When will the Ripon hornblower return?

Ripon’s nightly hornblower ceremony has been performed behind closed doors since March last year.

So the return of the city’s three hornblowers, who share the task, is keenly anticipated. But it seems the trio won’t be seen again on Market Square for almost two months at the earliest.

Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret:

“It is not possible to make concrete plans until we have certainty over the total lifting of limits on social distancing.”

Stage four of the government roadmap out of lockdown says the removal of all limitations on social contact will take place no earlier than 21 June.

Night time photo of Ripon Market Square

The obelisk and Market Square, where the nightly hornblower ceremony has taken place for centuries.

Cllr Williams said:

“The council has received numerous enquiries about when the hornblowers will be seen again at the obelisk.

“Naturally, we hope that there are no mishaps along the way to the lifting of restrictions.

“We are as keen as our residents, businesses and visitors to the city, to see and hear them on Market Square.

“We will keep people informed.”

The 9pm ceremony has been performed continuously, without fail, since Ripon was granted its first charter in 886 by the Saxon king Alfred the Great.

During lockdown, the hornblowers have ‘set the watch’ by blowing the horn at their own homes.

People have been able to watch this on Facebook.

Hornblowers Wayne Cobbett, Alison Clark and Richard Midgley are employed by the city council.

They perform the ritual on a rota basis.

In pre-covid times, this involves them making blasts of the horn at the four corners of the obelisk and a brief talk on the history of Ripon.

The event can attract large gatherings, particularly in summer months. 

Each hornblower has their own instrument from a collection of five, which still includes the ancient horn said to have been given to the city by King Alfred.

It’s a prized and priceless item, only on display at civic occasions. 

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Last March, before the ceremony had to go behind closed doors, Mr Midgley said:  

“Over the centuries, Ripon has had to fight off many threats from war to plague.

“The sounding of the horn and setting of the watch reminds us that we can and will overcome adversity – as we have done for centuries.”

 

Fresh plans for housing at former Ripon timber yard

New plans have been submitted to build 13 homes at the former NY Timber yard in Ripon.

Harrogate Borough Council refused previous plans in December when chief planner John Worthington said the scheme by Red Tree Developments would cause “unacceptable harm” to the Ripon Conservation Area.

The site is adjacent to the listed buildings The Federation of Holy Trinity Church of England Junior School and St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church.

Christopher Hughes, chairman of the Ripon Civic Society also objected to the plans and said the structure should be retained due to its historical importance.

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The building in 1929.

For its latest application, the developer has included a document prepared by planning consultancy firm mb Heritage & Planning, which specialises in historic buildings.

The document, which evaluates the importance of the site as well as its impact on local landmarks, concluded that whilst the existing buildings have ‘some heritage value’ a scheme that involved retaining the original buildings was not financially viable.

Planning consultant Jay Everett also supported the application on behalf of the developer. He said:

“In my view, the proposed development represents the optimum viable re-use of the site, which will deliver substantial public benefits that outweigh the ‘less than substantial harm’ arising from the demolition of the existing building.”

Harrogate Borough Council will now decide whether to accept the application.

Ripon taxi driver ‘dumbfounded’ by lack of mask-wearing in cabs

A taxi driver from Ripon has pleaded with customers to wear facemasks and protect drivers from covid as too many passengers are ignoring the rules.

Richard Fieldman, who has been a cabbie in Ripon for 28 years, said the last 12 months had been “absolutely horrendous” for the trade.

After not working since New Year’s Eve, the owner of A1 Cars recently began taking passengers again.

However, he told the Stray Ferret he’s been disappointed by the number of people who either don’t get in his taxi with a mask, or don’t wear one properly.

Taxi passengers must wear face coverings unless they have an exemption.

Mr Fieldman said:

“You ask them to put their masks on when they get in the taxi, but they pull it down as soon as the car sets off.”

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Mr Fieldman said he was “dumbfounded” by customers claiming they forgot their masks, adding that he believed many people didn’t think being in a taxi posed the same risk as being in a shop.

He estimated that seven out of 10 passengers wore masks, and the large minority that didn’t included many older people. He said:

“They’re just as bad. You can’t blame it on young people flouting the rules.”

