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GALLERY: A weekend of Harrogate district celebrations fit for a kingA three-day weekend of celebrations and volunteering saw thousands of people mark the coronation of King Charles III in the Harrogate district.
Stray Ferret reporters were out and about every day capturing the fun and numerous activities taking place to commemorate the historic occasion.
Sunday’s glorious weather attracted a huge turnout to Knaresborough Castle for Party in the Castle.
Sunday Party in the Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography
People getting into the swing of the coronation concert at Knaresborough Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography
Knaresborough Castle was lit up for the occasion. Pic: Mike Whorley Photography
The royal city of Ripon once again proved it is the little city that knows how to stage a big party as live music filled Market Place on Saturday and Sunday nights, culminating in fireworks to the sounds of a Queen tribute band.
Ripon Cathedral also provided a focus for official events marking the coronation.
Jo Ropner, Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and Dean John Dobson at Sunday’s coronation commemorative service at Ripon Cathedral
Mr and Mrs Alex Petherbridge and their daughters Tabitha, Silvia and Claudia arrive to watch Ripon cathedral’s livestream of the coronation.
Carr Close in Ripon enjoyed the best of the weather when it staged a street party on Sunday.
Fireworks in Ripon Market Place rounded off Sunday’s activities.
In Harrogate, a big screen in Valley Gardens broadcast the coronation live. Many community groups staged events in villages nearby and also organised volunteering activities yesterday as part of the Big Help Out national initiative.
Watching the coronation in Valley Gardens
Oatlands Community Centre’s coronation gathering
Community Fit’s Anna Gazier (left) and Lisa Tilburn, who work with HADCA, litter picking in Valley Gardens.
Three generations of bell-ringers took part in Saturday’s coronation service at St Wilfrid’s. Pictured are Sally McDonagh, mum Shirley and daughter Bethany, 11.
Sixteen thousand plants were woven together to create the royal cypher on Montpellier Hill.
The sun shone in Masham for its parade of floats on Sunday and nearby Kirkby Malzeard had a lunch party.
One of the Masham floats
Masham Market Square on Sunday
Flying the Union flag in Kirkby Malzeard
Read more:
- As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate district
- As it happened: Harrogate district celebrates King Charles III coronation
Company defends Nidderdale school bus cost amid price hike
A bus company has defended an increase in fares for a Nidderdale school service after the cost rose to nearly £1,000 a year.
The price of a bus from Ripon to Nidderdale High School jumped from £600 to £950 for the forthcoming school year starting in September.
The figure amounts to a 58% increase in price compared with the previous academic year.
Procters Coaches, which runs the bus, said diesel costs, wages and insurance meant the cost had to be passed on.
Jennie Eyres, who lives in Ripon, has a daughter heading to the school this September.
She said that she was “astonished” to find the hike in cost when she was looking to send her child to Nidderdale.
Ms Eyres said:
“As a parent with a child intending to start at Nidderdale in September, travelling from Ripon, I was astonished to find out how expensive the bus was, and even more so to find out the huge hike in price that has happened since the previous academic year.
“We are all very aware of costs going up all around us at the moment, and to an extent we do understand. However this is much more than the 10,15 or even 20% rise that could potentially be expected.”
Ms Eyres said diesel prices had actually gone down since the middle of last summer, and should not be cited as a reason for the fare increase, adding:
“The cost of insurance has increased by 20% and wages approximately 10% – neither of these are figures that back up the increase of almost 60%.”
Read more:
- Two Harrogate primary schools to install solar panels
- Tim Milburn appointed headteacher of Harrogate’s Rossett School
Nidderdale High, which has 401 pupils on its roll, said it had subsidised the cost that had been passed on as part of the bus contract.
Kath Jordan, headteacher at the school, pointed out that governors had taken the decision to subsidise the cost “very significantly” despite the hike.
She added that officials at Nidderdale were mindful of the cost of living when setting prices for parents.
She said:
“The governing body were very mindful of cost of living pressures this year when making the difficult decision to increase the cost of bus passes and have increased the level of subsidy paid by the school to keep the cost to parents as low as possible, whilst also trying to balance this against the increased cost pressures on the overall school budget.
“The Ripon bus service is used entirely by families who live outside the school’s catchment area and therefore are not entitled to free transport to school provided by the local authority. There isn’t a public bus service available for families to use. Families who choose Nidderdale High School and live out of catchment are responsible for transport to school.
