A new cafe in Harrogate is set to have family at its heart – in more ways than one.
Brood Coffee House will open next month at the bottom of Commercial Street, in a unit previously occupied by Foxy Vintage and Interiors.
It is being converted by Hannah and Frank Pinder to offer space for children to play and enjoy classes, while parents can also enjoy a coffee or light lunch.
Hannah told the Stray Ferret:
“My husband’s passion is coffee. I’m more on the baby development side.
“I run multi-sensory and baby development classes all over the place. This gives me a bit more of a base.
“I’ll be doing a couple of days here, and then renting the space out to other class providers during the week.”
The ground floor coffee shop will be open from 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
As well as café seating, it has toys for youngsters to play with – all selected by Hannah using her expertise.
Dark Woods will be supplying the coffee, pastries will be provided by Manna Bakery, and Hannah is currently speaking to cake suppliers to fill the counter with sweet treats.
Sandwiches will be made in-house by her mum, who has been part of the family effort to get the business ready to open.
Hannah’s dad – an artist and designer who runs classes for students at Henshaws in Knaresborough – came up with the name and branding, and has been hard at work on the DIY with Frank.
He has also designed some colouring sheets for young visitors to use at the tables.
Since setting up the cafe’s website and Instagram account, Hannah said she has been “inundated” with interest from people hoping to use the newly-converted basement to run classes and activities.
If they all sign up, she’s hoping to offer everything from baby yoga and drama classes to pre- and post-natal sessions and a breastfeeding café.
As a class leader herself, Hannah said she has experienced how hard it can be to find a high-quality venue.
“Running my classes in Leeds, I was done with the cold, horrible church halls and mums having to use nasty toilets with nowhere to change their babies.
“A couple of things started popping up that were really nice spaces, but there was nothing in Harrogate like that.
“I’m from a group of six girlfriends with children of similar age and we really struggled with where to go. You can meet at the Valley Gardens for an hour, but where can you go after that’s child-friendly and also a nice place?
“There’s such a lovely mum culture of people wanting to meet friends with children and hang out and do thing for the kids, but also for them.”
While the space will be used every week during term time for regular classes, Hannah is also hoping to run special events during the school holidays.
Her mum is already signed up to run storytime sessions, and there will be crafts and other activities on offer.
The studio is also going to be available for private bookings, mostly on Sundays, to host birthday parties, baby showers, christening celebrations and more.
Hannah and Frank will be test-running the space as a party venue for their own son, Reg, who turns two this month – and has also been in the shop daily checking out the toys in time for the planned launch events on Saturday, September 2.
Read more:
Harrogate BID plans Majestic event for coronation
A big screen and live music will be on offer when Harrogate BID celebrates the coronation next month.
The BID is putting on the event in the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa, and is inviting families and groups of friends to join in.
People can bring picnic blankets and deckchairs to watch the coronation of King Charles III on the screen on Saturday, May 6, as well as the run-up to the ceremony. There will also be entertainment and the chance to win prizes.
The celebrations continue on Sunday, May 7, when DJ Mark Green will provide the music. Food and drink will be available to buy from the hotel throughout the weekend.
BID manager Matthew Chapman said:
“We are delighted to be hosting this event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa. The coronation will be a joyous occasion – it gives people the chance to come together and enjoy some fun, whilst celebrating.
“The hotel is the perfect venue for the event, with plenty of room in the grounds for local residents to watch the official proceedings on a huge screen, with a great atmosphere to boot.”
The event is expected to open at noon on both days, and full details of timings will be announced once details of the coronation have been released by Buckingham Palace. Attendance is free and there is no need to book.
Destination Harrogate has already announced it will hold three days of celebrations for the coronation in the Valley Gardens.
Plans are also being put in place for big screens and other events in Knaresborough and Ripon, as well as community celebrations across the Harrogate district.
The Stray Ferret will be reporting on how our communities are celebrating the coronation in the run-up to and during the bank holiday weekend. Make sure your event is included by sending us an email with the details.
Read more:
- Harrogate’s Valley Gardens to host three-day coronation celebration
- Coronation Competition: A crown fit for the King
Knaresborough set for Winter Fayre and Christmas window contest
A Winter Fayre and Christmas window competition is being held in Knaresborough in December as part of continuing efforts to boost the town.
The event, which is being organised by Knaresborough Business Collective, follows on from the success of the Spring Fayre in April.
Annie Wilkinson-Gill, from The Crystal Buddha, and Natalie Horner, from Sid Horner and Son, founders of the business group, said the event would feature a host of exciting attractions.
