Ripon Farm Services celebrates record year with £161m turnoverRipon Farm Services has recorded a significant increase in turnover and profit in its accounts for the year ending January 31, 2023.
The report, published on the Companies House website this week, reveals revenue increased by 22% from £132.5 million to £161.1 million.
Gross profit rose by 23% from £15 million to £18.5 million and operating profit went up from £2.4 million to £3.1 million.
The Ripon-based company, which was established in 1982, services and sells agricultural machinery from brands including John Deere, Kuhn, Bailey, Kramer and Stihl across 15 regional branches.
It is one of the district’s largest and most visible companies, with a major presence at the Great Yorkshire Show each year.
Exhibiting at the Great Yorkshire Show.
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Ripon Farm Services, which employs 285 staff, also completed the construction of a 22,000 sq ft depot in Malton during the financial period, which was financed by an HSBC loan.
Directors attributed the company’s success to outperforming the market and, subsequently, increasing market share, as well promoting “premium products with industry-leading customer service” and a “prestigious” brand portfolio.
The report added:
“The directors are pleased with the results in what has been a record year for the group.
“Turnover and profitability have both improved significantly and investments have been made in our infrastructure and capabilities to ensure we are well placed to meet the ongoing needs of our customers.
“We are known as the dependable and trusted, market leading agricultural and ground care machinery partner. Our customers rely on us to help them prosper, innovate and grow.”
Ripon Farm Services also acquired FG Adamson & Son, a garden and ground-care machinery company, in March this year for around £2.4m.
Volunteers sought to help plant trees at Ripon nature reserveA major programme of tree and whip planting will take place over the coming weeks at Hell Wath Local Nature Reserve in Ripon.
Volunteers are being sought to assist with site preparation taking place from 10.30am tomorrow morning (Wednesday November 8) and to help with the planting of 50 native tree saplings and more than 800 whips, scheduled for Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9.
Organisers the Friends of Hell Wath (FOHW) have received support from North Yorkshire Council, which is funding purchase of the saplings and The Conservation Volunteers, which is donating the whips.
FOHW secretary Jeremy Dunford said:
“Most of the saplings — Field Maple, Alder, Holly, Crab Apple, Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry and Rowan — will be planted to fill in gaps along the existing tree line or be used to create interest and height within new hedgerows to be planted out using the whips.
“These saplings will replace some of the dead/dying trees that are evident in the local nature reserve. The species have been selected to provide shelter and food for birds and provide colour and interest throughout the year for visitors to Hell Wath.”
He added:
“The remaining saplings, a dozen Hazels, will be used to create a small coppice near the pond. There are already two mature hazel trees in the area so the additional saplings will create a very nice habitat here.”
The whips, comprising a selection of native species, will be used together with the tree saplings to fill in gaps in the existing tree line running alongside the River Skell.
The remaining whips will be used to create three new hedgerows across the lower meadow within the local nature reserve – leaving gaps for the designated footpaths.
The objective is to create wildlife corridors to enable bats, birds and small mammals to move between the upper tree line and the lower tree line to/from the river without crossing large expanses of meadow.
The new hedge lines will create meadow zones which will be actively managed to increase biodiversity within the Local Nature Reserve.
The photograph features a riverside walk at Hell Wath: Picture by Ripon Photographic Society
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Ripon toilets reopen following attack by vandals
Toilets in Ripon that were closed during the half-term school holidays after being vandalised, have now reopened.
The public conveniences at Minster Place – across the road from the city’s cathedral – were closed for a week.
The extent of the damage was still evident on Monday, when the door to a cubicle in the men’s block was torn off its hinges (pictured below).
Following the vandal attack, the cathedral put out a message on social media, which said:
“Due to repeated vandalism and the need for essential repairs, North Yorkshire Council have temporarily closed the public toilets opposite Ripon Cathedral.”
It is anticipated that the repairs will be completed shortly.
Minster Place is one of four sets of public toilets in Ripon. Facilities are also available at Spa Gardens, the bus station / Sainsbury’s car park and the Wakeman’s House, according to the council website.
