Ripon newsletter: March 2024

Welcome to the first Ripon newsletter of 2024! We hope you have enjoyed a positive start to the year and are looking forward to the warmer weather ahead.

In this newsletter, we look back at Ripon College’s libraries and the legacy of Principal Lett, our first female principal.

International Women’s Day

Earlier this month we marked International Women’s Day by sharing a new blog about our first female principal, Eva Lett. When Principal Lett became principal of Ripon College in September 1930, she entered a College in need of modernisation. Many of the later comforts of the College, and later campus, are thanks to her work. She also brought some, arguably, much needed change to the College itself.

We researched Principal Lett online, in existing books about the history of the College, and in our University Archive. But we didn’t find as much as we hoped. In fact, we couldn’t locate a formal photo of Principal Lett, although we know she had them taken! This may be because of Archive is currently undergoing some maintenance, and so some items are not as easy to find as you’d like! But it may also be because her legacy has historically been overlooked. The photos we used throughout our blog were taken from other sources, including the annual alumni magazine.

Faced with a stack of Principal’s reports, many would probably wish they hadn’t asked to see them, but hidden beneath beautiful cursive are glimpses into our past. The reports give insights into the political climate, the Principal’s views on innovation, and about staff and student life. The shift from writing each report in a leather bound book to writing on loose, lined, paper also shows a wider shift in attitude towards a more modern outlook.

You can find out more about Principal Lett and her legacy on our blog.

Events

This Spring, Ripon Cathedral are holding a range of events, including Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight and a French Impressions Concert. You can browse their range of upcoming events on their website.

In May, Ripon Cathedral is holding its annual Beer Festival! A family-friendly event, the annual Beer Festival includes food stalls, a bouncy castle and live music. If you’re in Ripon on 6 May, this is an unmissable opportunity to enjoy local food, drink and entertainment. Find out more about the festival on the Ripon Cathedral website.

Ripon Theatre is back with a whole range of al fresco theatre performances this July. From Shakespeare to contemporary one-woman shows, find out more about this theatre festival on their website.

Ripon’s Libraries

From the start of the century…

At the start of 2024 we fell down a slight rabbit hole when trying to answer a simple question: when was this photo taken?

It was clear that the photo showed a library, but it didn’t look like other library photos we’d seen. Was it simply a small corner of the library, or had the library moved location? In the end, we concluded that it was a different library location thanks to some key evidence, including the type of lighting being used in the photo!

Find out more about this photo on our blog https://blog.yorksj.ac.uk/alumni/reading-between-the-lines-ripon-college-library/

… to the end of the century

Last week was World Book Day, the perfect opportunity to dress up as a book character and start a new book. But did you know World Book Day was only created by UNESCO in 1995, and has only been marked in the UK since 1997?

When this photo was used in our 1992 prospectus, World Book Day hadn’t been invented yet! Over the years our libraries have changed significantly, especially as students began using computers more for both writing and researching their essays. Although, some things never change. Some alumni claim to have rarely used the library during their studies, something which some of today’s students will surely echo!

Pancake Day racing

Did you ever take part in the annual Pancake Day race down Kirkgate? Last month this Ripon tradition continued with a range of people taking part, including clergy, local schools and visitors! Find out more about this on the Stray Ferret website.

Share your memories

At the end of January, Great British Life wrote a fantastic article confirming what all of our Ripon alumni will already know: what makes Ripon a dream place to live? The article mentions ancient traditions, thriving local businesses and the impressive scenery! But what were your favourite memories of studying with us, and how did that prepare you for life after College? We’d love to find out! You can still submit an alumni snapshot for us to share your story with our wider alumni community.

Did you help create a mural in 1974?

Last month, Holy Trinity Infant School in Ripon asked for help in discovering who created their school mural. After being hidden behind a cloth for years, it has recently been uncovered, and the current students and staff want to learn more about the artwork.

The work is going to be specially preserved for future generations to enjoy. If you were involved in creating this mosaic mural, please contact the Chair of Governors, Mrs Bell-Walker. You can read more about the mural on the Stray Ferret website.

YSJ Community Festival

This June, we’re excited to host our first Community Festival at our Haxby Road site in York. Open to everyone, we can’t wait to host a free, family friendly event this summer! We’ll be putting on a range of activities including an inflatable obstacle course, archery and a climbing wall. But if you don’t fancy that type of activity, we’ll also be hosting indoor activities too.

Join us on Saturday 8 June for a fantastic day out! For more details, keep an eye on your monthly newsletters for more information as we release it.