A 15th century font in Ripon Cathedral is set to be moved for the first time since 1722 to a more prominent spot.

The font, made of blue-grey English limestone, is currently located towards the western end of the south aisle.

The cathedral has applied to Harrogate Borough Council for planning permission to relocate the font to the western end of the nave, where it will be visible on entry from any of the west doors.

The minster also wants to fit the font into a new two-step stone plinth with bronze handrail and decorative polished marble finish.

The font, which is believed to date back to the mid-to-late 1400s, survived the Reformation although it is thought to have been damaged during the later English Civil War.

There is a record of the font being repaired by stonemason Henry Lawson for 10 shillings and six pence (52.5p in today’s currency) in 1662.

The proposed extension of Ripon Cathedral, as seen in this artist’s impression, is one of the main reasons for relocating the font.

It was last moved in 1772 when its current stepped base was constructed.

The proposed move is partly due to the planned extension of the cathedral which, if approved, will require the creation of a new entrance to the ancient building.

A document produced by York archaeologists FAS Heritage says:

“A feasibility study is being undertaken as part of the Ripon Cathedral Renewed project, to explore the possibility of providing a new access through the south aisle south wall of the church. The font is situated within the bay of the proposed access.”

Besides moving the font, the planning application sets out plans to carry out structural repairs on the item.

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It also proposes using York stone pavers to the south nave aisle to replace the font plinth, in keeping with the surrounding York stone paving.

The cathedral has a second 12th century font at the altar in St Peter’s Chapel.

On Plough Sunday, the Bishop of Ripon, the Right Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, reflects on how the traditions of the day can be maintained, despite not being able to gather at the Cathedral.

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the green heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Words by the North American writer and farmer, Wendell Berry.

Well, usually on Plough Sunday I would have been in Ripon Cathedral blessing the plough and setting the mark for the agricultural year ahead. While it’s true that many farmers these days are exponents of the no-till method which is better for the ground, the plough remains an important symbol of our agricultural heritage.

One of the features of this extended pandemic crisis has been a reawakening of connection to land and to asking questions about where our food comes from? These are not new questions, and in many ways they were part of the Brexit landscape way before covid-19 and Zoom became part of our everyday language.

This new year sees us in a post-Brexit landscape but locked-down again. I have just spent a day taking part in the online 2021 Oxford Farming Conference. The theme of this year was ‘Business as Unusual’, a nod to the tension between recognising that a lot has changed, with the desire to get back to normal. In her opening remarks for the conference, the chairman Sally Williams reminded us that in the midst of so much change, ‘farmers kept on farming’.  Many people in agriculture that I have spoken with in recent weeks have expressed concern about the virus yes, but confidence in the resilience of people to weather the storm.  For all the emphasis on ‘social distancing’ many’s a farmer who has remarked ‘well we are pretty good at social distancing, it’s what we do most days’. But it is noticeable nonetheless that one of the sessions at this year’s OFC was again dedicated to issues of mental health in farming.

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A couple of weeks ago, I took part in the first Zoom session of a new global book club called ‘Fieldwork’. Hosted by the NFU’s Adam Bedford (who himself participated in the Ripon Cathedral Plough Sunday service in 2018), the book under discussion was English Pastoral by Cumbrian shepherd James Rebanks.

It was fascinating to hear James talk about his book, but it was another book he mentioned that caught my interest; a book published in 1940 by Thomas Firbank called I Bought A Mountain. In this book, Firbank describes his purchase, aged 21, of a 2400 acre sheep farm in North Wales. James Rebanks mentioned it because it is a book that essentially describes someone from a non-farming perspective learning about rural life from the people he encountered. The book itself ends with the start of the Second World War, and Firbank’s enlisting to fight in the Coldstream Guards. I mention this as a reminder that we aren’t the first or only generation to face life-changing circumstances. We don’t know yet what a post-covid world will look like; it’s rather more certain that we will need to learn to live with the virus. The language of battle and defeat is distinctly unhelpful.

It is my strong belief that our rural communities are keepers of a narrative that speaks of the greatness of the small (to quote words by the Iona community member John Bell), as well as guardians of the treasures and riches of our land, our earth. After all, the word human comes from the Latin word ‘humus’, meaning earth or ground. I think that plough Sunday points us to that reality; of our own mortality but ultimately of new birth, of possibility and hope grounded in the knowledge that Spring surely does follow Winter. God the Creator is bound up in all of that; God who experienced human failure and defeat, and yet who rose again and who is present with us now in the blazing fire of the Holy Spirit, as sure as the spectacular skies of Winter sunset and sunrise. 

