Readers’ Letters is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. 

This letter follows news of the Otley Road cycleway in Harrogate being extended.

I use a mobility scooter to go up the pavements to the Co-op.

The pavements are a disgrace – as are the so-called dropped kerbs.

It improves a bit half-way up the road on the cycleway, but I have never actually seen a cyclist on the existing cycleway. Why? Because it’s dangerous and confusing!

The section I use has corrugated concrete which is a nightmare to cross. People with prams and elderly pedestrians also have issues.

I have contacted councillor Keane Duncan several times about the pavements, and the pedestrian crossing on Otley Road near the Prince of Wales roundabout.  He has replied at one stage about the crossing.  But he, and others from Highways, ignore my offer of going out with me on my scooter to let them see the state of pavements. They could use my scooter to see just how difficult it is.

Regarding his idea of buying The Grand Hotel, in Scarborough… I am speechless.

It is a beautiful historic building but does not warrant cllr Duncan spending tax payers’ money on it. Pavements and potholes should be a priority.

Ann Townson, Harrogate

Harrogate’s roads are deteriorating before our eyes…

On the topic of Harrogate roads, this letter bemoans the state of them. Few topics boil our readers’ blood more than potholes, gullies and poor road conditions.

Why, oh, why are our roads disintegrating before our eyes?

Surely the council should be thoroughly embarrassed, considering we live in a town that promotes cycling.

They waste money on harebrained schemes, such as the Gateway, but cannot plan road replacements.

And don’t even get me going about road gully maintenance.

Phil Brown, Harrogate

Ripon is becoming a ‘laughingstock’ with the number of construction projects

This letter responds to several potential and ongoing construction projects in Ripon, including the leisure centre, housing developments and the Cathedral annexe saga.

Ripon is becoming a laughing stock with the number of issues relating to construction projects.

Firstly, the farce of a leisure centre being built on totally unsuitable land.

Then there is the ridiculous state of the road around the Market Square and the housing development built on greenbelt land at the top of South Grange Road.

And now the absolute debacle of the Cathedral annexe.

It is an absolute joke, are the powers that be able to plan, or deliver, a construction project with any level of professionalism?

Tony Sidwell, Ripon

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

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The countdown to Ripon’s D-Day commemoration and celebration events has begun and the unique life-size knitted tank created through a massive volunteer effort is ready to take up its central role.

Created through the collaborative input of Ripon Community Poppy Project and Ripon Men’s Shed, with back-up support from businesses and individuals across the community, the replica tank made of wood and wool, will be on the lawn at Ripon Inn on Tuesday (April 30) for the launch event.

Measuring 24 foot long, nine foot wide and seven foot high, it has been built in a hangar at Claro Barracks provided by 21 Engineer Regiment.

The replica tank will first go on display at The Ripon Inn and then move to other locations in the city

It is modelled on the Churchill AVRE bunker busting tank that was employed by Royal Engineers to clear the way for troops after they landed on the five Normandy beaches on June 6 1944, as part of Operation Overlord, which led to the liberation of Nazi-occupied Western Europe.

Stuart Martin of Ripon Community Poppy Project, told the Stray Ferret:

“The Royal Engineers who were awarded Freedom of the City of Ripon in 1949, in gratitude for the crucial role they played in the allied victory, can count the D-Day landings and what happened afterwards among their finest hours.

“This has been recognised across the Ripon community with volunteers collectively clocking up 100,000 hours of work since last year to ensure that we do them proud.”

The launch event starts at 11am on Tuesday and is open to members of the public. It will be attended by civic dignitaries, schoolchildren, volunteers and representatives of organisations and businesses that are playing a part in the D-Day 80th anniversary,

At the launch, there will be a display featuring the work of the trustees of the Ripon Military Heritage Trust, who are fighting to save priceless heritage buildings, bridges and other structures at the barracks site that are in danger of being bulldozed to make way for the 1,300-home Clotherholme development.

Events culminate on June 6, with the lighting of a beacon at 9.15pm on the piazza of Ripon Cathedral, by Jack Churchill, great-grandson of the legendary wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill.

D-Day 80th anniversary concert

Before the beacon is lit a concert will be held in the cathedral at 7pm. It will feature Ripon City Band, The Duchy Bells, The Dishforth Military Wives Choir and Charlotte Potter.

Proceeds will be shared between Ripon Community Poppy Project and Help the Heroes, the armed forces and veterans charity.

Tickets costing £15 are now on sale online from Eventbrite and from Ripon’s Stuff 4 Offices in  Fishergate and the Wakeman’s Cafe on Market Place South.