He added:

“I had two lads get in with masks last week. The next minute I look in the mirror they’re chomping on sandwiches.

“People think with covid it’s game over, but it’s not.”

Eight motorists fined in Ripon in police metal theft campaign

Eight motorists in Ripon have received fixed penalty notices as part of a week-long police metal theft campaign.

North Yorkshire Police revealed today it stopped more than 100 vehicles at two roadside checkpoints on Ripon bypass and the York ring road during last week’s campaign.

In Ripon, this resulted in three untaxed vehicles being seized as well as the eight fixed penalty notices.

Police across the country took part in the campaign, partly in response to fears about the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles.

Hybrid vehicles, which contain more precious metals in their catalytic converters, and 4x4s, which are more vulnerable because of their higher chassis, are particularly at risk.

The campaign also targeted fly tipping and metal theft from places of worship.

Officers carried out patrols at more than 40 churches, particularly in remote areas, to check security and raise awareness with local residents about metal theft.

Rural areas, including North Yorkshire, are believed to be particularly vulnerable to metal thefts.

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Inspector Clive Turner, of North Yorkshire Police’s rural task force, said:

“Following the covid pandemic, metal prices may start to rise, risking an increase in metal theft and associated crimes.

“Vital public services – such as transport, power and telecommunications – can be severely affected, and construction work can be interrupted and delayed, resulting in a significant knock-on economic impact.

“Similarly, the theft of catalytic converters causes disruption and expense for vehicle owners.

“Heritage sites can also be targeted by metal thieves, including places of worship – and this may result in irreparable structural damage.

Inspector Turner added the campaign had presented “a good opportunity for us to work alongside partners to keep up the pressure on those responsible” and urged people to report suspicious activity.

The police did not provide further details about the nature of offences that resulted in the fixed penalty notices, which can be issued for offences such as driving without due care and attention, using a mobile phone whilst driving, vehicle defects and no insurance.

 

Plan to replace Ripon eyesore with townhouses

Plans have been submitted to demolish a building that has been blighting a historic area of Ripon.

The proposal is to replace the derelict property in Moss’s Arcade with three two-bedroom townhouses.

An overview of the proposed development submitted to Harrogate Borough Council says:

“This is an important part of Ripon steeped with heritage.

“However the building on the site is very much a left-over redundant building, which blights the surrounding area.”

Photo of derelict building at Moss's Arcade

Pigeons inhabit the derelict building

The existing building, has been left un-used for many years.

Planning consultant James Robinson said in an overview in support of the planning application.

“This is an important part of Ripon’s inner city and is right in the middle of the conservation area.

“The location benefits from all essential shops, facilities and transport ( Ripon Bus Station over the road )

“This is the ultimate sustainable inner-city location.”

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Tribute to Ripon’s deputy mayor for 20 years’ service to the city

At Cllr Charlie Powell’s 80th birthday party this week – celebrated with a handful of fellow councillors and his wife and deputy mayoress Jill – there was a special surprise.

Cllr Peter Horton read out a document prepared by his family detailing his lifetime of achievement – including serving more than a quarter of his life on Ripon City Council.

Over more than 30 pages it covered the highlights in the councillor’s story of service and business success.

During 15 years in the Royal Engineers, he was posted to Germany, Northern Ireland, Aden, Libya, Borneo and Singapore.

After leaving the Army, in which he rose to the rank of sergeant, Cllr Powell served for two years as a fire fighter in Ripon.

He spent 18 years in Saudi Arabia, where he worked for the military aircraft division of the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC), then moved on to become a senior administrator with Waste Management International Ltd in Jeddah.

Photo of Curzon Cinema, Ripon

Cllr Powell played a key role in negotiating Curzon Cinema’s opening in Ripon

This was a role in which Cllr Powell represented his company as a guest of the Queen on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

He said:

“That was a remarkable honour and once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Although Army service and private sector work took him worldwide, Cllr Powell’s roots have remained firmly planted in Ripon, where his military career began.

