A public meeting is being held in Ripon next week to hear views on how to shape a new tourism strategy for North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Council, which came into existence last month, is devising a strategy to boost the county’s multi-million pound tourism industry.

As part of this, the council is staging three free workshops, including one at the Old Deanery in Ripon from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday.

A council press release this week said the events would “gather information and views from key organisations and enterprises involved in the tourism sector to develop the first countywide destination management plan”.

Attendees will be asked about their priorities and aspirations for the tourism industry as well as the strengths, opportunities and challenges being faced by North Yorkshire’s visitor economy.

Newby Hall. Pic: Mervin Straughan

The council’s Conservative leader, Cllr Carl Les, said:

“The opportunity to develop the first county-wide plan to promote tourism is a major milestone for North Yorkshire.

“The views of businesses and organisations involved in tourism will be key to developing the strategy and the future of the industry as a whole.”

Read more:

• Harrogate council’s tourism body facing uncertain future
• Value of Harrogate district tourism up by £31m, new figures reveal

In-person events will also be held in Ripon, Skipton and Scarborough followed by two online sessions from 5.30pm to 7pm on Tuesday, May 23, and then from noon until 1.30pm on Thursday, May 25.

The draft destination management plan is due to be finalised by the end of June, before being presented to councillors the following month.

A bid is then due to be submitted to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in September for North Yorkshire to be home to a Local Visitor Economy Partnership, which would involve both the private and public sectors and would need to follow a new national process to be eligible for support and potential funding from the government.

Tourism in North Yorkshire accounts for 11 per cent of the county’s overall economy and employs 41,200 workers.

The county is home to two National Parks for the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, as well as Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, which is one of only two World Heritage Sites in Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire also has stately homes, including Castle Howard, Kiplin Hall and Newby Hall, as well as 23 English Heritage sites, including Whitby Abbey, Richmond Castle and Rievaulx Abbey, along with the recently acquired Thornborough Henges.

The county also has a wealth of famous food and drink producers responsible for brands including Bettys Café Tea Rooms, Wensleydale Cheese, Harrogate Spring Water and Yorkshire Tea.

Further details of the workshops are available here.

You can complete a 10-minute questionnaire on North Yorkshire’s visitor economy here.

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is after-work drinks at Manahatta, on May 25th at 5:30.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Boroughbridge company is celebrating reaching a milestone as 200 employees have now worked for the firm for 10 years.

Reed Boardall, which is based off Bar Lane, was founded in 1992 and has gone onto become one of the biggest employers in the area with 745 staff.

The company operates in food logistics and reports a turnover of £66 million.

As well as over a quarter of staff having completed more than ten years of service, 31 have chosen to stay with the company for two decades or longer.

Andrew Baldwin, managing director of Reed Boardall’s cold storage division, said: 

“There’s no doubt that our high staff retention levels play a key role in the continued success of the business and our ability to consistently deliver on our promises to our customers. We don’t use any agency workers, instead all of our team are long term employees, many of whom have built up valuable understanding and knowledge about what we do and this gives continuity to the business, enabling us to be the reliable, responsive partner that our customers need.

“This constancy of approach is reinforced by the high numbers of family members all working here across the generations- we have numerous husbands and wives, a mother and daughter and several dads and sons as well as a husband, wife and father in law. What makes us unique is that we have the same staff, providing the same levels of service – it is all about the people and we’re proud that so many of our team choose to stay with us.”

Harrogate financial firm launches rebrand

A Harrogate financial services firm has launched a rebrand.

FinancialForce, which is based at Cardale Park, has renamed itself as Certinia.

The company was co-founded in 2009 by local businesswoman Deb Ashton.

The firm has gone onto employ more than 1,000 people at offices across five countries.

Speaking about the rebrand, Scott Brown, chief executive of Certinia, said:

“FinancialForce was the perfect name when the company was founded in 2009 describing its intent to deliver ERP on Force.com.

“Over the past decade, the company invested heavily to become the most trusted PSA solution in the market.

“Now, we have expanded our ERP leadership with the addition of FP&A, and recently launched new products in two additional markets with Customer Success Cloud and Services CPQ. Together, these are a comprehensive and tightly integrated platform for services businesses. It was time to ensure our name and brand align with all we do in the marketplace today.”

