Today’s Totally Locally party in Ripon provided a taste of how Kirkgate could be utilised throughout the year if the street was permanently pedestrianised.
The event, which was organised by independent traders in the city with the backing of Ripon Business Improvement District, attracted hundreds of visitors.
Despite an unfavourable forecast, the day of sunshine and showers saw family groups and individuals arrive from 10am to listen to live music, purchase gifts and enjoy some alfresco dining, as cafes, restaurants and other retailers lined the street with their stalls, tables and chairs.
Performers included the Hyde Family Jam (main picture) the All for One Ripon band (pictured above) and the Knaresborough Vestal Social Club Band.
Richard Hughes, one of the event’s organisers and owner of Manchega Tapas Bar on Duck Hill, told the Stray Ferret:
“Independent businesses, not just in Kirkgate, but throughout the whole of Ripon, have made this happen.”
Mr Hughes, (pictured above, centre) with colleagues from the left: Tilly Whild, Brad Lucas and Felix Lees, added:
“It shows what Ripon could do by properly pedestrianising Kirkgate and enabling small businesses to work together to unlock the street’s full potential by making it a vehicle free area.”
Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst, said:
“It has been great to see how traders in Kirkgate and other parts of Ripon have collaborated to create such a tremendous community event under the Totally Locally banner and we hope that there will be many more to follow.”
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Ripon prepares to party after Knaresborough celebrates
Ripon is preparing for a bank holiday street party after Knaresborough took centre stage yesterday.
Knaresborough Spring Fayre saw thousands of people visit the sun-bathed Market Place.
The activities included a free petting farm, a free craft tent, fairground rides, a spring window competition, a magician and an appearance by the Easter bunny.
It was the second time the spring fayre has been staged by Knaresborough Business Collective, which was set up by a group of small businesses to make the town centre more vibrant.
Yesterday’s event certainly had the town buzzing for the entire six hours from 10am to 4pm.
Collective member Natalie Horner said:
“It was such a brilliant day and a huge success for both the event itself and the shops in town too.
“The weather was lovely and it was so nice to see so much community spirit and joy in town.”
The Nailery won the spring window competition.
The forecast looks a little less kind for tomorrow’s street party on Kirkgate in Ripon, but spirits will no doubt be equally high.
Kirkgate will be closed to traffic from 10am to 4pm while residents and visitors enjoy live music, al fresco dining and entertainment.
The event is part of the Totally Locally scheme being adopted by traders and Ripon Business Improvement District to encourage people to spend with independent businesses in the city.
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Kirkgate to close for Easter street party in Ripon
Live music, al fresco dining and entertainment will draw residents and visitors into central Ripon on Easter Monday.
The day of entertainment will see Kirkgate closed to traffic on April 10 from 10am to 4pm, allowing people to enjoy the party atmosphere and businesses to see the impact of pedestrianisation.
The street party will feature live music from Hyde Family Jam, as well as pop-up entertainers and street food from Jaflong Indian and Manchega’s tapas.
The event will be part of the new Totally Locally scheme being adopted by traders and Ripon Business Improvement District, designed to encourage people to spend with independent businesses in the city.
Promoting the event, the BID said:
“Totally Locally have calculated that if every adult in the population were to spend just £5 per week in local shops and businesses, that would contribute £13.5 billion per year to the local UK economy.
“If every adult in Ripon spent just £5 per week in their local independent shops that would result in an extra £3.1 million per year going into our local Ripon economy.
“Kirkgate is the heart of independent business. The street party on Easter Monday is a celebration of the ‘buy local’ movement.”
Independent businesses interested in getting involved in the event can contact Manchega.
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New restaurant adds to Ripon’s hospitality offer
A new addition to Ripon’s hospitality sector has arrived with the opening of The Silva Bells restaurant and cafe at the bottom of Kirkgate.
Eight months after the closure of the Bambudda Asian fusion restaurant, a total refurbishment and kitchen re-fit has been carried out at the corner-site premises, located across the road from the city’s cathedral.
Following successful negotiations with landlord Mike Johnson, Silva Bells’ managing director Jenk Pepec and his business partner David De Silva invested time and money in delivering the new look.
The name recognises the vital role that Mr De Silva and his wife Betty played in getting the new venture off the ground.
Members of The Silva Bells’ chefs and kitchen team: (from left) Jack O’Brien, Lloyd Gardener, Carl Smith and Stu Hooren
Mr Pepek, who gained expertise through working in the hospitality sector in his home city of Bursa in northern Turkey and subsequently in Birmingham and York after he moved to the UK, told the Stray Ferret:
“I fell in love with this place the first time that I saw it and after a lot of hard work new life has been breathed into it.”
The business employs 17 people and is open six days a week, serving a selection of modern British and European cuisine and incorporating Mediterranean dishes.
