‘The aim is to make Ripon a more attractive destination’Ripon has a tremendous opportunity to enhance its reputation and attract more people from this country and abroad over the next five years.
That’s the view of Ripon Business Improvement District chairman Richard Compton.
In June, Ripon businesses voted in favour of creating a BID, which aims to increase footfall in the city.
Ripon BID will have an annual budget of £160,000 over the next five years to spend on projects that encourage visitors. A BID manager is being recruited.
In the meantime, Mr Compton points to a number of positive developments already taking place, including the refurbishment of the Spa Hotel, the reopening of The Old Deanery Hotel under new operators and the imminent opening of the Claro Lounge, on a high street where voids are steadily finding new occupiers.
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Longer-term he sees even greater opportunities.
He said next year’s 1,350th anniversary of St Wilfrid’s founding of the city’s cathedral could provide a springboard to future growth.
Mr Compton, the owner of Newby Hall, whose own family roots in the area go back centuries, sees heritage, history and tradition as cornerstones to build on.
Ripon Cathedral celebrates its 1,350th anniversary next year.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“If our magnificent cathedral was in the Cotswolds, it would attract wide international recognition.
“Next year’s landmark anniversary gives us the opportunity to put Ripon on the national and international map.”
Improve the appearance of the city
Mr Compton said the cathedral, combined with the city’s museums, the ancient Market Square, Fountains Abbey and Newby Hall, provided a package of heritage and visitor attractions that would benefit the wider local economy.
He said:
“The aim is to promote and make Ripon more attractive as a retail and tourism destination and the BID can help in a number of ways.
“These range from improving the appearance of the city and making better use of Market Square as a public space, to enhancing car parking and lobbying for better wayfinding and signage.
“The signs are looking good and I’m feeling confident about the future.”
Ripon’s Royal Engineers enjoy Freedom of the CityRipon’s Royal Engineers exercised a right granted to them 72 years ago, with their annual freedom march through the city this morning,
The four sqaudrons of 21 Engineer Regiment were represented in the spectacular event, which saw them march past Ripon Town Hall, the famous Market Square and obelisk and down Kirkgate to Ripon’s ancient and iconic cathedral.
An advance party led the troops who, in line with tradition and the rights bestowed on them when freedom of the city was granted, marched in step to the sound of their military band with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.
The advance party paused outside Ripon Town Hall, where they were met by hornblower Allison Clark
Since 1949, Royal Engineers based at Claro Barracks have had the Freedom of the City of Ripon and this morning’s march followed a day on Market Square yesterday, at which they showed the public machinery and equipment used in supporting British armed forces in many parts of the world.
The march was a prelude to a ceremony at Ripon Cathedral marking Councillor Eamon Parkin’s continuance as mayor of the city – an historic event making, him the first to remain in office for three consecutive terms.
Cllr Parkin, told the Stray Ferret:
“I am honoured to serve this fine city and proud of the association that it has had with the Royal Engineers, for as long as I can remember.
“They do us proud here in Ripon and do the country proud, through their service around the world.”
The band set the beat for the marching troops
Yesterday, Lt Col Simon Graham, commanding officer at Claro Barracks, where 650 personnel are based, pointed out:
“A lot of our time in Ripon is spent behind closed doors and though our work takes us to many places around the world, we feel very much part of this community.”
He added:
“It’s marvellous to have the honour of the Freedom of Ripon and this weekend is a great opportunity to let let people know what we do.”
The troops pass the cathedral
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The Royal Engineers have served on operations in Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, providing light role close support that enables the army to live, move and fight.
In Afghanistan, the regiment was deployed on Operation Herrick, the codename used for all British military operations in Afghanistan since 2002.
Ripon salutes the Royal Engineers at freedom weekendSince 1949, Royal Engineers based at Claro Barracks have had the Freedom of Ripon and the right to enter the city, with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.
The covid pandemic and lockdown, brought a halt to mass attendance events and meant that the 2020 freedom weekend could not go ahead.
But it was back in force today, with information stalls and a display of heavy machinery and equipment for the public to see.
Lance Corporal Craig Kerr with Erin Price, in front of the Terrier engineer tractor
Lt Col Simon Graham, commanding officer at Claro Barracks, where four 21 Engineer Regiment squadrons and 650 personnel are based, told the Stray Ferret:
“A lot of our time in Ripon is behind closed doors and though our work takes us to many places around the world, we feel very much part of this community.”
He added:
“It’s marvellous to have the honour of the Freedom of Ripon and this weekend is a great opportunity to let let people know what we do.”