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Ripon auctioneers announces new name and sales structure
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate family launches UK’s first stocked German kitchen business

Villagers are celebrating the restoration of their Victorian church clock following a £7,000 restoration project.

Residents came together last year to launch the platinum jubilee clock restoration project for St Bartholomew’s Church in Arkendale, which is between Knaresborough and Boroughbridge.

A community event has been held to unveil the clock, which features gold leaf gilded dials that match the original, and the clock mechanism has been deep-cleaned.

Cllr Robert Windass, a Conservative who represents Boroughbridge and Claro on North Yorkshire Council, was the largest funder with £2,500 from his locality budget.

The locality budget provides £10,000 for each councillor to spend on specific local activities each year.

Cllr Windass said:

“I’m delighted to join the community in celebrating the long-awaited unveiling of the church clock. The large-scale project involved making new clock faces to match the original, and the mechanism was overhauled to make sure it will run for many years to come.

“It has been a joint effort to pull this off and I’m proud to have contributed some of my locality budget to such a worthwhile cause.”

(from left), Colin Fletcher, account director at Allerton Waste Recovery Park, Cllr Robert Windass and church warden Robyn Cox

Funding also came from local sponsors and donations through a Sponsor a Numeral Campaign, as well as Thalia Waste Management at Allerton Waste Recovery Park, the Church of England’s ChurchCare scheme, the Moto Foundation and Hanson Cement at Allerton Park.

Harrogate adult mental health charity Claro Enterprises carved the plaque.

It was made using offcuts donated by furniture makers Robert Thompson’s Craftsmen, which is responsible for creating famous Mouseman furniture in Kilburn.

Robyn Cox, the warden of St Bartholomew’s Church, added:

“It’s a new moment in time at St Bartholomew’s where the community came together with support from grant-funding bodies and local businesses to restore the clock dials and mechanism. It was a project we started to celebrate the platinum jubilee of our beloved late Queen Elizabeth II.”

A place of worship has stood in the village since the 14th century, although the present building dates from 1836. It was the first church to be consecrated in the then new Diocese of Ripon in January 1837.

Read more:

• Harrogate church saves £20,000 on clock repairs with can of duck oil
• Bond End roadworks in Knaresborough due to end on Friday

Police have issued a warning today over a recent spate of moped and motorcycle thefts in the Harrogate district.

North Yorkshire Police said the area had seen a “spike” in thefts, particularly of mopeds.

The force added mopeds had often been taken without keys, with secure locks being cut off.

In a statement, police said:

“Our area has seen a recent spike in the theft of motorcycles, predominantly mopeds.

“Often these are being taken without keys, with secure locks cut off before being driven around then discarded.

“Please take extra care when securing motorcycles, and preferably keep them out of sight. If you have any information about the thefts, please call us on 101, or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Read more:

• Leeds United star fined for speeding by Harrogate magistrates
• Harrogate man jailed for ‘sexualised’ online chats with young girls
• North Yorkshire Police ‘still needs to improve’ on child safeguarding, say inspectors

North Yorkshire Police also issued an appeal today over a spate of bike thefts in Harrogate.

The force continues to investigate the thefts, which happened on Saturday, April 8.

Police released a 50-year-old man on conditional bail in connection with the incident.

A three-day weekend of celebrations and volunteering saw thousands of people mark the coronation of King Charles III in the Harrogate district.

Stray Ferret reporters were out and about every day capturing the fun and numerous activities taking place to commemorate the historic occasion.

Sunday’s glorious weather attracted a huge turnout to Knaresborough Castle for Party in the Castle.

Sunday Party in the Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography

People getting into the swing of the coronation concert at Knaresborough Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography

Knaresborough Castle was lit up for the occasion. Pic: Mike Whorley Photography

The royal city of Ripon once again proved it is the little city that knows how to stage a big party as live music filled Market Place on Saturday and Sunday nights, culminating in fireworks to the sounds of a Queen tribute band.

Ripon Cathedral also provided a focus for official events marking the coronation.

Jo Ropner, Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and Dean John Dobson at Sunday’s coronation commemorative service at Ripon Cathedral

Mr and Mrs Alex Petherbridge and their daughters Tabitha, Silvia and Claudia arrive to watch Ripon cathedral’s livestream of the coronation.

