, Brenda, colleagues and other citizens in Ripon, California, have become regular readers of the online news from Ripon UK.
She said:
“We were absolutely thrilled to read about the New Year’s Honour bestowed on John and when we also discovered that he was publishing his memoirs, we placed our advance orders and keenly await receipt of the shipment.”
Brenda, who has been liaising with John’s son Paul about the delivery arrangements, added:
“After reading the review of John’s book on the Stray Ferret, I just knew that I had to buy it and I know there are many others here in Ripon, California, who are also very excited to have the chance to purchase it!
“We’re all looking forward to the arrival of the book shipment and can’t wait to read it. I’m sure it will be a huge hit here, too!
“I can almost guarantee that the demand for his book here in Ripon, CA, will far outstrip the first 20 copies!.
In addition to the anticipated extra demand for the book in California, John is mindful of the fact that a number of people living in Ripon and neighbouring villages want to get their hands on a copy.
He pointed out:
“Because a re-print is an expensive exercise, I could only commit to going ahead with it if I receive advance orders from here and America and I would ask anybody out there who still wants a copy to call 01765 607096.”
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Ripon’s support for refugees
The generosity of Ripon’s citizens has been seen in many ways across the city, as the community has rallied to the call for help from the people of Ukraine.
Regular collections have been taken by the Rotary Club of Ripon as part of a UK-wide appeal in support of Ukraine.
In a sign of solidarity, the flag of Ukraine continues to fly on Ripon Town Hall
The Magdalens pub on Princess Road has also held two major fundraising events in support of the a gofundme page launched by the Edwards family.
Son Lewis and his Ukrainian partner Tanya Bogdanovska, along with eight friends, set up a shelter in Slovakia in late February to assist refugees and the humanitarian work continues, with money raised in Ripon.
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A target of £20,000 has been exceeded and Lewis’ mother, Ali Edwards, said :
“We have no further fundraisers planned and would like to thank the many kind-hearted people, whose donations of money, raffle prizes, facilities and time, helped us from day one.”
She pointed out:
“Though Lewis and Tanya are no longer in Slovakia, the programme that they helped to set up, is continuing to support women, children and men over the age of 60 who have been forced to flee Ukraine. “
Ripon Spa Croquet club offers free sessions at new home
Ripon Spa Croquet Club is enjoying a renaissance in its new surroundings of Studley Royal Cricket Club.
Covid lockdown from March 2020 and the subsequent sale of Spa Hotel, where the croquet players had been based for almost 30 years, signalled the need for relocation.
The move to SRCC is now complete, with hoops in place to play on a lovingly-tended surface adjacent to the cricket pitch.
The aim is to build on the club’s heritage, which saw international matches and world-class players do battle on the lawns of the hotel’s gardens.
The club’s international pedigree
Formed in the early 1990s as Ripon Spa Hotel Croquet Club, It was founded by Croquet Association Federation officer Keith Smith, hotel owner Andrew Hutchinson and managing director Samantha Currie.
It soon attracted players from across the district, including Harrogate, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge and Pateley Bridge.
By 1997, Ms Currie, Mr Hutchinson and clubmate Syd Jones all achieved world rankings and took part in the GC World Championships in Cairo.
While the club’s historic achievements provide many happy memories for its older members, the emphasis now is on the future.
Chair and chief coach Ted Flexman told the Stray Ferret:
“With the fabulous facilities that we have at the Studley Royal ground, there is the potential to create one of the best croquet clubs in the north.”
One man went to mow – Studley Royal Cricket Club groundsman Trevor Rose.
The club is offering two free introductory taster sessions on April 25 and 27 to attract new members. The sessions are open to people of all ages and anybody wishing to attend should contact the club in advance. Further details are available by clicking on this link.
Club secretary Sue I’Anson said:
“This is a great game for people of all ages and abilities, with the more seasoned players helping newcomers to master the technique of swinging the mallet and making good contact with the ball.”
This has certainly been the experience of member Rod Grant, who added:
“I’d never played croquet before and then Ted invited me have a game and I have enjoyed taking part ever since.”
Sue I’Anson is pictured with, from the left Ted Flexman, Roger I’Anson and Rod Grant
Top facilities
SRCC, with teams in the York & District Senior League Premier Division and 3 more in the Nidderdale League divisions 2, 5 and 7, has one of the best clubhouses of any amateur cricket club in Yorkshire and its pitch among the biggest in the county.
Mr Flexman said:
“We have been made very welcome here and look forward to a long and happy relationship as we play our complementary sports side by side.
“Both require good hand/eye coordination and we hope that some of the bowlers and batsmen try their hand at swinging a mallet.”
