Northallerton InFocus Autumn 2014

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Quarterly Royal Mail distribution: 14,600 homes & businesses www.jkanorth.com/northallerton | Autumn 2014

InFocus

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inside Northallerton infocus

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autumn

New Businesses & Services

A snapshot of new local businesses and services in Northallerton & the surrounding area

Competition Time!

Your chance to win tickets to Darlington Civic Theatre

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05 new businesses: 12 education: 14 competiton: 16 out & about 16 food: 18 advertorial

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Garden View

As Autumn arrives we focus on Rhubarb!

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18 garden view: 20 recipe: 20 local news 22 28infocus index 30 food: FEATURED

Pension Reform

Welcoming British Food Fortnight!

FEATURED

New businesses and services FEATURED

We look at exam reforms FEATURED

Your chance to win theatre tickets Local Events this Autumn FEATURED

The art of preserving explained

FEATURED

What a load of Rhubarb!

FEATURED

Try delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Tree of Hope 2014 Appeal At Your Fingertips InFocus Advertiser Index

Welcome to the Autumn issue of Northallerton InFocus Autumn has well and truly arrived and so we look at that favourite seasonal ingredient - Rhubarb! It’s origin, history and uses are explained on p20. Why not try our Rhubarb inspired recipe too?

It’s really great to see so many new businesses starting in the area and a selection of these can be seen on p12-13, from interiors and eating out to room hire - something for everyone!

I hope you all enjoy the magazine and we’ll see you again in time for Christmas!

Best wishes as ever,

T: 01609 777401 T: 01609 779097 www.jkanorth.com

Christine Campbell | Editor

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Pension Reform In his last Budget speech the Chancellor announced that there was to be “the most far reaching reform of pensions since 1921” but this promise that “no one will have to buy an annuity” was rather overstating the case.

Under current rules no one is required to buy an annuity and options to deferring annuities until the age of 75 and beyond were introduced in 2006 and 2011.

On retirement most people take their tax exempt lump sum of 25% of the pension fund and this makes sound commercial sense. The remaining fund provides an income and although a lot of people take the annuity option offered by the pension provider it is always better to look elsewhere. The annuity option does offer pensioners security and this is especially attractive at an older age. However, when choosing an annuity one should check the current rates being offered in the open market and comparing them with those offered by the pension provider. Often the returns will be considerably enhanced.

As an alternative to purchasing an annuity most people will go into “drawdown.” Although the Chancellor appeared to indicate in his budget speech that all drawdown will be taxed at 20% this is, of course, not the case.

Drawdown pension is income in the usual way and the tax payer will pay tax at 40% if he goes over the higher rate threshold. The main changes in the new proposals are that the limits for drawdown have been relaxed and as a result individuals can draw as much as they want from their pension fund, when they want and they will not incur the punitive 55% tax charge.

Savings

Pensions have always had attractive tax benefits. While pension funds are being built up contributions paid in attract tax relief and for higher rate tax payers in particular this is a strong incentive. In addition income and gains in the fund are in the main exempt from tax which allows the fund to grow more rapidly.

Savings into an ISA have the same tax benefits while growing but contributions into an ISA do not attract tax relief going in. This means that these are made out of taxed income whereas contributions into a pension are made out of gross income.

Prior to the changes in the Budget the objections to pensions was access to

For advertising contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com

Peter Tarren For business planning and tax advice call Peter on: 01609 779400 or email him at: p.tarren@euraaudituk. com or drop in at: 87 South Parade Northallerton DL7 8SJ

the funds once they had gone into the pension scheme. Withdrawals were subject to the capped and flexible drawdown rules and if funds remained in the pension scheme on death they could be liable to the 55% punitive tax charge.

With the restrictions on withdrawal now removed pension funds become a clear winner and savers can use their pension fund to shelter savings and obtain tax relief on that investment.

This is an opportunity to defer taxable income until personal tax rates become lower and again this will be attractive to higher rate tax payers. In addition the availability of a 25% tax free lump sum will reduce the overall tax rate on withdrawal, even if the marginal rate really is the same.

