Ripon residents are being given the opportunity to play a part in an innovative community project being created for the city’s first theatre festival.

At the Workhouse Museum on Allhallowgate between 11am-1.30pm today, would-be actors, scriptwriters, set designers and props handlers are invited to find out more.

The aim is to recruit people who would like to have a role in  Jubilee at the Workhouse — a living history project by Fell Foss Theatre Company, under the direction of Mark Cronfield.

Participants will develop scripts with the museum’s volunteer research group alongside local writers and specialist script writer Simon Kirk of Time will Tell theatre company, long-time collaborators with English Heritage.

The finished production will reflect on previous royal celebrations in Ripon, such as Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, which was marked a year later, when the clock tower at the junction of Palace Road, North Street and Princess Road, was officially opened in front of a huge crowd.

Performances will take place on the final afternoon of the festival (Sunday June 26) when a promenade of colourful characters, will  interact with the audience, as they make their way through the museum’s historic spaces.

The theatrical venture is being made possible through a collaboration between Ripon City Festival Trust and Ripon Museum Trust.

Festival co-director Katie Scott, said:

“This is our inaugural year and we are so pleased that we have been able to include this project in our plans.

“The festival aims to celebrate the unique city of Ripon through live performance and our ambition has always been to programme original and site-specific work alongside visiting companies. This is a creative and thought-provoking way to begin”.

Dr Laura Allan, community curator at Ripon Museum Trust, added:

“The historic spaces of the Workhouse Museum will be transformed into a stage with volunteers and the local community at the centre of the story. We are asking the local community to give it a go and get involved with this special jubilee performance”.

The festival runs from June 23 to 26, with a wide variety of performances from street theatre and puppetry to dance, storytelling and open-air Shakespeare

Tickets go on sale next month.

The Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water are being called upon to investigate a foaming discharge into the River Ure in Ripon.

There are fears the discharge could be potentially harmful to humans, aquatic life and water fowl.

The Stray Ferret contacted the EA incident line after seeing the discharge yesterday and understands that the stretch of river near the Duchess of Kent Bridge on the A61 Ripon bypass has been affected since the weekend.

James Thornborough, an internationally-recognised authority on spillage on land and water, reported the incident to YW and said it would be normal practice for them to share the information with the EA.

The expert, who lives in nearby Sharow, told the Stray Ferret:

“I pass this part of river, which can be seen from the Dishforth Road, on a regular basis and on Sunday noticed the foaming on the water coming from a drainage outlet that feeds into the Ure.

“In my opinion this is not normal occurrence for this part of the river and that is why I reported it.

“It certainly warrants scrutiny by the EA to find out what exactly is being discharged and whether it is benign or potential harmful to people and animals.

“If it is discovered to be harmful, urgent remedial action will need to be taken.”

The drainage outlet (top right on the photograph) has been the source of the white foaming substance.

Mr Thornborough added:

“The EA, as the national competent authority for protecting the natural environment of the UK, is bound to assess any reported pollution incident and I would urge anybody who witnesses something like this, that looks out of place, to report it as soon as possible.

“Rivers collect water naturally from the atmosphere (rainfall), surface drainage (run off), ground waters, and underground aquifers.

“Unfortunately rivers must also cope with Industrial waste. Controlled industrial discharges are subject to license conditions. Uncontrolled industrial discharges occur due to operating controls failures, accidents or deliberate intention (criminal behaviour).”

What can the Environment Agency do?

Mr Thornborough said he expected the EA to analyse water samples. He added:

“Industrial pollution can reduce the concentration of bio dissolved oxygen in the water phase which can cause fish kills.

“At the very least, the biodiversity of the River Ure in the surrounds of this foaming event, has likely been impacted and microscopic marine organisms will have been killed upsetting the food chain.

“With this in mind, all stakeholders – from business operators, to  the public and compliance organisations such as the EA, have a role to play in ensuring that our precious water resources are safeguarded.”

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Morrisons supermarket in Ripon could be getting a car valeting pod.

The supermarket hopes to offer a ‘wash whilst you shop’ service in the store’s car park.

Morrisons would remove 10 car parking spaces to create the pod, which could be a prefabricated single-storey structure.

Services offered would range from a basic wash to upholstery and seat cleaning.

Plans have been submitted to Harrogate Borough Council this week and will be decided at a later date.

