Coronation celebrations continued across the Harrogate district today.

Today’s events include a parade of floats in Masham, The Big Lunch in Pateley Bridge, free entertainment in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, maypole dancing in Kirkby Malzeard, a picnic in Beckwithshaw, street parties and a fireworks display and Beatles tribute band at Spofforth Castle.

Our reporters were out and about capturing the fun and celebrations.

For a full list of events, visit our coronation diary here.

You can catch up with Saturday’s live blog here.

7.04pm – Big crowd for Coronation Concert in Knaresborough

Kelly Young (centre), alongside other chamber members

Nearly 400 people have gathered in the grounds of Knaresborough Castle to watch a livestream of the Coronation Concert on a big screen.

As the sun still shines, families and friends are seated with picnics and drinks waiting to enjoy the BBC concert. Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has also created a video compilation of iconic moments in the King’s life, including his christening, his crowning as the Prince of Wales, and music from the 1940s up to the 2000s.

Knaresborough Castle is part of the Duchy of Lancaster, a property portfolio owned by King Charles III himself, but the castle is predominantly run by North Yorkshire Council and the people of Knaresborough.

Kelly Young, director of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, said:

“We’re grateful to Matthew Walker and North Yorkshire Council for the funding to host this event.

“We hope to have many more events like this in the future”.

6.32pm – Coronation tea at Oatlands 

A good turnout for the coronation afternoon tea at Oatlands Community Centre in Harrogate. Pics by Oatlands Community Group.

4pm Carr Close Street Party, Ripon

With nearly 100 attendees, Carr Close in Ripon hosted a street party to continue the royal celebrations. Residents of the street have enjoyed a lunch in the sun, a royal raffle and lots of dancing and games.

The party began at 1pm and will end at 6pm when the road closure ends. It has been in the works for six months, after Harrogate Borough Council allowed the street closure.

The party’s royal raffle raised £100 for Harrogate Road Methodist Church in Ripon.

The residents of Carr Close gave a cheer to the new King.

Organiser Jane Lincoln, a resident of Carr Close, said:

“Today has made me feel so lucky to be part of such a lovely community”.

Carr Close resident Julie Carr said:

“It has been a great day, with lovely weather and lovely company.

“We have spent it with our friends and family”.

3.30  Ripon Cathedral begins Commemorative Service 

Whilst the festivities continue in villages across the district, the bells of Ripon Cathedral have been ringing to mark the start of a special commemoration service.

The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Ms Jo Ropner, representing the newly-crowned King Charles III, arrived at a packed Ripon cathedral this afternoon for a commemorative service to celebrate yesterday’s coronation.

She was greeted by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson. Both pictured below.

Among the 600 plus in attendance are civic dignitaries from across the county. The service will see the cathedral’s girl choristers, choral scholars and lay clerks sing with the additional accompaniment of Ripon City Band (pictured).

The service is being led by the Dean, with readings from The Lord-Lieutenant, and the commanding officer of the Royal Engineers’ 21 Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Perry Bishop. The regiment is based at Claro Baracks, Ripon.

3pm – Masham parade 

Flora has now moved from Kirkby Malzeard to Masham to cover the afternoon fun.

The coronation float parade has begun into the town’s square, featuring a performance from Elvis, a live band and the fire service. 

Richard and Sandy Cole, drivers of a Morgan in the parade, said: 

“It’s been a wonderful day. It’s lovely to be in the fresh air and always good to be in our cars. We feel we’re in good hands with King Charles III.”

The First Rainbows, Brownies and Guides won best float

Vick Greensit who’s two daughters were on the winning float (below) told the Stray Ferret:

“ It’s been a fantastic day and atmosphere. Masham has pushed the boat out and we all love a community event.”

Ellie Greensit (L) aged 7 and her 10 year old sister Jessica on the winning float

1.10pm – Kirky Malzeard’s Big Lunch gets underway

The Stray Ferret’s Flora Grafton has started her coverage of the district today in Kirkby Malzeard.

