Ripon Grammar boarding school rated ‘good’ by OfstedRipon Grammar School‘s boarding school has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.
A report published on Saturday said children “enjoy boarding at this school”, safeguarding arrangements are “effective” and “the school is very well supported by a skilled, experienced governing body”.
Government inspectors rated the boarding provision ‘good’ in all areas assessed. It was rated ‘outstanding’ at its previous Ofsted inspection in 2017.
Ripon Grammar has 929 boys and girls aged 11 to 18 years, of which 94 are boarders. Yearly fees for years seven to 11 are £11,719.
Accommodation is provided in two houses: School House for boys and Johnson House for girls.
School House
The latest Ofsted visit took place from February 8 to 18 this year.
The report said:
“Children enjoy boarding at this school. They make new friends and enjoy socialising with children of all ages. Older children help the younger children, or those new to boarding, to feel at home.
“Children feel they are fortunate to board at this school. They believe that the experience helps
their overall development.
“Children are helped to settle as boarders. There is a well-established routine of visits
to the school before children begin boarding.”
Headteacher Jonathan Webb
Boarders told inspectors their boarding houses were like ‘big families’. The report said:
“Everyone has someone they can talk to, which means that children feel reassured
about being away from family members.”
Areas to improve
Ofsted recommended improvements in three areas. It described the arrangements for auditing medication as “mixed”, adding:
“This reduces the effectiveness of the oversight of medication that is stored in the boarding houses. The head of boarding accepts this shortfall and plans to improve these processes.”
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Inspectors also said that although most areas are well maintained “the physical condition of the boarding houses varies” and that “some bathrooms need improving and one of the houses lacks homely touches” .
“Given that some children stay in the boarding houses for long periods, this is detrimental to their experiences.”
Ofsted also said there was a potential risk to children, recognised by leaders, due to the siting of the artificial playing field and their were plans “to improve screening to enhance the protection afforded to children”.
Headteacher ‘extremely pleased’
Mr Webb said:
“Overall we are extremely pleased with the outcome of this report given the increased rigour, now evident from Ofsted, which is being applied to the inspection framework.
“Since our last inspection in 2017, boarding at RGS has most definitely moved on with some essential, possibly less eye-catching, initiatives such as the considerable amount of investment we have made to site and fire security in both houses, extensive upgrades to staff accommodation to ensure we recruit and retain highly qualified and committed staff, and improvements in some of the social spaces such as communal kitchens and common rooms.
“Last year we also added a further 10 new bedrooms in School House to accommodate boarders. In addition, a huge amount of work has been done to standardise routines across both houses and promote boarders’ independence.”
Ripon estate agent wins gold property awardRipon estate agent wins gold award for the city
Ripon-based estate agent, Davis & Lund, has won the British Property Award for Ripon.
The agency will now be shortlisted for a number of national awards set to be announced later this year.
This award focused on customer service levels which the British Property Awards judges found to be “outstanding” at Davis & Lund.
Paul Lund, director, said:
“I am delighted and exceptionally proud of my team for all their hard work helping us win this award. Not only are we market leading agents in Ripon, we have now been recognised with this award.”
Chris Davis, co-director added:
“We have also just found out this week that we have won that same award for our new branch in Thirsk, which just goes to show customer service is at the heart of everything we do.”
Chris Davis
Harrogate mobile app business targets growth after a difficult two years
Harrogate-based mobile app business, Mobile Tornado, has said that after an unpredictable two years is it is now focused on growth.
The listed company reported total revenue of £2.59m for the year ended 31 December 2021, up from £2.53m in 2020. Its pre-tax losses also reduced to £861,000 from £1.39m.
Jeremy Fenn, chairman of Mobile Tornado, said:
“It has been an extremely difficult two years for the business. The principal markets we operate in have been badly hit by the pandemic, dramatically constraining our business development activities.
“We have managed to maintain our revenue levels through this period, and executed significant improvements to our operational efficiency, such that we have reduced our operating expense from £3.16m in 2019 to £2.53m in 2021. This has allowed the business to trade through the period with modest losses, funded by a small working capital facility provided by our principal shareholder, and no further recourse to shareholders.”
Mr Fenn added that business had been “promising” in the first quarter of 2022.
The rivers beckon for paddlers from the Harrogate districtCovid lockdowns put a two-year hold on the outdoor activities of the Dales Canoe Club, but members of all ages will soon be taking to the water once more.
The multi-generational, family-focused club has 40 paddlers aged from 11-year-olds to people in their mid-70s, who come from across the Harrogate district..
They keenly await April 28, when they will head for the River Nidd in Knaresborough for their first meet of the season.
Between then and September, the Thursday evening gatherings will be held on rivers and canals throughout the Yorkshire Dales and further afield.
Winter practice at Starbeck Baths.