Pension Liberation

This has been a hot topic for some time but the Pensions Regulator estimates that over half a billion pounds has been lost by unsuspecting victims of pension scams offering pension liberation. Everyone is due a tax free lump sum of 25% of their fund after age 55 but unscrupulous firms are claiming that they can unlock all of your pension before that date. What they do not tell you is that the risk is that you could lose up to 70% of your pension fund in tax cost.

Some techniques used can involve bogus investments or “legal loopholes” where, once paid in your pension fund vanishes and you could end up losing it all.

Under the new relaxed rules there are more opportunities for scammers and one must take care when transferring pension funds.

Finally

Pension scheme rules are complex and care must be taken especially with schemes that seem too good to be true. You must consider all the options and engage a qualified professional to help you to make choices which suit you and your retirement.

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Cutting cost not cover!

Save money on Breakdown Cover!

We are offering discounted rates throughout the months of September and October of 2014.

Breakdown Cover from as little as £28.73 Includes Misfueling Cover Cover relates to the vehicle not the driver Cover extended to Caravans and Trailers attached to the vehicle ...................................................................

Roadside Assistance and National Recovery from £28.73 for a 12 month period.

Roadside Assistance, National recovery and Homestart from £44.31 for a 12 month period.

Subject to policy terms and conditions.

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This money saving offer is not the only thing that Alverton Insurance has to offer!

We have been in our new office for over a year and are now providing competitive insurance products to more customers than ever.

Since moving to the new premises we have expanded our range of insurers, enabling us to offer many more products to suit the individual needs of our clients.

The number of insurers isn’t the only aspect of our business that has grown, we have expanded our team too. This allows us to maintain the highest standard of customer service our clients deserve.

Call in for a free quote and to meet our team!

For more information contact Alverton Insurance Brokers on: Tel: 01609 761326 Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Authorisation No: 523735)

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

For advertising contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com

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Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

For advertising contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com

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Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

For advertising contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com

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new

businesses & serournvd oicurearesa in & a

“New To The Area” is a new business feature specifically designed to help new businesses and those that are offering new businesses and services to promote themselves cost effectively.

Businesses are invited to submit their adverts to this feature at the regular price (Advert sizes available: 1/8 and

¼) and they will receive the equivalent space in complimentary editorial*.

This editorial provides excellent business exposure to 14,700 homes and businesses and allows further explanation of the new business or services available. * Editorial must be supplied completed.

To feature within this section of the magazine please contact us on: 01609 777401 | 01609 779097 | christine@jkanorth.com

New Owners at The Buck Inn We visited The Buck Inn at Thornton Watlass and had a chat with new owners Victoria and Tony Jowett to find out their plans for this lovely country pub.

Victoria explains, “I have worked in hospitality since leaving school, and in fact worked in hotels from the age of 8, when my parents bought their first hotel. Tony is making a radical lifestyle change, having worked in IT since he left school.

We have been made very welcome by the residents of Thornton Watlass and the surrounding villages, and plan to give The Buck Inn a new lease of life, freshening and brightening it up, whilst retaining the character of this charming

village pub. We have kept all the existing staff, and serve food every day – lunches from 12 – 2pm (Mon - Sat) and 12 – 3pm (Sun) and dinner 6 – 9pm (Mon Sat) and 6 – 8.30pm (Sun). All food is prepared on the premises, using local suppliers whenever possible. We always have a selection of locally brewed real ales.

We have live jazz every other Sunday lunchtime, in our function room, which is ideal for family celebrations up to 60 people. We have 5 en suite rooms, all of which we are planning to refurbish by the end of the year. We have a lovely beer garden, with 2 quoits pitches, home games being played every other Wednesday evening.

01677 422461 | www.buckwatlass.co.uk

Meeting Space and Offices to Rent in Northallerton

We have meeting space and offices to rent on centrally located Thirsk Road in Northallerton.

The meeting space is suitable for classes, groups, meetings and parties with its own kitchen and toilets.

We also have individual offices in varying sizes available to rent on short or long term contracts or available by the hour for meetings and consultations.

We are well placed in the busy town of Northallerton, within walking distance of the high street and the railway station and on local bus routes and the main road into the town. We have parking spaces available at the front and side of the building and an agreement for further parking two minutes away.

Currently the building is home to several local business men and women who run their companies from this location with diverse and varied activities. We are looking for further occupants to join us in our little community.

