There was laughter and tears at St Michael and all Angels’ Church in Littlethorpe near Ripon this morning, as family and friends gathered to celebrate the remarkable life of Sylvia Grice, who died last month at the age of 90.

Every seat in the village church, where she worshipped for 31 years, was taken, as warm thanks were given through prayer, poetry and hymns for decades of dedicated service to the community, in which she taught an estimated 250,000 local people to swim. The family invited the Stray Ferret to attend.

In addition to teaching a skill for lifelong enjoyment and one which can be used to save the lives of others, she was a stalwart supporter of charity, raising funds for the church, Saint Michael’s Hospice and Yorkshire Air Ambulance, to name but a few, through her famous garden parties, where she sold a wide array of items that she baked.

Today’s funeral service was led by the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd John Dobson (pictured),

In the eulogy given by the Revd Canon Michael Glanville-Smith, he said:

“It’s difficult to know where to start when talking about a woman who touched so many lives in so many  ways.”

But with help from Sylvia’s daughters Alison and Helen, he was able find out and share at least one anecdote that many attending the service may not have heard before.

He pointed out that when she received her MBE for services to swimming in 2011, from the then Prince of Wales:

“She told the future King Charles about the benefits of swimming and even offered him a lesson if he ever ventured north!”

In 2019, the former Barnardo’s girl, who spent her early school years living at Red House — the charity’s children’s home on Palace Road — was awarded the Freedom of the City of Ripon for her services to the community.

From humble beginnings, she became one of Ripon’s best known and loved citizens and Dean John reflected on Sylvia’s life-long achievements, when he said:

“We have lost somebody who was very precious.”

Read more:

• Death of a ‘remarkable and inspirational’ woman
• Littlethorpe legend celebrates her 90th birthday

The Harrogate district is celebrating today’s coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey

The Stray Ferret will be reporting from across the district today as the celebrations begin for the weekend.

Don’t forget to send in pictures from your coronation parties to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or message us on our Facebook page.

You can follow all our coverage below.

5.15pm – Thanks for joining us

Thanks for joining us for today’s coverage of the coronation from across the Harrogate district.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more stories from across the district as the celebrations continue into Sunday.

4.30pm – The former Ripon Grammar School student behind Queen Camilla’s dress

Did you know the designer of Queen Camilla’s dress for today’s coronation is a former Ripon Grammar School pupil?

Bruce Oldfield, 72, was a student at the school in the 1960s.

Read more here.

Queen Camilla pictured in her white silk dress.

3.51pm – Knaresborough coronation event ‘good for the town’

Residents in Knaresborough have spoken of how a coronation event was much needed for the town.

Hundreds flocked to Knaresborough House today to celebrate King Charles III being coronated.

Read more here.

2.30pm – HADCA looking for volunteers

There’s still time to take part in the The Big Help Out and do good in your community by volunteering on Monday.

Voluntary sector organisation HADCA is urging those interested in taking part on Monday — or any other time — to get in touch.

https://twitter.com/KarenWeaver2020/status/1654837633422327808

2.25pm – Are you volunteering or having a street party?

Today is day one of three of the Stray Ferret’s live coverage of the coronation bank holiday weekend.

Will you be volunteering as part of the Big Help Out? Or is your street holding a street party?

If so, let us know and we will try to come along or you can send us photos on the day and we will include them in our coverage. It’s easy – email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or DM us on Facebook.

2.14pm – ‘This is good for Knaresborough’

Our roving reporter Calvin is still out and about in Knaresborough. He just met Bob Godsell, of Knaresborough Lions, which is running the bar at today’s big event at Knaresborough House.

Bob said the Knaresborough House celebration was much needed:

“This is good for the town, especially after the past few years that we have had.”

1.54pm – Community Stars selling treats

Clare Robinson and Emma Jenner, from Community Stars CIC, have done so much to revive access to facilities at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough.

Today they have a bake and sandwich stall at Knaresborough House.