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Three independent retailers take space at Halls of RiponHalls of Ripon department store has welcomed three new independent retailers to its Fishergate premises, while two other businesses have doubled their size.
Operations manager Barry Cooper told the Stray Ferret:
“We now have 16 independents under one roof selling goods ranging from clothing to customised works of art.”
Mr Cooper, (pictured below) added:
“This is the strongest mix of retailers that we have had since we opened in the summer of 2021 and we are looking forward with confidence to our third Christmas of trading here.”
The new entrants include Crazywood, which sells the original works of contemporary pyrography artist Simon Wright, whose wife Tricia (main picture) said:
“The art and craft of burning images into wood is an ancient practice of skill and patience.
“With these skills, along with modern styles and the use of watercolours, stains, textures and oils, amazing reproductions of literally anything can be created.”
Also new to Halls is Janey Mays, a business run by Jane and Mark Coombes, which specialises in steampunk, goth and fantasy goods, including giftware made from upcycled materials.
Jane Coombes, pictured at the Janey Mays stall she runs with husband Mark.
Neighbouring the Janey Mays stall is third new entrant Kimmy Gowland, an artist whose original patterns are printed onto fabric, wallpaper and other materials.
In addition to the businesses taking space for the first time at Halls, Red Buttons Jewellers, run by Mr Cooper and his father Mike, has doubled the size of its presence, as has Robin Gifts, which sells ladies fashion and accessories
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Northern Lights captured near RiponThe skies above the Harrogate district turned green and red last night as the Northern Lights made another appearance.
The aurora borealis was visible across the country for a second night running.
Photographer Paul Oldham took this stunning image over Grantley Hall, near Ripon, at about 6.30pm.
It was not the first time Mr Oldham has captured the natural light display, which appears during geomagnetic storms.
In September, he took this shot above How Hill in Ripon.
Paul Oldham’s Northern Lights photo in September.
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Community fitness group runs for Harrogate Homeless ProjectA community fitness group has raised money for Harrogate Homeless Project.
Community Fit took part in the charity’s initiative which invited people to run either 5km or 10km in September.
The group decided to complete the run together and were joined by some of the Harrogate Homeless staff on the night.
They raised £275 for the charity which will go towards providing vital day-to-day care, emergency housing and support programmes.
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Members of Community Fit meet every Wednesday and either run, walk or cycle to their chosen charity. Its aim is to connect activity and community.
It is a collaborative project between North Yorkshire Sport and Harrogate & District Community Action, supported by an NHS grant received via Community First Yorkshire.
The group have recently helped to clear and tidy the garden at the Harrogate Homeless Project, as well as prepare the Cenotaph Exhibition at West Park Church.
Bonfire Night: guide to events in the Harrogate districtBonfire Night is approaching. From torch-lit processions and alpacas to live music and traditional bonfires, we’ve collated a list of bonfires in the Harrogate district.
If you know of an event we haven’t included, email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add it.
Friday, November 3
Ripon City Bonfire
Ripon City Bonfire will take place at Ripon Racecourse.
The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and fireworks will begin at 7.30pm
Gates open at 5.30pm.
Advance tickets start at £2 and can be bought at various venues in the city.
No own fireworks other than sparklers are permitted for safety reasons.
There will be no parking available at the racecourse due to the poor weather conditions.
Spofforth village fireworks
The event will be held at Spofforth Cricket Club.
There will be hot food, a bar and live music to enjoy ahead of the fireworks display.
Gates open at 5pm.
Family tickets cost £12.50 and can be bought at the village deli or post office.
Knaresborough Cricket Club and Aspin Park Academy PTA Fireworks Night
The event will be held at Knaresborough Cricket Club.
As well as a firework display, guests can expect food and drink, music and light-up toys for sale.
Gates open at 6pm and fireworks will be lit at 7pm.
Tickets start at £3 and can be bought at the gate.
