The town of Knaresborough and one of its charities are set to feature in this weekend’s Songs of Praise programme.
A few weeks ago Katherine Jenkins caused excitement around the town when she was spotted filming at Knaresborough Castle and down by St Robert’s Cave.
As it is the weekend before Valentine’s Day, the theme for the show is love and kindness and showcases the work of Resurrected Bites which is based in Gracious Street Methodist Church.
The charity runs a community grocery store out of the church where people who are struggling to make ends meet pay a small sum to become members and can then shop at the grocery.
Ms Jenkins visited the church to speak to charity volunteers and director, Michelle Hayes, who said:
“It was great for them to recognise the work we do and we’re always grateful for the chance to show people the help we offer. There are still people struggling locally who don’t know what we do, so this programme might help us reach them.”
Filming also took place down by the River Nidd. The Welsh mezzo soprano visited St Robert’s Cave to hear the story of the 12th century hermit who is celebrated locally for his work to support the poor in his community.
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It will be broadcast Sunday morning at 11.25am on BBC One.
During Sunday’s programme, John Sentamu, the former archbishop of York, remembers his friend archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Love, Lent and Songs of Praise from Ripon CathedralSome say it with flowers, others express it in verse and it is a central theme of popular music and hymns.
The theme of love will take centre stage today – and it’s a special occasion for Ripon Cathedral, too.
Valentine’s Day comes a week before the first Sunday of Lent and Ripon Cathedral will feature in a special edition of Songs of Praise on BBC One at 1.15pm today. The pre-recorded programme focuses on the theme of Love and Lent.
Love and Lent will be in focus at Ripon Cathedral in a special edition of Songs of Praise
It includes a discussion between presenter Sean Fletcher and the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, who told the Stray Ferret:
“I reflected that often in Lent it’s popular to give something up.
“This Lent, because we have all lost so much in the past year, it’s an opportunity to take something up, to put on, as it were, the mantle of love
“We can be mindful of our neighbours and loved ones near and far.”
Dr Hartley said she reflected on the connections between Lent and lockdown. Although the former lasts just 40 days, it recalls Jesus’s 40 days in the wilderness.
Similarly, though lockdown leaves many people feeling isolated, Dr Hartley reflected that nobody is alone, even if it can feel that way.
Asked why Ripon Cathedral is so special, having been chosen as the venue for tomorrow’s programme, Dr Hartley said:
“Cathedrals have a profound sense of place and identity and are buildings where people can come and find God and be found by God.
“What makes Ripon special is its 7th century crypt, and that sense of people over hundreds of years coming to this place, making pilgrimage and praying.
“There’s a real strength in that for us today.”
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On a personal Valentine’s Day note, Dr Hartley is anticipating the continuation of a much-loved tradition with her husband Myles.
She said:
“He always declares Valentine’s Day ‘a season’!
“We will exchange home-made cards and enjoy a meal at home.”