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.

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Congratulations to all the councillors who voted to pass the Station Gateway plans — you have just killed off a large quantity of small businesses in the town.

It’s about time your salaries and pensions were docked at the same amount as these small business owners are going to lose.

Then you might start making the right commercial decisions. Shame on you.

Tony Cowan, Harrogate

Gateway is ‘a highway engineer’s-led solution’

I along with all those who spoke against the gateway project in its present form were extremely disappointed with the outcome but the support from the public gallery was encouraging.

We had all put a lot of time, thought and consideration into preparing our statements.  This was the result of talking to others, local knowledge, professional experience and above all an understanding of how this town works – the skills which the executive and officers of North Yorkshire Council clearly still do not have.

There was nothing new in the North Yorkshire Council presentations and it was clearly a case of delivering the same old information that we have all heard so many times before but yesterday in a series of rather long, boring and bumbled presentations that did not inspire any of us.

It is still unfortunately purely a highway engineer’s-led solution.  It is not capable of celebrating this as an exemplary and attractive gateway to the town simply because there was no mention of urban design (or an understanding of what makes places work).  This is generated by a lack of awareness from those with limited understanding of Harrogate, its character and the largely cohesive Conservation Area it sits in.

Once again an attempt at a publicity exercise to justify the project but with more than a hint of desperation as threats emerged at the loss of funding or it being moved elsewhere.

All this was followed by councillors debating a decision which will have far reaching consequences on our town. Unfortunately, most of those present seemed to have little grasp of the actual mechanics of what will occur.

Sadly the project now has conditional support from the area constituency committee but does require North Yorkshire Council officers to work with residents and businesses to find the best use of the money.

Part of this should include discussions on the alternative scheme I handed to area constituency committee members.  Cllr Keane Duncan did however point out there were time pressures to proceed with the project.  Sadly as we all know the highways executive has a history of ignoring the democratic process, not listening and dismissive of public comment.

Time will definitely determine what happens next.

Barry Adams, Harrogate

Read More:

• Tree that crushed Porsche on Harrogate street is felled
• £11.2m Station Gateway set to go ahead after crucial Harrogate area vote
• Bank holiday gathering leaves mess in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens

Old trees are dangerous

I’ve just read your article reference the crushed Porsche.

I’m not sure what the council’s tree and woodlands policy is but Harrogate has thousands of very mature trees requiring radical maintenance to reduce various risks to pedestrians, motorists and subsurface infrastructure alike.

Mike Hodgson, Harrogate 

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

Flash:Queen and a fireworks display fit for a king provided a sparkling end to two days of coronation celebrations on Ripon Market Square last night.

The accomplished tribute act entertained a crowd of more than 1,500, with a selection of favourite hits from the songbook of Mercury, May and Taylor.

The 90-minute top of the bill performance, featuring Radio Ga Ga, We are the Champions, Under Pressure and Don’t Stop Me Now, among others, engaged the audience and saw many join in the Queen classics that have become rock anthems.

The band was still performing on stage when  Ripon Town Hall clock clicked onto 10.50pm, and a fireworks display lit up the sky above buildings in Market Square East, providing a double crescendo that brought the night of entertainment to an end.

Celebrations to mark the coronation of their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, were organised by Ripon City Council and funded from the parish precept,

They included more than 12 hours of musical entertainment provided by tribute acts and Tamsin (pictured above) who performed under her own name,

In addition to the coronation concerts held over two days ,free fairground rides were  provided yesterday and proved popular with children of all ages.

Read more:

• Coronation celebrations underway in Harrogate district
• How Ripon Cathedral is marking the coronation

The Harrogate district is celebrating today’s coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey

The Stray Ferret will be reporting from across the district today as the celebrations begin for the weekend.

Don’t forget to send in pictures from your coronation parties to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or message us on our Facebook page.

You can follow all our coverage below.

5.15pm – Thanks for joining us

Thanks for joining us for today’s coverage of the coronation from across the Harrogate district.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more stories from across the district as the celebrations continue into Sunday.

4.30pm – The former Ripon Grammar School student behind Queen Camilla’s dress

Did you know the designer of Queen Camilla’s dress for today’s coronation is a former Ripon Grammar School pupil?

Bruce Oldfield, 72, was a student at the school in the 1960s.

Read more here.

Queen Camilla pictured in her white silk dress.

3.51pm – Knaresborough coronation event ‘good for the town’

Residents in Knaresborough have spoken of how a coronation event was much needed for the town.

Hundreds flocked to Knaresborough House today to celebrate King Charles III being coronated.

Read more here.

2.30pm – HADCA looking for volunteers

There’s still time to take part in the The Big Help Out and do good in your community by volunteering on Monday.

Voluntary sector organisation HADCA is urging those interested in taking part on Monday — or any other time — to get in touch.

https://twitter.com/KarenWeaver2020/status/1654837633422327808

2.25pm – Are you volunteering or having a street party?

