City council supports rejuvenation plans for Ripon’s Spa Baths

Ripon City Council has given its backing to plans designed to return Ripon’s iconic Spa Baths to its former Edwardian glory.

Ripon-based property investment and development company Sterne Properties Limited, is seeking planning approval from North Yorkshire Council for a mixed-used hospitality-led scheme that will see the restoration of the spa building, which includes ornate tiles, stained glass, period lighting and other features dating back to 1905, when it opened.

Many of the Grade II listed building’s decorative elements have not been seen for 88 years, as the spa was re-purposed in 1936 to accommodate a public swimming pool  and the addition of a pool hall saw the concealment of classical designs on windows, walls and ceilings.

Robert Sterne at Spa Baths

Robert Sterne, pictured at the ornate main entrance to the Spa building

Director Robert Sterne, told the Stray Ferret:

“We are pleased to have the support of Ripon City Council, alongside that of Ripon Civic Society, for our proposed rejuvenation of Spa Baths.”

He added:

“Our objective, as a long-term investor in our home city, is  to deliver high quality developments that breathe new life into listed and historically-important buildings and bring redundant properties back into active use.

“This is achieved through a sensitive balance of residential and commercial space and the delivery of workable schemes that are financially viable and environmentally sustainable.”

Sterne’s plan includes four new-build apartments and the regenerated complex will provide public access to the Spa building along with a new pedestrian route into the adjacent Spa Gardens.

The city council voted in favour of the scheme at its full meeting  last week and its response to the proposed plans will be lodged with North Yorkshire Council planners.

Councillors Barbara Brodigan and Andrew Williams, who are members of the the North Yorkshire Council Skipton and Ripon Area Planning Committee, left the council chamber before the agenda item was considered by fellow councillors.

As required for all Ripon planning applications that include a new-build element, ground stability tests have taken place at the Park Street site and results from them will be supplied to the planning department.

Main image: An architect’s perspective of how the refurbished Spa building will look. Image: architecture:ab 

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Harrogate team take on coast-to-coast cycle on a quadtandem

Four people from the Harrogate district have set out on a coast-to-coast quadtandem challenge for charity.

Thebike ride along 170 mile Way Of The Roses began yesterday in Morecambe at 8am and is set to end tomorrow evening in Bridlington.

The team are raising money for Yorkshire Cancer Research and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Their target is £5,000 and will be split between the charities.

On the way the team have passed through Pateley Bridge and Ripon, they stayed in Applewick last night and will dismount in York tonight.

The quadtandem is handmade using parts from four scrap bikes that the team found on scrap piles and Facebook marketplace, which have been welded together. The creation took a few months to complete.

The team is made up of Pete Wyldbor, riding in first position, Tom Hardy, in second, Ed Yates in third and Paul Abbott at the rear.

The team on their 170 mile ride

The team have honoury members in the form of their substitute rider, Ian Lythe, who will take over third position tomorrow, and John Marshall, the team’s top supporter and is at the ready with spare parts.

The team are all from the district, with members from Harrogate, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge and Scotton.

The challenge began as an idea from Mr Wyldbor, 40, who crafted the four-person bike. He revealed the inspiration behind the challenge was the 2006 film ‘Beerfest’, in a scene where five people ride one bike.

Mr Wyldbor said:

“I just thought I’d make one, just for something to do and it all escalated from there. It is a mad idea so I thought it would be good to put it to use for worthwhile charities. If we were doing it for the sake of it that would be nuts.

“We all know someone, friends or family who have been touched by cancer in the past and you really never know when you might need an air ambulance.

“None of us are cyclists and the weather has been against us, we are tired and the hills have been horrific, I will be scrapping the bike when we are done, but we are keeping going for good causes.”

The team at Morcambe, the start of their challenge

To donate to the team’s fundraiser click here.

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Masham school pupils don’t receive ‘acceptable standard of education’, says Ofsted

Masham C.E Primary School has been rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted.

The findings were published in a report yesterday following a two-day inspection in January.

Government inspectors said the school, which has 71 pupils, ‘requires improvement’ in three categories: behaviour and attitudes, personal development and early years provision.

