Vaccine sites in Harrogate district gearing up for spring boostersVaccination sites in the Harrogate district are preparing to get busy again following the announcement of spring booster jabs.
Covid clinics in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge have wound down or paused since December.
But that is about to change after the government said people aged 75 and over, care home residents and people with weakened immune systems can now book fourth jabs.
Yorkshire Health Network, which is a federation of 17 GP practices in the Harrogate district, operates sites at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate and Ripon Races.
The showground will have its next clinic from 8.30am to 5pm on April 1.
The Ripon Races site.
Dates at Ripon Races are being finalised so they don’t clash with horse race meetings.
Tim Yarrow, operations manager at Yorkshire Health Network, said:
“We anticipate uptake to be high in the 75 and overs as Harrogate has a large population in that cohort.”
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Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge
Homecare Pharmacy Services’ site in Knaresborough.
Homecare Pharmacy’ Service‘s vaccination site at Chain Lane in Knaresborough is to add Monday covid clinics to its existing Friday and Saturday clinics. Bookings are encouraged to avoid having to wait.
Pateley Bridge Pharmacy, which paused its vaccination programme in December, plans to start again soon.
Samina Khan, who owns the pharmacy, said:
“I think we will restart in April, with bookings from March 25, but we are still finalising details.”
Infections rocketing
It comes as infection rates continue to soar in the Harrogate district.
The seven-day infection rate is now 885 per 100,000 people. It was 343 at the start of the month.
It is the highest rate in North Yorkshire and above the England rate of 833.
Harrogate West and Pannal Ash is the worst affected area in the county. It has recorded 135 positive cases in the last seven days.
Vandals daub swastika and ‘IRA’ on Ripon graveVandals have drawn a swastika, ‘Z’ and ‘IRA’ on the front and back of a gravestone in Ripon Cemetery.
North Yorkshire Police said today the attack was particularly shocking for Ripon’s military personnel.
It added it will be stepping-up patrols in the Ripon area “to prevent further incidents of this nature”. The cemetery is based on Kirby Road, close to Ripon Grammar School.
‘Z’ has appeared on the side of some Russian military vehicles in Ukraine.
Inspector Alex Langley, from the Ripon neighbourhood policing team said:
“Members of the public are quite rightly shocked by these instances of vandalism. This is particularly upsetting for the large military community that we have in Ripon.
“Incidents of this nature will not be tolerated, and I would urge anyone who has any information to contact us “.
Police urge anyone with information to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Katie Bell. Alternatively you can email katie.bell@northyorkshire.police.uk
Quote reference number 12220048095.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Ripon man who helped Ukrainian refugees set for hero’s return
A month after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Lewis Edwards is planning to return to his home city of Ripon with Ukrainian partner Tanya Bogdanovska.
Teachers Mr Edwards and Ms Bogdanovska fled Kyiv, where they had been working at a private school, on February 25.
Joining the mass migration of refugees who sought safety in neighbouring NATO countries, they arrived in Slovakia.
There, they and eight friends created a shelter to help Ukrainian women, children and men over 60 find sanctuary in other parts of Europe.
This morning Mr Edwards told the Stray Ferret:
“We are awaiting the outcome of Tanya’s application to travel with me to the UK and once all is in place, our plan is to head straight to Ripon.
“That will give us time to find our feet again, while being with family, friends and meeting some of people who have been so generous in supporting our work with refugees.”
Former soldier Mike Heelan is also returning home to Harrogate after travelling to Slovakia to help. Mr Edwards said:
“I would like to say a massive thank you to Mike Heelan, who came over from Harrogate when he read about what we have been doing in Slovakia.
“His help has been invaluable and we will be wishing him well when he heads off back to the UK later today.”
Former soldier Mike Heelan is returning to Harrogate.
Fundraising for Ukraine to continue
Their efforts have been supported by a gofundme page launched by Mr Edwards’ family. More than £19,000 has been raised.
Though they are leaving Slovakia, the fundraising will continue.
Mr Edwards’ mother, Ali, said:
“We are excited that he will be returning to the UK with Tanya and look forward to their safe arrival in Ripon.
“Though they leaving Slovakia, we are committed to continuing the fundraising for the people of Ukraine, who face a desperate situation for the foreseeable future. The monies raised will go to other groups who will be providing humanitarian assistance.”
The flag of Ukraine flies above Ripon Town Hall
The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, supported the gofundme appeal through an event staged this month at The Magdalens Pub, which he owns and runs with his consort, Nigel Guy,
Cllr Parkin, said:
“We already have the flag of Ukraine flying on the town hall and Lewis and Tanya will be welcomed as heroes, when they arrive in the city.”
Funds raised in Ripon have been used to source ambulances, buy and transport vital medical supplies and food and provide shelter.
This work will continue, through the increased involvement of the Slovakian government, acting in liaison with humanitarian aid agencies and on-the-ground volunteer groups.
New Post Office opens in RiponA new Post Office has opened in the Costcutter store on Elm Road in Ripon.
