Jeel Scholarship Fund
Building a Better Future
Ripon
Our final cathedral was preceded by Clare being interviewed by Radio York. Clare and her friend Sarah along with Kit and labrador Cairo, collected Helen (deputising for an immobile Dorothy) and Scout to drive to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. (Dorothy managed to break her ankle walking in the Howgills. Not wishing to do anything in half measures she had the Kendal Mountain Rescue Team out and then had surgery in Carlisle. A coffee morning in aid of the Mountain Rescue Team is envisaged!)
The day was dry a real bonus. The team walked amicably the Pilgrim Walk from the Visitors Building to Ripon Cathedral. Dorothy missed the unique experience of no problems with map reading, getting lost or traffic issues on this visit.
Dorothy was collected, along with a borrowed wheelchair, by Freda and chauffeured to Ripon Cathedral. Shortly after Dorothy and Freda parked up then Victoria, Canon Michael Glanville-Smith, and other members of the Jeel Scholarship Fund plus the redoubtable Colin Slator arrived.
Ripon Cathedral was founded in 672AD and there is a magnificent stained-glass window dedicated to St Wilfrid its Founding Father. St. Peter is the other patron saint and there is a chapel dedicated to him.
The oldest part of the cathedral is the underground Saxon crypt built over 1300 years ago by St. Wilfrid, one of the two patron saints of Ripon. It is oldest structure of any cathedral in England today. Wilfrid then Benedictine Abbot of Ripon on his return from Rome, built a basilica and the crypt was part of that structure.
Greetings took place just as the walkers and dogs came down Kirkgate. More hellos and hugs were exchanged and then photographs were taken in front of the west door of the Cathedral. Dean John arrived promptly and welcomed us officially. More photographs were posed for and many conversations were had. The West End of Ripon Cathedral was saved and restored by the ubiquitous Gilbert Scott. His other work in Ripon was in the quire and included the ceiling there.
The party, except Kit and Scout, then moved indoors to attend a midday eucharist service led by Canon Wendy Wilby. The service was in the chapel of the Holy Spirit, with its striking metalwork, stained glass of King David and Elijiah looking down on the congregants and was enjoyed by all attending. Clare and Dorothy were surprised by warm words of thanks from Canon Micheal Glanville on behalf of the Jeel Scholarship Fund Committee. They were also given some apt gifts of Middle Eastern advent candles and holders.
Other notable features of the Cathedral include the library, misericords and the Great East Window and the big brass eagle on the lectern. Dorothy’s favourite statute pieta by Harold Gosney, is the bronze metal mother Mary, holding the Jesus child in the right aisle. The small but lovely Chapel of Justice and Peace has words by World War 1 poet, Wilfrid Owen on the ‘Pity of War’ Wilfrid Owen spent a brief time in Borrage Lane, Ripon writing poetry.
Dogs are not allowed in Ripon Cathedral; there is a shop but no refectory or toilets so the party retreated to a nearby café on Kirkgate for refreshments and facilities.