“We are delighted that so many families from beyond our immediate catchment area have recognised the high quality of education and care for the individual that we offer at Nidderdale High School and have made the positive choice to be part of our school community.”
Kevin Procter, managing director at Procters Coaches, said his company had to handle the cost of inflation like other businesses.
Mr Procter, who has run the school bus for six years, said he sympathised with parents but had to make the service cost-effective.
He said:
Ripon firm Farmison begins phased re-opening today“Things go up in price and do not go down, unfortunately.”
Ripon online butcher Farmison & Co is to start selling some items again today.
The company, which was acquired from administration last month by a consortium led by ex-Asda chief executive Andy Clarke, will sell a selection of heritage breeds here.
More ranges will be brought back to the website over the weeks ahead.
The company’s Ripon shop at Bondgate Green and click-and-collect location, ‘Cut by Farmison’, will also re-open this week.
Farmison is in the process of recruiting 50 staff and re-engaging suppliers after it ceased trading on April 6 and entered administration.
Now, after a certification inspection at its Ripon headquarters, the Food Standards Agency has given the company the green light to restart operations.
It has obtained commitments from farming partners in the north of England, that they will continue to supply Farmison with the grass-fed, heritage breed meat that is at the heart of the firm’s customer promise to ‘eat better meat’.
The sustainable online meat retailer was acquired last week by a consortium led by Mr Clarke and Chilli Marketing’s Gareth Whittle, Christian Barton and Kieron Barton.
Initial ranges available to customers online include 32-day dry-aged rib steak, handmade hot dogs and Farmison & Co’s signature cut dry aged sirloin steak alongside pork, chicken and lamb.
Executive chairman Mr Clarke said:
“I want to give a massive thank you to the Farmison team who’ve acted with incredible speed to bring the business back to life – and of course to our farmers across Yorkshire and the north, who are determined to support the business get back on its feet.
“We’ve been absolutely bowled over by the messages of support from colleagues, customers and suppliers since taking ownership of the business.
“It will be some weeks yet before we have our full ranges back online, but we thank each and every one of the customers who’ve sent us those messages of encouragement and support over the past few weeks. It means the world to the whole Farmison team.”
Farmison & Co sells online directly to customers across the UK, and through wholesale channels such as Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Michelin star restaurants.
Read more:
- Hot Seat: Bringing Ripon firm Farmison back to life
- Ripon firm Farmison begins hiring staff as it prepares for comeback
As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate district
Coronation celebrations continued across the Harrogate district today.
Today’s events include a parade of floats in Masham, The Big Lunch in Pateley Bridge, free entertainment in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, maypole dancing in Kirkby Malzeard, a picnic in Beckwithshaw, street parties and a fireworks display and Beatles tribute band at Spofforth Castle.
Our reporters were out and about capturing the fun and celebrations.
For a full list of events, visit our coronation diary here.
You can catch up with Saturday’s live blog here.
7.04pm – Big crowd for Coronation Concert in Knaresborough
Kelly Young (centre), alongside other chamber members
Nearly 400 people have gathered in the grounds of Knaresborough Castle to watch a livestream of the Coronation Concert on a big screen.
As the sun still shines, families and friends are seated with picnics and drinks waiting to enjoy the BBC concert. Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has also created a video compilation of iconic moments in the King’s life, including his christening, his crowning as the Prince of Wales, and music from the 1940s up to the 2000s.
Knaresborough Castle is part of the Duchy of Lancaster, a property portfolio owned by King Charles III himself, but the castle is predominantly run by North Yorkshire Council and the people of Knaresborough.
Kelly Young, director of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, said:
“We’re grateful to Matthew Walker and North Yorkshire Council for the funding to host this event.
“We hope to have many more events like this in the future”.
6.32pm – Coronation tea at Oatlands
A good turnout for the coronation afternoon tea at Oatlands Community Centre in Harrogate. Pics by Oatlands Community Group.
4pm Carr Close Street Party, Ripon
With nearly 100 attendees, Carr Close in Ripon hosted a street party to continue the royal celebrations. Residents of the street have enjoyed a lunch in the sun, a royal raffle and lots of dancing and games.
The party began at 1pm and will end at 6pm when the road closure ends. It has been in the works for six months, after Harrogate Borough Council allowed the street closure.