They will include children’s rides, a Father Christmas grotto, live entertainment and music, food and drink stalls and craft workshops, as well as a local artisan market.
The fayre will take place on December 10 from 10am until 4pm on Knaresborough Market Place.
To accompany the event, the group is also hosting a Christmas window competition, which will see businesses in the town create displays with a festive theme before December 9. Prizes will be awarded to the top three best dressed windows.
Ms Wilkinson-Gill said:
“We are so excited to see all your fantastic efforts for Christmas. Knaresborough’s window displays are becoming a tourist attraction for visitors. They are so fantastic, and of course everybody wants to get their hands on one our prestigious trophies!”
The Winter Fayre will take place the week after the Knaresborough Christmas Market weekend on December 3 and 4.
Read more:
Platinum Jubilee Harrogate district: What’s On
This article is sponsored by Boundless Networks
The four-day celebration of the Queen’s 70-year-reign is underway.
We have compiled a What’s On diary of events for the Harrogate district across those four days. Please send us details of your event for the extended jubilee weekend holiday so we can add it in.
Harrogate
Civic Celebration:
Part of the Stray will be transformed into Jubilee Square. It will include a large stage and a big screen for the bank holiday.
Thursday: The big screen will be showing the Trooping of the Colour, The Queen’s birthday parade and the RAF flypast. Harrogate Spa Town Ukes will be performing, along with the big school sing, Freddie Cleary and band, Undercovered.
Friday: There will be a jubilee dog show, the Harrogate mastermind quiz, and live music from Ben & George. The big screen will also be playing the Service of Thanksgiving from St Paul’s Cathedral.
Saturday: A wellbeing morning has been organised, along with a second Harrogate mastermind quiz. The big screen will stream The Derby at Epsom Downs and the platinum party at the palace.
Sunday: There will be a jubilee picnic with DJ Mark Green, and the big screen will be showing films Encanto and The Greatest Showman throughout the day.
The town centre will be adorned with 4km of bunting and there will be street entertainers performing across the four days.
Valley Gardens will host a free family festival, which will feature jugglers, magicians, choirs and fairground rides. For a full timetable of events in Valley Gardens click here.
Little Bird Artisan Market
Friday to Sunday: Little Bird Artisan Markets will be hosting an artisan market in Valley Gardens
The market holds stalls with an array of traders who sell baked goods, food, drink, arts, and crafts.
Palm Court Café Afternoon Tea
Friday and Saturday: Yorkshire Appetite have organised a guided walk and afternoon tea at 3pm.
The walk will include a short stroll through Harrogate central led by a local guide, keeping to the themes of the monarchy.
An afternoon tea will be held after in the Palm Court Café.
Tickets are £22.50 per person and can be booked here.
Cedar Court Hotel Tea Parties
Friday: Cedar Court Hotel is holding a Garden Tipi Jubilee Afternoon.
Priced at £16.00 per head the tea menu is extensive. For tickets book here.
Harrogate Street Parties
Currently, there are twelve officially planned street parties being held by the residents of Harrogate.
Rudding Park:
Thursday to Saturday: Deer House Family pub at Rudding Holiday Park will be hosting a series of events such as a Jubilee disco and tea party. For more information click here.
Harrogate Library:
Tuesday: Harrogate library is hosting the Twixt t’Covers regional event, where five special guests will discuss their favourite books from The Big Jubilee booklist. It will be livestreamed to audiences across the nation from 7:30pm to 9pm.
The 70 books, made up of 10 books from each decade of the Queen’s reign, will be available to borrow from Harrogate library.
Oatlands Community Centre:
Thursday: Oatlands Community Centre are hosting jubilee crafts for children from 10-12am. There will also be the chance to learn about Oatlands’ industrial heritage, view the centre’s ceramic mural design and sign up for a free clay workshop.
Live music at Harlow Carr:
RHS Garden Harlow Carr are hosting a series of live music performances on each afternoon of the bank holiday weekend. The groups playing are:
Thursday: Take 2 Big Band
Friday: New Horizons Dance Band
Saturday: Barnsley Brass
Sunday: Chris Irvin Concert Orchestra
Knaresborough
Knaresborough’s Platinum Jubilee Committee has planned a celebration and entertainment programme. Flags, bunting and shop window decorations are already up. There will be a children’s shop window trail around the town.
Thursday to Saturday: A community history display will be open in Knaresborough House from 10am to 4.30 pm daily. Admission is free.
Thursday: Knaresborough Flower Club will be decorating the Market Cross in the Market Place for the Platinum Jubilee.
At 9pm, along with more than 1,500 locations across the UK, the Mayor of Knaresborough will light a beacon on the castle top. All are welcome.