At the age of 15, he attended the Army Apprentices School in Harrogate (now the Army Foundation College) and qualified as a carpenter, before joining the Royal Engineers.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“Ripon is my home and a city I take great pride in.

“It’s a special place with a long history, unique character and traditions that make it stand out – such as the nightly Hornblower ceremony at the obelisk.”

He has served for 21 years as a city councillor and has been deputy mayor since 2017.

There have been many highlights during his political career, including successful negotiations with Curzon, which led to the cinema operator opening in the city in 2013.

Cllr Powell’s business acumen also proved crucial in guiding the development of Quarry Moor Park and Nature Reserve as a place for public enjoyment.

He has also been a stalwart supporter of Ripon in Bloom.

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A job reference prepared by Mr K J Parfit, manager of support services for BAC at King Faisal Air Base, succinctly sums up the business capabilities that have subsequently been put to good use for the people of Ripon.

It read:

“I have no hesitation in recommending Mr Powell for any position requiring tact, intelligence and judgment.

“He has displayed all of these qualities in full measure.”

 

 

Drop in vacant shops boosts hope for high streets

The deputy leader of Harrogate Borough Council has said he is “extremely optimistic” about high streets recovering from the covid crisis as he revealed positive economic data boosted by the reopening.

Cllr Graham Swift, who is also cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said the percentage of vacant shops across the district had fallen to 6.8% in March – a “significant improvement” from 8.6% around this time last year.

He added data on people’s movements showed the number of visitors to rural areas had returned to pre-pandemic levels, although Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon had not yet reached this point.

Cllr Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council

Cllr Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council

Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, Cllr Swift said:

“I’m extremely optimistic. The rural areas are already seeing traffic flow of people movements, as measured by Google, back to pre-pandemic levels.

“The three major conurbations are not back to pre-pandemic levels yet but the fact is retail is looking extremely positive and I’m very hopeful we will see a strong bounce back in the economy.”

Shops classed as vacant are those not paying business rates to the council.

Cllr Swift said the strongest performing areas for this currently are Boroughbridge, which has just one vacant shop, and Pateley Bridge, which has a vacancy rate of 2.5%.

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His comments followed a question from Boroughbridge councillor Robert Windass, who said members of the public were “curious” over the current state of high streets during the pandemic.

Cllr Swift responded:

“We are now seeing considerable extension of the opening up and unlocking of the country. Last week we saw the opening up of non-essential retail on April 12.

“I went into Harrogate on that morning and was overwhelmed by the innovation and creativity that is going on, particularly around the bar and hospitality sector who have used limited spaces to create exciting opportunities to open up.

“I was very, very impressed by the sector but most important to this question is what is going to be happening in the near future.”

He added:

“There has been a lot of talk over the last few months about Harrogate as a district and how its towns and city have responded to retail sector closures.

“A lot of people count the stores to see which ones are open or closed. In a case where we are in lockdown, it’s obvious that people will see things closed and think they have withdrawn from the site.

“But in actual fact, what we record are the business rate activities of these retail sectors and I’m extremely heartened by the fact that as of March 2021 our retail sector has improved.”

The latest unemployment figures for the district show a slight increase with 3,625 people claiming out-of-work benefits in February, according to the Office for National Statistics.

This equates to 3.8% of the population aged 16 to 64 and is up from 3,460 in January.

Meanwhile, the number of people in the district who were furloughed from their jobs was 12,300 in February, according to the latest HM Revenue & Customs figures.

This was an increase from 9,100 in December, before the third national lockdown began.

Ripon grievances ‘like listening to Scottish National Party’, says senior Tory councillor

A senior Conservative Harrogate councillor has said grievances about Harrogate Borough Council not spending enough money in Ripon are like “listening to the Scottish National Party.”

The comment was made at last night’s full council meeting by Cllr Graham Swift, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development at HBC.

It came after Ripon Independent councillor, Pauline McHardy, called on HBC to pause its sale of the Ripon Spa Baths site which she said is being sold “from under our noses”. She said she wanted the council to maintain the building for other purposes.

In response, Cllr Swift said:

“The grievance story is like listening to the Scottish National Party at times. It’s not right, it’s not correct and it’s not relevant. We are investing heavily in that beautiful city.