Around 300 people have gathered in the village in aid of the national Big Lunch event.

As well as a picnic lunch, visitors can enjoy maypole dancing, sword dancing and a bouncy castle.

Villager Karen Pickles said:

“People gathered together to have lunch and I’m just to glad it has brought the village together.” 

Pippa Manson chair of Kirkby Malzeard Parish Council (R), Karen Pickles and Jeni Cropper (L)

The Kirkby Malzeard Long Sword Dancers

12.50pm – weather forces change of venue in Pannal 

The earlier torrential rain has meant a change of venue for today’s festivities in Pannal to the Village Green and Church car park.

Ripon bell ringers prepare to ring for the King 

Their work high up in the south west tower of Ripon Cathedral goes unseen, but they are heard across the ancient city.

The 32-strong team of bell-ringers, whose numbers have increased recently with four new recruits, will ‘ring for the king’ once more this afternoon, with a joyous quarter peal between 2.15 and the start of the North Yorkshire commemorative service at 3.30, which celebrates yesterday’s coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Ringing master Martin Davies, told the Stray Ferret that 10 of the cathedral’s 12 bells were cast in 1932 and were rung to mark the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953.

This afternoon’s service will be attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Ms Jo Ropner, along with other civic dignitaries. It will be led by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. John Dobson.

Our pictures show members of the bell-ringing team in action prior to this morning’s Sung Eucharist Service and a group photo supplied to us by Mr Davies.

Black Sheep Brewery in Masham is “trading as normal” after announcing it intended to appoint administrators.

The company announced the move, which it said was done to “protect the interests of creditors”, yesterday.

The brewery had launched a strategic review to explore funding options to develop the business, but last Friday confirmed it was no longer considering the sale of the company and then said yesterday it planned to appoint administrators.

The Stray Ferret asked the firm whether the move to give notice on appointing administrators affected jobs or trade at the company.

A spokesperson said that the “business continued to trade as normal” and that staff were being paid.

The firm added “no shares will be traded on asset match until further notice” as a result of the decision.

According to its most recent accounts, Black Sheep reported turnover of £14.3 million as of 31 March, 2022.

However, it also recorded a pre-tax loss of £1.18 million compared to £862,871 profit in the previous year.

‘Gloom’ descends on Masham

The move to appoint administrators was met with concern in Masham, where Black Sheep and Theakston breweries dominate the town.

Ian Johnson, a parish councillor in Masham, told the Stray Ferret that the news was a “difficult situation” which had caused “a bit of gloom”.

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However, he remained hopeful the brewery could turn its fortunes around.

He said:

“Masham is a brewery town. It’s a brewery town full stop.

“I hope there is still a future. We all do. I am sure someone would want the brand.”

In a post on its social media this afternoon, Black Sheep said it had received “supportive messages” since making the announcement.

Thanks for all the supportive messages since our announcement, BUT we've not gone anywhere!

We've just had 22 tonnes of malt delivered and are busily making more beer and can supply everyone as normal. So, if you’d like to help us, get out to your local and sup some Black Sheep! pic.twitter.com/CYHVR8EyIG

— Black Sheep Brewery (@BlackSheepBeer) May 3, 2023

It added:

“We’ve just had 22 tonnes of malt delivered and are busily making more beer and can supply everyone as normal.

“So, if you’d like to help us, get out to your local and sup some Black Sheep.”

Black Sheep, which was founded in 1992 by Paul Theakston, appointed Teneo as its financial advisor to support its funding review in April.

At the time, the company said it was experiencing good sales volumes of its beers, however there remained a significant constraint on funding due to economic conditions.

Masham’s Black Sheep Brewery has announced it is to appoint administrators.

Last month, the company, which employs about 50 staff, launched a strategic review to explore funding options to develop the business. One option was to sell the company.

However, the firm announced in a trading update on Friday it was “no longer considering the sale of the company”.

Today, in a further statement, the company has announced it is set to appoint administrators.

