No. 3: A landmark anniversary year for Ripon Cathedral
In this article, which is part of a series on the 12 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2022, we look at a historic year for Ripon Cathedral.
Throughout this milestone year for Ripon Cathedral the iconic building has been at the heart of the local and regional community, playing a central role in events of celebration and sadness.
Its landmark 1,350th anniversary coincided with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June and Her Majesty’s death and funeral in September.
The cathedral captured every emotion, from the joyous bells that rang out to mark the monarch’s history-making 70-year reign, to flags flown at half mast to signal her passing.
During 2022, it provided a fitting setting for activities ranging from the spectacular Rome to Ripon exhibition of artworks depicting the life of its founding father Wilfrid, the city’s patron saint, to the hosting of civic services for North Yorkshire in June to celebrate the jubilee and in September to mourn The Queen’s death.
The cathedral was a focal point for mourning following The Queen’s death in September
The ancient church, whose crypt dates back to 672 AD, is the foundation stone upon which Ripon has developed over the centuries and encapsulates many aspects of the city’s history through carvings, sculptures, stained glass and monuments.
For Wilfrid, a patron of the arts who studied at Lindisfarne, the Rome to Ripon exhibition, provided a modern twist in the telling of his story, including three centrepiece paintings by internationally-renowned Syrian artist Sara Shamma.
The 1,350 celebrations ran for six months from April until October and also included dancing in the nave, a beer festival in the cathedral grounds, a pilgrimage from Bradford Cathedral, a Son et Lumiere, lectures from historians, a series of tours taking visitors behind the scenes, and an organ festival.
As a further lasting reminder of the patron saint’s work in Ripon a ledger stone at the entrance to the quire, was dedicated to Wilfrid at a service attended by the Archbishop of York, The Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell and Bishop of Leeds, The Rt Revd Nick Baines.
The ledger stone dedicated to Wilfrid
Who was St Wilfrid?
Wilfrid – one of the greatest and most controversial English saints – was born into a noble Northumbrian family. He studied at Lindisfarne before embracing the Roman ways, was deposed on more than one occasion, and yet helped unite England behind a single Christian tradition.
It is said he was born in flames, survived shipwrecks and exile, and his jailers could not keep him chained. He was a healer, he kept people from hunger by teaching them to fish, and it is said that the moon and stars shone so bright for him, that a lunar rainbow appeared on the anniversary of his death.
In his early twenties, he made a pilgrimage to Rome and was much inspired by the lives of the saints there, and the great basilica churches. He brought some of the beauty of Rome back to England with him.
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UK’s biggest outdoor holiday home show to come to HarrogateThe Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate has been chosen to host the UK’s biggest trade show for holiday homes, caravans and motorhomes next year.
The Great Holiday Home Show will see major manufacturers launch their latest models to the public as well as to parks, dealers and distributors from across the country.
The show will be held from Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 10 for the public, followed by a trade-only show from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14.
The event, which was first held as The Lawns Show in 1976, is organised by the Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Caravan Manufacturers’ Association.
The show is moving from Hull, which is the epicentre of the UK caravan industry, to the 250-acre Great Yorkshire Showground to allow more manufacturers to attend than in previous years.
Richard Jones, chairman of HERCMA, said:
“This is an exciting time for the industry as we bring everyone together to put on a comprehensive show, in a central location for an industry that is constantly evolving. The show will be managed for us by the organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show, one of the UK’s biggest events.”
Heather Parry, managing director of the Great Yorkshire Showground, said:
“We are delighted to be hosting and managing The Great Holiday Home Show, this is a significant event for the industry, set in the heart of the UK at a venue that boasts acres of outdoor space along quality indoor space too. Happily, David Ritchie, who has managed the event for over 20 years, will continue to work with us as the show adviser as the show moves to its new venue.”
Event manager David Ritchie said:
“This show is in my blood and it is wonderful to see it develop at a new venue and work with a new team as it continues to expand”.
According to the National Caravan Council, there are more than a million caravan and motor homes in the UK, and around 50 million nights are spent in them each year. The caravan industry contributes more than £6 billion a year to the UK economy.
Oatlands community artwork to be unveiled in Harrogate this weekendA ceramic tree mural created as part of a community arts project will be unveiled this weekend in Harrogate.
Oatlands Community Centre was awarded funding from the Arts Council to run the project in June, marking the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
Local ceramic artist Anna Whitehouse ran free workshops at the centre, teaching people about the history of brickworks in the Oatlands area and how to process the locally-dug clay.
They then created pieces of art themselves, putting together a ceramic tree mural which will go on display outside the community centre. Anna said:
“The tree design was chosen for its symbolism, with Oatlands Community Centre being rooted firmly at the heart of the community.”
The centre and its volunteers are the supportive framework; the roots, trunk and branches, but can only grow leaves and flourish through the engagement of the community and their sense of ownership.”
Oatlands Community Centre was previously a Methodist chapel, located near the top of Mount Street, just off Leeds Road. The street used to be the access road to the Harrogate Red Brick Company, which operated from 1860 to 1936.
The church itself was built using bricks from the works, which were taken from the heavy clay which lies in the ground across the area.
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Since the workshops were held in June, the ceramic pieces have been dried, fired in the kiln and assembled into a mural ready for the unveiling tomorrow between 10am and noon.
Anna will be on hand to talk about the project, and Oatlands Community Centre will be offering coffee and cake to visitors.
Funding was organised through Two Ridings Community Foundation. Its CEO Jan Garrill said:
“This was a great and very creative way to celebrate Her Majesty’s platinum jubilee. All credit to Oatlands for embracing both the spirit of the jubilee and the Let’s Create funding from Two Ridings.”