Roger I’Anson, who is in the process of obtaining his coaching qualifications, added:
“As well as the joy of taking part in the sport, whether a beginner or experienced player, it’s a tremendous way of making friends, with the clubhouse providing an excellent venue for pre and post-match socialising.”
Harry Whitaker, the owner of Mastachoice Fencing and Fabrication and apprentice Charlie Lister, constructing a storage shed that will be used to store croquet equipment
Roger I’Anson, who is in the process of obtaining his coaching qualifications, added:
“As well as the joy of taking part in the sport, whether a beginner or experienced player, it’s a tremendous way of making friends, with the clubhouse providing an excellent venue for pre and post-match socialising.”
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The Damned United to feature at Ripon Theatre Festival
Red Ladder’s production of The Damned United, about Brian Clough’s tempestuous time at Leeds United – made famous by the 2009 film starring Michael Sheen – is among the highlights at the first Ripon Theatre Festival.
The radical Leeds-based theatre company captures the feeling of incredulity, dismay, anger and disgust felt in 1974 and beyond, by Leeds fans and players alike, after Clough – who described the team as cheats – was surprisingly appointed manager.
He only lasted 44 days at Elland Road, but went on to greater things at Nottingham Forest, winning the European Cup in 1979 and 1980.
Tickets for a number of events at the festival, which takes place at indoor and outdoor venues around the city from June 23 to 26, are now on sale.
Lempen Puppet Theatre are among the family-friendly performers at the festival.
Other highlights include open-air theatre specialists Illyria, whose production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will be staged in the cloisters at Fountains Abbey.
Ripon’s refurbished Arts Hub, with its newly-installed wheelchair lift, will play host to visits from two North Yorkshire-based touring companies, Fell-Foss Theatre and Pyramus & Thisbe Productions.
Fell-Foss will present Crusoe’s Island – described as “one man’s story of shipwreck, solitude and salvation” as the festival’s opening night show.
A scene from Fell Foss Theatre’s production of Crusoe’s Island
Pyramus and Thisbe will be reviving their Holmes and Watson The Farewell Tour as a comic Sunday lunchtime treat.
Family-focused entertainment
Children and families will be spoilt for choice across the whole weekend.
Ripon Library will welcome back Hoglets Theatre with a twilight show for children, who are invited to come dressed for bed and to enjoy a gentle bed-time adventure with The Sleep Pirates show.
Story Craft Theatre from York also take over the library for an afternoon of crafty tales around the Heading into Space theme.
Puppetry and theatre for families feature heavily on Festival Saturday with back-to-back entertainment both indoors and outdoors across the city.
Skipton-based and internationally-respected Lempen Puppet Theatre take part in an entire day of indoor and outdoor shows and workshops in the Arts Hub, Library and at pop-up open-air locations.
Two more theatre companies with family-focused productions will be in residence in Ripon Spa Gardens for Festival Saturday – Badapple Theatre Company present their Tales from the Great Wood, followed by Strange Twig Theatre Company with Winnie and Warwick’s Magical Menagerie,
These shows sit alongside Punch and Judy puppet shows from Richmond-based Ron Wood and the day kicks off in Spa Gardens with an interactive Musical Bear Hunt for young children.
Festival director Ian Holloway said:
“We are delighted that businesses, local councils and trusts have got behind the festival to a degree that has enabled us to book a wide range of street theatre and “walkabout” acts, helping create a vibe throughout the day.”
Sunday events include pop-up dance theatre from Leeds-based ACCA ColLab to be performed in two café locations and the culmination of a Jubilee-themed living history project at the Ripon Workhouse Museum, before the Festival Finale at Fountains Abbey.
The Ripon Theatre Festival programme also includes pop-up indoor drama, spoken-word and illustrated talk events at the Curzon Cinema, The Little Ripon Bookshop and Ripon Library.
There’s also a puppet-led family trail game around the city centre and on Saturday night, a community revue of sketches and music from local writers and musicians.
The Festival opens on Thursday morning, June 23, with folk fables for grown-ups from “a unique force in storytelling”, Leeds-based Ursula Holden Gill.
A programme of free and affordable events
Sponsorship and local support means that many festival performances are free to watch and prices for ticketed shows have been kept low to encourage residents and visitors to attend multiple events across the weekend.
Ripon Theatre Festival is being organised by a team of community volunteers under its parent charity, The Ripon City Festival Trust.
In addition to main sponsor Wolseley, financial support has been provided by the Ripon BID, Specsavers, Ripon, Elstob & Elstob, MKM, F E Metcalfe along with North Yorkshire County Council, Ripon City Council and the Liz & Terry Bramall Foundation.
Support has also been provided by community groups, including Ripon Rowels Rotary Club, the Charity Pantomime Group and the Ripon Recycling Fund.
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