David Skaith is tasked with winning York and North Yorkshire’s mayoral election for Labour in under two weeks’ time. The York-based businessman joined the party in 2015 after becoming “fed up” with...
The businessman tasked with winning Labour the North Yorkshire mayoral election
David Skaith is tasked with winning York and North Yorkshire’s mayoral election for Labour in under two weeks’ time. The York-based businessman joined the party in 2015 after becoming “fed up” with the way the country was going politically. Born and raised in...
Crime author who solved Ripon mystery revisits school mural 50 years later
Crime writer Malcolm Hollingdrake has returned to Ripon to visit a mosaic mural he created 50 years ago. In February, Holy Trinity Infant School enlisted the help of the Stray Ferret to track down the creators of a mosaic wall mural dating back to the 1970s. Mr...
North Yorkshire Council issues ‘call for sites’ for new planning blueprint
North Yorkshire Council has begun the process of developing a new planning blueprint for the county. The local authority is now accepting call for sites submissions as part of its plans to draw up Local Plan. The Local Plan will set out where development can take...
Closed primary school near Boroughbridge could reopen as nursery
A school between Boroughbridge and Ripon that closed last year could reopen as a nursery. Skelton Newby Hall Church of England Primary School in Skelton-on-Ure struggled with falling numbers of pupils and was eventually forced to close after having just one student...
Green party candidate pledges not to ‘overpromise’ in mayoral campaign
The Green Party’s Kevin Foster says he does not see himself as a politician, more of an “ordinary person done good”. Mr Foster’s background includes serving in the British Army reserves for 30 years before moving into politics. He successfully stood for election on...
The Masham businesswoman aiming to be North Yorkshire’s first mayor
Felciity Cunliffe-Lister has not been in the political arena for long — but she feels she is the strongest candidate to become the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire. The co-owner of the Swinton Estate in Masham is the Liberal Democrat candidate on polling day on...
Ripon Races begins 125th anniversary season this week
Ripon Races will begin its 125th anniversary season on Thursday (April 18), with a new chairman and improved facilities for jockeys. Gates open at 12 noon for the first of 16 days of racing in Ripon this year. This year's calendar includes a new Sunday fixture on...
The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park in Ripon has a new 60-strong artwork exhibition
Above: Fish Pool by Diane Maclean Go on an immersive journey through art and nature at the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, near Ripon, at its new 60 collection artwork exhibition entitled Sculpture in the Landscape. It opens for the season next week on Thursday...
Meet the Ripon leather workers following St Wilfrid’s path
Stiches that bridge time between ancient and modern craftsmanship are linking the skills of two outstanding leatherworkers in the Ripon area. The handmade heritage stretches back to the foundation by Wilfrid of the city's cathedral in 672 AD Master craftsman Andy...
Overnight closures on A1(M) between Boroughbridge and Wetherby
National Highways has announced a series of full overnight closures on the A1(M) between Wetherby and Boroughbridge. Drivers planning to travel on the A1(M) in North Yorkshire are advised to plan their journeys in advance as a bridge is due to undergo essential...
Community group agrees price to buy Grewelthorpe pub
Campaigners have taken a major step towards buying a pub between Masham and Ripon. Friends of the Crown, a not-for-profit group, is working towards buying the Crown Inn at Grewelthorpe and converting it to a community pub. The group was formed following the closure of...
Bus operator defends itself after parents’ frustrations over new Boroughbridge service
A bus operator has responded to concerns raised by Boroughbridge parents about a new service serving schoolchildren. East Yorkshire Motor Services Ltd, which trades as East Yorkshire Buses, this week took over the 22 service, which French-owned Transdev ran between...