Thousands turn out for lighting of Harrogate district jubilee beacons

Knaresborough Castle, a once mighty fortress for medieval kings, was lit in red, white and blue last night as around 800 people gathered to watch the lighting of a jubilee beacon.

Minutes before the beacon was lit on the dot of 9.45pm, the town crier, Roger Hewitt, made a proclamation of loyalty to the Queen.  The crowd cheered as he called out “God Save The Queen”.

The Mayor of Knaresborough, Kathryn Davies, then lit the beacon which was one of 3,500 across the world. You can watch the historic moment in this video.

Cllr Davies said it was wonderful to be a part of the event:

“It is an absolutely unique privilege and great honour in my first term as councillor and mayor.

“Having been to the Platinum Jubilee service at Ripon Cathedral this morning on behalf of the people of Knaresborough, it was a great pleasure to do something with the people themselves here tonight.”

Ripon too saw a big turnout for the lighting of its beacon with an estimated two and a half thousand people in Market Square.

Above: The stage is set for the jubilee beacon to be lit

Above: Bagpipe player, Graham Hall, plays as a prelude to the lighting of the beacon

The beacon was lit by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Dean John Dobson who was accompanied by the Mayor Ripon councillor Sid Hawke — pictured below.

Ripon’s beacon had a burner head in the shape of a globe, representing the countries of the Commonwealth, surrounded by a crown.

These two historic venues were not the only places across the district to light a beacon. 

Please send us your pictures of these other beacon lightings and of any jubilee festivities to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Above Knaresborough Castle resplendent in red, white and blue and below the crowd get into the spirit of the weekend

 

Where to see jubilee beacons lit in the Harrogate district

A series of beacons will be lit across the Harrogate district on Thursday night as part of national celebrations to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

From a caravan park to a castle, the venues come in all shapes and sizes, and cover the length and breadth of the district.

Beacons are set to be lit at 9.45pm, in line with the national event which will see thousands lit around the UK and more across the Commonwealth.

Many of the public locations of beacons in the Harrogate district are listed below. Others are being organised as private events, such as by Scout groups.

If your town, village or community is lighting a beacon and you would like us to include details, send them to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

 

Ripon Market Square

Ripon’s beacon has a burner head in the shape of a globe, representing the countries of the Commonwealth, surrounded by a crown.

A piper will play Diu Regnare, written for the platinum jubilee by Stuart Liddell, the 2020 Glenfiddich champion and pipe major of the world.

 

Knaresborough Castle

The highest point above the river in Knaresborough will offer a spectacular setting for the town’s beacon.

 

Masham: Roomer Common

A bugle call will announce the beginning of the event at 9.40pm, with the beacon set to be lit five minutes later.

Spofforth Castle

The village’s beacon is being created by farrier Gary Harland, using discarded horseshoes to mark the Queen’s love of horses.

Members of Spofforth School Choir will sing a medley of songs from 9pm, followed by a performance the Commonwealth Song, written for the occasion, by Spofforth Church Choir.

The lighting of the beacon will be accompanied by music from saxophonist Millie Hope.

 

Almscliffe Crag

The lighting of the beacon is not a formal public event because of concerns over health and safety, so anyone attending does so at their own risk.

However, the beacon should be visible for some distance from its position on top of the crag.

Read more:

 

Dallowgill

A jubilee bonfire will be lit at Greygarth Monument.

There is limited parking available at Greygarth if the weather is dry, and at Tom Corner or the Methodist Chapel.

The evening will include a sing-along and music. Visitors are encouraged to bring an instrument, a chair and their own refreshments. A bugle jubilee call will mark the lighting of the beacon.

 

Dacre

The village beacon will be list at Dover Castle, near Low Hall, with songs including the national anthem. Visitors are asked to arrive by 9.30pm.

 

Woodhouse Farm Caravan Park, Winksley

Residents and visitors are invited to gather in The Barn from 8.30pm, when hot chocolate will be available in commemorative jubilee mugs from £4. The group will move onto the park at 9.30pm ready for the beacon lighting and singing the national anthem.

