Cllr Andrew Williams who also received unanimous support when he was re-elected as leader ‘strong-armed’ the ‘reluctant recipient’ of Ripon’s highest office into the chamber, with assistance from Cllr Peter Horton.
He quipped:
A former employee of a Ripon car parts company has had his claim of unfair dismissal rejected by a tribunal.
Alliance Automotive‘s Ripon branch — which trades as Ripon Auto Spares — faced the accusation, along with one of breach of contract, from C Seaman, who was dismissed as a driver on May 4 last year.
It followed an incident on April 21, 2021, when he was alleged to have used an offensive racial term in the presence of a black colleague.
The Ripon branch manager investigated the accusation and suspended Mr Seaman on full pay the following day, under the instruction of area manager Roger Bailey.
The report from Leeds Employment Tribunal said:
“Mr Bailey conducted a disciplinary hearing on May 4, 2021, in which the claimant confirmed he used the word ‘n*****’, maintaining that its use was appropriate, because he said it related to a conversation with colleagues about an incident involving a black person in America.
“The claimant said he did not understand how anybody could be offended by the use of that word.”
Finding the conduct to amount to racial harassment, and that Mr Seaman showed no remorse, Mr Bailey dismissed him.
After an unsuccessful appeal through the company, Mr Seaman took Alliance Automotive to an employment tribunal, which was held in Leeds on April 12 and 13 this year. However, it has also rejected his claims of unfair dismissal and breach of contract.
Leeds Employment Tribunal, in City Exchange
In his report, published this week, Judge Jeremy Shulman said:
“During the disciplinary process the claimant sought to encourage the respondent [Alliance Automotive] to view a programme known as The Wire for justification of his use of the word ‘n*****’.
“The respondent decided the use of the word ‘n*****’ itself was sufficiently offensive, regardless of The Wire and we find that that programme was discussed during the disciplinary process. The programme apparently relates to the location of Baltimore on the subject of drug trafficking and policing.
“Very late in the proceedings the claimant produced a mitigation document. That contained 15 names, including the name of the Prime Minister, and the document contained no explanation whatsoever as to what it was and the claimant subsequently described it as irrelevant.”
The judge said Mr Seaman had received a code of conduct from his employer and had received training on it, including information about equality and diversity.
However, he said he had not read the information given to him because it was “not relevant”.
Read more:
- Knaresborough woman who refused to wear face mask unfairly dismissed, tribunal rules
- 26 jobs saved with acquisition of Ripon firm Ebor Concretes
The tribunal heard Mr Seaman had repeated the offensive term, but had claimed it was “just a black person” and that the term was widely used in films and by the black community. He said “race discrimination never even existed and everybody was treated equally” in his world.
Mr Shulman rejected the claims of unfair dismissal and breach of contract, and found Mr Seaman had been dismissed because of his conduct. He added:
“It was clear to me during the hearing that this was conduct the nature of which the claimant did not understand when everybody around him clearly did.
“He had some source materials which he never bothered to read and sought to justify his conduct by reference to names on a sheet of paper and an American television programme. None of this did anything to make an already serious position better.”
The judge ordered that the £300 deposit paid by Mr Seaman for the tribunal, in recognition of his low chances of success, be paid to his former employer.
New Ripon mayor joins a rollcall rich in historySid Hawke received warm applause from fellow councillors, civic dignitaries and family and friends when he received Ripon’s ornate and historic chain of office this week.
The newly-installed Right Worshipful The Mayor of Ripon, was born and bred in the city.
He previously served as mayor from 2008-2009, meaning his name now appears for the second time on a roll of honour dating back to 1604, when Hugh Ripley became Ripon’s first mayor.
The celebrated rollcall of former first citizens. includes George Frederick Samuel Robinson, the First Marquess of Ripon and Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884 , who was born at 10 Downing Street on October 24, 1827 when his father, Viscount Goderich, was briefly resident there as Prime Minister.
After serving as mayor in 1895-1896 he presented Ripon Town Hall to the municipality in 1897 — just one of his many acts as a major benefactor in the city, that also saw fittings from St Mary’s Church on the Studley Royal estate where he had lived, bequeathed to St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church on Coltsgate Hill, following his death in July 1909.
