The town of Knaresborough and one of its charities are set to feature in this weekend’s Songs of Praise programme.
A few weeks ago Katherine Jenkins caused excitement around the town when she was spotted filming at Knaresborough Castle and down by St Robert’s Cave.
As it is the weekend before Valentine’s Day, the theme for the show is love and kindness and showcases the work of Resurrected Bites which is based in Gracious Street Methodist Church.
The charity runs a community grocery store out of the church where people who are struggling to make ends meet pay a small sum to become members and can then shop at the grocery.
Ms Jenkins visited the church to speak to charity volunteers and director, Michelle Hayes, who said:
“It was great for them to recognise the work we do and we’re always grateful for the chance to show people the help we offer. There are still people struggling locally who don’t know what we do, so this programme might help us reach them.”
Filming also took place down by the River Nidd. The Welsh mezzo soprano visited St Robert’s Cave to hear the story of the 12th century hermit who is celebrated locally for his work to support the poor in his community.
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It will be broadcast Sunday morning at 11.25am on BBC One.
During Sunday’s programme, John Sentamu, the former archbishop of York, remembers his friend archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Katherine Jenkins visits Knaresborough for Songs of PraiseClassical singer Katherine Jenkins was spotted in the grounds of Knaresborough Castle yesterday filming for BBC’s Songs of Praise.
The Welsh mezzo soprano took part in filming at various locations in town, including Gracious Street Methodist Church.
Gracious Street Methodist Church
The weekly programme, broadcast each Sunday at 1.15pm on BBC One, is due to feature Knaresborough on February 13.
The programme, which is due out the day before Valentine’s Day, is based on the themes of love and kindness. It also explores the history of Robert of Knaresborough, a 12th century hermit who lived in a cave by the River Nidd.
Ms Jenkins visited the cave yesterday with Peter Lacey, who has written a book about St Robert and his life.
Ms Jenkins also visited the Gracious Street community food store, which was set up using funds from the St Robert anniversary celebrations in 2018.
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Ripon care home praised for no coronavirus cases
Residents and staff at a care home in Ripon have been praised by the mayor of Harrogate for their response to coronavirus.
Borrage House was visited on Friday by the mayor and mayoress of Harrogate, Cllr Stuart Martin and his wife April, to say well done on having no cases of covid-19 so far.
Cllr Martin told the Stray Ferret it was “a real privilege” to visit a care home in Ripon that had such a good record in keeping residents safe.
Borrage House manager Sarah Aitken thanked residents and staff for their perseverance during these difficult times.
Sarah told the Stray Ferret:
“Without wanting to jinx it, we’ve had no cases of covid-19 or any suspected cases. When everyone feels like the world’s ending in care homes it’s nice to have a bit of good news.”
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Residents were also given a boost earlier this week when opera singer Katherine Jenkins performed a live stream direct to four care homes across the UK, including Borrage House.
Sarah said song and music have been key to keeping residents upbeat and occupied.
Agnes, a resident at the care home who will soon be 100, loves Katherine Jenkins and the performance brought back happy memories.
Sarah said:
“Katherine sang ‘We’ll meet again’. That has a lot of memories for Agnes. She met her husband during the war when she was working at a munitions factory.”
Although the country is opening up, care homes are still vulnerable. Sarah said the 40 residents at Borrage House have embraced technology to keep in touch with family members, even though it might be confusing for some because they are used to having regular in-person visits.
She said:
“We have to support them and that’s up to us to keep things positive and happy. They are aware, we’re not hiding anything from them.
“We’ve got laptops, families have been doing FaceTime. That’s been fabulous. They’ve been brilliant. They’ve adapted brilliantly to it and understand that this is the way it is for now.”