Ripon Ghost Walk returns for a spooky summer seasonDo you believe in ghosts? Ripon Ghost Walks return this month with more tales to tell about the spooky side of the city.
The performers have been out of action since the pandemic hit, but this month they will dust off their dark robes and get ready to resume the guided tours.
The outdoor walks begin at 7.15pm in the Market Place and last around 90 minutes.
Audiences are taking around the city to explore ancient burial sites, curious bone finds and meet those who lived in the city years ago.
Ghost Walk performer Tony Hirst said:
“It’s great to be back again, we were really keen to get going again. We’ve got lots of stories to tell with a few frights along the way.”
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People must now pre-book tickets for the shows so numbers can be managed.
Six dates are planned for this year with the first taking place on June 24. There will be special events on August 12 for the Museums at Night event and others at Halloween and Christmas time.
The walks were set up in 2015 and later joined with the Ripon Museums to offer more history for the audiences.
The performers are looking for an extra person to join their team. If you have a passion for spooky storytelling and want to get involved, email Tony Hirst on tonyhirst@hotmail.co.uk.
Ripon’s Spa Hotel on verge of being soldOwnership of Ripon’s famous Spa Hotel looks set to change hands.
Colliers International, which has been marketing the 40-bed property since spring, reports it is currently ‘under offer’.
While confirmation of the sale to an unknown buyer is awaited, it remains unclear whether the building will remain as a hotel or be redeveloped for another use.
The Stray Ferret approached Colliers for clarification, but had not received a response by the time of publication.
The 16,125 sq ft Edwardian hotel was on the market for £1.5 million.
The hotel and its surrounding grounds.
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The Spa Hotel has been closed since March last year, when the first covid lockdown came into effect.
In July 2020, the long-term owners of the hotel, announced permanent closure after failing to attract an asking price of £1.75 million.
At the reduced price of £1.5 million, it was marketed by Colliers for continued use as a hotel.
The agents’ executive summary of the property said:
“This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a renowned Yorkshire hotel in a desirable trading location.”
The summary added that the hotel, with its range of public rooms, has enjoyed ‘strong regular repeat custom based on its standing in the Ripon area’.
It has hosted business conferences, banquets, annual lunches and dinners and wedding receptions.
At the height of its popularity, the hotel was achieving net annual turnover of up to £1 million.
Its closure, made it the first major victim of covid in the Ripon tourism sector.
The Old Deanery Hotel, which offered 11 bedrooms, a meeting room and facilities for wedding receptions, subsequently announced its permanent closure.
The collective loss of more than 50 bed spaces raised concerns about the city’s ability to accommodate visitors and tourists staying overnight or for longer periods.
With Ripon’s reliance on tourism, city councillors and tourism bosses have been hopeful that the Spa would reopen as a hotel and not be developed for other purposes.
A Stray Ferret reader, who asked not to be named, said:
“It is so important to Ripon that we know as soon as possible if the hotel is sold.
“Importantly, we need to know if it will continue as a hotel, or if the site is being earmarked for development”.
Former Ripon student to run 48 marathons in 48 daysA former Ripon Grammar School student is to run 48 marathons in 48 days to raise £48,000 for children in food poverty.
John Clark’s own family struggled to survive on benefits, after his father suffered life-changing injuries in a work accident.
The 34-year-old will attempt to run the 48 marathons in a different county every day for a grand total of 1,248 miles.
John Clark from his school days at Ripon Grammar.
Former international strongman Mr Clark set up the charity Miles4Meals to help families facing the same issues that he did as a child.
He explained why he is attempting the extreme feat of endurance:
“I grew up in a household with a disabled father and a mother who was his full-time carer.
“We lived in food poverty, reliant on government support to make ends meet.”
His life changed when his father Alan, a roofer, broke his back and shattered his foot in a fall after scaffolding collapsed.
Mr Clark said:
“I understand the difficulties families face and the hard choices that need to be made with minimal budgets available for basic living expenses.
“I hope to make a difference, so others don’t have to experience the same as I did.”
The coronavirus pandemic has increased problems faced by families across the UK with an estimated 8.4 million people living in food poverty.
Mr Clark, who left Ripon Grammar in 2003, owns and operates a chain of gyms.
He is appealing for volunteers and supporters to help him along the way in their local county, starting in Northumberland on July 5. reaching North Yorkshire on July 16 and eventually finishing in Worcestershire on August 21.
