29
Oct
St Wilfrid's stars shine bright at Ripon awards ceremony
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More than 700 people who go the extra mile to help make Ripon a better place to live were nominated for the 2024 St Wilfrid’s Stars Awards.
Over the summer, event organisers Ripon Together sought nominations for those that had made significant contributions over the year to the city and its people.
Categories at Thursday night's awards event held at the cathedral, ranged from business and tourism to community workers and young people who make a difference.
The ceremony was attended by about 300 people, who were treated to performances by three talented musicians from Ripon Grammar School and from the All For One Choir led by Rachel Garnett.
Jo Thackwray and Dr Ronny Krippner, pictured with some of the cathedral's choristers
The musical theme continued when the cathedral's director of music, Dr Ronny Krippner, received one of the the Individual Supporter of Youth awards.
This was in recognition of the way in which he has rebuilt the renowned cathedral choir after visiting every school in the area to give children the opportunity to audition.
A second award winner in the category was Jo Thackwray for her tireless work establishing and promoting the inspirational Power of 10 volunteering scheme to young volunteers in Ripon.
David Ingham received the overall Volunteer of the Year Award from the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd John Dobson
Despite running his own business, David Ingham spends a lot of his spare time delivering events for the city, including the Summer Funfest that has grown into a week of free activities during the summer school holidays.
He is also the lead for the Green Fair and Walk to School in Ripon and helps to deliver both the pantomime and the theatre festival outdoor events.
Dean John, who is chair of Ripon Together, said:
The St. Wilfrid Stars Awards event was a brilliant evening with wide engagement from the community and some great entertainment.
After just three years, this Ripon Together initiative is now established as an annual celebration of those who do so much for the city and its people. It is fitting that these stars should be recognised and thanked
The evening also provided a platform for the launch of the Historical Map of Ripon, now available at bookshops across the city.
A special St Wilfrid's Stars Award was given to former three times Mayor of Ripon Mick Stanley in thanks for his leadership of the project.
Mick Stanley received his award from Dean John
The names of those nominated for the awards can be seen displayed for the next few days in the cathedral along with the display of golden stars knitted by the Ripon Community Poppy Project. Details of all award winners can be found by clicking here.
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