Carr Close in Ripon enjoyed the best of the weather when it staged a street party on Sunday.

Fireworks in Ripon Market Place rounded off Sunday’s activities.

In Harrogate, a big screen in Valley Gardens broadcast the coronation live. Many community groups staged events in villages nearby and also organised volunteering activities yesterday as part of the Big Help Out national initiative.

Watching the coronation in Valley Gardens

Oatlands Community Centre’s coronation gathering

Community Fit’s Anna Gazier (left) and Lisa Tilburn, who work with HADCA, litter picking in Valley Gardens.

Three generations of bell-ringers took part in Saturday’s coronation service at St Wilfrid’s. Pictured are Sally McDonagh, mum Shirley and daughter Bethany, 11.

Sixteen thousand plants were woven together to create the royal cypher on Montpellier Hill.

The sun shone in Masham for its parade of floats on Sunday and nearby Kirkby Malzeard had a lunch party.

One of the Masham floats

Masham Market Square on Sunday

Flying the Union flag in Kirkby Malzeard

Read more:

• As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate district
• As it happened: Harrogate district celebrates King Charles III coronation

The Wild Swan at Minskip, near Boroughbridge, has unveiled a new-look beer garden.

The garden, situated in a secluded area at the back, can cater for up to 36 drinkers and diners, on top of the 60 covers in the main premises.

Alex Bond, who co-owns the Wild Swan with business partner Stephen Lennox, said:

“We have always had tables outside, but our new look beer garden provides a much richer and more attractive eating and drinking experience.

“It is the picture-perfect suntrap, set between the rear of the historic inn and a characterful disused mill. It will be ideal for the coming summer months.”

(left to right) Stephen Lennox, chef Frazer Ross, new head chef Jason Bishop and Alex Bond. Photo by Monika Kus.

The inn, which is close to Junction 48 of the A1(M), has also appointed a new head chef, Jason Bishop, who replaces Paul Murphy.

Mr Lennox said:

“Jason is a wonderfully talented chef who has worked in some of the finest establishments across Yorkshire. He has been on our radar for the last 18 months and the opportunity to make this partnership happen heading into a busy summer is one we couldn’t pass up.”

Wood-fired pizzas will be returning to the inn on Wednesdays Fridays and Saturdays each week and a new summer menu will be introduced shortly.

Main pic shows (left to right): Stephen Lennox, chef Frazer Ross, new head chef Jason Bishop and Alex Bond. Pic by Monika Kus

Read more:

• Angry Minskip villagers fight developer over possible Roman site
• New children’s nursery planned for farm near Boroughbridge

North Yorkshire Council says it has already saved taxpayers £3.8m a year in the transition from eight councils to one by cutting the roles of 24 senior managers.

The council’s finance boss, Cllr Gareth Dadd, underlined that none of the senior staff would be paid enhanced severance packages as the Conservative-run authority works towards a total of £67m of efficiencies by uniting the county, district and borough councils.

The comments follow critics of local government reorganisation questioning the amount of staff salary savings that it would achieve.

Cllr Dadd’s remarks come just weeks after severance packages of £770,000 were paid to four senior officers at Hambleton District Council because they did not wish to work for the incoming unitary authority.

A highly charged meeting of the district council last November heard the directors were fearful about the ring-fenced roles they would be given at North Yorkshire Council, despite no decisions having been made about their jobs.

A meeting of the unitary council’s executive heard the total exit costs for three senior management as a result of the transition had been estimated at £513,000, which had been raised as one of the former district councils had an enhanced redundancy scheme.

However, the changes had achieved £332,000 savings of salaries, meaning it would take around 18 months for the council to benefit from the redundancies.

Cllr Dadd said the redundancy costs were “minuscule” in comparison.

He said: 

“That £3.8m is the first step on our journey to possibly £67m of saving. That’s come from what some would describe as fat cats, but let’s just say the higher earners in the local government family.

“We should not lose sight of the fact that we have straightaway produced £3.8m as a result of local government reorganisation.”

The new council’s management structure has significantly fewer posts than the total for the previous eight councils, 60 compared to 36, resulting in some managers moving to the unitary authority without a specified role in the new structure.

