A historic luxury car and bronze horse sculpture are set to be auctioned later this month.

Ripon based auction house Elstob & Elstob is set to auction off a classic Ferrari and a 105cm bronze horse sculpture.

The Ferrari F355 GTS, one of the most sought-after cars of all time, will be sold at auction on November 25. The bronze horse sculpture by Sally Arnup will follow on November 30.

The exotic car is a 1995 model of the Ferrari F355 GTS in a red livery.

The model is well preserved with a black leather interior. It has racked up only 40,390 miles from three previous owners since its release in 1994.

The car is expected to sell for between £40,000 and £60,000.

The auctioneer, David Elstob, said:

“However revolutionary it was at the time, the F355 is now considered the last of the ‘old school’ Ferraris before the introduction of the 360 and, as such, is greatly revered by collectors and motoring enthusiasts alike.

“Its popularity has been further sealed by the classic Ferrari wedge-shaped styling and iconic pop-up headlights. It is a truly beautiful machine and a nostalgic icon of its time.”

Also in the auction taking place on November 25 is a 2011 BMW 6-Series and a 2012 Ford Transit Campervan.

Read more:

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Sally Arnup’s bronze horse sculpture

The sculpture named Arab Horse Aslan was created in 1985 by Yorkshire-based artist Sally Arnup (1930-2015).

She is considered to be one of the finest bronze sculptors of her time with her life-like recreations of animals.

Her work resides in major collections worldwide and she had received commissions from Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, among others.

The bronze horse is expected to sell for between £10,000 – £15,000.

Elstob & Elstob’s paintings and sculpture specialist, Rohan McCulloch, said:

“This fantastic sculpture of a trotting horse really captures the fluidity and elegance of this beautiful animal. Arnup is famed for the life-like qualities of her pieces and used to work with the live animal in front of her rather than using sketches or photographs.

“In fact, it is said that the subjects often came to live with her family for weeks at a time while she studied them in detail.”

The late Duke of Edinburgh commissioned Ms Arnup to sculpt a statue of his fell pony Storm for his 80th birthday. He said:

“It is no mean achievement to be able to convey the character, and characteristics, of individual animals in bronze.

“Sally Arnup has a wealth of experience in the sculpture of animals, and she also has the talent to capture their personality.”

The sculpture is set to headline the paintings and sculpture sale which takes place on November 30. Two miniature oil paintings depicting two Derby winners owned by the acclaimed John Bowes will also feature int he auction.

Fire crews were called to a kitchen fire in Ripon yesterday.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue received the call to flats on the city’s Blossomgate at 3.17pm.

A woman who lived in the flat was treated for smoke inhalation but did not require hospital treatment.

Crews from Ripon and Harrogate attended the kitchen fire. North Yorkshire Police and paramedics were also on the scene.

An incident log from the fire service said:

“Ripon and Harrogate crews attended a kitchen fire. Two breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet was used.

“Female occupant was treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics on the scene.”

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During the current climate, we all need a bit of sparkle in our lives.

And what better way to inject some festive cheer than switching on the Christmas lights.

Here are the dates for your diary for switch-on events across the district:

Harrogate – Thursday, November 17

The countdown to Christmas in Harrogate will officially get underway this evening, with Harrogate BID flicking the festive switch.

There will be no official switch-on event this year, however Christmas lights around the town centre will start to dazzle for the first time this evening.

The whole town will be illuminated by the weekend.

Ripon – Saturday, November 19

Ripon’s festive season gets into full swing this weekend, with the switch-on of the city’s Christmas lights on Saturday.

The city’s Market Square will be a hive of activity from 1pm, ahead of the lights switch-on, which takes place at 5pm.

The reindeer, which proved popular when they visited Ripon for last year’s event, will be returning with Santa and once again there will be free fairground rides and a climbing wall for children to enjoy.

The Ripon City Council event will also provide free musical entertainment from 2pm.

Knaresborough – Friday, November 25

Boroughbridge – Wednesday, December 7

Santa’s sleigh out and about in Boroughbridge in 2018.

The annual late night Christmas Shopping and lights switch-on event, organised by the town’s Chamber of Trade, will take place on Wednesday, December 7.

The event kicks-off with the official switch-on of the Christmas tree lights in Hall Square at 5.30pm, followed by short performances by school choirs.

Boroughbridge Lions will have Santa and his sleigh on display and there will be children’s rides, along with the Scouts’ roast chestnuts and Brighter Boroughbridge with a mulled wine and mince pies stall. There will also be a hog roast.

The shop window display competition theme this year is “A Christmas Panto”.

The lights on the Christmas tree will be switched on by BBC Radio York’s Georgey Spanswick and the Mayor, Sean Hynes.

Planning consent has been granted for the demolition of a block of four empty homes in Ripon’s conservation area, which have been affected by subsidence and sinkhole issues.

The properties at 1,3 and 5 Bedern Court and 17 Skellgarths, were evacuated in October 2020 after being deemed unsafe for habitation.

