The Stray Ferret was the proud media partner for St Wilfrid’s Stars with our coverage kindly sponsored by Grantley Hall and Little Bird Made.

For Peter Wilkinson, it was an evening of cheers and tears when he was announced as an award winner at the St Wilfrid’s Stars ceremony in Ripon Cathedral.

Each day, during term time,  he is on duty morning and afternoon at the busy junction of Kirkby Road/Trinity Lane and Church Lane, to ensure that children and parents of Holy Trinity, St Wilfrid’s Outwood Academy and Ripon Grammar are able to cross the road safely.

Peter Wilkinson (third from left) is pictured with the Mayor of Ripon, councillor Sid Hawke, who presented the community award and David Ingham, of event organisers Ripon Together, who accepted Brian Lumley’s trophy from the, Dean of Ripon the Very Revd John Dobson.

A lollipop man for three years, Mr Wilkinson was cheered and applauded when his name was read out. He told the Stray Ferret:

“I wasn’t expecting to receive an award and it proved an emotional evening for me and my wife Estelle

“We both had tears in our eyes and I would like to thank whoever it was that nominated me.”

Brian Lumley, who mans the crossing patrol on Bondgate Green, which is primarily used by parents and children on their way to and from Cathedral School, also received an award, but could not be present to accept it.

He and Mr Wilkinson were among the city’s unsung heroes who received recognition for the contribution that they make to community life in Ripon.

An estimated 400 people gathered to see the distinctive St Wilfrid’s Stars award trophies, produced by Jennyruth Workshops, presented to the winners of 11 categories.

There was also musical entertainment provided by three soloists from Ripon Grammar School and the energetic All for One Ripon Choir.

The awards, sponsored by Little Bird Made artisan markets and Grantley Hall and named in honour of Ripon’s patron saint  Wilfrid, was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Mrs Jo Ropner, who is pictured presenting the Individual Young Person Award to Harry Wilkinson, one of Ripon YMCA’s Young Leaders.

She said:

“Harry is a young carer, who does not let his own health conditions hold him back from helping others. He is a great role model.”

Earlier this month Ms Ropner was a member of the judging panel chaired by the Dean and including  the Mayor, Ripon BID Chair Richard Compton, Tamsin O’Brien director of the Stray Ferret and Paul Matless of Ripon YMCA, which had the difficult task of selecting winners from the hundreds of nominations received.

Dean John, said:

“Ripon Together launched the awards last year as part of the cathedral’s 1,350th anniversary celebrations and now, in our second year we have established a tradition and a way of using St Wilfrid’s star symbol as a way of thanking the very many stars that we have in our community, for the work they do in making Ripon a better place to live.

“A great deal of that work is carried out by volunteers of all ages and we are grateful for what they do.”

Category winners

Other winners were: Ripon Scenic Cruises, which attracts thousands of visitors a year to the city’s canal.  Founder Richard Willis received the Tourism Award from Tamsin O’Brien. (pictured below).

Ms O’Brien also presented the Culture Award to Nick Thompson, in recognition of his work, over the past seven years, in bringing nationally and internationally-known musicians to perform in Ripon.

The Business Award was made by the Lord Lieutenant to Rebecca Crallan (pictured below) owner and founder of The GreenHouse in North Street, for the innovative approach that she has taken to promoting her eco and environmentally-friendly products to customers.

The Mayor presented the Environment Award to members of the Lower Ure Conservation Trust (pictured below) whose work over many years, has included development of the biodiversity-rich Nosterfield Nature Reserve.

He also presented the Young People’s Group Award to members of Ripon Grammar School Sixth form (pictured below) in recognition of their outstanding community volunteering work carried out as part of the school’s Plus One Programme.

Ripon Swimming Club, which, for more than 80 years, has been involved in teaching people of all ages to swim, was presented with the Sport award by Dean John.

The award for the not-for-profit organisation that has made a difference to local people in the past year, was presented  to Ripon YMCA team by Richard Compton (pictured below, right).

The Individual Supporter of Youth Award was won by Ripon Library outreach librarian Claire Thompson, for the many initiatives that she has undertaken to encourage the community to use the library’s facilities.

