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.
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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.
Businesses stage sleepout to campaign against homelessness 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.
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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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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.”
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Ripon City Council proudly presents the biggest free Platinum Jubilee celebration in the north
This article is sponsored by Ripon City Council.
Ripon City Council invites people of all ages from the Harrogate district and further afield to join its citizens in a once in a lifetime celebration in this Right Royal city, where the biggest free Platinum Jubilee party in the north is being held over four days to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her selfless 70 years of service to this country.
Three days of continuous FREE musical entertainment from June 2 to 4 on a stage in front of Ripon Town Hall will see 24 of the country’s leading tribute acts perform, alongside FREE fairground rides for all the family and face painting, Punch and Judy and magic shows for children.
Full details can be found by clicking or tapping here to see Ripon City Council’s Platinum Jubilee brochure.
There’s something for everybody – from parents with a three-year-old wanting to have their face painted, to a 103 year-old great grandmother who wants to come and enjoy the nostalgic wartime songs made famous by forces sweetheart Vera Lynn.
All the fairground rides are free and there will also be a Twister ride suitable for adults
Seating will be provided on Market Square for the comfort of those wanting to take the weight off their feet while watching the tribute acts.
Music in Ripon’s Market Square
The extensive concert programme will feature just about every musical genre, from rock and roll to soul and Britpop to disco dancefloor fillers and popular classics.
Ripon’s Market Square will be in the national and international spotlight at 9.45pm on Thursday June 2, after Ripon Community Poppy Project successfully applied for the city to be be one of the 1500 locations included in the UK-wide chain of Platinum Jubilee beacons that will be simultaneously lit across the land.
Beacons will also be lit in Commonwealth countries.
During the three days of activities on Market Square, Jubilee celebrations, including the beacon lighting in London and elsewhere in the UK, can be seen live on a large TV screen.
Adding to the very special nature of the beacon lighting event, a lone piper will play Diu Regnare, which has been written specifically for the Platinum Jubilee.
The Platinum Jubilee Horn sounds
Another huge highlight will come at 9pm on Saturday June 4, when Ripon’s world-famous setting of the watch ceremony will be in the spotlight as the city council presents the Platinum Jubilee Horn, commissioned and made by craftsmen to provide a lasting memento of this history-making celebration.
The setting of the watch, which is the world’s longest unbroken ceremonial activity, will also be performed at 9pm on each concert night, by one of the city’s very-own ‘fab four’ hornblowers, resplendent in their distinctive uniforms and tri-cornered hats.
The concerts, with a programme that has been carefully arranged to include something for people of all ages and musical tastes, will start at 10.30am on Thursday June 2 and Friday June 3 and at 11am on Saturday June 4. They will go on into the night, finishing at 11.30pm on each of the three days.
Local residents and visitors to the city can enjoy three full days of free musical entertainment provided by 24 acts and going on until 11.30pm
Concert goers can listen to tribute acts singing the songs of Elvis, the Everly Brothers, Madonna, Little Mix, Phil Collins, George Michael, Katherine Jenkins and many more.
Music from Ripon City Band will accompany an afternoon of family fun in Spa Park on Sunday June 5. They will start at 2pm with a Jubilee Big Band welcome and conclude at 4.30pm with a rousing Last Night of the Proms performance, ending with Land of Hope and Glory.
Ripon Community Poppy Project – whose Knit and Natter group made the miles of Royal bunting that adorn the city’s streets – will be running the activities in the park, that also includes face painting, Jubilee-themed crafts and a treasure hunt for children,
Ripon, whose regal roots reach back to 886 and King Alfred the Great, is primed for the biggest royal bash in its long and distinguished history and 1,136 years after the first blast of his ceremonial horn, the city council, citizens and visitors, will celebrate and thank the most enduring member in a long line of monarchs – HRH Queen Elizabeth II – for her remarkable service.
For those who wish to celebrate by raising a loyal toast or two in Ripon’s many pubs and restaurants, the regular Transdev 36 bus service may be an advisable means of getting to and from this city that certainly knows how to throw a party.
Barclays in Ripon to close despite increase in customersBarclays bank in Ripon is to close in August even though the amount of counter transactions is going up.
The branch, on Market Place, currently opens four days a week, from Monday to Thursday.
A report explaining the reasons for closure says the number of counter transactions went up in the two years to March 2020.
It added that more than 3,000 customers visited regularly for personal or business banking purposes in the last year.
But only 121 customers use the branch exclusively for banking. Eighty percent of customers also use online and telephone banking.
The report says 41% of Ripon customers also use nearby branches, such as Harrogate and Thirsk.
Barclays, which will close on August 25, is one of five banks currently open in the city alongside HSBC, Halifax, Skipton Building Society and Yorkshire Building Society.
Last year it announced the closure of its Wetherby branch.
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Repairs on collapsed Kirkby Malzeard wall set to start on MondayA senior Harrogate Borough Council officer has tried to allay concerns that a church wall in Kirkby Malzeard could collapse again.
Jonathan Dunk, executive officer for strategic property and major projects, told councillors today that the “appropriate” action was being taken to repair and monitor the wall at St Andrew’s Church.
The works are finally set to start on Monday after a section of the wall collapsed during heavy rainfall in February 2020.
Speaking at a meeting today, Ripon Spa councillor Mike Chambers said he was concerned that other parts of the wall, which is opposite the village primary school, could give way.