Ripon Cathedral to play a central role in mourning The QueenJust 13 weeks ago, the bells at Ripon Cathedral rang out in joyous celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, but today the bells were muffled as they rang out for an hour at midday to mark the passing of the UK’s most enduring monarch.
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson, led the jubilee civic service for North Yorkshire held at the cathedral on June 2, which was attended by the great and the good of the county.
From today and over the period of national mourning, the doors of the iconic church, founded 1,350 years ago by St Wilfrid, will be open to all, who wish to pay their respects to Her Majesty.
This can be done by signing the book of condolence in the north transept, through private prayer, by attending a service or leaving flowers.
Dean John, told the Stray Ferret:
“Back in June, we marked 70 years of The Queen’s magnificent service, now we come to celebrate her life and pray for her family.”
In a message on the cathedral’s website, he said The Queen was:
“One of the world’s greatest figures of our time, one who dedicated her life as monarch to the wellbeing of the people of this nation, the commonwealth and the wider world.
“She was a faithful Christian who drew on her faith to serve God and the common good in the role that God had given her.
“She wasn’t pious and didn’t let her exalted status unduly affect her. She reigned with great integrity, as seen in the images of her sitting alone at the funeral of her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. She was a great servant of her people and an unequalled example of public service over the last century.”
The cathedral, which the Queen visited in 1985 for the Royal Maundy Service, has been the focus of celebration for its 1,350th anniversary since April, attracting visitors from across the region as well as overseas.
Over the coming days it is ready to welcome visitors, who wish to make their own tribute and reflect on Her Majesty’s remarkable reign.
Today, there will be an Evensong Service at 5.30 and a Vigil Service at 8.15.
The Cathedral will be open daily from 8am.
The Great North Art Show, which was due to begin at the cathedral tomorrow, is being postponed.
New royal walk created for HarrogateA royal walk has been created celebrating Harrogate’s links with the monarchy.
The route takes people past 18 locations with royal connections, such as the Sun Pavilion, which was re-opened by the Queen in 1998 and the King Edward VII gates to Valley Gardens.
It starts at Cathcart House and proceeds up Victoria Avenue and across Library Gardens to the Queen Victoria memorial.
It then goes down James Street, across to Old Tom’s Cabin, Farrah’s and Victoria Drive and up to the Edward Vll gates, Royal Baths Hospital, Sun Pavilion, Crescent Gardens before finishing at the Crown Hotel.
Walkers are advised to allow up to 90 minutes.
Stuart Holland, chair of Harrogate Civic Society, said:
“The walk is an opportunity to reflect on the many royal connections across the town.”
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The self-guided walk is accompanied by a leaflet providing information about the route as well as details of royal visits to Harrogate.
The leaflet is available from libraries, the tourist information centre and Mercer gallery, as well as online here.
The walk is a joint venture between Harrogate Dramatic Society, Harrogate Civic Society and Harrogate Borough Council.
The route was devised by Mr Holland and Harry Satloka, who operates Harrogate Free Walking Tours, as part of the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations.
Mr Holland and Mr Satloka led an inaugural walk today, which was followed by a one-act play by Harrogate Dramatic Society. Cllr Victoria Oldham, mayor of the Harrogate borough, was among those attending.
Mixed picture for Harrogate town centre as jubilee celebrations endThe jubilee weekend may have been one of celebrations for communities but it was a mixed picture for businesses in Harrogate town centre.
The Harrogate Tea Rooms in the Westminster Arcade was among those to say the jubilee did not prove to be a recipe for success as it had its worst ever Saturday, after 10 years in business.
Tony Wilkinson, who owns the business with his wife Carrie, told the Stray Ferret:
“We had a good Friday and the Thursday was OK too. But Saturday was 70% lower than normal.
“We did open on Sunday, which we don’t usually, but it was very quiet.”
Despite support from customers on social media, even the celebratory high tea menu was not enough to draw patrons away from events elsewhere.
Around the corner at Baltzersen’s on Oxford Street, Saturday and Sunday also proved to be quiet. However, owner Paul Rawlinson was philosophical:
“We’ve served a lot of guests and hopefully delivered a positive experience for everyone that chose to visit us. We appreciate the ongoing support of families in Harrogate and Wetherby.
“In terms of the business, we saw a hugely increased demand on Thursday and Friday but recorded quietest weekend days of the last six months over the weekend.
“Weather will have been a factor and the end of the school half-term holidays can often lead to a quieter weekends too. The differences largely cancelled each other out so in many ways it was business as usual.”
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At food retailer Cook on West Park, trade was also slow across the weekend. However, shop leader Mike Jarvis said the previous few days had been extremely busy as people stocked up ready for the bank holiday.
“We had such a big surge from Monday to Wednesday. Home deliveries were up for us too.
“We do a lot of buffet food and we had coronation chicken and Eton mess parfait – all good things for street parties.”
Working across the company’s shops in Harrogate and Moortown, Mr Jarvis said the picture was similar, as it was at Cook branches around the country.
Harry Gration opens the Little Bird Artisan Market for the Queen’s platinum jubilee in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens
Among those who did very well during the jubilee weekend itself were the traders at Little Bird Artisan Markets, which had events in Knaresborough and in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens. Managing director Jackie Crozier said:
“We are absolutely delighted with how the platinum jubilee celebrations have gone over the weekend. We have delivered seven events over four days including Knaresborough and, of course, Harrogate for three days.
“I have lost count of the amount of traders who have said they have had their best trading day ever.
“This weekend was just what the country needed and especially our artisan traders. It was so wonderful to be part of so many events working alongside local councils.
“As we have our regular artisan market on the first Sunday of the month in Valley Gardens, it was great to see so many of our regular customers returning.”
