This live blog of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is proudly sponsored by Boundless Networks – delivering quality broadband connectivity at a reasonable cost to homes and businesses in the Harrogate district.
The sun is out as four days of jubilee celebrations get underway in the Harrogate district today.
The Stray Ferret will be covering the festivities and the fun, the street parties and the ceremonies over the next four days in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham, and the villages in between.
We want to hear what’s happening in your town, village or city so email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add it to the blog.
5.24pm: Will it stay dry for tonight’s beacons?
It’s been a warm and sunny opening day to the jubilee celebrations but it is clouding over.
Beacons are due to be lit across the Harrogate district tonight, with most occurring at 9.45pm. According to the BBC weather forecast for Harrogate, some rain is possible.
Spofforth Castle, Ripon Market Square, Almscliffe Crag in North Rigton, the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, Kirkby Malzeard and Roomer Common in Masham are among the locations taking part.
So too is Knaresborough Castle, where Tamsin from the Stray Ferret will be among the onlookers.
4.35pm: Spofforth hosts children’s party
Fresh from his trip to Blubberhouses, our reporter Tom has been to Spofforth to witness today’s jubilee activities.
You can read his full account here.
4.17pm: Great and the good attend Ripon Cathedral’s civic event
Julian Smith MP
Harry Gration
North Yorkshire dignitaries gathered at Ripon Cathedral today for a service in honour of the Queen.
Those attending included the Archbishop of York, Ripon MP Julian Smith, Grantley Hall owner Valeria Sykes and former Look North presenter Harry Gration.
You can read our Ripon reporter Tim’s full account here.
3.58pm: Human plant pots in Harrogate town centre
Last year there was fake grass in Harrogate town centre — now there are human plant pots. And they’re certainly proving more popular with visitors, who posed for photos alongside them. It’s all part of the jubilee fun. Send us your jubilee pictures to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
3.27pm: First street party underway in Pannal Ash
Most street parties are on Sunday but the residents of Castle Hill Glade in Pannal Ash thought today might be a more family-friendly day and, judging by the weather forecast, they may have chosen the right day
Rachel Baskin (pictured far left), who applied for the street closure, told us the party idea evolved from covid, when residents living on the cul-de-sac would have socially distanced meetings on Thursdays.
There’s also an informal group called Ladies of Glade, who meet a glass of wine each week.
Residents in nearby streets are bringing their own teas and sitting outside together to enjoy the occasion.
2.55pm: Bilton’s Party on the Pitch proves a hit
People are pouring into Bilton Cricket Club’s free Party on the Pitch event, which runs until 9pm.
We’ve just been down and there is a wonderful atmosphere, which shows there is a great community spirit in Bilton and a thirst for get togethers like this since the demise of Bilton Gala on May Day.
There’s a barbecue, live music and plenty for children to do. People are just rocking up and having a picnic on the pitch.
Matt Thomas, cricket secretary, estimated about 1,000 people were there an hour ago and the number is growing. He added:
“It’s a great opportunity for the local community to get together and have fun.”
There is a collection for Yorkshire Air Ambulance — a cause dear to the club’s heart after a player had a heart attack on the pitch at an away game last year.
1.20pm: Jubilee shenanigans on Harrogate’s Beulah Street
It’s not every day you wander along Beulah Street and see people dressed like this belting out Land of Hope and Glory. But that’s what the jubilee does to you. It’s that kind of weekend.
What’s happening out in Bilton, Starbeck and Jennyfields, or in Pateley Bridge? Wherever you are in the Harrogate district we want to receive your jubilee news and images. Email us and we will add them to this live blog.
1.12pm: Live music all day in Ripon
Among those early to arrive on Market Square was four-year-old Aylar and her mum Susannah (pictured), who were blowing bubbles as the free entertainment started on stage with Lily Worth.
Lily sang a selection of songs from musicals, including the Greatest Showman. There is free live music all day in Ripon’s Market Square.
Meanwhile, a giant TV screen next to Ripon Town Hall linked the city to Horseguards Parade in London, where the Trooping the Colour ceremony, broadcast live on the BBC, marked the Queen’s official birthday.
Lily Worth on stage in Ripon today.
The big screen.
1.01pm: Blubberhouses flower festival tells Queen’s story
Our reporter Tom has been to Blubberhouses, where a jubilee-themed flower festival is underway.