In a city steeped in history, the stately Regency period town house that became Ripon Town Hall, has been a fitting setting for the mayor making ceremony since it was first used as the location for council meetings,
Following age-old tradition, Cllr Hawke was ‘dragged’ into the elegant council chamber before accepting his place in the hot seat, with the unanimous approval of his fellow councillors.
Councillor Sid Hawke was ‘dragged’ into the council chamber by fellow councillors Andrew Williams and Peter Horton.
“I don’t think Sid will be winning any acting awards.
“Cllr Hawke’s heart and soul is in this city and I am delighted to propose him as mayor, sure in the knowledge that he and his wife Linda as mayoress, will represent Ripon with dignity in this year of the Queen’s platinum jubilee.”
Councillors voted unanimously to install Sid Hawke as the Mayor of Ripon.
There were equally warm words for Cllr Eamon Parkin who, from May 2019 to May 2022, made history by becoming the first mayor of Ripon to serve in three consecutive years.
Civic duties in much of his period in office were severely curtailed by covid lockdowns and Cllr Williams said:
“You and your consort Nigel have represented Ripon through a most difficult time and done so in a most gracious way. We thank you for all that you have done for this council and for the city.”
Cllr Parkin, who has accepted the post of deputy mayor, thanked the many volunteers and unsung heroes that supported the community during his term of office and also thanked those who supported his charity appeal, raising £14,000 to be shared between Vision Support Ripon and the city’s Christmas Lights fund.
The chain of office continues in the hands of newly-installed mayor Cllr Hawke, who said:
“The last few years have been hard for everyone because of covid, but I’m not going to look back and instead, Linda and I are looking forward to representing Ripon and seeing our city go from strength to strength.”
Picture: Ripon’s newly-installed Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon, Councillor Hawke and his wife Linda, are pictured with their Chaplain, The Rt. Revd Bishop of Ripon Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the city’s serjeant at mace Jonathan Owens (left) and city councillors.
Plans have been approved to convert the former Ripon Cathedral Choir School into four townhouses.
Persimmon Homes lodged the proposal for the building, which had previously been earmarked to be demolished to make way for 12 flats.
Harrogate Borough Council has now approved the proposal.
The developer tabled the fresh application after the demolition plan was met “negatively by the public”.
A total of 68 objections from residents were lodged to the council against the previous proposal.
In documents submitted to the council, Persimmon said the new bid to convert the building followed discussions with council officers.
It said:
“Following feedback and discussions with the case officer, Persimmon Homes have sought to amend the proposal, withdraw the application and submit a new application for the conversion of the school building.
“The conservation officer confirmed via email in April 2021 that retaining the building is ‘the way forward’.”
Read more:
- Persimmon Homes submits plans to demolish Ripon Cathedral Choir School
- New £6m plans to extend Ripon Cathedral facilities proposed
Persimmon said in its plans that the current building is in “extremely poor condition”.
The new proposal will see the existing brickwork retained but the roof replaced in its entirety due to its poor condition.
The building was originally constructed as a late 19th Century grandstand. It was converted in the early 20th century into two semi-detached dwellings, then extended for use as a school.
Ripon Cathedral Choir School began using the site in 1960 until it closed in 2012. It had planned to merge with a local preparatory school but this fell through.
Harrogate district MP: ‘Time for Boris to get on with the job’Nigel Adams is the only Harrogate district MP to comment so far on the publication of the long-awaited Sue Gray report.
The senior civil servant found that many of the parties in Downing Street “should not have been allowed to happen”.
The report included details of vomiting and parties lasting until 4am whilst the UK was under covid restrictions.
Mr Adams, whose Selby and Ainsty constituency includes several Harrogate district villages, is a member of the cabinet and a key ally of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He tweeted this afternoon:
“The Prime Minister welcomes Sue Gray’s report and has apologised again.
“He now needs to get on with the job, levelling up the country, tackling global challenges including the cost of living and Ukraine crisis and delivering for the country and for the people who put their faith in him in 2019.”