The party’s royal raffle raised £100 for Harrogate Road Methodist Church in Ripon.
The residents of Carr Close gave a cheer to the new King.
Organiser Jane Lincoln, a resident of Carr Close, said:
“Today has made me feel so lucky to be part of such a lovely community”.
Carr Close resident Julie Carr said:
“It has been a great day, with lovely weather and lovely company.
“We have spent it with our friends and family”.
3.30 Ripon Cathedral begins Commemorative Service
Whilst the festivities continue in villages across the district, the bells of Ripon Cathedral have been ringing to mark the start of a special commemoration service.
The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Ms Jo Ropner, representing the newly-crowned King Charles III, arrived at a packed Ripon cathedral this afternoon for a commemorative service to celebrate yesterday’s coronation.
She was greeted by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson. Both pictured below.
Among the 600 plus in attendance are civic dignitaries from across the county. The service will see the cathedral’s girl choristers, choral scholars and lay clerks sing with the additional accompaniment of Ripon City Band (pictured).
The service is being led by the Dean, with readings from The Lord-Lieutenant, and the commanding officer of the Royal Engineers’ 21 Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Perry Bishop. The regiment is based at Claro Baracks, Ripon.
3pm – Masham parade
Flora has now moved from Kirkby Malzeard to Masham to cover the afternoon fun.
The coronation float parade has begun into the town’s square, featuring a performance from Elvis, a live band and the fire service.
Richard and Sandy Cole, drivers of a Morgan in the parade, said:
“It’s been a wonderful day. It’s lovely to be in the fresh air and always good to be in our cars. We feel we’re in good hands with King Charles III.”
The First Rainbows, Brownies and Guides won best float
Vick Greensit who’s two daughters were on the winning float (below) told the Stray Ferret:
“ It’s been a fantastic day and atmosphere. Masham has pushed the boat out and we all love a community event.”
Ellie Greensit (L) aged 7 and her 10 year old sister Jessica on the winning float
1.10pm – Kirky Malzeard’s Big Lunch gets underway
The Stray Ferret’s Flora Grafton has started her coverage of the district today in Kirkby Malzeard.
Around 300 people have gathered in the village in aid of the national Big Lunch event.
As well as a picnic lunch, visitors can enjoy maypole dancing, sword dancing and a bouncy castle.
Villager Karen Pickles said:
“People gathered together to have lunch and I’m just to glad it has brought the village together.”
Pippa Manson chair of Kirkby Malzeard Parish Council (R), Karen Pickles and Jeni Cropper (L)
The Kirkby Malzeard Long Sword Dancers
12.50pm – weather forces change of venue in Pannal
The earlier torrential rain has meant a change of venue for today’s festivities in Pannal to the Village Green and Church car park.
Ripon bell ringers prepare to ring for the King
Their work high up in the south west tower of Ripon Cathedral goes unseen, but they are heard across the ancient city.
The 32-strong team of bell-ringers, whose numbers have increased recently with four new recruits, will ‘ring for the king’ once more this afternoon, with a joyous quarter peal between 2.15 and the start of the North Yorkshire commemorative service at 3.30, which celebrates yesterday’s coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Ringing master Martin Davies, told the Stray Ferret that 10 of the cathedral’s 12 bells were cast in 1932 and were rung to mark the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953.
This afternoon’s service will be attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Ms Jo Ropner, along with other civic dignitaries. It will be led by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. John Dobson.
Our pictures show members of the bell-ringing team in action prior to this morning’s Sung Eucharist Service and a group photo supplied to us by Mr Davies.
Ripon Market Square will host live music culminating in a fireworks finale tonight at 10.50.
The pyrotechnics will bring an end to a day of coronation celebrations in the city.
Afternoon sunshine brought hundreds of people, including a large number of families with young children, to the square.
A Katherine Jenkins tribute act wrapped in a Union Jack, sang a range of stirring patriotic songs, while children queued for their turn to ride free of charge on the galloping horses and Sizzler fairground attractions.
Earlier today, Ripon Cathedral hosted a live screening of today’s coronation ceremony.
Read more:
- Coronation celebrations underway in Harrogate district
- How Ripon Cathedral is marking the coronation
- Knaresborough coronation event ‘good for the town’, say residents
Former Ripon Grammar School student designs Queen Camilla’s dress
A former Ripon Grammar School student designed the dress which Queen Camilla wore to today’s coronation ceremony.