Our large room, known as ‘the studio’ is suitable for all manner of classes, groups and even children’s parties. For example we regularly play host to choir rehearsals in our studio every Friday evening!

Please contact Linda on 01609 889 005 for further information. We would be pleased to show you round our premises and discuss your meeting room and office space requirements!

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A brand new shopping experience opens in Thirsk on 20th September Love Thy Interiors opens it’s doors at 11 Kirkgate and will be welcoming customers to come and browse their exciting range of home and giftware.

A new family-run business, run by Sarah and Kelly, Love Thy Interiors will offer shoppers in Thirsk a stunning selection of beautiful products for the home.

With over 30 years of retail experience, Sarah and Kelly are confident that Love Thy Interiors will bring a new shopping experience to Thirsk.

We spoke to owner Sarah who told us more, “Kelly and I are so passionate about interiors and experienced in retail that we felt Love Thy Interiors would be the perfect combination of our skills.

We will be stocking an exciting range of furniture, gifts, accessories and homeware for all budgets and it will be ever changing. Customers will have to keep coming back regularly as we will be changing our stock and window displays on a regular basis! We have several exclusive ranges that aren’t available anywhere else locally, including Neom,

Mary Berry and Hinchcliffe and Barber.

We also stock a large range of Voyage Maison We want to make shopping an experience and so that people visiting us feel comfortable and able to browse freely. Next year we intend to have several ‘rooms’ setup so customers are able to see our products in situ. These will include a fitted kitchen room and a sitting room to help showcase both large and small items.”

Love Thy Interiors will also be offering a customer loyalty scheme as well as local (and national) delivery. Out of hours deliveries can also be accommodated on request.

With some exciting window displays on the horizon and some great Christmas events planned, make sure you keep an eye on the ever-changing Love Thy Interiors. ..........................................................................

Opening 20th September 11 Kirkgate, Thirsk | Tel: 01845 527123 www.lovethyinteriors.co.uk

New Restaurant enjoys successful first month New Italian restaurant Quattro Ragazzi has only been open in Northallerton for 5 weeks but owner Barney Baleci is delighted with how the town has welcomed it’s latest eatery.

“We wanted to bring something new to Northallerton and to offer people a real Italian restaurant as an option for a delicious meal out,” explains Barney, “All our meals are genuine Italian dishes and are handmade on site by our team. I personally have over 30 years experience as a chef and I am excited to bring a new and fresh menu to Quattro Ragazzi every few weeks. We feel that an everychanging menu is important to retain that ‘newness’ and so people will genuinely no know what to expect when they eat out with us.

The open kitchen was my idea to help bring atmosphere and the beautiful kitchen aroma out into the restaurant.”

The restaurant is currently open 5-9pm for evening meals and Barney plans to add a lunchtime sitting to this in the near future.

Quattro Ragazzi currently cater for parties and large groups and an option to hire the restaurant for exclusive use on a Sunday is available.

Barney adds, “Don’t forget to keep an eye out for our Christmas menu, available end of September. We look forward to seeing you soon!”

2 Friarage St, Northallerton, DL6 1DP

Tel: 01609 258476 | www.quattroragazzi.co.uk

For advertising contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com

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A Teacher’s Nightmare?

A Politicians Easy Target?

A Student’s Problem?

As I sit down and write at the beginning of August to meet the print deadline, schools have been informed to be prepared for “volatile” GCSE and A Level results. In other words the examination papers have been marked more strictly than in previous years. By the time you read this article the results of the summer examinations will have been published.

No doubt there will be controversy with various factions including teachers, politicians, trade unions, examination boards, The Department of Education, The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and indeed parents with all having entrenched themselves in their particular camp.

The Chief Executive of Ofqual has stated that volatility will be the pattern to expect in coming years but insisted that grading would remain consistent. In addition the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) have informed schools of what to expect.

Reasons for Change According to The Department of Education the changes originate from Employers, Universities and Colleges who are “are often dissatisfied with school leavers’ literacy and numeracy” and have also said “We believe making GCSEs and A levels more rigorous will prepare students properly for life after school”.