The weekend was also a success for the Harrogate Bus Company. Partnering with Harrogate BID, it offered free travel on its electric services between the town centre and Jennyfield, Harlow Hill and Bilton.
Managing director Alex Hornby tweeted that passenger numbers were significantly up on previous comparable dates.
Matthew Chapman, manager of Harrogate BID which also helped to organise the Jubilee Square events on Montpellier Hill, said:
“I was in town every day of the celebrations and there were certainly plenty of people around.
“Each of four days of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations saw thousands of people visit Jubilee Square.
“We deliberately didn’t have any food and drink concessions at Jubilee Square, as we hoped those coming to it would go into town either before, or after, and patronise our pubs, bars and restaurants – which they did!
“The ‘Jubilee Freeway’ brought passengers travelling on electric buses into town for free on Thursday through to Sunday, and the numbers riding these buses was significantly more than for previous bank holidays and the last three weekends.
“We also had street entertainers on three of the four days, which were very well receive, and again gave people another reason to come into town.”
Jubilee celebrations in Harrogate district draw to a close
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.
A feast of street parties is set to bring the jubilee weekend to a close. We will be praying for fine weather and covering the festivities in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham, as well as the villages in between.
Our reporters will be out and about but please let us know what’s happening where you are and send us pictures so we can add them to this blog. DM us on Facebook or email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
5.35pm: Jubilee reunion for sisters of 1977
Three sisters who celebrated the 1977 silver jubilee waving flags did the same thing today on the same street where they grew up.
Their parents, David and Nelda, are one of two original families still living on Carr Close in Ripon. The couple, aged 82, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary this year.
They bought the house new in 1973 and all three daughters live around the corner.
That seems like a fitting way to end our four days of live jubilee coverage. We hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for all your photos of beacons, street parties, pig races and everything else.
We will publish a jubilee photo gallery tomorrow.
4.46pm: Ripon rotary clubs unite
The family day provided a meeting point for friends from the Rotary Club of Ripon and Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels, whose charity work can be seen all over the city. They were joined by major Ripon benefactor Michael Abrahams (left).
He is pictured with, from the left: Peter Race (Rotary Club of Ripon) Josie Suddards (Inner Wheel of the Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels) Janet Race, Jenny Moss and Audrey Long (all members of the Inner Wheel of Ripon Rotary Club) and, front David Suddards of the Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels, which gave platinum jubilee pennies to every pupil at the 17 primary schools in Ripon and neighbouring villages.
After such a busy week for event stewards Elaine Reed (pictured left) and Cat Midgley, you might have expected them to be flagging, but there were smiles from them right until the end of four fantastic days that underlined Ripon’s status as one on the most royal and loyal places in the land.
3.55pm: Ripon’s big weekend draws to a close
Ripon’s packed programme of jubilee events is coming to an end. Our city-based reporter Tim has been at the heart of things for the last four days.
It was a day for both waving and wearing the flag, as the curtain came down on Ripon’s platinum jubilee celebrations with the focus on families, as epitomised by the fact that great grandmother Hazel Barker, of event organiser The Ripon Community Poppy Project had four generations of her family present, including grandson Martin Wright and great grandchildren Evie (aged 6) and cousins Alana and Imogen aged 5.
For Martin, it was an opportunity to dress to impress, with his Union Jack jacket, trousers and hat.
Ensuring that activities went off safely, was Andy Langford (pictured left) the safety manager overseeing four days of revelry in Ripon Market Square and this afternoon’s family day in Spa Park. He is pictured with Stuart Martin of Ripon Community Poppy Project, who told the Stray Ferret:
“The city-wide celebrations have been amazing and Ripon has done Her Majesty proud.”
3.05pm: Neighbours sing along to Sweet Caroline
This is what it’s all about… dancing in the street with neighbours to Sweet Caroline.
Almost 100 people from Carr Close in Ripon and invited guests got together this afternoon after resident Jennifer Spurgeon applied to close the street.
The gathering included a couple from Australia, who are friends with people who live on Carr Close.
June Wren, 91, wore a hat her mother made for the coronation in 1953.
There was a Queen’s pudding tent, line dancing and badminton.
2.40pm: Maypole fun in Burton Leonard
2.15pm: Band starts family fun in Ripon’s Spa Park
The Ripon City Band kicked off Spa Park’s Platinum Jubilee family day with an ABBA medley..
1.40pm: Huby gets in the swing
There’s a fabulous party going on in Strait Lane, Huby. Below are some images we’ve been sent.
Send us pics of your jubilee events today and we will include then in our blog. DM us on Facebook or email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
1.25pm: Street parties underway!
Valerie Sanderson, 99, was invited to cut the ribbon this afternoon to start the street party in Almsford Oval, Harrogate.
The street is having a bake-off at 3pm organised by resident Karen Loughran.
Here’s a video and some images of the party.
Jake Crossfield who is 3 years old sent the Queen a letter and drew a picture of her majesty on it to tell her the street was having a party. She wrote back to thank him and wished him a lovely time!
Jean Whinnett who organised making the banner with her husband Alan said:
“We wanted to include all the children in the street – around 20 children were involved. The youngest was 6 months! We have an amazing community here. Everybody takes part”
1.02pm: Ripon Spa Park hosts family afternoon
From 2pm to 5pm today, Ripon Spa Park will be the main focus of the city’s final jubilee celebrations. The family day includes an afternoon tea along with music and children’s entertainment, including face painting, jubilee crafts and a treasure hunt led by Ripon Community Poppy Project. Members of Ripon City Band will performing its version of Last Night at the Proms.
