Ripon Cathedral has unveiled plans for a commemorative stone to mark the 1,350th anniversary of St Wilfrid’s church.
The stone would be installed at the cathedral to mark St Wilfrid and his “long lasting influence” on the city.
Ripon Cathedral has submitted the plan to Harrogate Borough Council as part of a listed building application.
According to documents submitted to the authority, the stone would be made from black polished limestone.
It would include Wilfrid’s date of birth and death and stars which were his insignia.
The stone would be installed inside the cathedral just before entering the Quire in order to give it “suitable prominence”. It would also be in a position which reflects the east end of Wilfrid’s original Anglo-Saxon church.
In documents submitted to the council, the cathedral said:
“The key aim of creating and placing the stone in the location proposed is to activate the deep history of this place and to acknowledge and celebrate the profound impact of the life of St Wilfrid in creating the church from which our cathedral grew.
“Part of his great legacy of places created to the glory of God with a shared spiritual heritage that continues to resonate with people to this day.”
Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.
Beer festival’s pulling power serves up £18,000 for Ripon CathedralThere was a sweet after-taste to Ripon Cathedral’s Beer Festival, as a tally up of takings showed it raised £18,000.
The event, held in the Dean of Ripon’s garden in the shadow of the city’s iconic cathedral, attracted a record 1,250 adults.
Their purchase of pints of craft ales, combined with tickets bought for the tombola, raised money that will help fund the music, heritage conservation and the education programme at the cathedral.
In this celebration 1,350th anniversary year, at the church founded by Wilfrid, the festivities will go on until October and there was plenty to toast and look forward to at the festival, making its return after two years of covid lockdowns.
Ready to pull the pints – the bar team at the festival
Sponsored by Wolseley, the event saw 42 different craft ales on offer from brewers including Hambleton Ales, Roosters and Theakstons.
Visitors had musical entertainment provided by The Temps, Reef Hound and Jaspa, while children who attended with their parents, had a bouncy castle, tombola and Brick Box Yorkshire’s huge quantities of Lego to keep them occupied.
Ripon Cathedral development manager Margaret Hammond, said:
“It was lovely to be able to host this annual fundraising event again after being unable to do so since 2019, due to the pandemic.
“It was a fantastic success and our supporters showed just how loyal they are after a three year gap, many familiar faces joined us again! We have such incredible volunteers and staff who help to make the event possible, thank you to everyone who contributed.”
Wolseley was the main event sponsor and many other local Ripon businesses, advertised in the programme distributed at the event. There was also support from the cathedral’s business partners Brewin Dolphin and Raworths Solicitors.
Rick Jones, owner of Valentino’s Restaurant and the Water Rat gastro pub, once again was integral to the event and has supported the Cathedral since the first beer festival more than ten years ago.
Beer festival finale to Ripon Cathedral’s celebration weekend
The quarter hour chime of the cathedral clock reminded visitors to Dean John Dobson’s Ripon garden that it was time to toast a successful launch to the city’s 1350 celebrations.
There was also a sense of relief that the annual beer festival he and his family host was back after two years of covid lockdowns.
Dean John, enjoying his pint of Wilfrid’s Ale — specially created in honour of Ripon’s patron saint — told the Stray Ferret:
“People have clearly missed it and this is looking like our biggest-ever turn out.
“It’s a great conclusion to the 1350 launch weekend, which provided the prelude to a whole host of activities and events between now and October.”
The bar team at the beer festival, ready to serve the first customers.
Bishop’s fingers on the pump – the Rt Revd. Jonathan Gibbs, who is the Bishop of Huddersfield, gave the bar team a helping hand
Baby Levi and his dad, Ben, were also on bar duty
To accompany the food and beers, seven bands provided live music.
The hundreds of people present between 11.30am and 5pm to try out some fine examples of the brewers’ craft, added to the thousands who had visited the cathedral for a wide range of events, talks and displays in honour of St Wilfrid, who founded the cathedral in AD 672.
Ripon’s patron saint is the focus of celebrations in the city
Ripon began its 1,350th anniversary celebrations in spectacular style yesterday, with a son et lumiere in the cathedral among the highlights.
Throughout the day, the work of Wilfrid, who founded the church in AD 672, was celebrated in words, artworks and music.