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:
for in your abundant care you have given us fertile land,
rich soil, the seasons in their courses.
You provide seed for sowing, water, light and warmth
to bring forth the miracle of growth.
You give us skill to work the land,
to prepare and nourish it, that it may be fruitful.
By your blessing,
let this plough be a sign of all that you promise to us.
Prosper the work of our hands,
and provide abundant crops for your people to share.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

God speed the plough.
God speed the plough.

Amen.

Ripon Civic Society (RCS) has welcomed the move by Harrogate Borough Council to appoint consultants who will draw up a masterplan for the city.

RCS chair Christopher Hughes told the Stray Ferret:

“As one of the founder signatories of the Neighbourhood Plan for Ripon, we look forward to sharing our thoughts with the selected consultants.”

The society believes that people with an informed knowledge of the city, its planning issues and opportunities, should play a key role in guiding Ripon’s future direction.  The city has suffered this year with the pandemic, with both the Ripon Spa Hotel and the Old Deanery closing down. 

With a fee of £85,000 for a 12-month contract, consultants will be tasked with devising an “inspiring and innovative” vision that will be at the heart of the Ripon Renewal Project.

The contract is due to start on January 10.

Ripon Civic Society believes heritage attractions can help make the city a meeting place of choice

The move to develop a masterplan for the city comes at a time when future growth is on the horizon.

The major Barracks scheme known as Clotherholme will see Homes England deliver 1,300 homes in a number of phases on the outskirts of Ripon.

In the city centre, Ripon’s ancient Cathedral is planning its most significant development in centuries, with a £6 million extension, designed to provide modern facilities and additional space.

Mr Hughes pointed out:

“The society has always believed in adopting an holistic approach, which takes account of the things that make Ripon special, such as its heritage assets, Market Square and spa quarter.”

He added:

“There is also a need to look at how people arrive in Ripon – and how they move around when they get here in this very walkable city.

“If we get it right, there is the opportunity to position our city as the meeting place of choice.”

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The appointed consultants will have to set out “clear and robust” delivery timescales, funding options and a business case for Harrogate Borough Council to use to bid for money for projects.

The contract brief says:

“The aim of this project is to maximise the opportunities within Ripon which will regenerate the city and boost the local economy.”

Andrew Bryden was concerned when his wife, Lisa, said they were going to see friends who needed urgent help.

What he didn’t know, was that she was taking him to a surprise party in Spa Gardens to celebrate his transformational 22 years of work as the director of music at Ripon Cathedral.

Mr Bryden, who has moved on to provide private tuition for organists and pianists, realised something was afoot as he approached the park.

Families he hadn’t seen in the flesh since the first covid lockdown in March suddenly emerged from behind trees with gifts in hand.

Choristers and their families went to Spa Gardens to say goodbye to Andrew Bryden (Photograph courtesy of Lisa Bryden)

He told the Stray Ferret:

“It was an emotional occasion and I am so grateful to the mums, dads, children and other friends who turned out on a damp and windy day.”

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The covid pandemic, which closed the cathedral in spring and put services such as Sung Eucharist in suspension, meant choir practice and other activities were restricted to virtual sessions on Zoom.

Mr Bryden said:

“I created a website and the use of technology, which was also employed to put services online during the first lockdown, meant we had a way of keeping the choir community connected.”

Community is a key word because the Ripon Cathedral Choir School on Whitcliffe Lane, which for generations developed the vocal talent of young choristers, closed at short notice in 2012 and is now being redeveloped for housing.

Chorister success

Suddenly Ripon Cathedral, whose choir is recognised as being among the best in the UK, had to change its focus.

An outreach programme, developed as part of Mr Bryden’s forward-looking strategy, saw more new members recruited from schools in the local community.

Children aged six and upwards were invited to take part in rehearsals and some eventually joined teenage and adult members in the 36-strong choir.

Testimony to the success of the strategy is the fact that within 10 years, the choir had six finalists in the BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition, including 2018 winner Emilia Jaques.

With the cathedral back in lockdown, it will be some time before choristers will be heard in the ancient building.