Friday: There will be a tea dance from 2pm to 4pm at the Knaresborough Community Centre, Stockwell Avenue. It is a free event, but people are asked to register their interest in attending. Tel. 01423 862702
Saturday: There will be an artisan market in the morning, followed by an afternoon garden party and performances at Knaresborough House. Musicians and entertainers are booked for the free garden event with people encouraged to dress up in 1950’s attire.
From 10-11 am, there will be a children’s flag-making workshop at Gracious Street Methodist Church. The event is free and there will be refreshments at the workshop.
At 11am there will be a flag procession from the Market Place led by the Town Crier to the grounds of Knaresborough House for the Jubilee Garden Party which opens at 12 Noon.
There will be a dog show. Entries are taken from 11am at the show ring. Entry £1 per class. Proceeds for Ukraine animal charities.
The approximate times are 12pm Best Rescue, 12.45pm Prettiest Bitch, 1.30pm Most Handsome Male, 2.15pm Waggiest tail and 3pm Fancy Dress.
Visitors can bring their own picnics, but a range of food and drink stalls will be available.
In St John’s Church, a specially commissioned film from Yorkshire Archives, looking at the Queen’s reign in Yorkshire and the Northeast, will be on a rolling programme with free entry.
In the Knaresborough House gardens entertainment will be provided by, The Hummingbirds, Roundel Pop group, Meadowside School Choir, Knaresborough Youth Theatre, Studio 3 and a traditional Indian Dancer. Knaresborough Silver Band will provide a fitting end to the day with music from the Last Night of the Proms.
Sunday: Christians Together in Knaresborough invite everyone to a Jubilee Celebration Service of worship at 10.30am in St John’s Church. Share with all the churches in the town as they come together to give thanks to for the Queen’s reign.
Sunday afternoon is reserved for individually arranged street parties.
Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has announced a fancy dress competition. Get into the spirit of things with your best 1950’s outfits and you could win £50 (and some free publicity for your business or group if appropriate). Upload a photo of yourself or your team in your best 1950’s or Jubilee themed outfit. Use the hashtag #knaresboroughjubileedressup
See https://knaresboroughchamber.org for more details and terms.
Ripon
Ripon City centre will be adorned with banners knitted by Ripon Community Poppy Project.
Ripon’s Civic Celebrations
Thursday to Saturday: The focus of festivities will be on Market Square where there’ll be musical entertainment alongside free fairground rides. The entertainment will run from 11am -11.30pm
To accommodate the crowds, road closures will be in place on Market Place roads.
At 9pm on Saturday, the Platinum Jubilee Horn commissioned by the council will be used for the first time in the setting of the watch ceremony. All four of the city’s hornblowers will be on duty.
Ripon Cathedral service and tea party
Thursday: Ripon Cathedral, which is also celebrating its 1,350th anniversary year, will be the focus of North Yorkshire attention, as it hosts the civic service for the county between 11am-12pm.
Friday: Platinum Jubilee Tea Party 2-4pm for invited guests, who were born in each of the 70 years of the Queen’s reign.
Ripon’s new Platinum Jubilee Horn, will be unveiled to the public at 9pm on June 4
Children’s Entertainment in Spa Gardens
The focus on Sunday switches to Spa Park, where a day-long programme of family entertainment is being organised by Ripon Community Poppy Project.
Tractor Festival
Friday to Sunday: The UK’s largest tractor festival returns to Newby Hall, Ripon. After experiencing a break for two years, the festival will be extended to three days to cover the jubilee celebrations.
On average, the festival attracts around 12,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitions of vehicles.
The event will run from 10am-5pm over three days.
Food, drinks, arts and crafts will be available to make the day more inclusive to children and families that wish to come down. Tickets are available on the Newby Hall website.
Boroughbridge
Wednesday, June 1: Boroughbridge Community Library is taking part in the Big Jubilee Read, and will be hosting a story time for children. There will be two story times for the book The Queen’s Knickers, starting at 10:15am for children aged 0-5 and 11:30am for children aged 5-11. The event will also involve activities based on the book.
Friday: The Great Afternoon Tea for the jubilee takes place at Boroughbridge Football Club from 12pm to 6pm. An afternoon of fun and games will raise money for the charity Dementia Forward.
There will be a barbecue and bar, along with a bouncy castle, tug of war, face painting, beat the goalie competition, and a raffle. There will also be an afternoon tea for local care home residents.
Pateley Bridge
Civic Celebration
Friday: A jubilee garden party will take place from 12pm – 4pm at Pateley Bridge Masonic Hall, including food, drink, face painting and games. The event will raise money for the Yorkshire air ambulance.
