Ripon & Masham infocus Winter 2010/11

winter

2010/’11

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welcome

to the Winter issue of Ripon & Masham infocus

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12

Features

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Looking for a new kitchen or bedroom?

8-9

17

Questions Surrounding Examinations

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Starting A Business

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Talking Textiles

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Winter Warmers

Regulars

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16-17

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local news Schools’ Climate Change Challenge LOCAL NEWS Jennyruth Update

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LOCAL NEWS Top Heart Charity Opening New Shop in Ripon

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LOCAL NEWS Ripon Cathedral Wedding Show

LOCAL NEWS Events In Our Area LOCAL NEWS Tennis Tykes serves up a treat for little ones in Ripon

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local news St Cecilia Orchestra’s “Happy” January Concert At Your Fingertips

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infocus Production Details

Winter Gardening Diary

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local news Ripon Area Music & Arts Diary

I hope that you enjoy this edition of Ripon & Masham infocus.

Please contact us if you would like to advertise your business in this publication.

Best wishes,

Christine Campbell Editor

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t: 01609 777401 www.jkanorth.com

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Looking for a new kitchen or bedroom?

Knaresborough Kitchens has something to suit every taste and budget.

P

lanning a new kitchen is something that most people do only once or twice in a lifetime, making it one of the most important decisions any homeowner can make. It can also be a substantial investment, so it makes sense to entrust the work to a local family business whose professionalism has seen them go from strength to strength over the last 14 years.

The Knaresborough Kitchen Company was started in 1996 by husband and wife team David and Lynda Dalglish, and it has since become renowned locally for its product range, customer service and innovation regarding kitchen design. David has built up his expertise over the last 30 years and works alongside his wife Lynda and her son Matt. Installations manager Mick, receptionist Janet and many of the tradesmen have been part of the team for more than 10 years helping to build up this kitchen and bedroom design and installation business.

Knaresborough Kitchens has a product range to suit all tastes and budgets, from traditional bespoke to contemporary curved kitchens that compete with the national suppliers on price, but with the comfort of additional quality and service. With a full project management service the team will take care of everything from minor building work through to tiling and even decorating, with only one point of contact throughout, ensuring your new kitchen or bedroom is installed with the minimum of

fuss. This close attention to customer service has meant that over 60% of their business now comes from recommendations.

For increased peace of mind they are proud members of the Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Specialists Association (KBSA) and are also Trustmark accredited, a government endorsed standard that helps the consumer find reliable, trustworthy companies to carry out home improvements. They have also recently been awarded MasterPartner status by market leading appliance manufacturer NEFF for the quality of their showrooms and commitment to the brand.

With a firm eye on expansion, late 2008 saw the opening of a new showroom in the town of Otley. In 2009 they added new design recruits Jason and Martin and 2010 sees local designer Heather Johnson join the company, adding even more flair and inspiration to the already accomplished team. Finally in July 2010 they opened a new showroom in the Dales town of Thirsk. With over 40 displays across 3 showrooms, including the fantastic new in-frame and handle-less ranges by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, they are sure you will find the inspiration to make your kitchen or bedroom dreams a reality.

Call 0845 604 7469 to book a FREE home survey or design consultation, alternatively why not pop into one of the showrooms today to see for yourself?

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Schools’ Climate Change Challenge Prizes of £3000 are on offer to schools across North Yorkshire as pupils are challenged to come up with practical projects that will reduce carbon emissions in their school or community.

All councils in the county are supporting the Schools’ Climate Change programme funded through the Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership and sponsored by the Co-operative Membership and Image Playgrounds.

A recent study has found that schools within North Yorkshire are contributing 70 per cent of the county council’s C02 emissions. With the introduction of the Government’s carbon Reduction Commitment, education authorities will now have to purchase allowances to cover the C02 produced in schools. So the more carbon emissions they reduce the less costly it will be for them.

Councillor Michael Harrison, Cabinet Member for the Environment for Harrogate Borough Council, said: “We recognise that schools have a vital part to play in addressing climate change in terms of reducing their C02 emissions. So all councils in the county, whether they are education authorities or not, are working together to support this initiative.

Questions Surrounding Once more we find ourselves in the midst of GCSE examinations, when many Year 10 and 11 students will be sitting their GCSE Modules in January. Good Luck to all.