A section of Peacock’s Passage, which is adjacent to the site, has been fenced off ever since.

Permission has also been granted for steps (pictured below) to be demolished and for the erection of hoardings following demolition of the block, so the area can be enclosed while investigation of the site is carried out.

A report from Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) planners states that:

“Demolition of the buildings is considered appropriate to ensure safety within the conservation area and to allow for investigations to determine an appropriate redevelopment of the site.”

The report says that the four properties:

“Have been adversely affected by the local ground conditions that arise notably from the dissolution of gypsum.”

It also points out that HBC’s building control officers:

“Have been involved with these buildings as a dangerous structure in recent months so we are aware of the concerns regarding their stability.”

Bedern Court Ltd, a not-for-profit company controlled by owners and leaseholders with houses and apartments in the 29-unit residential development, employed engineers to monitor and report for more than a decade on signs of movement in the affected block, after subsidence occurred on an adjacent site.

With signs that subsidence causing damage to the block of the four properties is continuing, the application seeking permission to demolish was submitted to HBC in September.

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Ripon’s festive season gets into full swing this week, with late night shopping tomorrow and the switch on of the city’s Christmas lights on Saturday.

Tomorrow, eight independent retailers located on North Steet and Fishergate will remain open until 8pm and there is the opportunity for shoppers to win a hamper.

The participating retailers are: The Castle, The GreenHouse, Memorable Moments. Carlton Couture Bridal, Absolute Bliss Health & Beauty, Eastwick, St Michael’s Hospice and  Halls of Ripon department store.

On Saturday, Ripon Market Square will be a hive of activity from 1pm ahead of the Christmas lights switch on, which takes place at 5pm.

Santa’s reindeer return to Ripon Market Square on Saturday afternoon

The reindeer, which proved popular when they visited Ripon for last year’s switch on will be returning with Santa and once again and there will also be free fairground rides and a climbing wall for children to enjoy.

The Ripon City Council event will also provide free musical entertainment from 2pm with singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary followed by Christmas songs from Tamsin and Kaylie, before the Jersey Beyond tribute act take centre stage.

This year, the council’s festive programme in Ripon is being supported by Ripon Business Improvement District, which is paying for the production and distribution of a Christmas brochure, setting out the events that will be happening in the city between now and New Year’s Eve.

Read more:

• City council opens funding scheme to more Ripon organisations
• Bid to save bus linking Ripon, Thirsk and Northallerton

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A new networking group has been set up for businesses in Harrogate.

1 and 3 Networking was founded by local businessmen Steve Simmonds and Graeme Fountain to help connect business owners and develop contacts across the district and beyond.

The networking group holds informal breakfast meetings at Oakdale Golf Club, Harrogate, on the first and third Thursday of each month.

Mr Simmonds, who is a data specialist, said:

“We have set out to launch a simple networking proposition for businesses in and around Harrogate. There are no membership fees and businesses simply register online and pay £10 for each session they would like to attend. 

“The idea is to help businesses of all sizes make new contacts at the meeting and develop business connections.”

Graeme Fountain, a local business consultant, added: 

“Business people who come along to 1 and 3 Networking are invited to provide an informal presentation, for a couple of minutes, on who they are and what they do as a business. 

“They also explain how other members of the group can help them, by providing introductions to suitable clients or potential business partners. 

“We know that local businesses want to help others thrive and this is the perfect opportunity to do that.”

Businesses wishing to attend pay £10 for each session, which includes a light breakfast and coffee.

For more information, visit the 1 and 3 Networking website here.

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Econ Engineering manager celebrates three decades in post

A senior Econ Engineering manager has been recognised for this long service to the business, which has so far spanned three-and-a-half decades.

Colin Thewitt was 16 when he joined the Ripon company as a YTS (Youth Training Scheme) trainee. 

He started in the in the drawings office, making detailed drawings of the parts needed to create Econ’s legendary gritters.

Colin Trewhitt, factory manager at Econ Engineering.

Now, he was made factory manager in 2020 and is in charge of a team of 140 people.

Colin said: 

“When I joined Econ I had no idea I would still be here 35 years later and still enjoying it.

“Engineering is a fantastic career as every day is different. I was lucky to start as a trainee, which is different to being an apprentice.

“I would certainly recommend a traineeship, as being a trainee you learn more specific skills relevant to the job you are doing and industry you want to work in.”

Jonathan Lupton, Econ Engineering director, said: 

“It was my father who took Colin under his wing as he clearly saw something in him – and I’m very glad he did.

“Colin is a key part of our business and is highly regarded by his colleagues. And as you would expect from someone who has been here 35 years, he knows the business inside out, and gladly shares his knowledge with those keen to learn from him.”

A charity that supports desperately ill children and their families will benefit for the fourth consecutive year from a fundraising event staged by Ripon cafe owner Tina Whincup.