Saturday: The main festivities in Pateley Bridge are focused on a big party in the town’s recreation ground from midday until 3pm and there will be a royal themed fancy dress competition, a cake competition and live music.
Sunday: A platinum jubilee afternoon tea will be held from 1pm-4pm at Pateley Bridge & Bewerley Memorial Hall with live music, a raffle and a kids “design a crown or corgi” competition. No need to book.
Masham
Civic Celebration
Masham Parish Council has organised four days of events for the town.
Thursday:
- 10am onwards five-a-side football knockout tournament begins, plus bowls, snooker, quoits and a tug-of-war between businesses and community groups.
- 2pm Town Crier will read the proclamation
- 7.30pm A celebratory ring of church bells St Mary’s Church
- 9.40pm Lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee beacons – bugle call to fanfare
- 9.45pm Lighting of the beacon on Roomer Common
Friday:
- 1pm Parade of Floats led by Reeth Brass Band – leaving from I’Ansons Mill, circling Masham.
- 2pm Fancy Dress judging – prizes for ‘best’ 5years and under, 6years to 10years, up to 16years and adults on Masham Market Place
- 3pm BYO BBQ on the Square – bring your own food and BBQ with friends on the square (dedicated veggie & gluten free BBQs available), people advised to bring a chair, on Masham Market Place
- 7.30pm Band on the Square – local popular band ‘The Doubtful Bottle’ on Masham Market Place
- 10pm Fireworks – what every celebration needs at St Mary’s Church yard to be viewed from the Market Place
Saturday:
- 10am Children’s Royal Crafts – craft a crown with Rev Sian Lawton at St Mary’s Church
- 3pm Afternoon Tea – enjoy a tasty light bite with a glass of fizz before the choir concert at St Mary’s Church. Tickets are £10
- Jubilee Choir Concert – come and enjoy music from members of Masham Musical Society, Singing for Fun and St Mary’s Choir. Tickets are £5
- 7.30pm Jubilee Evening Concert
Sunday:
- 10am Royal Peal of Bells – honouring the Queen at St Mary’s Church 10.45am Service of Thanksgiving
- Midday The Great Get Together – bring your own food and share at this community luncheon, tables and chairs will be provided
For full details there’s more information on the Mashamshire Jubilee Programme website
Birstwith
Saturday and Sunday: The Birstwith Annual Village Show in Harrogate has planned separate events for both days
Saturday: A royal pig race will be held at the Station Hotel gardens in Birstwith. The event is family friendly and will start from 4:30pm running onwards.
Food and drink will be available with attendees having to bring cash for betting and food.
Sunday: BAVS have organised a village picnic to mark the Queen’s jubilee. Anyone is able to join, with participants required to bring their own picnic and drinks.
Dacre
A programme of events have been organised and Dacre, like Ripon, will be taking part in the beacon lighting ceremony on Thursday.
It will be lit at Dover Castle, up the path near Low Hall, by locally-based firefighters and attendees are asked to arrive by 9.30pm.
Songs will be sung, including the National Anthem.
Family fun day
Friday: A family fun day from noon until 4pm, will be held at the Max Pullan Playing Fields.
In addition to the live music and refreshments, there will be an egg and spoon race, coconut shy, bouncy castle, face-painting and tug-of-war competition.
Sunday: The playing fields will also be the venue for an open air thanksgiving service starting at 11am.
It will be followed by a traditional village street party between the village green and church hall, from noon until 4pm attendees are asked to bring a picnic.
Throughout the week there is also a ‘Royal Treasure Hunt’ within Dacre Banks, with check in for the event at the village store.
Kirkby Malzeard
Kirkby Malzeard Parish Council has organised a packed timetable of events across the four day bank holiday.
Thursday: A historical tour of the church has been organised, to begin at 3pm.
There will also be a jubilee bonfire lit at 9:45pm at Greygarth Monument, including a singalong where guests are encouraged to bring their own instruments.
Friday: An off-road social run will begin at 9am, lasting for 90 minutes and setting off from The Mechanics’ Institute.
Reeth Brass Band will be playing from 11am in Mowbray Crescent.
From 2pm, Laverton’s party will be hosted on the green, including live music and the option to bring your own food and drink.
The Mechanics’ Institute are holding a coronation music night, starting at 8pm.
Saturday: A Royal parade will begin at midday, where trailers and floats will lead the procession. The parade will start at the Market Cross, leading to the playing fields where the ‘Kirkby Queen’ will present a gift to every child taking part.
This will be followed by an afternoon of games, entertainment and a barbeque from 12:30pm.