Read more:

• ‘Undemocratic’ to ask Harrogate residents to pay for town council without stating its powers
• Harrogate leisure chief defends Ripon pool location amid ground stability concern
• ‘We want our learner swimming pool’, say Ripon councillors

A number of the senior staff left prior to vesting day on April 1, in the main having secured another role elsewhere, while some planned to retire just before or shortly after vesting day, while two are undertaking duties covering work for the new council which will take them up to their planned retirement.

An officer’s report to the executive states: 

“These duties make full use of their significant skills and experience to the benefit of the council and cover work areas that would otherwise require additional resource in terms of appointments, interim managers, or consultants.”

As the big day gets closer, The Stray Ferret is compiling a list of events across the district to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

If you have an event that you wish to include in our list, please send the details to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Thursday, May 4

Ripon 

5.30-6.15pm – Ripon Cathedral: A coronation-themed evensong service will be held at the Cathedral.

Knaresborough

Flowers in the shape of the coronation crown will be on display at the Market Cross in Knaresborough until May 13.

Friday, May 5 

Harrogate

7pm – St Wilfred’s Church, Duchy Road: Solemn Festival Mass for the Coronation followed by barbecue supper at 8.30pm. Tickets £15 to include food and welcome drink. Contact bookings@stwilfrid.org for tickets.

Killinghall

7.30pm-11pm – Killinghall Village Hall: A coronation ceilidh with The Dark Horse Ceilidh Bank. Drinks will be available at the cricket club bar and a pizza van will be on site. Adults £5, children go free. For details, click here.

Ripon

5.30-6.15pm – Ripon Cathedral: An evensong service with Coronation Vigil will be held at the cathedral ahead of the royal ceremony.

6.30pm: Tribute bands playing live in the Market Place.

Saturday, May 6  Coronation Day 

Harrogate

10am-8pm – Valley Gardens: A big screen showing the coronation and other coverage of events in London, followed by family films. Family entertainment, fairground rides. Entry is free.

10am-6pm – Valley Gardens: Little Bird Artisan Market will be held alongside the coronation celebrations in Valley Gardens.

Time TBC – Majestic Hotel: A big screen showing the coronation, along with family entertainment and the chance to win prizes. Bring a picnic blanket and deckchairs, and you can buy food and drink from the hotel throughout the day. Free to attend. For more information click here. 

Noon-midnight – The Oatlands: Family open day with children’s entertainment, barbecue and an evening party. For more information go to www.theoatlands.co.uk/.

Killinghall

2.30-8.30pm – Killinghall Cricket Club: Bring a picnic and enjoy some games at the Killinghall Big Lunch Picnic. The bar will be open.

Knaresborough

10am-5pm – Knaresborough House: A big screen will stream the Coronation, as well as two family films on the day. People are welcome to bring picnics, but food and drink stalls will also be available at the free event.

10am-4pm – Castle Yard: Little Bird Artisan Market will be held as part of the coronation celebrations.

7pm – Gracious Street Methodist Church live streaming the Coronation Prom  from the Royal Albert Hall in London from 7.00pm (concert starts at 7.30pm). Admission is free.

Langthorpe

Langhthorpe Parish Council, in conjunction with the Coronation Hall trustees, will be opening the the Coronation Hall with live coverage on a big screen. Drinks and nibbles will be provided. 100 free tickets will be provided on a first come first served basis.

Lofthouse

3pm – coronation celebration at the cricket ground. Races, activities and game from 3.20pm, dog show at 5pm and disco 6pm to midnight.

Masham

2-6pm – Swinton Park: Live music, garden fete activities and a variety of food and drink will all be on offer in the hotel grounds. The event is free to attend and the gardens will be open throughout the day for visitors to enjoy.

Nidderdale

4-10pm – The Queen’s Head Inn, Kettlesing: The Acoustic and Rock Cover Party. Various local musicians will perform covers of classic rock and acoustic hits. Afternoon tea is included in the ticket price, which is £25 (£15 for under 14s).

Ripon

9.30am onwards – Ripon Cathedral: A live stream of the BBC’s coverage of the coronation will be shown at the Cathedral. It it free to attend and there will be free self-service refreshments available.