Belmont Grosvenor School Bonfire Party
Belmont Grosvenor School will host a bonfire party in the school grounds.
There will be a bonfire, fireworks, food and drinks stalls, children’s activities, and music.
Gates open at 6pm, the bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and the firework display will begin at 7.20pm.
Tickets are free for U18s and cost £10 for adults. They can be bought at the gate or by contacting the PTA on pta@belmontgrosvenor.co.uk or 07525 907156.
Anyone is welcome to attend.
Stray Bonfire. Pic: Mark Dimmock.
Saturday, November 4
Stray Bonfire, Harrogate
The bonfire will be lit on the Oatlands Stray near to St Aidan’s Church of England High School.
It will take place from 5pm until 8.30pm and include fireworks, food and drink, and live music.
The event is free to attend but Harrogate Round Table, which is a charity, encourages donations. Proceeds will go towards Harrogate Homeless Project.
Yolk Farm, Minskip
Yolk Farm, near Boroughbridge, is hosting a dog and baby-friendly event without fireworks.
There will still be a bonfire and tickets include entry to the yard where visitors can see the animals, including goats and alpacas, as well as the opportunity to feed the pigs.
Hot food will also be on offer.
Gates open at 5.30pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm
Tickets can be bought online for £5.
Upper Nidderdale Scouts Group Pateley Bonfire
The event will be held at Pateley Bridge Showground.
Guests can expect a torchlit procession and bonfire, which begin at 6.30pm, and fireworks at 7pm.
There will also be hot food and a best Guy competition.
Entry is by donation and doors open at 6pm.
No sparklers are allowed.
Masham Bonfire
Masham Bonfire will be held on The Holme.
Food will be served from 5.30pm, followed by the bonfire at 6.15pm.
There will also be a firework display at 7pm.
The event is free to attend.
Kirkby Malzeard Community Bonfire
The event will be held at North Close Farm.
There will be a bonfire, fireworks and food and drink on offer.
Gates open at 6pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm.
It is free to attend but organisers have asked for donations to continue running the events.
Sparklers are not permitted.
Birstwith Community Bonfire
Birstwith bonfire will be held on the field behind West House on Nidd Lane.
As well as the bonfire, which will be lit at 5.30pm, visitors can enjoy a bar, hot dogs and a children’s stall.
Organisers will be raising money for a vehicle-activated speed sign near Birstwith School.
No dogs or sparklers are permitted.
Gates open at 5pm.
Wath & Melmerby Community Bonfire
The event will be held Roger Clarke Motor Engines in Melmerby.
Visitors can expect a bonfire, fireworks, a BBQ and a bar.
It begins at 6pm and tickets cost £5 per family.
Sunday, November 5
Lightwater Valley, Ripon
Lightwater Valley will put on a firework display accompanied by the music of Swan Lake.
Admission is included in a day entry ticket.
The display will begin at 5.15pm.
The Queen’s Head, Kettlesing
The Queen’s Head will have a bonfire and fireworks on offer.
There will also be pizzas, sparklers and a charity cake to stand available.
The event will be fundraising for Felliscliffe School.
It begins at 5pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6pm.
Entry is £5 for adults and £2 for children under 16.
Scotton Cricket Club
The event will be held at the cricket club on Lower Moor Lane.
Gates open at 6pm, the bonfire will be lit at 6.45pm and the firework display will begin at 7.30pm.
Visitors can look forward to a bar, a BBQ and a cake stall.
Car parking is limited, so organisers have recommended people walk or car share to the event.
Donations are welcome on entry.
Harrogate Railway Football Club
A firework display will be held at the club, which is on Station View in Starbeck.
There will be a DJ, fairground rides, a bar and a BBQ on offer.
The event is in association with Friends of Starbeck School and entry is £2.
Gates open at 4pm, followed by fireworks at 6.30pm.
There is no parking available at the venue.
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Early ‘Mouseman’ furniture offered in Ripon auctionCarved oak furniture by the renowned Yorkshire craftsman Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson is to go up for auction in Ripon next week.
