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Supporters of the Annual Poppy Appeal in Ripon are finding only limited places in the City to buy their poppies this year.
As Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday approach, there was an expectation that poppies would be available in more than 250 shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants and businesses across the city, but that has not materialised.
At the time of publication, poppies could only be purchased in the city’s Morrisons, Booths and Sainsbury’s supermarkets.
Jeet Bahadur Sahi, chairman of the Royal British Legion Ripon Branch, told the Stray Ferret:
“We used to have an in-branch Poppy Appeal organiser, but arrangements were taken over by the Regional office and we were advised only recently that the person allocated to organise the distribution in Ripon had been called away on military duties.
“Despite offers of help from the Mayor of Ripon, city council leader Andrew Williams and myself, to deliver poppies and collecting tins, we were told this is not possible due to the short timescale.
“This is extremely disappointing. In previous years people have been supporting the Poppy Appeal at more than 250 outlets in Ripon and thousands of pounds have been raised.”
The town hall, decked in hand-made poppies by the Ripon Community Poppy Project
The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, said:
“The situation is both embarrassing and disappointing for Ripon, a city with military connections going back over many years.
“In this, the 100th anniversary year of the Royal British Legion, there are thousands of hand-knitted poppies on display across the city, but there are only a handful of places where people can buy one to wear and show their support for the Poppy Appeal.”
A Royal British Legion spokesperson said:
“The exact location of Poppy boxes is going to vary from area to area depending on volunteer coverage.
“However, through our collectors and partner organisations, poppies have been distributed to all major UK supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, Aldi and Asda stores as well as via online retailers including the Poppy Shop, Amazon and eBay, so poppies are readily available in Ripon.
“They are available at every point-of-sale in the large Morrisons, including customer services, and on the tills at Booths Supermarket in the town.
The spokesperson added that there are no issues with poppy distribution in any other areas of North Yorkshire.
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Urgent plea to demolish four Ripon homes affected by sinkholes
Ripon City Council has called for the urgent demolition of four homes in the city that are in danger of collapse because of sinkholes.
A council meeting last night heard the properties at Bedern Court were in a “perilous” state and “the implications for public safety are enormous”.
The homes, which have remained empty since they were evacuated in October last year, border Skelgarths, one of the arterial routes through and into the city.
Peacock’s Passage, a footpath that runs alongside Bedern Court, was blocked off with permission from North Yorkshire County Council a year ago, after the owners of the stricken block raised concerns about public safety.
Peacock’s Passage has been barriered off since the evacuation of four properties at Bedern Court
Last night’s meeting saw councillors vote unanimously to support the call to contact the county council and request urgent action.
City council leader Andrew Williams, told the meeting:
“The movement of the affected block caused by sinkhole activity in the area is gaining speed and the implications for public safety are enormous.
“The block fronts onto the public highway and pavement and the potential impact of collapse and possibility of opening up of more damaging sinkholes in neighbouring areas cannot be ignored.
“If the perilous state of the building means it’s not safe to walk along Peacock’s Passage, it can’t be safe to walk or drive past it on Skelgarths. It needs to be demolished as quickly and safely as possible.”
Skelgarths borders the affected block
Mat Pritchard, chairperson of Bedern Court Ltd, a not-for-profit company controlled by owners and leaseholders with houses and apartments in the 29-unit development. told the Stray Ferret:
“All authorities, including the parish, district and county councils, have been contacted by us and kept updated on the increasingly desperate situation that we are facing and we welcome this news from Ripon City Council.
“We have taken all of the measures that we can, but feel that we are rapidly running out of time.”
Reports from a monitoring engineer employed by Bedern Court Ltd indicated that ground movement is ongoing and appears to be speeding up.
While monitoring the signs of movement, Bedern Court Ltd continues to await the outcome of a long-standing insurance claim relating to the affected properties.
Ripon’s week of events to remember the dead of two world wars and other conflicts began at the weekend.
The Dean of Ripon, The Very Revd. John Dobson, led prayers as he blessed the Royal British Legion Garden of Remembrance next to the cathedral.