What intrigues me about the January examinations is whether the average pass rate is higher or lower than the June examinations. Some would argue that taking examinations in the winter months is more beneficial because the conditions for studying at home then are far more conducive to study than in summer when the light nights and pleasant weather give the student more distractions to cope with. Surprisingly there has never been a significant difference between the results of the winter and summer examinations, otherwise the examination boards and media would have picked up on this topic long ago.

However the modular examination may be abolished in the future, because it is proposed to revert to the old type terminal examination as detailed in a White Paper on Education titled “The Importance of Teaching”. It is important for parents to be aware of the proposed policies relating to changes in the educational system. The paper is not a frightful document written in legal dogma, it is written in plain English which is easy for all to understand. Whether you agree with the proposals or not is another matter.

It can be accessed at www.education.gov.uk and it is not too late to refer any comments that you may have to your MP, because it could take a long time to implement some of the proposals.

“In addition to reducing their own emissions, another key role of the initiative is to help schools educate the next generation about the consequences of climate change and to support student led environmental projects.”

A number of schools have been chosen as pilots for the initiative including Scarborough’s Gladstone Road Junior School, Ryedale’s Malton School, York’s Huntington School, Thirsk School and 6th Form College, Bainbridge Primary School near Leyburn, Boroughbridge High School and Harrogate’s High School and St John Fisher’s. Edward Powell of the Co-operative Membership, main sponsors of the competition added: “We have a long history of campaigning for change on important ethical issues. Our members are very concerned about climate change. We are therefore very happy to be able to sponsor a competition which encourages school children to do more about tackling climate change.”

The prizes – £1500 for the winning school and two prizes for the runners up of £750 – will be presented at a conference for young people entitled Climate Change Exchange being held at Thirsk Racecourse on 4 February 2011. All primary and secondary schools in the county will be invited to attend this event which will provide a great opportunity for schools to exchange views and gain further knowledge. Through the Schools’ Climate Change programme, schools are being supported to find ways of reducing their environmental impact. These new resources will be shared through a series of training events for school staff, head teachers and bursars.

Anyone interested in the competition or the conference can get in touch via email climatechangeexchange@harrogate.gov.uk or telephone 01423 556827.

Jennyruth Update Jennyruth Workshops would like to thank the people of Ripon and surrounding villages for all their support and encouragement over the past year. This has been particularly important in the decision to open the Jennyruth shop and again they thank all their customers as the shop has been a great success.

Bespoke Products Many individuals, organizations, businesses and schools use the services of Jennyruth Workshops to make them bespoke products. These have ranged from large painted wooden farm animals for a garden centre miniature railway to a small wooden decorated recipe box. Some of the requests are adaptations of their usual products such as the large hexagonal planter whilst others, such as the jigsaw table, are new to them and require a lot of research and planning. Jennyruth welcomes these bespoke orders as they believe that they have a valuable service to offer and they like to work closely with their customers. Jennyruth Workshops are happy to discuss all orders and negotiate a reasonable price for the work. A customer who ordered a commissioned dustbin container wrote “I am absolutely thrilled with it – it is exactly what I wanted and could never find! The workmanship and skill is top class and I’m sure it will last a very long time.”

Jennyruth also offers workshops to schools making cards or painted wooden decorations. These workshops can be in-house or at Jennyruth Workshops.

Please ring the Workshops on 01765 606620, e-mail info@jennyruth.co.uk or visit their website www.jennyruth.co.uk for more details on this or for any other enquiry.

A Happy New Year from all at Jennyruth!

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Examinations The White Paper also sets out: • Powers for teachers to improve discipline, and trialling a new approach to exclusions • A vision for a transformed school curriculum supported by rigorous assessment and qualifications • More academies and free schools and a strong strategic role for local authorities • Changes to school performance tables, Ofsted inspections and governance • A fairer funding system including a pupil premium to channel more money to the most deprived children • Raise to 17 by 2013 and then 18 by 2015 the age to which all young people will be expected to participate in education or training.

• Encourage Armed Forces leavers to become teachers (Wow! I came into teaching via this route and have never once regretted it).

Tel: 01765 606620 Email: info@jennyruth.co.uk www.jennyruth.co.uk

Photos: A selection of the items being produced at our workshop

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Article 1 of 3

Starting A Business LEGAL FORM AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS In a series of three articles, Lydia Ebdon, a Chartered Accountant and Business Advisor, will explain some of the legal requirements you need to get to grips with when starting a business for the first time.