Today is day one of three of the Stray Ferret’s live coverage of the coronation bank holiday weekend.

Will you be volunteering as part of the Big Help Out? Or is your street holding a street party?

If so, let us know and we will try to come along or you can send us photos on the day and we will include them in our coverage. It’s easy – email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or DM us on Facebook.

2.14pm – ‘This is good for Knaresborough’

Our roving reporter Calvin is still out and about in Knaresborough. He just met Bob Godsell, of Knaresborough Lions, which is running the bar at today’s big event at Knaresborough House.

Bob said the Knaresborough House celebration was much needed:

“This is good for the town, especially after the past few years that we have had.”

1.54pm – Community Stars selling treats

Clare Robinson and Emma Jenner, from Community Stars CIC, have done so much to revive access to facilities at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough.

Today they have a bake and sandwich stall at Knaresborough House.

Clare said: “It’s started to pick up this afternoon. It’s just been a lovely family day for the town.”

1.36pm – Knaresborough House big screen

Hundreds of people are gathered at Knaresborough House to watch the newly coronated King Charles III procession down the Mall. Plenty of stalls are also on offer, including face painting, treats and crafts.

12.47pm – St Edward’s crown replica at Grantley Hall

The venue near Ripon has tweeted about its impressive floral creation.

To celebrate the #Coronation of Their Majesties, King Charles III & Queen Camilla, we have recreated the St Edward's Crown using flowers to commemorate the Coronation by celebrating His Majesty's passion for gardening. #KingCharlesIII #NationalGardeningWeek pic.twitter.com/I2VRPLaroF

— Grantley Hall (@GrantleyHall_) May 6, 2023

12.40pm – Schools fly the flag

Many local primary schools had coronation themed events yesterday and have adorned their buildings in union flags. Here’s Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School’s fine effort.

12.15pm – Businesses show their colours

Businesses across the Harrogate district have also been decorating for this weekend.

11.40am – Betsy gets coronation ready

Even pets are getting in the coronation spirit.

Sue has shared this picture with us of her pug Betsy ready for the celebrations.

11.30am – Valley Gardens gets in the coronation spirit

People have flocked to Valley Gardens in Harrogate for the coronation today.

The gardens were full of rides, stalls and amusements as the celebrations got underway this morning.

A big screen was also in place next to the Sun Pavilion, where people gathered to watch the coronation ceremony get underway at 11am.

People took there sits decked in bunting, hats and flags while children ran around enjoying the rides and food stalls on display.

10.58am – Ripon Cathedral livestream gets underway

People have been taking their seats at Ripon Cathedral, to see the live streaming of the coronation service from Westminster Abbey. It is being viewed on strategically placed television screens. Among those in attendance were Mr and Mrs Alex Petherbridge and their daughters Tabitha, Silvia and Claudia.

10.10am – Harrogate and Knaresborough primed for coronation

Both Harrogate and Knaresborough have been decorated in coronation colours this week ahead of the weekend.

Harrogate’s Valley Gardens is set to host a big screen today showing the ceremony.

Meanwhile, flowers have been put up in Knaresborough and a screen is set to be in place at Knaresborough House today as part of the celebrations.

10.05am – Flowers in place at Ripon Cathedral

Floral displays created by the Ripon Cathedral Flower Guild and Ripon Flower Club are in place at the ancient building to illustrate the stages of the coronation ceremony.

10am – Fountains Abbey to be lit up purple

Fountains Abbey near Ripon will be lit up purple this Sunday as part of the coronation celebrations.

Below is a sneak peek of how the abbey will look in the “Lighting Up The Nation” event.

The lighting up is not a public event.

9.54am – Lauren Doherty in attendance at Westminster Abbey

Knaresborough road safety campaigner Lauren Doherty is in attendance for today’s coronation ceremony in London.

She’s shared this picture on her social media as she heads to Westminster Abbey this morning.

9.47am – Ripon kicks off celebrations

Ripon kicked off the coronation celebrations in style last night.

Residents were rocking as the ancient city kicked off celebrations for the new king and queen with an eve of coronation concert.

With connections to monarchy going back to 886 AD, when Alfred the Great is said to have recognised the bravery of locals for fighting off a Viking incursion with the award of a ceremonial horn, Ripon has remained staunchly royal and loyal.

Read more here.

9.45am – Welcome to our coronation blog

Welcome to the Stray Ferret’s live blog for the coronation weekend.

We’ll be across the district reporting the celebrations as they happen.

If you’re still unsure about where to go to join in the fun of today’s proceedings, you can find out all the events on our coronation guide here.

Read more:

• Fireworks display for Ripon’s coronation celebrations
• How Ripon Catherdal is marking the coronation

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in last year’s BBC TV’s Masterchef  competition. Every Saturday Yemi will be writing on the Stray Ferret about her love of the district’s food  – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.  

Today, May 6, 2023, is a milestone in British history, the coronation of a new King after 71 years since King George VI who reigned from 1936 to 1952.