The new branch, which opened on Friday, It open from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week.
It is the fourth Post Office in Ripon, which also has branches on Bondgate, Clotherholme Road and in The Arcade.
Customers will be able to post letters and parcels as well as pay bills, withdraw cash, return online shopping items and order travel money.
A press release by Post Office said the new branch was “part of an exciting modernisation and investment programme taking place across the Post Office network”.
Ian Murphy, Post Office network provision lead, said:
“We want to make it as easy as possible for customers to pay their bills, withdraw cash from their bank accounts, and send and collect their mail at a time and place that suits them best.
“We know how important our services are to customers, and we are confident that this brand-new Post Office alongside the Bondgate branch will ensure that people in this area of Ripon have easy access to our services.”
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Drink-drive charge after car crashes into Harrogate gardenHarrogate roads policing sergeant Paul Cording has published photos of a car that crashed into a Harrogate home over the weekend.
Sgt Cording, who regularly tweets about police life on the road, said the driver, who has not been named, had been charged with drink-driving and would appear in court next month. He tweeted:
“Thankfully no injuries and no one was in the garden at the time.”
He posted about the incident at about 7am yesterday morning.
During two busy weekend night shifts, Sgt Cording also tweeted about a car driver in Ripon refusing to stop when asked by police and the recovery of class A drugs.
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Sparkling awards evening for Ripon City Netball ClubRipon City Netball Club’s Falcons, Kestrels, Ospreys Eagles and Hawks, flocked together for their social highlight of the year — the annual awards.
More than 40 members from the teams, which are each named after birds of prey, gathered at Ripon Bowling Club on Saturday for a sparkling evening of prize presentations, congratulations and celebration of the 2021-2022 season.
The event was compered by the club’s head coach, Helen Mackenzie who, at Christmas, received her own accolade from former BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration when the votes of readers of the Stray Ferret saw her win the Harry’s Heroes community award.
Thandi Mahlangu, winner of the players’ player award for the Eagles, received her award from Alastair Little of Biffa.
The club, which was formed seven years ago, is based at Ripon Grammar School and has teams playing in the Harrogate, Hambleton and the North Yorkshire Ambassador leagues.
Its focus, since formation, has been on inclusivity, providing the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to join in both sporting and social activities.
Club member Jackie Laugher (left) mother of GB diving star and triple Olympic medal winner Jack, presented Helen Mackenzie with gifts on behalf of the club.
Ms Mackenzie said:
“The aim since we set off has been to create a club based on three words – participate, enjoy, succeed.
“We are inclusive, welcoming all-comers.
“This sees mothers play alongside their daughters and siblings enjoying training and playing together.”
The trophies that were presented.
The award recipients
Presentations were made by Alastair Little, Yorkshire regional general manager of waste management and recycling company Biffa, one of the club’s sponsors.
For each team, trophies were awarded to the most improved player, the coach’s selected player and the players’ player.
The award winners were:
Falcons: Steph Parker, Jo Wallace, Helen Peacock
Kestrels: Suzanne Armstrong, Jen Addyman, Alice Scurr
Ospreys: Lindsey Stockdale, Karen Ellam, Becky Ash
Eagles: Lesley Watkinson, Cat Walmsley, Thandi Mahlangu
Hawks: Rachel Cattley, Karen Dodds, Laura Cardin
Winners of other club awards were: Nicole Greenwood, Nicola Lymer, Michelle Ingham, Kirsteen Dixon, Anne Groves, Beth Beadle and Hayley Blaymires.
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Lightwater Valley adventure park to reopen next weekendLightwater Valley will reopen next weekend, with new attractions and activities to attract families of younger children.
The adventure park near Ripon said visitors can expect a new discovery woods, dodgems, new food outlets, a hall of mirrors, an old-school amusement arcade and a new character for children to meet.
Ebor the Lightwater Dragon will meet and greet visitors and have his photo taken.
The friendly dragon is part of the park’s re-brand towards younger children aged up to 12 and will be at the centre of the daily entertainment programme throughout the year.
Discovery Woods will include a lakeside nature trail, a mud kitchen and cloud gazing.
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The park would not be complete without its rides, of which it has more than 35.
Some old favourites like the Eagle’s Claw, Skyrider and the Lady Bird rollercoaster will reopen alongside some gentler rides such as the carousel and the Lightwater Express train.
The Eagle’s Claw
The park has not confirmed if larger rides like the Ultimate will reopen but with its focus now on younger children some rides no longer fit the brief.
Treetop Trails, where visitors can walk across trampoline nets high above the park, will reopen.
Scenic 42-mile walking route from Bradford to Ripon createdA scenic 42-mile walk between Bradford and Ripon has been created that takes in Saltaire, Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks.
The Burley Bridge Association and Ramblers Lower Wharfedale, who devised the route, have invited ramblers to join them for the inaugural walk on Friday April 29. There will also be several guided walks spread out over the bank holiday weekend.