Sunday, May 7

Beckwithshaw

2pm-4.30pm – Beckwithshaw Village Hall field: Afternoon tea. Bring a picnic, have fun with games and races. Tea, coffee and squash will be provided.

Harrogate

10am-7pm – Valley Gardens: Family entertainment, fairground rides,. Entry is free.

10am – 4pm – Valley Gardens: Little Bird Artisan Market will be held alongside the coronation celebrations in Valley Gardens.

12pm onwards – Majestic Hotel: Music from DJ Mark Green. Bring a picnic blanket and deckchairs, and you can buy food and drink from the hotel throughout the day. Free to attend.

4pm-midnight – Ivory: Charles and Camilla Go Large. A night of 90s house music with DJs Delano and Millsy

Kirby Hill

Coronation tea will be held at the church in Kirby Hill. Everyone is welcome.

Kirkby Malzeard

1pm onwards – Highside playing fields: Friendship lunch party: Bring a chair, food and drink for a party that includes Maypole dancing, music and children’s activities.

Knaresborough  

6pm-11pm – The Coronation Concert will be screened live at Knaresborough Castle.

Masham

2.30pm onwards – Masham Square: Celebrations including a parade of floats, fancy dress competition, barbecue, live music and a quiz, ending with a firework display. Click here for details.

Nidderdale

12-6pm – The Queen’s Head Inn, Kettlesing: The Jazz Blues and Brass Extravaganza. Performances will be held by Eugine’s Jazz Band and Harrogate Jazz Band, with a carvery lunch included. Ticket prices begin at £15.

Noon-3pm – Pateley Bridge Recreation Ground: The Big Lunch. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music from Ant & Frank and Dacre & Summerbridge Silver Band. Free entry.

North Rigton

Noon onwards: Village garden, North Rigton: North Rigton Parish Council is hosting the big coronation lunch. Bring a picnic or join friends for a meal.

Pannal and Burn Bridge

Noon-5pm – Crimple Meadows: Family fun day including food and drinks, licensed bar, fun races and tug of war. Cake sale, raffle and bouncy castle will also be on site. There will also be fundraising for local causes. Admission is free.

Ripon

1pm-6pm – Street party on Carr Close.

Last year’s jubilee street party on Carr Close was such a success, it’s happening again.

Spofforth

7pm-11pm – Celebrations will take place in front of Spofforth Castle. Gates open at 7pm, bring a picnic or enjoy on-site caterers with pizzas, crepes, ice cream and coffee. There will be circus entertainers and face painting plus a jazz band followed by the group Beatlemania playing sets of the Fab Four, finishing at 11pm with fireworks over Spofforth Castle. Stockeld Park is illuminating the castle in red, white and blue. Tickets available from the village shop.

Boroughbridge

10am – St Andrew’s Church, Aldborough: A service to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, hosted by the Mayor of Boroughbridge, Cllr Sean Hynes, and Rev Karen Gardiner. Visitors are asked to be seated by 9.45am.

Monday, May 8 – The Big Help Out 

Harrogate 

10am-4.30pm – Valley Gardens: Family entertainment, fairground rides, Little Bird Artisan Market. Entry is free.

1pm-2pm – Wesley Chapel: Coronation-themed song recital with Gareth Brynmor John (baritone) and Christopher Glynn (piano). Tickets £10 on the door.

1-3pm – Oatlands Community Centre: Afternoon tea and community barbecue with crafts, face painting and other activities. Free.

Kirkby Malzeard

12pm-2pm – Mechanics Institute and around the village: The Big Help Out – assist a neighbour with weeding, sweeping or odd jobs and village litter picking. Refreshments at the Mechanics Institute.

Masham

Noon onwards – Masham Square: Family fun day with car boot sale, sports, a tug-of-war, welly wanging and a cow pat competition. Click here for details.

Nidderdale

1pm onwards – Glasshouses Village Green: Live music, children’s activities, and tea and cake, hosted by Glasshouses WI and Village Association. Bring a picnic and Prosecco to toast the King. Donations will be made to IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Service). Free to attend.

4-10pm – The Queen’s Head Inn, Kettlesing: The Tribute Band Party will see an afternoon of tributes to the likes of ABBA and The Beatles. A hog roast is included in the ticket price, which begins at £15.

