Few people know about ‘Cockerel Corner’, but a former mayor of Ripon can often be seen feeding the hungry birds that congregate at an otherwise unremarkable bend in a moorland road.
Up to 30 abandoned birds respond to the blast of John Richmond’s car horn, emerging from the scrubby terrain and eagerly flapping over walls.
A cacophony of crowing greets Mr Richmond, nicknamed ‘Mr Ripon’ due to his decades of service to the city, as he throws corn, bread and greens to the Bantams, Leghorn/Rhode Island crosses and Plymouth Rock cockerels.
Feeding the flock is an act of kindness that reminds the 85-year-old of growing up in a farming family across the moor at Dallowgill – but he needs volunteers to help out.
Mr Richmond said:
“I took over feeding them when my cousin Ken Ellis became too unwell to do it.
“He started tending to the cockerels a few years ago and their number has grown.
“It wouldn’t be right to let them starve, so I come up several times a week. They are fed by others on days when I’m not here.”
Feeding time at ‘Cockerel Corner’: John Richmond BEM attends to hungry birds.
It is believed that the birds have been released into the wild to fend for themselves because they are surplus to requirements.
Mr Richmond said:
“Farmers only need a limited number of cockerels.
“After being reared as chicks, they are a few months old before it is known whether they are male or female.
“By then, they are too tough to eat.”
To offer to help with the flock, people can call 01765 607096.
Between regular visits to the moors, Mr Richmond is making revisions to his debut book.
The Stray Ferret has been given a pre-publication preview of his entertaining, humorous and informative autobiography, which takes the reader on a journey from the moorland farm of his childhood to municipal service in Ripon.
Highlights include the key role that Mr Richmond played as a newly elected independent county councillor in ensuring its ancient grammar school did not become a comprehensive.
During his year of office in 1976, Mr Richmond represented the city (at his own expense) at the bicentennial celebrations in the USA. He was present along with the mayors of Ripon in California and Ripon, Wisconsin.
He has the distinction of being the only serving mayor to take on the role of Ripon Hornblower, and was awarded the British Empire Medal in January.
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An important element running throughout Mr Richmond’s book is the time spent with Barbara, his wife of 55 years, who died in 2013. He said:
“She was my driving force and I wouldn’t have achieved anything without her.”