Stuart Martin (centre) is pictured with his Ripon Community Poppy Project colleague Hazel Barker and Richard Thomson of Ripon Men’s Shed

The stunning centrepiece model Churchill AVRE tank, has been created, along with other display items by the non-stop knitters of Ripon Community Poppy Project.

Richard Thomson and Gordon Woods of Ripon’s Men’s Shed, built the wooden frame of the mighty model war machine from timber valued at £2,500 that was donated by the Ripon branch of MKM Building Supplies.

Read more:

• City council supports rejuvenation plan for Ripon Spa Baths
• Trust fights to save Ripon’s priceless military heritage

The world-famous Black Dyke Band will provide a boost to fundraising  for Macmillan Cancer Support at Ripon Cathedral next week.

The band, which won the 2023 National Brass Band Championships at the Royal Albert Hall, has waived its fee for the concert on the evening of Thursday, May 2 and the money it would have received is being donated to the charity.

Wendy Richardson, co-organiser of the fundraiser with Canon Wendy Wilby, a member of the cathedral clergy whose composer husband Philip regularly writes pieces for the band, told the Stray Ferret:

“Tickets are going fast, but some are still available and we hope that it is a sell-out event as we bid to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan’s important work in the community supporting people with cancer and their families.”

The concert will include a performance of Procession to the Cathedral written by Philip Wilby.

Stalwart charity fundraiser Ms Richardson, whose brass band-loving husband David died of cancer in 2019, added:

“The incredibly warm-heated gesture of the Black Dyke Band, which has won the national championship for a record 24 times and is the most successful brass band in history, has given us a massive boost and we are also extremely grateful for the support that we have received from the cathedral and the local committee of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

“One of the highlights of the evening will be the band’s playing of Procession to the Cathedral, which has been specially composed by Philip Wilby.”

Professor Nick Childs, an award-winning band conductor, has chosen a wide and varied programme that will showcase the band’s brass soloists.

Tickets for the concert priced at £20 for adults or £5.00 for children are available from the cathedral shop or on line.

Main image: The multi-award winning Black Dyke Band has waived its fee for the charity concert. Picture: Black Dyke Band

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Ripon Cathedral has said it will consider amending its plans to construct a new £8 million annexe building.

The cathedral paused its planning application in January amid widespread concern about the loss of 11 trees and the impact on local businesses.

Since then it has held a series of consultation events to listen to feedback and try to find a way forward.

In an update on social media today, the cathedral said feedback from the consultation had shown a “77% approval rate for the project’s progress”.

It added:

“The cathedral team is now reviewing the submissions to identify opportunities for areas of creative thinking and potential practical adjustments to the north side plans, while ensuring they align with the cathedral’s overall requirements.

“Conversations will then take place with planning officers. After this, we will share a further update on progress.”

The cathedral has said the annexe will attract more visitors to the city, provide a safe space for choristers and accessible toilets as well as space for a refectory and better shop.

The Very Revd John Dobson, the Dean of Ripon Cathedral, outlined the case for the scheme In a two-part interview with the Stray Ferret last month.

But more than 2,000 people have signed a petition against the felling of trees, including a veteran beech, in Minster Gardens.

Some businesses are also concerned the refectory would pull visitors away from existing hospitality venues in the city.

The two-month consultation on the proposed north side development has, according to today’s post by the cathedral, generated more than 900 comments via written cards, on-line submissions and letters.

It also included 22 facilitated drop-in sessions and 12 meetings.

The cathedral said:

“We value and respect the diverse opinions and concerns raised about the proposed plans and have been grateful for the opportunity to engage in meaningful and constructive conversations.”

Read more:

• Cathedral annexe plan puts Ripon in national TV spotlight
• Contract awarded for Ripon’s first city centre Changing Places Toilet
• Ripon Races begins 125th anniversary season this week

Ripon city centre is to get its first Changing Places toilet following the award of a £162,000 contract to Killinghall company Dalebuild Ltd.

The facility will be built on the site of the existing toilet block at the back of Sainsbury’s supermarket.

The toilets are larger and more accessible for people with disabilities and restricted mobility who cannot use standard accessible toilets. They include equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers.

News of the contract awarded by North Yorkshire Council was announced at last night’s full meeting of Ripon City Council by Councillor Andrew Williams.

The new toilet will be built on the site of the existing block near the bus station

The city council leader and North Yorkshire Council member for the Minster and Moorside division that includes the city centre, said:

“Now that the contract has been confirmed, we look forward to seeing it built and in use as soon as possible.”