It said:

“On 11 April 2023, the company announced it had commenced a review of its strategic options, including the possibility of an acquisition of the company in all or in part, given constraints on its funding. On 27 April 2023, the company made a further announcement explaining that it was no longer seeking an acquisition of the entire issued share capital of the company, but it was still considering a sale of the business and assets of the company.

“The board of the company has resolved to file a notice of intention to appoint Kristian Shuttleworth and Clare Boardman of Teneo Financial Advisory Limited as administrators to the company and BSB Retail Limited.”

Black Sheep, which was founded in 1992 by Paul Theakston, said it had made the decision to “protect the interests of its creditors”.

It added that “no shares will be traded on asset match until further notice” as a result of the move.

It comes as the company appointed Teneo as its financial adviser to support its review in April.

At the time, Black Sheep said it was experiencing good sales volumes of its beers, however there remains a significant constraint on funding due to economic conditions.

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As snooker’s world championship final gets underway in Sheffield tomorrow, all eyes will be on the stars of the modern game.

But fans of the green baize might be less aware of the game’s strong historic link even closer to home.

Masham Snooker Club, which is located above Johnny Baghdad’s Cafe on the Square in Masham, claims to be the oldest snooker club in the country — and the evidence is compelling.

The club is tucked away off the square in Masham.

The club has book-keeping entries showing the delivery of a snooker table in 1871. Records show the table was brought from London by steam train and then completed its journey by horse and cart as Masham didn’t have a train station at the time.

The table, which cost £41, was sent to Masham Subscription Billiard Room, which had nine members.

Billiards is played on the same table as snooker and was the more popular game until snooker’s colour TV boom of the 1970s made famous the likes of Alex Higgins and Ray Reardon.

Club expenditure accounts from 1871 include a billiards table costing £41.

The Masham table pre-dates the 1895 formation of the Lyonsdown Club in New Barnet, Hertfordshire, which used to claim to be the oldest. It is still used today.

John Ellis, the previous chairman of Masham Snooker Club, first stated the club’s claim. Although it has never been officially verified, there is no known documentation of an older club.

The club caters for players of all abilities.

Christopher Tomsett, current chair of Masham Snooker Club, said Lyonsdown Club had accepted Masham’s claim when presented with the evidence.

Mr Tomsett added:

“They contacted us and accepted that we are formed earlier and amended their website accordingly, but asked if they could retain the right to be called the oldest club in London borough, which we agreed to.

“We have no others contesting our claim to date.”

It is no longer clear whether the Hertfordshire club still exists — but the Masham one most definitely does.

New players and existing members are welcome at Masham Snooker Club, where you can play on this remarkable Victorian table. But beware — the pockets are tighter than most!

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• Kirkby Malzeard to hold three-day village gala

Kirkby Malzeard is to revive its village gala over three days in June.

Now known as The Big Weekend, it will include street food, stalls, a bar and an 11k run as well as children’s activities.

Details of the event, which will be held from June 16 to 18, were unveiled this week at a launch event that included Cllr Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, who was recently elected to represent Masham and Fountains on North Yorkshire Council.

Pippa Manson, chairman of Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton and Dallowgill Parish Council, said:

“For many years we had a gala with a parade and all the trimmings but this gradually faded.

“However, in recent years we have put on amazing events to support the Tour de Yorkshire and last year a four-day extravaganza over the jubilee.  Attendance was very high so we know people support and enjoy these village festivities”.

The playing field activities will include an 11k crackpot run, a mini mosaic walk and children’s disco.

There will also be a youth arts festival, a parade, a scarecrow trail and a dog show and scurry.

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The Big Weekend will round off at the village pub, The Queen’s Head, with an all-age karaoke and barbecue.

Ms Manson said:

“This is the first time we will be holding such an ambitious event and opening it up to the area. The more the success, the more the community benefits.”

Profits from the weekend will be used to host other activities, such as the bonfire and youth projects.

Photo shows: Cllr Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, parish council chair Pippa Manson, parish councillor Richard Hughes and Big Weekend committee members.