We are now left with unanswered questions • Will industry be able to differentiate between the grades of previous years and those of 2014 which have been marked to different standards and ultimately the grades of 2017/8 when the results evolve from A,B,C…grades to 9,8,7…grades? Ofqual have stated that “direct comparisons with 2014 can’t be made with 2013”. Goodness no wonder there is such confusion.

• Will some Universities lower their acceptance grades or fold?

A Good Read The Night Circus n Erin Morgenstern

“The circus arrives without warning. It is simply there when yesterday it was not” So begins this adult fantasy novel.

From the seductive opening you are drawn into the world of the circus.

The mysterious circus owner, Prospero the Enchanter, otherwise known as Hector Bowen, is a magician and Le Cirque des Rêves is the greatest accomplishment of his career. Magic unfolds on every page as his circus and its assembled performers enchant and amaze its audience. Time moves differently in the circus, as the performers appear not to age. Acrobats perform without safety nets and the audience move from one spectacle to another,

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created by the illusionist who transforms tents on a whim. Fates intertwine as two young protégés must meet and compete on this unsuspecting stage. The ultimate bet will be decided after years of dedication and preparation.

Set in America and Europe in the late 1800s this novel oozes with an era that never quite existed. A steampunk retelling of the Victorian age that you will wish you could visit. The language is poetic and evocative and you will find yourself longing for the day when the circus arrives near you without warning.

You too will want to wear a red scarf and join the rêveurs.

But where does this leave the student?

As always the student appears to have been neglected in all the public debate. Students do listen and are concerned about their individual situation.

It would be good if someone from the Department of Education or Ofqual wrote a letter directly to the students and their parents, explaining why these changes are occurring and apologise for the additional stress that is being imposed on them through no fault of their own.

Regrettably I suspect the authorities will leave it to the overburdened teaching profession to explain.

I have mentioned on more than one occasion in these articles that the present day student is just as bright as those of bye gone generations. All systems need continuous modification and this can be done logically over a period of time, not with wholesale change. The student needs support and encouragement not to give up but to persevere. No doubt good parents and teachers have and are presently carrying out this most important role.

For detailed policy see: https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/reforming-qualifications-and-thecurriculum-to-better-prepare-pupils-for-life-after-school John Harris

Magic Tree House: Valley of the Dinosaur n Mary Pope Osborne Time travel. A quest to solve.

Exciting adventures. This book for young readers who are growing in confidence has all of these and much more. The first of a series of books, it follows the adventures of Jack and Annie as they discover a magic treehouse in their neighbourhood. As the story begins Jack and Annie are chasing an imaginary monster into a nearby wood when they stumble across a solitary treehouse. Curiosity getting the better of them, they decide to explore and inside they find wonderful collection of books.

Jack is drawn to a dinosaur book and before they know it the two

children are transported back to the time of the dinosaurs. Full of fascinating facts this book will appeal to any budding palaeontologist. At ten chapters this is a nice introduction to reading without seeming too daunting. The sentence structure can be repetitive and simplistic, but I am assured by young readers that this is not a problem!

There are currently sixteen books available in the series covering different time periods and geographic locations. These along, with an interactive website, promise to engage and educate young readers for many a long school holiday.

By Willow Coby

For advertising contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com

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Out & About The Forum

12th & 19th October - 8pm

n The 100 Year Old Man (15) Based on the internationally best-selling novel by Jonas Jonasson, the unlikely story of a 100-year-old man who decides it’s not too late to start over. For most people it would be the adventure of a lifetime, but Allan Karlsson’s unexpected journey is not his first. For a century he’s made the world uncertain, and now he is on the loose again. CINEMA ........................................................

25th October - 6pm

12th September - 8pm

19th, 21st & 26th Sept - 8pm

n Joe (15) A gripping mix of friendship, violence and redemption erupts in the contemporary South in this adaptation of Larry Brown’s novel, celebrated at once for its grit and its deeply moving core. Joe brings Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage back to his indie roots in the title role as the hardliving, hot-tempered, ex-con Joe Ransom, who is just trying to dodge his instincts for trouble - until he meets a hard-luck kid, who awakens in him a fierce and tender-hearted protector. CINEMA ........................................................

Competition Time!

John Godber’s, April in Paris, will be jetting into Darlington Civic Theatre from Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th October.

