Stray cockerels cared for by volunteers on moors near Ripon have gone missing amid fears they have been killed and fed to dogs or ferrets.

Animal lover John Richmond, a former mayor of Ripon, and eight volunteers set up a daily rota to tend to up to 30 abandoned birds.

But last week only 15 could be found at ‘Cockerel Corner’ between Kirkby Malzeard and Dallowgill, where they normally gather to be fed.

Following a thorough search of the moorland undergrowth, one of the birds was found dead with a pellet hole in its chest.

Mr Richmond told the Stray Ferret:

“I believe that the birds, who have become very tame and trusting, came out expecting to be fed and half of them were shot by a person or persons with air rifles and the carcasses taken off in a vehicle to be fed to dogs or ferrets. I have reported this to North Yorkshire Police.

“In the meantime the team of volunteers, who come from Harrogate, Ilkley, Knaresborough and Masham are determined to keep feeding the remaining hungry cockerels, though it is proving difficult to get the birds to come out of the undergrowth at feeding time.

“The birds clearly remain traumatised by what they have experienced and we are at a complete loss to understand why anybody would do this to harmless creatures.”

The former mayor, who was awarded the British Empire Medal last year for services to the community, took over feeding the cockerels when his cousin Ken Ellis became too poorly to continue the daily task.

Mr Ellis died in July and since then a growing number of volunteers have been assisting Mr Richmond in looking after the birds.

Mr Richmond, who is 86, added:

“I am still looking for more volunteers who can help out with looking after the cockerels and if they want to know more, they can contact me on 01765 607 096.”

Next year’s Ripon 1350 volunteer programme is being supported with funding of £60,800 from the National Lottery.

The award, from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Digital Skills for Heritage initiative, will help Ripon Cathedral to celebrate the 1350th anniversary  of its foundation by Wilfrid, the city’s patron saint.

Ripon 1350, which will include a programme of events throughout 2022, is one 17 projects across the UK to receive funding to create digital volunteering opportunities, supporting volunteers to develop and contribute their digital skills.

Some opportunities will be offered online – removing barriers such as place, mobility, time commitments and confidence in returning to in-person activities due to the pandemic.

In turn, heritage organisations will gain the perspectives and skills of ‘at distance’ and on-site digital volunteers including many who may not have had the chance to volunteer before. The impact of the new volunteering opportunities and ways of working will be shared across the heritage sector.

Ros Kerslake, CEO at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting and sharing the UK’s heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players we are delighted to support these trailblazing projects, including ‘Ripon 1350’ as they create exciting new digital volunteering opportunities, helping to break down barriers and inspire the sector to get even more people involved in the heritage they love.”

The Ripon 1350 programme will develop participants’ knowledge, skills, and experience, through digital activities connected to the cathedral’s heritage.

It will provide, for the very first time, opportunities to become a digital volunteer and volunteer remotely. The project will also significantly contribute to the digitisation of the cathedral’s heritage, aimed at attracting and engaging new audiences from the UK and abroad.

The project will expand the cathedral’s current volunteer programme of 100 volunteers, by providing new digital volunteering opportunities in roles such as social media, photography, collections, visitor experience and website development.

Currently many of the cathedral’s volunteers are aged 55 or over, living locally and generally engaging in roles at the cathedral in daytime hours. These roles are difficult to access by those working, those with family or caring commitments, those living outside the area or those without the means to travel.

Volunteers will be trained in the production of digital tours, educational and collections videos, live and pre-recorded lectures and talks, aerial drone film production and social media. Role opportunities include a digital volunteer coordinator – a part/time paid role to manage the project and coordinate, train and support all Ripon1350 digital volunteers

Read more:

• Ripon company wins £106,000 contract to resurface city car park
• Lottery funding boost for Ripon museums

Former BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration has met six inspirational people from the Harrogate district for his new podcast Harry’s Heroes.

Harry has recorded conversations with finalists Cath Wilson, Greta Knight, Helen Mackenzie, Lauren Doherty, Mark Oldfield and Susie Little who were all put forward by local people who feel their work is extraordinary. Each are doing exceptional things in different ways to help others in the community.

Harry has partnered with sponsor Harrogate Spring Water to champion the work of these exceptional individuals.

You can learn more about each hero and listen to the podcasts by clicking or tapping here and afterwards vote for your favourite. We hope you enjoy listening to their stories and about their work.

The hero who gets the most votes will win a trip to London for a fantastic concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

Voting closes on November 28 at 11.59pm. The winner will be announced by Harry Gration the following day on November 29.

Harry said on the launch of his new podcast:

“My final six local heroes have told me their stories, we’ve recorded them and they’re ready to listen to.

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet all of our heroes along with the people who put them forward in the first place.

“I encourage you to take the time to listen to all of their stories, they really are fantastic and very moving.