You can visit it at St Andrew’s Church in Blubberhouses, just past Fewston Reservoir off the A59, from 11am to 4pm every day over the four-day weekend.
Further details are here.
12.26pm: Bishop leads county service of celebration
Ripon is pulling out the stops this weekend with activities galore, and Ripon Cathedral is at the heart of things. The Bishop of Ripon has tweeted about a service she led this morning.
https://twitter.com/HartleyHAM/status/1532321794765488128
12.05pm: Ripon mum wins Bettys Jubilee Bake Off
Ripon mum Lori Hendry (pictured holding the cake) has beaten three other shortlisted bakers to win the Bettys Jubilee Bake Off.
Lori’s Victoria sponge decorated with red, white and blue icing adorned with a crown and Union Jack flags wowed the judges. You can read more here.
11.10am: Free rides, entertainment and face painting in Valley Gardens
Free events are taking place in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens until 6pm. It’s very much a family occasion: kids can meet Elsa, Batman and Cinderella (pictured above), ride on the runaway train, climb a wall, jump on a bungee trampoline, watch jugglers — all for free.
Elsewhere in Harrogate, on a section of the Stray, which has been renamed Jubilee Square, people can watch a big screen of the BBC coverage of the jubilee.
10.27am: Recycling depots open as usual
North Yorkshire County Council tweets that its household recycling centres are open as normal this bank holiday weekend.
All our household waste recycling centres are open, as usual, from 8.30am to 5pm, throughout the Queen's #PlatinumJubilee bank holiday weekend.
Find your nearest site and what items you can take athttps://t.co/llRAH0z30s pic.twitter.com/rASZiF1jhk
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) June 2, 2022
9.32am: Bishop Monkton choir starts the jubilee weekend
Bishop Monkton kicked off the jubilee weekend last night a community concert given by a choir developed on Zoom during the pandemic.
The choir entertained an audience of 120 in the village hall with a show titled Seven Decades of Song, featuring music from the 1940s to the present day. The concert included hits from musicals like Oklahoma and the Sound of Music as well as more recent numbers from Leonard Cohen and Gary Barlow.
The choir grew out of the village’s Singing for Fun group, which had started just before the pandemic and which kept going through the covid lockdowns by meeting on Zoom. The show included a live rendition of a song called Lockdown, written during covid by the village’s jubilee queen, Pauline Beecroft, to the tune of the Petula Clark 1960s hit Downtown.
The concert ended with the singing of Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and the National Anthem.
Thanks to Colin Philpott for sending us this jubilee news in Bishop Monkton. What’s happening where you are? Message us your jubilee news and pictures at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
8.52am: Free music all day in Ripon
The stage is set in Ripon for the biggest royal party of the ancient city’s long history. Lily Worth will kick off a day of free music at 10.30am and she will be followed by Ripon’s own talented singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary.
Later, tribute acts will sing the songs of Stevie Wonder, Cilla Black, George Michael, the Everly Brothers and Katherine Jenkins. For nostalgia lovers, there will be wartime songs of Vera Lynn and others from 4.50pm.
Organisers Ripon City Council are hoping that the blue skies that have started the day will remain over the town hall and stage facing onto Market Square, where large crowds are anticipated.
8.45am: Stray Ferret journalists set to hit the road
Tim will be in Ripon all day and for the lighting of the beacon.
Tom plans to head to Blubberhouses and Spofforth
John will be in and around Harrogate
Tamsin will be in Knaresborough for tonight’s beacon lighting.
Say hello if you see us in our Stray Ferret hats and please send us your photos to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will do our best to upload them on to our blog throughout the day.
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.
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.
Theakston’s Brewery increases turnover despite covid restrictionsTheakston’s Brewery in Masham increased its turnover by £861,000 in 2021, despite dealing with the effects of lockdown and the Omicron variant.
The brewery only had 5 months of normal trading in 2021 due to the pandemic, and for 3 and a half months, it was forced to close completely.
The company suffered a pre-tax loss of £2,000 last year, but in the height of the pandemic in 2020, the loss was much more significant at £334k.
Pre-covid in 2019, the brewery had made profits of £235k.
In the latest financial statement, the company said:
“T&R Theakston Ltd ended 2021 as a well-balanced business with enhanced capabilities across more channels, a stronger organisation, a more flexible business approach, greater consumer engagement and a continued reputation for the high quality of its beers.”