Other cabinet ministers including Rishi Sunak, Dominic Raab and Nadine Dorries all tweeted similar messages of support for the Prime Minister at the same time.
The Prime Minister welcomes Sue Gray’s report & has apologised again.
He now needs to get on with the job, levelling up the country, tackling global challenges inc cost of living & Ukraine crisis & delivering for the country & for the people who put their faith in him in 2019.
— Nigel Adams (@nadams) May 25, 2022
What have Andrew Jones and Julian Smith said?
The Stray Ferret asked the two other Tory MPs in the district, Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones and Skipton and Ripon’s Julian Smith for their response to the report but we did not get a reply.
In January during a Commons debate, Mr Jones said the Sue Gray report should be published in full.
In the same month, an email to a constituent revealed Mr Jones thoughts on ‘partygate’ scandal. The MP said: “I take the maxim ‘lawmakers can’t be lawbreakers’ seriously.”
Mr Jones said if criminal actions were found then “consequences must flow from that”.
“In respect of the investigation announced by the Prime Minister in December, if this finds wrongdoing, and the police find that these actions were criminal, then consequences must flow from that.”
Julian Smith is yet to comment publicly on the report.
Read more:
- Harrogate council chief scolds councillor for calling influencer a ‘waste of money’
- Home Office asylum centre near Harrogate district an ‘abuse of power’, says MP
Housing plan for Lamb and Flag pub refused
Harrogate Borough Council has refused plans to build five houses at the Lamb and Flag pub in Bishop Monkton.
The proposal was tabled by Carol and Trevor Pawson for the 200-year-old pub, which also had a bed and breakfast.
As part of the plan, two houses would be created by converting the pub itself and another would be created at the barn next door.
A further two homes would be built at the car park at the back of the pub.
However, council officials have refused the application on the grounds that “insufficient marketing” has been done to demonstrate that the pub could not be used for community use.
Officers added in a decision notice that two of the houses on the car park are outside the development limits.
Officials said:
“Insufficient marketing has been carried to demonstrate that in the absence of any use as a public house there is no alternative community use for which the property may be suitable and the proposed use of the public house as two dwellings consequently is in conflict with Policy HP8 of the Harrogate District Local Plan 2014-2035.”
Read more:
Bishop Monkton, which the Domesday Book referred to as the Tun of the monks, has seen a significant increase in residential development in recent years.
Despite new developments and growing populations, village pubs have found it difficult to survive.
At one time, there were seven pubs within Bishop Monkton’s parish boundaries but it is now currently served by just the Mason’s Arms.
Ripon’s retro gaming arcade to close in JulyNew Wave Arcade in Ripon will close for good in July.
The venue on Westgate offers the chance to play games from the glory days of arcade gaming, including Street Fighter 2, Ridge Racer and Gunblade.
It was something a bit different for families in Ripon, as the Stray Ferret found out when we visited in March.
However, owner Rory Lofthouse said he has decided to close the business to concentrate on his wife’s health and his digital marketing company.
Mr Lofthouse said:
“It’s been well received in Ripon so it’s a shame I’m having to close it.
“I didn’t do it to make thousands of pounds, it was so there is something in Ripon for different generations to enjoy together. A lot of dads bring their kids to show them what they played when they younger.”
New Wave Arcade opened just a few weeks before the first covid lockdown and has had a stop-start existence.
Mr Lofthouse said things could have been different with the business if the pandemic didn’t happen when it did.
Read more:
- Ripon City Council proudly presents the biggest free Platinum Jubilee celebration in the north
- Generations play together at Ripon’s retro games arcade
Gamers who enjoyed visiting paid tributes on Facebook:
“Such a shame, the arcade was a great asset to Ripon.”
Another person said:
“We will definitely make sure we come down again before you close your doors. You’ll be sadly missed.”
New Wave Arcade’s last day will be on Saturday, July 23.
Mr Lofthouse is also selling off some of his machines. If you’re interested you can contact him rory@newwavearcade.co.uk
New £6m plans to extend Ripon Cathedral facilities proposedPlans for a £6million extension to the south side of Ripon Cathedral’s west-facing frontage are on hold and alternative proposals have been put on public display.