“I’m delighted to give these individuals the recognition they deserve and hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I did making them.

“You can vote in the form below but before you do, take the time to listen to all six stories.

“I look forward to announcing the lucky winner on 29 November with Harrogate Spring Water.”

The people of Pateley Bridge and Bewerley have been recognised for their selfless contribution to the community during the covid pandemic.

Plaques have been unveiled within both of the parishes that make up the town council serving the area.

The unveilings were carried out by the Mayor and Mayoress of Pateley Bridge, Cllr Mike and Dr Janet Holt and the chair of Bewerley Parish Council, Cllr Graham Spooner.

The wording on the plaques says that each council: ‘Acknowledges and thanks the volunteers, shopkeepers and parishioners who have all contributed so much to the town during the covid-19 pandemic.’

Cllr Holt said

“This has been a great opportunity to make people aware that our town is governed by two councils, and how those councils work together for the benefit of the whole community, the local businesses and of course our all-important visitors.

The Pateley Bridge plaque. Photo: Cllr Stanley Lumley

He added:

“We are privileged to live in this amazing area and although everybody in this country has, to a greater or lesser extent, been affected by covid we have been incredibly lucky.

“We have an amazing community which, over these last 18 months has pulled together to help their neighbours, relatives and friends to cope with the personal issues that have occurred during this time.

“Both councils appreciate how our community has worked selflessly to help during this crisis and the plaques will act as a long-standing reminder of both councils’ gratitude, and they will also hopefully remind everyone how monumentally life-changing this pandemic been.”

Read more:

• A crisis in which nobody in Nidderdale has gone un-noticed
• Why police in Pateley Bridge want people to ‘bee alert’

The purchase and erection of the plaques came after Pateley Bridge Town Council was approached by many people recommending that individuals should be recognised for their efforts during the pandemic.

While it was not possible to recognise each individual, because of the large number involved in voluntary activities and service that helped others, it was agreed that the plaques would be a poignant way of marking the collective community effort.

Ripon’s Oxfam shop is reopening for the first time in more than a year today.

The charity’s premises on Fishergate has been shut since the first covid lockdown last March.

Walter de Buck, area manager for Oxfam’s retail outlets in North and East Yorkshire, told the Stray Ferret:

“It has been frustrating being closed for this extended period of time. We are pleased to be reopening in Ripon and thank our supporters for their patience.”

Doors will open at 9am.

Newly appointed shop manager Arlene O’Hara said:

“We are raring to go and excited that the day has finally come.”

Ready to reopen – Victoria Smith, manager of The Salvation Army shop

Among her tasks will be to recruit a team of volunteers willing to lend a hand.

Mr de Buck explained:

“The principal reason for being closed for so long is because many of the volunteers we rely upon have been shielding during the pandemic.”

Anybody considering volunteering can email oxfamshopf0620@oxfam.org.uk or call 01765 601441.

Also on Fishergate, Victoria Smith, manager of The Salvation Army charity shop, has been putting the finishing touches to her window displays.

She said:

“We have received 1.5 tonnes of spring and summer clothing and have been putting selected goods out on the rails in readiness for reopening.”

The donated items have come from clothing banks in and around Ripon and the surrounding area.

Following the pre-Christmas opening of the Martin House store, the city now has 10 charity shops.

Read more:

• Ripon races back on track
• Back to basics approach to Ripon’s food poverty

Each plays a role in raising much-needed funds for causes ranging from end-of-life care for children and adults to supporting disabled people and the treatment of animals.

A Ripon organisation is able to reflect on a remarkable response to the coronavirus crisis.

With the anniversary of the UK’s first covid lockdown looming, Food Support has been able to measure the weight of the city’s reaction.

The service, located at Community House in Allhallowgate, has received more than 50 tonnes of donations since last March.

This has enabled Suzanne Bowyer, her colleague Caroline King and an army of volunteers, to help families and individuals.

Assistance is provided to people living in Ripon, Boroughbridge and surrounding areas.

Suzanne Bowyer, who says support from the Ripon community has been incredible

Suzanne, told the Stray Ferret:

“The response from individuals, supermarkets, other shops and businesses, has been incredible.

“We have received donations of fresh, packaged and tinned food, beverages and items such as nappies.

“Volunteers have also donated their time.

“This has provided a lifeline for people affected by the pandemic.”

Food Support, works with partner organisations ranging from the NHS and Harrogate Borough Council to doctors’ surgeries and the Salvation Army, who make referrals.

For some, the help will be temporary as they wait for Universal Credit, while others may have a longer-term need.

Suzanne, pointed out:

“We provide a totally discreet and confidential service designed for anybody needing a helping hand.

“People should feel no shame in seeking help to feed themselves or their family in these difficult times, caused by circumstances outside their control.”

Numerous churches, groups, individuals, businesses and organisations continue to rally to the call by providing practical assistance.