Managing director Simon Theakston added:
“The last two years have been tough for all sectors, including the British brewing industry.
“As our 2021 results show, we are well on the road to overcoming this latest challenge.”
Theakston’s Brewery was founded in 1827 and is now run by the family of original founder, Robert Theakston.
Harrogate business EnviroVent celebrates 2 millionth filterless fan
Harrogate manufacturer EnviroVent celebrated its 2 millionth filterless fan last week.
A special edition sustainable fan was created for the occasion, as well as a filterless fan celebration cake and 200 cupcakes.
Managing director Andy Makin with the 2 millionth filterless fan.
The fans were designed for the social housing sector, and help to reduce mould and condensation in homes across the UK.
Andy Makin, Managing Director at EnviroVent, said:
“We are really excited to be celebrating the two millionth Filterless Fan to be produced in our factory.
“We are very proud of the innovations we have made to ensure it is still one of the most sustainable fans on the market.”
The fans have saved several tonnes of replacement extractor fans going to landfill sites, as well as reducing the amount of plastics going into the production process.
Read More:
- Harrogate firm EnviroVent sets 2030 net-zero target
- Beer barrel maker graduates in rare and peculiar Masham ceremony
New craft shop to open in Masham
A new craft and haberdashery shop is opening this Saturday in Masham.
Through the Looking Glass, Each One Unique will open at 10am, with an Alice in Wonderland themed celebration, hoping to attract the attention of local shoppers.
The Queen of Hearts will be there to cut the ribbon, along with Alice, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the caterpillar and Tweedledum and Tweedledee.
Manager Emily Swift said:
“I’m really looking forward to the new adventure and being a part of Masham community, although I am really nervous as well.
“I hope the people of Masham will welcome us in with open arms and embrace us”.
Through the Looking Glass was previously a women’s clothing shop that had been open for 40 years, and was forced to close during the pandemic. Ms Swift said she opted to keep the original name of the store, but wanted to take the shop in a new direction.
She added that crafting has become more popular amongst teenagers recently, particularly during lockdown when lots of people took up the hobby.
Often labelled the ‘crazy crochet lady’ by her friends, Ms Swift’s father taught her to crochet 13 years ago. Now, she is hoping more people will get involved and commented that crafting is “not just a female hobby”.
Local solicitors shortlisted for legal firm award
Harrogate based solicitors Raworths LLP, has been shortlisted for an award that celebrates the achievements of law firms internationally.
The trusts, wills and estates team are up for the ‘out of London practice of the year’ award, along with four other firms across the country.
Head of trusts, wills and estates Rachel Tunnicliffe said:
“This shortlist is particularly gratifying as, unlike a lot of awards, it isn’t something for which you nominate yourself.
“This is testimony to the great team we have built, who are doing exciting work for top quality clients.”
She added the team at Raworths are feeling confident about the award, but understand there will be stiff competition.
The winners will be announced on 21st July at the Chambers event in London.
Read More:
‘Tough cookie’ Masham councillor becomes final chair of county council
The new chair of North Yorkshire County Council said she is a “tough cookie” as she was sworn in for the final year of the authority.
Conservative councillor Margaret Atkinson, who represents Masham and Fountains division, was yesterday appointed as the last ever chair of the county council before it is replaced by a new unitary authority next year.
She takes over from Ripon councillor Stuart Martin, who served as chair for the previous 12 months.
Cllr Atkinson at yesterday’s meeting.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Cllr Atkinson said it was a “great honour” to take on the role.
She said:
“I’m quite excited – it is the last year of the county council so there is a lot of work to do and a lot of effort to be put in by everybody.
“I want to say many thanks to Cllr Martin for everything he did.
“I probably have some big boots to fill, but I haven’t got very big feet.”
Cllr Atkinson, who described herself as “Yorkshire through and through”, has served nine years on the county council and 20 years on Harrogate Borough Council.
Read more:
She is a semi-retired farmer and also secretary of the Yorkshire and North East branch of the British Charolais Cattle Society.
At a full county council meeting yesterday, Bentham and Ingleton councillor David Ireton became the new deputy chairman.
The Conservative councillor will take on the chairmanship of the new North Yorkshire Council next year when the county council and seven district and borough councils are abolished.