When it does, many of those occupying the choir stalls, will be singing the praises once more of Mr Bryden and the part he played in their musical development.

This column is written for The Stray Ferret by the Bishop of Ripon The Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley.  Today is Remembrance Sunday– at 11am there will be a two minute silence to remember the fallen. 

A few days ago, a friend posted an image on social media which bore the words: “We are not all in the same boat, but we are all in the same storm: support each other, don’t judge, be kind”.  When I have a Zoom-free moment to reflect on the past months, I’ve seen all those elements in play: support, judgement and kindness.  Quite a lot of that has been on social media, but some of it has been in my own experience: things I have observed, conversations I have had, feelings that have bubbled up inside me.  As we plunge into another lockdown in England I am having to dig deep and ensure that support and kindness are front and centre in all that I do, and that any hint of judgement is put firmly to one side.  I wonder how you are feeling at the moment?

Today is Remembrance Sunday.  Usually I would be in the Spa Gardens in Ripon at a Civic ceremony, followed by a service in Ripon Cathedral.  This year I will be at home.  When I became Bishop for Ripon, one of the objects I was given at my welcome service was a porcelain poppy made by pupils at St Aidan’s school in Harrogate.  That poppy is currently outside our front door which has seen much less visitor footfall than usual, but it’s important it’s there.  I am aware that some Remembrance events are going ahead, but I am also aware of many that have either been cancelled or have moved online.

In every respect however, this is a Remembrance Sunday like no other, and it’s particularly difficult for those veterans who are increasingly frail and anxious at this time.  Back in August, on Yorkshire Day, I was delighted to be able to meet Captain Sir Tom Moore at a special (COVID-secure) gathering of various groups and agencies to hear about his new Foundation.  Sir Tom may be 100, but his spirit radiates kindness, support and positivity.  His attitude reminds me of another phrase which is on a card that sits on a bookshelf in my office, and which relates to words at the start of this reflection: “We cannot control the wind but we can direct the sails”.  In other words, attitude matters, and there’s the challenge: to use this time of lockdown to nourish kindness towards those in need but also to be kind to ourselves, and through that to be bearers of hope in our communities.

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Persimmon Homes has submitted plans to demolish the former site of Ripon Cathedral Choir School and build 12 apartments.

The housebuilding company originally received permission to convert the building on Whitcliffe Lane into flats and build 105 more homes in the vicinity.

But it now claims the historic building, which was home to Ripon Cathedral Choir School until 2012, is not “structurally sound” and should be rebuilt in a “like for like” manner.

A Persimmon report found significant fire damage, cracks in supporting walls and decay in the roof structure. The company said its original plans to convert the building would therefore put its workforce and future home-buyers at risk.

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Harrogate Borough Council granted planning permission to redevelop the site in February 2019. The council’s deadline for comments on the revised application is September 21.

The building was originally constructed as a late 19th Century grandstand. It was converted in the early 20th century into two semi-detached dwellings, then extended for use as a school.

Ripon Cathedral Choir School began using the site in 1960 until it closed in 2012. It had planned to merge with a local preparatory school but this fell through.

Its closure left Ripon Cathedral choir without a dedicated space to rehearse. The choir now rehearses in a former burial vault but the £6 million extension of the cathedral is intended to provide it with a new home.

North Yorkshire Police are continuing to investigate an incident in which graffiti, including an expletive, was daubed on a wall across the road from Ripon Cathedral.

The offensive message targeting the Conservatives has now been removed after being reported to the police last Friday morning.

Harrogate Borough Council tweeted today that although the graffiti did not appear on council land, it had decided to remove it “given the language used”.

Police ask anybody who has information about the perpetrators to call 101 and quote the reference number 12200150072.

The wall is yards from the cathedral on Minster Road – one of the main traffic and pedestrian thoroughfares in Ripon.

The graffiti is another example of anti-social behaviour in the city.

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Other incidents include vandalised windows and fly-tipping.

Some of the anti-social acts have been carried out by children and earlier this year Ripon police called for parents to be more vigilant.

Sergeant Clare Mayes of North Yorkshire Police’s Ripon Neighbourhood Policing Team said:

“Parents, please take responsibility and find out where your children have been, what they’ve been up to and who they have been with – before you receive a knock on the door from a police officer.“

Many of the reports received by the police identify young people at the heart of the problems being experienced in the community.