A naked walk is to be held near Ripon to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

British Naturism, which promotes naturism, is organising fundraising walks in which people will strip off and feel the breeze on their skin at gardens, stately homes and castles across the country.

The seven venues taking part in this year’s Naked Heart Walks include the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, between Ripon and Masham.

It will host a two kilometre walk for over-18s only on July 1.

This year’s walks are clothing-optional so there is no compulsion to strip naked.

An Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism in 2022, revealed almost seven million Brits describe themselves as naturists or nudists.

Andrew Welch, national spokesman for British Naturism, said:

“Taboos around nudity are eroding and the health and well-being benefits of going naked are more widely understood, with more and more people wanting to get the exhilarating feelings for themselves.

“I’m delighted to see the number of our Naked Heart Walks more than double this year and would encourage anyone to come and give it a go — and raise much needed funds for our charity partner.”

Ben Bishop, fundraising manager at the British Heart Foundation, said:

“There are lots of ways you can support the BHF and this is one of the more unusual, but why not try something new?

“Whether you dare to bare or keep your clothes on you can take part knowing that you will be helping our researchers find the new treatments and cures that can keep families together longer.”

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An animal visitors’ centre featuring a Shetland pony that has become the star of a series of children’s books, is set to open in Masham.

Swinton Green has been set up by Hannah Russell who spent most of her time with her Shetland, Little Alf, after a back injury.

Hannah was so inspired by her four-legged friend, she wrote a series of books about him.

She is now a full-time author and “Hannah, Little Alf and Friends” has amassed more than 50,000 social media followers.

Ms Russell told the Stray Ferret:

“I always wanted to create a centre where people could come along, meet the animals from the books, form a connection with the animal, and take something away from the visit.

“I’m not creating a petting farm, but a place to make memories with animals”.

Swinton Green will host a variety of animals.

After being diagnosed with two forms of cancer, Ms Russell said her animals, particularly her Valais Black Nose sheep, were ‘endless therapy’ — and later inspired her to launch Swinton Green.

The centre plans to host a number of courses and workshops, including animal husbandry sessions for young children, as well as pet first aid courses. Alpaca walking will also be on offer.

Since the launch of her first book, Ms Russell now also works as a public speaker and charity ambassador, working with Helping Rhinos and Brooke.

Swinton Green is set to open in early June.

More information can be found here.

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.

Masham-based Black Sheep Brewery has partnered with a baby charity to help support the donation of milk to sick and premature babies.

The brewery is supporting the Human Milk Foundation with a fundraising campaign for the second year running.

The charity provides donor human milk to over 40 NHS hospitals and thousands of families across England and Wales.

Black Sheep will help to raise awareness of the issue by placing a ‘peel and read’ label on its Milk Stout drink in supermarkets, which will direct people to the HMF site with instructions on how to donate.

Charlene Lyons, chief executive of Black Sheep Brewery, said: 

“We’re delighted to once again partner with the incredible people at Human Milk Foundation to launch this fundraising campaign.

“We consider the blood bikers to be real heroes; when they receive the call, they do whatever it takes, day or night, to pick up the donation from the nearest milk bank and quickly but safely transport the milk to the necessary hospital or family in need.”

Natalie Shenker, co-founder and director of the HMF, added: 

“We are delighted to again partner with Black Sheep brewery as we aim to raise further funds to save the lives of sick and premature babies, as well as supporting the ‘blood bikers’ in their incredible efforts.

“The support of Black Sheep has allowed for the expansion of our milk bank operations so we can make safe, screened donor milk available via the blood bikers for hospitals and families across England and Wales.”

Harrogate MP visits local health business

Andrew Jones MP visited a Harrogate business supporting NHS hospitals with patient discharges.

Vivid.Care, which is based at Forest Lane Head, sells rehabilitation and recovery equipment across the UK.

Andrew Jones MP visits Vivid.Care.

The Harrogate and Knaresborough MP visited the firm this past Friday and was shown products which were being given to the NHS.

