Organisations, individuals and a business that have made a positive contribution to life in the city, gathered at Ripon Cathedral for the St Wilfrid’s Stars Awards.
The event was organised by Ripon Together as part of the cathedral’s 1,350th anniversary celebrations and more than 150 people were present to discover who had won the trophies designed and produced by Jennyruth Workshops.
At Friday’s presentation evening, the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. John Dobson, pointed out that the star was the symbol of St Wilfrid, who founded the cathedral in 672 AD.
He said:
“All of those who were nominated are stars for what they do to contribute to the life of Ripon and we thank and applaud them.”
One of the St Wilfrid’s Stars Awards produced by Jennyruth Workshop
Hundreds of knitted stars made by the Ripon Community Poppy Project were hung high in the nave for the presentation evening and there was special mention from Dean John for Alwyn Hartley, who produced more than 200 of them.
The dedicated team of knitters who have decorated the city with extensive displays for the Queen’s platinum jubilee, Remembrance Sunday and the Winter Wonderland at Spa Gardens, were winners of the award for tourism.
Lou Jones, who owns Oliver’s Pantry cafe on North Street with her husband Tim, received the business award and was recognised for ‘boosting the community’s wellbeing and signposting them to all that Ripon has to offer.’
St Wilfrid’s Stars youth award winner Rosie Sturt, is pictured with the Mayor of Ripon Councillor Sid Hawke
The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Sid Hawke, presented the youth award to Rosie Sturt, for her work in leading a team of young volunteers who have delivered a Lego Club at Ripon Library.
The aim of the club is to help young children to increase their social skills and confidence in the wake of the covid lockdowns.
A St Wilfrid’s Star also went to Sarah Jaques – a Ripon Library volunteer and co-ordinator – who won the community award for her tireless work.
Her citation read:
“Without volunteers, there would be no library and there would be a great gap in the life of the city.”
For the overall volunteer of the year award the panel of judges selected Gloria Sturdy, who has devoted her life to supporting many causes in the city.
This includes the provision of lunches each Thursday at Holy Trinity Church for people in need, to sewing PPE kits for frontline workers during the pandemic.
The culture award was presented to the Ripon Theatre Festival organising committee, in recognition of staging a highly successful inaugural performing arts event from a standing start.
Caroline Bentham, who has supported groups in Ripon through her community scrap fund, which raises money from the sale of recycled metal, received the environment award.
As well as being a supporter of many good causes, she is an active Girl Guide Leader and an assistant county commissioner.
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