From the the focus on Ripon’s ancient roots, the night-time spotlight switched to Market Square, where four tribute acts performed in a free concert arranged by the city council. Rain that arrived in early evening, deterred some people from attending.
A Beyonce tribute, was one of four acts to perform on Market Square, with Craig David, Boy George and Freddie Mercury tributes also taking to the stage
Events and activities at the cathedral earlier in the day, included the first glimpse, for many visitors, of Chrissie Freeth’s series of 13 tapestries in her Beyond Words exhibition.
The intricate woven works, depicting pre-Renaissance scenes, have previously been on display at the Royal Academy, Salts Mill and in Sweden, Latvia and Finland.
The exhibition will remain in Ripon until May 25.
The medieval world in woven form, can be seen in Chrissie Freeth tapestries
Alongside a guided tour, featuring a talk on the building’s hidden history, there was an opportunity to meet director of music, Dr Ronny Krippner, to learn about the organ that is central to the cathedral’s Sung Eucharist and other services.
After playing his special arrangement of the hymn Thine Be the Glory, he told the audience:
“The organ is an orchestra in itself, able to produce the sounds of many different instruments.
“It adds to the cathedral’s splendour, air of mystery and wonderment, with its booming sound able to be increased by pulling out the stops.”
Music master and apprentice – Dr Krippner, gave children, including five-year-old Rafael, a lesson in how to play the organ
For Rafael, a pupil at Cathedral School, it was a day to remember, as Dr Krippner, instructed him on how to hold a note.
By the evening, the son et lumiere created to provide a visual representation of the seven miraculous events in St Wilfrid’s life, flooded the cathedral with coloured light.
Among those miracles, It is said that he was born in a house that was on fire, but survived without being injured.
It is also said that on the first anniversary of Wilfrid’s death, the moon and stars shone so bright that a lunar rainbow appeared over Ripon.
Hornblower Patricio Maglio, setting the watch on Market Square
While the cathedral, is a dominant reminder of the city’s patron saint, another famous person, Alfred the Great, who has shaped Ripon’s rich history, is celebrated nightly on Market Square.
Last night it was the turn of Patricio Maglio, from the team of four hornblowers, who delivered the blasts to the past, dating back to AD 886, when King Alfred awarded a ceremonial horn, in recognition of the way in which Ripon repelled a Viking incursion.
The unbroken tradition of setting the city’s watch was complete by the time the clock on the nearby cathedral clock struck nine.
Ripon’s Bank Holiday weekend of double celebration
The countdown has started to the Queen’s platinum jubilee festivities in Ripon, with decorations now in place on the town hall.
In a year of double celebration for the city, this Bank Holiday weekend also sees a packed programme of events marking the 1,350th anniversary of Ripon Cathedral.
The doors of the iconic building open this morning at 9.30 and, up until 12.30pm, Hazelsong Theatre, will be offering free activities for families, ranging from calligraphic bookmarks to showing how manuscripts were made.
From 10.30am, there will be a guided tour, on which an experienced guide will talk about the cathedral’s hidden history and between 11am and 11.30am there will be an opportunity to meet the organist and have a go at playing the cathedral’s historic organ.
The sound of mini-bells will be heard from 12.30pm, with an exhibition of campanology in the nave.
Art In Churches producer Chris Bailey will talk between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on the specially-commissioned art celebrating the work of Wilfrid, Ripon’s patron saint, who established the church in AD 672.
Ripon is getting dressed up in readiness for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
The organist meeting will also take place at 3pm and between 3.30pm and 4.30pm, professor Joyce Hill will give a lecture on medieval manuscripts.
Following the evening prayer service between 5.30 and 6pm, at 8pm a Son et Lumiere themed on Sunday Wilfrid’s miracles will be held. Tickets can be obtained from Eventbrite
At 9pm, a hornblower will carry out the setting of the watch ceremony at the obelisk.
Tomorrow, the Festal Eucharist service from 10.30am until 12 noon, will be followed by a guided pilgrimage between 1.30pm and 3pm.
The opportunity to raise a toast, or two, to the Queen’s jubilee year and the start of the 1,350 programme and will come on Monday with the return of Ripon Cathedral’s famous beer festival, with drinks and food served in Dean John Dobson’s garden. Tickets can be purchased on line on this link.