After leaving Ripon Grammar, Mr Clark studied sports and exercise science at university and took up strongman competitions after breaking his neck in a scrum collapse, which left him unable to play rugby.
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Now living in Worcester, he was crowned Britain’s Natural Strongest Man in 2015 and 2016, and when further injury curtailed his strongman career, the former Malvern Rugby Union player took up triathlon.
The Miles4Meals charity, which he set up in May, also works with the Trussell Trust, which campaigns to end hunger and destitution by supporting more than 1,200 food banks in the UK.
For more information visit: www.miles4meals.co.uk/484848. You can follow Mr Clark’s journey on Instagram www.instagram.com/_john.clark
Helipad plan for Grantley Hall set for second refusalA five-star luxury hotel and wedding venue near Ripon looks set to be refused permission to use a helicopter landing pad at the site.
Grantley Hall – an 18th century mansion which opened as a hotel after a £70m refurbishment in 2019 – wants to use an existing helipad to attract top events including luxury car launches and yachting clubs.
But its application has been recommended for refusal at a Harrogate Borough Council meeting on Tuesday.
After a previous application was rejected in March last year, the hotel said it had restricted flights to no more than three a month to address concerns about noise to nearby residents and animals.
It also said it could lose £650,000 in income if the helipad was not made available to the type of clients that it wants to attract.
However, a council planning officer has questioned how the helipad could fetch that much money and said the restricted number of flights would still have too great an impact on the area. The officer said in a report:
“Whilst there are economic benefits to be considered with relation to the local economy, it is not considered that these are sufficient to outweigh the harm created by the proposal.
“Concerns are raised that the content of the business plan does not directly appear to correlate with the small number of flights proposed and it is difficult to assess if the numbers proposed.
“Nor is it considered that the visitors arriving by this manner are likely to be direct spending with other attractions in the area, rather they will fly in and fly out.”
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Nidderdale AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), Grantley and Sawley Parish Council and residents have also objected to the plans, with one local warning the noise from flights would disturb daily lives and nature. Robert Ash said in a letter:
“Grantley is a peaceful village, much-loved for its tranquillity both by residents and visitors. In these days of mindfulness it is very therapeutic to be able to listen to the countryside rather than intrusive helicopters.
“This is a totally unnecessary, self-fulfilling application which should once and for all be rejected.”
Michelin star
As part of its application, Grantley Hall commissioned its own noise impact report, which concluded restricted flight times and paths would mean access to the helipad would be carried out in the “quietest manner”.
However, the reasons for recommending refusal are the impact on the Nidderdale AONB and Studley Royal Park, which is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well the impact on ecology and biodiversity.
The planning officer’s report added:
“A temporary permission for 12 months would allow for a more robust assessment of the impacts of the proposal and the viability of the proposed number of flights and hours of operation, however, it is considered that without the ability to adequately control the routes of the helicopters that these impacts would be significantly adverse.”
Grantley Hall has 47 rooms and four restaurants, including one with a Michelin star, as well as 30 acres of wooded parkland and grounds.
It was used by West Riding County Council between 1947 and 1974 as an adult education residential college, as well as a training and conference centre by North Yorkshire County Council.
Get set for delays on Ripon bypassEssential maintenance work on Ripon’s Duchess of Kent bridge is scheduled to start on June 28 and take two weeks.
The bridge, crossing the River Ure, is part of the city’s bypass. It was officially opened by the Yorkshire-born duchess in March 1996.
The arterial road carries traffic around the city, avoiding Ripon’s ancient streets. It is a key route to the A1 and A1M
Advance warning signs are being put in place this week to advise drivers of likely delays.
Councillor Mike Chambers, North Yorkshire County Council’s member for Ripon North, said:
“The maintenance to this well-used bridge will involve replacing the expansion joints and surfacing works to remove the depressions at each end of the bridge.
“The work will be carried out overnight to minimise disruption as much as possible. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Work on the bridge will be carried out between 6pm and 6am over a two-week period.
The work will take place from 6pm to 6am using four-way traffic lights and is scheduled to finish on July 10.
At the northern end of the bridge is a roundabout with exits for Ripon city centre and Copt Hewick.
The lights will be removed before rush hour each day to reduce inconvenience to road users.
