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.
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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.
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.
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Ripon’s Boxing Day pilgrimage takes place tomorrowIt 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.
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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.
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.
Salvation Army brings a ray of hope across the Harrogate districtDespite 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.
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.
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Ripon Cathedral’s 1350 programme receives £60,000 boostNext 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
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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.
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Ripon museums receive £100,000 lottery boostThe 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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Sporting Ripon schoolgirl wins children of courage awardPowerchair football star Ellie Renton, has won a Northern Children of Courage award for her achievements in the fast-paced sport.
The 11-year-old Ripon Grammar School student, whose rare genetic condition means she is unable to walk, was also praised for being a brilliant role model at an awards ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead.
Powerchair football allows people with physical disabilities to play football. Middlesbrough Powerchair Football Club first team winger Ellie, from Kirkby Malzeard, is one of the youngest players competing in the national league.
She was diagnosed at 18 months old with type two spinal muscular atrophy, a slow progressive muscle wasting condition which has left her with weak arms and legs and prone to potentially life-threatening chest infections and pneumonia.
The awards, organised by The St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome barriers, achieved something extraordinary or helped and supported others.
Coach Carolyn Bean, who nominated Ellie, praised her achievements:
She said:
“She has worked her way up through the teams and has improved so much. She is a joy to coach, listens and tries her hardest absolutely all the time.
“Ellie often comes to training early to help out during our lower-level training, at such a young age I find this pretty amazing. She has such a natural understanding of what other players need and is already a brilliant role model, even to those older than her.
“Ellie holds her own during matches, playing against other teams with players of all ages, which can sometimes be quite scary.”
Ellie, pictured in the foreground, playing powerchair football.
The year seven pupil, who plans to study marine biology at university, said the award came as a huge surprise as she didn’t know she had been nominated. She said:
“I feel grateful, happy and honoured, when I play powerchair football it feels normal, like a normal sport as this is something I can do with my abilities.”
Her mother, Yvonne, added:
“When Ellie was five and first got into a powerchair for football, we were told she would go far. Within two to three years, she had achieved national status, the youngest player to reach that level in the UK.”
Ellie also enjoys music, art, science and maths.
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Her father, Martin, said:
“We would like to thank her coach who nominated her without us knowing – it was a huge surprise when we heard Ellie had won. We are extremely happy and over the moon for her, to receive such an award and to be recognised for her abilities in powerchair football.”
Call for wider parking bays in Ripon to cater for larger cars
Ripon City Council has called for parking spaces at Cathedral Car Park to be widened to accommodate larger vehicles.
The city’s biggest car park is due to undergo resurfacing works costing £85,000 and Councillor Pauline McHardy called for parking bays to be enlarged as part of the upgrade.
Speaking at the December city council meeting, she said:
“Modern vehicles are wider and with the current size of the spaces, people find it difficult to get in and out of their cars.
“After the resurfacing work has been carried out, the bays should be enlarged.”
Cllr McHardy’s call for enlargement was seconded by Councillor Chris Davis, who told the meeting:
“The bays are narrow and I’ve often found it difficulty to find a parking space that my car will fit in.”
Councillors voted unanimously to support the request, which will be made to Harrogate Borough Council.
The 193-bay car park sits in view of the cathedral and is used by drivers for long and short stays.
Harrogate Borough Council, in a contract notice for the work issued this year, said the site had become worn and hazardous to members of the public.
It added:
“Over the years the current surface of the car park has become pot-holed, with large areas of loose tarmac resulting in trip hazards to members of the public, and claims for vehicle damage.”
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The contract is for a complete resurfacing of the car park, and to increase the number of parking spaces to 206, along with 10 disabled bays.
The council will also require the contractors to undertake trunking and ductwork in preparation for the installation of electric vehicle charging points.
Netflix snow globe appears on Ripon Market SquareRipon residents woke to a monstrous sight on Market Square this morning.
Alongside the 18th century obelisk, a modern-day fantasy creation of myth and mayhem from Netflix could be seen inside a giant snow globe.
The creature, with its multiple limbs, is making a one-day appearance in Ripon to mark the release on Friday of The Witcher season 2, part of which was filmed at nearby Fountains Abbey and Plumpton Rocks.
The series, starring Henry Cavill, is an adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s bestselling novels.
The globe, with its resident snow monster, is touring the UK and will only remain on Market Square until this evening.
The Witcher is based on a series of books and video games and features battles between humans, elves, witches, gnomes, and monsters.
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