Harrogate nail artist’s guide to creating Union Jack jubilee nails

Jubilee fever is increasing, with the Harrogate district transforming into a sea of red, white and blue ahead of the celebrations this week.

From costumes to bunting, there are plenty of ways to get into the party spirit.

But if the thought of daubing yourself in face paint or wearing a giant hat is just that little bit too extra, there is a more discreet way to get involved.

We have teamed up with Harrogate nail artist Helen Wren to offer a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Union flag design for your digits.

Helen, who has a studio at her home on Cold Bath Road, said:

“I’ve definitely noticed people getting excited in the run-up to the jubilee weekend.

“Some are talking about celebrating with friends and family, street party style, and others are using the bank holiday in half-term to get away.

“So appointments have been full and fun. Classic post box red is always on point. Then royal blue and strong white are really popular colours for nails right now anyway – so simple great British colours are perfect.

“Of course you can’t beat a Union Jack. Keep it low key and just pop it on one nail.”

1. Primer/base coat.   2. Blue all over the nail

3. Thick white strip vertically.   4. Thick white strip horizontally

5. Slightly thinner white stripe diagonally through the cross both ways.   6. Go over the white with a fine vertical red line 

7. Fine red line horizontally.   8. Fine red lines diagonally and finish using a top coat in either a high shine or matte. 

Top tip: If using gel polish and a lamp then be sure to cure in between stages. If using a normal nail polish then leave enough time in between stages to dry a little, otherwise they’ll run.

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Dean of Ripon’s Message: trust in God and look out for your neighbour

As the district and the country face an unprecedented public health challenge, The Very Reverend, John Dobson, has written this message to the people of the Harrogate District:

The coronavirus is having an incredible impact on the global community. We hear unprecedented accounts of an entire European country being in lock down. Our hearts go out for those who have died and to all affected. The threat to health and life has been matched by that to the economy, stock markets have tumbled, and our new chancellor has made massive financial provisions.  

The church is not exempt from this huge challenge. As an organisation that brings people together in fellowship as well as worship and prayer, the need for some to be isolated seems counter cultural.  At Ripon Cathedral, like many hospitality businesses and events venues, we are having to plan and make contingencies. The possibility of organisations cancelling their events with us is as disturbing for us as for them.   

The cathedral has an even more significant dimension to its mission; the need for spiritual reassurance and encouragement becomes even more obvious as our natural routine and sense of security are undermined. This is why we are taking all possible precautions to enable people to gather for worship in a way that is safe and responsible. We have the advantage of space! It is also interesting to observe how many people are choosing to come privately into the cathedral – open every day of the year – to light candles and pray.  

This time of national concern reminds me of the 2008 financial crash and the government’s bailout of the banks. I happened to be in the gallery of the House of Commons to hear the then Prime Minster, Gordon Brown, announce the unprecedented £150billion provision. No one knew what state the world’s economy would be in by the end of the week. Sitting in that mother of parliaments, I couldn’t help reflecting that it had seen many historic decisions over the centuries.   

At the end of the afternoon, I attended evensong in Westminster Abbey. Every stone seemed to bear witness to the message of God’s utter reliability in the long history of our country, with all its ups and downs. It seemed to put the problems of the day into perspective. Ripon Cathedral, whose 7th century crypt is the oldest built fabric of all English cathedrals, does the same. And it continues to encourage us all to trust in God and look out for our neighbour. That is a message particularly relevant today.