At 1:30pm, the Kirkby Queen will plant an Elizabeth II rose in the jubilee garden.
The Mechanics Institute are ending the day with a royal quiz at 8pm.
Sunday: A street party will take place from 1.30pm– 4.30pm on Church Street. Guests can bring their own food, drinks and table decorations, and The Queen’s head will also be running a barbecue. At 1:30pm the children of Kirkby School will perform a maypole dance, there will be a royal teddy bear’s parade followed by a teddy bear’s picnic, and a dance and singalong to live music.
Spofforth
Spofforth with Stockeld Parish Council is one of the villages to be awarded funding from Harrogate Borough Council to be used for the jubilee.
Thursday: A children’s party will start at 2pm at the cricket club, including a helter skelter, a bouncy castle, hook a duck, a craft tent and a dunking stool. There will also be afternoon tea and a barbeque.
At 2:15pm a parade of the Kings and Queens of England will begin, where children can dress up as their favourite King or Queen from history.
At 9:45pm, Spofforth will join other communities across the district in lighting the jubilee beacon. This event will begin at 9pm in front of Spofforth Castle and will include music from Spofforth School Choir and saxophonist Millie Hope.
Friday: A tea party with prosecco, afternoon tea and music for Spofforth and Stockeld seniors has been organised in the Long Memorial Hall, starting at 3pm.
Royal party in the park
Saturday: A party in the park will begin at 7pm outside the castle, where people are encouraged to bring their own picnics. The evening will include face painting, circus entertainers, a 50s style band, and an Oompah band.
A disco and fireworks will bring the night to a close at 11:30pm.
Killinghall
Killinghall is putting on a jubilee celebration on Sunday at the village hall and the cricket club.
It will begin at midday with a packed timetable of activities, including a bouncy castle, a cricket match, a tug of war, and children’s races.
At 12:15pm a jubilee fancy dress parade is taking place, and at 3pm judging of the jubilee cake competition will begin. The day will be brought to a close with the live band Let Luce.
People are encouraged to bring their own picnics, and refreshments will also be available at the cricket club bar.
Winksley
Saturday: Woodhouse Caravan Park is holding a garden party at 3pm, including games, face painting, a cake sale, a quiz and a raffle at The Barn restaurant.
There will also be a party tea between 5pm-7pm and music entertainment into the evening. The profits made from the event will be donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Roecliffe and Westwick
Saturday: The parish council have organised a platinum jubilee lunch on the village green from midday.
Fewston and Blubberhouses
Thursday to Sunday: Fewston and Blubberhouses are holding a flower festival at Blubberhouses church, lasting all four days of the bank holiday. Refreshments will be served from 11am – 4pm each day, with live music on Saturday from 2pm – 3pm.
North Rigton
There is a red, white and blue trail to do around the village, starting from 22nd May, and a jubilee flagpole will be put up in the village garden.
Thursday: An evening garden party will be held from 7pm -10pm at Hill Top Farm, where guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks and meal.
They will also be lighting a beacon at 9:15pm, which can be viewed from the garden.
Sunday: A bring-your-own picnic has been organised, which will be held in the church grounds.
Topcliffe and Asenby
Thursday and Friday: The Angel at Topcliffe pub has organised a jubilee celebration between midday and 5pm. There will be a bouncy castle, a treasure hunt and games. The Cherry Tones will also be performing, with songs from across the seven decades of the Queen’s reign.
Saturday: The main event in Topcliffe and Asenby will be a party in the park on Saturday. The event will include an inflatable assault course, children’s games, a bowls competition, an ice cream van and live music. There is also the chance to pre-order afternoon tea. It starts at 2pm on the village playing field.
On Saturday afternoon, St Columba’s Church is offering guided tours, where the church tower will be open for people wishing to see the village’s jubilee decorations from above.
Sunday: St Columba’s Church has organised a Choral Evensong with the choir at 6:30pm.
Whixley
Saturday: From 7pm there will be an evening of entertainment at the village hall, with songs, dances and tales of the past.
Sunday: A jubilee picnic will start at midday, where events throughout the afternoon include a royal fancy dress parade for guests and their dogs, a dog show, sports day races and an inflatable assault course.
Hampsthwaite
Saturday: From 2pm the Memorial Hall will open, offering a hog roast and barbeque. There will also be a bouncy castle and live music from Spa Town Ukes and Still Crazy.
Sunday: The Memorial Hall will continue its celebrations on Sunday, opening again at 2pm until 5pm. There will be tea, cakes and sandwiches, as well as a raffle and screenings of film clips and newsreels.