Fundraiser Jeremy Dunford has been involved with the club since 2015, when his son Reuben started as a novice.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“We had a boost with a successful application to the National Lottery, which brought nearly £10,000 and we have also received financial support from North Yorkshire County Council.
“The money has ensured that we are able to take all the new paddlers on the river at the same time over the summer.
“A key principle of the club is to ensure that paddling is affordable to all and the equipment can be expensive.
“We keep a certain amount of stock but this ages quickly as well as getting damaged. All our new paddlers have access to club kit for as long as they need (including kayaks and paddles).”
The club caters for people of all ages, from children to grandparents
Through the winter, members have been practicing at Starbeck Baths, but with the warmer weather and lighter nights they will be back on river banks across the region and ready to go immediately after the Easter holiday.
Educational and enjoyable
Mr Dunford said:
“Paddlers often use their involvement with the club as a springboard to academic progression elsewhere. One is currently studying outdoor adventure sports at uni having done, as my son did, a BTec in outdoor adventure sports at Askham Bryan and this in turn has enabled them to get places on camp in Canada.
“Some members also use the club as part of BTec course evidence, GCSE Sports Science and D of E awards evidence.
“We welcome, paddlers with conditions such as epilepsy, autism and ADHD, all of whom have had their paddling experience adjusted to ensure their needs are met.”
Members enjoy the social, as well as the sporting activities of the club.
Long-term members
The club started in 1976. and Maurice Young, a retired GP now in his 80s who took his sons along from day one, has been chairperson since 1978..
Dave Titchmarsh, who is the second in command, is a paddler in his 70s and has been with the club for many years as well.
One of the club’s senior members, Ted Walton, started as a teenager and is now in his 50s and leads a lot of activities.
The club, which adheres to all safety standards, currently has a full complement of members but opportunities for more people to join in September will open up as some move on to university.
Further details are available by clicking here.
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The Inn South Stainley introduces parking chargesThe Inn South Stainley is to introduce parking charges for people who do not use the venue.
The pub, midway between Harrogate and Ripon on the A61, has a 36 bus route directly outside.
Some people going to Harrogate, Ripon and Leeds use the site as a free park and ride.
Meters and signs have been introduced explaining that it will cost £2 to park for up to two hours, £4 for up to three hours and £5 for up to 10 hours.
Anyone using the pub, or the adjoining 12-bedroom accommodation, will be able to put their vehicle details into a touchpad screen when they enter to avoid the charge.
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Bar manager Chris Chapman said:
“Because the bus stop is right outside, people park and jump on the bus to go to Harrogate, Ripon and Leeds.
“We won’t be charging customers.”
The Stray Ferret revealed in February that parking meters had been installed in Ripley Castle Car Park.
The car park was also used for free by some people who then caught the 36 bus.
Art gallery will be retained in plans to redevelop Ripon buildingIt will be business as usual for a Ripon art gallery, if plans to extensively redevelop premises in a prime city location receive approval.
David Harrison owns and operates the gallery at 19 Kirkgate, where he also provides a bespoke framing service.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“I’ve had amicable and constructive discussions with the landlord and I am happy with what they are proposing.
“I’ve been here for seven years and their plans mean that I will be able to continue to trade from this location”
Mr Harrison, who was born and bred in Ripon, is well-known by the city’s arts community. Work by locally-based contemporary artists, such as Carol Ashworth, can be bought from his shop.
He said:
“I went to school in the city and my parents used to run the White Horse pub in North Street, so I know a lot of people in Ripon.”
David Harrison pictured in his gallery next to an original work by Carol Ashworth
Sterne Properties, which owns 19 Kirkgate, has submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council for internal reconfiguration of the building, which currently comprises Mr Harrisons’ retail unit at street level and a two-bedroom flat above.
The Ripon-based property company is seeking permission to create a cottage incorporating two flats at the premises, which are close to the city’s iconic cathedral.
With changes to the internal layout of the building including the removal of a wall, the gallery will be able to retain its space.
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The building has had an arts connection for many years. Prior to Mr Harrison setting up his business, 19 Kirkgate, was home to Alan Matthews Watercolours and works of the artist could be seen and purchased from the premises.
Sterne’s track record
Sterne’s track record of property development has supported retail regeneration and the hospitality and leisure sectors in Ripon.
The company’s projects include the mixed-used redevelopment of the former NatWest bank building next to Ripon Town Hall, which brought the Claro Lounge to the city and saw the creation of apartments on the upper floors.
Other developments include Halls (formerly Wrens) on Fishergate, where Ripon’s only department store reopened last year.
The company was also responsible for the redevelopment of a former furniture store on North Street, which enabled Curzon to bring cinema back to the city for the first time in more than 30 years.
The sport ‘anyone can play’ that has exploded across the Harrogate districtA mashup of tennis and squash that originated in Mexico, padel has been described as one of the world’s fastest growing sports.