The Ripon Cathedral Renewed Project, which aims to provide 21st century facilities for the cathedral’s parishioners, choristers, the wider community and an ever-increasing number of visitors, already has £4 million in pledges.
But it needs to secure a further £2 million if ambitions are to be achieved.
Signs at the exhibition, being held in the north transept, explain that the alternative plan has been brought forward after reservations were expressed about the previously proposed extension
The new plan, captured in this artist’s impression, involves creating new indoor and outdoor space.
Proposals involve a standalone two-storey development to the north of the iconic building on an area of land that also houses the Old Courthouse Museum and the Royal British Legion Garden of Remembrance.
Proposal to close Minster Road to through traffic
They also include the suggested closure of Minster Road to through traffic, to provide a safe link for pedestrians and people in wheelchairs or families with prams and buggies, to move between the cathedral and the new building.
The proposal includes the provision of pedestrian-friendly links between the cathedral and the new building and into the Cathedral Car Park.
The community consultation aims to gauge views on the design of the new building, landscaping of the site and the Minster Road proposal.
Approval required at every level
A message from the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. John Dobson, thanks donors who have already pledged support to the Ripon Renewed Project and adds that the bid to make the vision a reality is ‘nearer than ever before.’
He points out that in addition to obtaining further financial pledges:
“We need plans that will attract approval at every level.”
The wooden model on display shows the new two-storey building to the right and its relationship to the cathedral.
The new building would incorporate indoor toilets, including a Changing Places toilet for disabled people, a café/refreshment area, improved shop, meeting room, new facilities for the choir school and additional storage capacity to take the pressure off use of space in the cathedral.
A national treasure
When the Ripon Renewed project that was announced Dean John, said:
“It is clear that the development of the cathedral is vital to bring this national treasure into the 21st century.
“As custodians of this fantastic building we are only too aware of the legacy we uphold. We have this ancient history, this wonderful architecture – what we haven’t got are the facilities that people need.
“Each generation has, over 13 centuries, taken on what has been handed to it and made its own contributions. We take none of this for granted and we have a responsibility, in our generation, to make our contribution now.”
The site for the proposed new building, is to the right of the Old Courthouse Museum and adjacent to the Royal British Legion Garden of Remembrance
Serving future communities
He added:
“Over the last few years it has become increasingly obvious to a growing number of people that the development of Ripon Cathedral is vital as we seek to serve the communities of the region now and in the future.”
The community consultation will help to shape a formal planning application that will be submitted to Harrogate Borough Council and people who go to view the plans, are asked by Dean John to fill out a short questionnaire available at the exhibition.
If successful, plans would see the first major development in hundreds of years of the cathedral’s facilities, for a building containing the oldest built fabric of any English cathedral – St Wilfrid’s Crypt – dating back to 672 AD.
Eight local businesses completed a sleepout with CEO Sleepout UK to raise awareness of hidden homelessness in the district.
The group of business leaders spent the night sleeping outdoors at Harrogate Rugby Club, and have raised almost £15,000 for CEO Sleepout UK, Ripon YMCA, Harrogate District Foodbank and Harrogate RUFC.
The North Yorkshire based companies that took part were Nicholls Tyreman Estate Agents, Hudgell Solicitors, Ripon YMCA, Pavilions of Harrogate, Jorvik Design Group, Stratstone BMW, Carson Homes and Harrogate Borough Council.
The participants included CEO of Hudgell Solicitors Rachel Di Clemente, Nicholls Tyreman director James Tyreman, and director of Jorvik Design Group Ady Rhodes.
The business leaders at Harrogate’s sleepout
Chief executive of CEO Sleepout Bianca Robinson said:
“I was thrilled to see some of North Yorkshire’s biggest-hearted business people turn out for this event. Just because Harrogate is not a place where you might see many rough sleepers, it doesn’t mean homelessness doesn’t exist.
“Hidden homelessness is increasing across North Yorkshire – families who can no longer afford private rental, young people, and single mothers living in insecure temporary accommodation.”