Tristan Hulbert, managing director of the company, said:

“We wanted to demonstrate just how Vivid.Care products and healthcare solutions help to enable timely patient discharge from hospitals and reduce system costs where possible.” 

Mr Hulbert added:

“We showcased some of our innovative healthcare solutions such as the Raizer lifting chair and our Lento specialist seating range which are being used by healthcare providers across the UK to reduce delays to patient discharge and existing backlogs.”

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To celebrate Charles III’s coronation, the Stray Ferret and Ogden of Harrogate are holding a competition for children to design two crowns fit for the royal occasion.

The lucky winners will have their dazzling crowns displayed in Ogden of Harrogate’s shop window – showcased alongside Ogden’s very own Imperial State Crown.

We’re inviting school pupils of all ages to get creative. Two winners will be selected: one of primary school age and one of secondary school age.

We will be posting photos of entries regularly across on our social media channels during the competition – so, the more the merrier.

The Ogden Crown: 

Traditional luxury jeweller, Ogden of Harrogate, was founded in 1893 by James Ogden.

The company established its royal connections nearly a century ago, after Prince George, son of George V and Queen Mary, became a frequent customer of the St James’s store in London.

In celebration of George VI’s Coronation in 1937, Ogden of Harrogate’s team hand-crafted two replicas of the Imperial State Crown.

One of Ogden of Harrogate’s replica crowns.

The jewels on the crown mirror those in the Royal crown, including the Cullinan 2 diamond – a cut from the largest diamond ever discovered.

The Ogden crowns boast exact replicas of the diamonds, ruby’s, pearls, emeralds, and sapphires found in the Imperial State Crown.

Robert Ogden, director of Ogden of Harrogate, said:

“It is a treat to have the crown out.

“It is only on display during Royal occasions”.

How to Enter:

To enter: please submit a photo of your crown drawing, painting or creation to our website here.

The competition will run from March 27 until April 21.

The crowns will be on display in the Harrogate store from 28 April until 13 May.

Will you be crowned a winner…?

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

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

The Swinton Estate in Masham has announced a raft of staff promotions

Kevin Sansom, John Lawrence and Jordan McPhillips will be taking on new roles as Samuel’s Restaurant manager, head concierge and assistant financial controller respectively.

Meanwhile, Louise Dermott and Helen Pritchard have been promoted to spa guest services manager and therapist trainer within the country club and spa team.

The estate has also hired Nicolay Araujo as Terrace Restaurant manager.

Swinton Estate said on its Facebook page:

“A huge thank you to all the team for their continued hard work and the important part they play in our Swinton family.”

Government minister visits Harrogate Bus Company

Buses minister Richard Holden (second left) at Harrogate Bus Station with (from left) Transdev operations director Vitto Pizzuti; Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones; Transdev commercial manager Matt Burley; and network manager Alex Spencer.

The government’s buses minister paid a visit to Harrogate Bus Company this past week.

Richard Holden visited the firm’s training centre in Starbeck where he spoke with trainee drivers, before visiting the bus station in Harrogate town centre.

The minister also met younger colleagues starting out in the bus industry, as well as older recruits taking up bus driving as a change of career.

Accompanied by Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, the minister then attended the operator’s headquarters with operations director Vitto Pizzuti, training manager Dale French and commercial manager Matt Burley.

Mr Pizzuti said:

“We’re delighted to have welcomed the buses minister, who saw for himself the lengths we go to during wintry weather to keep our buses on the road serving our customers.

“The minister was also impressed to learn of the success of our government-supported £2 price drop, which has helped us to attract record numbers of motorists to leave their car keys at home and choose the bus instead.”

Mr Holden said:

“Having invested more than £2 billion to support bus services since the pandemic, it’s fantastic to see so many people using the bus here in Harrogate.

“Our £2 bus fare cap is helping to turbocharge the return of passengers, and we will continue to work hard with local authorities and operators like the Harrogate Bus Company to get even more people to hop back onto the bus.”

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