Ripon Archives - Page 169 of 202

Ripon man jailed for grooming and sexual abuse of 15-year-old girl

A 68-year-old man has been jailed for over six years for historic child abuse in Harrogate.

Malcolm Peter Barwick, who now lives in Ripon, was sentenced to six and a half years in jail today after pleading guilty to seven counts of sexual activity with a child.

The abuse occurred at Woodfield Drive in Harrogate where the victim was sexually abused by Barwick between April 2014 and April 2015.

The victim, now in her early 20’s, reported the abuse to North Yorkshire Police in June last year. An investigation was then launched by Harrogate CID.

Barwick appeared at York Crown Court today. As well as the jail sentence he is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and he will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Matthew Reeve said:

“The effect this case has had on the victim has caused a lifetime of trauma and has deeply affected her.

“She showed true bravery in reporting the matter to the police and seeing the case through. I really hope this outcome will give her the strength to move on from this horrendous experience.”

“Barwick is a predator who targets vulnerable youths and grooms them for his own sexual gratification. Dangerous and manipulative offenders like him deserve to be behind bars.”

To seek advice and further support, or report child abuse, you can contact one of these organisations:

North Yorkshire Police on 101. If you are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response
Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police, and are not in immediate danger, can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email sarc@nhs.net or go to www.bridgehousesarc.org/
Supporting Victims at supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100
NSPCC Helplines: Adults concerned about a child should call 0808 800 5000; Children and young people should call Childline on 0800 1111. Or go to www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse

Ripon museums launch summer programme of activities

A summer programme of exhibitions and activities has been launched by Ripon’s museums.

The Workhouse Museum on Allhallowgate is one of three heritage attractions operated by Ripon Museum Trust.

On Saturday August 14, from 11am to 2pm, it will be the venue for Hazel Waite’s counted threads workshop.

Using motifs from features of the workhouse building, participants will be able to create a stitched sample, which could be used as a small picture, bookmark or greetings card.

For more details see the Ripon Museums website.

The Lives Unravelled exhibition is on display at the Workhouse Museum until Sunday 5 September.

Featuring five textile installations, located throughout the museum, the exhibition was inspired by the lives of women who lived and worked in Ripon’s former union workhouse.

Based on their research into the workhouse, textiles group 6-Ply has created crafted and unique textile pieces, which reflect the real experiences and imagined emotions of impoverished women.

Children will be able to explore the newly-created den in the Workhouse Museum garden

Over the school summer holidays, family-focused activities will be staged from Tuesday to Friday each week.

On Friday and from August 10 to 13, the theme is Make Your Mark.

Visitors can join in with the creation of a giant wall hanging depicting feelings and life during lockdown, as well as following a museum trail.

This includes the opportunity to bake in the Workhouse Museum’s Victorian kitchen and have a go at Rag Rugging.

During the second half of the school holidays, the theme for activities will be garden camp.

From August 17 to 20, 24 to 27 & 30 and September 1 to 3 , visitors can explore the Workhouse Museum garden and make and decorate a recycled plant pot holder to take home.

The trust will also be offering a museum trail, plus bird and bird call identification activities and a bird search game.

Children will also be able to play in a new garden den, with family activities included in the cost of museum entry.

During the summer, the Prison and Police Museum is offering a creative walk through the criminal justice system with the My Path exhibition.

It showcases artworks from across Yorkshire, which were submitted to the 2020 Koestler Awards for arts in the criminal justice system.

Every work shown was made by someone in a prison, secure hospital, young offender institution or on probation. The exhibition runs until September 26.

Entrance to the exhibition is included in the cost of museum entry.

Two year wait for planning decision forces appeal over Ripon townhouses

Developers have lodged an appeal against Harrogate Borough Council over a “failure to determine” a planning application for new apartments and townhouses in Ripon.

Spinksburn Ltd had tabled a plan to build four apartments and four townhouses on land off North Street in the city.

The site, which used to be retail units, was demolished to make way for Marshall Way and has remained undeveloped since.

The company tabled a revised plan back in November 2019, but says it has yet to receive a decision on the proposal.

Now, the developer has taken the matter to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.

In a letter outlining its grounds for appeal, the developer said it had requested a delay to the decision due to the covid pandemic back in April 2020.

