The Stray Ferret is the media partner for the St Wilfrid’s Stars Awards 2024, with our coverage kindly sponsored by Little Bird Made and Grantley Hall.
A prestigous judging panel met today to decide on the winners of the St Wilfrid’s Stars awards for 2023.
The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Jo Ropner, Paul Matless of the YMCA, the Dean of Ripon John Dobson, chairman and CEO of Newby Hall Richard Compton, the Mayor of Ripon Cllr Sid Hawke and Stray Ferret director Tamsin O’Brien were all part of the panel that met in Ripon at Thorpe Prebend House.
The judges were all impressed with the number of nominations and the range of community minded people that work hard for the city of Ripon.
There were 11 categories this year taking in areas such as business, culture, tourism and more. The judges also selected an overall volunteer of the year from all of the nominees.
Winners will be at a glittering ceremony hosted by Ripon Cathedral on the evening of Thursday, October 26. Ripon Together organised the event, which made its debut last year.
Jo Ropner, the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, said:
“There was a very broad spectrum. It is lovely to see different ages and cultures working so hard in Ripon. It is good for the city that we have an event like this that can give recognition to some of our rising heroes.”
Paul Matless, housing operations manager at the YMCA, added:
“Today has been excellent, this event has brought the local community together and hopefully it will reward all of the work done in the area. We’re looking forward to seeing lots of people celebrating on the big night.
The Very Reverend John Dobson, Dean of Ripon, said:
“The panel this year is really switched on, we’ve got a good cross section of people. It has been quite challenging because we have received so many nominations in all categories.
“There is clearly much talent, much commitment and generosity of spirit in Ripon to celebrate.”
The contentious Illegal Migration Bill announced last week by Home Secretary Suella Braverman will come under the spotlight in Ripon on Thursday.
The bill says it aims to “prevent and deter unlawful migration, and in particular migration by unsafe and illegal routes, by requiring the removal from the United Kingdom of certain persons who enter or arrive in the United Kingdom in breach of immigration control”.
Ms Braverman said the bill “will allow us to stop the boats that are bringing tens of thousands to our shores in flagrant breach of both our laws and the will of the British people”.
But it was described by the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell as ‘immoral and inept’.
Now it will be discussed at a meeting arranged by Ripon City of Sanctuary.
The organisation, which was established in 2016, is part of the national network of City of Sanctuary groups that promote a culture of welcome for asylum-seekers and refugees.
In an invitation to supporters, chair Nicola David said this week’s meeting would explain what the bill really means. RCOS will also provide an update on work it is doing to help families who have resettled locally.
Ms David said:
“There are now 10 families from the Middle East in Ripon – nine brought by the government, and one by our own community sponsorship project. We continue to work very closely with North Yorkshire County Council on this.
“Our community sponsorship family arrived in July last year and those attending on Thursday evening can find out how they’re doing.
“We also have the money in the bank to bring a second family.”
Linton campaign
Last August RCOS was part of the campaign group which achieved a victory against the Home Office and then Home Secretary Priti Patel, when the government had to abandon its plan to place 1,500 asylum-seekers at Linton-on-Ouse – a village of 700 people just outside the Harrogate district.
Ms David said:
“That was to be the first of a series of horrible new ‘asylum accommodation centres’ but more are coming and we are currently supporting various campaign groups around the country who are fighting to get asylum detention centres shut down, or to stop them from reopening.
“The detainees’ only crime is claiming asylum here and we are working with Asylum Matters, Medical Justice and the Helen Bamber Foundation to challenge the government on clause 101 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which would allow the government do whatever it likes on Crown land, including setting up asylum centres, without consulting with local communities or seeking planning permission.”
In addition to its campaigning activities, RCOS has been working to help asylum-seeking veterinary surgeons to pass their UK ‘conversion’ exams, ensuring their exam fees are waived and providing grants towards the cost of their studies.
The programme also includes clothing collections, engagement with around 15 local schools to help raise a generation of young people who understand refugee issues, matching Ukrainians with hosts, and providing specialist support in some cases.
Ms David added:
“There’s a lot to discuss and I hope that as many people as possible can join us on Thursday, when we will be happy to answer any questions they have.”
The meeting will be held at Thorpe Prebend House, which is behind the cathedral on High St Agnesgate at 7.30pm. Light refreshments are being provided by Ripon Cathedral’s C3 group.
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