She added:
“It was a tough night and surprisingly cold, but by bringing those with lived experience to share their stories, and hearing about the vital work of charities on the frontline, we unlock understanding, compassion and inspire our business leaders to use their power to create greater social value.”
CEO Sleepout stages fundraising events across the UK, and has raised £3 million for more than 100 charities.
Student from Knaresborough achieves unprecedented full marks in hairdressing exam
A hairdressing student from Knaresborough has achieved full marks in her practical exam.
Penny Ledgeway, who is 20, completed her level two exam at Intuitions hairdressing college in Harrogate, with a perfect score of 700 marks.
During the exam, she was asked to do a number of hairdressing treatments, including half a head of highlights, a restyle and cut, and a curly blow dry.
When asked why she chose to pursue hairdressing, Ms Ledgeway said:
“I’ve always wanted to do it really, I like to do a bit of everything but I am quite social anyway.
“I wouldn’t be able to just sit at a computer all day.”
Michelle Oliver, director of Intuitions college, said it was “unusual” for someone to get full marks in the exam, adding:
“Both me and her educator are really proud, she’s worked really hard.
“It’s good for us at Intuitions, but also for the employer to have someone with that skillset from the apprenticeship programme”.
After completing her level two exams, Ms Ledgeway is now a fully qualified hairdresser, and currently works at Kelly Teggin Hair & Beauty in Knaresborough.
She is now hoping to move on to a further stage of qualifications, which she said are more advanced and creative.
Read more:
- Harrogate clothing firm partners with cafe to help the homeless
- Ripon hairdresser appeals for rollers for unusual Christmas tree
Have devolution fears that Harrogate will be voiceless come true?
One of the key concerns in the run-up to this year’s shake-up of North Yorkshire local government was that the vast new unitary authority could leave the Harrogate district without a strong voice.
This week, when the dust settled on the local elections and Carl Les, the Conservative leader of North Yorkshire County Council named his new 10-person executive team, the concerns appeared to have merit.
Just one councillor from the district — Michael Harrison, who represents Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate, was included on the executive.
It means many of those making key decisions affecting Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham might not even have been to some of those places.
For the last 48 years, local political decision making has been shared between North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council.
But with the latter in its death throes, it seems likely that all local political decisions will soon be made at County Hall, the 1906 Grade II listed building in Northallerton, a market town in Hambleton, firstly by North Yorkshire County Council and then by North Yorkshire Council.
The 10-person executive table at Wednesday’s meeting, with Michael Harrison far right.
Just nine of the 47 Conservative councillors on the county council are from the district. So will the Harrogate district not have adequate representation?
‘Strong voice will remain’
Despite the changes, Cllr Harrison told the Stray Ferret he is confident the district will continue to have a strong voice.
He said local councillors will shape the executive’s decisions, firstly through task groups that will inform the transition to the new North Yorkshire Council next year and then through the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee.
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- ‘Where’s the infrastructure?’ New councillor queries 480-home Bluecoat Wood plan
- ‘Tough cookie’ Masham councillor becomes final chair of county council
The six area constituency committees are expected to be given stronger powers next year, possibly over key issues such as planning, as part of Cllr Les’ ‘double devolution’ pledge. The Lib Dems will have eight of the 13 councillors on the one for Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Cllr Harrison said:
“There will be real power devolved to the area constituency committees and the fact that the Conservatives don’t control the one for Harrogate and Knaresborough won’t stop that.”
Cllr Harrison added that he expects Harrogate Borough Council’s offices at Knapping Mount to continue to play a key operational role when staff transfer to North Yorkshire Council next year because “it’s a modern fit-for-purpose flexible office space”.
Harrogate Borough Council’s offices at Knapping Mount.
The Conservatives were returned to power in North Yorkshire with a greatly reduced majority of four on May 5.
Andrew Williams, an Independent who was elected in Ripon Minster and Moorside, said the more even political composition since the May 5 elections meant the views of opposition parties would be heard more, whereas in the past the previous huge Tory majority meant many issues were just waived through. He said:
“If you go about things in a constructive and positive manner it’s possible to get things done.”