New artworks commissioned for Ripon Cathedral anniversary
Unique works of art are being created as part of a programme to mark the 1,350th anniversary of Ripon Cathedral.
They will include paintings by internationally-renowned Syrian artist Sara Shamma, who has been commissioned to produce three portraits featuring St. Wilfrid and his contemporaries, who founded the church in 672.
Ms Shamma’s work will be centrepieces of the From Rome to Ripon exhibition, which has been produced in collaboration with Paul Baily and Jack Chesterton.
It will be on display at the cathedral from May 27 until November 1.
Before then, weaver, Chrissie Freeth’s tapestry work Beyond Words can be seen from Thursday April 28 until May 26.
Chrissie Freeth’s tapestries will be on display from April 28
Ms Freeth, was shortlisted for last year’s Cordis Tapestry prize and her work Momento Mori was also selected for the Royal Academy’s summer exhibition.,
She blends folklore, family stories, medieval iconography, and craftsmanship in her large tapestries, 13 of which will be exhibited at the cathedral.
Between May 27 and July 26, Peter Marlow’s exhibition will give a fascinating insight into how English cathedrals developed
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. John Dobson, said:
“To reimagine this sacred space with new artworks from such a wide range of renowned artists, each working in different ways, is a fitting tribute to our founding father, Wilfrid.
“It will tell us something new about who we are, re-connect us with our past, and ground us in our future and I wholeheartedly commend this arts programme to all of you.”
Celebrations of the iconic building and its fundamental importance to Ripon’s development, begin on April 28 and will continue over the Bank Holiday Weekend,
The festivities will include dancing in the nave to a local jazz and swing band, a beer festival on the Bank Holiday Monday in the cathedral grounds, a pilgrimage from Bradford Cathedral, and a Son et Lumiere finale that promises to recreate Wilfrid’s miracles – including that of the lunar rainbow.
Rome to Ripon is a partnership between Ripon Cathedral and Art in the Churches, an award-winning local charity that aims to bring major contemporary art into rural churches to reposition them as the beating heart of their communities.
Wilfrid – one of the greatest and most controversial English saints – was born into a noble Northumbrian family, a patron of the arts, 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.
California awaits the arrival of ‘Mr Ripon’s’ smash-hit memoirs
From Ripon UK, to Ripon, California USA, John Richmond’s memoirs have proved a transatlantic hit.
In less than a month, every copy of the first-time author’s book Beyond the Farm Gate has been sold and more than £5,000 has been raised for Breast Cancer UK.
The final 20 copies, from a print run of 400, are being shipped to America later this week and a re-print is under consideration.
The 86-year-old former mayor, who earned the nickname ‘Mr Ripon’ for his wide-ranging community work, told the Stray Ferret:
“The book is dedicated to my late and beloved wife Barbara who died of cancer in 2013 and I have been overwhelmed by the response to it.
“It appears to have struck a chord both here and in the United States.”
The California connection, which features prominently in John’s memoirs, was established 46 years ago, when he was invited to represent the world’s foremost Ripon at the USA’s Bicentennial celebrations.
Flying out at short notice and his own expense, in February 1976, he travelled to San Francisco, where he met the mayors of newer namesakes from California and Wisconsin.
The trip gave him the platform to speak about his home city’s ancient cathedral and history and traditions established over more than 1,300 years, including the world-famous hornblower ceremony, with its Royal roots going back to 886 AD and Alfred The Great.
Brenda Lange has been liaising with Paul Richmond to arrange the Transatlantic transaction. Picture: Jeremiah North Ripon CA Fire and Rescue
A person who has taken a keen interest over many years in Ripon, North Yorkshire is Brenda Lange, who works for the fire and rescue service in Ripon, California.
Brenda visited with her parents when she was a teenager and they received a first-hand introduction from the Richmond family to the city’s ancient charms.
Following an article published in January 2021 about John’s receipt of the British Empire Medal, for services to the community, she contacted the Stray Ferret in a bid to track him down and send congratulations.
Since the contact was renewed, Brenda, colleagues and other citizens in Ripon, California, have become regular readers of the online news from Ripon UK.
She said:
“We were absolutely thrilled to read about the New Year’s Honour bestowed on John and when we also discovered that he was publishing his memoirs, we placed our advance orders and keenly await receipt of the shipment.”