 

Langthorpe

The jubilee beacon will be lit in Back Lane. Visitors are asked to park on the main road and walk up to the site.

 

West Tanfield

The beacon is in a field on the left-hand side of the road as you approach West Tanfield from Ripon, just before the bridge into the village.

Knaresborough to host history festival for jubilee weekend

Knaresborough is to host a community history festival over the jubilee weekend to give people a taste of what can be expected at the town’s new museum

The festival will take place at Knaresborough House next week from 10am to 4:30pm each day from Thursday to Saturday.

Knaresborough Museum Association has organised the event ahead of the launch of the town’s museum in February next year.  

The museum will be in the old Castle Girl’s School, near Knaresborough Castle.

The history festival will display artefacts from the museum’s eight exhibition zones, including a model railway of the town centre, fossils dating back 350 million years and a Victorian scrapbook showing Knaresborough’s celebrations of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.  

Chairperson of the association, Kathy Allday, said:  

“This is a vital stepping stone to the museum’s opening, and I’m so delighted we have reached this stage. 

“We’ve uncovered some hidden history while unearthing the treasured artefacts, which will help us build the museum’s displays and show off this town’s fascinating past.” 

A medieval tradition will be revived for the three-day festival, whereby a scribe will create a unique manuscript from any confessions and pledges visitors put forward.  The festival will also include:

There will also be free guided walks around Knaresborough’s historic centre at 11am and 2pm on each day of the event. These are bookable in advance via the KMA website or by emailing volunteers@knaresboroughtownmuseum.org

The museum has been funded by donations from local businesses and individuals, with more than £47,000 being raised so far.  

Once open, it will use its flexible exhibition space to run workshops and events for schools and community groups.   

 

Drone pic shows Ripley Castle after major scaffolding project

An aerial photograph shows historic Ripley Castle after a four-week scaffolding project.

The 14th Century, Grade I Listed building, home to the sixth Baronet Ingilby and his family, is about to undergo major renovations to its roof.

Elite Scaffolding, which has completed similar projects at Knaresborough Castle and Allerton Castle, overcame three storms to erect the poles around the castle.

Spencer Cassidy, managing director of Thorpe Arch-based Elite Scaffolding, said:

“This is the third Yorkshire castle that we have scaffolded, and in terms of scale it is certainly the most significant.

“Before starting, we worked closely with Ripley Castle owner, Sir Thomas Ingilby, and main contractor, HACS, to ensure our work would not visually impact on two weddings it was hosting.

“We have been keeping a very close eye on the weather, and despite enduring three significant storms which have brought gale force winds, torrential rain and snow, I’m pleased to say haven’t given us any problems.”

Ripley Castle is a private house but its grounds are open to the public.

Read more:

 

Indoor and outdoor half-term family fun across the district

Half-term is almost upon us and the February break can often be one of the trickier holidays to navigate when it comes to keeping the kids entertained.

The weather isn’t always the kindest and it is still too early to bribe them with Easter eggs – even if they did arrive in shops on Boxing Day.

Fortunately there are lots of activities being planned in the Harrogate district, so parents can escape relatively unscathed.

We have put together a list of activities to do with the kids this half-term.

Harrogate Indoor Funfair – February 21-27

Always a popular one with families in the area, the indoor funfair is back at the Yorkshire Event Centre at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground.

With rides and inflatables for all ages, the event offers all the fun of the fair under one roof – perfect if you need to escape the unpredictable February weather.

Read more:

Morning sessions run from 10am until 1pm and afternoon sessions from 2pm until 5pm. For the first time, there will also be two 6pm-9pm sessions on the Friday and Saturday evenings.

Tickets on the door will be limited. Book online to avoid disappointment.

Online tickets are £10.99 for unlimited rides per session and can be purchased here.

Fountains Abbey, Ripon – February 19 – February 27

For those little explorers who love being outdoors, a number of activities are taking place at Fountains Abbey.