Mr Dunk said:
“We have taken professional advice from Mason Clark – our structural engineers who are used to dealing with these types of listed assets.
“Our advice was that we needed to rebuild the section that collapsed and we are making appropriate repairs to another 15-metre section.
“We are then going to monitor another section that is in much better condition and is therefore at lower risk. We have got the right balance.”
Mr Dunk also said “time is of the essence” for the repairs, which will cost £491,670 and mean the collapsed wall is no longer blocking Church Street:
“The road has been closed for two years – it is causing inconvenience and we need to address that quickly.
“The longer the wall is left unprepared, then there is a risk of further collapse.”
The works will involve a five metre high section of wall being rebuilt, while steel rods will also be driven into the surface for reinforcement.
September completion date
September is the target completion date – and the council said the works could not have been completed before now because the use of lime mortar requires moderate temperatures during spring and summer.
It also said the project required “detailed surveys and an extensive project plan”, including feedback from Historic England.
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However, local councillors have accused the borough council of paying too much attention to Historic England and not listening to their concerns.
Speaking on Wednesday, councillor Jane Aksut, a member of Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton and Dallowgill Parish Council, said:
“All of the work has been delayed by interventions from Historic England, who have raised concerns about the ‘visual impact’ of pattress plates needed to restrain the bulging wall.
“We regret that Harrogate Borough Council paid more heed to the view of Historic England rather than to the parish council and residents, who argued that a swift and robust repair to keep the wall safe and the road open for the long term, is more important than how pretty the wall looks.”
33 homes set to be built in Kirkby MalzeardPlans have been approved to build 33 homes in Kirkby Malzeard.
Mulberry Homes Yorkshire submitted the proposal to Harrogate Borough Council to construct the scheme off Back Lane in the village.
The development will see a mixture of one, two, three and four bedroom houses built at the site.
A total of 40% of the homes will be allocated for affordable housing.
In a letter to the council, Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton and Dallowgill Parish Council said it welcomed the reduction in homes for the site.
Initially, outline planning permission was granted for 37 homes.
Victoria Preston, clerk at the parish council, said:
“We note that the total number of units proposed is to be 33, rather than the maximum permitted under the outline consent of 37, and we feel that this is a useful reduction, given the concerns of residents in respect of the increased flow of traffic which the development will create through the village.”
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The developer said in documents submitted to the council that the scheme would respect the local area and its characteristics.
It said:
“The result of this design process is a proposed development of 33 dwellings, which would be delivered through a variety of house types that promote local distinctiveness.
“The development would be designed to respect the site location, the physical characteristics of the site and the positive architectural elements of existing development which contribute to its sense of place.”
Prolific offender jailed for threatening man with knife in RiponA prolific offender who threatened people with a knife and tried to stab a man in Ripon with an eight-inch blade has been jailed for two years.
Christopher Dalton, 39, brandished the blade at an address in Ripon, where his former partner and others were terrorised by the knife-wielding thug who was waving the blade around while shouting threats, York Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Rob Galley said that on the night before the incident, Dalton had been sending threatening Facebook messages to a named man who he believed was in a relationship with his ex-partner.
Dalton had messaged him asking to meet up for a fight, telling him:
“About time we had it out. I’m going to do you with a knife.”
The following day, he went to the address in Cedar Close armed with the eight-inch blade.
He jumped off his bike outside the property, then pulled out the knife and shouted:
“Come on, let’s have it out!”
Bear hug restraint
He then walked up to his former partner, who was outside the property, and pointed the knife at her, before “waving it around in front of her face”.
He then shouted abuse at the woman and told her “I’ll fxxxxxx kill you”.
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Her male friend or partner, who went to her aid, was said to be in “genuine fear for his life”.
As one of the other named men at the scene tried to put him in a bear hug, Dalton tried to stab him.
He and three of the other people present managed to restrain Dalton, who was “flinging his arms around, with the knife (pointed) towards them”, said Mr Galley.
Police turned up but Dalton, who was drunk and on drugs, continued swearing and shouting threats. As he was cuffed and led away by police, he shouted to two of the named males:
“You’re fxxxxxx dead.”
He then turned to his former partner and shouted:
“I’ll smash your mum’s house.”
51 previous convictions
He was charged with affray, carrying an offensive weapon and sending threatening messages intending to cause stress or anxiety to the male victim.
Dalton, of Westgate, Ripon, admitted all three offences and appeared for sentence via video link today (Monday, May 16) after being remanded in custody.
York Crown Court.
Ismael Uddin, mitigating, said Dalton had been drinking and taking drugs when he sent the threatening Facebook messages the night before the incident on April 18.
He said the “catalyst” for Dalton’s shocking behaviour was that he thought his former partner was in a relationship with this man.
Mr Galley said Dalton had 51 previous convictions for 88 offences dating back more than 20 years, including violence, theft and public disorder.
His “appalling” record also included two previous convictions for carrying an offensive weapon in public, ostensibly golf clubs. He was recently given a short prison sentence for a series of shop thefts in Ripon.
Judge Nicholas Lavender QC told Dalton:
“You intended to cause fear of serious violence and you caused serious fear. You were carrying a knife and came close to stabbing someone with it.
“Your offending is so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence can be justified.”
Jailing Dalton for two years, Mr Lavender QC said he presented “a danger to others”.
Dalton was also handed a five-year restraining order banning him from contacting the male victim and going within 100 metres of an address in Ripon.