Brenda, who has been liaising with John’s son Paul about the delivery arrangements, added:
“After reading the review of John’s book on the Stray Ferret, I just knew that I had to buy it and I know there are many others here in Ripon, California, who are also very excited to have the chance to purchase it!
“We’re all looking forward to the arrival of the book shipment and can’t wait to read it. I’m sure it will be a huge hit here, too!
“I can almost guarantee that the demand for his book here in Ripon, CA, will far outstrip the first 20 copies!.
In addition to the anticipated extra demand for the book in California, John is mindful of the fact that a number of people living in Ripon and neighbouring villages want to get their hands on a copy.
He pointed out:
“Because a re-print is an expensive exercise, I could only commit to going ahead with it if I receive advance orders from here and America and I would ask anybody out there who still wants a copy to call 01765 607096.”
Festival plans ahead as Ripon canal boat makes its return
Alongside Ripon’s iconic cathedral and historic market, canal cruises are on the list of visitor and tourist attractions on a sign guiding motorists to the city centre.
Many of those tempted for the first time to make the turn off the bypass to ‘stay awhile amid Ripon’s ancient charms’ may not realise that this place is also a waterway wonderland, with three rivers, a wetlands area with lake and the hidden gem of a canal.
The arrival of the railway at the height of Victorian Britain’s industrial revolution, spelled the end of the line for the man-made navigation. But far-sighted people in the city saw its environmental, leisure and recreational potential and saved it.
Now there are plans in hand to celebrate the canal’s 250th anniversary in September 2023 — an event that will also give visitors a chance to enjoy Ripon’s wealth of watery assets.
The Ure, Skell and Laver each have their own characteristics and attractions, including wooded walks, along river banks linked by iron, stone. concrete and wooden bridges.
A wooded walk along the River Skell, which runs parallel with Ripon Canal
There’s a ford crossing the Skell that is safe to drive through when water levels allow and stepping stones, which are popular with pedestrians and dog walkers.
Otters have been spotted in the city’s rivers and canal, signalling the fact that water quality has been dramatically improved, thanks to the work of conservation volunteers, the Canal and River Trust and Environment Agency.
Richard Willis, who owns and operates Ripon Scenic Cruises and provides trips from the canal basin off Bondgate Green, is planning the festival that will celebrate the waterway’s notable milestone.
Richard Willis is planning a festival in the canal basin in September 2023
In this, his 16th season of offering scenic journeys aboard his custom-made Pride of Ripon canal boat, Mr Willis is already looking forward to next year.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“This is a magnificent opportunity for Ripon to put itself in the UK spotlight for enthusiasts and people who enjoy the gentle and idyllic pleasures of waterside or waterborne leisure activities.”
The picturesque approach to the canal basin
He is well-placed to speak about the magnetic attraction that brings people back time and again after they have had their first cruise.
Mr Willis said:
“We have regular customers who have been coming to us for years from across the Harrogate district and further afield.
“They come specifically for a cruise and while here, they visit the cathedral, museums and other attractions in the city – all good for the tourist economy.”
He added:
“The Pride of Ripon was tied up for a lot of last year because of the covid lockdown, but once restrictions lifted in July, we were busy every day.
“At the end of the season we were able to reflect on our best-ever year of operating here.
“That’s why I am so confident that a canal-focused festival in the basin will be a great success.”
Ripon sends giant birthday card to the Queen
The right royal city of Ripon is sending many happy returns to the Queen — along with a very special card.
The card, larger than any Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle windowsill can accommodate, has been produced in time for delivery for the monarch’s 96th birthday on April 21.
Accompanying eight-year-old Edward Blythe’s giant imaginative creation, will be a book containing thousands of birthday greetings from the people of Ripon.
Edward, a pupil of Moorside Primary School, told the Stray Ferret:
“I decided to have a corgi wearing a crown as my design, because I know they are the Queen’s favourite dog.
“I hope she likes it.”
Edward and his winning design, is pictured with, from the left: The Mayor of Ripon Councillor Eamon Parkin, city council leader Andrew Williams, Claire Rowett, headteacher of Moorside Primary School and Jeremy Dunford of Ripon Together
Ahead of its extensive programme of platinum jubilee events in June, Ripon City Council decided it would be a fitting early kick off to the celebrations, if it sent the Queen a special birthday card.