It will begin at Bradford Cathedral between 9am and 10am and will continue to Saltaire (4.5 miles) then to Burley (8 miles).
The third stage to Thruscross Reservoir (10 miles) will take place on Saturday April 30, starting at 10am from Burley Station, with mini-bus transport provided back to Burley. There will be a small charge to cover costs.
The fourth stage from Thruscross to Brimham Rocks (8.5 miles) will take place on Sunday May 1 and the fifth stage from Brimham Rocks to Ripon (11 miles) will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2.
David Asher, secretary of the BBA said:
“It links the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Saltaire and Fountains Abbey and goes through some of the best scenery that West and North Yorkshire has to offer.
“From a hidden green corridor starting near the centre of Bradford, to upland moor landscapes with extensive views, stunning wooded valleys, and past dramatic geological formations such as Brimham Rocks.”
“There are also loads of bridges to cross including the 13th century Butterton Bridge which features on the waymarks along the route. The Wharfe can be crossed either by the stepping stones or by Denton Bridge depending on the water level.”
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The walk finishes at Ripon Cathedral and all walkers are invited to the Ripon Beer Festival that takes place that day. It is being hosted by the Cathedral as part of its 1350th birthday celebrations.
If you want to book, send names and phone numbers to burleybridge@gmail.com
Shortlist revealed for Ripon Civic Society’s design awardsFrom facilities designed for the seriously rich to listed buildings of religious and historic significance, the Ripon Civic Society’s design awards shortlist embraces a wide range of architectural splendour.
Grantley Hall, the multi-million pound luxury hotel, fine dining and wellness retreat, is among the contenders in the Best New Building category for the Hazzard Silver Cup.
Grantley Hall is also shortlisted for the best restored building award, where it is competing again, amongst others, St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church at Coltsgate Hill. where renovation was made possible because of the £500,000 raised by parishioners and grant funding.
Opened in 1862, the Grade II* listed building is recognised as one of finest parish churches in England.
The Pugin reredos that provides the backdrop for the high altar at St Wilfrid’s was refurbished as part of the church’s restoration.
St Wilfrid’s is also shortlisted for the society’s Craftsmanship Award, where it again competes against Grantley Hall.
Both face stiff competition in this category from Ripon Cathedral’s Fallen Angels project, which saw the restoration of carvings and canopies in the medieval quire.
Ripon Cathedral’s Fallen Angels project is shortlisted for the civic society’s design awards. Picture: Ripon Cathedral
Grantley Hall is also in the running for The Younge Rose Bowl for Best Environmental Improvement, where it is up against Ripon City Wetlands, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Oscar’s Wood and High Batts Nature Reserve.
Ripon Claro Lounge is shortlisted in the Best Contribution to City Centre Revitalisation category
Contenders for the Taylor plate for Best Contribution to City Centre Revitalisation are the Claro Lounge and apartments in Market Place South, The Magdalens pub in Princess Road and The Water Rat at Bondgate Green.
Society chairman Christopher Hughes, said:
“Our usual biennial awards last held in 2018 have, as a result of covid restrictions in 2020, become quadrennial this year, and whilst we were anticipating a larger-than-usual response we have almost been overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of nominations submitted.
“Over the past few weeks our four judges have been considering and fine tuning a list of over thirty submissions, many of which had award-winning potential.
“Finally, and with not a little difficulty, we’ve arrived at a shortlist of which we are extremely proud and which we believe showcases the remarkable quality of projects in our part of Yorkshire”.
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The award presentations will take place at Ripon’s Workhouse Museum on the evening of Thursday, April 7.
The winners of two of the awards — The John Whitehead Award for Civic Excellence and the Helen Whitehead Award for Best Project — will be announced on the evening.
Ripon Library hosts a colourful Holi celebrationWith perfect timing, yesterday’s bright sunshine marked the start of Holi and saw a celebratory event at Ripon Library.
The Hindu festival signals the arrival of spring — focusing on love, new life and reconciliation.
Following the Diwali celebration staged at the library in November, Sarita McDermott, owner of the Realitea Indian bistro and tearoom on North Street, brought an insight into the culture of her native country.
Supported, once more, by a team of dancers from Jennyruth Workshops and the library’s outreach librarian Claire Thompson, the event provided an authentic taste of Indian culture, through readings, music, dancing and food.
Ms. McDermott, told the audience:
“Holi is all about making a fresh start, forgiving and forgetting, loving and looking forward, as we leave the cold winter weather behind us and enjoy the spring and sunshine.”
Part of the Holi Festival celebrations involve coating people with brightly-coloured powder paint. Picture: BBC
The festival features dancing, singing and, at some locations (though not Ripon Library), the throwing of powder paint and coloured water, in celebration of the Hindu god Krishna and the legend of Holika and Prahlad.
Ms Thompson, who gave a reading about Holi, told the Stray Ferret:
“It’s a pleasure for the library to hold brilliant events such as this, which enable people, particularly children, to learn about different cultures and how festivals are celebrated in other countries, just as we celebrate Easter and Christmas in this country.”
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