Saturday’s ceremony was attended by serving officers and standard bearers representing all of the armed forces, along with civic dignitaries, including Stuart Martin, the chair of North Yorkshire County Council and a Ripon councillor, and city council leader Andrew Williams.
Attendees were invited to place small wooden crosses bearing a poppy, in front of the plinth at the garden
A two-minute silence was observed before small crosses with poppies on them were put in place by a number of attendees in front of the garden plinth.
Jeet Bahadur Sahi, who served in the Gurkhas for 22 years and is chair of the Royal British Legion Ripon branch, told the Stray Ferret:
“This is a special year for the legion and the branch as we celebrate our 100th anniversary.
“The remembrance garden, which opened in 2018, was created by the Ripon branch with support from the public, businesses and authorities.
“In addition to the war memorial in Spa Gardens, it provides a permanent and prominent place where the fallen can be remembered.”
Photograph: Tyler Parker Photography
Spa Gardens will be the focus next weekend when Ripon’s civic Remembrance Sunday service is held at the city’s war memorial, followed by a service at the cathedral.
The event, which starts at 11am, will honour the service and sacrifice of the armed forces, British Commonwealth veterans, allies and civilians involved in the world wars and other conflicts.
Those wishing to attend are asked to assemble at Spa Gardens from 10.30. Following the service, there will be a march past and salute in front of Ripon Town Hall, with the procession leading to the cathedral, where a further service will be held.
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The story of King Oswald takes centre stage at Ripon Cathedral
A focus on Christian and Norse culture will be brought to a dramatic conclusion at Ripon Cathedral this evening.
At 7.30pm, the Hazelsong Theatre group will perform Whiteblade, featuring the 7th century Northumbrian King Oswald who was made a saint for his defence of the Catholic faith.
Subtitled ‘King Oswald, the Sword and the Cross’ it tells the story of a courageous man who pre-dates Wilfrid, the founder of Ripon Cathedral.
Andy Bates of Hazelsong, said:
“Seventh century Britain was a time of turmoil and warfare, where pagan fought Christian and Saxon battled Briton.
“In this time arose a great king, bearing both the blade and the cross, to fight for the people and the soul of the kingdom.”
Hazelsong Theatre group set off on Thursday’s dragon parade with musical accompaniment from The Brothers Gillespie
Those wishing to attend the performance can book free tickets on the Ripon Cathedral website.
Prior to tonight’s performance the legend of Sigurd the dragon slayer and Fafnir the dragon slain by the Viking warrior, takes centre stage.
A second dragon parade with a puppet of Fafnir, will set off from the cathedral today at 12.30 and make its way through city streets to the band stand at Spa Gardens.
Before then, between 9.30am and 12 noon, people will be able to visit the cathedral to make dragon sock puppets.
The famous Norse tale of the warrior and the dragon was represented in music and song on Thursday.
Local musicians were invited to bring their own instruments and join in music making at the cathedral
The Sigurd legend, which dates back more than a thousand years, was marked with a recital led by The Brothers Gillespie – James and Sam – who had earlier invited local people to join them and Hazelsong in an impromptu music-making session.
The Sigurd Stone
Next year the cathedral celebrates its 1350th anniversary and in the ancient building’s treasury is the Sigurd Stone – believed to have marked the tomb of a Norse settler who was buried in Ripon.
The prized and unusual artefact, combines Christian imagery in the shape of a cross and Norse mythology, depicting the warrior and the dragon.
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Ripon’s only toy shop relocates
Ripon’s only toy shop has moved to a new location in time for Christmas.
Although The Easy Learning Shop has only relocated a matter of feet, owner Pete Wilkinson believes it can make a big difference.
He has moved from inside the Duck Hill Shopping Quarter to a unit on Duck Hill with a street frontage.
Mr Wilkinson told the Stray Ferret:
“This is something I’ve wanted for some time, as it gives me the opportunity to do window displays that change through the year, with Christmas an obvious time to try and catch people’s eyes.”