Mr Pepec said;
“Our menu includes items ranging from traditional Sunday roasts to a ‘create your own’ pizza and we will also be serving dishes featuring locally-sourced game.
“We have received a warm welcome and look forward to contributing to the community of this charming and historic city.”
The main image shows Jenk Pepec (centre) with members of The Silva Bells’ front of house team — from the left: Gaby Symonds, Mia Kitching, Harry Jewers and Jack George
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Clergy race along Kirkgate as part of Ripon’s Pancake Day fun
Clergy raced along Kirkgate today as part of Ripon Cathedral‘s annual Pancake Day event.
The event has become a traditional Shrove Tuesday event in the city, although it was halted during covid.
It sees cathedral clergy, vergers and staff join school children and local residents for races on Kirkgate.
It is one of many Pancake Day events taking place in the Harrogate district.
In Harrogate, the Fat Badger pub is giving people the chance to earn the title of ‘fastest flipper in town’.
The pub is providing pans and pancake mixes for anyone who turns up between 9.30am and 4pm today and fancies trying to complete a short course in the beer garden as quickly as possible while tossing pancakes.
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The Dean of Ripon Cathedral, the Very Rev John Dobson (left), joins in the fun.
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Newtons Solicitors is to move to larger premises in Ripon.
The Harrogate-based firm has nine offices across Yorkshire and the North East; it employs 90 staff and has an annual fee income of £6m. It’s current Ripon office is based on Kirkgate.
Managing director Chris Newton told the Stray Ferret:
“An opportunity arose to purchase our own premises in Ripon. The Ripon office is very good for business.
“We saw a good new location in Market Square and seized the opportunity. It’s the old Yorkshire Bank office and needs a lot of refurbishment work. That work is underway and we hope to be in by November in time for Christmas. “
Six staff work at the current Kirkgate Ripon office. Mr Newton said he hoped that number would expand with the new premises.
The interior of the building on Market Square
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New charity store in Harrogate
The charity has secured the site of the former Porters store on Oxford Street as part of its plans to open shops on every high street in Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Cancer Research has been based in the spa town of Harrogate since 1978.
Funds raised at the shop will help fund research to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire.
Juliet Glendinning, director of Yorkshire Cancer Research said:
“Harrogate has been home to Yorkshire Cancer Research for over four decades, and we have always felt very lucky to be an integral part of this beautiful town…
“With the opening of a new shop in the heart of the town, we look forward to becoming an even bigger part of the fabric of Harrogate.
“Our charity shops play a vital role in raising funds to support pioneering research, and the new store means we can offer volunteering and employment opportunities while contributing to the local high street.”
The new shop will be run by manager Kate Morris, who said:
“I am so excited about the opening of a Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Harrogate. It is so great working for Yorkshire Cancer Research, knowing that we are playing a part in raising money to fund vital research and really having an impact on the lives of people with cancer, right here in Yorkshire.”
While the shop is being prepared for opening, good quality clothes, homewares, toys, books, small electrical and furniture can be dropped off at the charity’s donation centre at i2D Hornbeam Park Oval, Harrogate, HG2 8RB. The donation centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Head out for a walk then visit one of these four dog-friendly pubs in the Harrogate district
With the warmer weather (finally) arriving, nothing beats a walk in the Harrogate district’s beautiful countryside with your four-legged friend.
We are truly spoilt for dog walks in the area – from the peaceful Nidd Gorge to the rolling hills of Nidderdale.
But all that rambling is guaranteed to work up a thirst.
To help quench it, we have put together a list of four dog-friendly pubs in the Harrogate district.
Obviously there are too many to possibly mention, so get in touch with your favourites and send your photos to nina@thestrayferret.co.uk
The Knox – Bilton, Harrogate
The Knox often crops up as a dog-friendly favourite, with furry companions being considered very much part of the family.
The pub’s website says:
“Dogs are more than welcome at The Knox, and if you ask one of our team members, they’ll be more than happy to bring your four-legged friend a fresh bowl of water. From time-to-time, we may even have treats available to keep your dog occupied and happy, just be sure to ask one of our team.
“We’re an extremely busy pub and we want your furry friends to feel relaxed, safe, and happy at all times during your visit.”
Sportsman’s Arms, Wath, Nidderdale
The quaint hamlet of Wath is in a wonderful area for walking; the circular route from Pateley Bridge is particularly good, four miles out along the northern fellside and back along the river.
Once you have stretched your legs, you can enjoy a refreshing pint and a spot of lunch in the bar area of this family-run 17th-century country inn, while your dog curls up under your seat.
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The Royal Oak, Staveley, Knaresborough
Landlady Catherine Audsley outside The Royal Oak in Staveley.