Sergeant Mayes added:

“We all have a part to play in helping everyone to stay safe and feel safe in their homes and any behaviour which undermines this will be dealt with accordingly

“We are absolutely committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and will be doing everything we can to ensure our communities remain safe and pleasant places to live.”

She added:

“We know that lockdown has caused many of our community members to become isolated from their normal social groups and practices, but nothing excuses the unacceptable behaviour we have recently seen and had reported.”

Ripon Neighbourhood Policing Team says it is working with partner agencies to deal with incidents that are reported, but would urge the public to ensure reports are made by calling 101.

Police have appealed for information after graffiti appeared on a wall opposite Ripon Cathedral.

The daubed lettering, targeting the Conservatives with an expletive, appeared over night on Minster Road in the heart of the city.

It is just metres from the historic Cathedral, on the opposite side of the road.

The graffiti appeared in the shadow of Ripon Cathedral last night

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said:

“The graffiti was reported to police by a member of the public around 7am this morning. Officers are liaising with individuals at the cathedral about this. Anyone with information that could help police establish the full circumstances of the incident should call 101 quoting reference NYP–28082020-068.”

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A planning application has been submitted to replace four garages with townhouses in the centre of Ripon.

The garages, to the north of Court Terrace just off Kirkgate, would be demolished so the four two-bedroomed townhouses could be built.

Each of the four homes would have a small courtyard of around 9 square metres to the rear, along with a cobble-set frontage of 13.5 square metres. There would be space for four cars to be parked outside.

An application submitted last year was turned down by Harrogate Borough Council over fears that the area, known for gypsum deposits, was not proven to be stable for development. Although the applicant, Mike Kell, provided a report from an environmental consultancy, the council’s decision notice said:

“The submitted gypsum report and associated declaration form are not considered to comply with Policy NE9 of the emerging local plan by virtue that they do not sufficiently demonstrate that the site can be developed without creating issues of ground instability and the signatory does not meet the definitition of a ‘competent person’ within this policy.”

A new geotechnical report on the site has been submitted with the current application.

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Objections to the original plans for three-storey homes were raised by Historic England, leading the applicant to submit new plans for two-storey homes instead. Planners acknowledged the run-down appearance of the site was out of keeping with the historic surroundings, less than 100m from Ripon Cathedral. Their 2019 report said:

“The design is similar to that of the cottages to the south of the site and is considered to be an improvement on the overall appearance of the local area and would have a positive impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

The new application can be viewed in full on the planning pages of Harrogate Borough Council’s website using reference 20/02809/FUL.

There was no marching in Ripon today as celebrations of the city’s patron Saint Wilfrid had to be significantly scaled down because of social distancing requirements.

The procession around the streets traditionally in step to the music of Ripon City Band, along with accompanying children’s funfair on Market Place, Morris Dancing and a service in the cathedral, were all cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, some citizens were still determined to ensure that a celebration of St Wilfrid would still go ahead, albeit in a reduced form.

For Pearl Abbot, the loss of this year’s procession came as a great disappointment, as she has been actively involved in the event for 30 years – many of which saw her working within a team to create elaborate themed floats for Ripon power contractor FB Taylor of Dallamires Lane.

Mrs Abbot told the Stray Ferret:

“I was sad when I heard that the procession could not go ahead this year. With it also being Yorkshire Day, my friend Val and I had planned to go  along wearing costumes designed out of the Yorkshire Flag.”

With no city-wide celebrations this year, Mrs Abbot decided to transform the front garden and fencing at her home in Quarry Moor Lane, Ripon, into a carnival-style display featuring yellow, blue and white balloons, flags, hand-made paper flowers and an extensive exhibition of photographs from processions held in previous years.

Ripon Morris Dancers Band performed in Church Street

She hoped the display, assembled with help from granddaughter Joanne, would provide an enjoyable walk down memory lane for passers by. It will be in place over the remainder of the weekend.

Like the Hornblower’s nightly ceremony, which has been temporarily forced to take place behind closed doors and May’s VE Day 75th Anniversary Celebrations, activities had to be limited to protect public safety.

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Ripon City Swimming Club, which usually has a float in the annual procession, erected a static display at the Spa Baths, with the message ‘Just Keep Swimming’ and not far away, in Church Street, Ripon Morris Dancers Band provided socially distanced entertainment.

The musicians, along with dancers, have been taking part in the St Wilfrid’s day event since 1983.