It is played between four players on reduced-size tennis courts. Competitors use paddle racquets and can bounce the ball off walls.
Since November 2020, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has been the national governing body for the sport when it was officially recognised as a discipline of tennis. This has opened the door for greater recognition, support and funding.
Admittedly, I had never even heard it until around a year ago and since then, it seems to have exploded across the Harrogate district.
Ahead of the curve
Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre, on Hookstone Wood Road, was ahead of the curve, launching its first outdoor padel court in 2019, followed by a second glass-enclosed court in 2021 due to popular demand.
The only courts of their kind in the region, they saw people travel from Hull, Liverpool and Manchester to play.
Padel tennis at Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre.
The club’s manager James Gaston said:
“It has grown in popularity very quickly and we have approximately 250 padel players.
“It is popular because it is very easy to play compared to tennis and it is great fun as doubles and close together on the court.
“It’s a great game and everyone should try it.”
James Gaston outside Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre.
Then in January Surge Padel, the largest indoor padel tennis centre in the UK with six courts, opened its doors at Hornbeam Park. The International Padel Federation is already considering it as the potential host of its European Championships.
Plans for eight new centres
CEO Stuart Perrin said it had already proved to be so successful in Harrogate, he was now planning to launch minimum of eight additional centres in the UK this year.
One of the padel courts at Surge.
Speaking about why he chose Harrogate to locate his first padel centre, he said:
“There are two reasons really.
“Firstly, I’m a local resident and know the local health and fitness market well. Operating in the town with success previously meant I had a path once trodden that could be replicated and improved on.
“Secondly, the demographics of Harrogate really lend themselves to those of racket sports, giving us a head start on the education piece, with padel being a relatively new sport to the UK.
“It has exceeded all expectations so far with no signs of stopping any time soon.”
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Mr Perrin said the club currently had more than 820 members, with half of those using it on a weekly basis.
He added:
“We anticipate this number to grow to north of 1,000 members by the end of June.
“I think it has been so popular as we have delivered the UK’s largest premium indoor padel tennis centre and we are unaffected by the weather.
“Being underpinned by a brand like Coach and associated with Adidas has also cemented us as the market leader within the sector very quickly.”
Surge at Hornbeam Park is the largest indoor padel tennis court in the UK.
Next month, two new padel tennis courts will launch at Ripon Tennis Centre following a successful crowdfunding campaign, which saw more than £30,500 raised in 28 days thanks to the support of residents and businesses.
Membership boost
The project was put forward to help boost the club’s membership in the wake of the pandemic and will see the new courts, plus canopies and flood lighting, built at the centre on Park Lane.
Additional funding has also been provided by Sport England alongside a loan from the LTA.
Carol Tetlow, the club’s honorary secretary, said:
“It’s all very exciting and we can’t wait to get playing.
“Fingers crossed, our courts should be up and ready for play by the end of April. There will be two courts, one with a roof, guaranteeing all year round play.
“Covid-19 took its toll on Ripon tennis club, like many other sporting venues, and we saw membership numbers drop by a fifth and also lost a lot of income.
“Our centre manager, Diane Hutchinson came up with the great idea of not simply trying to recoup our losses but seize this opportunity to expand the centre with a new venture – padel tennis.”
Ripon MP Julian Smith visiting the padel site at Ripon Tennis Centre, with Diane Hutchinson (left) and Carol Tetlow (right).
Ms Tetlow put the sport’s rapid growth and popularity down to it being easy to play and therefore accessible for all ages and abilities.
A game for everyone
She said:
“Even beginners can go on court and enjoy a game, unlike some sports where techniques have to be acquired and learned.
“The less mobile players who find it difficult to get around a tennis court can have challenging games.
“At the other end of the scale, highly experienced players can amaze spectators with their agility and skill.”
Ms Tatlow said the club had recently taken on a new coach, Christopher Stanford, who will coach padel, as well as tennis.
She added:
“We’ve had lots of enquiries as the word has spread and as a result of our crowdfunding campaign. Membership is growing again and I’m sure padel is one of the reasons for this.
“With the nearest courts in Harrogate and Middlesbrough, Ripon has to be the ideal place for more courts.”
‘Really social’
Stuart Jones, from Harrogate, has been playing padel for two years after picking up the sport while on holiday in Spain, which has more than 20,000 padel courts. Behind football it is the country’s second-most-popular sport.
He said:
“I really enjoy the competitive nature of the game, the fact it’s doubles and really social.
“I started to play at the courts at Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre and now also play at Surge, where they also have coaching for adults, as well as juniors, which is perfect for me as my eldest son also enjoys the game.”