12.32pm: Spitfire flypast at Newby Hall cancelled
Bad news – the weather has put paid to today’s Spitfire flypast at Tractor Fest at Newby Hall, near Boroughbridge.
12.23pm: Picnic on the Stray in Harrogate
A picnic has just got underway on the Stray. Later in the day it will broadcast the films Encanto and The Greatest Showman on the big screens at 3pm and 5pm respectively.
Here’s a pic from last night’s big screen broadcast of the jubilee party at Buckingham Palace.
11.41am: Thunderstorm weather warning removed!
The weather forecast continues to inch in the right direction. The yellow weather warming for thunderstorms in the Harrogate district has been removed and the maximum temperature forecast has crept up to, er, 14 degrees centigrade!
11.26am: Free electric buses today
The electric service on the 2A, 2B, 3 and 6 are free today as part of a joint initiative between the Harrogate Bus Company and Harrogate Business Improvement District.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1533347639856484352
10.20am: 3,000 people party in Ripon as new horn handed over
Ripon’s impressive bank holiday celebrations continued yesterday when about 3,000 people attended the Market Square celebrations, which included 12 hours of live music.
Last night also saw the new ceremonial horn handed over. You can read more here.
9.47am: 500 people expected at Bishop Monkton street party
Bishop Monkton is preparing to stage one of the biggest street parties in the Harrogate district today. The throne which will transport the village Queen at the head of a ‘seven decades’ fancy dress parade is ready and the village is expecting to have an even bigger event than the last jubilee in 2012 with almost 500 people, about two thirds of the population, booked to attend.
9.27am: Free entertainment for kids about to start in Valley Gardens
It’s your last chance to catch the runaway train, bungee jump on trampolines and enjoy numerous other rides for children. There will also be magicians, a choir, juggling and face painting.
9.22am: Weather forecast improves!
We’ve had three days of mainly pleasant jubilee weather. Today’s forecast has looked a bit iffy for a while and although you’re unlikely to need your sun cream, with temperatures struggling to get above 14 degrees centigrade in Harrogate, the threat of rain has receded sightly.
It was due to rain from about midday but according to the latest update from the BBC, it might hold off until this evening. There’s also the small matter of a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms in place, but let’s not worry about that just yet.
9.15am: Where the Stray Ferret reporters will be today
Tim will be covering events in Ripon.
John will be in and around Harrogate.
Tamsin will be covering events across the district.
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.
Platinum Jubilee Harrogate district: What’s On
This article is sponsored by Boundless Networks
The four-day celebration of the Queen’s 70-year-reign is underway.
We have compiled a What’s On diary of events for the Harrogate district across those four days. Please send us details of your event for the extended jubilee weekend holiday so we can add it in.
Harrogate
Civic Celebration:
Part of the Stray will be transformed into Jubilee Square. It will include a large stage and a big screen for the bank holiday.
Thursday: The big screen will be showing the Trooping of the Colour, The Queen’s birthday parade and the RAF flypast. Harrogate Spa Town Ukes will be performing, along with the big school sing, Freddie Cleary and band, Undercovered.
Friday: There will be a jubilee dog show, the Harrogate mastermind quiz, and live music from Ben & George. The big screen will also be playing the Service of Thanksgiving from St Paul’s Cathedral.
Saturday: A wellbeing morning has been organised, along with a second Harrogate mastermind quiz. The big screen will stream The Derby at Epsom Downs and the platinum party at the palace.
Sunday: There will be a jubilee picnic with DJ Mark Green, and the big screen will be showing films Encanto and The Greatest Showman throughout the day.
The town centre will be adorned with 4km of bunting and there will be street entertainers performing across the four days.
Valley Gardens will host a free family festival, which will feature jugglers, magicians, choirs and fairground rides. For a full timetable of events in Valley Gardens click here.
Little Bird Artisan Market
Friday to Sunday: Little Bird Artisan Markets will be hosting an artisan market in Valley Gardens
The market holds stalls with an array of traders who sell baked goods, food, drink, arts, and crafts.
Palm Court Café Afternoon Tea
Friday and Saturday: Yorkshire Appetite have organised a guided walk and afternoon tea at 3pm.
The walk will include a short stroll through Harrogate central led by a local guide, keeping to the themes of the monarchy.
An afternoon tea will be held after in the Palm Court Café.
Tickets are £22.50 per person and can be booked here.
Cedar Court Hotel Tea Parties
Friday: Cedar Court Hotel is holding a Garden Tipi Jubilee Afternoon.
Priced at £16.00 per head the tea menu is extensive. For tickets book here.
Harrogate Street Parties
Currently, there are twelve officially planned street parties being held by the residents of Harrogate.
Rudding Park:
Thursday to Saturday: Deer House Family pub at Rudding Holiday Park will be hosting a series of events such as a Jubilee disco and tea party. For more information click here.
Harrogate Library:
Tuesday: Harrogate library is hosting the Twixt t’Covers regional event, where five special guests will discuss their favourite books from The Big Jubilee booklist. It will be livestreamed to audiences across the nation from 7:30pm to 9pm.
The 70 books, made up of 10 books from each decade of the Queen’s reign, will be available to borrow from Harrogate library.
Oatlands Community Centre:
Thursday: Oatlands Community Centre are hosting jubilee crafts for children from 10-12am. There will also be the chance to learn about Oatlands’ industrial heritage, view the centre’s ceramic mural design and sign up for a free clay workshop.
Live music at Harlow Carr:
RHS Garden Harlow Carr are hosting a series of live music performances on each afternoon of the bank holiday weekend. The groups playing are:
Thursday: Take 2 Big Band
Friday: New Horizons Dance Band
Saturday: Barnsley Brass
Sunday: Chris Irvin Concert Orchestra
Knaresborough
Knaresborough’s Platinum Jubilee Committee has planned a celebration and entertainment programme. Flags, bunting and shop window decorations are already up. There will be a children’s shop window trail around the town.