“Rather than complaining about what you think we don’t do, we’d love to hear the ideas that will drive the regeneration of Ripon”.

The Scottish National Party is led by Nicola Sturgeon and is the largest political party in Scotland. It wants independence from the UK.

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Cllr McHardy spoke to the Stray Ferret this morning and called Cllr Swift’s comments “rude and disrespectful”.

She said he should apologise.

“It’s disgusting. The Conservatives strategy of defence is attack. Comparing the people of Ripon with the Scottish National Party is an insult and he has offended the many Scottish people who live in the district.

“Cllr Swift goes for the jugular and it’s so rude and disrespectful.”

The Stray Ferret contacted Harrogate Borough Council and Cllr Swift for a response but we did not receive one at the time of publication.

Do you know where to find your nearest defibrillator?

For seven years, a group called Defibrillators For Ripon has been installing defibrillators at selected sites in the city.

The sites range from churches to sports grounds.

As the covid lockdown eases, and more people go out to shop, socialise and play sport, the group is keen to raise awareness of where the potentially life-saving units are located and how to use them.

Alec Lutton, of Defibrillators For Ripon, told the Stray Ferret:

“A heart attack or cardiac arrest could happen to anyone of any age at any time, day or night.

“If you find someone having a cardiac arrest, start CPR straight away, phone 999 and once you give the operator your location, they will tell you where the nearest defibrillator unit is.

“Do not leave the person on their own – send someone else for the defibrillator.

“The person sent for the unit, will be asked by the operator for the code on the front of the cabinet, and then given the code to open it and obtain the defibrillator.

“Each has a built-in voice instruction guide, to help you use it.”

Photo of defibrillator unit at Ripon Rugby Club

Ripon Rugby Club is one of 19 locations around the city with a defibrillator unit.

The defibrillators are set to ‘adult mode’, and must be moved to the setting 1-8, if a child is to be treated.

If someone has a cardiac arrest, the unit will buy precious time following the 999 call until a community first responder and ambulance arrives.

The defibrillators have been installed with help, guidance and approval from Yorkshire Ambulance Service, NHS England and Harrogate Borough Council, as well as businesses and sports clubs.

Mr Lutton said:

“Eleven of the units have been purchased through Ripon Lions Club, which has been supporting us since 2015.

“Many people within this wonderful city have made donations or organised fundraising events, including one remarkable woman who raised more than £4,000.”

Further information about Defibrillators For Ripon can be found on the Facebook page Defibs Ripon

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The locations of the defibrillators and their postcodes are:

 

 

Ripon grandma ‘rattling and crackling’ on charity 30km run

A Ripon grandma with no running experience and severe health conditions has embarked on a mission to run 30 kilometres to raise money for a children’s charity.

Joy Kalus, 75, suffers from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which causes breathing difficulties, disabling osteoarthritis and is recovering from viral heart failure.

Despite all these ailments, the former British Rail worker is determined to complete her challenge within 30 days.

She aims to do so by running laps of Ripon rugby field. Money raised will go to the NSPCC.

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In just one day, Joy has already beaten her £120 target. So far she has raised £245. Click or tap here to donate on JustGiving.

The cause is close to Joy’s heart. Ten years ago she flew to Brazil to help children on the streets and orphanages.

Joy, who has two daughters and is a grandmother to three boys, said:

“I am just an old lady rattling on to do her best. I can only trot about 25 steps at a time at a time before I start flapping my arms so I look like I am taking off.

“Osteoarthritis has made most of my joints swell. So everything is rattling and crackling as I move.

“I’ve never run before but that isn’t going to stop me. It’s more of a trot because I can’t breathe well.

“But I always tell my daughters they can do anything if they are determined enough. So can I.

“I don’t care how old I am, or what illnesses I am suffering from. Even if it takes me all year I’ll get there.”

Daughter Lisa Bradley, 43, said:

”Both my sister Suzanne and I are so unbelievably proud. Our mum has always been a force to be reckoned with.

“When she first told me I thought she was mad, but she laced up her trainers and off she went. She really is our inspiration.”