Follifoot
Sunday: Follifoot parish council have organised a jubilee picnic on the village hall lawn. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnics and dress in red, white and blue or 1950s style fashion. There will be sports, music and a craft corner.
Great Ouseburn
Friday: Great Ouseburn village hall will hold a jubilee celebration all day, with a number of activities planned.
Guests are encouraged to dress in 1950s style outfits, and there will be a 1950s themed window trail around the village, as well as a Queen’s parade. Children’s crafts and games will take place, including dress making and crown creating. A jubilee lunch has also been organised where guests will need to bring their own food and reserve a table beforehand. There will be live music into the evening, and food available from Bistro Guy and Pool Bridge Farm Shop.
A commemorative mosaic plaque is also due to be unveiled on Friday.
Norwood
Sunday: Norwood social hall is hosting afternoon tea and family games to mark the jubilee weekend. The event will begin at 2pm, and will include an afternoon tea and picnic boxes for children, family games, a children’s craft corner and a children’s colouring competition.
Markington
Saturday: Markington village hall has organised a jubilee celebration that includes afternoon tea and live music. The event will be at 1pm – 4pm, with the singer beginning at 1:30pm. Tables can be booked via committee members.
Bishop Monkton
Bishop Monkton has a large variety of events for the jubilee weekend. Throughout the four day bank holiday, there will be a decorated house and garden trail through the village, and St John’s Church will be hosting a flower festival each day from 10am – 4pm.
Wednesday 1st June: A community concert with the theme ‘seven decades of song’ will take place in the village hall from 7:30pm.
Thursday: From 10am – 4pm there will be music from DJ Billy Miller, followed by live music at 4pm – 7pm from the seven-piece band Groove Council.
From 11am to 1pm there will be the ‘It’s a knockout’ sports competition on the playing fields, with tea and coffee also available in the village hall.
Children’s games will take place from midday on the playing fields, along with a magician.
There will also be a selection of refreshments available throughout the day on the playing fields, with bacon baps and a barbeque from 10am, and a bar from 2pm – 7pm.
Friday: At 9:45am there will be a coffee morning at St John’s Church.
The village hall will be screening two films, ‘The Village Likes to Party’ and ‘The Village Pubs’ from the local history group. There will be two viewings of each film at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.
From 10am the Methodist Church will hold a wedding dress and photos display. This will also be open on Saturday.
The Masons Arms is putting on an afternoon tea from midday until 3pm, which must be booked in advance.
Saturday: A hog roast with stalls, games and pig racing will begin at midday on Main Street.
In the school hall, there will be cream teas available, as well as the school’s jubilee exhibition, open from 12pm – 5pm.
From 7pm, the village hall has organised a ceilidh, with a cash bar on the night.
Sunday: At 10:30am, there is a join service from both the churches in Bishop Monkton in the school playground.
A fancy dress parade will take place from 2pm, where guests are invited to dress up to represent people and events from the Queen’s reign. This will be followed by a street party at 3pm on Main Street, then a prize giving at 4pm.
Monday 6th June: The parish council will present the children of Bishop Monkton primary school with commemorative mugs.
To bring the celebrations to a close, a time capsule will be created and buried at 10:30am in Jubilee Woods by the village hall.
Marton le Moor
The parish council have organised tea, cake and games on Devonshire green. The event will begin at 2pm and refreshments will be provided.
Wanted: entertainment with ‘wow factor’ for Harrogate town centre
Harrogate Business Improvement District is offering grants to entertainers that can liven up Harrogate town centre’s streets.
The BID issued a plea today for events and installations that will drive footfall into the town centre.
It is offering the grants in order to cover any costs incurred as long as the idea satisfies funding criteria.
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:
“We are really keen to bring something new and exciting to Harrogate town centre each weekend, and we are calling on individuals and groups to help us achieve this.
“We are particularly looking for something that is unique, exciting and has the wow factor. Harrogate is a standout town, and we want anything that we help deliver to also stand out.”
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Mr Chapman added that grants weren’t just available for performers, but for individuals, groups and organisations who want to play a part in benefitting the BID levy area.
Last year’s art on the Stray.
He said:
“Last year, we commissioned the incredible mural that adorns the side of Monsoon, on Cross James Street. We also commissioned Artizan UK to create nine mosaic letters spelling Harrogate to cover the bricked up windows on the side of Boots building, along Cambridge Place.
“I’m really pleased to say these will be in situ next month, adding a much-needed splash of colour to this drab street linking Oxford Street and Cambridge Street. We also provided a colourful banner for Commercial Street to help promote the independent businesses it’s home to.