A further extension was then agreed until July 15, 2021.

However, the developer said that since then the borough council has yet to determine the application.

The letter written by the developer’s lawyer said:

“Our client has therefore instructed us to submit the appeals for non-determination because the council does not appear to have the resources to be able to determine the applications and there appears to be no end in sight.

“My client is extremely concerned that determination of the applications is being allowed to drift and there are no means by which to secure the determination of the applications besides the appeal process if the council does not have the necessary resources.”

A government planning inspector will make a decision on the appeal at a later date.

Ripon’s Jack Laugher in Olympic diving final

Jack Laugher is bidding for further Olympic glory this morning.

A superb series of six dives took him into the men’s individual three-metre springboard final, which can be seen live on BBC TV from 7am.

The former Ripon Grammar School student, whose family home is in Littlethorpe, finished in third position behind China’s XIE Siyi and Wang Zongyuan in today’s semi-final.

Early-bird television viewers, who tuned in a 2am UK time, saw Laugher score 514.75 points in a stylish and controlled performance at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

It all started here – Spa Baths, Ripon where Jack Laugher was taught to swim at the age of 3 by Sylvia Grice MBE

If he can repeat the highly-disciplined display of diving excellence that he achieved in the semi-final, he has an outstanding opportunity to add to the Gold and Silver medals that saw him make history five years ago.

He and then partner Chris Mears, became the first-ever GB diving medallists, when they fought off a challenge from China to claim Olympic Gold at the Rio 2016 games.

Six days later, Laugher added Silver in the men’s individual springboard event, finishing behind China’s Yuan Cao.

The challenge from the Chinese pair of XIE Siyi and Wang Zongyuan, cannot be under-estimated, but it’s all to play for when the 12 finalists take to the springboard in Tokyo.

Company awarded £277,000 ground investigations contract for Ripon barracks site

A Darlington-based company has been awarded a £277,000 contract to undertake ground investigations on land earmarked for a potential 1,300-home development in Ripon.

Homes England has commissioned Dunelm Geotechnical and Environmental, a ground investigations firm, to carry out the work at the former Ripon barracks site.

The government housing agency has tabled a plan to build 1,300 homes on the site.

Ripon has a history of ground instability and sinkholes caused by the soluble of nature gypsum, the rock that lies under much of the area.

The brief for the contract, which is worth £277,108.77, says the work is to:

“Complete an intrusive ground investigation as Principal Contractor under the CDM Regulations 2015 at a site in Ripon, including factual report on ground investigation.”

The proposal for the barracks site has caused controversy in the city with councillors opposing the development and residents signing a petition objecting to the plan.

Harrogate Borough Council is currently considering the proposal and will make a decision at a later date.

History of Ripon barracks plan

When the Ripon Neighbourhood Plan was being drawn up, it was envisaged that the barracks site would provide space for 800 new homes.

The site, encompassing Claro Barracks, Deverell Barracks and Laver Banks, initially included 11 hectares earmarked for employment uses.

After the allocation of land for employment uses was reduced, Homes England sought outline planning approval for a 1,300-home scheme.

A transport assessment, prepared in support of the development, was described as ‘flawed’ by Ripon City Council.

Harrogate Borough Council validated a planning application for the site back in September 2020 in a move which developers saw as a “major step forward”.

However, in May this year, Highways England called for further assessment of the transport and traffic impact of the proposed development.

The planned homes will include a significant number of two- and three-bedroom mid-range houses and will include apartments in the centre.

It also includes a community centre, employment space, shops, parkland, a new primary school and sports facilities.

It means Homes England now has a major presence in the Harrogate district.

The developer already has plans submitted with the council for 200 homes at a former police training centre on Yew Tree Lane, Harrogate.

Last week, the Stray Ferret reported that Countryside Properties had been awarded a £63 million contract to construct the scheme.

The housing agency also has plans lodged for 390 homes on land off West Lane, Littlethorpe.

Ripon rocks and sparkles on a night of music and fireworks

Ripon rocked last night, as a large crowd massed on Market Square for an evening of music and entertainment.

The finale was a spectacular fireworks display that lit-up the night sky above the city’s elegant town hall.