The items include pieces from the early days of the renowned Mouseman workshop in Kilburn, near Thirsk.
Central to the collection is an oak dressing chest from around 1930 to 1940, which is expected to reach between £4,000 and £6,000. It has two short drawers over two long drawers and is topped with a moulded mirror. Both the mirror and chest carry Thompson’s signature mouse carvings.
From the same era is a stand-alone oak dressing table mirror of exceptional colour quality which carries a guide price of £1,000 to £1,500. Another stand-out lot is a set of eight impressive oak panel-back dining chairs, each with the carved mouse signature, that has been valued between £2,000 and £3,000.
The pieces will be included in a Fine Art & Antiques Sale at Elstob Auctioneers on Wednesday, November 8.
Director David Elstob said:
“The work of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson has always been popular, particularly in the North of England, and we are lucky to have these highly sought-after pieces from his workshop in this sale.
“Quality English oak furniture is widely seen as a good investment at the moment so we are hoping to see a great deal of interest in these pieces.”
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Robert Thompson (1876-1955) was part of the 1920s revival of craftsmanship inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. His style was characterised by a carved mouse on almost every piece, thought to have come about during a conversation about “being as poor as a church mouse”.
His furniture business in Kilburn is still run today by his descendants.
Elstob’s November Fine Art & Antiques Sale comprises more than 700 lots including a stunning Chinese huanghauli and hongmu ‘cracked-ice’ console table adorned with butterfly handles, a remarkable 19th century bronze figure of Hercules, and a large number of pieces by French designer René Lalique.
Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: Let’s not forget those who need our help this ChristmasThis year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise money for a minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district.
The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.
Please read Flora’s story below and give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. They need your help.
Christmas is a time to create happy memories, to connect with family and enjoy each other’s company. But Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease take those memories away, and life can become confusing and isolating.
Local charity Dementia Forward works to support people living with these life-changing and disabling conditions, but it can only do so with the help of charitable donations.
So this Christmas, the Stray Ferret is asking you to support to this local organisation and ensure it can continue to offer the vital services it provides.
We want to raise £30,000 to buy a new minibus so that Dementia Forward can carry on bringing people struggling with memory loss to social events and a supportive environment.
The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare, so every penny donated will go directly to Dementia Forward.
The charity’s minibus service is currently used by more than 50 people. It also takes them on days out across the county, which is a huge part of the Dementia Forward programme. It is used to help people access the charity’s social events for those that can no longer drive, as well as weekly day trips for those with young onset dementia. The group visits a variety of places, including the Yorkshire coast, nature reserves, walking trails, llama farms, art galleries and so much more.
However, Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and tired and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going.
Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need.
Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward to help us hit our £30,000 target.
Over the next seven weeks, we’ll be bringing you stories that show just how important Dementia Forward is, and the impact it has on local people’s lives.
Please read them, share them, and donate whatever you can.
Let’s not forget those who need our help this Christmas.
Thank you.
The NHS found 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 are living with dementia in the UK. For those who need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 0330 057 8592 to speak to a helpline adviser.
Vida Healthcare offers specialist residential and nursing care across three state-of-the-art homes.
James Rycroft, managing director of Vida Healthcare, said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting the Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal in aid of Dementia Forward.
“It is such an amazing local charity supporting people living with dementia.”
Vandals force closure of public toilets in RiponPublic toilets close to Ripon Cathedral have been closed due to vandalism.
The cathedral alerted people to the news, which affects the Minster Place toilets, on social media yesterday.
It said:
“Due to repeated vandalism and the need for essential repairs, North Yorkshire Council have temporarily closed the public toilets opposite Ripon Cathedral.
“If you are visiting the cathedral during half-term, please use alternative public toilets in Sainsbury’s car park.
“The repairs should be completed within seven days.”
Minster Place hosts one of four sets of public toilets in Ripon. Facilities are also available at Spa Gardens, the bus station / Sainsbury’s car park and the Wakeman’s House, according to the council website.
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