It’s also the D-day for my first food feature, which I am honoured coincides with the King’s coronation and I couldn’t be prouder.

It’s only fitting that this feature celebrates the King’s coronation. My son, as part of Blackburn Cathedral choir, sang for Prince Charles many moons ago and I was opportune to be a Princes Trust mentor for some years.

Many of us only knew the Queen growing up and even though we knew this day had to come, we clung on in hope for our Queen to live as long as possible. God rest her soul.

Today’s celebration calls for something special. The Royal family has never failed to inspire, and make us proud when it comes to pomp and pageantry; this time will be no different.

We can’t think of things that are quintessentially British without certain foods or ingredients coming to mind: afternoon tea, asparagus, rhubarb, quiches, coronation chicken and my favourite which is Victoria sponge cake.

So, in celebration of the King’s coronation, it’s only fitting that we have a dish that screams ‘British’ but also reminds us of the Commonwealth nations that are part of this celebration. The King and the Queen Consort have asked for quiche to be on the coronation menu.

The quiche, a staple in many homes and pub menus, is mostly served cold but I love to eat mine when it is slightly warm. Eating quiche feels a tad more elevated than eating cold sandwiches which I personally find to be soul crushing.

Here’s my version of quiche created to celebrate the King’s coronation. It is a play on coronation chicken using ingredients and some bold flavours of many Commonwealth nations.

Curried chicken, onions, peppers, and chilli Quiche

Ingredients:

Quiche base

250g block of ready-made shortcrust pastry

Quiche Filling – for a 23-inch pan or two 15-inch pans

Poached or Roasted Chicken – breasts or thighs – 100g

1 red pointed pepper or bell pepper

1 medium red onion

½ chilli – chipotle, habanero, or scotch bonnet

2 eggs

125ml of milk

175ml of double cream

100g of grated cheddar cheese

Tart base – using short crust pastry

1 tsp of curry powder

½ tsp Kashmiri pepper flakes

Smoked sea salt to taste

½ tsp of fresh mixed herbs – parsley, thyme, and rosemary

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C
2. Roll out the dough into your quiche tin and line with baking paper; add some baking stones and blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove the baking paper and stones
3. Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C
4. Cook and shred the chicken or use leftovers from your roast chicken dinner
5. Add a little oil to a pan over high heat; fry the sliced onions, chillies, and pepper; season with salt and curry powder; add in the shredded chicken and cook for 3 minutes allowing the flavours to infuse into the chicken. Set aside to cool down
6. Beat the milk, cream, eggs, Kashmiri pepper, herbs, and salt together in a bowl
7. Scatter half of the grated cheese in the blind-baked base, evenly top with the chicken and peppers before adding the custard mixture
8. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese. Place into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until set and lightly golden. Check at the 25-minute mark.

Tips for getting a great pasty base: 

Serve warm with some salad, spiced chips, and curry-mayo.

Long live the King! Happy celebrations!

Read More: 

• Coronation events: where to celebrate across the Harrogate district
• Hot Seat: Bringing Ripon firm Farmison back to life

Newby Hall near Ripon is home to its very own crown jewels.

The house, which dates back to the seventeenth century, has a full replica set of the official coronation regalia that will form part of tomorrow’s ceremony to crown King Charles III.

The Compton family which own Newby Hall has a close association with the crown jewels. A distant ancestor commissioned the official coronation regalia for Charles II after the originals were destroyed during the Civil War.

Newby Hall’s royal past 

Sir Robert Vyner was appointed goldsmith and banker to King Charles ll in 1661 when he commissioned the coronation regalia.

The Vyner name can be traced back through the family ancestry of Newby Hall.

Sir Robert’s invoice for the regalia was £12,184.7s.6d, equivalent to £1,754,496.00 today.  The invoice is on display on a wall outside Newby’s Billiard Room.

Newby’s replica set was made in the last century and includes an Imperial State Crown; St Edward’s Crown and Staff; St George’s Bracelets; Queen Consort’s Ivory Rod; Royal Sceptre with the Cross; Sovereign’s Sceptre with the Dove; Anointing Spoon; Ring; Ampulla; St George’s Spurs; King’s Orb; Sword of Mercy, and Sword of Temporal Justice.

All are on display at the house.

Richard Compton said:

“We are very much looking forward to marking the King’s coronation with our once in a lifetime afternoon tea in the magnificent setting of our award-winning herbaceous borders.

“It is so fitting that Newby has its own replica set of the coronation regalia which we are delighted to own and have on display for visitors. The regalia will take pride of place at Newby on His Majesty’s coronation weekend in May.”

Newby’s afternoon tea to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III is on Monday afternoon.

Visitors can mark the historic event by trying on the replica Saint Edwards Crown for size.

Read More: 

• Coronation events: where to celebrate across the Harrogate district
• Ripon Cathedral at the centre of coronation celebrations