“With its proximity to the bus station, it is a great addition to Ripon, making the city centre more accessible for local residents and visitors.”

Readers’ Letters is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. 

This letter is in response to two stories. The first being about recent vandalism on Harrogate’s Parliament Street, which prompted a letter from a reader feeling ashamed of the town’s appearance.

Vandalism anywhere is wrong. I can’t understand why the Parliament Street building was vandalised and it makes me annoyed.

I moved here from Bradford in December 2022. Where I used to live, there was constant noise from balaclava-wearing youths riding quad bikes or off road bikes with no lights or reg plates and boy racers driving their cars down my road like it was a racetrack.

Bradford and Harrogate are like chalk and cheese when compared. I felt like I was in Narnia. The trees on the Stray were lit at night and not just for Christmas. Everywhere I walked I was in awe, and still am, of the magnificent buildings, the history and the open green spaces.

In addition, the ever changing flower displays; the shopping and hospitality choices; Harry’s walking tours and the events organised by the Harrogate BID and Harrogate International – and so much more – are brilliant.

I take pride in Harrogate, and I wasn’t even born here. I wonder how many residents, whether born and bred here, or incomers like me, either take it all for granted or don’t even notice the great things that surround them. If only they were to take their eyes off their mobiles for a minute and look up.

I can appreciate that the roads are not paved in gold (I am not going to rant about the potholes) and not everything is wonderful, like anti-social behaviour, county line drug dealing, homeless and street beggars.

I know these issues can be seen in towns and cities throughout the UK, but I find it sad knowing and seeing how much wealth there is in some areas of Harrogate and yet so much poverty in other areas. More social affordable housing needs to be developed and not just another conversion of a former office building.

Richard Coulter, Harrogate

Harrogate’s overflowing bins give a ‘dire impression’ of the town

The following two letters are in response to a story published this week about overflowing bins in Valley Gardens. North Yorkshire Council denied the claims, but the images were pretty damning.

How indescribably irritating it is to hear that as far as the council are concerned “there are no reports of bins overflowing”.

Frankly, it’s a routine sight in Harrogate, despite the new bins being installed. People are trying their level best to dispose of waste appropriately, but the number of times I’ve seen bins crammed to the hilt is too often to count. It’s now the norm, not the exception.

At the risk of sounding vicious… your staff are clearly lying. Because the fact of the matter remains that we constantly see bins overflowing in and around the town. It creates a dire impression and clearly indicates whatever measures are in situ are wholly inadequate.

Don’t rely on staff to report their own efficacy – go out and see the mess for yourself!

Mark Fuller, Harrogate

I have just read the article concerning rubbish bins in Valley Gardens. We are currently in Japan where there are no litter bins and no litter.

Everyone takes their litter home for disposal. We are simply a dirty and uncaring people.

Yes, the bins should be larger and emptied more frequently but we need to take some responsibility for our lovely town and gardens.

Cheryl Johnston, Harrogate

Perhaps the Dean should focus on Ripon residents – rather than one-day tourists

This letter is in response to the ongoing Ripon Cathedral annexe saga. The Stray Ferret has covered the topic extensively.

What’s wrong with the present toilet facilities which are a few yards away from the cathedral that would benefit from a smartening-up? The Dean appears to be the only person who is embarrassed about the cathedrals facilities that appear to have been accepted by most Ripon people for many years.

And if there is a concern with the running costs of the cathedral, why don’t they make an entrance charge as does York Minster?

A previous knowledgeable correspondent asked how do they expect to cover the overheads of the new annexe – which are bound to be very large.

Why wasn’t the Old Deanery, which is right on the doorstep and stood empty for many years, considered for the cathedrals expansion? It is such a magnificent building inside and out, and now leased as a restaurant.

Maybe it should have been time to give up when Historic England refused to back the south-side proposal for the new annexe – rather than ruin Minster Gardens with a huge carbuncle. It is beautiful, restful area with mature trees.

Rather than gaining funding from extra tourism from people who will be here one day and gone the next, maybe the Dean should be more concerned about looking after Ripon‘s city and its people, and invest its £8 million into more rewarding projects.

Gordon Lund, Sawley

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

Read more:

• Readers’ Letters: The ‘scruffy’ state of Harrogate makes me ashamed of my town
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George Egg’s culinary comedy act literally gave a tantalising taste of what’s to come at the 2024 Ripon Theatre Festival.

Before the performer served up the main course at Ripon Arts Hub, director Katie Scott and her colleagues revealed the full, mouth-watering festival menu to a packed audience at Thursday night’s launch.