Thursday to Saturday: A community history display will be open in Knaresborough House from 10am to 4.30 pm daily. Admission is free.
Thursday: Knaresborough Flower Club will be decorating the Market Cross in the Market Place for the Platinum Jubilee.
At 9pm, along with more than 1,500 locations across the UK, the Mayor of Knaresborough will light a beacon on the castle top. All are welcome.
Friday: There will be a tea dance from 2pm to 4pm at the Knaresborough Community Centre, Stockwell Avenue. It is a free event, but people are asked to register their interest in attending. Tel. 01423 862702
Saturday: There will be an artisan market in the morning, followed by an afternoon garden party and performances at Knaresborough House. Musicians and entertainers are booked for the free garden event with people encouraged to dress up in 1950’s attire.
From 10-11 am, there will be a children’s flag-making workshop at Gracious Street Methodist Church. The event is free and there will be refreshments at the workshop.
At 11am there will be a flag procession from the Market Place led by the Town Crier to the grounds of Knaresborough House for the Jubilee Garden Party which opens at 12 Noon.
There will be a dog show. Entries are taken from 11am at the show ring. Entry £1 per class. Proceeds for Ukraine animal charities.
The approximate times are 12pm Best Rescue, 12.45pm Prettiest Bitch, 1.30pm Most Handsome Male, 2.15pm Waggiest tail and 3pm Fancy Dress.
Visitors can bring their own picnics, but a range of food and drink stalls will be available.
In St John’s Church, a specially commissioned film from Yorkshire Archives, looking at the Queen’s reign in Yorkshire and the Northeast, will be on a rolling programme with free entry.
In the Knaresborough House gardens entertainment will be provided by, The Hummingbirds, Roundel Pop group, Meadowside School Choir, Knaresborough Youth Theatre, Studio 3 and a traditional Indian Dancer. Knaresborough Silver Band will provide a fitting end to the day with music from the Last Night of the Proms.
Sunday: Christians Together in Knaresborough invite everyone to a Jubilee Celebration Service of worship at 10.30am in St John’s Church. Share with all the churches in the town as they come together to give thanks to for the Queen’s reign.
Sunday afternoon is reserved for individually arranged street parties.
Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has announced a fancy dress competition. Get into the spirit of things with your best 1950’s outfits and you could win £50 (and some free publicity for your business or group if appropriate). Upload a photo of yourself or your team in your best 1950’s or Jubilee themed outfit. Use the hashtag #knaresboroughjubileedressup
See https://knaresboroughchamber.org for more details and terms.
Ripon
Ripon City centre will be adorned with banners knitted by Ripon Community Poppy Project.
Ripon’s Civic Celebrations
Thursday to Saturday: The focus of festivities will be on Market Square where there’ll be musical entertainment alongside free fairground rides. The entertainment will run from 11am -11.30pm
To accommodate the crowds, road closures will be in place on Market Place roads.
At 9pm on Saturday, the Platinum Jubilee Horn commissioned by the council will be used for the first time in the setting of the watch ceremony. All four of the city’s hornblowers will be on duty.
Ripon Cathedral service and tea party
Thursday: Ripon Cathedral, which is also celebrating its 1,350th anniversary year, will be the focus of North Yorkshire attention, as it hosts the civic service for the county between 11am-12pm.
Friday: Platinum Jubilee Tea Party 2-4pm for invited guests, who were born in each of the 70 years of the Queen’s reign.
Ripon’s new Platinum Jubilee Horn, will be unveiled to the public at 9pm on June 4
Children’s Entertainment in Spa Gardens
The focus on Sunday switches to Spa Park, where a day-long programme of family entertainment is being organised by Ripon Community Poppy Project.
Tractor Festival
Friday to Sunday: The UK’s largest tractor festival returns to Newby Hall, Ripon. After experiencing a break for two years, the festival will be extended to three days to cover the jubilee celebrations.
On average, the festival attracts around 12,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitions of vehicles.
The event will run from 10am-5pm over three days.
Food, drinks, arts and crafts will be available to make the day more inclusive to children and families that wish to come down. Tickets are available on the Newby Hall website.
Boroughbridge
Wednesday, June 1: Boroughbridge Community Library is taking part in the Big Jubilee Read, and will be hosting a story time for children. There will be two story times for the book The Queen’s Knickers, starting at 10:15am for children aged 0-5 and 11:30am for children aged 5-11. The event will also involve activities based on the book.
Friday: The Great Afternoon Tea for the jubilee takes place at Boroughbridge Football Club from 12pm to 6pm. An afternoon of fun and games will raise money for the charity Dementia Forward.
There will be a barbecue and bar, along with a bouncy castle, tug of war, face painting, beat the goalie competition, and a raffle. There will also be an afternoon tea for local care home residents.
Pateley Bridge
Civic Celebration
Friday: A jubilee garden party will take place from 12pm – 4pm at Pateley Bridge Masonic Hall, including food, drink, face painting and games. The event will raise money for the Yorkshire air ambulance.
Saturday: The main festivities in Pateley Bridge are focused on a big party in the town’s recreation ground from midday until 3pm and there will be a royal themed fancy dress competition, a cake competition and live music.
Sunday: A platinum jubilee afternoon tea will be held from 1pm-4pm at Pateley Bridge & Bewerley Memorial Hall with live music, a raffle and a kids “design a crown or corgi” competition. No need to book.
Masham
Civic Celebration
Masham Parish Council has organised four days of events for the town.