Tomorrow morning, the Mayor of Ripon Cllr Eamon Parkin, will take the salute as the Royal Engineers march past in Market Square and today, he and the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, visited the square to meet with Lt Col Graham and his colleagues.
Sappers TJ Dockerty (left) and Nathaniel Blakey, with the giant Able vehicle that the Royal Engineers use to build bridges
The Royal Engineers have served on operations in Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, providing light role close support that enables the army to live, move and fight.
In Afghanistan, the regiment was deployed on Operation Herrick, the codename used for all British military operations in Afghanistan since 2002.
Sgt Ross Mellon of the 21 Royal Engineer Regiment light aid detachment, that keeps the troops moving
The operation included the British contribution to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.
It also supported military action on the US-led Operation Enduring Freedom, principally within the Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan.
In recent years, the engineers’ main focus has been on support to UN peacekeeping operations. This has included deployments to Cyprus, Somalia and South Sudan, as well as Afghanistan.
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Ripon’s military links go back over many decades and in 1915, when its population was under 9,000, an army camp was created in the city to accommodate 30,000 troops.
Up until the end of World War I more than 350,000 soldiers passed through the camp – among them the famous war poet Wilfred Owen.
A day to remember at Hickstead for Kirkby Malzeard schoolgirlIt took six-and-a-half hours to drive 10-year-old Tegan Ford and her pony from North Yorkshire to West Sussex for a one-minute ride, but it was well worth it.
The long journey was to Hickstead – home of the famous derby that attracts the world’s elite showjumpers – and mother, Sarah, didn’t want her daughter to miss the experience of taking part in the National Schools Equestrian Association event.
Tegan and her 18-year-old pony, called Lilly Hill Make My Day, had earned their place by winning a qualifying competition at Northallerton Equestrian Centre.
They represented Grewelthorpe Primary School in the county showjumping class over fences measuring 70-75cm.
Tegan and her mother Sarah, with ponies Sox and Leo in the background
The event, for riders up to the age of 12, attracted 30 entries and Tegan was the only representative from the north.
She and her bright bay pony with four nimble white feet, completed a clear round over 12 fences, but her left foot slipped out of the stirrup at the sixth obstacle and the lost seconds meant they finished a very creditable fourth.
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Tegan said:
“That was really annoying, but Sox [the stable name for her pony] kept balanced and her experience meant we cleared all of the fences.
“I was so proud of her, she is a lovely horse.”
As well as the journey down to Hickstead, there was another six and a half hour drive back to Yorkshire after an overnight stay down south.
Ms Ford, who drove the hired horsebox, told the Stray Ferret:
“When I discovered that Tegan and Sox had qualified for an event at Hickstead, I wanted to ensure that she could take part.
“It’s a long way to go to see a ride of only 60 seconds, but its something we will both remember for all our lives.”
Tegan has won more than 50 rosettes since she started riding at the age of six and last year collected a prize of £100 for winning a Show Cross competition at Richmond Equestrian Centre,
She was due to take part in the same event this weekend and her bright bay Sox, looks fit and raring to go.
Ripon Arts Hub re-opens with first performancesRipon Arts Hub has opened its doors to the public after 18 months of fundraising by volunteers behind the scenes,
The premises on Allhallowgate, owned by Ripon Amateur Operatic Society were refurbished during lockdown.
The upgrade was partly funded by a £54,339 grant from the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, which helps cultural organisations and heritage sites recover from covid.
It has enabled the society’s Operatic Hall to be transformed into a modern, fully ventilated theatre for live performances and events.
As well as being the setting for the society’s own productions and rehearsals, the re-vamped venue provides Ripon’s first community arts space.
It is also available for private hire.
The first in a series of live performances was held yesterday evening, with the Hilarity Bites Comedy Club, hosted by Lou Conran and featuring Steve Shanyaski and Stephen Bailey.
Hilarity Bites returns on 5 October with another evening of stand-up comedy, this time featuring Danny Deegan, Paul F. Taylor and Martin Mor.
Tomorrow (Thursday) the hub stages the drama Mrs Beeton, My Sister
The one-woman show by award-winning playwright Alison Neil (pictured above) focuses on the extraordinary life of Britain’s first domestic goddess.
The play focuses on Bessie Mayson’s view of her older sister Isabella, who married publisher Sam Beeton – a union that culminated in her writing the world-famous Beeton’s Book of Household Management.
The society will take centre stage from 7 to 16 October, with performances of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. Tickets for the 10-day run of shows are now on sale.
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The score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice includes numbers such as I Don’t Know How to Love Him and Superstar.