The report said the quality of education and leadership and management were both ‘inadequate’ and gave an overall grading of ‘inadequate’.

Inspectors said pupils “do not receive an acceptable standard of education” at the school, which was previously rated ‘good’ in 2019, adding the curriculum is “disjointed” and “does not meet the needs of pupils”.

They said:

“Pupils have considerable gaps in their learning and do not achieve well. This means that they are not prepared well for the next stage of their education.

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities do not consistently receive the support that they need to access the curriculum. This prevents them from developing the knowledge and skills that they need to succeed.”

The report praised the “polite and courteous” pupils, but said occasional misbehaviour is “not managed well enough”. This prevents pupils from learning, it added.

Inspectors said the school has struggled to address “long-term weaknesses in the structure and teaching”, which worsened due to “frequent changes in staffing”. They added:

“Over time, the quality of education that pupils have received has not been checked well enough.

“Pupils’ performance in reading and mathematics is weak throughout the school. This is beginning to improve in early years. However, there remains much to do.”

The report acknowledged some early years provisions have “improved since September”, adding:

“Knowledgeable adults support the children to learn through play.

“Early mathematics and reading are taught well. However, the legacy of children having a poor experience in early years in the past is affecting access to the curriculum in older year groups.”

Ofsted praised the staff and governors, who “care passionately about the school”, and are “deeply committed to their roles”.

However, it concluded:

“There has been a lack of focus on the most pressing areas in need of improvement.

“The school has not shown the capacity to make a rapid improvement to the educational experiences for pupils.”

Educational visits

Despite the low grading, the inspectors did highlight some positive parts of the visit.

They said pupils participate in various clubs and take on responsibilities, such as leading playtime sports or being a school councillor.

Inspectors also said the pupils take part in “educational visits and community events”, and found pupils’ knowledge of religion and fundamental British values to be “developed well”.

Pupils know they can turn to “any adult in the school” if they have any concerns, the report added.

Council ‘committed to supporting the school’

The Stray Ferret contacted Masham C.E Primary School for a response to the recent inspection.

The school asked us to contact North Yorkshire Council for a comment instead.

Amanda Newbold, the council’s assistant director of education and skills, said:

“We’re committed to supporting the school with the changes already identified for the curriculum, we acknowledge the Ofsted inspectors’ recommendations and value the commitment and passion shown by the school community.

“We are pleased to see that the recent changes made, for example in early years and support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, have improved the learning environment of the school and that the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

“Looking ahead, it is imperative that everyone involved in the school community works together to build on the progress made, which will result in improved education for the pupils.”

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Crime author who solved Ripon mystery revisits school mural 50 years later

Crime writer Malcolm Hollingdrake has returned to Ripon to visit a mosaic mural he created 50 years ago.

In February, Holy Trinity Infant School enlisted the help of the Stray Ferret to track down the creators of a mosaic wall mural dating back to the 1970s.

Mr Hollingdrake solved the mystery when he noticed a photo in the article included him.

The mosaic, which was completed by Ripon College students on April 5, 1974, had been hidden beneath a cloth for years.

Mr Hollingdrake contacted the school and was invited back to see the mural. The author visited the Ripon primary school on Friday, April 12 — almost exactly 50 years to the day from its completion.

Mr Hollingdrake lives in Wigan and specialises in crime writing. He even created a series of thrillers titled the Harrogate Crime Series featuring DCI Cyril Bennett after acquiring a fondness for the area.

Originally from Bradford, he studied art and history at Ripon College between 1971-1974. He revealed the mural is based on the theme of ‘feeding the birds’ — at the time it was created the school children had been studying birds and life sciences.

Author Malcolm Hollingdrake and the newspaper clipping of him creating the mosaic in 1974.

The artwork was created using clay and powdered glass, which was fired and glazed. The mosaic was made inside Ripon College and Holy Trinity students were sent over in small groups to help with the creative process.

Mr Hollingdrake said:

“It was delightful going back to see it and I am grateful it has been brought to light. I was anxious at first as I didn’t know what to expect. It is an old artwork, and I was thinking ‘is it as I remember?’, it is easy to think of it through rose tinted glasses. But the mural was even better than I remembered and it is still in good condition.