Clare said: “It’s started to pick up this afternoon. It’s just been a lovely family day for the town.”

1.36pm – Knaresborough House big screen

Hundreds of people are gathered at Knaresborough House to watch the newly coronated King Charles III procession down the Mall. Plenty of stalls are also on offer, including face painting, treats and crafts.

12.47pm – St Edward’s crown replica at Grantley Hall

The venue near Ripon has tweeted about its impressive floral creation.

To celebrate the #Coronation of Their Majesties, King Charles III & Queen Camilla, we have recreated the St Edward's Crown using flowers to commemorate the Coronation by celebrating His Majesty's passion for gardening. #KingCharlesIII #NationalGardeningWeek pic.twitter.com/I2VRPLaroF

— Grantley Hall (@GrantleyHall_) May 6, 2023

12.40pm – Schools fly the flag

Many local primary schools had coronation themed events yesterday and have adorned their buildings in union flags. Here’s Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School’s fine effort.

12.15pm – Businesses show their colours

Businesses across the Harrogate district have also been decorating for this weekend.

11.40am – Betsy gets coronation ready

Even pets are getting in the coronation spirit.

Sue has shared this picture with us of her pug Betsy ready for the celebrations.

11.30am – Valley Gardens gets in the coronation spirit

People have flocked to Valley Gardens in Harrogate for the coronation today.

The gardens were full of rides, stalls and amusements as the celebrations got underway this morning.

A big screen was also in place next to the Sun Pavilion, where people gathered to watch the coronation ceremony get underway at 11am.

People took there sits decked in bunting, hats and flags while children ran around enjoying the rides and food stalls on display.

10.58am – Ripon Cathedral livestream gets underway

People have been taking their seats at Ripon Cathedral, to see the live streaming of the coronation service from Westminster Abbey. It is being viewed on strategically placed television screens. Among those in attendance were Mr and Mrs Alex Petherbridge and their daughters Tabitha, Silvia and Claudia.

10.10am – Harrogate and Knaresborough primed for coronation

Both Harrogate and Knaresborough have been decorated in coronation colours this week ahead of the weekend.

Harrogate’s Valley Gardens is set to host a big screen today showing the ceremony.

Meanwhile, flowers have been put up in Knaresborough and a screen is set to be in place at Knaresborough House today as part of the celebrations.

10.05am – Flowers in place at Ripon Cathedral

Floral displays created by the Ripon Cathedral Flower Guild and Ripon Flower Club are in place at the ancient building to illustrate the stages of the coronation ceremony.

10am – Fountains Abbey to be lit up purple

Fountains Abbey near Ripon will be lit up purple this Sunday as part of the coronation celebrations.

Below is a sneak peek of how the abbey will look in the “Lighting Up The Nation” event.

The lighting up is not a public event.

9.54am – Lauren Doherty in attendance at Westminster Abbey

Knaresborough road safety campaigner Lauren Doherty is in attendance for today’s coronation ceremony in London.

She’s shared this picture on her social media as she heads to Westminster Abbey this morning.

9.47am – Ripon kicks off celebrations

Ripon kicked off the coronation celebrations in style last night.

Residents were rocking as the ancient city kicked off celebrations for the new king and queen with an eve of coronation concert.

With connections to monarchy going back to 886 AD, when Alfred the Great is said to have recognised the bravery of locals for fighting off a Viking incursion with the award of a ceremonial horn, Ripon has remained staunchly royal and loyal.

Read more here.

9.45am – Welcome to our coronation blog

Welcome to the Stray Ferret’s live blog for the coronation weekend.

We’ll be across the district reporting the celebrations as they happen.

If you’re still unsure about where to go to join in the fun of today’s proceedings, you can find out all the events on our coronation guide here.

Read more:

• Fireworks display for Ripon’s coronation celebrations
• How Ripon Catherdal is marking the coronation

Ripon Cathedral will be the focus of celebrations for the bank holiday weekend for many people, with special events including live streaming of the coronation from Westminster Abbey and a commemorative service for the region on Sunday.