Al and Bet’s relationship is on the rocks. He has recently lost his job, she works in a shoe shop and can only dream of a better life, but things are about to change….

When Bet wins a romantic night in the city of love, Al is dragged along reluctantly. Before long, they are both up to their necks in culture, croissants and champagne. Join Al and Bet in this hilarious romantic adventure, Oliviernominated for Comedy of the Year, when it premiered and featuring John Godber’s unique brand of observational comedy.

With star performances from Shobna Gulati (Cornonation Street, Dinnerladies) and Joe McGann (Calender Girls, Upper Hand, The Hanging Gale) April in Paris will make your heart melt.

Tue 14 - Sat 18 October Evenings: 7.30pm, Matinees: Thu 2pm & Sat 2.30pm Tickets* Opening Night and Sat: 2.30pm £17, £17.80, £19, £20.60 Wed – Sat Eve: £21, £22, £23.50, £25.50 Thu: 2pm all seats £18. Discounts available

*includes £1 restoration levy on all tickets Free post show talk Wednesday.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www. darlingtoncivic.co.uk to choose your seats on-line For your chance to win one of two pairs of tickets for Tuesday 14th October at 7.30pm just answer the question below and send together with your name, address and telephone number to: April in Paris Competition, Marketing Dept., Civic Theatre, Parkgate, Darlington DL1 1RR. Entries must be received by Tuesday 30th September and winners will be contacted by phone.

Q: Who Wrote ‘April in Paris’?

27th Sept - 7.30pm

n NGW Wrestling Real British pro wrestling returns to The Forum for the first time since April 2013 as the team behind 3CW have teamed up with the stars of Challenge TV’s British Wrestling Roundup to bring you a night of hard hitting New Generation Wrestling.

Featuring familiar faces such as NGW Champion El Ligero and Northallerton’s own Martin Kirby alongside a host of other top UK wrestling talents.

Ticket prices start from £10 and are available from Popcorn Skate and The Forum.

Front row ringside and discounted family tickets available by advance purchase only - get in quick to secure yours!

EVENT ........................................................

4th, 5th & 10th October 8pm

n The Expendables 3 (PG 13) Barney, Christmas and the rest of the team comes face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks, who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader. Stonebanks is now making it his mission to end The Expendables -- but Barney has other plans. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic oldschool style versus high-tech expertise in the Expendables’ most personal battle yet. ........................................................

n Pride (15) It’s the summer of 1984, Margaret Thatcher is in power and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is on strike.

At the Gay Pride March in London, a group of gay and lesbian activists decides to raise money to support the families of the striking miners. But there is a problem.

The Union seems embarrassed to receive their support. FILM ........................................................ n Halloween Disco Come join us at the Forum, for our spooky (early) Halloween Disco! What better way to celebrate the school holidays than eating hot dogs with your friends and dancing to the disco. Entry £3. EVENT ........................................................

27th Oct - 1st Nov - 7.30pm

n Annie Northallerton Musical Theatre Company are staging “Annie” at The Forum, Northallerton. Ticket prices range from £6 to £11. This is the extraordinary story of a little orphan who ends up living in the lap of luxury with the billionaire Oliver Warbucks but not before adventures with the orphans, the down-and-outs of New York and of course one special dog!

This is the perfect musical for the whole family. Box office Tel: 01609 770936.

Tickets are also available at the Forum.

THEATRE ........................................................

The Forum Bullamoor Road, Northallerton, DL6 1LP 01609 776230 www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk ........................................................

Thirsk Ritz

Film showing details unavailable at time of printing, see: www.ritzcinema.co.uk The Ritz Cinema 16A Westgate, Thirsk 01845 524751 ........................................................

Music

3rd October - 7pm

n Northallerton Woodwind Ensemble Concert Raising money for Northallerton Mayor’s Charities. Northallerton Woodwind Ensemble, directed by Tim Waters, will be giving a concert in the Town Hall at 7pm to raise money for the Mayor’s charities: Northallerton Friarage MRI Scanner Appeal and Northallerton Woodwind Ensemble.