Ms Thompson could not be present at last night’s ceremony and the trophy was received on her behalf by colleague Louise Monkman, pictured below with Mr Compton.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented jointly by the Lord Lieutenant and the Dean, but its recipient, Simon Hewitt, could not be present and it was received on his behalf by fellow Ripon Together member Mick Stanley.

Mr Hewitt was recognised for his wide-ranging voluntary work that has included the establishment of community events that have become regular fixtures on the city’s calendar, such as the highly-successful Ripon Theatre Festival and Funfest, which provides free summer activities for local children

Main picture: Award winners and judges are pictured at the St Wilfrid’s Stars presentation evening.

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.

Nominations for Ripon’s 2023 St Wilfrid’s Stars Awards are open until Saturday September 30 and there is still time to nominate the organisations, individuals or businesses that you believe have made a positive contribution to enhance the life of the city.

The awards, bearing the name of the city’s patron saint, were launched by Ripon Together in the cathedral’s 1,350th anniversary year, to recognise the selfless giving of Ripon’s unsung heroes – many of them volunteers – who help others through their behind-the-scenes work.

Who received awards in 2022?

Here is a selection of last year’s winners.

In 2022, the Youth Award was presented by the Mayor of Ripon Councillor Sid Hawke, to Rosie Sturt (pictured below) who led a team of young volunteers who have created a Lego Club at Ripon Library.

The aim of the club is to help young children to increase their social skills and confidence in the wake of the covid lockdowns.

A St Wilfrid’s Star was also presented to Sarah Jaques – a Ripon Library volunteer and co-ordinator – who won the community award for her tireless and dedicated work.

Her citation read:

“Without volunteers, there would be no library and there would be a great gap in the life of the city.”

For the overall 2022 volunteer of the year award the panel of judges selected Gloria Sturdy, who has devoted her life to supporting many causes in the city.

This includes the provision of lunches at Holy Trinity Church for people in need and sewing PPE kits for frontline workers during the pandemic.

The 2022 culture award was presented to the Ripon Theatre Festival organising committee, in recognition of it staging a highly successful inaugural performing arts event from a standing start.

Building on last year’s success the 2023 event, led by festival director Katie Scott (pictured above) again added considerably to the cultural life of the city.

Caroline Bentham, who has supported groups in Ripon through her community scrap fund, which raises money from the sale of recycled metal, received last year’s  environment award.

As well as being a supporter of many good causes, she is an active Girl Guide Leader and an assistant county commissioner.

The 2022 St Wilfrid’s Star Award for tourism was presented to to Ripon Community Poppy Project, whose decorative work and detailed designs have delighted local residents and  visitors to the city.

There was no bigger event in Ripon in 2022 than the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the army of non-stop knitters ensured that the city’s streets were wrapped in Royal bunting.

They went on to create a dazzling star-spangled backdrop for last year’s awards evening at Ripon Cathedral, while the trophies presented at the event were designed and produced by Jennyruth Workshops.

Read more:

• Ripon’s search for the St Wilfrid’s Stars of 2023

• The St Wilfrid’s Stars winners of 2022

Organisers of Ripon’s third Summer Funfest are celebrating its success and looking to build on this further in 2024.

Ripon Together director Simon Hewitt said last week’s free activities at locations across the city and at Studley Royal Cricket Club were fully booked, with 400 youngsters taking part.

Activities included football, cricket, athletics, croquet, tennis, crazy golf and circus skills.

The week culminated in a megafun day on Thursday with obstacle courses, tug-of-war, sumo wrestling and many other sports and games, plus free Syrian street food.

Mr Hewitt said:

“Attendances at these events are growing year by year and this year they were all full up. Ripon Together will be considering how to grow the initiative further next year.”

In addition to its own funding, Ripon Together received grants from the locality budgets of city and North Yorkshire councillors Barbara Brodigan and Andrew Williams, the Jepson Trust and the Ripon Girls Fund.

The week was also supported by Ripon Runners, Ripon Spa Croquet Club, Studley Royal Cricket Club, JD Football Academy and the Sun Parlour Cafe, as well as Morrison’s, Sainsbury’s, Booths and M&S.

Ripon Together has begun its search for organisations and individuals whose community-minded work enriches the life of the city and surrounding areas.

Following last year’s successful launch of the St Wilfrid’s Stars scheme, nominations can be made for the 2023 awards between now and the closing date of September 30. Further details can be found by clicking here.