“The school was so welcoming, the children were beautifully behaved and really enthusiastic. It was a special day and I have left with good memories.”

Deputy headteacher Amanda Bell-Walker said:

“We were so excited to welcome Malcolm into school, it was the culmination of a few months of hard work on the part of the pupil governors. Speaking to Malcolm really brought the mural to life for the pupils. It gave them a context for it and a much greater understanding of the figures portrayed in the mosaic. His visit created such a positive and joyful buzz around school.”

At the reunion Mr Hollingdrake spoke to students about how the artwork was made and answered their questions about the piece. Pupils were also involved in an art workshop creating rubbings, paintings, and collages reminiscent of the mosaic.

Holy Trinity pupils talking with Malcolm Hollingdrake and creating art to be displayed around the mural.

Ms Bell-Walker added:

“The pupils created some marvellous work. They were thoroughly engrossed in the activities and the results will be displayed around the original mural to show the inspiration behind the work.

“Malcolm was so generous with his time on Friday; he spoke to the staff, pupils and the parents/visitors who joined us with such enthusiasm that we feel even more passionate in school about caring for the future of our now famous mural.”

Malcom Hollingdrake’s latest book, Edge of the Land, the third in the Merseyside crime series, was published by Hobeck Books yesterday (April 16) and he is currently writing the 14th book in the Harrogate Crime Series.

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Closed primary school near Boroughbridge could reopen as nursery

A school between Boroughbridge and Ripon that closed last year could reopen as a nursery.

Skelton Newby Hall Church of England Primary School in Skelton-on-Ure struggled with falling numbers of pupils and was eventually forced to close after having just one student enrolled. It has been vacant since.

Baldersby Park Nursery, formally Chrysalis Montessori Nursery, has now submitted plans to North Yorkshire Council to change the use of the building

The nursery is currently located next to Queen Mary’s School in Topcliffe, Thirsk, It has been established for over 20 years and currently has a ‘good’ Ofsted rating.

According to planning documents, Skelton Parish Council and Newby Hall Estate approached the nursery in the hope that it could utilise the school site.

A document submitted on behalf of the applicant said:

“Following discussions and a review of the viability of the proposed move it was decided that the school site offered an ideal location for a children’s nursery.

 

“Baldersby Park Nursery are currently experiencing a high demand for places and the proposed move would secure a long-term future for the nursery supported by a long-term agreement with the Newby Hall Estate.”

The school was founded in 1856 by Lady Mary Vyner, the former owner of Newby Hall, and maintained a close relationship with the estate.

If the planning application is successful, the nursery will begin providing early years learning at Skelton Newby Hall from September.

The nursery’s need to expand and the intention of Queen Mary’s School to expand into the nursery building signifies a good opportunity to move.

Headteacher and owner Victoria Pollitt said:

 “We are delighted to have been able to reach an agreement with the parish council to lease Skelton Newby Hall and we are looking forward to providing early years learning there from September 2024. The new building is only around ten minutes away from our current nursery and will enable us to increase the physical size of the nursery without increasing numbers. It will also mean we can extend learning with the immediate surroundings such as Newby Hall, which will be of even further benefit to the children on their early years learning journey. We have had a fantastic five years at our current location and would like to thank Queen Mary’s School for all their support.”

Guy Critchlow, chair of Skelton cum Newby Parish Council said:

“We are delighted to welcome Victoria and her team to Skelton on Ure, and to see this truly amazing site return to education use from September 2024. We are grateful for the support of Richard & Lucinda Compton at Newby Hall who are continuing the long family tradition of ensuring space is available in our village for a nursery. Every thriving community needs a good nursery, like the Baldersby Park Montessori Nursery, to support the growing number of young families choosing Skelton and the surrounding area as their home.”

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Ripon Cathedral to consider ‘adjustments’ to annexe proposal

Ripon Cathedral has said it will consider amending its plans to construct a new £8 million annexe building.

The cathedral paused its planning application in January amid widespread concern about the loss of 11 trees and the impact on local businesses.

Since then it has held a series of consultation events to listen to feedback and try to find a way forward.

