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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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

“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)

“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..

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.

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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.

Literature 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.

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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.

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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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Ripon City Council is calling for urgent action and a detailed investigation led by the Environment Agency after Storm Franklin brought unprecedented flooding to Hillshaw Park Way last month.

The owners of 11 affected properties, who are still dealing with insurance claims, a clean up operation and months of misery and disruption ahead, are seeking answers about the causes of the flood amid concerns that the drainage infrastructure serving their area is not fit for purpose.

Residents were invited to an extraordinary meeting of the council called by Mayor and ward councillor Eamon Parkin and fellow ward councillor Sid Hawke.

Irwin Blenkiron and his neighbour Andrew Jarvis spoke on behalf of all residents to highlight their concerns and seek remedial action to ensure that a similar incident does not occur in the future.

Irwin Blenkiron (front, centre) and Andrew Jarvis (checked shirt) spoke on behalf of residents of Hillshaw Park Way at the extraordinary meeting.

Mr Blenkiron, an 80-year-old retired civil servant, told the meeting about an urgent pre-dawn phone call he received from a neighbour on February 21, warning that flood water was rapidly rising in the street in front of his home.

With the need for him and his wife Carol to evacuate their bungalow growing by the minute, cars were moved from the drive to higher ground and friends unaffected by the flood who live further down the street, welcomed them into their warm and dry home.

After the council meeting, Mr Blenkiron told the Stray Ferret:

“My wife and I have lived in the street since 1985 and we have never experienced anything like this before.”

Linda Beck, who has lived in the Hillshaw Park Way for 14 years, has written on behalf of affected residents to Yorkshire Water, expressing doubts about the pumping station and associated drainage infrastructure serving the area.

Yorkshire Water’s pumping station, which serves Hillshaw Park Way and Priest Lane.

She and neighbours believe it is no longer able to cope with increased capacity of water caused by more frequent stormy weather. exacerbated by run-off water from developments, including the nearby St Michael’s Retail Park at Rotary Way and the adjacent Cathedral Meadows residential development.

Linda Beck had to throw away items from her garage after they were saturated by flood water.

Her letter was sent to the developers, along with North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council, and Ripon’s MP Julian Smith.

The pressure of water, caused by the February 21 flood, blew the cover off one of a series of storm drains located on land to the rear of Mr and Mrs Blenkiron’s home.

Ms Beck, whose garage, drive and back garden were flooded, said:

“I haven’t suffered the same degree of damage that other neighbours have experienced, but it’s a mess, massive inconvenience and I could have done without this.

“We certainly don’t want to have to put up with this again and it is clear to us that action is required.”

Andrew Jarvis, like other neighbours, is facing months of misery ahead as he waits for his home to dry out.

Those views are shared by Mr Jarvis, who who has lived in Hillshaw Park Way for 30 years. He pointed out:

“We need the causes of the February flood to be sorted out before the next storm arrives.

“The flood waters were totally unexpected and rose so quickly that there was no way of keeping them out of my house and garage.

“Now, along with Mr and Mrs Blenkirion, Linda and other neighbours on the street, I’m having to deal with the clean-up operation, with dehumidifiers around my home on virtually all the time making it hard to sleep.

“I even had to find a temporary home for my tropical fish, because it’s not suitable to have the aquarium here in these conditions.”

Yorkshire Water’s response

In response to the the letter sent by Ms Beck, Anthony Sumner, Yorkshire Water operational complaints champion, said that the flooding in Hillshaw Park Way occurred after the River Ure burst its banks and “the main surface water line out of Ripon had nowhere to go”.

Mr Sumner added:

“We were called to the sewerage pumping station as we had a report from a customer who thought the flooding was as a result of our asset failing.

“We met with a customer and showed that the sewerage pumping station was pumping as normal (by lifting both pumps and checked (sic) the rising main discharge point) .The issue as far as the pumping station was concerned was that it was taking on flood water and surface water (and) as such therefore couldn’t cope.

“There has never been any question for needing to increase capacity at this pumping station under normal conditions.