A five-hour programme started with talented local singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary and ended with a convincing Freddie Mercury sound-alike.

Tribute acts had the audience singing along to Elton John’s ‘I’m Still Standing’ Amy Winehouse’s ‘Rehab’ and Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody‘ among many other iconic British pop songs.

In a county where Tykes are known for their care when it comes to money — the icing on the Yorkshire Day Weekend cake, was the fact that it was all for free.

With the covid lockdown lifted, hundreds came to let their hair down on Market Square.

The day of fun for all the family, organised by Ripon City Council, was the first large-scale event to be held in the city since the coronavirus pandemic brought an abrupt end to all public gatherings.

From 2pm until 8pm, children with their parents and grandparents had Market Square North to themselves, as two free fairground rides and a climbing wall ensured enjoyment for all families, without the need to reach into purses and pockets.

The rides were still spinning as the music started on the stage in front of Ripon Town Hall.

Ripon-based singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist Freddie Cleary was the opening act.

Freddie Cleary, singing some of his own songs and a selection of favourite tunes, was followed by the Elton John tribute act, with white piano in what was a fitting celebration of one of Britain’s best-known musical Knights.

The tribute performed hit after hit from Sir Elton’s songbook.

Before the Elton John tribute did his second set, an Amy Winehouse look and sound-alike sang in the distinctive style of the late legend.

Then came the finale and a scintillating rendition of the songs made famous by rock legend Freddie Mercury.

An emotional and power-packed tribute to Amy Winehouse, who died ten years ago

The Queen tribute act front man had the audience wrapped in the palm of his hands, as he sang ‘Don’t Stop Me Now.’

For the citizens of Ripon, the free entertainment continues today as the fairground rides and climbing wall will be open from 10am until 4pm.

Rock and rockets around the Ripon Town Hall Clock

And parents who saved money on the free rides may be spending some of it at the Little Bird Artisan Market, that will be open on Market Square South from 10am until 3pm.

Harrogate and Ripon taxi drivers criticise airport’s ‘extortionate’ £5 drop-off charge

Two Harrogate district taxi drivers have spoken out against a new £5 charge at Leeds Bradford Airport to pick up and drop off passengers.

The airport introduced the new charge on May 28 but with flights only slowly beginning to return, some taxi drivers are only just discovering the increase.

Leeds Bradford Airport has said the charge is necessary to help it recover financially from covid. It previously cost £3 to wait for up to 10 minutes.

But Richard Fieldman, owner of Ripon and Harrogate firm A1 Cars, told the Stray Ferret he took an older couple from Ripon to LBA for a flight to Dublin on Sunday and was shocked to discover the charge had increased to £5, which he called “extortionate” and “scandalous”.

The charges apply to anyone picking up or dropping off at the airport but taxi drivers are particularly affected because they make regular airport trips.

Mr Fieldman said:

“I have no sympathies whatsoever.

“Joe Public and taxi drivers are getting a raw deal. We’ve suffered enough.”

The Stray Ferret also spoke to John Higgins, owner of Harrogate firm Spa Taxis, who called the charges a “nightmare”.

He said taxi drivers could stop in the free car park but that was a 15-minute walk to the terminal — not ideal for people carrying luggage.

The pick-up and drop-off charges increase to £7 for a 10 to 20-minute stay, £9 for a 30 to 60-minute stay and £11 for longer than an hour.

It means if a customer has pre-booked a taxi but is held up at the airport, it could end up costing them over £50 for a journey to Harrogate.

Mr Higgins said the price increases will put him off doing airport runs in the future.

He added:

“These increased charges have snuck in over covid. I do have sympathies for the airport but we have to work together.”

‘Competitive prices’

An LBA spokesperson said the airport “continues to be impacted by the global pandemic” and the changes will “help us recover to a firm financial footing”.

They said the pick up and drop off tariffs were “very low” compared to other major and regional airports.

The spokesperson added:

“LBA continues to provide competitive prices on parking. We look forward to welcoming back travellers in ever increasing numbers and providing improved accessibility options in the pick up and drop off area.”

£22,000 fundraising campaign launched for Ripon Walled Garden

The charity that runs Ripon Walled Garden has launched a £22,000 fundraising campaign to buy new facilities for the disabled people it helps.