Staveley is actually home to a nature reserve, which takes you on a lone walk that stretches beyond the village. It has many wild and rare species of flowers and wildlife and is perfect for a summer dog walk (they are permitted on leads).
Once you have admired the otters, of which there are regular sightings, head to Royal Oak, a traditional country pub that reviewers on Trip Advisor have described as “the most dog-friendly place I have ever been to”.
The pub’s website says:
“A selection of local ales and various seating areas offer somewhere for everyone – even the four-legged friend.”
The huge beer garden is also very impressive if you want to catch some rays.
The Royal Oak, Ripon
Another Royal Oak, this time located in Ripon’s historic Kirkgate, this renovated 18th century coaching inn is a firm favourite with dog owners.
Enjoy a walk at nearby Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden and then head into Ripon for a wander.
The pub’s city centre location is a great base to explore this fabulous part of the district.
Dogs are allowed in the bar area and there is even a selection of dog-friendly tables in the restaurant if you have worked up an appetite.
Art gallery will be retained in plans to redevelop Ripon buildingIt will be business as usual for a Ripon art gallery, if plans to extensively redevelop premises in a prime city location receive approval.
David Harrison owns and operates the gallery at 19 Kirkgate, where he also provides a bespoke framing service.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“I’ve had amicable and constructive discussions with the landlord and I am happy with what they are proposing.
“I’ve been here for seven years and their plans mean that I will be able to continue to trade from this location”
Mr Harrison, who was born and bred in Ripon, is well-known by the city’s arts community. Work by locally-based contemporary artists, such as Carol Ashworth, can be bought from his shop.
He said:
“I went to school in the city and my parents used to run the White Horse pub in North Street, so I know a lot of people in Ripon.”
David Harrison pictured in his gallery next to an original work by Carol Ashworth
Sterne Properties, which owns 19 Kirkgate, has submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council for internal reconfiguration of the building, which currently comprises Mr Harrisons’ retail unit at street level and a two-bedroom flat above.
The Ripon-based property company is seeking permission to create a cottage incorporating two flats at the premises, which are close to the city’s iconic cathedral.
With changes to the internal layout of the building including the removal of a wall, the gallery will be able to retain its space.
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The building has had an arts connection for many years. Prior to Mr Harrison setting up his business, 19 Kirkgate, was home to Alan Matthews Watercolours and works of the artist could be seen and purchased from the premises.
Sterne’s track record
Sterne’s track record of property development has supported retail regeneration and the hospitality and leisure sectors in Ripon.
The company’s projects include the mixed-used redevelopment of the former NatWest bank building next to Ripon Town Hall, which brought the Claro Lounge to the city and saw the creation of apartments on the upper floors.
Other developments include Halls (formerly Wrens) on Fishergate, where Ripon’s only department store reopened last year.
The company was also responsible for the redevelopment of a former furniture store on North Street, which enabled Curzon to bring cinema back to the city for the first time in more than 30 years.
Ripon BID begins to light up the cityRipon Business Improvement District will begin an initiative tonight to light up alleys and ginnels in the city.
The BID, which aims to increase footfall in Ripon to help businesses, will switch on festoon lighting in Lavender Alley, which links Fishergate with Old Market Place and Queen Street,
It will be the first alley and ginnel around the city to be lit up, as part of a BID-funded programme designed to make Ripon a more attractive place to visit.
Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst, said:
“Lighting up these key routes throughout the city has been a priority.
“Businesses want all our tourists and the local community to enjoy the most convenient routes as they navigate and explore the city.
“We have been pleased to work with local to Ripon lighting contractor, Fusion FX to deliver this project.’’
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Lavender Alley, was given a deep clean in November along with three other busy routes regularly used by pedestrians, shoppers and visitors, to access the city,
In December, Kirkgate, a key gateway to and from Ripon’s iconic cathedral and location for hospitality businesses and a strong mix of retailers, received a pre-Christmas deep clean, as the BID-managed work progressed.
£6,000 worth of antiques and collectables stolen from Ripon shopPolice are appealing for witnesses after £6,000 worth of antiques and collectables were stolen from a shop in Ripon.
Officers said a man forced entry into the shop on Kirkgate between 7pm and 7.30pm on February 11.
The suspect stole thousands of pounds worth of collectables, including coins and a watch.
He then returned to the shop at around 10pm and forced entry for second time before leaving with an old collectable air rifle.
North Yorkshire Police have urged anyone with any information to come forward if they recognised the items (pictured above) or have seen them for sale on social media.
A police statement added:
“Anyone with any information is asked to get in touch.
“Dial 101, press 2 and ask to speak to Mark Nursery, or email Mark.Nursey@northyorkshire.police.uk and quote reference number 12220024878.”
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