Hundreds of primary and secondary pupils and students at schools in Ripon and the wider area, took part in the project, supported by the council, Ripon Cathedral and Ripon Together.
Cllr Parkin said:
“This city has extremely long royal roots, going back to Alfred the Great in 886 and his donation of a ceremonial horn to his loyal supporters, for fighting off a Viking attack.
“Ripon also fought on the side of the Royalists in the English Civil War and our Royal Engineers have enjoyed the Freedom of The City since 1949.”
Former Moorside primary pupil Cllr Williams, added:
“As well as being a good fun exercise for the schools, asking children to create a special card for the Queen, has provided a creative way of letting them find out more about her incredible 70 years of service to this country.”
Year 3 pupil Edward was congratulated for the striking multi-textured card by Moorside Primary headteacher Claire Rowett, who said:
“This is a fantastic achievement, well done to him.
“We are currently planning our jubilee celebrations as a school.”
Production of the card was handled by Jeremy Dunford, of Ripon Together, who said:
“It will be sent by special delivery – Royal Mail, of course!”
Grantley Hall wins the glittering prizes at Ripon Civic Society awards
Grantley Hall Hotel and Wellness Retreat enjoyed triple triumph at last night’s Ripon Civic Society design awards, presented by mayor Councillor Eamon Parkin.
Owner Valeria Sykes who has spent more than £70 million creating one of the UK’s most luxurious venues, was among the property developers, architects, representatives from organisations and members of the public, present for the awards ceremony at the Workhouse Museum in Ripon.
Also in attendance were members of the Sterne family, whose long-term investments in Ripon, have added significantly to the city’s retail, leisure and hospitality offer.
Grantley Hall was awarded the Price Flagon for best restored building, the Hazzard Silver Cup for best new building and the Helen Whitehead Award for best project.
Grantley Hall Hotel and Wellness Retreat Picture: Jack Hardy
Before leaving with the three trophies, Ms Sykes told the Stray Ferret:
“I have been involved in the restoration and development of a number of historic buildings in addition to Grantley Hall and it is always gratifying to have work recognised.
“Whether you have a major scheme, or a small private development, design awards give encouragement and help to lift standards.”
Sterne Properties can claim to have its fingers in many pies in Ripon, including Appleton’s, whose upper-crust pork creations can be seen in the window of its distinctive premises on Market Place East.
Robert Sterne receives the Taylor Plate for best contribution to city centre revitalisation
Across Market Square, the company’s latest large development earned the first award of the evening – the Taylor Plate for the best
contribution to city centre revitalisation.
RCS chairman and awards compere Christopher Hughes, congratulated the Sternes for their transformation of the former NatWest Bank building, next to Ripon Town Hall.
He pointed out that as well as creating the space for The Claro Lounge cafe bar to locate in the city, the total refurbishment of the building has also brought stylish apartments with stunning vistas, including a view of the cathedral.
Ripon Cathedral’s Fallen Angels Project, was among the eight award winners
There was recognition for the cathedral in this special 1,350th anniversary year for the church of St Peter and St Wilfrid – the foundation stone upon which Ripon has been built.
Its intricate Fallen Angels project, which saw repair and refurbishment of medieval misericords in the quire earn the RCS Craftmanship Shield.
In addition to their focus on the built environment, the society’s judging panel looked at the natural environment and rewarded the Pennycroft Restoration Project at High Batts Nature Reserve, with presentation of the Younge Rosebowl for best Environmental Improvement.
Mr Hughes said that the work at the West Tanfield reserve has been ongoing for almost 50 years and a programme of continuous improvements has been carried out by hundreds of volunteers.
The Sustainability Award was presented to the developer of The Stoneyard – a residential scheme off Stonebridgegate and, in a moving finale to the evening’s awards ceremony, the John Whitehead award for Civic Excellence, was awarded for the 2018 Armistice Commemorations led by the Ripon Community Poppy Project.
Presentation of the award, in recognition of a programme of activities that marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, was held up by covid lockdowns.
Last night, however, Councillor Stuart Martin and Hazel Barker, who set up the Community Poppy Project, accepted the trophy on behalf of the many people involved in the commemoration activities.