“We have five key project areas; marketing, promotions and events, access and car parking, safe, clean and welcoming, business plus, and evening and night time economy, and if an idea fits in with one of these, then we are interested and a grant may well be available.”
More information on the grant can be found on the Harrogate BID website.
More than 1,500 attend New Year’s event in RiponUpwards of 1,500 New Year’s eve revellers were on Ripon’s Market Square as the hands on the town hall clock reached midnight.
The only major public gathering to be held in the Harrogate district, went ahead last night, in spite of a couple of eleventh-hour issues.
While other events across the UK and the world, from Edinburgh to New York, were cancelled because of coronavirus concerns, the city’s residents came out in force to let their hair down at the end of a covid-restricted year.
Because of circumstances beyond the city council’s control, the planned fireworks finale was called off and there was also a late change to the concert performers, with the Movie Night Show singing duo (pictured below) taking over from the Big Boyband Reunion.
Oasis tribute act Definitely Mightbe (Pictured below) were the headline act on a night of free music, which saw crowd numbers steadily climb as people headed to Market Square after dining or drinking in Ripon’s restaurants and pubs.
Concerns raised on Thursday about the level of emergency medical cover for the event were overcome and two ambulance crews were on duty throughout the night.
A team of six from the OSR Medical Ambulance Service (pictured below) which works in partnership with the NHS to cover large public events, was on hand to deal with any incidents or injuries and reported just one – a young woman who cut her foot on broken glass.
In his New Year address from the town hall balcony, the Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, had special praise for volunteers, who have been involved in the roll out of the covid vaccination programme throughout 2021.
He said:
“It has been a challenging 12 months and I, as mayor of this great city, would like to pay thanks to the many volunteers who have worked incredibly hard this year at the vaccination site.
“I also thank those who have helped the vulnerable, neighbours and elderly in these difficult times”
Cllr Parkin, pictured below with the Bishop of Ripon The Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley – who gave the final blessing, added:
“The city council is also indebted to the many people, from doctors and nurses, to delivery drivers and retail staff, who have worked so tirelessly to support all of us over the past year.”
Prior to his address and the bishop’s blessing, the mayor and Dean of Ripon The Very Revd. John Dobson led a candle-lit procession (pictured below) from Ripon Cathedral to Market Square.
The procession, symbolising the bringing of light and hope to the New Year, followed an end of year service of carols and prayers at the cathedral.
Three hours before the clocks struck midnight, the evening of entertainment began in traditional style, as Richard Midgley (pictured below) one of Ripon’s four hornblowers carried out the setting of the watch ceremony at the four corners of the obelisk.
From March 2020 until the lifting of lockdown on 19 July 2021, covid regulations saw Richard and his colleagues confined to performing the 9pm nightly ceremony behind closed doors at their own homes.
The tradition dating back to 886 AD and the much newer New Year’s Eve celebration, which has been in place since 1986, are part of the fabric of a proud and ancient city.
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Alongside the tribute acts who played at Ripon’s summer season of free concerts, an emerging home-grown talent took centre stage.
The first performer at the Yorkshire Day Weekend of musical entertainment, was singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary, who has a growing fan base in the city and further afield.
The 20-year-old acoustic guitarist, who lives in Ripon, hopes for a recording contract one day and his rapidly-rising career has already seen him perform at high profile events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Tour de Yorkshire.
Freddie Cleary busking at The Arcade in Ripon
The former pupil of Grewelthorpe Primary School and Bedale High, started playing music at the age of ten after being bought a second-hand guitar by his mother Karen, who is now his manager, administrator and roadie.
Freddie said:
“I used to be addicted to Playstation, but once I received my guitar I never played PS3 again!”
His first gig came at the age of 15 when he was asked to play at the Crown Inn in Grewelthorpe and then he started busking on the streets of Masham, Harrogate, Ripon and Robin Hood’s Bay.
Freddie, who has written his own songs – Mercy, My Everything, Perfect and Talk To Me – has used facilities at the Homefire Recording Co studio in Harrogate, added:
“I take my inspiration from artists such as Oasis, Ed Sheeran, Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen and the Stone Roses and it is my ambition to get my own recording contract one day.”
In the meantime, the young artist has another string to his bow, as an actor and member of Ripon Amateur Operatic Society (RAOS) where he started his acting career by successfully auditioning for one of the lead roles in the musical Cats.
He is also in the cast for the RAOS upcoming performances of Jesus Christ Superstar, which run from 7 to 16 October at the society’s Allhallowgate headquarters.
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His acting ability was noticed by a talent spotter and led to him being offered a role in Amazon Prime’s Green Fingers where he plays the part of a busker!