The council said it was notifying nearby residents directly affected by the roadworks.
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Wedding limit easing boosts hairdressers and beauticiansA beautician in the Harrogate district has welcomed tonight’s government announcement lifting the 30-person cap on weddings.
Deborah Chalmers, who owns Love Hair & Beauty in Ripon, said earlier today she was “hoping and praying” the cap would be lifted amid reports it might remain.
Ms Chalmers said three-quarters of her wedding bookings were for events of 100-plus guests and maintaining the 30-person limit would ruin many couples’ big days — and have financial repercussions for the bridal sector.
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson said tonight the cap on the number of people attending weddings and wakes would be lifted, even though other social distancing measures will be extended by four weeks until July 19.
Ms Chalmers said:
“I’m sure that many different providers of services to people getting married will be relieved at this evening’s announcement from the Prime Minister that weddings with more than 30 attendees can go ahead.
“Social distancing measures will remain in place but brides-to-be can now look forward to their big day.
“At the same time, the wedding sector can start getting back on its feet and hopefully make up for lost time and lost revenue.”
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Ripon beautician praying for PM to save weddingsHairdressers and brides-to-be in the Harrogate district will have their fingers tightly crossed this evening.
Social distancing restrictions were due to end on June 21 but now it seems the 30-person cap on wedding guests could be extended for another four weeks, throwing numerous wedding plans in jeopardy.
Some people have already put back their weddings as many as four times because of the coronavirus crisis.
Now they are relying on Prime Minister Boris Johnson, not to ruin their big days yet again.
Deborah Chalmers, of Love Hair & Beauty in Ripon, told the Stray Ferret:
“Three quarters of the bookings I have are for weddings with more than 100 guests.
“With the government’s roadmap to June 21 and the anticipated lifting of covid social distancing requirements, people were counting on finally getting married.
“They thought they were safe to book a post-June 21 date and everything that goes with it.
“Now there is another big question mark and we are all hoping and praying that a way can be found to allow weddings with more than 30 attendees to go ahead.”
Brides-to-be across the Harrogate district will be listening carefully to this evening’s announcement from Boris Johnson.
Later this year, Ms Chalmers celebrates her 10th anniversary of being in business in Ripon.
Over the decade she has prepared hundreds of brides and their bridesmaids for weddings.
She said:
“You can be in a restaurant with 100 people that you don’t know, or at a sporting event with thousands, so surely the Prime Minister can come up with something.
“I fully understand that there is a need to keep everybody safe, but perhaps we would be OK if there was covid testing available for all attending a wedding and those, like myself, providing services on the day.
“It will be desperate if weddings for some are put off for the fifth time, or if the limit on attendance remains at 30 and they have to un-invite family members and friends if they decide to go ahead with their ceremony.”
For Ms Chalmers and other businesses in the wedding sector, it has been a tough 16 months.
She has managed to keep ticking over by providing hair and beauty treatments for smaller weddings.
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Fortunately, customers forced to postpone have stayed loyal when rearranging for different dates.
She said:
“For some, the wedding has been a long time coming, but we stay optimistic in the knowledge that the brides will eventually, have their big day.”
Ripon votes to create Business Improvement DistrictRipon traders have voted in favour of turning the city centre into a Business Improvement District.
BIDs have been set up across the country, including in Harrogate, as a way of creating safer, cleaner and better promoted city and town centres.
In Ripon, more than 280 businesses within a defined area will contribute to an annual budget of £160,000 for improvement projects.
Of the firms who voted during a ballot held over the last month, 80% were in favour.
The plans for a BID have been in the works since 2019 and will generate £800,000 over five years. This will come through an extra levy on top of business rates.
The BID has already won the support of Harrogate Borough Council which has agreed to lend £20,000 for start-up costs and will contribute around £30,000 over the five year period as a levy payer.
Councillor Graham Swift, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development of the council, said the BID will allow businesses to “take control of their own destiny”.
“I am very supportive of BIDs – they allow small and medium sized businesses in tightly defined geographical areas to raise funds for specific things that impact them the most.
“Ripon is an area which relies on tourism and hospitality, so getting footfall in the city centre and surrounding areas will be crucial.
“BIDs are only successful when they have a clear plan… and Ripon BID have created a fantastic prospectus which clearly demonstrates what they are trying to achieve.”