Floral displays by Ripon Cathedral Flower Guild and Ripon Flower Club, depicting the six stages of the coronation ceremony and the role of the King, now adorn the cathedral.

To add to the celebratory atmosphere, the cathedral’s bell ringers will ‘Ring for the King’ before both the coronation ceremony and the civic service on Sunday.

Among them will be four new recruits trained for the weekend’s events. The team of ringers has also been supporting ringers at other towers in the area so that they too can ‘Ring for the King.’

The coronation can be followed from 9.30am on Saturday, with live streaming on large screens in the surroundings of the cathedral nave.

Free light refreshments and activity sheets for children will be available with coverage continuing until after the royal family has appeared on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

On Sunday afternoon the focus switches to a special commemorative service for North Yorkshire to mark the coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The service, which will see Ripon City Band accompany the cathedral choir, is being hosted by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Ms Jo Ropner, representing the King and the Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be a coronation beer festival on bank holiday Monday in the Dean’s Garden, where a large number of volunteers will be giving a helping hand, reflecting on the King’s request for a focus on volunteering on this day, as part of The Big Help Out.

Dean Dobson said:

“We are delighted to be playing our part in helping the region to celebrate the coronation. Our spectacular floral displays will speak of the spiritual dimensions of monarchy, an institution which binds us together as a national community. We pray for God’s blessing upon the King and the Queen and upon all the peoples of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

“Without a whole host of volunteers much of the weekend’s activities would not be possible. I am grateful to them and to our business sponsors for their wonderful support of the beer festival.”

For those attending Ripon Cathedral coronation beer festival, the Dean’s garden is entered from the corner of High St Agnesgate, from 11.30am to 5pm. Visitors can enjoy award-winning beers and ciders accompanied by hot food and live music.

To keep children entertained there will be a bouncy castle, ice cream van and children’s trails.

As last year, the main sponsor is Wolseley of Ripon and the cathedral’s business partner, Raworths solicitors, will also be heavily involved. Hambleton Brewery, Rudgate Brewery and Rick Jones from Valentinos of Ripon will support the event’s logistics. Further details are available here.

Read More:

• Developer confirms commitment to regenerate Ripon’s Spa Baths
• Ripon city centre is wrapped in coronation bunting

Ripon’s tireless team of non-stop knitters has transformed the city centre into Coronation Street with their skill and ingenuity.

The behind the scenes needle workers of Ripon Community Poppy Project are adept at creating handmade designs for all occasions, from Remembrance events to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and now, in celebration of her son’s crowning glory at Westminster Abbey on May 6.

Within hours of taking down their Easter display, the King Charles III banners and bunting were put in place in High Skellgate, then on railings, the town hall balconies, bollards and on the post box at the entrance to The Arcade.

You can take a look at some of their creations below.

Read more:

• Knaresborough to host free big screen broadcast of coronation
• Coronation events: where to celebrate across the Harrogate district

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The fourth in our series of networking events, with Banyan Bar & Kitchen, is a breakfast event on April 27 from 8am.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

T&R Theakston is to launch a special edition beer, brewed in honour of King Charles III.

Crowning Glory is a 4.2% ABV speciality regal gold beer and continues the brewery’s tradition of creating limited edition ales to celebrate royal occasions.

It joins a distinguished lineage including Celebration Ale, which marked Elizabeth II’s silver jubilee in 1977 and most recently, Royal Salute which commemorated the diamond and platinum Jubilees in 2012 and 2022.

Simon Theakston, joint managing director at Theakston Brewery, said:

“As a brewery we’re immensely proud of our almost 200-year heritage and it’s fascinating to consider that as a business we have been witness to nine monarchs and seven coronations. It’s only right we continue the honourable tradition of celebrating these key historic moments for our country by creating a special beer to mark the coronation of King Charles III on 6th May.”