Animal glove puppets at the Easy Learning Shop
The shop, which sells traditional wooden toys and games, alongside puppets, books and goods designed to help educate children as they play, opened four years ago, when Mr Wilkinson was forced to change career.
He said:
“I was a bus driver for 18 years and used to drive the 36 double deckers, but that came to an abrupt halt after I sustained serious back injuries in a fall, which made driving buses too painful.
“I had to look for something else to do to earn a living and that’s when I decided to go into retail and I’m pleased to say that things have worked out.”
Since the move on Monday, he has already attracted new customers and he looks forward to building on that as the festive season rapidly approaches.
Dancers share the joy of Diwali at Ripon LibraryRipon was given an insight into the festivities associated with Dawali at a special event in the city’s library this week.
The five-day Festival of Lights, whose principal day is today, is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.
Its focus is on new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness.
Sarita McDermott, who owns Realitea, the Indian tea room and bistro on North Street, organised the event at the library with outreach librarian Claire Thompson.
She told the audience:
“Diwali is like Christmas in this country. People put on their best clothes, enjoy some lovely food, music and dancing.
“I wanted to show friends and other people in Ripon, the peaceful joy that this festival brings.”
Sarita McDermott leads the dancing.
Among those joining in the celebrations was a team of dancers from Jennyruth Workshops who wore traditional Indian dress.
They had been practicing for a month prior to their performance, which included dancing to music from the Punjab and the Gujarat region as well as Bollywood-style dance.
Following the display, there was an opportunity for the performers and members of the audience to enjoy some authentic Dawali dishes and treats.
Ms Thompson said:
“We had planned to stage an event of this nature for some time and I’m delighted that it has now happened and gone so well.”
Pictured: Claire Thompson (left) and Sarita McDermott, with Jennyruth dancers (from left) Matthew, Bethany and Ben Evason and Martin Grainger
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Poor state of Ripon roads comes under spotlight
The rapidly-deteriorating condition of many Ripon roads came under the spotlight at a virtual meeting yesterday.
Officers from North Yorkshire County Council were invited by Ripon City Council to explain the reason for extended delays to repair and renewal work for roads, including those surrounding the Market Square, Minister Road and Dallamires Lane.
The city council had wanted NYCC to make the meeting, which was held on Teams, open to the media, but in an email exchange yesterday .Karl Battersby, NYCC’s corporate director for business and environmental services, said:
“My position remains that I am not prepared to have the discussion with the media present.”
Minster Road, which runs past Ripon Cathedral, is in need of repairs
In an earlier email, Mr Battersby said:
“Our understanding was that this would be a frank and open discussion in private to try and reach a better understanding together of the possibilities and restrictions. At no point was this to be a press conference.”
After the meeting, city council leader Andrew Williams, who was involved in the email exchange and made the unsuccessful attempt to have it open to journalists and the public, told the Stray Ferret plans to improve Market Place East were agreed. He said:
“I can’t understand why North Yorkshire County Council didn’t want the press and public to be involved. It was cordial and constructive and would have given the officers a means to explain to the wider population the situation they face in Ripon and other parts of the county.
“With the government settlement meaning a loss of £4million from the highways budget, they are strapped for cash, but the officers did understand the concerns raised by myself and other councillors involved in the call.
“We were pleased to hear that a scheme for Market Place East will be drawn up and other areas are being looked at.”
Councillor Williams added:
“While roads in an around the city are in need of repair, we will continue to bang the drum on Ripon’s behalf.”
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Ripon BID appoints management team
The Ripon Business Improvement District board has appointed a management team to deliver events and projects aimed at helping local businesses thrive.
Eighty per cent of Ripon traders voted in favour of creating a BID in June. BIDs, which are funded by a levy on local firms, come up with ideas to increase visitor numbers to towns and cities.
Elizabeth Faulkner, former manager of Altrincham BID, has been appointed Ripon BID manager and Lilla Bathurst, who previously worked for Hull BID, has been named assistant Ripon BID manager.
Ms Faulkner worked for tourism organisation Visit Manchester for 12 years. Her experience as a destination marketing specialist was put to good use in Altrincham, where she led the submission that saw the town win the Great British High Street Award in 2018.