Freddie pointed out:
“It’s great, I can just be myself and while I enjoy acting, I think that playing the guitar, writing and singing my own songs, offers the best opportunities for me.”
Ripon mayor’s charity event proves a hit
The Magdalens pub in Ripon was alive with the sound of music, as city mayor Eamon Parkin and consort Nigel Guy hosted an afternoon of fun and fundraising.
Proceeds from Saturday’s event, which are still to be finalised, will be shared between Ripon Vision Support and the Ripon Christmas Lights Appeal.
The hog roast and music was arranged after the covid pandemic put paid to the mayor’s ball, which is normally a key fundraiser on the civic calendar.
Cllr Parkin, said:
“I thank the many friends from different organisations and businesses in Ripon, who supported the event and people who travelled some distance to be with us.”
Those who attended included the Pollard family from the north-east — Marjorie, Sharon and Natalie.
Mayor Cllr Eamon Parkin (left) and his consort Nigel Guy, pictured with the Pollard family from the left: Marjorie, Natalie and Sharon
Sharon said:
“We’ve been coming to Ripon for many years and struck up a lasting friendship with Eamon and Nigel.
“We wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”
The Pollards left with an England women’s football shirt signed by members of the World Cup team – just one of many items sold at the charity auction.
The Counterfeit Celts provided music ranging from reggae to Irish folk and rock.
The Counterfeit Celts played from their wide repertoire.
Also providing entertainment was Ripon singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist Freddie Cleary who, like the band, had attendees singing along.
Many in the audience had last seen him performing on stage as the opening act at the Yorkshire Day Weekend concert.
In the spotlight — Freddie Cleary.
The auction and raffle, included numerous donated items on offer, ranging from sporting memorabilia to jewellery.
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Cllr Parkin is set to go into the record books by becoming the first Mayor of Ripon to serve for three consecutive terms.
He will remain in office until May.
Future of Ripon’s Curzon’s cinema remains unclearFilm enthusiasts in Ripon remain in the dark about the future of the city’s Curzon cinema after the company released contradictory statements about its plans for the North Street site.
The cinema chain has said it gave ‘misleading information’ to the Stray Ferret when we got in touch in May about its reopening plans.
As the government moved towards the easing of covid lockdown restrictions, the company said in a statement on May 18:
“Curzon Ripon is planning on reopening June 4, 2021.”
Not coming soon… advertising for one of the films that was due to be shown at Curzon Ripon before it closed in March last year.
However, less than 24 hours later, on 19 May, it said:
“Unfortunately, due to Curzon Ripon’s venue being so small, with only 20 seats, they are unable to open safely at present with the government guidelines for social distancing.
“As soon as they can safely reopen there will be updates on the website.
“We apologise for the disappointment this may cause but we want to be able to reopen safely whilst following guidelines.”
Now, after a Curzon customer raised fresh concerns about reopening with the Stray Ferret, the London-headquartered company said this week it would like to ‘apologise for the misleading information’ given and for ‘the delayed reopening of our Ripon venue’.
But the question marks over its reopening remain.
The company said in a statement:
“As soon as we open the venue it will be shown on our website.
“We haven’t lifted our covid restrictions in any of our venues, due to this we can’t re-open Ripon until we lift our social distancing measures.”
Ripon not on Curzon website
The two-screen Ripon cinema, which opened in November 2013, is not currently featured on the company’s website, where 13 venues are listed.
Seven of the Curzon cinemas are in London, while in the north the company has locations in Sheffield and Knutsford, both of which have three screens.
Annual memberships range in price from £65 for a package that provides five credits for tickets or home cinema streams, to Curzon Cult + costing £850 per annum for 10 weekly credits.
A film lover, who was bought the basic £65 package in March 2020 as a birthday gift and asked to remain anonymous, told the Stray Ferret:
“More than a year after I received the gift from my family, I contacted Curzon’s national number in May to ask when I could watch films in Ripon again.
“I was advised go to the cinema on June 4 and it would all be sorted out.
“Then I saw the story on the Stray Ferret saying that the cinema would not be opening on 4 June.
“I was annoyed and rang Curzon to ask why they had given out wrong information, but gave up after being on the phone for more than an hour listening to a repeat message saying that they were dealing with a high volume of calls.
“This is a very unsatisfactory situation and Curzon is doing itself no favours by treating its customers like this.”
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In its statement on Tuesday, Curzon said:
“For our Ripon members who brought an annual membership there will be a full extension for the time they missed out on their membership due to us closing our venues.
“If anyone missed out on a screening due to our venue closure, we do offer a full refund for this, if they could contact us with a booking reference.”