V8 Dales Tour 2025 Richard Jenner's photo report on the four day tour in the Yorkshire Wolds and Dales includes a photo of the Ripon Hornblower 'Setting the Watch' by blowing a horn at the four corners of the Obelisk in the centre of Ripon at 9 pm. This unbroken ceremony dates back to 866! Prior to 1604, the hornblower was The Wakeman responsible for crime prevention. In 1604 this responsibility passed to the first Mayor and he instigated the Hornblower who, in addition to setting the watch, also had to attend the Mayor and blow the horn again three times to confirm the watch had been set. Richard mentions "our' hornblower was Wayne and he gave an amusing talk after the ceremony before reporting to the steps of the Town Hall to 'attend the Mayor". Photo report Posted: 250624