Also at yesterday’s meeting, Conservative county council leader Carl Les was re-elected into the role.
He appointed a new 10-person executive, which faces the challenge of mapping out the creation of the new North Yorkshire Council before it takes over control of all council services across England’s largest county from April next year.
Repairs on collapsed Kirkby Malzeard wall set to start on MondayA senior Harrogate Borough Council officer has tried to allay concerns that a church wall in Kirkby Malzeard could collapse again.
Jonathan Dunk, executive officer for strategic property and major projects, told councillors today that the “appropriate” action was being taken to repair and monitor the wall at St Andrew’s Church.
The works are finally set to start on Monday after a section of the wall collapsed during heavy rainfall in February 2020.
Speaking at a meeting today, Ripon Spa councillor Mike Chambers said he was concerned that other parts of the wall, which is opposite the village primary school, could give way.
Mr Dunk said:
“We have taken professional advice from Mason Clark – our structural engineers who are used to dealing with these types of listed assets.
“Our advice was that we needed to rebuild the section that collapsed and we are making appropriate repairs to another 15-metre section.
“We are then going to monitor another section that is in much better condition and is therefore at lower risk. We have got the right balance.”
Mr Dunk also said “time is of the essence” for the repairs, which will cost £491,670 and mean the collapsed wall is no longer blocking Church Street:
“The road has been closed for two years – it is causing inconvenience and we need to address that quickly.
“The longer the wall is left unprepared, then there is a risk of further collapse.”
The works will involve a five metre high section of wall being rebuilt, while steel rods will also be driven into the surface for reinforcement.
September completion date
September is the target completion date – and the council said the works could not have been completed before now because the use of lime mortar requires moderate temperatures during spring and summer.
It also said the project required “detailed surveys and an extensive project plan”, including feedback from Historic England.
Read more:
However, local councillors have accused the borough council of paying too much attention to Historic England and not listening to their concerns.
Speaking on Wednesday, councillor Jane Aksut, a member of Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton and Dallowgill Parish Council, said:
33 homes set to be built in Kirkby Malzeard“All of the work has been delayed by interventions from Historic England, who have raised concerns about the ‘visual impact’ of pattress plates needed to restrain the bulging wall.
“We regret that Harrogate Borough Council paid more heed to the view of Historic England rather than to the parish council and residents, who argued that a swift and robust repair to keep the wall safe and the road open for the long term, is more important than how pretty the wall looks.”
Plans have been approved to build 33 homes in Kirkby Malzeard.
Mulberry Homes Yorkshire submitted the proposal to Harrogate Borough Council to construct the scheme off Back Lane in the village.
The development will see a mixture of one, two, three and four bedroom houses built at the site.
A total of 40% of the homes will be allocated for affordable housing.
In a letter to the council, Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton and Dallowgill Parish Council said it welcomed the reduction in homes for the site.
Initially, outline planning permission was granted for 37 homes.
Victoria Preston, clerk at the parish council, said:
“We note that the total number of units proposed is to be 33, rather than the maximum permitted under the outline consent of 37, and we feel that this is a useful reduction, given the concerns of residents in respect of the increased flow of traffic which the development will create through the village.”
Read more:
- Wall repair costs to Harrogate council double to nearly £500,000
- Homes England submits 480-home Otley Road plan
The developer said in documents submitted to the council that the scheme would respect the local area and its characteristics.
It said:
Masham Police House to be sold as officers relocate to fire station“The result of this design process is a proposed development of 33 dwellings, which would be delivered through a variety of house types that promote local distinctiveness.
“The development would be designed to respect the site location, the physical characteristics of the site and the positive architectural elements of existing development which contribute to its sense of place.”
North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner looks set to sell Masham Police House as a community asset.
Known locally as “the old police house”, the building was initially used to house the local police constable.
However, since 2003 it has been leased to Mashamshire Community Office, a charity that provides community services, such as tourist information, the community library and arts and crafts.
Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe has revealed the plans as part of a move to relocate police to Masham Fire Station.
Ms Metcalfe said:
“Co-locating services at Masham Fire Station aligns our police and fire service in this area, making effective use of our estate to ultimately maximise investment in frontline services as detailed in my police and crime plan.