Tickets costing £7 with school students FREE, will be available in September from the Town Hall, High Street, Northallerton. For further information visit www.northallertonwoodwind.com or telephone 01609 774148 Town Hall, High Street, Northallerton ........................................................

Please note: the editors cannot be held respon

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Having an event?

Email us your event details to: events@jkanorth.com and we’ll publish it for you. Magazine distribution dates are on p30.

17th October - 7.30pm

n Last Night of the Proms Northallerton Silver Band are giving a Last Night of the Proms concert at Northallerton Forum. Tickets £7.

Available from Greensleeves, Central Arcade Northallerton or by calling: 01609 777272. Event supported by Barclays PLC of Northallerton and all proceeds from the concert are in aid of the St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington.

The Forum Bullamoor Road, Northallerton 01609 776230 ........................................................

25th October - 7.30pm

n Last Night of the Proms Same as above but at Thirsk Town Hall.

Tickets are £7 from White Rose Books Thirsk or by calling 01609 777272 ........................................................

Community 13th September

n Stokesley Vintage Fair We are so excited to bring Stokesley vintage event to you, we have some lovely vintage and retro inspired stalls for you to have a look at, and also the fabulous Lottie & Jack Vintage Pop Up Tea Shop, we will have music from an amazing singer, a makers market and also a vintage swap shop. We are looking for new and unusual stalls and still have a few spaces available to be distributed on a first come, first served basis, 6ft table costs £25.00 discount can be given should you require two tables. Stokesley is a bustling market town and we are really looking forward to what promises to be the first of many Stokesley Vintage Fairs!! The vintage fair starts at 10am until 4pm Entry £1 for adults and FREE for children.

Stokesley Town Hall, Market Place, Stokesley, TS9 5DA, TS9 5DA ........................................................

20th September: 9-5pm

n Stokesley Agricultural Show Local produce, local farmers and local agriculture all found at Stokesley Show The North’s largest one day agricultural show Stokesley, TS9 5LJ. Tel: 01845 587158 www.stokesleyshow.co.uk ........................................................

24th September

n Northallerton Farmers Market Organised by Northern Dales Farmers Markets 8.30am - 2pm: Northallerton High Street ........................................................

26th - 28th September

n Northallerton Beer Festival An extensive range of beers will be offered from far and wide and there will also be

a continental section along with ciders and perries. On the Saturday there will be a touch of whimsy when awards will be given to festival-goers wearing the most impressive hats. Other entertainment offerings will be an open mic night on Friday and a live band on Saturday evening, potentially with a folk band on Saturday afternoon, and an appearance from the local sword dancers. The bar will be open on Friday from 6pm to 11pm; on Saturday from 11am to 11pm; and on Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.

More sponsors and volunteers are still being sought. Contact beerhops@ hotmail.co.uk or at Facebook.com/ beerhopsyorks Northallerton Town Hall ........................................................

27th September

n Craft and Gift Fair Admission is FREE. Organised by Yorkshire Craft Fairs The Golden Lion, Northallerton. DL7 8PP ........................................................

19th October: 2-5pm

n Remembering the First World War Phil Ogden & Brian Forbes give a multimedia presentation in this, the centenary of the outbreak of WW1. 2pm - 5pm.

Tel: 01748 818178 Email: info@kiplinhall.co.uk www.kiplinhall.co.uk Kiplin Hall, Nr Scorton, Richmond, DL10 6AT. ........................................................

Hambleton strollers - Sept

Thursday 11th: Bedale Leisure Centre** Monday 15th: Great Ayton Library** Tuesday 16th: Northallerton Mowbray House Surgery** Tuesday 16th: Great Broughton Bay Horse Pub*** Wednesday 17th: Stokesley Public Car Park (Co-op)** Wednesday 17th: Thirsk Tourist Information Centre** Friday 19th: Northallerton Hambleton Leisure Centre*** Monday 22nd: Great Ayton Library** Tuesday 23rd: Northallerton Mayford House Surgery** Tuesday 23rd: Easingwold Galtres Centre** Wednesday 24th: Stokesley Health Centre** Thursday 25th: Bedale Leisure Centre** Monday 29th: Great Ayton Library** Tuesday 30th: Northallerton Mowbray House** ** MEDIUM WALK 45 – 1 HR 15 *** LONGER WALK 1 HR 15 – 1 HR 30

Meet at 10.15 for Walks to start at 10.30 a.m.