The scheme, which has 11 categories, attracted hundreds of nominations in 2022. Working with media partner the Stray Ferret, the aim is to build on the success of last year.

The Stray Ferret is looking for a local business to sponsor our coverage of this positive community event in Ripon. Any businesses interested should email advertising@thestrayferret.co.uk.

The names of all those nominated were displayed at a reception in the cathedral where a stunning star-spangled banner created by Ripon Community Poppy Project, provided a fitting backdrop for the evening event.

Ripon Together director Simon Hewitt said:

“The point of the scheme is to recognise and celebrate all those who add to the quality of life in and around Ripon.  We want everyone in the area to think about those who go the extra mile in whatever field, and to nominate them.”

St Wilfrid’s Stars of 2023 categories

Business – A business which has supported the city or its community during the past year.

Community – An individual who has made a difference to local people or the wider local community in the past year.

Community organisation – A not-for-profit organisation that has made a difference to local people in the past year.

Culture – The organisation or individual who has made a significant contribution to cultural activities in the Ripon area.

Sports and activity clubs – An individual who has made a significant contribution to sports or other group activities during the past year.

Tourism – A business or other organisation that can demonstrate a significant contribution to improving the Ripon area’s offering as a tourism destination over the past year.

Environment – An individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to protecting or improving the environment during the past year.

Individual young person – The person (under 19 years old) who has made a significant contribution during the past year.

Young people’s group – The group (under 19 years old) which has made a significant contribution during the past year.

Individual supporter of youth – the person who has made a major difference to Ripon’s young people.

The judging panel will also select an overall volunteer of the year.

Ripon Together would like to hear from any local companies interested in sponsoring the scheme or individual awards. Contact can be made via info@ripontogether.com

For the third successive year, Ripon Together and its partners have arranged  a programme of free activities for young people this summer.

The four-day Funfest starts on Monday August 14 and offers something for everyone at locations across the city and at Studley Royal Cricket Club.

Activities range from storytelling to juggling, mindfulness and formal sports coaching in cricket and football.

While the events are free, those planning to attend need to book for many of them and further details can be obtained by clicking here

At Studley Royal Cricket Club on Monday, August 14, there will be relay races and an obstacle course, alongside coaching from Ripon Runners and cricket coaching.

On the same day, Ripon Library will have a smoothie bike in place, so that people can use pedal power to make their own healthy drinks. There will also be stories and games for young children, followed by a film evening for teenagers.

On Tuesday, August 15, in addition to the cricket and athletics at Studley Royal, Ripon Spa Croquet Club will also be running a come and play session.

Spa Park is the venue for August 16, where there will be football coaching, circus skills training and crazy golf.

The Funfest finale will be staged Studley Royal Cricket Club on Thursday August 17 with a large inflatable obstacle course in place, sumo wrestling and croquet.

Inspire Youth will be providing mindfulness, table tennis, football penalties and other activities. There will also be free food.

David Ingham, a director of Ripon Together, said:

“We are massively grateful to our local councillors, Morrisons, The Jepson Trust and Ripon Girls Club for our funding.  The programme is also a great example of how Ripon Together can bring the community together to deliver for the city.

“Studley Royal Cricket Club, Ripon Spa Croquet Club, YMCA and others have been so supportive in delivering this programme for the children of our city.”

The hot topic of river pollution will come under the spotlight at the community group Ripon Together‘s first-ever green fair on Sunday.

Katie Reeves, a director of Some Consulting — a Ripon-based environmental consultancy — will address the issue at 2.30pm in Ripon Town Hall

Ms Reeves, a member of the Ripon Together environmental group, will look at the measures people can take to help make Ripon’s Ure, Skell and Laver rivers cleaner, better for wildlife and for everyone.

Mike Kaye of Energy Oasis, will give presentations and answer questions about renewable energy for farms, businesses and community projects at 11am and 1pm.

Details of all speakers and organisations involved with the fair can be found by clicking here.

Running from 10am until 4pm, it will be held at Ripon Town Hall and on Market Square, where city councillor Jackie Crozier, owner of Little Bird Artisan Markets, has allocated space for a number of environmentally-focused organisations to have stalls.

Ripon Together director David Ingham, said:

“We’re bringing together professionals, organisations and volunteers who are keen to see environmental improvements across the city and who can advise people on what they can do and who to work with.