Ripon

11.30am-5pm – Ripon Cathedral: Bank holiday Monday will see the Coronation Beer Festival take place in the grounds of the Cathedral.

Starbeck

10am-2pm – St Andrew’s Church, High Street: The Big Help Out – get involved with volunteering to improve the area. Plenty for all ages to do, and a family picnic on Belmont Field.

Conservative MP Nigel Adams received free tickets from a tobacco firm to watch Elton John at the O2 Arena last month.

Latest updates to Parliament’s Register of Members’ Financial Interests also reveal Mr Adams received payment towards a five-day cricket trip to Corfu as well as free tickets to the Grand National in April

Mr Adams’ Selby and Ainsty constituency includes numerous villages in the Harrogate district, including Follifoot, Great Ouseburn, Sicklinghall, Spofforth, Tockwith and Weeton.

The close ally of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will stand down as an MP at the next General Election.

He accepted two concert tickets, including hospitality, worth £500 at London’s O2 Arena on April 4 — part of Elton John’s farewell tour.

They were paid for by JTI UK, which is part of Tokyo-based Japan Tobacco Group. Its brands include Benson & Hedges and Silk Cut.

The register shows Mr Adams also received free tickets to watch the Grand National at Aintree from healthcare diagnostics company Randox Health, which is principal sponsor of the horse race.

He also accepted contributions from Birmingham cash and carry wholesaler Awan Marketing towards a five-day trip to Corfu where Mr Adams was part of a Lords and Commons cricket delegation in a tournament to commemorate the 200th anniversary of cricket in Greece.

Awan Marketing’s flight and accommodation contributions were estimated to be worth £735.

The Jamaican Tourist Board paid £3,950 towards a similar cricket trip by Mr Adams and a family member to the Caribbean in August last year.

World Cup tickets

This is not Mr Adams’ first gambling firm gift.

JTI has previously paid for Mr Adams, who employs his wife Claire as office manager, to attend Chelsea Flower Show.

He received a total of £6,038 worth of tickets from three separate companies, including two other gambling firms, to watch two England matches at Wembley in Euro 2020.

Last year Mr Adams accepted free tickets and hospitality valued at £2,880 to the FIFA World Cup from the Qatar government.

Read more:

• Nigel Adams MP resigns from cabinet
• Harrogate district MP Nigel Adams to step down at next election

Payments to Andrew Jones and Julian Smith

The register also reveals payments to the two other local Conservative MPs in April.

Andrew Jones, who represents Harrogate and Knaresborough, registered two £5,000 donations in April from Yorkshire Conservative Trust.

The register says the trust, which is based in Burley in Wharfedale, awarded the sums to Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative Association.

Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith received £727 from the Ulster Unionist Party.

The payment was for flights between London and Belfast and one night’s hotel accommodation for a speaking engagement at the start of April.

Mr Smith is a former Northern Ireland Secretary who frequently tweets about issues affecting Northern Ireland.

Coronation celebrations continued across the Harrogate district today.

Today’s events include a parade of floats in Masham, The Big Lunch in Pateley Bridge, free entertainment in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, maypole dancing in Kirkby Malzeard, a picnic in Beckwithshaw, street parties and a fireworks display and Beatles tribute band at Spofforth Castle.

Our reporters were out and about capturing the fun and celebrations.

For a full list of events, visit our coronation diary here.

You can catch up with Saturday’s live blog here.

7.04pm – Big crowd for Coronation Concert in Knaresborough

Kelly Young (centre), alongside other chamber members

Nearly 400 people have gathered in the grounds of Knaresborough Castle to watch a livestream of the Coronation Concert on a big screen.

As the sun still shines, families and friends are seated with picnics and drinks waiting to enjoy the BBC concert. Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has also created a video compilation of iconic moments in the King’s life, including his christening, his crowning as the Prince of Wales, and music from the 1940s up to the 2000s.

Knaresborough Castle is part of the Duchy of Lancaster, a property portfolio owned by King Charles III himself, but the castle is predominantly run by North Yorkshire Council and the people of Knaresborough.

Kelly Young, director of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, said:

“We’re grateful to Matthew Walker and North Yorkshire Council for the funding to host this event.