Pick up a leaflet at GP Surgeries, Tourist Points, Libraries, Hambleton Council offices or call 01609 771624 for more information ........................................................

nsible for any changes to events listed. Please contact event organisers directly. All events correct at time of going to press.

For advertising contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com

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Jam Today…

Autumn is the perfect time to start preserving. You can use home grown fruits or those you’ve foraged amongst the hedgerows. Preserving is relatively easy. Once the fruit has been picked, washed and prepared, you just need some simple equipment to turn it into marvellous produce.

You can get lots of advice from your local cook shop on what’s required, but some basics are: a large heavy based saucepan, spoons and funnels, a sugar thermometer, containers and jars, lids and labels.

The concept of preserving foods has been around since the earliest hu-

British Food Fortnight 20th September – 5th October Name a British dish. Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding? Shepherds’ pie?

Spotted dick? Now ask your child to name a traditional British dish. Can they?

In recent years we have become a multi-cultural society and we’ve happily adopted pasta from Italy, curry, from India and noodles from China. While we should be proud of the fact that we’ve welcomed and assimilated these new tastes, we seem to be in danger of forgetting or ignoring our own national and regional dishes.

It’s a sad fact that many British school children (and almost as many adults)have little or no knowledge of our culinary heritage in spite of it being rich and varied.

British Food Fortnight exists to put British food firmly in the spotlight. It aims to encourage us to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce and regional dishes. To this end it takes place during harvest time, which is the traditional time for celebrating food. This year it also has the additional aim of helping our children to discover all that’s wonderful about British food.

The theme is Bringing Home the Harvest. Many schools are participating with the aim of teaching children how to prepare simple meals from fresh, seasonal ingredients. High street shops, farm shops and delicatessens will also be joining in, stocking British produce and running tasting sessions and cookery demonstrations.

There will be special events in care homes for the elderly, scrumptious servings of British food in garden centre cafes, patriotic menus in hospitals, family feasts in children's centres and lots of fun food and drink festivals and country fairs.

mans. To survive, ancient man had to harness nature. In frozen climates he froze seal meat on the ice. In tropical climates he dried foods in the sun.

Food by its nature begins to spoil the moment it is harvested. So the ability to preserve food enabled ancient man to make roots, and live in one place and form a community.

With global warming rarely out of the news these days it’s reassuring to know that buying locally farmed, seasonal produce is the most eco-friendly choice too.

It’s comforting to know that by buying British we’re doing our bit to save the planet.

Preservation with the use of honey or sugar was well known to the earliest cultures. It was commonplace for fruits to be kept in honey. In ancient Greece quince was mixed with honey, dried and packed tightly into jars.

The Romans cooked the quince and honey producing a solid texture. As there’s not enough sunlight in Northern climates to successfully dry fruits, housewives learned to make preserves, heating the fruit with sugar, and this is the method we know today.

Whilst there is no longer a pressing survival reason for preserving, it can be very rewarding. As well as providing delightful food and drink for you to consume, you could also make your preserved fruits into lovely Christmas gifts. There are many possibilities including jams and marmalades, chutneys and pickles, and beverages such as sloe gin.

Many establishments run evening classes which can help you create these and many other fabulous recipes, such as fruit butter or fruit cheese.

When preserving, you should use fruits that are sun ripened, as the process will not improve green tasteless fruit. Using fruit that has a high acid content is recommended, as it less likely to harbour bacteria. When filling jars, you should ensure they are hot as temperature drops will increase the likelihood of bacteria forming. For the same reason, always cover your jars straight away and when the jars are cooled, you should recheck the seals and tighten lids to prevent any air entering and causing mould to form. Or you could use a waxed disc of paper and cellophane to act as a cover.

Keep your preserves in a cool, dark, dry place. Chutneys and pickles can last for around a year, and fruit liqueurs and fruits in alcohol up to two years. Once opened, store in the fridge and use quickly.

By Susan Brookes-Morris

For more information visit: www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk During British Food Fortnight • Visit a local farmers’ market.

• Discover your local farm shop.