Other upcoming events this autumn include the Same Same but Different family dance show and Cilla and the Swinging 60s, in which West End singer Sandy Smith celebrates the life of the late pop icon.
Ripon mayor’s charity event proves a hitThe Magdalens pub in Ripon was alive with the sound of music, as city mayor Eamon Parkin and consort Nigel Guy hosted an afternoon of fun and fundraising.
Proceeds from Saturday’s event, which are still to be finalised, will be shared between Ripon Vision Support and the Ripon Christmas Lights Appeal.
The hog roast and music was arranged after the covid pandemic put paid to the mayor’s ball, which is normally a key fundraiser on the civic calendar.
Cllr Parkin, said:
“I thank the many friends from different organisations and businesses in Ripon, who supported the event and people who travelled some distance to be with us.”
Those who attended included the Pollard family from the north-east — Marjorie, Sharon and Natalie.
Mayor Cllr Eamon Parkin (left) and his consort Nigel Guy, pictured with the Pollard family from the left: Marjorie, Natalie and Sharon
Sharon said:
“We’ve been coming to Ripon for many years and struck up a lasting friendship with Eamon and Nigel.
“We wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”
The Pollards left with an England women’s football shirt signed by members of the World Cup team – just one of many items sold at the charity auction.
The Counterfeit Celts provided music ranging from reggae to Irish folk and rock.
The Counterfeit Celts played from their wide repertoire.
Also providing entertainment was Ripon singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist Freddie Cleary who, like the band, had attendees singing along.
Many in the audience had last seen him performing on stage as the opening act at the Yorkshire Day Weekend concert.
In the spotlight — Freddie Cleary.
The auction and raffle, included numerous donated items on offer, ranging from sporting memorabilia to jewellery.
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Cllr Parkin is set to go into the record books by becoming the first Mayor of Ripon to serve for three consecutive terms.
He will remain in office until May.
Rich history of Ripon church opened to visitorsOne of the Harrogate district’s finest churches is to open to visitors and local residents this week after undergoing a £500,000 restoration.
St Wilfrid’s, on Coltsgate Hill in Ripon, will open from 10.30am to 4pm on Friday for the first in a series of four Heritage Open Days,.
The national programme sees historic places invite people to visit free of charge. The church, which opened in April 1863, is one of this year’s main attractions as it is considered to be one of England’s finest Catholic places of worship.
The grade II* listed building was designed in French Gothic style by the prolific York architect Joseph Hansom, inventor of the Hansom cab.
Features include stained and coloured glass, an imposing altar screen or reredos designed by Edward Pugin depicting scenes from the life of St Wilfrid and other fine statuary, carvings and artwork.
Windows in the tower were replaced as part of the refurbishment.
These include ornate medallions of saints above the nave arches by Salviati of Venice, and the side altar of Our Lady of Fountains, brought from the private chapel of the Marquess of Ripon at Studley Royal after his death.
The marquess converted to Catholicism in 1874 – six years before becoming viceroy and governor general of India.
Born at 10 Downing Street, when his father Viscount Goderich was briefly Prime Minister, he was a towering parliamentary figure in Victorian Britain and a major donor to St Wilfrid’s and to Ripon, where he was elected as the city’s mayor in 1897.
An addition to the 158-year history of St Wilfrid’s is a dramatic holograph-style set of stations of the cross, commissioned by a benefactor to the restoration appeal.
Many local people and organisations donated to the fundraising programme headed by parishioner Barrie Price.
This, combined with a Heritage Fund lottery grant, provided the money needed for the restoration and will fund further improvements, among them better access to the church.
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In addition to Friday’s open day, three more open days will be held on Saturday and Sunday and on Thursday next week.
Entry is via the front door steps or ramp on Coltsgate Hill and parking spaces are available in the church car park, accessed via Trinity Lane.
Ripon pilgrims follow the footsteps of Benedictine monksA group of 90 pilgrims, walked from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey yesterday – a journey linking two national treasures.
Led by Canon Barry Pyke, the Ripon Together Yorkshire Pilgrimage traced the steps of the 13 Benedictine monks who, in 1132 AD, were the original founders of the abbey.
The cathedral, founded in 672 AD by Ripon’s patron saint, Wilfrid, celebrates its 1350th anniversary next year.
Before setting off at 12.30pm, there was a special service inside the ancient building and prayers for a safe journey on the steps outside, said by the Revd Pyke.
The walkers were supported by police and marshals at road crossings along the route and with PCs Mike Spittleton and Dom Webb of Ripon Police taking part in the three mile walk with the pilgrims.