“North Yorkshire Police will continue to have a place of touchdown for local officers when needed, and they will continue as usual to work out of Ripon and Pateley Bridge police stations.
“Mashamshire Community Office is a fantastic local asset which has been providing benefit to the public for nearly two decades. I recognise this value on the community and I hope our sale will afford them the opportunity to purchase the property, with a supportive timeline and value agreed for this process.”
Read more:
Mashamshire Community Office will now have the opportunity to raise funds to purchase the police house prior to the building being put up for sale.
The commissioner expects to sell the property next year.
Paul Theakston, chair of trustees at Mashamshire Community Office, said:
Wall repair costs to Harrogate council double to nearly £500,000“We are very grateful for the opportunity to purchase the old police house, from which the community office has been delivering an ever-expanding range of services into our community for the past twenty years.
“Actually, owning the building will secure our position literally at the heart of the community and ensure that we will be able to provide community services long into the future.”
Harrogate Borough Council is set to spend almost double what it planned to repair a collapsed wall in Kirkby Malzeard.
The council is due to appoint construction firm Keir to repair and rebuild the wall at St Andrew’s Church, which collapsed due to heavy rain in February 2020.
Officials at the authority had initially earmarked £250,000 to fund the project, which was given planning approval in February this year.
However, a report due before the council’s urgency committee next week says the project will now cost £491,670.
Council officials said the cost reflected the “volatile nature of the construction market at the moment”.
Jonathan Dunk, executive officer for strategic property and major projects, said in his report:
“The work was not able to be contracted until the planning process was concluded and permissions put in place.
“Any further delay now would create the additional risk of further wall collapse and would mean that the work could not take place over the coming summer months.”
Read more:
- ‘End this farce’: Kirkby Malzeard wall to finally be rebuilt
- Kirkby Malzeard’s bells could ring again for Queen’s jubilee
The increased cost is set to be funded from the council’s investment reserves. If approved, work on the wall is scheduled to start this month and end in September.
The move to repair the wall comes after residents and parish councillors urged the council to end the “farce” of the church wall earlier this year.
Cllr Peter Saxon, of Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton and Dallowgill Parish Council, told the borough council’s planning committee in February:
Surface dressing on local roads begins under new contractor“Kirkby Malzeard as a community is no stranger to controversial planning decisions. This is not one of them.
“Speaking as the parish council, we presented a unanimous view, as with every resident I have spoken to, to ask you to please, please end this farce.”
A new surface dressing programme has begun on roads in North Yorkshire this month.
North Yorkshire County Council has hired a new contractor to carry out this year’s work, which the local authority said can extend the life of a road surface by up to 10 years.
The 2022 programme, which will cover about 200 miles, will be the first delivered by NY Highways, the roads maintenance company created by the county council last year.
NY Highways has recruited Birmingham road construction firm Kiely Bros as its contractor.
Ross Bullerwell, managing director of NY Highways, said:
“Over the past four months we have worked with Kiely Bros to prepare them for the contract, to make sure they understand what we demand in terms of finish and quality.
“The company has already been providing white lining services for us and we have received good local feedback about their work.”
Read more:
- Coming soon! New pothole machine to improve Harrogate district roads
- Ripon’s new councillors to focus on roads, housing and crime
A press release issued by the council today described surface dressing as “a quick, efficient and cost-effective way of maintaining skid-resistant and waterproof road surfaces”.
The process involves spraying the surface with bitumen, then spreading stone chippings on top and rolling these into the bitumen. Once the bitumen has set, the road is swept to remove any loose chippings.
Weather warning
Barrie Mason, assistant director highways and transportation at the county council, said:
“We know the value of surface dressing from experience. It is vital in maintaining the condition of our roads network. That’s why it is a key component of our annual roads maintenance programme.
“Year after year, through the programme we enhance the quality of sections of our road network. This is crucial in ensuring that businesses, residents and visitors can travel with confidence.”
Signs should go up at each location before work starts to alert residents and drivers.
Mr Mason warned the programme can be affected by weather, adding:
“This can makes communicating exact dates challenging, so we urge residents to check the advance site signage regularly. The contractor will amend this to highlight any change in the schedule.
“After a stretch of road has been treated, it is important for drivers to heed the temporary speed limit put in place while the new surface stabilises to prevent damage to their own vehicle and those of other road users.”
For more information about surface dressing, click here.