Sun glinted off the many chains of office hung around the necks of dignitaries attending the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee service in Ripon today.
The great and good had gathered for the North Yorkshire Civic Service at the city’s ancient cathedral, which is itself in celebration mode as it marks the 1,350th anniversary since being founded by Wilfrid, who went on to become Ripon’s patron saint.
The service in honour of Her Majesty took place some 37 years after she visited the cathedral with her late husband Prince Philip to hand out Maundy Money to church workers and volunteers,
The Very Revd John Dobson, the Dean of Ripon, led the service and key moments within it were performed by the Archbishop of York the Most Revd and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell and the Rt Revd the Lord Bishop of Leeds Nick Baines, as well as the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Mrs Jo Ropner and the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, James Lambert.
The unmistakable Harry Gration who attended this morning’s service.
Among the congregation, was Harry Gration, the retired presenter of BBC TV Look North, who is a deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon Cllr Sid and Mrs Linda Hawke, pictured with Valeria Sykes.
From the business world, Valeria Sykes, owner of Grantley Hall hotel and wellness spa, was present and posed for a photograph with the newly-installed Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon, Cllr Sid Hawke and his wife Linda.
Ripon’s MP Julian Smith on his way in to the cathedral.
Local and national politics was represented, with the city’s Conservative MP, Julian Smith and Cllr Andrew Williams the Independent leader of Ripon City Council both present.
Cllr Williams, who was also elected by a landslide margin to the new North Yorkshire unitary authority, attended with newly-elected city councillor Jackie Crozier. They are pictured below.
Cllr Williams, told the Stray Ferret:
“It is absolutely marvellous to see Ripon host the civic service for the county in this very special platinum jubilee year.
“As a city, we are extremely proud of our royal roots and with events at the cathedral, Market Square and Spa Park, all elements of the community and people of all ages, are coming together over the extended Bank Holiday. to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event.”
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Ripon sends giant birthday card to the Queen
The right royal city of Ripon is sending many happy returns to the Queen — along with a very special card.
The card, larger than any Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle windowsill can accommodate, has been produced in time for delivery for the monarch’s 96th birthday on April 21.
Accompanying eight-year-old Edward Blythe’s giant imaginative creation, will be a book containing thousands of birthday greetings from the people of Ripon.
Edward, a pupil of Moorside Primary School, told the Stray Ferret:
“I decided to have a corgi wearing a crown as my design, because I know they are the Queen’s favourite dog.
“I hope she likes it.”
Edward and his winning design, is pictured with, from the left: The Mayor of Ripon Councillor Eamon Parkin, city council leader Andrew Williams, Claire Rowett, headteacher of Moorside Primary School and Jeremy Dunford of Ripon Together
Ahead of its extensive programme of platinum jubilee events in June, Ripon City Council decided it would be a fitting early kick off to the celebrations, if it sent the Queen a special birthday card.
Hundreds of primary and secondary pupils and students at schools in Ripon and the wider area, took part in the project, supported by the council, Ripon Cathedral and Ripon Together.
Cllr Parkin said:
“This city has extremely long royal roots, going back to Alfred the Great in 886 and his donation of a ceremonial horn to his loyal supporters, for fighting off a Viking attack.
“Ripon also fought on the side of the Royalists in the English Civil War and our Royal Engineers have enjoyed the Freedom of The City since 1949.”
Former Moorside primary pupil Cllr Williams, added:
“As well as being a good fun exercise for the schools, asking children to create a special card for the Queen, has provided a creative way of letting them find out more about her incredible 70 years of service to this country.”
Year 3 pupil Edward was congratulated for the striking multi-textured card by Moorside Primary headteacher Claire Rowett, who said:
“This is a fantastic achievement, well done to him.
“We are currently planning our jubilee celebrations as a school.”
Production of the card was handled by Jeremy Dunford, of Ripon Together, who said:
“It will be sent by special delivery – Royal Mail, of course!”
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