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Aug 2024
Ripon military heritage campaigners to speak at public meeting
Members of a group fighting to save Ripon’s military heritage from destruction will speak at a public meeting next month to explain the historical significance of their campaign.
Ripon Military Heritage Trust chair Guy Wilson and secretary Jane Furse will address a meeting entitled From Bombs to Bailey Bridges in Bishop Monkton Village Hall on September 11.
Their presentation will detail the contribution made by Ripon and its surroundings to military history, particularly in the two world wars. Much vital wartime engineering development and testing took place in and around Ripon, including the celebrated Bailey bridges, temporary kit bridges used particularly during the allied invasion after D-Day in 1944.
The trust was set up to campaign for the preservation of the remaining structures on Ministry of Defence land to the west of Ripon where developers are planning more than 1,000 new homes.
The Stray Ferret is backing the campaign, which will be debated by councillors next month after a petition in favour of preserving the military heritage was signed by more than 1,000 people.
Mr Wilson said:
The story of just how important Ripon’s contribution was to the outcome of the Second World War and other conflicts is still largely untold. This is why we are so determined to spread the word through events like this one in Bishop Monkton as part of our fight to preserve those relics of this fascinating history which still remain.
Colin Philpott, who is organising the event on behalf of Bishop Monkton Local History Group, said:
Even little Bishop Monkton played a vital role in World War Two with wartime bridges tested at a site near the village where remains of Nissan huts can still be seen. It’s just one part of a much bigger military story.
The event takes place on Wednesday 11th September starting at 7pm in Bishop Monkton Village Hall. Tickets cost £10 (free to members of the Bishop Monkton Local History Group) to be paid on the door. To ensure a seat, contact Annabel Alton at annabel@annabelalton.com Doors will open at 6.30pm and there will be a cash bar selling wine and soft drinks.
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