Documents submitted on behalf of the supermarket said:

“Wm Morrison Supermarkets Ltd would also add that car park valet offer a service which is highly valued by Morrisons customers and firmly aligns with their plan to bring more and more popular and useful services to the communities that they serve.”

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The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, made a rare visit to St Andrew’s in Kirkby Malzeard to honour one of the church’s most loyal servants.

In what was the first visit by an archbishop to the church in living memory,  he presented a specially-commissioned silver medal to Chris Slater.

Mr Slater retired from his unpaid role of parish sexton and  verger at the church near Ripon last year.

The award was in recognition of his work over more than six decades, which included meticulously caring for the  grounds at St Andrew’s while keeping the building’s fabric in good condition and the clock on time.

Chris Slater, wearing his silver medal for long-service, is pictured at St Andrew’s.

Mr Slater married his wife Mary at St Andrew’s 58 years ago and the church, where they and their daughter Susan were christened, has been supported by the family for decades.

Mr Slater, who is 81, told the Stray Ferret:

“This church has been my life for more than 60 years and I looked after it in the way I have looked after Mary and Susan, with care and devotion, taking great pride in everything I have done there.

“It was a surprise, when I heard that the archbishop was coming to Kirkby Malzeard and I was honoured to receive the long service medal from him.”

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As well as looking after the grounds and the fabric of the church, Mr Slater attended, without fail, funerals there while his wife and daughter prepared the church for wedding services.

An indication of his dedication to St Andrew’s came in 2003 when he  raised £3,000 with the help of family and friends to pay for the installation of an electronic mechanism to wind the church tower clock and its chimes.

He said:

“Before then, I had to wind the clock twice a week – with hundreds of turns each time – one to keep the clock going and the other to set the chimes. It was hard work.”

The presentation of his medal was made as part of the Plough Sunday service at the church.

The raw force of nature is captured in this snow storm photograph by Joe Cornish.

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Mr Cornish’s work can be found at Fountains Mill and the follies throughout the water garden and a free exhibition map can be obtained at entrances.

The map will guide visitors on a journey that, through his lens, illustrates how both man and nature have sculpted the landscape.

From the elegant manicured surroundings of the water garden created in the early 18th century by the Aislabie family, to the naturally-formed designs found in fallen trees around the site.

The Temple of Piety is one of the exhibition locations.

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In addition to the exhibition map, a trail has been created for children, which aims to engage their imaginations by encouraging them to explore  the whimsical themes in Mr Cornish’s work, such as hunting for hidden weather-beaten faces found in the bark of trees.

The Fallen series focuses on a number of trees which have a powerfully sculptural quality. The title given to this aspect of the exhibition, acknowledges the on-going job they do, providing a refuge for many species of tiny creatures, fungi and microbial life. 

The children’s trail encourages young people to look for faces in the bark of trees.

Root and branch – the photographs of Joe Cornish feature some of the extraordinary trees at Fountains Abbey and the Studley Royal Deer Park.

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Within the ornate alcoves of the Banqueting House there are two large-scale panoramic photographs of the sweeping views in the water garden and the Octagon Tower is the venue where visitors can  view a series of six photographs themed ‘The Fallen’.

These provide a close-up look at the shapes that nature formed over centuries, on trees felled by storms and other incidents, that remain in situ and provide a wildlife habitat for many different varieties  of creatures.

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Parents of children at Boroughbridge High School have criticised Transdev after they claimed the bus company didn’t tell them a school route had been cut.

The V22 Vamooz service took children on the outskirts of Ripon to and from the school in Boroughbridge.

Vamooz is owned by Transdev, which operates several bus services in the Harrogate district, including the 36.

Two parents today told the Stray Ferret they were not told by Vamooz or Transdev that the service was being withdrawn, which meant children were left waiting this morning for a bus that never arrived. They called the situation “chaotic”.

Shanagh Brown’s 15-year-old daughter was unable to make it to school today from her home in Wormald Green.

Ms Brown said she had struggled to get any information about what alternative bus routes to the school there were for her daughter. She feared her child would have to catch a 36 bus into Ripon at 7.15am in order to get to school on time.

Ms Brown said:

“My daughter is upset, she’s just had Easter and wants to get back to school to start revising for her GCSES. 

“I found out from another parent that Transdev were withdrawing the service due to low passenger numbers.