• Sign up to a local veg-box scheme • Shop for and cook at least one traditional or regional dish with your children.

• Visit a participating restaurant or pub and try a British dish you’ve never tried before.

By Louise Addison

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Garden View

What a load of Rhubarb!

Cast your mind back to the fabulous sunny months of April, May and June, when the rhubarb plants were producing delicious stems of juicy fruit, perfectly ripe for crumble.

sugar to taste before allowing to cool. It’s a versatile crop and makes great jam, compote and crumble, and tastes delicious when made as above and served with crème fraîche.

Each of the stems (so technically not a fruit at all) which blushed with the colour of pink champagne or deep raspberry sorbet depending on the variety, could easily be torn from the plant, topped and tailed and then either used immediately or blanched and frozen for later.

Rhubarb originates from the colder parts of China and its popularity is fairly recent in historical terms, becoming more widely eaten as sugar became less expensive. The leaves are toxic and so too are the stems later on in the year, because the toxic acids move down the stems from the leaves and into the crown as the winter temperatures cool.

Rhubarb freezes very well, and lasts for around a year, in fact I made a crumble in April this year using last years frozen harvest. Chopped into 1cm pieces, it can be placed directly into freezer bags, but to retain its colour should be blanched for around 1 minute in boiling water. Allow to cool and dry before freezing. To revive, boil in a little fresh orange juice, a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Ingredients · 3 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen) · 1 & 1/2 cups sugar · 3 tablespoons cornstarch · 2 cups rhubarb, sliced (fresh or frozen unsweetened) · 1/2 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel · 1 teaspoon lemon juice · Pie Dough · Milk · Cinnamon sugar

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October is the perfect time to plant rhubarb if you haven’t got any at the moment and would like a patch of your own. It’s quite un-fussy and will grow in sun or part shade as long as the soil is moisture retentive. Add well-rotted manure to the planting hole and mulch the plant with a ‘doughnut’ shape of manure about 50cm deep in spring. Give the plant a

feed with ‘blood, fish and bone’ in March and watch it grow! It’s an easy perennial plant, which produces giant leaves and is pretty resistant to pests, although hungry mammals might feast on the crowns in early spring when food is scarce.

Early rhubarb can be ‘forced’ inside up-turned dust bins, but only do this with established plants. Place a black bin (or terracotta rhubarb forcing jar if you’re a pro) over the plant in early spring, and then enjoy the small, tender and sweet stems as they develop and search for the light. Grown commercially in large dark sheds in the Yorkshire rhubarb triangle - between Wakefield, Leeds and Morley - this wonderful vegetable (classed as a fruit for tax reasons) can also be divided up this month if you have a large overgrown patch.

Happy Gardening

Directions In a large bowl, mix strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, rhubarb, lemon peel and lemon juice. For fresh fruit, let stand 15 minutes. For frozen, let stand 60 minutes.

Roll out both crusts; place one in a pie pan or an iron skillet. Top with fruit mixture. Place remaining crust over fruit and crimp the edges. Cut slits in top to allow steam to escape. Brush with milk and dust with cinnamon sugar.

Bake in a 400-degree oven for 10 minutes, then lower temperature to 375. Bake for 45 minutes.

Cover the crust with aluminum foil if it browns too much. Cool before serving.

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TREE OF HOPE

2014

We would like to invite you to make a donation to dedicate a bauble on our CHRISTMAS TREE OF HOPE, supporting Young Carers in Hambleton & Richmondshire.

Through our Young Carers Support Service we provide one to one emotional support for young people between the ages of 5 and 18 years, to make sure they have an opportunity to talk about their own feelings, fears and stresses that are affecting them as a result of the caring situation within their family. We also give advice to the family as a whole and make contact with other agencies that can help young people and make sure they stay safe. We also run fun group activities during term time and holiday day trips and residentials that Young Carers can attend, to give them time out from caring and give them opportunities to meet with their peers in a safe and understanding environment.

The TREE and BOOK of messages will be on display in the Hambleton Forum, Northallerton from Saturday 29th November 2014.

If you would like to help then please complete the form opposite.

There is no minimum donation and we HOPE you will be as generous as you can.

Why not send a message to thank your friends, customers or supporters and wish them a Merry Christmas?

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