Ripon Archives - Page 156 of 200

Ripon’s only toy shop relocates

Ripon’s only toy shop has moved to a new location in time for Christmas.

Although The Easy Learning Shop has only relocated a matter of feet, owner Pete Wilkinson believes it can make a big difference.

He has moved from inside the Duck Hill Shopping Quarter to a unit on Duck Hill with a street frontage.

Mr Wilkinson told the Stray Ferret:

“This is something I’ve wanted for some time, as it gives me the opportunity to do window displays that change through the year, with Christmas an obvious time to try and catch people’s eyes.”

Animal glove puppets at the Easy Learning Shop

The shop, which sells traditional wooden toys and games, alongside puppets, books and goods designed to help educate children as they play, opened four years ago, when Mr Wilkinson was forced to change career.

He said:

“I was a bus driver for 18 years and used to drive the 36 double deckers, but that came to an abrupt halt after I sustained serious back injuries in a fall, which made driving buses too painful.

“I had to look for something else to do to earn a living and that’s when I decided to go into retail and I’m pleased to say that things have worked out.”

Since the move on Monday, he has already attracted new customers and he looks forward to building on that as the festive season rapidly approaches.

Guide to fireworks displays in the Harrogate district

Bonfire night is fast approaching so we have compiled a list of events coming up this weekend in the Harrogate district.

Bonfires in Masham and Bilton were cancelled this year but we have still managed to find nine that are due to go ahead either on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Let us know if we have missed your event and we will add it to the list email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or call us on 01423 276197 and we will add you to the list.

Friday 5th November

Knaresborough Cricket Club Fireworks Night

Where: Aspin Lane, Knaresborough, HG5 8EP

When: 6:15pm start, 7pm firework display

Tickets: adult £2, concessions £1

Aspin Park Academy, Knaresborough

Where: School grounds, parking on Manse Lane, Knaresborough

When: 5pm start, 6.30pm firework display

Tickets: Advance online booking – adults £4, children £3, family ticket £12, preschoolers free. On the gate – adults £5, children £4

Ripon Rowels Rotary Charity Bonfire and Firework Display

Where: Ripon Racecourse, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, HG4 1UG

When: 5:30pm start, 7pm fire lit, 7:30pm firework display.

Tickets: adults £6, children £3, family (2 adult, 2 child) £12, under 3s free

Spofforth Village Firework Display

Where: Spofforth cricket ground

Timings: Gates open 5pm

Tickets: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Tockwith & District Agricultural Society Annual Bonfire & Firework Display

Where: Show field, Cattle Moor Lane, Tockwith, YO26 7QH

Timings: 6pm start, 6:30pm fire lit, 7pm fireworks

Tickets: 13 and over £5, under 13s free

The Tockwith event is back.

Saturday 6th November

50th Annual Stray Bonfire, Harrogate Roundtable

Where: The Stray, Harrogate, HG1 1BJ

When: 6pm start, 6:30pm fire lit, 7pm fireworks

Tickets: free entry, donations welcome

Upper Nidderdale Scouts Group Pateley Bonfire

Where: Pateley Bridge Showground

When: 5:30pm bonfire lit, 7pm fireworks

Tickets: free entry, donations welcome

Wath and Melmerby Community Bonfire

Where: Roger Clarke Motor Engineers, The Sidings, Melmerby, HG4 5EX

When: 6pm bonfire lit, 7pm fireworks

Tickets: £5 per family

Sunday 7th November

Staveley Arms Bonfire

Where: The Staveley Arms, Greenfields, North Stainley, Ripon, HG4 3HT

When: 4pm-6pm

Tickets: £3 per person

Swinton Bivouac Quiet Bonfire Night

Where: Swinton Bivouac, Masham, Ilton, Ripon, HG4 4JZ

When: 6:30pm bonfire lit. There will be no fireworks or loud bangs.

Tickets: free entry, food and drinks available from the Bivouac Café

Starbeck Community Firework Night – Harrogate Railway Sports and Social Club, Friends of Starbeck School

Where: Harrogate Railway Sports & Social Club, Station View, Starbeck, HG2 7JA

When: 5pm start, 6:30pm fireworks

Tickets: under 5’s free, 5 to 15’s £1, over 16’s £2

Council insists Ripon pool ‘safe’ to open despite sinkhole fears

Harrogate Borough Council officials have said the new Ripon swimming pool will be safe to open despite news this week that further ground investigations are necessary.