Ms Whincup, who owns Caffe Tempo in The Arcade, will be hosting story time with Santa on the evenings of December 13 and 14, to raise money for Yorkshire Children’s Trust.

The popularity of the event is underlined by the fact that tickets sold out within days of going on sale.

Santa will be reading Christmas stories at Caffe Tempo next month to raise money for Yorkshire Children’s Trust.

Ms Whincup told the Stray Ferret:

“We are going to raise a record of at least £700 this year through ticket sales and a silent auction being conducted online for an exclusive Caffe Tempo jumper, made for us by The British Christmas Jumper Company.

“The trust is a wonderful charity that helps families across Yorkshire and I would encourage people to support them in whatever way they can.”

The auction for the jumper lasts until Sunday (November 20) and anybody wanting to make a bid can find out more details by clicking here.

Yorkshire Children’s Trust was founded by two sets of parents after their daughters were diagnosed with leukaemia. The charity helps children and their families cope with the emotional and financial strain of many life-changing illnesses, something the founders of the charity understand after dealing with their own children going through the long and harsh treatments for cancer.

The charity doesn’t receive any lottery, NHS or government funding and relies heavily on voluntary donations.

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Christmas shop window competition for businesses in Harrogate is to return this year.

Organised by Harrogate Business Improvement District in partnership with the Rotary Club of Harrogate, the contest is set to include awards for large retailer, medium retailer and small retailer.

The competition, which is returning for its third year, promotes town centre shopping and broadcasts the ‘shop local’ message in the run up to Christmas.

The competition is limited to 50 entrants within the BID Levy area. Before dressing their windows, participants are asked to take into account the following criteria:

• Illumination: There is a historic link between the competition and the Christmas lights. How well is the window lit up?
• Innovation: How new or different is the window display?
• Spirit of Christmas: This is a ‘catch all’ category. How well does the display convey the ‘Spirit of Christmas’?

Sara Ferguson, chair of Harrogate BID, said: 

“We are delighted to announce the return of the Harrogate Shop Window Competition, once again in partnership with the Rotary Club of Harrogate.

“The town was beautifully presented last Christmas, with scores of retailers getting in the festive spirit and entering the competition. With the return of the competition, as well as our dazzling Christmas lights, Harrogate will very soon be looking at its absolute best.”

The competing retailers must have their windows completed by 8am on Tuesday, November 29 in time for shortlisting, with judging taking place on Thursday, December 1, between 3.30pm and 8pm.

The awards will be presented at prize giving ceremony being held on Tuesday, December 6, at the West Park Hotel.

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Ripon BID helps local businesses make savings

Businesses in Ripon have made nearly £30,000 worth of savings following the introduction of a support scheme nine months ago.

Ripon Business Improvement District launched the savings scheme with Place Support Partnership in an effort to help local firms.

To date, Ripon BID says they have identified £29,829 of savings against the project with several businesses taking on their advice and contracting services or renegotiating with their suppliers.

Helen Thornton, director of Ripon Museum Trust said 

“Ripon Museum Trust has just fixed its utility contracts in the most challenging of circumstances with the help of Rishi Sood from Place Support Partnership provided by the Ripon Business Improvement District. Rishi came to see us and gave us very level-headed and honest advice. 

“All the usual norms of the market for buying gas and electricity have basically flown out of the window recently and none of us in the trust are remotely qualified to understand the market – except we all knew it was going to be a pretty terrifying price.”

A final round of visits from PSP will be announced in the New Year, but businesses are urged to register their interest now via info@riponbid.co.uk.

Following this afternoon’s closure of the Halifax, Ripon will have one remaining bank and no access outside shopping hours to city centre cash machines.

The closure comes less than three months after the long-established Barclays branch closed its doors on August 25, leaving HSBC – which has no external cash machine – as Ripon’s only bank.

The Barclays bank Ripon branch closed in August.

Cash machines are available during shopping hours at Sainsbury’s on Market Place East and Booths at the Marshall Way Retail Park.

Announcing its branch closure in July, Halifax said in a statement:

“Like many other high street businesses, we’ve seen people using our branches less frequently in recent years as more customers choose to do most of their everyday banking online.

“We’re responding to the way our customers use our branches. We’ll continue to invest in our branch network, but we have to make sure our branches are where customers need and use them most.

“As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision to close this branch because customers are using it less often. In addition the majority of customers are also using alternative ways to bank.”

A 22-year-old man has been arrested following a disturbance on Ripon’s Finkle Street.

Police were called to the incident at 2.40am in the early hours of Saturday.

The victim, a 23-year-old man was found with serious facial injuries and taken to hospital for treatment.

The 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent, he has been released on conditional bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out.

Crime scene investigators were summoned and a scene guard was put in place to allow officers to retrieve any evidence from the scene of the incident.

Crime scene investigators at the site on Saturday.

North Yorkshire Police is urging anyone who witnessed the incident but has not yet spoken to police to get in touch on 101. The incident number is 12220200870.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.