“We’ve been supported by Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal and some of their team will be part of the artisan market, talking about their environmental work and hosting children and family activities.”

Read more:

• Repairs planned for listed weir at risk of collapse at Studley Royal
• How did Ripon’s MP vote on Privileges Committee report?

The hot topics will be climate change and a range of environmental issues, when Ripon Together holds its first-ever Green Fair in the city on Sunday June 25.

Running from 10am until 4pm, the event will be held at Ripon Town Hall and on Market Square, where city councillor Jackie Crozier, owner of Little Bird Artisan Markets, has allocated space for a number of environmentally-focused organisations to have stalls.

Ripon Together director David Ingham, said:

“We picked the date to coincide with the market, knowing that several regular stall holders are green businesses and we hope to attract a similar or overlapping audience.”

Ripon Cathedral, the National Trust at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, are also involved in organising the fair.

A key aim of  the event is to raise awareness of the environment in Ripon and the surrounding area and how to help to look after the city’s three rivers, canal, local wildlife and green spaces, through reducing waste, collecting litter and limiting the use of plastics.

In a bid to reduce carbon emissions, there will be a focus on public transport, electric vehicles, walking and cycling more, while looking at how homes and businesses can reduce their energy use and save money.

Advice will be available on retrofit, renewable energy and insulation and visitors will be able to find out how making small changes in their daily lives can make a difference.

Mr Ingham, pointed out:

“We’d like to see what people, and especially young people, are interested in, to give or find them reliable advice and to help to achieve change.

“We are trying to provide information and opportunities and must all work together to reduce carbon emissions, have cleaner air, rivers and seas, warmer and greener homes, save money and help reverse climate change.”

Separately from the Green Fair discussions have been held with local schools about solar projects to reduce their massive energy bills.

Ripon Together has a good range of contacts with people who are involved in many established organisations and is well placed to help make the environment a priority in Ripon.

Read more:

• See how Ripon busked in warm sunshine
• Ripon businesses prepare to host theatre festival events

Ripon has been chosen to be one of five areas in North Yorkshire to pilot new community networks.

The networks will aim to bring together public, private and voluntary sector organisations to “unleash energy and ambition” and drive change.

North Yorkshire Council‘s decision to create the networks has generated controversy because members won’t be elected, leading to fears they are undemocratic and could duplicate the work of existing councils.

One Conservative councillor even branded them “crackers”.

But Ripon’s two councillors on North Yorkshire Council welcomed the move to make Ripon one the first areas in the county to trial the networks. Easingwold, Leyburn and Middleham, Sherburn-in-Elmet and Thornton-le-Dale have also been selected.

Cllr Andrew Williams, an Independent who represents Ripon Minster and Moorside and is also leader of Ripon City Council, said he and Cllr Barbara Brodigan, a Liberal Democrat who represents Ripon Ure Bank and Spa, both recognised the networks’ potential for improving the city.

He said:

“They will bring together groups across the city and create an opportunity to explore ideas and issues.”

Cllr Williams added the networks would “not replace any level of local government” but would allow people to talk more broadly about improving their local area in ways in which the constraints of formal council meetings did not allow.

Asked to give examples, he said the networks might develop a 10-year masterplan for Ripon or consider ways to get neighbouring parishes more involved in the city.

North Yorkshire Council isn’t providing any funding for the networks but Cllr Williams said this wasn’t an issue:

“It’s about considering what Ripon would look like in an ideal world if there was a magic wand and then going off and seeking funding for various schemes.”

He said he expected organisations such as Ripon City Council, Ripon Business Improvement District, Ripon Together and Ripon Museums to be involved.

Read more:

• Opposition North Yorkshire councillors criticise ‘community networks’ plan
• Council orders deep clean for Ripon War Memorial

North Yorkshire Council’s ruling executive will meet on Tuesday next week to ratify the pilot areas, with a view to later rolling out 30 networks across the county.

Carl Les

North Yorkshire Council’s Conservative leader, Cllr Carl Les, said:

“The networks will mobilise communities, unleashing energy and ambition and giving people a stronger voice to tackle those issues that mean the most to them.”

Cllr David Chance, the council’s executive member for stronger communities, Cllr David Chance, said the pilot areas would “help us shape the model for the community networks as they are set to be introduced across the county”.