In an update on social media today, the cathedral said feedback from the consultation had shown a “77% approval rate for the project’s progress”.

It added:

“The cathedral team is now reviewing the submissions to identify opportunities for areas of creative thinking and potential practical adjustments to the north side plans, while ensuring they align with the cathedral’s overall requirements.

“Conversations will then take place with planning officers. After this, we will share a further update on progress.”

The cathedral has said the annexe will attract more visitors to the city, provide a safe space for choristers and accessible toilets as well as space for a refectory and better shop.

The Very Revd John Dobson, the Dean of Ripon Cathedral, outlined the case for the scheme In a two-part interview with the Stray Ferret last month.

But more than 2,000 people have signed a petition against the felling of trees, including a veteran beech, in Minster Gardens.

Some businesses are also concerned the refectory would pull visitors away from existing hospitality venues in the city.

The two-month consultation on the proposed north side development has, according to today’s post by the cathedral, generated more than 900 comments via written cards, on-line submissions and letters.

It also included 22 facilitated drop-in sessions and 12 meetings.

The cathedral said:

“We value and respect the diverse opinions and concerns raised about the proposed plans and have been grateful for the opportunity to engage in meaningful and constructive conversations.”

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Unique worldwide collection of measurement items to be housed in Ripon

A remarkable and extensive international collection containing items of worldwide importance has been delivered to its new home in Ripon following 38 years of planning.

The collection, now in secure storage at the Old Wesleyan Chapel on Coltsgate Hill, was  gathered over decades by husband and wife Alex and Gwen Renton, two mathematics teachers who lived in the Ripon area.

It includes more than 2,000  scientific and technological instruments gathered from across the globe, which have been used in every form of measurement and weighing employed by mankind since 600 BC.

The delivery was made last week.

In 1986,  Mr and Mrs Renton made their phenomenal offer to the Ripon City Festival Trust, when it was making preparations for celebration of Ripon’s 1100th anniversary.

Trustee Barrie Price told the Stray Ferret:

“They said that to mark the anniversary year they wanted to donate their collection to the city, on the proviso that it must stay in Ripon and be made available to children as an educational resource.”

He added:

“Their home was like an Aladdin’s cave, with a vast variety of valuable items, many of which had been sought by the major museums in London.

“It was agreed that they should stay in their possession until after their deaths. Gwen died in May 2005 and Alex in February 2008 and then the search began to find a suitable, safe and secure place for both the storage and subsequent display of items dating from the Babylonian period to the present day.”

 ‘No similar collection anywhere in the world’

In 1997, Professor Norman Biggs, an internationally-recognised expert on weights and measures, based at the Centre for Discrete and Applicable Mathematics at London School of Economics and Political Science, said:

“The Renton Collection of weights and measures is unique, there is no similar collection anywhere in the world and it reflects a broader range of weighing and measuring activity than a ‘normal’ museum collection.”

The collection includes many rare documents, books and catalogues

The collection, which includes a library of books documents and catalogues on matters related to weights and measures, was left in trust  and is under the guardianship of the Knoll Charitable Trust, whose chairman is Mr Price.

A building saved from dereliction

The trust also owns the former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel built in 1861, which ceased being a place if worship in 1963 when it merged with Allhallowgate Methodist Church.

This imposing building was home in the 1960s to U-Save, Ripon’s first supermarket, but fell into dereliction after the store closed.

Following major refurbishment in 1997 it became the office of a regional accountancy practice where Mr Price was a senior partner.

The former chapel was awarded a green plaque by Ripon Civic Society in recognition of its heritage status.

Nexus Dental Laboratory

As well as providing a new long-term location for the Renton Collection, the ground floor of the building has been the base for Nexus Dental Laboratory, following its relocation last year from smaller city centre premises.

Steve Campbell, the company’s chief executive and his colleagues are enthusiastic about sharing the building with a collection of outstanding educational and cultural importance. He said:

“I am filled with a profound sense of privilege and excitement. This collection, arguably the most significant assembly of measurement devices in British history, showcases the pinnacle of ingenuity and precision from past eras and profoundly connects with the rich tapestry of Ripon’s history and beyond.