The six-lane pool on Dallamires Lane is due to open on December 8. The adjoining leisure centre is due to partially open on the same date.

The council issued a statement this week saying it planned to carry out “ground remedial works and a thorough investigation programme” of the leisure centre site, which could result in further remedial work and a six-month closure.

It follows the discovery of a void near the leisure centre last year, which prompted an investigation at an estimated cost of £110,000.

The Stray Ferret asked the authority whether it remained confident the pool was safe to open next month despite the need for further work, which will include commissioning a 3D map of underground soil conditions

A spokesperson said the sites were “two separate foundations” and that the swimming pool was safe to use.

Safety concerns

Mr Mackintosh told the Stray Ferret that public safety at the site had “to be the overriding consideration” and that he would be writing to senior Harrogate councillors ahead of their decision on further investigative works on Wednesday.

Dr Alan Thompson, a geologist and director of director of Cuesta Consulting in Somerset, has also previously raised safety concerns following an investigation by consultancy firm Stantec into the “cavity” that appeared at the site in September last year.

News of the latest investigation raises questions over whether the ground instability problems can be permanently solved and how much it will cost taxpayers to fund any further remedial works that may be required.

The city’s leisure centre will only be partially open when the new swimming pool comes on stream in five weeks time.

The ground floor is to remain closed, while the first floor gym will open.

Council officials said in a report that the leisure centre could continue to operate half open while investigations at the site are carried out, possibly in the New Year.

It said:

“In August 2021, an officer decision was made, following advice from the consulting engineers that Ripon Leisure Centre could continue to operate on the reconfigured and refurbished first floor.

“The consulting engineers informed officers that they did not believe that there had been a geological change to the risk profile of the building since the initial void at the right hand side by the entrance was discovered in 2020.”

However, the site will close for six months if further further work is required. The report added that the investigation would not affect the swimming pool.

Void discovered

When asked why the first floor of the leisure site was to remain open instead of closing the entire building during the investigations, a council spokesperson said “the consulting engineers have advised the existing leisure centre can remain open”.

The void is understood to have been beneath the older half of the centre for several years and was discovered near where a sinkhole opened up in 2018. Ripon is notorious for sinkholes.

The initial investigations covered around 15% of the building’s footprint and if approved by senior councillors next week, the remainder will be surveyed.

It is likely this will lead to the need for ground strengthening works, similar to what was done to stabilise the ground beneath the new swimming pool.

During this time, the council said it would look to provide gym facilities at a different venue in the city which is one of the UK’s most sinkhole-prone areas.

Harrogate district MPs abstain from Owen Paterson vote

Local Conservative MPs Andrew Jones and Julian Smith abstained from the controversial vote in the Commons yesterday on whether to suspend former minister Owen Paterson.

MPs voted by 250 to 232 to put off a decision on whether to suspend Mr Paterson.

A total of 98 Conservative MPs did not take part in the vote, despite pressure from the party leadership to vote in favour.

They included Mr Jones, who represents Harrogate and Knaresborough, and Mr Smith, who represents Skipton and Ripon. Both men rarely rebel from the party line.

Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams, who is Minister of State without Portfolio at the Cabinet Office, voted with the government.

The Leadsom amendment was put forward after a Parliamentary standards watchdog found Mr Paterson had breached lobbying rules by approaching MPs about two firms he was working for as a consultant.

The vote was carried and would have seen the formation a new cross-party committee of MPs to review the process for policing MPs and postponed Mr Paterson’s 30-day suspension from the Commons.

But following a fierce backlash, today, the government has now said it will rethink its plans.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Leader of the House, said the changes would not go ahead without cross-party support. He added a further vote on Mr Paterson’s suspension will go ahead.

The Stray Ferret has contacted Mr Smith and Mr Jones about the vote but has not received replies.

Dancers share the joy of Diwali at Ripon Library

Ripon was given an insight into the festivities associated with Dawali at a special event in the city’s library this week.

The five-day Festival of Lights, whose principal day is today, is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.

Its focus is on new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness.