Read More: 

• Business Breakfast: Funding review could result in sale of Black Sheep Brewery
• Ex-staff at failed Harrogate firm CNG set to receive £43,000

Chamber holds business safari event

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce is to hold its regular Business Safari this evening.

The event at the Pavilions of Harrogate is a “speed business networking” session with gives members an opportunity to showcase their business to others and make new contacts.

The session starts at 5.30pm.  Admission is free to book a place click here. 

Valley Gardens in Harrogate is set to host a three-day celebration event for the coronation of King Charles III.

The free event will take place from Saturday, May 6, until Monday, May 8.

It will include live stream of the coronation ceremony on a big screen from Westminster Abbey.

Besides the big screen, a stage will feature a line-up of family-friendly entertainment.

There will also be fairground rides, food and drink stalls, pop-up character appearances, circus workshops and an artisan market in the gardens Sun Colonnade.

Cllr Sam Gibbs, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:

“Valley Gardens provides the perfect backdrop for our three-day event to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

“There will be rides, family entertainment throughout the weekend, pop-up character appearances and circus workshops. There truly is something for everyone and even better, it’s all free.

“So pack a picnic and come on down to Valley Gardens to mark the coronation.”

For more information on the event, visit the Visit Harrogate website.

Read More:

• New horn is the jewel in the crown of Ripon’s royal celebrations
• Your memories of how the district celebrated the Queen’s silver jubilee in 1977
• Fees waived for Harrogate district street parties to mark coronation

In this article, which is part of a series on the 12 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2022, we look at the way our communities market the death of the Queen and the ascension of King Charles III.

The announcement of the death of Her Majesty the Queen on Thursday, September 8 led to a series of historic events across the Harrogate district. 

Among the first was a two-minute silence held by the Ripon hornblower following the setting of the watch at 9pm, less than three hours after the official announcement. 

Tributes quickly came in from dignitaries around North Yorkshire, including the Lord Lieutenant, Jo Ropner, who said: 

“I had the privilege of meeting Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace when I was appointed as Lord Lieutenant in 2018, and I know from personal experience that every engagement was conducted with grace and genuine interest, that every person felt the spark from meeting not only their monarch, but a truly remarkable woman whose commitment to her role will be remembered for generations to come.” 

The following morning, official arrangements began to be put in place to mark the death of Britain’s longest-serving monarch. 

Church bells tolled for an hour at noon, while flags at public venues, including Ripon Town Hall, Knaresborough House and the Royal Hall in Harrogate, were flown at half mast. 

Many churches opened books of condolence for people to sign, and invited people to visit and pray. Flowers were laid on the grass by the war memorial in Harrogate. 

A number of events were cancelled over the following days as a mark of respect. Sporting fixtures around the country were called off, including Harrogate Town’s match against Carlisle. 

Both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council cancelled all meetings for the week following the Queen’s death. 

Read more:

• Queen’s coffin drape supplied by royal flag makers in Knaresborough
• Harrogate district pays final respects to the Queen

On Sunday, September 11, a ceremony was held by the war memorial in Harrogate. It saw the Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate read the proclamation of the new King. 

A similar ceremony was held in Ripon, where Deputy Lord Lieutenant Richard Compton was on duty to read the proclamation. 

Over the following days, in unprecedented circumstances, some businesses altered their opening hours and some major events had to be changed too. 

Nidderdale Show was forced to move from its traditional Monday slot when the Queen’s funeral was announced for the same date. However, it later said the weekend show had proved a success and future events would be held on a Sunday. 

The funeral on Monday, September 19 saw several businesses close for the day, including Bettys tea rooms, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, and RHS Garden Harlow Carr. 

Many supermarkets closed all day, or opened from 5pm onwards. Bin collections were suspended for the bank holiday and council-run leisure centres were closed. 

The funeral was shown on big screens at Ripon Cathedral and the Royal Hall in Harrogate, as well as some pubs.

