WELCOME TO RIPON TOGETHER

Bringing people together to make the City of Ripon a better place

WELCOME

We are a not for profit partnership organisation which brings people together to work on projects and activities to make the city of Ripon a friendly and thriving place to live and a welcoming place to visit.

We were established in 2016 as a Community Interest Company, with support from Ripon City Council. We are a membership organisation and have a board of directors which is recruited from the membership. The directors represent many of the various sectors of the community including the voluntary sector, churches, businesses, the BID, the City Council, culture, tourism, the environment and the disability forum.

We currently have around 150 individual members and would like to boost this to at least 500. Anyone who lives or works in the city is eligible to apply to join.

Become A Member

Member's Code Of Conduct

Update September 2024

Discover the rich tapestry of Ripon’s history!

The Historic Towns Trust and Ripon Together CIC proudly announce the upcoming publication of

An Historical Map of Ripon, Cathedral City and Market Town

Publication Date: October 2024

From its origins in the 7th century when Archbishop Wilfrid founded a church dedicated to St. Peter, to its role as a medieval woollen cloth center and later as a bustling market town, Ripon’s story is one of resilience and transformation. The astonishing crypt of Wilfrid’s church still lies beneath the magnificent cathedral that stands today.

This historical map captures the essence of Ripon through the ages. Witness how the town thrived near Fountains Abbey, became a hub for non-conformist groups, and evolved into the cathedral center of a new diocese in 1836. Explore its architectural heritage, including the most complete 19th-century workhouse complex still in existence, the vast World War I army camp, and the World War II Prisoner of War camp.

The multi-period map showcases both the vanished and surviving landmarks of Ripon, bringing its vibrant past to life. The reverse side features a comprehensive gazetteer, enriched with numerous illustrations, detailing Ripon’s development and highlighting its buildings and sites of interest.

Meet the Authors:

David Winpenny – A prolific historian of Ripon and other Yorkshire towns, David Winpenny brings his extensive knowledge and passion to this project.

Contributors: – Our team of local historians and archaeologists, including Sarah Rees Jones, Ailsa Mainman, Jane Furse, Greta Hills, Joyce Walmsley, Jonathan Clark, Peter Hills, Neil Clayton, Guy Wilson, Mark Newman, David Winpenny, and Mick Stanley, offer unparalleled insights into Ripon’s development

Join us in Ripon Library meeting room on Friday 13th September from 10.30 to 2.30 to celebrate the publication of this captivating historical map, a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and a tribute to Ripon’s enduring legacy.

Celebrating Eco Church Awards at Ripon Cathedral

If you are able to drop into the Cathedral between 2^nd and 29^th of September you will be able to see the incredible efforts of churches across the Diocese of Leeds that are committed to caring for our planet through the Eco Church Award scheme.

In response to the Church of England’s bold goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030, these churches are leading the way in taking meaningful action to protect the environment. The Eco Church Award scheme encourages churches to make a difference in five key areas: Worship, Buildings, Land and Biodiversity, Community and Global Engagement, and Personal Lifestyle.

Among the featured highlights is St Mary’s Embsay with Eastby—the first Anglican church in the Diocese to achieve the prestigious GOLD Eco Church Award. You’ll also find Summerbridge Methodist Church, another shining example of environmental stewardship with their own GOLD award.

The exhibition doesn’t stop there. Discover the inspiring stories of eight more churches with SILVER and BRONZE awards, along with the eco-journeys of Bradfield, Wakefield, and Ripon Cathedrals.

With over 83 churches and three cathedrals in the Diocese already honoured through the Eco Church scheme, this exhibition is a chance to witness their progress, celebrate their achievements, and find inspiration for your own eco-friendly initiatives.

We warmly invite you to come and experience the exhibition, free of charge. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired by the eco-efforts happening right here in this diocese.

Free Entry

For inquiries, please contact the Ripon Cathedral Office at 01765 603462.

Exciting News for Ripon, Surrounding Villages and Towns!

Ripon Together Leads Pilot for Uredale Community Partnership

Some say that St. Wilfrid had the right idea when he formed a partnership between Ripon and the surrounding villages and called it The Liberty of Ripon. The Liberty lasted almost 1,000 years and provided security and prosperity for the area.

In mid-July 2024, an important meeting was held in Ripon Town Hall to form a new partnership aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the local population. Ripon Together is providing the support and coordination for this wide-ranging initiative, drawing on its proven skills in fundraising and project initiation.

This new organization will cover not only Ripon but also the neighbouring County Divisions of Masham & Fountains and Wathvale and Bishop Monkton. It will identify opportunities, lead initiatives, and influence political thought at both local and regional levels.

The total population served by the new organization will increase from Ripon’s 16,500 to 32,700, providing significantly more influence with County Hall and grant providers. The geographic area covered will expand to 30 times its current size.

We are already identifying key areas of need such as improving transport, increasing access to services, addressing anti-social behavior, enhancing mental health support, and bolstering Post-16 education.

This positive progress means the Uredale Community Partnership is at the forefront of delivering greater security and prosperity for the area. The vibe at the meeting was very positive, reflecting a new opportunity to influence decisions that affect us all.

This is not just a talking shop; there is funding available to kick off real work.

We are keen to extend the membership of the partnership to include other bodies that could not attend today. We encourage everyone to join Ripon Together or follow us on Facebook to keep in touch with this initiative and discover how they can help make life even better in our area.

Let’s work together to ensure a brighter future for Ripon and our neighbouring communities!