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Now firms have voted in favour of the BID, a limited company will be set up with 10 directors drawn from the business community to manage the funds.
A number of local businesses have already expressed strong support for the plans include Abacus Smarter Accountants, G Craggs Ltd and Sterne Properties, as well as other organisations including Ripon Community House, Ripon Museums Trust and Ripon City Council.
A business plan, launched earlier this year, identified the BID’s priorities as street cleaning and maintenance, festivals and events, car parking, toilets, landscaping and tourism.
In a statement included in the plan, Richard Compton, BID chairman and owner of Newby Hall, said the city had the potential to become “one of Yorkshire’s great success stories”.
“I believe Ripon can emerge strongly from the huge challenges presented by the covid pandemic.
“We have so much to offer and as we perhaps see the light at the end of the tunnel, all of the city’s businesses need a plan to boost the place, for the benefit of all those who shop, live, work and visit our stunning city.”
Ripon’s Community Diamond receives her sparkling prize
The first winner of the Ripon Community Diamond Award has received her special custom-made prize.
Suzanne Bowyer, was selected from a high calibre entry of nominees.
The award was sponsored by The Vintage Rooms and run in conjunction with the Stray Ferret.
It set out to find people who go the extra mile to help others.
The independent judges were the Mayor of Ripon Councillor Eamon Parkin and Bishop of Ripon The Rt. Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley.
Suzanne selected a custom-made white gold necklace featuring the diamond as her prize.
They chose Suzanne for her outstanding work at the Community House Food Support service in Allhallowgate.
It has helped hundreds of people trapped in food poverty because of the financial strain brought by the pandemic.
The presentation of a custom-made necklace with diamond, white gold setting and chain was delayed because of the covid lockdown.
Now, however, Suzanne has collected her prize and said:
“It’s a great honour to receive this award.
“I look on it as recognition for the whole team.
“They work so hard at Community House and continue to help people in need.”
Speaking on behalf of both judges, Dr Hartley, pointed out:
“There are so many community-minded people in Ripon
“Any one of the nominees would have been a worthy winner.
“That meant we had the very difficult task of finding just one individual.”
The original idea for the award came from Mike and Liz Cooper, owners of Red Buttons Jewellers and Hedley Hall, who run an antiques, vintage models and collectables business.
The friends traded together in the former Wrens department store and, when it closed, relocated to The Vintage Room in Queen Street.
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Mr Cooper, said:
“We congratulate Suzanne on her selection as the city’s first community diamond and thank all those who made the award happen.
“Through the nomination process, we found out about the people who are the beating heart of Ripon and make it such a special place.”
Ripon suffers further violent and anti-social behaviourPolice in Ripon have further violent and anti-social behaviour to investigate this morning.
Last night a man in the city suffered cuts when he was hit in the face with a stone thrown by a thug.
The incident was reported on social media by the man’s wife, as a warning to others.
She said:
“The small minority of trouble-making kids are at it again in Ripon town centre.”
The woman advised others to take care:
The stone, which cut her husband’s forehead, narrowly missed his eye and glasses.
It was thrown by one of a group she said were ‘hanging out’ in the alley next to M&Co in Fishergate.
Pictured above is the alley near where the attack took place, and the CCTV camera on Market Square North.
Just yards away from where the incident occurred is a CCTV camera that faces onto Market Square.
Andrew Williams, the leader of Ripon City Council, told the Stray Ferret:
“I just hope that the camera captured images of the group, which can help the police with their enquiries and to make arrests.
“I’m also hopeful that the camera will assist them in catching the vandal or vandals, who smashed windows at the cabmen’s shelter at the weekend.
“It’s the second time in a matter of weeks that it has been attacked and we now face another repair bill.”
Cllr Williams, has led the city council’s calls for more patrols, high-visibility policing and use of mobile CCTV in Ripon.
He and fellow councillors have said they want to work alongside the police to eradicate Ripon’s recurring problems of violence, vandalism and criminal behaviour.
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Police were informed after three windows were smashed in the cabmen’s shelter.
It’s the second time in less than three months that the unique structure belonging to the city council has been vandalised.
Dating back to the days of horse-drawn transport — it is the UK’s only mobile listed building, after Royal Engineers installed wheels as part of a re-fit.
The shelter recently underwent a further extensive refurbishment costing £22,000, before being returned to Market Square.