“This collection is not merely an exhibition of historical artefacts. It represents a celebration of humanity’s relentless quest for knowledge and precision. It brings to the region scientific significance and the compelling stories to inspire curiosity and admiration.”

He added:

“We are incredibly fortunate to be part of this journey. The opportunity to share in the eventual display of these items is a privilege that fills me with gratitude.

“The Renton Collection at The Old Chapel is more than an exhibition; it is a testament to the enduring human spirit of exploration, accuracy, and belief. It invites us to reflect on our past, appreciate the present, and anticipate the future of scientific discovery and understanding.”

The sculpture of Blind Jack with his trundle wheel in Knaresborough Market Place.

Nexus director Iain Baldwin, a former pupil of King James’s School, Knaresborough, said:

“Among the items that we now have in our care is a trundle wheel that is similar to the one featured in the sculpture of 18th century engineer and legendary road builder Blind Jack in Knaresborough Market Place.

“It is incredible  to have, here in Ripon, a real-life exhibit of a measuring device that gives us this local link to a collection of such international significance.”

Before items can go on display the search is on for a person with the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake the mammoth task of working through the extensive collection and getting it into shape.

Mr Price said:

“We will also be looking to appoint a caretaker and enlist the help of volunteers. The plan is to move forward in a measured manner and in the longer term, what we are able to do with this magnificent gift to Ripon will be dictated by the funding that we can obtain.”

He added:

“It is, however, a fantastic gift for the city to receive, working on many levels, as an educational resource to inspire young minds and a visitor attraction that will add to Ripon’s standing as a place that is firmly on the map of  national and international heritage tourists.”

Main image: Barrie Price (right), Steve Campbell (centre) and Iain Baldwin, are pictured with some of the many items from the Renton Collection. 

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The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park in Ripon has a new 60-strong artwork exhibition

Above: Fish Pool by Diane Maclean

Go on an immersive journey through art and nature at the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, near Ripon, at its new 60 collection artwork exhibition entitled Sculpture in the Landscape. It opens for the season next week on Thursday April 18 until the end of October 2024.

Showcasing artists from across the globe, the pieces are dotted around the 45 acres of gardens and will be on display along with the 90 mixed media permanent sculptures.

Willow Snow Tiger by Leila Veneer

From monumental installations to intricate pieces, each sculpture will invite those visiting the garden to think about the artwork in a unique and thought-provoking manner. This is all to the backdrop of the gardens that are home to more than 20,000 plants, including one of the North’s largest collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias.

Visitors can expect to encounter sculptures crafted from a myriad of materials, each telling a unique story and the garden can make for a great day out for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families alike.

Barn Owl And Vole by Bryn Parry

Will Roberts from the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park said:

“We are delighted to present this exhibition, celebrating the intersection of art and nature.

“This year’s exhibition features a rich tapestry of creative expressions, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of both the sculptural and natural worlds and provides a platform for established and emerging artists to showcase their talent while fostering dialogue about the environment, culture, and society.”

The artwork will also be available for visitors to buy should they wish; just head to this link for details.

Gallery

A Vessel by Cillian Briody

Mr And Mrs Pig by Henrietta Bud

Fallen Fruit, Apple III by Chris Moss

A Vessel by Cillian Briody

The Watchman by Rory Cannon

A Brisk Walk by Simon Conolly RBSA, RSMA

Aderyn by Stephen Page

Swift Return by Gill Wicks BA(Hons) Fashion Design, PGCE

Blue Door Sycamore by Dave Watkinson

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Meet the Ripon leather workers following St Wilfrid’s path

Stiches that bridge time between ancient and modern craftsmanship are linking the skills of two outstanding leatherworkers in the Ripon area.

The handmade heritage stretches back to the foundation by Wilfrid of the city’s cathedral in 672 AD

Master craftsman Andy Bates, a mentor on the BBC’s Make It At Market BAFTA Award-nominated series, has been sharing his in-depth knowledge with Bridie Rimmer, whose bespoke handmade Luxe Rebel Leather Co, brand of leather jackets and fashion wear is proving popular with glam rock and and country music stars.