“It’s a nightmare and I’m stressing out.”

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Philippa Graham’s 12-year-old son also goes to Boroughbridge High.

He has caught the V22 from Lead Lane for the past two years but returned home this morning after the bus never arrived.

Ms Graham said she was not aware the service had been cut, which she said led to a stressful day for her family.

“Our son came back home having gone to catch his bus and said ‘it’s not turned up mum’.”

“It’s utterly chaotic.”

‘No longer sustainable’

Vamooz’s website says children who normally catch the V22 are able to catch the 36 bus to Ripon from their usual stops before getting another bus, the 22, from Ripon Bus Station.

A Transdev spokesperson said bus passes for the V22 are valid on the 36 and 22. They said all school bus passengers were told that the service was being withdrawn.

They added:

“Less than 10 customers per day used this bus, which was obviously no longer sustainable, and each were contacted via email to make them aware of alternative buses they could use or take up the opportunity of a refund.”

Firefighters were called to a home on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road last night when a napkin in a toaster caused a blaze.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident log said help was summoned at 7.25pm. It adds:

“Crews attended a fire in a residential building. Fire was caused by a napkin inside a toaster. Fire was out on arrival.

“Minor fire damage to toaster and napkin. Crews gave resident advice.”

In a busy night for the fire and rescue service, firefighters were later called to a single vehicle collision near Summerbridge in which a man was taken to hospital with suspected pelvic injuries.

The collision occurred at 9.25pm at Middlesmoor. The incident log says:

“One male was trapped and crews extricated him using hydraulic cutting gear. Male is believed to have pelvis injuries and was taken to hospital.”

Firefighters were also called when a children’s toy car caught fire in a rear yard off Market Place, Ripon, shortly after 6pm. The fire was out on arrival.

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Ripon Spa Croquet Club is enjoying a renaissance in its new surroundings of Studley Royal Cricket Club.

Covid lockdown from March 2020 and the subsequent sale of Spa Hotel, where the croquet players had been based for almost 30 years, signalled the need for relocation.

The move to SRCC is now complete, with hoops in place to play on a lovingly-tended surface adjacent to the cricket pitch.

The aim is to build on the club’s heritage, which saw international matches and world-class players do battle on the lawns of the hotel’s gardens.

The club’s international pedigree

Formed in the early 1990s as Ripon Spa Hotel Croquet Club, It was founded by Croquet Association Federation officer Keith Smith, hotel owner Andrew Hutchinson and managing director Samantha Currie.

It soon attracted players from across the district, including Harrogate, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge and Pateley Bridge.

By 1997, Ms Currie,  Mr Hutchinson and clubmate Syd Jones all achieved world rankings and took part in the GC World Championships in Cairo.

While the club’s historic achievements provide many happy memories for its older members, the emphasis now is on the future.

Chair and chief coach Ted Flexman told the Stray Ferret:

“With the fabulous facilities that we have at the Studley Royal ground, there is the potential to create one of the best croquet clubs in the north.”

One man went to mow – Studley Royal Cricket Club groundsman Trevor Rose.

The club is offering two free introductory taster sessions on April 25 and 27 to attract new members. The sessions are open to people of all ages and anybody wishing to attend should contact the club in advance. Further details are available by clicking on this link.

Club secretary Sue I’Anson said:

“This is a great game for people of all ages and abilities, with the more seasoned players helping newcomers to master the technique of swinging the mallet and making good contact with the ball.”

This has certainly been the experience of member Rod Grant, who added:

“I’d never played croquet before and then Ted invited me have a game and I have enjoyed taking part ever since.”

Sue I’Anson is pictured with, from the left Ted Flexman, Roger I’Anson and Rod Grant

Top facilities

SRCC, with teams in the York & District Senior League Premier Division and 3 more in the Nidderdale League divisions 2, 5 and 7, has one of the best clubhouses of any amateur cricket club in Yorkshire and its pitch among the biggest in the county.

Mr Flexman said:

“We have been made very welcome here and look forward to a long and happy relationship as we play our complementary sports side by side.

“Both require good hand/eye coordination and we hope that some of the bowlers and batsmen try their hand at swinging a mallet.”

Roger I’Anson,  who is in the process of obtaining his coaching qualifications, added:

“As well as the joy of taking part in the sport, whether a beginner or experienced player, it’s a tremendous way of making friends, with the clubhouse providing an excellent venue for pre and post-match socialising.”