Ms Bathurst worked as a stockbroker in the City of London prior to her move north to Hull and change of career. Her initiatives included the award-winning Hull Street Food Nights, which supported the city’s evening economy by increasing footfall.
The two women are excited by the prospect of working alongside businesses to promote Ripon as a destination locally, regionally and nationally.
Ms Faulkner said:
“This is a wonderful city with a rich history and so much more and it’s our job to make as many people as possible aware of what Ripon has to offer.”
Promoting what the city has to offer and increasing footfall are two of the objectives of the Ripon BID
Ms Bathurst added:
“I relocated to the area and soon discovered that it has a great community spirit, with people who work together and have a positive attitude.
“I’m looking forward to meeting with businesses of all sizes who make Ripon such a special place.”
Deep clean
Projects to be delivered over the next few weeks include a deep clean for city streets, the first stage of a way-finding strategy looking at signage and evaluation of Ripon’s destination and social media platforms, material and websites.
In addition, at a time of rising fuel and power costs, businesses will be offered free consultations on ways to save money.
Rick Jones, who owns Valentino’s restaurant and the Water Rat in Ripon, and is a member of BID board, said:
“We are all looking forward to moving things forward through initiatives that focus on many aspects of the Ripon economy, from heritage to hospitality to the city’s retail offer and major visitor attractions, such as Fountains Abbey and Newby Hall.
“There is a collective benefit – If they do well, we all do well and the city thrives.”
“In the first instance, we are getting the foundations right and in the appointment of Elizabeth and Lilla, we have made a great start.”
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Halloween in Ripon — heavy showers and a helter skelter
On a day of heavy rain mixed with bright sunny intervals, Ripon residents and visitors braved the elements to visit Market Square for a mini Halloween funfair.
The event included children’s rides, a helter skelter and an artisan market.
Children and their parents queued up to take a turn on the helter skelter
While the weather limited the time for enjoyment of the free rides, they were in demand when the sun finally broke through in early afternoon.
The playground occupied the southern half of the square and the Little Bird Artisan Market, was on the northern section.
In spite of pouring rain and windy conditions, 40 stallholders set up their pitches from early morning.
The market, designed to give local traders the opportunity to showcase and sell their handmade goods – ranging from food to home decorations – have been a constant feature of the public events in 2021 staged by Ripon City Council and paid for out of the parish precept.
Between the showers shoppers browsed the stalls at the artisan market
Council leader Andrew Williams, said:
“With all of the effort that goes into organising these activities, particularly by our town clerk, Paula Benson, we are pleased that the rain didn’t ruin the day.”
The next free public entertainment that will be staged on Market Square is on November 20, when a tribute band concert will be held to mark the switch on of Ripon’s Christmas lights.
Helter skelter twist for Halloween in Ripon
A Halloween helter skelter for people of all ages, will add to the family-focused fun in Ripon on Sunday.
In the latest in a series of free events organised by Ripon City Council, the ride will take its place alongside two roundabouts for younger children.
While the mini-fairground is in operation on Market Square South, in front of the town hall, a Little Bird artisan market will be held on the northern portion of the square.
The event runs from 10am until 4pm.
City council leader Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret:
“During the summer, in addition to the artisan markets, we have had the roundabouts and a climbing wall to cater for children of all ages.
“This time, the wall is replaced with a helter skelter so that adults can also take their turn.”
Flashback to the summer and a children’s roundabout on Ripon’s Market Square
As the city has emerged from the covid lockdowns, which prevented large-scale public gatherings from taking place, Ripon has used money from the parish precept to pay for free concerts featuring tribute acts, a Last Night at The Proms event, firework displays and the children’s rides.
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The aim has been to provide entertainment for local residents and bring visitors to the city centre, for the benefit of retailers, hospitality businesses and Ripon’s heritage attractions.
There are more events to follow before the year is out, with the switch on of the festive lights on the evening of November 20, Christmas markets on December 5 and 12 and a New Year’s Eve tribute act concert on Market Square.