Sarita McDermott, who owns Realitea, the Indian tea room and bistro on North Street, organised the event at the library with outreach librarian Claire Thompson.

She told the audience:

“Diwali is like Christmas in this country. People put on their best clothes, enjoy some lovely food, music and dancing.

“I wanted to show friends and other people in Ripon, the peaceful joy that this festival brings.”

Sarita McDermott leads the dancing.

Among those joining in the celebrations was a team of dancers from Jennyruth Workshops who wore traditional Indian dress.

They had been practicing for a month prior to their performance, which included dancing to music from the Punjab and the Gujarat region as well as Bollywood-style dance.

Following the display, there was an opportunity for the performers and members of the audience to enjoy some authentic Dawali dishes and treats.

Ms Thompson said:

“We had planned to stage an event of this nature for some time and I’m delighted that it has now happened and gone so well.”

Pictured: Claire Thompson (left) and Sarita McDermott, with Jennyruth dancers (from left) Matthew, Bethany and Ben Evason and Martin Grainger

Poor state of Ripon roads comes under spotlight

The rapidly-deteriorating condition of many Ripon roads came under the spotlight at a virtual meeting yesterday.

Officers from North Yorkshire County Council were invited by Ripon City Council to explain the reason for extended delays to repair and renewal work for roads, including those surrounding the Market Square, Minister Road and Dallamires Lane.

The city council had wanted NYCC to make the meeting, which was held on Teams, open to the media, but in an email exchange yesterday .Karl Battersby, NYCC’s corporate director for business and environmental services, said:

“My position remains that I am not prepared to have the discussion with the media present.”

Photo of Minster Road Minster Road, which runs past Ripon Cathedral, is in need of repairs

In an earlier email, Mr Battersby said:

“Our understanding was that this would be a frank and open discussion in private to try and reach a better understanding together of the possibilities and restrictions. At no point was this to be a press conference.”

After the meeting, city council leader Andrew Williams, who was involved in the email exchange and made the unsuccessful attempt to have it open to journalists and the public, told the Stray Ferret plans to improve Market Place East were agreed. He said:

“I can’t understand why North Yorkshire County Council didn’t want the press and public to be involved. It was cordial and constructive and would have given the officers a means to explain to the wider population the situation they face in Ripon and other parts of the county.

“With the government settlement meaning a loss of £4million from the highways budget, they are strapped for cash, but the officers did understand the concerns raised by myself and other councillors involved in the call.

“We were pleased to hear that a scheme for Market Place East will be drawn up and other areas are being looked at.”

Councillor Williams added:

“While roads in an around the city are in need of repair, we will continue to bang the drum on Ripon’s behalf.”

Ripon Leisure Centre: Harrogate council plans 3D soil map amid sinkhole fears

Harrogate Borough Council is to commission a 3D map of underground soil conditions at the new multi-million pound Ripon Leisure Centre, amid ongoing safety concerns.

The council said in a statement last night the imaging would be part of “ground remedial works and a thorough investigation programme” following the discovery of a void.

The city has a history of sinkholes caused by the soluble of nature gypsum, the rock that lies under much of the area.

The statement said a survey of the whole site and the 3D map would “ensure leisure facilities can continue to be safely provided in Ripon”.

Senior councillors will be asked to approve the remedial works and investigation at a cabinet meeting next week,

As reported by the Stray Ferret, Ripon-based chartered engineer Stanley Mackintosh has consistently raised concerns with the council about the suitability of building a swimming pool on land with a history of ground instability issues. But he feels his comments, made at a June 2019 planning meeting where the new leisure centre was approved, were largely dismissed.

The council now plans to open a new six-lane pool on the site on December 8 — but the adjoining leisure centre will only partially open on that date because of concerns about the void.

Council officials confirmed last week that the leisure centre’s ground floor will remain closed.

‘Disappointment for some’

Trevor Watson, Harrogate Borough Council’s director of economy, environment and housing, said yesterday:

“Understandably, the delayed opening of some of the new facilities in the leisure centre will be a disappointment for some, but by carrying out this investigation now it will allow us to provide fit-for-purpose leisure facilities for the people of Ripon for years to come.”

The void is understood to have been present a number of years and was only discovered last year when the reinforced concrete slab, which provides the foundation for the new swimming pool, was cast.