Harrogate town council
Cllr Williams, who is also the leader of Ripon City Council, said the best way to ensure Harrogate’s voice was heard would be through the creation of a Harrogate town council.
He said Ripon City Council had effectively provided a voice for the city and suggested the same could happen in Harrogate.
He added that such a move would pave the way for more independents.
“People will be looking for voices on a town council that stand up for Harrogate and will appreciate a less partisan approach.”
Five Harrogate Independents failed to come close to winning a division on May 5. But Cllr Williams suggested they got their tactics wrong:
“They started campaigning too late. You can’t just rock up at election time and win.
“To win an election as an Independent you have got to be known by a lot of people and campaign early.”
A referendum could take place in Harrogate to see if people want to create a town council.
But Cllr Harrison said people ought to know what the purpose of a Harrogate town council would be and what the added charge to their council tax precept would be before any vote takes place.
County Hall in Northallerton
Whatever one’s political persuasion, the political scene has been enlivened by the shake-up to local government.
But whether local voices are heard strongly at County Hall, the 1906 Grade II listed building where the county council is based, remains to be seen.
The Stray Ferret asked the Liberal Democrats in Harrogate and Knaresborough to comment for this article but did not receive a response by our deadline.
Nidderdale luxury glamping site expandsYurtshire, in the Nidderdale countryside, is drawing on the power of nature, to create a revitalising experience for visitors from across the Harrogate district and further afield.
The 93-acre site, which features Eavestone Lake, is being developed by Tom Sterne, whose family are long-term investors in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, in Ripon and surrounding areas.
Located between Ripon and Pateley Bridge, just off the B6265 road, the site with its nine luxurious tree yurts, opened last summer.
Following the high demand of a staycation year, three more units are being added, after planning permission was granted by Harrogate Borough Council.
Plans are also in hand to add spa-type facilities and services, including a sauna, facial and body massages.
The site features the 13-acre Eavestone Lake
Mr Sterne, who has more than ten years of experience of outdoor hospitality-based business, gained through his operation of hire company Yorkshire Yurts and YurtBar, which caters for the corporate entertainment market, told the Stray Ferret:
“I’m using the expertise that I have gained to create a new facility to satisfy the needs of people who are increasingly focused on wellness, lifestyle issues and the environment.”
He pointed out:
“Our site has an abundance of natural assets, including forty acres of forest, a 13-acre lake and the biodiversity that goes with them, from birds, butterflies and insects to clear night-time skies that are perfect for people whose spirits are lifted by looking at the stars.
“The aim is to harness and harmonise with all aspects of the natural environment – woodland, water and wildlife – to provide guests with a restful and regenerative stay that is good for mind, body and the healing process.
“That is why people wanting to find a peaceful and idyllic place to go on retreat, represent a growing part of our business.”
The yurts have been designed to provide a five-star level of luxury
In the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Yurtshire is surrounded by stunning scenery, that would not look out of place on a canvas by the landscape master painter J.M.W. Turner.
Views from the decking of each Yurt site, which has its own private hot tub, underline why nearby Grassington was chosen for filming of the smash-hit Channel 5 programme All Creatures Great and Small.
Each of the nine placements has its own private hot tub and decking area
With Grassington and other attractions, such as Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal, Brimham Rocks and Stump Cross Caverns, drawing more staycationers to Yorkshire, there is scope for Yurtshire to build on a successful first season.
Nicola Warters, pictured here with Tom Sterne, says the yurts provide five-star luxury in idyllic surroundings
Yurtshire manager Nicola Warters, said:
“We are providing the type of luxury accommodation that can be found in a five-star hotel, but instead of waking up surrounded by bricks and mortar, our visitors are in the heart of the woodland and arise to the sound of birds singing.
“Some also come for the pleasure of picking out the star constellations, as they relax in the soothing waters of their hot tub. It’s therapeutic on every level.”
Read more:
- The natural beauty of Fountains Abbey captured on camera
- Stars of All Creatures Great and Small stars seen in the Harrogate district