Ripon Library, which received a royal seal of approval, when the then Prince of Wales formally opened it two decades ago, is holding a double celebration today.

The Prince, who was proclaimed as King Charles III last month, was made a Freeman of the City in October 2002, in appreciation of his ‘unique contribution to the regeneration of Ripon.’

Part of that regeneration included the opening of a new library and the anniversary of his visit is being celebrated, alongside the fifth birthday of the Ripon Library Action Group (RLAG), whose volunteers work in partnership with permanent staff, to support the provision of services to the community.

The plaque at Ripon Town Hall which commemorates the then Prince of Wales being made a Freeman of the City

To celebrate both the library’s 20th anniversary and the partnership with RLAG, there will be a birthday party for invited guests this afternoon.

Sarah Jacques, chair of trustees of RLAG, said:

“I am really proud of the impact that the Library has in the city and surrounding villages.  We are statistically one of the most used and most successful libraries in the county.  That is down to the commitment of both the staff and volunteers working closely together.”

The library is central to much that happens in the city, including working closely with the theatre festival, poetry festival, Ripon Museum Trust, the YMCA and others on youth development.

It is also central to children’s education, going out to schools and running the summer reading challenge every year.

Ms Jacques added

“The library and our volunteers were honoured in the recent St Wilfrid’s stars scheme run by Ripon Together.  It was wonderful to see that the city appreciates what we do for everyone.”

A Last Night of the Proms charity concert at Harrogate’s Royal Hall next month will pay tribute to the Queen and celebrate the new King.

The concert, which will feature the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band and acclaimed violinist Kate Chruscicka, will take place on October 7.

The event is being organised by the Harrogate fundraising team at end of life care charity Marie Curie following the success of the first proms in 2019, which raised more than £20,000.

The group is now hoping to recreate “the magic” of the event following a break as result of the pandemic.

Chair of the group, David Beswick, said:

“The team are determined to ensure the concert will deliver a ‘last night concert’ to remember.

“We know the Queen was a music lover and at major ceremonial and celebratory events, the sound of brass and marching band music was a fundamental component.

“We’re delighted to have Grimethorpe Colliery Band at the event. They are the most famous name in the world of brass band music. They will lead the celebration of the Queen’s life, and wish our new monarch, King Charles III, a long and successful reign.”

Read more:

• Harrogate fundraiser’s decade of collecting for Marie Curie after help with father’s care
• Former nurse who helped raise millions for Marie Curie remains passionate about charity after 25 years

Before his accession to the throne, King Charles was a patron of Marie Curie.

Mr Beswick added:

“He has opened hospices and hosted many fundraising events for the charity, including joining people across the UK as part of our National Day of Reflection.

“For many of us, it will be our first opportunity to join in the singing of God Save our Gracious King.”

The event starts at 7pm and will feature classic Last Night of the Proms staples, such as Royal Britannia and Jerusalem.

Senior community fundraiser Gemma Hewitt said:

“I’m thrilled to have the proms event back after such a difficult time for everyone over the past two years.

“Now with the sad death of the Queen, this hopefully will bring us all together to celebrate her, and our wonderful community spirit – with singing and flag waving, you will be sure to leave with a smile on your face.”

All money raised from the event will support Marie Curie, which provides nursing and hospice care for people with any terminal illness.

Tickets start from £20, and can be booked from the Royal Hall website, in person or on the phone on 01423 502116.

Junior soldiers in Harrogate have become some of the first British army service personnel to swear the oath to King Charles III.

A total of 211 junior entry soldiers at the Army Foundation College, on Penny Pot Lane in Harrogate, swore the oath on Sunday night, signifying their enlistment into the army.

The college provides basic training to recruits aged 16 and 17. The courses last for either 23 or 49 weeks.

credit MOD Crown Copyright 2022

Read more:

• Junior soldiers graduate at Harrogate’s Army Foundation College
• Harrogate’s Royal Hall to broadcast Queen’s funeral live