Children can pull on their wellies and spend a full day exploring, running and playing.

Families will be able to plant their own snowdrop to take home from 11am-1pm on February 19, 21, and 23 and the weekend of 26 and 27.

They can also grab a ‘spring-go’ activity sheet to take with them on their adventures, spotting signs of spring – as they go!

For a full list of half-term events click here.

Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge

This year the popular attraction, set in the stunning Nidderdale countryside, is opening earlier than usual.

Visit the farm this spring and say hello to all the expectant ewes in the barns ready to give birth. If you are lucky, you may even see a lamb being born.

The farmers will be on hand to answer any questions and tell you more about the animals.

For little animal lovers, as well as sheep, there are also piglets, goats, ponies, guinea pigs and donkeys.

After working up an appetite, enjoy a homemade ice cream at the farm’s café – it’s never too cold!

No booking is required and the farm is open from 10am-4pm

Admission is £5 for adults and children – under twos are free.

Stockeld Park, near Wetherby – February 19-27

The ever-popular family attraction is holding a ‘Talking Animals Week’ over half-term.

Visitors can channel their inner Doctor Dolittle to work out the answers to the Enchanted Forest quiz, by listening to the animals.
Ice-skating and the giant maze will be open too, along with the five adventure playgrounds.
There is also a brand new panto featuring Farmer Foster and his animals,
Book tickets here.

Our Planet Your World, across the Harrogate district – February 21-February 26

Two life-size kangaroo impersonators will arrive in Harrogate.

A robotic polar bear and an 18-metre whale are among the attractions travelling round the district as part of an environment-themed week of free events.

Visit Harrogate, Harrogate Borough Council’s tourism body, has organised the week of events named ‘Our Planet, Your World’, to offer activities for families with an over-arching message of protecting the environment.

The events are as follows:

Monday, February 21

Boroughbridge Library, storytelling sessions

10am-1pm

Tuesday, February 22

Masham Town Hall, sea-theme crafting activity

11am-4pm

Wednesday, February 23

Ripon Market Square, animatronic polar bear, interactive art sculpture, face painting, craft activities for children and live music.

11am-4pm

Thursday, February 24

Harrogate’s Valley Gardens

11am-4pm

Friday, February 25

Pateley Bridge play area, environmentally-themed crafting activity for children

11am-4pm

Saturday, February 26

Knaresborough Castle Grounds, Boat About, crafting activity for children, face painting

11am-4pm

Organisers have said some activities are weather dependent so are asking visitors to follow the Visit Harrogate social media channels.

Knaresborough to be backdrop of this Sunday’s Songs of Praise

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.

Read more:

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.

‘So beautiful I can’t believe it’s real’: TikTok video of Knaresborough goes viral

A Russian TikToker has racked up a million views with a video of Knaresborough that she described as “a place in England so beautiful I can’t believe it’s real”.

The clip by alievskaya.uk was taken at Knaresborough Castle overlooking the River Nidd as a train crosses the viaduct.

The TikTok user, who is based in London, travels around the UK each weekend filming with her husband to post short videos on the social media platform.

She writes on her website:

“Despite the coronavirus, we managed to visit dozens of British villages and many cities. I adore exploring the British countryside and taking pictures of it!”

Watch the video below:

@the.wanderlust.blonde

#northyorkshire #visitengland #visituk #traveluk #traveltiktok #best_places_uk #northyork #uktravel #exploreengland #knaresborough #ukgetaway #england

♬ Chiquitita x Twilight – twibytez

Read more:

TikTok is a social media app used primarily by young people, and the video is priceless publicity for Visit Harrogate, the council’s tourism body for the district.

One person commenting on the video said:

“Oh my god I’ve been there! I always remember it as one of the most beautiful places I’ve been”

Another said:

“Knaresborough is fantastic, it’s absolutely stunning.”

Knaresborough’s 30,000 knitted poppies honour the dead

The site around Knaresborough Castle has been covered with 30,000 knitted poppies to commemorate Remembrance Day and the centenary of the Royal British Legion.