Mr Egg used equipment ranging from a steam device for wallpaper stripping to a George Foreman grill disguised as a laptop, for an unconventional means of creating cuisine that was later consumed by some attendees.

George Egg got the 2024 festival off to a frying start

The full festival menu

What is set to follow the festival starter had many members of the audience licking their lips as they looked in the 28-page guide and listened to Ms Scott and her team of volunteers talk through the coming events.

The growing festival now in its third year and with the Stray Ferret as its media sponsor, stretches to six nights and five days packed with professional touring shows alongside colourful community performances.

Taking place from Tuesday, July 2 to Sunday, July 7, the festival promises an extensive and varied programme of drama, family entertainment, dance, circus, comedy, cabaret and spoken word events.

Theatre and fun will be popping up in unexpected places and making the most of the city’s attractive venues and open-air spaces.

Outdoor theatre fans can enjoy shows at Newby Hall and in the elegant gardens of The Old Deanery, or spend a leisurely Sunday in Ripon at the family day where puppet shows, street entertainment, music and dance run alongside visits from Wrongsemble and Rhubarb theatre companies.

Festival Saturday ( July 6) will see another whole day of pop-up shows, walkabout acts and street performers, kicking off with story-telling for breakfast, Morris dancing and fire-juggling.

Among the festival’s many free-to-watch street entertainers will be The Tea Cosies – Dorothy Dunker, Tippy Teapot and Barbara Bourbon.

Visiting acts will arrive in the city from across the four countries of the UK to join regionally-based theatre companies and performers.

The extended programme for 2024 includes a daytime Julie Andrews musical tribute, A Spoonful of Julie, a stand-up comedy-meets-storytelling event in the Storehouse Bar, an Opera Brunch at Valentino’s Ristorante and a digital theatre experience from Pilot Theatre Company taking place daily in Ripon Cathedral.

The 2024 festival also boasts its first storyteller-in-residence with Ilaria Passeri spending time in the city performing and running creative workshops for both adults and children.

As part of its developing outreach programme, the festival will also be taking theatre and music into care settings. Older people and those living with dementia will be able to enjoy non-verbal puppet theatre and mini concerts from specialist companies and practitioners.

Ms Scott said:

“We believe that theatre should be for everyone. Our varied and accessible programme of events provides real theatrical treats for seasoned theatre-goes, but also lively and low-cost opportunities for first-timers and families.

“We love bringing events to non-theatre spaces and working with local businesses and other partner organisations to create a buzz in the city which all can enjoy.”

Tickets are already selling fast for the hottest shows, including Red Ladder Theatre’s touching musical We’re Not Going Back which remembers the miners’ strike 40 years on.

Also much in demand is Barrie Rutter’s Shakespeare’s Royals in Ripon Cathedral and the music of Victoria Wood celebrated cabaret-style in Looking for Me Friend.

All ticketed events are now on sale and full details of the free shows and outdoor programme can be found here.

Main Image: As You Like it, Shakespeare’s comedy of love and disguise will be performed outdoors at the Old Deanery on Sunday July 7; All pictures Ripon Theatre Festival

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Councillor Sid Hawke is set to go into Ripon’s records book after being nominated to be city mayor for a fourth time,

A member of the council for 22 years, he will make history in May by becoming the first four-times mayor of the city since Ripon became a parish council under local government reorganisation in 1974.

Cllr Hawke, who represents the Ure Bank ward, is coming to the end of his second successive term of office and will begin his third after the mayor-making ceremony at Ripon Town Hall on May 15.

He previously served as Ripon’s first citizen in the 2008-2009 mayoral year.

Cllr Hawke said:

“I am delighted to be nominated by my colleagues at Ripon City Council in the selection for the position of mayor for another consecutive year. I am very proud to carry on in the role of mayor.”

He added:

“I enjoy seeing all the facets of our rich community in my role and meeting the wonderful people involved in voluntary work and the many local organisations that make our small city such a vibrant place to live and work.”

Cllr Hawke was been born and bred in Ripon and is semi-retired. He was formerly a firefighter in the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Mayor, who will be installed in a service at Ripon Cathedral on June 9, has selected Cllr Jackie Crozier (pictured above) to serve as his deputy

Cllr Eamon Parkin served three consecutive years in office from 2019 to 2022 while Councillor Pauline McHardy and former councillor Mick Stanley, also have the honour of being a three-times mayor of the ancient city.

Main image: The Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon, Councillor Sid Hawke and his wife Linda will be continuing their civic duties in the next mayoral year.

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