“We hope to have many more events like this in the future”.

6.32pm – Coronation tea at Oatlands 

A good turnout for the coronation afternoon tea at Oatlands Community Centre in Harrogate. Pics by Oatlands Community Group.

4pm Carr Close Street Party, Ripon

With nearly 100 attendees, Carr Close in Ripon hosted a street party to continue the royal celebrations. Residents of the street have enjoyed a lunch in the sun, a royal raffle and lots of dancing and games.

The party began at 1pm and will end at 6pm when the road closure ends. It has been in the works for six months, after Harrogate Borough Council allowed the street closure.

The party’s royal raffle raised £100 for Harrogate Road Methodist Church in Ripon.

The residents of Carr Close gave a cheer to the new King.

Organiser Jane Lincoln, a resident of Carr Close, said:

“Today has made me feel so lucky to be part of such a lovely community”.

Carr Close resident Julie Carr said:

“It has been a great day, with lovely weather and lovely company.

“We have spent it with our friends and family”.

3.30  Ripon Cathedral begins Commemorative Service 

Whilst the festivities continue in villages across the district, the bells of Ripon Cathedral have been ringing to mark the start of a special commemoration service.

The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Ms Jo Ropner, representing the newly-crowned King Charles III, arrived at a packed Ripon cathedral this afternoon for a commemorative service to celebrate yesterday’s coronation.

She was greeted by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson. Both pictured below.

Among the 600 plus in attendance are civic dignitaries from across the county. The service will see the cathedral’s girl choristers, choral scholars and lay clerks sing with the additional accompaniment of Ripon City Band (pictured).

The service is being led by the Dean, with readings from The Lord-Lieutenant, and the commanding officer of the Royal Engineers’ 21 Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Perry Bishop. The regiment is based at Claro Baracks, Ripon.

3pm – Masham parade 

Flora has now moved from Kirkby Malzeard to Masham to cover the afternoon fun.

The coronation float parade has begun into the town’s square, featuring a performance from Elvis, a live band and the fire service. 

Richard and Sandy Cole, drivers of a Morgan in the parade, said: 

“It’s been a wonderful day. It’s lovely to be in the fresh air and always good to be in our cars. We feel we’re in good hands with King Charles III.”

The First Rainbows, Brownies and Guides won best float

Vick Greensit who’s two daughters were on the winning float (below) told the Stray Ferret:

“ It’s been a fantastic day and atmosphere. Masham has pushed the boat out and we all love a community event.”

Ellie Greensit (L) aged 7 and her 10 year old sister Jessica on the winning float

1.10pm – Kirky Malzeard’s Big Lunch gets underway

The Stray Ferret’s Flora Grafton has started her coverage of the district today in Kirkby Malzeard.

Around 300 people have gathered in the village in aid of the national Big Lunch event.

As well as a picnic lunch, visitors can enjoy maypole dancing, sword dancing and a bouncy castle.

Villager Karen Pickles said:

“People gathered together to have lunch and I’m just to glad it has brought the village together.” 

Pippa Manson chair of Kirkby Malzeard Parish Council (R), Karen Pickles and Jeni Cropper (L)

The Kirkby Malzeard Long Sword Dancers

12.50pm – weather forces change of venue in Pannal 

The earlier torrential rain has meant a change of venue for today’s festivities in Pannal to the Village Green and Church car park.

Ripon bell ringers prepare to ring for the King 

Their work high up in the south west tower of Ripon Cathedral goes unseen, but they are heard across the ancient city.

The 32-strong team of bell-ringers, whose numbers have increased recently with four new recruits, will ‘ring for the king’ once more this afternoon, with a joyous quarter peal between 2.15 and the start of the North Yorkshire commemorative service at 3.30, which celebrates yesterday’s coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Ringing master Martin Davies, told the Stray Ferret that 10 of the cathedral’s 12 bells were cast in 1932 and were rung to mark the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953.

This afternoon’s service will be attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Ms Jo Ropner, along with other civic dignitaries. It will be led by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. John Dobson.

Our pictures show members of the bell-ringing team in action prior to this morning’s Sung Eucharist Service and a group photo supplied to us by Mr Davies.