Harry Whitaker, the owner of Mastachoice Fencing and Fabrication and apprentice Charlie Lister, constructing a storage shed that will be used to store croquet equipment

Roger I’Anson, who is in the process of obtaining his coaching qualifications, added:

“As well as the joy of taking part in the sport, whether a beginner or experienced player, it’s a tremendous way of making friends, with the clubhouse providing an excellent venue for pre and post-match socialising.”

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A five year old Harrogate boy has won a charity competition that will see his ‘happy pizza’ on sale at a local cafe.

The competition, organised by the Ripon Amateur Operatic Society, was made to promote the local show ‘Oliver!’ . Around 60 school kids sent in drawings of pizza designs.

Henry Elvin, aged five, was the winner. His pizza face had a ham smile, pepperoni eyes, a tomato nose and sweetcorn for hair.

Competition winner Henry (middle) with his Mum (Katy) & Dad (Dan) and two actors from ‘Oliver,’ Amber & Grace

The creation will be on sale at Starling Independent Bar Cafe Kitchen, and £2.00 of every pizza bough will be donated to the Harrogate District Foodbank. Henry also won four tickets to see Oliver next week.

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Hannah Ruddy, from the Ripon Amateur Operatic Society , said:

“Some of the themes in Oliver! surround poverty and going without. Sadly, we are all too aware there is still a huge issue and far too many people have to rely on the support of organisations, such as local foodbanks.

“As well as providing a food donation point at Harrogate Theatre foyer throughout the show’s run, we also wanted to get younger people involved, and thought the competition would be a nice way to raise awareness. We are grateful to Starling for joining us in this and agreeing to make a donation from their weekly special.”

‘Oliver!’ will be shown at Harrogate theatre from 20th-23rd April, and will feature 25 local children from ages six years old and above.

Alongside Ripon’s iconic cathedral and historic market, canal cruises are on the list of visitor and tourist attractions on a sign guiding motorists to the city centre.

Many of those tempted for the first time to make the turn off the bypass to ‘stay awhile amid Ripon’s ancient charms’ may not realise that this place is also a waterway wonderland, with three rivers, a wetlands area with lake and the hidden gem of a canal.

The arrival of the railway at the height of Victorian Britain’s industrial revolution, spelled the end of the line for the man-made navigation. But far-sighted people in the city saw its environmental, leisure and recreational potential and saved it.

Now there are plans in hand to celebrate the canal’s 250th anniversary in September 2023 — an event that will also give visitors a chance to enjoy Ripon’s wealth of watery assets.

The Ure, Skell and Laver each have their own characteristics and attractions, including wooded walks, along river banks linked by iron, stone. concrete and wooden bridges.

A wooded walk along the River Skell, which runs parallel with Ripon Canal

There’s a ford crossing the Skell that is safe to drive through when water levels allow and stepping stones, which are popular with pedestrians and dog walkers.

Otters have been spotted in the city’s rivers and canal, signalling the fact that water quality has been dramatically improved, thanks to the work of conservation volunteers, the Canal and River Trust and Environment Agency.

The canal’s 250th anniversary

Richard Willis, who owns and operates Ripon Scenic Cruises and provides trips from the canal basin off Bondgate Green, is planning the festival that will celebrate the waterway’s notable milestone.

Richard Willis is planning a festival in the canal basin in September 2023

In this, his 16th season of offering scenic journeys aboard his custom-made Pride of Ripon canal boat, Mr Willis is already looking forward to next year.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“This is a magnificent opportunity for Ripon to put itself in the UK spotlight for enthusiasts and people who enjoy the gentle and idyllic pleasures of waterside or waterborne leisure activities.”

The picturesque approach to the canal basin

He is well-placed to speak about the magnetic attraction that brings people back time and again after they have had their first cruise.

Mr Willis said:

“We have regular customers who have been coming to us for years from across the Harrogate district and further afield.

“They come specifically for a cruise and while here, they visit the cathedral, museums and other attractions in the city – all good for the tourist economy.”

He added:

“The Pride of Ripon was tied up for a lot of last year because of the covid lockdown, but once restrictions lifted in July, we were busy every day.

“At the end of the season we were able to reflect on our best-ever year of operating here.

“That’s why I am so confident that a canal-focused festival in the basin will be a great success.”

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