Thursday:
- 10am onwards five-a-side football knockout tournament begins, plus bowls, snooker, quoits and a tug-of-war between businesses and community groups.
- 2pm Town Crier will read the proclamation
- 7.30pm A celebratory ring of church bells St Mary’s Church
- 9.40pm Lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee beacons – bugle call to fanfare
- 9.45pm Lighting of the beacon on Roomer Common
Friday:
- 1pm Parade of Floats led by Reeth Brass Band – leaving from I’Ansons Mill, circling Masham.
- 2pm Fancy Dress judging – prizes for ‘best’ 5years and under, 6years to 10years, up to 16years and adults on Masham Market Place
- 3pm BYO BBQ on the Square – bring your own food and BBQ with friends on the square (dedicated veggie & gluten free BBQs available), people advised to bring a chair, on Masham Market Place
- 7.30pm Band on the Square – local popular band ‘The Doubtful Bottle’ on Masham Market Place
- 10pm Fireworks – what every celebration needs at St Mary’s Church yard to be viewed from the Market Place
Saturday:
- 10am Children’s Royal Crafts – craft a crown with Rev Sian Lawton at St Mary’s Church
- 3pm Afternoon Tea – enjoy a tasty light bite with a glass of fizz before the choir concert at St Mary’s Church. Tickets are £10
- Jubilee Choir Concert – come and enjoy music from members of Masham Musical Society, Singing for Fun and St Mary’s Choir. Tickets are £5
- 7.30pm Jubilee Evening Concert
Sunday:
- 10am Royal Peal of Bells – honouring the Queen at St Mary’s Church 10.45am Service of Thanksgiving
- Midday The Great Get Together – bring your own food and share at this community luncheon, tables and chairs will be provided
For full details there’s more information on the Mashamshire Jubilee Programme website
Birstwith
Saturday and Sunday: The Birstwith Annual Village Show in Harrogate has planned separate events for both days
Saturday: A royal pig race will be held at the Station Hotel gardens in Birstwith. The event is family friendly and will start from 4:30pm running onwards.
Food and drink will be available with attendees having to bring cash for betting and food.
Sunday: BAVS have organised a village picnic to mark the Queen’s jubilee. Anyone is able to join, with participants required to bring their own picnic and drinks.
Dacre
A programme of events have been organised and Dacre, like Ripon, will be taking part in the beacon lighting ceremony on Thursday.
It will be lit at Dover Castle, up the path near Low Hall, by locally-based firefighters and attendees are asked to arrive by 9.30pm.
Songs will be sung, including the National Anthem.
Family fun day
Friday: A family fun day from noon until 4pm, will be held at the Max Pullan Playing Fields.
In addition to the live music and refreshments, there will be an egg and spoon race, coconut shy, bouncy castle, face-painting and tug-of-war competition.
Sunday: The playing fields will also be the venue for an open air thanksgiving service starting at 11am.
It will be followed by a traditional village street party between the village green and church hall, from noon until 4pm attendees are asked to bring a picnic.
Throughout the week there is also a ‘Royal Treasure Hunt’ within Dacre Banks, with check in for the event at the village store.
Kirkby Malzeard
Kirkby Malzeard Parish Council has organised a packed timetable of events across the four day bank holiday.
Thursday: A historical tour of the church has been organised, to begin at 3pm.
There will also be a jubilee bonfire lit at 9:45pm at Greygarth Monument, including a singalong where guests are encouraged to bring their own instruments.
Friday: An off-road social run will begin at 9am, lasting for 90 minutes and setting off from The Mechanics’ Institute.
Reeth Brass Band will be playing from 11am in Mowbray Crescent.
From 2pm, Laverton’s party will be hosted on the green, including live music and the option to bring your own food and drink.
The Mechanics’ Institute are holding a coronation music night, starting at 8pm.
Saturday: A Royal parade will begin at midday, where trailers and floats will lead the procession. The parade will start at the Market Cross, leading to the playing fields where the ‘Kirkby Queen’ will present a gift to every child taking part.
This will be followed by an afternoon of games, entertainment and a barbeque from 12:30pm.
At 1:30pm, the Kirkby Queen will plant an Elizabeth II rose in the jubilee garden.
The Mechanics Institute are ending the day with a royal quiz at 8pm.
Sunday: A street party will take place from 1.30pm– 4.30pm on Church Street. Guests can bring their own food, drinks and table decorations, and The Queen’s head will also be running a barbecue. At 1:30pm the children of Kirkby School will perform a maypole dance, there will be a royal teddy bear’s parade followed by a teddy bear’s picnic, and a dance and singalong to live music.
Spofforth
Spofforth with Stockeld Parish Council is one of the villages to be awarded funding from Harrogate Borough Council to be used for the jubilee.
Thursday: A children’s party will start at 2pm at the cricket club, including a helter skelter, a bouncy castle, hook a duck, a craft tent and a dunking stool. There will also be afternoon tea and a barbeque.
At 2:15pm a parade of the Kings and Queens of England will begin, where children can dress up as their favourite King or Queen from history.
At 9:45pm, Spofforth will join other communities across the district in lighting the jubilee beacon. This event will begin at 9pm in front of Spofforth Castle and will include music from Spofforth School Choir and saxophonist Millie Hope.
Friday: A tea party with prosecco, afternoon tea and music for Spofforth and Stockeld seniors has been organised in the Long Memorial Hall, starting at 3pm.
Royal party in the park
Saturday: A party in the park will begin at 7pm outside the castle, where people are encouraged to bring their own picnics. The evening will include face painting, circus entertainers, a 50s style band, and an Oompah band.
A disco and fireworks will bring the night to a close at 11:30pm.