Ripon Community Link, which provides day support services for people with learning difficulties, operates from two sites in the city area — St Wilfrid’s Bungalow and Ripon Walled Garden.

Many of the people it helps work at the walled garden. The fundraising campaign will help to finish and furnish a new building on the site which they will use.

The building, which includes four classrooms, a reception and toilets, has already been paid for by grants and donations.

Victoria Ashley, Ripon Community Link chief executive, said:

“The new building is the next phase of our improvements for the walled garden to benefit members, customers, staff and volunteers.

“The opening of the toilet block was a major step for us, and now we are setting our sights on this new building, specifically aimed at benefitting our members. Our aim is to have this new facility fully opened in autumn”

A charity gold day at Rudding Park on August 19 is among the events planned to support the fundraising campaign.

To donate, click here.

Ripon citizens panel being set up to shape new vision for city

A Leeds-based architecture firm is seeking the views of Ripon people to help it devise a masterplan to regenerate the city.

Harrogate Borough Council appointed Bauman Lyons Architects in February on an £85,000 contract to devise a Ripon renewal plan.

The plan will provide a framework for future development in the city that also considers current initiatives, such as the regeneration of the former Ripon barracks.

The council said yesterday it wanted to hear from people in the city, in particular young people, to help shape the new vision. As part of the scheme, the council is creating a citizens’ panel, which will involve attending some two-hour workshops this year.

Bauman Lyons haș already consulted with 60 organisations and held a campaign for people aged 16 to 30 to ‘speak up and speak out’ about their ideas for the city.

Among the issues identified are more things for young people to do, fewer cars on the roads around the market place, affordable housing and pedestrian and cyclist priority in the city centre.

There were also calls for better traffic management on Low Skellgate and Westgate and a new green route to link the Workhouse Museum and cathedral.

Trevor Watson, director of economy, environment and housing at the council, said:

“It is a priority project for us and we want to work with the community in Ripon to build upon the work already undertaken by the local community in drawing up the city’s Neighbourhood Plan and the many other opportunities and assets Ripon has to develop a joined-up and detailed masterplan.”

Irena Bauman, from Bauman Lyons Architects, said:

“Ripon is a wonderful gem, but it needs to adapt to be relevant to young people and to their futures. We are looking forward to working with everyone, especially the young, towards a common vision of 21st century Ripon.”

Ripon people can have their say on the project online here and express an interest in joining the panel here.

‘I’m proud of Jack… it just wasn’t his day’, says mum Jackie Laugher

There was Olympic disappointment for Jack Laugher and his diving partner Daniel Goodfellow in Tokyo this morning as they finished out of the medals in seventh place.

Laugher, who was born and bred in the Ripon area, still has the opportunity of adding to the gold and silver medals he won in Rio when he competes in next week’s individual three-metre springboard event.

His mother Jackie, who watched with her husband, David, at their Littlethorpe home, told the Stray Ferret:

“From the start it didn’t look like it was going to be their day, but they are a relatively new team.

“I’m immensely proud of Jack, he’s a wonderful son, great sportsman and role model, but above all he’s a lovely person who will always call Littlethorpe his home.”

Jack Laugher (left) and Daniel Goodfellow making their opening dive

Family friend Helen Mackenzie, who was in Rio with Jackie to see Jack’s gold and silver medal performances in 2016, said:

“It is testimony to their determination and mental toughness that, following five below par dives, he and Daniel achieved their best score in the final one which, with a tariff of 3.9, is the world’s most difficult dive.

“This bodes well for next week, when Jack takes part in the individual event.”

Gemma Williams, who like Jackie and Helen is a member of Ripon City Netball Club, said:

“I love and feel pride by proxy, seeing Jack and Dan compete – not the result they would want, but still an amazing achievement.”

Leanne Jalland, chair of Harrogate District Diving Club, where Jack used to train, also spoke of its pride in the pair despite today’s outcome.

“It was a high standard competition but unfortunately it was not their day today. That’s diving as a sport for you, anything can happen and it all comes down to the dives on the day.

“That last dive showed a glimpse of what they are capable of and we are confident that both Jack and Dan have got the strength of character to come back stronger from this.”

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History of Ripon barracks plan

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‘Competitive prices’

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