The like-minded leatherworkers who produce goods of the highest quality for different types of clientele, first met at a leathercraft workshop run by Andy at Ripon Workhouse Museum last year.

A selection of Luxe Rebel Leather Co garments, all made by Bridie Rimmer

Andy said:

“It was a serendipitous meeting, because we were able to discuss how the skills and techniques of leathercraft, which go back centuries, still apply to this day and Bridie is using them to create specialist high-end bespoke goods that have great visual appeal, while my customers commission me to produce one-off items ranging from belts to boots and items that are used in theatrical productions.”

One of Andy Bates’ dramatic pieces of leatherwork. 

Bridie’s clients include Canadian Jo-Jo O’Donoghue, lead singer with the fast-rising glam rock band Jo-Jo and the Teeth and her stunning designs are also worn by other artists including country musician Kezia Gill.

She has also caught the attention of the organisers of an industry award, where  Rebel Luxe Leather Co has been shortlisted for a sustainability award for her environmentally-aware operation, which sees waste is minimised through use of offcuts to make other small leather goods. Some left over leather is also donated to local schools.

Speaking about how she developed her latent talent, Bridie said:

“I taught myself how to make a jacket from an existing one and after many frustrating attempts, it worked!  I then developed the patterns to change them into a unique rebellious stylish piece.

“I am completely self-taught in leather and when I wanted to expand and explore more into the leather world, Luxe Rebel Leather Co. was born; with creativity and chic style at its core.”

Jo-Jo O’Donoghue, lead singer of Jo-Jo and the Teeth in a jacket made by Bridie Rimmer. Picture: Kamila Jarczak

She added:

“I am passionate about finding my customers’ unique styles and igniting their confidence by working closely together to develop a piece that personally speaks to them, in a way that nothing else in the current fast-fashion industry could.”

In the footsteps of Saint Wilfrid

Andy, who is a keen archaeologist, historian and member of the Heritage Crafts organisation, pointed out:

“We can trace back the leather-sandaled  footsteps of Ripon’s Patron Saint Wilfrid, and find his link to leatherworking both here and in Hexham.

“‘More than 1,300 years later, working alongside Bridie and others willing to share their know-how and craftworking tips, I am planning to run more workshops.

“This is in the hope that they will become the catalyst that helps craftsmen and women to join forces and put Ripon back on the map as a centre of excellence for the production of hand-crafted leather goods.”

Main image: Andy Bates and Bridie Rimmer, pictured with examples of their work at Bridie’s Melmerby studio.

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Community group agrees price to buy Grewelthorpe pub

Campaigners have taken a major step towards buying a pub between Masham and Ripon.

Friends of the Crown, a not-for-profit group, is working towards buying the Crown Inn at Grewelthorpe and converting it to a community pub.

The group was formed following the closure of the Crown Inn last year.

The pub is owned by Admiral Taverns, which owns 1,600 UK pubs. However, the company accepted the campaigners’ offer on Monday to buy the pub subject to funding.

The group now aims to raise a minimum of £450,000 to fund the purchase and refurbishment.

It has applied for a grant of up to £250,000 from the government’s community ownership fund, which is a four-year scheme to support groups in purchasing community assets at risk of being lost.

In addition, group chair Martin Glynn told the Stray Ferret it would then require a further £200,000 of community donations.

He said the group conducted a survey to find out how many people supported the initiative shortly after the pub’s closure.

It revealed a total of 96% of the 120 responses supported the idea of a community pub, and the group has since received £177,000 of pledges from the local community, Mr Glynn added.

He added:

“The fund opened this time around with a much shorter window than anybody anticipated so it was a huge amount of work to get our bid ready, but we managed it — with an hour to go!

“I’d just like to say a very big thank you to everybody who helped – it really was a team effort. We just want our pub back in Grewelthorpe, and this week has seen us make big strides to achieving that.”

Friends of the Crown hopes the new pub will “service community needs” and provide a “welcoming destination for locals and visitors”.

The campaigners say they want to provide good food and drink, rather than just a “drinkers den”, and provide work and training opportunities for local people.

The group said it expects to hear back about the funding application in a few months’ time, adding it will then fundraise for the remainder of the money in the months following.

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