15
Oct
Call for unity in Ripon as Remembrance events fast approach
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As the political war of words rages on in Ripon, a group focused on remembrance is calling for unity in the city.
Since its launch in 2017, the Ripon Community Poppy Project has been involved in the non-stop production of hand-knitted displays to highlight events of commemoration and celebration in the city.
The latest creation of the volunteer knitters is a stunning dress with 12 foot train made from more than 1,500 hand-crafted poppies.
It will be worn by soprano Charlotte Potter when she performs at the project's Concert of Remembrance in Ripon Cathedral on the evening of November 6.
Members of Ripon Community Poppy Project pictured at Specsavers this morning before the dress went on display. From the left: Edna Plunkett, Carol Dunkley, Lynn Hart, Stuart Martin, Hazel Barker and Betty Hardisty.
The project was launched by former mayor of Ripon Stuart Martin and Hazel Barker, who became a Freeman of the City in 2019.
Both have attended recent meetings in the town hall council chamber, causing them to have concerns about the negative impact that the political fall out could have on Ripon's reputation.
Mr Martin, a former chair of North Yorkshire County Council who served as mayor of Ripon in 2004-2005 and was Harrogate district mayor from 2019 until 2021, told the Stray Ferret:
Over the years, the Knit and Natter Group and many other people who knit at home, have collectively spent tens of thousands of hours producing unique remembrance displays that have ensured that we, as a city with a long military history, honour those who gave their lives for this country.
As well as respecting the dead the displays, including the knitted Churchill tank, have attracted thousands of additional visitors to Ripon from home and abroad.
We sincerely hope that with Rembrance Sunday fast approaching, everyone in the city will put their differences to one side and be united in the act of remembrance.
Tickets for the concert costing £15 are still available and can be purchased at the Ripon Cathedral Shop, Stuff4Offices, The Wakeman Cafe, and Eccles Hebden Solicitors.
They can also be purchased via the Ripon Community Poppy Project website, where more details about the concert and its performers can be found.
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