“Regarding increasing the size of the pumps, when the system was designed it was determined that the size of the pumps would meet the needs of the area, as has been shown under normal circumstances our pumps meet the requirements they were designed for.

“We would not look to increase the size or capacity at this time. Increasing the capacity of the pumps would detriment (sic) residents and communities further down the system especially during exceptional rainfall and severe storms similar to the ones we have recently experienced.”

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Ripon Spa Baths is set to be sold to a commercial developer after a bid to retain the building for community use failed.

Harrogate Borough Council, which has owned the Edwardian building since the reorganisation of local government in 1974, has confirmed that it intends to sell the Park Street property to the unnamed commercial bidder.

Ripon City Council successfully applied for for the building to be listed as an asset of community value in September. This meant it had six months to raise the finance to purchase the building to keep it in commercial use. But time has now run out.

The city council also called this month for the ownership of the Grade II listed building, which was used as a swimming pool until it closed in November, to be transferred back to Ripon without charge when Harrogate Borough Council is abolished next year.

Ripon councillors argued that Spa Baths and other city assets, including the town hall, Hugh Ripley Hall, Market Square, Spa Gardens and Spa Park, should be handed back for free by Harrogate Borough Council as it had not paid a penny for them.

The building is recognised as a key heritage asset by Ripon Civic Society

But Harrogate Borough Council’s response to Ripon City Council’s request for the reversion of ownership, seen by the Stray Ferret, confirms the building will be sold to a developer.

Trevor Watson, Harrogate Borough Council’s director of economy and culture said in the email, which has been circulated to all city councillors:

“As you are aware we are selling Ripon Spa Baths because a brand new pool has been built in Ripon and this building is no longer needed.

“Our main objective through this disposal is to ensure that the building continues to be used in future and supports the sustainability of Ripon City Centre. To achieve this objective we have undertaken a comprehensive sales strategy which generated market interest in purchasing the building.

“The preferred bidder can demonstrate the experience, capacity and capability in bringing buildings back into use. In addition the proposed sale to the current preferred bidder will generate a capital receipt.

“The generation of capital receipts for assets that are no longer needed allows significant investment to be made in new assets, such as the new Ripon Pool.”

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“At its meeting on 13 October 2021, Harrogate cabinet have previously agreed to dispose of the building to the preferred bidder.

“As the building is listed as an Asset of Community Value a moratorium period was initiated and implemented where the council has not been able to dispose of the building, now that this period has expired we will execute this decision.

“We believe that this will deliver the best way of ensuring the future, sustainable use of this asset and enable Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire Council to continue to invest in the continuous improvement of Ripon City and its neighbourhoods.”

Harrogate district residents are being invited to take part in interactive virtual meetings to learn more about the new North Yorkshire Council.

The new council will start operating in April next year, as part of the largest local government reorganisation since 1974.

The shake-up will see the demise of eight local authorities, including Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council. All the services they provide will transfer to North Yorkshire Council.

Harrogate Borough Council will be abolished next year.

The first locality roadshow is designed for people living in the Ripon and Skipton parliamentary constituency, It will be held next Monday (April 4).

Those living in the Selby and Ainsty constituency are invited to a meeting on April 6 and the virtual meeting for the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency will take place on April 12.

There are nine months to Christmas, the sun is shining and we haven’t had our Easter eggs yet — but Ripon hairdresser Marie Challis already has her festive plans in hand..

Ms Challis, who has owned and run Cameo’s hair salon on North Street for 20 years, is planning a Christmas creation to enter in the Winter Wonderland Alternative Christmas Tree competition at Spa Gardens in December.

What she needs are rollers — and lots of them! She plans to put her creative talents to use by transforming them into a festive tree.

Ms Challis told the Stray Ferret

“People may think I’m crackers, but you have to plan ahead and I need to collect as many hair rollers as possible by September so that I can start making my tree.

“It doesn’t matter what shape, size, colour or material that the rollers are made from. I’m asking customers to let me have any that they no longer use.”

Ms Challis, who comes from a highly-creative family, headed by mum Hazel Barker, whose designs for the Ripon Community Poppy Project adorn the city’s streets each year, will be a first-time entrant in the Christmas competition.