Bruce Oldfield, 72, came up with the idea for the white silk dress which Camilla wore during proceedings at Westminster Abbey and later at Buckingham Palace.
Queen Camilla’s outfit was also embroidered with roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrocks to represent the four nations of the United Kingdom.
Mr Oldfield has been designing Queen Camilla’s dresses for more than a decade.
The 72-year-old grew up in Ripon after moving to West Mount, a Dr Barnados Care Home, when he was 13.
He went on to study at Ripon Grammar School before pursuing a career as a fashion designer.
Mr Oldfield told the BBC that Her Majesty was “wonderful to collaborate with”.
Read more:
- Coronation celebrations underway in Harrogate district
- How Ripon Catherdal is marking the coronation
- Knaresborough coronation event ‘good for the town’, say residents
Eve of coronation celebrations highlight Ripon’s royal connections
Residents were rocking in Ripon last night as the ancient city kicked off celebrations for the new king and queen with an eve of coronation concert.
With connections to monarchy going back to 886 AD, when Alfred the Great is said to have recognised the bravery of locals for fighting off a Viking incursion with the award of a ceremonial horn, Ripon has remained staunchly royal and loyal.
The Market Square, where Royalists forces of Charles I fought off Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentary troops in a Civil War skirmish in 1643, provided a fitting setting to celebrate the imminent crowning of the descendant who shares his name.
Crowds in front of Ripon Town Hall
The stage for last night’s free concert featuring the tribute acts Jersey Beyond, Aftersun Party Band (pictured below) and Complete Madness (main picture) was located in front of Ripon Town Hall where two plaques are in place to mark visits of the then Prince of Wales
The first came in 1994, and the second in 2002, when he became a Freeman of the City in recognition of his contribution to Ripon’s regeneration, which included the building of a new library and The Arcade retail development.
Amid the nostalgic rock and pop music from the 60s, 70s and 80s, came the ever-present link to the city’s historic past, when Patricio Maglio, a member of the city’s hornblower team, set the watch at 9pm.
Today (Saturday) following the Coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey – which can be watched on large television screens in Ripon Cathedral starting at 9.30am – there will be further revelry on Market Square, with musical entertainment from 3pm and free fairground rides from 11am until 8pm.
The festivities will finish with a fireworks display between 10.50pm and 11pm.
Read more:
Council dashes hopes of new learner swimming pool for Ripon
North Yorkshire Council has said it has no plans to build a learner pool in Ripon following calls by local councillors and residents.
There have been hopes in the city that a facility to help children under four learn to swim could be built by the new council despite the now-abolished Harrogate Borough Council opening the £18m Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre on Dallamires Lane only two years ago.
The new facility has a six-lane pool — but not a smaller pool.
Critics say this forces families with young children to go to Knaresborough, Harrogate or even further afield for swimming lessons.
Parents who formed Ripon Pool Action Group published a survey last year that found there are over 1,000 children of pre-school age living in the Ripon area that could benefit from a learner pool.
At a meeting of Ripon City Council last week, council leader Andrew Williams, who also sits on North Yorkshire Council as an independent, said the city council would be writing to the new authority asking it to commit to building the pool.
But Nic Harne, North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of community development, said the new council, which is looking to make savings, has no plans to build a learner pool.
Mr Harne said:
“Residents will understand that it is extremely expensive to build and maintain swimming pools so the right thing to do is to ensure that there are safe and secure facilities to meet the local demand.
“Therefore, we have no plans to build a learner pool in Ripon.”
Leisure facilities in Ripon are run by Brimhams Active, an arm’s length company set up by Harrogate Borough Council.
North Yorkshire Council, which now owns Brimhams Active, has pledged to undertake a £120,000 review of leisure services with the aim of creating a countywide model for delivering leisure and sport by 2027.
Mr Harne added:
“As we bring together our leisure provision under the new council, we are reviewing all our facilities across the county to ensure they continue meet the needs of their communities.”
Read more:
- ‘Undemocratic’ to ask Harrogate residents to pay for town council without stating its powers
- Harrogate leisure chief defends Ripon pool location amid ground stability concern
- ‘We want our learner swimming pool’, say Ripon councillors
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