Killinghall
Killinghall is putting on a jubilee celebration on Sunday at the village hall and the cricket club.
It will begin at midday with a packed timetable of activities, including a bouncy castle, a cricket match, a tug of war, and children’s races.
At 12:15pm a jubilee fancy dress parade is taking place, and at 3pm judging of the jubilee cake competition will begin. The day will be brought to a close with the live band Let Luce.
People are encouraged to bring their own picnics, and refreshments will also be available at the cricket club bar.
Winksley
Saturday: Woodhouse Caravan Park is holding a garden party at 3pm, including games, face painting, a cake sale, a quiz and a raffle at The Barn restaurant.
There will also be a party tea between 5pm-7pm and music entertainment into the evening. The profits made from the event will be donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Roecliffe and Westwick
Saturday: The parish council have organised a platinum jubilee lunch on the village green from midday.
Fewston and Blubberhouses
Thursday to Sunday: Fewston and Blubberhouses are holding a flower festival at Blubberhouses church, lasting all four days of the bank holiday. Refreshments will be served from 11am – 4pm each day, with live music on Saturday from 2pm – 3pm.
North Rigton
There is a red, white and blue trail to do around the village, starting from 22nd May, and a jubilee flagpole will be put up in the village garden.
Thursday: An evening garden party will be held from 7pm -10pm at Hill Top Farm, where guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks and meal.
They will also be lighting a beacon at 9:15pm, which can be viewed from the garden.
Sunday: A bring-your-own picnic has been organised, which will be held in the church grounds.
Topcliffe and Asenby
Thursday and Friday: The Angel at Topcliffe pub has organised a jubilee celebration between midday and 5pm. There will be a bouncy castle, a treasure hunt and games. The Cherry Tones will also be performing, with songs from across the seven decades of the Queen’s reign.
Saturday: The main event in Topcliffe and Asenby will be a party in the park on Saturday. The event will include an inflatable assault course, children’s games, a bowls competition, an ice cream van and live music. There is also the chance to pre-order afternoon tea. It starts at 2pm on the village playing field.
On Saturday afternoon, St Columba’s Church is offering guided tours, where the church tower will be open for people wishing to see the village’s jubilee decorations from above.
Sunday: St Columba’s Church has organised a Choral Evensong with the choir at 6:30pm.
Whixley
Saturday: From 7pm there will be an evening of entertainment at the village hall, with songs, dances and tales of the past.
Sunday: A jubilee picnic will start at midday, where events throughout the afternoon include a royal fancy dress parade for guests and their dogs, a dog show, sports day races and an inflatable assault course.
Hampsthwaite
Saturday: From 2pm the Memorial Hall will open, offering a hog roast and barbeque. There will also be a bouncy castle and live music from Spa Town Ukes and Still Crazy.
Sunday: The Memorial Hall will continue its celebrations on Sunday, opening again at 2pm until 5pm. There will be tea, cakes and sandwiches, as well as a raffle and screenings of film clips and newsreels.
Follifoot
Sunday: Follifoot parish council have organised a jubilee picnic on the village hall lawn. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnics and dress in red, white and blue or 1950s style fashion. There will be sports, music and a craft corner.
Great Ouseburn
Friday: Great Ouseburn village hall will hold a jubilee celebration all day, with a number of activities planned.
Guests are encouraged to dress in 1950s style outfits, and there will be a 1950s themed window trail around the village, as well as a Queen’s parade. Children’s crafts and games will take place, including dress making and crown creating. A jubilee lunch has also been organised where guests will need to bring their own food and reserve a table beforehand. There will be live music into the evening, and food available from Bistro Guy and Pool Bridge Farm Shop.
A commemorative mosaic plaque is also due to be unveiled on Friday.
Norwood
Sunday: Norwood social hall is hosting afternoon tea and family games to mark the jubilee weekend. The event will begin at 2pm, and will include an afternoon tea and picnic boxes for children, family games, a children’s craft corner and a children’s colouring competition.
Markington
Saturday: Markington village hall has organised a jubilee celebration that includes afternoon tea and live music. The event will be at 1pm – 4pm, with the singer beginning at 1:30pm. Tables can be booked via committee members.
Bishop Monkton
Bishop Monkton has a large variety of events for the jubilee weekend. Throughout the four day bank holiday, there will be a decorated house and garden trail through the village, and St John’s Church will be hosting a flower festival each day from 10am – 4pm.
Wednesday 1st June: A community concert with the theme ‘seven decades of song’ will take place in the village hall from 7:30pm.
Thursday: From 10am – 4pm there will be music from DJ Billy Miller, followed by live music at 4pm – 7pm from the seven-piece band Groove Council.
From 11am to 1pm there will be the ‘It’s a knockout’ sports competition on the playing fields, with tea and coffee also available in the village hall.
Children’s games will take place from midday on the playing fields, along with a magician.
There will also be a selection of refreshments available throughout the day on the playing fields, with bacon baps and a barbeque from 10am, and a bar from 2pm – 7pm.
Friday: At 9:45am there will be a coffee morning at St John’s Church.
The village hall will be screening two films, ‘The Village Likes to Party’ and ‘The Village Pubs’ from the local history group. There will be two viewings of each film at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.
From 10am the Methodist Church will hold a wedding dress and photos display. This will also be open on Saturday.
The Masons Arms is putting on an afternoon tea from midday until 3pm, which must be booked in advance.
Saturday: A hog roast with stalls, games and pig racing will begin at midday on Main Street.
In the school hall, there will be cream teas available, as well as the school’s jubilee exhibition, open from 12pm – 5pm.
From 7pm, the village hall has organised a ceilidh, with a cash bar on the night.