Here are ten facts you might not know about padel tennis, from the LTA:
- Lionel Messi has a padel court in his garden
- Padel was invented in Mexico in the 1960s
- It is played in doubles
- Padel rules are similar to tennis – but you serve underarm
- Jamie Murray has played in a professional padel tournament
- Padel balls are smaller than tennis balls
- Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp plays the game to discuss ideas with his coaches
- There are more than 6,000 padel players in the UK
- It may not be an Olympic sport yet but campaigns are underway to make it one
Men charged with theft from Harrogate and Ripon tipsThree men have appeared in court charged with stealing items from household waste recycling centres in Harrogate and Ripon.
North Yorkshire County Council operates the sites at Penny Pot Lane in Harrogate and Dallamires Lane in Ripon.
Lewis Boocock, 23, of Pioneer House, Dewsbury, is alleged to have stolen six laptops from Dallamires Lane and two TVs and two laptops from Penny Pot Lane on March 20 last year.
Mitchell Boocock, 22, of Common Road, Batley is charged with the theft of numerous electrical items from Penny Pot Lane on March 29 last year.
Luke Boocock, 21, of Leeds Road, Ossett, is alleged to have stolen electrical items from the sites at Penny Pot Lane and Dallamires Lane on March 21 and March 29 last year.
The cases, which were heard at Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday, have been remitted to Lancashire Magistrates Court on April 22.
The three men were granted unconditional bail.
Write-On Ripon stages second open mic eveningLiterature lovers are getting ready for the sequel to Write-On Ripon‘s first open mic evening in February.
The stylish brick-built basement under Curzon Cinema on North Street, will again be the venue for Monday night’s readings of poetry and prose..
Dion Child, who organises the writing group, told the Stray Ferret:
“The first event proved such a success, that we agreed on the night that we would come back for more.
“The 30 people who attended, were able to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, the great acoustics and the positive audience reaction, to an eclectic mixture of original works.”
Mr Child, himself a creative writer and poet, added:
“I am relatively new to Ripon and am absolutely knocked out by the depth of writing talent that I have seen from people of all ages in this magnificent and inspiring city.
“There is still room for more writers to join us on Monday and whether they want to read a short poem or story they have written, or simply listen to the words of others, all will be given a very warm welcome.”
Write-on Ripon Open Mic II begins at 7.30pm and entry is free. Further details are available here.
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Rat-hit Ripon playground could reopen by Easter
The play area at Quarry Moor Park, which was closed in September because of rat infestation, could reopen in time for the Easter holidays.
The Ripon City Council-owned and operated playground shut after discarded food items attracted rodents.
Since then the council has tried to eradicate the rats. It has also removed a waste bin and put up a sign at the entrance to the adjacent Quarry Moor Nature Reserve, and park, asking visitors to take rubbish home.
City council leader Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret:
“Earlier this week, we appointed contractors to carry out the necessary refurbishment work and cleaning ahead of reopening.
“It is our hope that this can be achieved in time for the Easter holiday, but that will be reliant upon all equipment passing rigorous hygiene and safety checks, as the wellbeing of children playing there is of paramount importance.”
This sign was put in place after rat infestation caused the closure of the playground.
Longer-term plans for the playground include replacement of the play equipment and erection of new fencing.
A total of £70,000 from the Ripon parish precept has been set aside for this work and the city council is seeking additional sources of funding, before it proceeds with the refurbishment programme.
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Quarry Moor Park
The park, just off the A61 on the southern approach to Ripon, was created on land donated to the city by Alderman Thomas Fowler Spence in 1945.
He served as the mayor of Ripon between 1927 and 1929 and was managing director of varnish manufacturer T and R Williamson — a prominent employer in the city since the 18th century.
Alderman Spence donated the 24-acre site on the understanding that it would “be kept for Ripon children for all time”.
It has been held in trust ever since, becoming one of the city’s most valued attractions.
In recognition of its unique geology and rare species-rich magnesian limestone grassland, Quarry Moor was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1986 and is now managed for both nature conservation and recreation.
Ripon soldiers join United Nations peacekeeping force in CyprusRipon-based soldiers in the 21 Engineer Regiment have begun a deployment in Cyprus as part of a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force.
The soldiers will spend the next six months carrying out patrols on the buffer zone that runs between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
The UN force was set up in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the two island communities.
Sappers from the regiment took up their duties on Monday in a ceremony in the country’s capital, Nicosia.
Lieutenant colonel Perry Bishop, commanding officer of 21 Engineer Regiment said:
“Peacekeeping poses some unique challenges that I have not experienced elsewhere in my career.”
“The Regiment’s soldiers understand the importance of this mission, and are eager to put the British Army’s world-leading training to good effect.”
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21 Engineer Regiment has three squadrons based in Ripon.
In recent years, it has seen a significant focus on support to UN peacekeeping operations.
This has included deployments to Cyprus, Somalia, and South Sudan.