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Ripon knitters unveil handcrafted Easter designs across city centre

Friday, 27 March 2026 06:45

Hazel Barker putting up a display on railings at Ripon Town Hall. (Image: Visit Ripon)

Handcrafted Easter decorations have been installed across Ripon city centre, created by members of the Ripon Community Poppy Project.

Dozens of knitted displays featuring seasonal themes such as bunnies, chicks, eggs and flowers have been placed on railings and post boxes around Market Square.

Additional displays have been installed in shop windows, including those of Specsavers and Yorkshire Building Society.

The project has been organised by the Ripon Community Poppy Project, a volunteer-led initiative founded in 2017 by Hazel Barker and former Ripon mayor Stuart Martin.

Hazel Barker told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon blog:

“We hope that our displays bring a smile to the faces of residents, visitors and people working in Ripon, while adding to the attraction of the city that we all love.”

The displays have been supported by sponsorship from local businesses, including Specsavers.

Hazel, who was made a Freeman of the City in April 2019 in recognition of her community work, added:

“We are now working on our new creations for later this year, and the sponsorship that we receive, such as that from Specsavers, is enabling us to be even more ambitious in our plans for what we have coming next!”

Stuart Martin, who co-founded the project, also contributed photographs for the displays.

He previously served consecutive terms as Mayor of Ripon between 2004 and 2006, and was in office during a visit to the city by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004, marking the 400th anniversary of Ripon receiving its Royal Charter from James I.

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