In May, the council approved an investigation into the “void in the ground” at an estimated cost of £110,000. Now further measures are planned.

The project, which includes a pool, fully-refurbished leisure centre and outside play areas was initially scheduled for completion in May, but ground stabilisation work known as grouting, contributed to a six-month hold up.

Ripon BID appoints management team

The Ripon Business Improvement District board has appointed a management team to deliver events and projects aimed at helping local businesses thrive.

Eighty per cent of Ripon traders voted in favour of creating a BID in June. BIDs, which are funded by a levy on local firms, come up with ideas to increase visitor numbers to towns and cities.

Elizabeth Faulkner, former manager of Altrincham BID, has been appointed Ripon BID manager and Lilla Bathurst, who previously worked for Hull BID, has been named assistant Ripon BID manager.

Ms Faulkner worked for tourism organisation Visit Manchester for 12 years. Her experience as a destination marketing specialist was put to good use in Altrincham, where she led the submission that saw the town win the Great British High Street Award in 2018.

Ms Bathurst worked as a stockbroker in the City of London prior to her move north to Hull and change of career. Her initiatives included the award-winning Hull Street Food Nights, which supported the city’s evening economy by increasing footfall.

The two women are excited by the prospect of working alongside businesses to promote Ripon as a destination locally, regionally and nationally.

Ms Faulkner said:

“This is a wonderful city with a rich history and so much more and it’s our job to make as many people as possible aware of what Ripon has to offer.”

Promoting what the city has to offer and increasing footfall are two of the objectives of the Ripon BID

Ms Bathurst added:

“I relocated to the area and soon discovered that it has a great community spirit, with people who work together and have a positive attitude.

“I’m looking forward to meeting with businesses of all sizes who make Ripon such a special place.”

Deep clean

Projects to be delivered over the next few weeks include a deep clean for city streets, the first stage of a way-finding strategy looking at signage and evaluation of Ripon’s destination and social media platforms, material and websites.

In addition, at a time of rising fuel and power costs, businesses will be offered free consultations on ways to save money.

Rick Jones, who owns Valentino’s restaurant and the Water Rat in Ripon, and is a member of BID board, said:

“We are all looking forward to moving things forward through initiatives that focus on many aspects of the Ripon economy, from heritage to hospitality to the city’s retail offer and major visitor attractions, such as Fountains Abbey and Newby Hall.

“There is a collective benefit – If they do well, we all do well and the city thrives.”

“In the first instance, we are getting the foundations right and in the appointment of Elizabeth and Lilla, we have made a great start.”

Ripon remembers with 75,000 poppies

Hand-knitted poppies have been put up around Ripon as part of Remembrance Day commemorations.

Around 75,000 poppies, most of which have been knitted, have been placed around the city by an army of volunteers from Ripon Community Poppy Project.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue also helped to place the poppies in hard to reach locations.

Cllr Stuart Martin, who helps to ensure the display survives by providing support towards fundraising from his localities budget, has spoken to people from Cheshire and Lockerbie, who were visiting specifically to view the display.

Cllr Martin said:

“Those who made the sacrifice we remember gave us the freedom we have today. Without them, we would not be able to do the things we do and it is important to remember them.”

This year, a Remembrance Sunday service will be held in the Spa Gardens, where Cllr Martin will also attend as county council chairman, followed by a further service at the Cathedral, where the second of Ripon’s two war memorials is situated.

Plan to expand Bishop Monkton caravan site

Proposals have been submitted to expand a caravan park at Bishop Monkton, near Ripon, by 31 caravans.

The plan, submitted by ELG Planning on behalf of the site owners, would see the Church Farm Caravan Park on Knaresborough Road in the village expanded.

The proposals seek to change the use of land to the south of the site to make space for 31 static caravans.

It would also see an existing farm building demolished to make way for a two-storey reception building, small shop and manager accommodation.

In documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council, the developer said:

“As illustrated by the site layout, the proposed development layout represents an attractive form of development, which compliments the existing caravan park and respects the existing public right of way which runs through the site.”

The developer added that the aim of the proposal was to create a “a high-quality form of tourist accommodation that will complement the existing caravan park”.

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

Safety concerns

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Void discovered

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‘Disappointment for some’

Deep clean

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