Read more:

• Tidy up ordered for another Ripon eyesore
• Ripon plans major celebration for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Food Support has continued throughout the crisis. Donations that arrive at Community House in Allhallowgate are weighed on industrial scales.

More crunch times lie ahead, with school summer holidays, the end of furlough, mortgage holidays and emergency rights preventing tenants from being evicted.

Further details are available at:  www.riponcommunityhouse.co.uk

Tockwith Show has sent out an urgent SOS for volunteers to enable this year’s event to go ahead.

The show committee will vote on Wednesday next week on whether to go ahead with this year’s event in August, which would be the 75th show to be held.

Covid has already created uncertainty but there is the added risk of cancellation due to a shortage of helpers.

Allan Robinson, chairman of the committee, said:

“It’s likely that covid means there will be a need for even tighter controls on the day and at the moment we just don’t have enough people to guarantee that.

“We not only want new members on the committee, there are several areas of the show that need a steward to organise and supervise things and we also need people who are prepared to help in setting up the show and making sure it all runs smoothly on the day.”

Tockwith village is on the fringes of the Harrogate district, between Wetherby and York.

The annual show is a major part of civic life in the district and includes agricultural and horticultural competitions as well as arts and crafts and family fun.

it has been held annually every year since 1945, with two exceptions, including last year.

Read more:

• Great Yorkshire Show set to go ahead in July
• Birstwith Show set to return in July

Mr Robinson added:

“Tockwith Show reflects a huge part of the heritage of this region: farming is still a major part of our economy and our community, and it would be a real tragedy if we weren’t able to go ahead this year.

“But although it’s only held on one day there is inevitably a great deal of work that goes into the organisation to ensure it runs smoothly and safely.”

For further information on volunteering, call Mr Robinson on 01423 358 889 or contact him on email at allan.robinson2016@hotmail.com.

Volunteers are needed to support the Ripon vaccination centre, which is expected to open next month.

Mashamshire Community Office, a charity which offers information and advice in the town, is looking for a team of marshals for the site, which will be at Ripon racecourse.

Health bosses confirmed the location of the vaccination site yesterday.

Volunteers are likely to be needed from the second week of February, a post on the Kirkby Malzeard and Masham Surgery website said.

The post said days may vary, but volunteers are likely to be required on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Read more:

• Vaccination site to be opened at Ripon racecourse
• Harrogate district on track to achieve February 15 vaccine deadline

Two sessions will be held at the site from 8am until 1.15pm and 1pm to 6pm. Ten volunteers will be needed per session.

All personal protective equipment and hi-vis will be provided and no DBS check is required.

Duties will include directing traffic and guiding people inside the site.

Anyone interested should contact Mashamshire Community Office on mco@visitmasham.com.

An appeal has been launched to find more volunteers as Pateley Bridge looks to support its most vulnerable residents through lockdown.

In the first lockdown, the Spar on the High Street became the centre for community support, delivering food and other essentials to people who were shielding or could not get out.

Tilly Chandler, whose family owns and runs the shop and Yorkshire Born and Bread bakery, said it was still making 30 free home deliveries a week to people in isolation in Pateley Bridge and neighbouring villages.

Pateley Bridge in lockdown.

However, extra volunteers will be needed if demand increases as more people in Upper Nidderdale self-isolate or shield. Ms Chandler told the Stray Ferret:

“At one stage we were handing up to 90 deliveries a day, with support from 60 volunteers. If there is a sudden surge in demand, we will need more volunteers to come forward. Anybody wanting to lend a hand can call the Spar shop number.”

In addition to the 30 weekly home deliveries that are ongoing, there is a click and collect service for people able to come to the store. Ms Chandler added:

“Some people who have been stuck at home have found it good for their physical and mental health to get out in the fresh air and use the visit into town as part of their exercise.”

Read more:

• Oliver’s army fights on as Ripon returns to lockdown
• Quiet streets as Harrogate district embraces lockdown

Two new benches have taken pride of place in Harrogate and Knaresborough to celebrate key workers.

One of the benches is in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens; the other overlooks the boats on the River Nidd in Knaresborough.

The volunteer group Supplies for Key Workers in and around Harrogate is behind the project.

The group commissioned the benches from Harrogate Borough Council at £1,200 each, using money left over from fundraising events.

Julie Mills, head of the Supplies for Key Workers group, told the Stray Ferret:

“It is just brilliant to see. When I saw that plaque, I was quite emotional. This is what we have all done together.

“We have not really stopped since the first lockdown but it is nice to sit on the benches and reflect on what we have achieved.”

Read more:

• Ripon coronavirus testing site being considered
• Coronavirus clinic to open at Jennyfield community centre

More than 3,000 people are in the group, which was set up at the start of lockdown.

The group is still receiving requests for scrubs and visors.