A new horn is being commissioned for the Ripon hornblowers to celebrate next year’s Platinum Jubilee.

The original Charter Horn was a gift of gratitude from Alfred the Great, recognising the way in which local people fought off a Viking incursion.

Further horns were added to the collection, including one presented to the city in May 2019, by Councillor Pauline McHardy, shortly before the end of her third term in office as the Mayor of Ripon.

The McHardy Quest Horn – so named because it came from a bull called Seterrington Quest – has been in regular use at the setting of the watch ceremony performed daily at 9pm on Market Square.

Ripon’s hornblowers at the obelisk on Market Square – from the left: Allison Clark, Patricio Maglio, Richard Midgley and Wayne Cobbett

The proposal to commission the new horn to mark The Queen’s 70 years of service to this country, was put forward by city council leader Andrew Williams and received unanimous support:

He said:

“This will be a fitting and lasting way of marking The Queen’s jubilee and will be considerably cheaper than the clock tower built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.”

Cllr Williams, added:

“There are practical reasons as well, that mean we need to retire and replace our 17th century horn, which is becoming a bit the worse for wear.

It will be kept safe alongside Ripon’s other historic treasures.

As we have four hornblowers, each of them needs their own instrument to meet with covid and other hygiene regulations.”

The Alfred the Great Charter Horn of 886 remains a prized possession in the Ripon collection.

Ripon’s St Cecilia Orchestra will return to the city’s cathedral next month with its first performances since March last year.

Two hour-long performances will be staged on Saturday, October 2 at 4pm and 7.30 pm.

The concert will feature Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, which in April topped the Classic FM hall of fame chart for a record eleventh time.

Violinist Charlotte Scott will join the orchestra for the performance which marks 100 years since The Lark Ascending was first performed in its orchestral version.

The audience will also hear Wagner’s symphonic poem Siegfried Idyll and Beethoven’s light-hearted Symphony No. 8.

Ms Scott said:

“It’s always a joy to be asked to perform The Lark Ascending.

“I love searching each time I play this masterwork for new colour and lines in the music that truly represent the lark and its surrounding nature: the possibilities are endless.”

Charlotte Scott. Picture: Matthew Johnson Photography

The Wagner and Beethoven represent a more intimate performance than might usually be seen by St Cecilia in Ripon Cathedral, which last year saw the performance of Mahler’s epic second symphony.

To ensure audience and orchestra safety, the concert is shorter than usual and there will be no intervals.

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Conductor Xenophon Kelsey, who founded the orchestra and has been with it throughout its 26-year history, said it was excited to be back:

“I can’t wait, It’s going to be fantastic to see our wonderful players together again after 18 months of no concerts.”

Tickets are available online (www.st-cecilia.org.uk) or in-person from the Little Ripon Bookshop and Henry Roberts and will also be sold on the door.

Ripon’s bounce back from the covid lockdowns continues, with two new city centre openings today.

The Claro Lounge opens in its prime location next to Ripon Town Hall.

It will be the 149th Lounge opened in the UK by café-bar-restaurant operator The Loungers Group.

Also opening today  in The Arcade, is a Yorkshire Cancer Research charity shop (below) in a large unit formerly occupied by Fultons Foods.

The opening of the Claro Lounge has seen the creation of 25 new jobs and staff will be encouraged to develop a relationship with the Ripon community by supporting local fundraising activities.

In addition to the new openings, Mountain Warehouse has doubled its floorspace with a relocation from Fishergate to Market Place East, where it took over premises formerly occupied by Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

Mountain Warehouse at its new location

A tidy-up is underway at a central Ripon location where a sinkhole prevented new homes from being built.

The Stray Ferret understands the area in Allhallowgate will remain as green open space for the public to enjoy. Further details are expected shortly.

Grey hoardings around the site were taken down yesterday as part of the proposed makeover.

Harrogate Borough Council was set to build 17 homes to replace a block of flats in poor condition on Allhallowgate.

However, serious ground stability issues came to light during demolition of the existing properties and the project was scrapped in 2019.

The proposed scheme was backed with funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government but the sinkhole made the development economically unviable.

The site, pictured in February before the tidy-up began

The area remained dormant. Hoardings were erected and an entry gateway was chained and locked.

In February, Ripon councillor Mike Chambers, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing and safer communities, told the Stray Ferret:

“The area is going to be tidied up, levelled, re-seeded and greened to improve its appearance.

“It has become overgrown and the hoardings are a bit the worse for wear.”

With the removal of the hoardings, the extent of the tidy-up operation has become evident.

Bushes and overgrown foliage have been cut back and grass is starting to grow.

Removal of the hoardings started yesterday

Residents of the demolished block were all permanently re-housed by Harrogate Borough Council and funding has been allocated for extensive refurbishment and improvement of the remaining Allhallowgate block, which is due to start shortly.

Ripon’s gypsum issue

Ground instability problems caused by the soluble nature of gypsum have been seen in many parts of Ripon.

The Stray Ferret reported in October about the evacuation of a residential block at Bedern Court, caused by subsidence in the area.

In February 2018, a sinkhole opened up on the car park of Ripon Leisure Centre, off Dallamires Lane. A further void discovered near the leisure centre entrance a year ago is under investigation.

In 2016, a dozen homes in Magdalen’s Road were evacuated after a 66-foot wide sinkhole opened up.

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Ripon City Council is seeking a ‘constructive partnership’ with Harrogate Borough Council as it bids to keep Spa Baths as a community facility.

City councillors voted unanimously last night to adopt a two-pronged approach in their attempts to maintain the Grade II listed building for public use.

Their bid to prevent the site being sold for private development received a major boost last week.

Harrogate Borough Council confirmed the city council’s application to have the building listed as an Asset of Community Value had been successful.

This gives the local community six months to put together a bid to buy the building.

Councillor Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, will be invited to meet with the city council at the earliest opportunity to discuss matters.

In tandem with this, consultants will be invited to submit expressions of interest for drawing up a business plan and development brief looking at options for the building, which is part of the city’s Spa Quarter.

The Ripon Civic Society plaque underlines Spa Bath’s historic importance.

At last night’s meeting, city council leader Andrew Williams, said:

“Harrogate Borough Council was attempting to plough on with its plan to sell Spa Baths without any proper consultation.

“However, we now need to draw a line under this and move forward in a constructive partnership with them to decide what’s best for Ripon and the future of this city, with its growing population.

“Cllr Swift has indicated his willingness to meet with us and we welcome this and hope the meeting can be arranged as soon as possible.”

The 116-year-old Edwardian spa, whose use was converted to a public swimming pool in 1936, was put up for sale for an undisclosed price by Harrogate Borough Council in February.

It was deemed ‘surplus to requirements’ with a new swimming pool scheduled to open at Camp Close, off Dallamires Lane in November.

At last night’s meeting, Councillor Pauline McHardy, said:

“It’s sensible for us to have two strings to our bow — six months can quickly pass by and we need to act now.”

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A number of potential community uses for the building have already been put forward by members of the public and Councillor Stephen Craggs, added:

“Future use of the building should take into consideration the needs of young people in the city.”

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 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.

Since 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.

It 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 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.