The Knaresborough branch of the RBL worked with Harrogate Borough Council to install the poppies yesterday.

The poppies will remain in place until Remembrance Sunday on November 14.

Last year’s remembrance commemorations were reduced due to covid so the Knaresborough branch was determined to do something special this year.

The 30,000 knitted poppies have been created over the past two years by local women’s institutes, craft groups and individuals who have spent hours supporting the project.

Photograph: Sharon van Zelst

More poppies are set to adorn the castle next Wednesday when 1.500 poppies made by children from five Knaresborough primary schools using recycled petals from last year’s wreaths will be added to the display.

The branch will also hold a stall at next Wednesday’s market to raise funds for the RBL.

Read more:

There will be a small service at the war memorial at 11am on November 11. But the town’s main commemoration will be on Remembrance Sunday, November 14.

The main event will begin with a church service at St John’s Church at 9.30am followed by the parading of the Knaresborough Royal British Legion standard up the High Street to the memorial for a short service at 11am.

Photograph: Sharon van Zelst

Photographs: Sharon van Zelst

Photograph: Sharon van Zelst

Calls for more police as anti-semitic graffiti remains in Knaresborough

Anti-semitic graffiti is still covering some of Knaresborough’s key monuments, amid calls for more police officers to patrol the streets.

The town’s 12th century castle and statues of Blind Jack and Mother Shipton on Market Place were defaced in an overnight attack on Saturday night.

Crude images and Nazi swastikas remain sprayed on the side of the castle and the bronze statues in the Market Place are still discoloured.

The castle graffiti is situated in full view of Knaresborough police station, which has cameras on top of the roof.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement today:

“We have launched an investigation in to the graffiti from the Castlegate area of Knaresborough. All lines of enquiry are currently been pursued.

“North Yorkshire Police takes all reports of hate crime seriously. Anyone who is the victim of a hate crime is encouraged to report the incident to police via 101.”

Harrogate Borough Council said in a statement today it was aware of the vandalism and was looking into the best way for it to be removed but gave no timeframe.

Read more:

Councillor Andrew Paraskos, cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:

“It is incredibly disappointing that someone, or a group of individuals, have found it appropriate to deface the heritage of Knaresborough in this way and we will be doing what we can to identify those responsible.

“If any members of the public witnessed any of the damage being carried out, or if any businesses have their own CCTV in the area that has captured any relevant footage, I would encourage them to contact North Yorkshire Police as soon as possible.”

Steve Teggin, a local business owner and the chair of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, said anti-social behaviour was becoming a serious concern for local businesses.

He said further action needed to be taken, including more police officers in the town:

“The chamber and traders are getting quite concerned. Ninety per cent of people visiting Knaresborough are great and contribute to the economy but there are some letting us down. There just isn’t enough police presence and people thing they can get away with stuff.

“We need more police on the streets.”

Swastikas sprayed as Knaresborough monuments desecrated

Some of Knaresborough’s most famous monuments were vandalised in a shocking rampage last night.

Nazi swastikas and naked genitals were graffitied on to the wall of the town’s 12th century castle.

Whoever did it climbed up the side of the castle into the castle’s King’s Chambers, which is in full sight of Knaresborough police station.

Town centre statues of Blind Jack and Mother Shipton were also covered in spray paint overnight. Several signs and information boards were covered in paint.

The Stray Ferret spoke to shocked locals at the castle and in the Market Place today, where the bronze statues of road builder John Metcalf, better known as Blind Jack, and prophetess Mother Shipton, had been desecrated.

Knaresborough castle

Knaresborough castle

One local resident, who asked not to be named, told the Stray Ferret:

“I’m shocked and disgusted that this has taken place. It’s absolutely vile.”

Another person visiting the town said:

“Who in their right mind does this kind of thing?”

The Stray Ferret has chosen not to show the graffiti on the castle wall, which contains a hateful anti-semitic message as well as swastikas and crude sexual imagery.

Read more: