How a Ripon man traced St Wilfrid’s leather-clad footstepsLooking Back: 8 of the best images of 2023As 2023 draws to a close, we look back at some of the striking images that appeared on the Stray Ferret.
1 Historic Hampsthwaite Bridge damaged
One of our best-read stories this year was about the sudden closure of Hampsthwaite Bridge in June. The bridge was closed to vehicles for about two months after sustaining damage that cost £60,000 to repair. It occurred after this heavy goods vehicle squeezed over and this image of it doing so generated a lot of interest — and disbelief.
2 Northern Lights dazzle
The Northern Lights never seemed closer than they did in 2023. The aurora borealis appeared to be visible more often than ever and social media was flooded with images of multi-coloured skies. It’s doubtful if anyone captured it better than Paul Oldham, whose photos of it included this one beauty over How Hill in Ripon in late September.
3 The crushed Harrogate Porsche
Zenya Dunn, standing next to her partner’s Michael’s Porsche.
This year included more than its fair share of another natural phenomenon — storms. But although lightning never strikes twice, storms do, as a Harrogate couple discovered during Storm Otto in February. A large branch from a tree crashed onto their Porsche. Zenya Dunn, who lives on Granby Road, said her partner Michael woke to go to work, only to find his Porsche beneath a branch. She said it was the second time a branch from the same tree had crashed down on to one of their vehicles and her Range Rover only narrowly escaped this time. The tree was later severely pruned.
4 Cow in Valley Gardens
A genteel Saturday morning in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens was disturbed one summer morning when a cow appeared. Valley Gardens isn’t particularly near any cattle fields and where the cow came from remains a mystery. Police somehow led it to safely.
5 Bizarre cycling message
Mystery also surrounds the message daubed on a fallen oak tree at the junction of Bilton Lane and Woodfield Road in Bilton. The decaying tree was felled by the council in August and this message appeared the following month. What it means, however — and what cyclists have to do with it — is anyone’s guess.
6 ‘Stonehenge of the north’ opens near Ripon
A cluster of three Neolithic monuments on a raised plateau above the River Ure at West Tanfield opened to the public in September. Construction firms Tarmac and Lightwater Holdings gifted the site, known as Thornborough Henges, into the legal ownership of Historic England, although it is managed by the charity English Heritage. Historic England describes it as “probably the most important single ancient site between Stonehenge and the Orkney Islands in Scotland”.
7 Knaresborough Tractor Run dazzles again
Knaresborough Tractor Run never fails to deliver. It doesn’t change much, but the sight of some 350 vehicles parading around the district, infuriating cars stuck behind them and delighting children lining the streets to watch, has become one of the most fun and fantastic days of the year.
8 Ripon’s streets lined for St Wilfrid’s Procession
The ancient tradition sees an actor on horseback adopt the role of St Wilfrid, Ripon’s patron saint, and ride around the city. The event attracts thousands of people and this year’s procession, which tied in with celebrations on Market Square, created a carnival atmosphere.
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Mummers provide a humorous take on Ripon’s rich historySt Wilfrid celebrations brought thousands of people to Ripon’s Market Square on Saturday, but after the procession was over, one tradition featuring the city’s patron saint was still to be carried out.
Since 1986, when Ripon celebrated the 1100th anniversary of its Royal Charter granted by King Alfred the Great, the Wakeman Mummers have, without fail, performed a short, humorous play about the history of the city as a postscript to the Wilfrid festivities.
Performed in rhyme and including music from melodeon player Roy Hardacre and a Morris dance finale, the play can be seen for the third night running this evening at 8.45 near the obelisk and facing onto Ripon Town Hall.
Jim Coulson, who wrote the words and takes the part of the Wakeman, will be joined by fellow mummers Peter Meese in the role of St Wilfrid, Andy West as King Alfred, Bellman Dave Blight and Ted Dodsworth as the Ripon Citizen.
The Morris dance finale
Mr Coulson told the Stray Ferret:
“The idea of the play is to tell, simply and with humour, the story of the granting of Ripon’s Charter in 886 AD coupled with the name of the city’s patron saint.
“The week of St Wilfrid’s Feast, which follows on from the procession, was chosen as the most appropriate time of year to perform this play.
“Because all traditions must start somewhere, we can claim that, having performed it every year since 1986 without a break, the “St Wilfrid Play” – as it is popularly known – has now become a well-established tradition in the city.”
This evening’s performance will be the last in the short run, but those who are unable to see it can be assured the Wakeman Mummers will be back again next year.
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Sun shines as hundreds of Ripon pilgrims walk to Fountains AbbeySt Stephen’s Day in this busiest of years for Ripon Cathedral started with a Eucharist service, followed by a leisurely four-mile walk to Fountains Abbey.
The annual Boxing Day pilgrimage linking the two internationally famous and historic religious sites has been taking place in all weathers since 1976.
Bright sunshine and clear skies saw hundreds of pilgrims participate in this morning’s walk, following a procession led by the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd. John Dobson and children, who took it in turns to carry a cross along the way.
The pilgrims on the start of their journey head up Kirkgate.
With celebrations during 2022 to mark the 1,350th anniversary of the cathedral’s foundation by Wilfrid, this year’s walk had an added significance. as the pilgrims again retraced the steps of the 13 Benedictine monks who were the original founders of the abbey in 1132.
A group of pilgrims arrive at Fountains Abbey
At the abbey, the hundreds who completed the walk from the cathedral were joined by hundreds more (pictured below) for a carol service held in the cellarium.
The service included readings, prayers and traditional carols, with musical accompaniment provided by the Stray Brass Ensemble.
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No. 3: A landmark anniversary year for Ripon Cathedral
In this article, which is part of a series on the 12 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2022, we look at a historic year for Ripon Cathedral.
Throughout this milestone year for Ripon Cathedral the iconic building has been at the heart of the local and regional community, playing a central role in events of celebration and sadness.
Its landmark 1,350th anniversary coincided with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June and Her Majesty’s death and funeral in September.
The cathedral captured every emotion, from the joyous bells that rang out to mark the monarch’s history-making 70-year reign, to flags flown at half mast to signal her passing.
During 2022, it provided a fitting setting for activities ranging from the spectacular Rome to Ripon exhibition of artworks depicting the life of its founding father Wilfrid, the city’s patron saint, to the hosting of civic services for North Yorkshire in June to celebrate the jubilee and in September to mourn The Queen’s death.
The cathedral was a focal point for mourning following The Queen’s death in September
The ancient church, whose crypt dates back to 672 AD, is the foundation stone upon which Ripon has developed over the centuries and encapsulates many aspects of the city’s history through carvings, sculptures, stained glass and monuments.
For Wilfrid, a patron of the arts who studied at Lindisfarne, the Rome to Ripon exhibition, provided a modern twist in the telling of his story, including three centrepiece paintings by internationally-renowned Syrian artist Sara Shamma.
The 1,350 celebrations ran for six months from April until October and also included dancing in the nave, a beer festival in the cathedral grounds, a pilgrimage from Bradford Cathedral, a Son et Lumiere, lectures from historians, a series of tours taking visitors behind the scenes, and an organ festival.
As a further lasting reminder of the patron saint’s work in Ripon a ledger stone at the entrance to the quire, was dedicated to Wilfrid at a service attended by the Archbishop of York, The Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell and Bishop of Leeds, The Rt Revd Nick Baines.
The ledger stone dedicated to Wilfrid
Who was St Wilfrid?
Wilfrid – one of the greatest and most controversial English saints – was born into a noble Northumbrian family. He studied at Lindisfarne before embracing the Roman ways, was deposed on more than one occasion, and yet helped unite England behind a single Christian tradition.
It is said he was born in flames, survived shipwrecks and exile, and his jailers could not keep him chained. He was a healer, he kept people from hunger by teaching them to fish, and it is said that the moon and stars shone so bright for him, that a lunar rainbow appeared on the anniversary of his death.
In his early twenties, he made a pilgrimage to Rome and was much inspired by the lives of the saints there, and the great basilica churches. He brought some of the beauty of Rome back to England with him.
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Ripon Cathedral’s St Wilfrid banquet raises £25,000Ripon Cathedral’s music, heritage conservation and education programme is to benefit from the £25,000 raised at a banquet in honour of the city’s patron saint.
The event, hosted by the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd. John Dobson, saw the culmination of the cathedral’s 1,350th anniversary celebrations which, over six months, focused on the life and work of Wilfrid, who founded the cathedral in 672 AD.
Held in the cathedral’s ancient nave this month, the banquet was sponsored by estate agent Knight Frank LLP and supported by Harrogate law firm Raworths.
The 300 guests at the black-tie event were entertained by close-up magician Rob Hutchinson and took part in fundraising activities, which included a raffle and angel tree, with prizes donated from the local community.
Diners also participated in both a live and silent auction and the evening finished with a silent disco – where guests donned a pair of headphones and took part in the unique experience of dancing inside the cathedral.
Ripon Cathedral development trust manager Margaret Hammond said:
“The banquet is one of the most spectacular events the cathedral hosts during the year. The building comes alive with guests enjoying the evening in the beautiful candle-lit setting. A unique dining experience held in one of Yorkshire’s most stunning venues.
“The evening provides an opportunity for individuals to support this wonderful ancient building and at the same time enjoy gourmet food, music and much more”.
The next major fundraising event at the cathedral, will be the Christmas Gift and Food Fair, which will be held over two days on November 25 and 26.
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Archbishop speaks of his devotion to St Wilfrid at celebratory Ripon serviceThe Archbishop of York, The Most Revd. Stephen Cottrell, spoke of his ‘great love and devotion to St Wilfrid’ in a sermon to a packed congregation at Ripon Cathedral yesterday.
The Patronal Eucharist service marked the climax of six months of celebrations, which focused on the life and work of the city’s patron saint.
It brought leading clergy and civic dignitaries from across the region to the church founded in 672 AD.
The congregation at yesterday’s service.
At the conclusion of the service, the archbishop, attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Jo Ropner, the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt. Revd Nick Baines and the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. John Dobson, dedicated a newly-created ledger stone to the visionary Benadictine monk.
The ledger stone at Ripon Cathedral.
He said:
“Gracious God, as we celebrate the 1,350th anniversary of Ripon’s Anglo-Saxon crypt, we give thanks for its ancient stones which bear witness to your faithfulness to us in every generation.
“As Wilfrid, holy and bold, built up your church in his day, so may we now, in and through this cathedral, bear witness to the inclusive good news of your kingdom for this city, diocese and region.”
The archbishop, added:
“May this stone, now incorporated into the fabric of this ancient cathedral as a lasting expression of gratitude for our founding patron, St Wilfrid, prompt us to follow his example of bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to your world.”
The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Jo Ropner, gave a reading from the New Testament.
Attendees at the service, led by the Bishop of Leeds, included the Harrogate Borough Mayor, councillor Victoria Oldham and the Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon, councillor Sid and Linda Hawke.
In his welcoming address, Dean John Dobson (pictured above) said:
“For six months we have been enjoying a full programme of events which has helped us mark the 1350th anniversary of St Wilfrid dedicating his great basilica here in 672 AD.
“That was a church building which spoke of wider, universal influence and the determination to equip the church for fitting worship and active mission in the world.”
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Archbishop at Ripon Cathedral tomorrow to honour St WilfridThe Archbishop of York and Bishop of Leeds will be at Ripon Cathedral for a special service tomorrow to mark the culmination of the cathedral’s 1350th anniversary celebrations.
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell and Rt Revd Nick Baines, will be at the 10.30am Eucharist Service, which will conclude with the dedication of a ledger stone honouring the cathedral’s founding father St Wilfrid
Throughout this year, the cathedral community has been telling the story of the missionary bishop and patron saint of the city, with art installations, son et lumieres, lectures and worship.
The ledger stone has been laid under the central tower, above the crypt dedicated by St. Wilfrid in 672AD and near to where the saint was buried. The crypt is the oldest built fabric of any English cathedral.
The stone has been created by letter carver Charlotte Howarth from Making Marks in Norfolk, who worked round the clock for four weeks to complete the work on time.
Her previous projects include the carving of the gilt lettering into the oak for the Remember Me memorial portico entrance at St Paul’s Cathedral, dedicated to those who died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Carving the ledger stone was highly skilled and physically demanding work, using an extremely hard stone called Stanhoe Framp.
Ms Howarth, said:
“You become emotionally involved with a project when you work on it. I do think it looks fabulous, there is an overwhelming feeling of relief to see it laid in the floor of the cathedral.”
Bells to ring for three hours to mark Ripon Cathedral’s 1,350th anniversaryA marathon spell of bell ringing will take place tomorrow to mark the 1,350th anniversary of the consecration of Ripon Cathedral.
The cathedral’s bell ringers will attempt a peal to mark the consecration by St Wilfrid in the year 672.
Peals are traditionally rung to mark significant events in the history of both the cathedral and the city.
Over 160 peals have been rung at the cathedral since the first in 1764.
A post on the cathedral’s Facebook page said:
“A peal requires at least 5,040 changes to be rung continuously and without repetition or mistake and will take up to three-and-a-half hours to complete, so it poses a significant mental and physical challenge to the bell ringers.
“The attempt will be made by members of the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers under the leadership of Martin Davies, the cathedral ringing master, and will start at around 9.30am. We wish them luck!”
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Ripon ready for its biggest race of the season tomorrowIt’s a landmark year for Ripon Racecourse as it prepares for its most important race of the season tomorrow.
With the city celebrating the 1,350th anniversary of the founding of Ripon Cathedral by patron saint Wilfrid, the Boroughbridge Road track will hold the race that has been run in his honour since 1839 and has been supported by bookmaker William Hill since 1994.
The William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap, run over six furlongs, has attracted a field of 15 sprinters from top yards — all vying for the winner’s prize of £51,540, with a further £48,460 going to the owners of the placed runners.
Jon Mullin, marketing and operations manager at the racecourse, told the Stray Ferret:
“This will be William Hill’s 29th year of sponsorship. It is by far their longest-standing sponsorship and is something we are really proud of.”
Horses at the finish line at Ripon Races. Picture: Steve Fareham/Geograph.
With the weather set fair, a large crowd is anticipated and Mr Mullin added:
“Advanced sales have been promising. The club enclosure sold out three weeks ago and we’re hoping plenty of people come along to enjoy a great afternoon of racing.”
While the Great St Wilfrid takes centre stage, the card also features the William Hill Hornblower Conditions Stakes. Both races will be shown live on ITV.
The track’s roots are firmly established in the ancient city and the link between course, tradition and custom will be apparent when a Ripon hornblower signals the start of the stakes race at 1.40pm.
Mr Mullin said:
“Families are always welcome and under 18s will be admitted free.”
The gates will be open from 11.30am.