Sunday: At 10:30am, there is a join service from both the churches in Bishop Monkton in the school playground.
A fancy dress parade will take place from 2pm, where guests are invited to dress up to represent people and events from the Queen’s reign. This will be followed by a street party at 3pm on Main Street, then a prize giving at 4pm.
Monday 6th June: The parish council will present the children of Bishop Monkton primary school with commemorative mugs.
To bring the celebrations to a close, a time capsule will be created and buried at 10:30am in Jubilee Woods by the village hall.
Marton le Moor
The parish council have organised tea, cake and games on Devonshire green. The event will begin at 2pm and refreshments will be provided.
Your memories of how the district celebrated the Queen’s silver jubilee in 1977As Harrogate celebrates the platinum jubilee, we asked for your memories of how you celebrated the Queen’s silver jubilee, which marked 25 years on the throne in 1977.
Back then, more than one million people lined the streets of London to watch the Royal Family in procession to St Paul’s cathedral, while millions more watched on TV and held street parties across the country.
In Harrogate there were street parties, galas and even a visit from the Queen herself, who attended the Great Yorkshire Show.
Great Yorkshire Show
Dave Smith said:
“I was working at Octavius Atkinsons at the time and we were given permission to go out onto Hookstone Chase to see her go past as she was leaving the Great Yorkshire Show.”
Nan Weeks said
“I Remember the Queen when she visited Harrogate, I was amazed how tiny she was. We were at the Great Yorkshire Show with a party from Killinghall School and it was Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh who came round where we were and chatted to some children.”
Claire H Beresford-Robinson and Marianne Hopkinson sent photographs of their Great Yorkshire Show visitor’s badges from 1977.
Claire H. Beresford-Robinson said:
“I was lucky to meet the Queen when she visited the Great Yorkshire Show Ground and our tent ‘ Growing up in North Yorkshire’.
“I attended Woodlands School at the time. It was our moment to shine. The Queen looked at the work I was doing and said “splendid work”.
I will never forget this moment!
“Our school was chosen to attend the same day the Queen was coming. I’ll never forget the fabulous feeling at age 11 to be told I was selected to meet the Queen.”
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Marianne Hopkinson said:
“I was in my last year at St. Peter’s primary school and we went to the Great Yorkshire Show. We were allowed to stand on the other side of the rope when she went past with Philip in a horse drawn carriage there. I also got a coin, which I still have, and a cup which got broken many years ago.”
Claire H. Beresford-Robinson also sent a photograph of the Queen looking at the work of Woodlands School pupils.
She said:
“Me and my friends at Woodlands School with headteacher, Mr Dunmore, in the background…”
Karen Wenham said:
“I remember when I was in my last year at Starbeck CP School and the Queen came to visit in 1977. We all went up to the Great Yorkshire Showground and I took a posy of flowers for her. It always sticks in my mind.
“A couple of years ago I was invited to go to the palace, as I am an ambassador for a charity, and Sophie Wessex was lovely and we chatted.
“We were told the queen was in residence that night and not to be surprised if she came down with her corgis, as she likes to surprise people.
“I still have my silver jubilee coin in its case up in the loft.”
Knaresborough
Rick Vai sent a photo of the Queen visiting Knaresborough, which sparked memories from other residents.
Karen Allan said:
“They passed along King James Road, fronting King James School. We were all lined up for her.”
Sarah Brown added:
“I remember this. I was one of those school children lined up outside King James School in Knaresborough.”
Street parties
There were also memories of street parties across the Harrogate district.
Sharon Hopkins said:
“We had a street party in Olive Walk, Harrogate. Tables were set out in the cul de sac, kids made jubilee hats, bunting and flags in all the houses. We had lots of food and drink followed by a magician.”
Gary King said:
“We had a massive street party on Lime Street and Lime Grove and loads of us kids went in fancy dress.”
Christine Hemming added:
“As I remember, there was a competition for the best hat between the kids and Stephen won! Lime Street and Lime Grove were closed to traffic. Tables lined the street and all the Mums mucked in to provide the food.”
Bilton Gala
The first Bilton Gala took place in 1977 to mark the Queen’s silver jubilee and readers remember it well.
Susan Myatt said:
“I remember being nine, my sister six-and-a-half. There was a fancy dress parade in Bilton. We were both dressed as crinoline ladies – red white and blue.”
Rachel Demain said:
“I remember being on a float at the Bilton Gala. Not as easy as it looked, trying to stay on our feet! Got really involved after that then went onto the Committee. Happy days.”
Heidi Orange sent some photographs of her as a baby at Bilton Gala.
She said:
“I was the baby (below) in the winning ‘best dressed pram’ competition for the Bilton 1977 jubilee celebrations.”
Pateley Bridge enjoys a party in the parkAround 200 people flocked to Pateley Bridge recreation ground today for the town’s Picnic in the Park.
The free event, organised by Bewerley Parish Council and Pateley Bridge Town Council, invited locals to come down and have a picnic whilst enjoying music from three bands performing on the band stand.
Our roaming reporter Suzannah enjoyed tunes from Summerbridge and Dacre Silver Band and well-know local musicians Ant and Frank when she visited.
This was Ant and Frank in action.
Event manager, Tracey Dawson said:
“I’m just so pleased with how many people have come out. It’s all generations coming together and enjoying the weekend.”
The event ran from noon to 3pm today.
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Here are some more pictures from the afternoon:
(Left to right) Rita, Benjamin, Richard and Alexander.
Joanne Griffith (left) and Debbie Anson dressed up for the occasion.
Sandra and Sharon from Nidderdale Plus showed how the community group helps local people.
People standing for the National Anthem.