Pilgrims progress as they approach the gates of Studley Royal Park
Every Boxing Day for 45 years, a pilgrimage between the iconic sites had taken place, until the covid pandemic caused the cancellation of the 2020 event.
The pilgrimage, was part of the Welcome to Yorkshire, Walkshire programme and linked with Ripon Together’s Healthy Journeying campaign, which encourages people to walk in the local and wider Yorkshire countryside, following the lifting of covid restrictions.
Journey nearly completed – the pilgrims with the abbey ruins in view
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Reverend John Dobson, has underlined on many occasions the health and wellbeing benefits that people of all ages can gain from walking and cycling.
He said:
“Ripon Together has been promoting walking and cycling for a couple of years now. This was a fantastic opportunity for the people of Ripon and across the region to walk together from the oldest cathedral in the country to Fountains Abbey, one of Yorkshire’s World Heritage Sites.
“Ripon Together is devoted to improving the wellbeing of people in Ripon and the area.
“I am delighted that people are uniting to encourage healthy journeying.”
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The Last Night of the Proms – Ripon styleRipon will go from rock and pop to pomp and circumstance in its final free mass entertainment event of the summer next weekend.
Organised to coincide with the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the city will welcome fans of the more classical style of music to Market Square on Saturday, September 11.
The event, from 7pm until 11pm, features a tribute act singing songs made famous by Welsh mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins.
Also taking the stage in front of Ripon Town Hall during the evening will be the Dishforth Military Wives Choir.
Live music will be provided by an ensemble of 17 musicians and a fireworks display will provide the finale.
The free weekends of entertainment have been paid for from the Ripon parish precept, which is funded by council tax.
The previous ones brought tribute acts ranging from Queen to the ABBA Forever tribute group.
As well as providing free family entertainment, which has also included fairground rides for children, the intention has been to bring more people to the city centre and drive footfall to benefit local traders.
City council leader Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret:
“They’ve been enjoyable and trouble-free events that have put smiles on a lot of faces.
“You could see that people are delighted to be finally free of the restrictions that were necessary during the covid lockdowns.”
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More free events in Market Square are scheduled for autumn and winter.
During the October half term holiday there will be further family-focused activities, followed in November with the switch on of the city’s Christmas lights.
Bringing the curtain down on 2021 will be the famous New Year’s Eve entertainment — an alfresco party that normally sees hundreds of revellers rocking around Ripon’s obelisk.
Ripon company that played key role in covid marks 50 years in the cityIt was many happy returns for Wolseley today, as the company marked 50 years in Ripon with the reopening of its headquarters.
The building on Boroughbridge Road underwent a £500,000 refurbishment during lockdown.
While that was underway, Wolseley continued to supply vital plumbing and building materials to the NHS in its fight to save lives and beat the pandemic.
At today’s family open day, Wolseley chief executive Simon Oakland told the Stray Ferret:
“The NHS required critical building materials and parts for the repair and maintenance of hospitals and we provided them throughout the lockdown.”
The Wolseley UK headquarters on Boroughbridge Road.
The Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate was one of the major infrastructure projects the company supplied.
Mr Oakland said:
“We are proud to have been involved in supplying every Nightingale Hospital in the UK and have also supported the UK mass vaccination programme through the provision of refrigeration equipment.”
New training centre
The company, which opened its headquarters building in 1971, has 280 employees based in Ripon, and a further 120 at its Melmerby distribution centre.
The Boroughbridge Road site provides administrative services, including finance and IT support and UK-wide the company has 500 branches with 5,000 employees.
Ripon City Band provided musical entertainment.
At today’s community party to celebrate 50 years in Ripon and the centre’s reopening, head of office and finance director Mark Stibbards, told invited guests:
“We have some people who have worked for us for 40 years and they are part of a great team.
“We employ locally in this area and have throughout our history, supported Ripon charities and other organisations, including Ripon Walled Garden, Ripon Cathedral Primary School and Ripon City Football Club.”
A new training centre on the site will not only develop the talent of the Wolseley team but also provide opportunities for community organisations that help individuals improve their skills and employability.
Farhan, who works in the IT department at Wolseley is pictured with his wife Samera and their six-year-old daughter Maiza on one of the children’s rides.
Today’s celebration event was attended by the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd John Dobson, representatives from charities, Wolseley employees and their children, former company directors and members of the community.
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The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, who cut a ribbon to signal the reopening of the offices, said:
“I was born and bred in this city and have known Wolseley for most of my life.
“The 50 years of investment and employment they brought by selecting Ripon for their headquarters is greatly appreciated.”