In this first article Lydia focuses on options for the legal form of your business.

Subsequent articles will cover the tax implications for new businesses, and how to pay your first employees.

INTRODUCTION Whilst the current environment is tough, it will also provide the impetus for many people to start up great businesses.

Starting a business can be both exciting and daunting. It can offer unparalleled freedom and opportunity for profit but at its worst it can be stressful, costly and detrimental to health and relationships.

SHOULD YOU BE STARTING AT ALL? Before you go it alone, research your market to ensure your business will be viable. Do you know enough about the market, customer needs and how you will serve them? Do you have enough capital? Have you prepared a business plan with realistic cash flow forecasts that will cover your financial needs? It’s easy to overestimate growth and underestimate the capital needed. Around three quarters of businesses fail in their first year, usually due to a lack of capital and poor cash flow. Don’t let your heart rule your cash flow, and make sure that your cash flow rules your head. Growing a business is hard work and it takes a long time. Keep initial overheads as low as possible and make sure you build critical mass as quickly as you need to, at the same time as ensuring things don’t run out of control.

exist even where there is no partnership agreement, so you should take professional advice if you are trading with others and want to avoid being liable for your colleagues’ debts.

A limited liability partnership (LLP) is a separate legal entity from its partners and offers limited liability in a way that is similar to a company, at the same time as having the organisational flexibility of a traditional partnership. In some ways this offers the best of both worlds. Profits are taxed as for a partnership, i.e. all profits are taxed whether they are distributed or retained.

lower than for sole traders, company national insurance rates are higher.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS As well as the legal form for your business, you will also need to decide on a company and/or trading name, ensure you can fulfil legal requirements such as complying with property, employers, health and safety and environmental regulations and arrange adequate insurances (such as keyman, public and product liability and premises).

OPTIONS FOR THE LEGAL FORM OF A BUSINESS Once you’re confident about the business case, its time for the formalities. Most traders can start out alone and incorporate later but whatever route you intend to take, legal form should be one of your first considerations. The key choices are to trade as a sole trader in your own right, through a partnership with others or through a limited company.

Working as a sole trader means you are self-employed. This works well for most start ups because it is simple. You only need basic accounts and for earnings of up to £20,000 p.a. or more, your total tax payments should be lower than they would be trading through a company. It will still be possible to transfer the business to a limited company at a later stage.

The key disadvantage of operating as a sole trader is that you remain liable for all debts of the business. All your own assets are at risk. So if your business is risky or might suffer claims such as for damages, operating through a limited company might give you more peace of mind. Raising finance as a sole trader can be harder than raising finance for a company, and selling the business can be harder.

A partnership is ideal when two or more individuals go into business together. In many respects, operating through a partnership is similar to operating as a sole trader. But a key difference is that each partner is liable for all the business debts, meaning that each is vulnerable to problems caused by their fellow partners. A partnership offers more flexibility than a company in the way new partners can be admitted and in the terms on which they participate.

A partnership agreement should be used to specify all relevant details including each partner’s obligations such as working time and introduction of capital, and their rights such as to profit share and return on capital. Those trading with others should be aware that a partnership can be deemed to

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A limited company is a separate entity from its members (shareholders) in law. Each member’s liability to the company is limited to the extent of the capital they introduce, and it is the company rather than its members that has obligations to others such as customers and employees. As well as members a company has employees including directors who run the company and act as its agents. Directors have specific obligations to the company and failure to comply with these can be a criminal offence punishable by law.

Trading through a limited company tends to be most appropriate for people who wish to limit their personal exposure to the risks of the business, or for businesses that have reached a particular size. It can also add credibility and make it easier to sell a business or to raise finance. There can be tax advantages for higher or additional rate taxpayers of operating through a company since profits can be retained in the company, suffering corporation tax at 21% or 28%, and distributed later when members’ income and tax rates are lower.

One person can now form and own a company, and act as its sole director – previously at least two people were needed.

Operating through a limited company involves more overheads and costs. Setting up a company through Companies House or a commercial agent is relatively quick and easy. But there are more rules to follow. Annual accounts and an annual return need to be filed with Companies House each year and the company must comply with HMRC corporation tax requirements. Annual accounts are usually more complicated than for a sole trader and you are more likely to need professional advice. Although for high earners, income tax can be

All new businesses now need an internet presence and a robust marketing plan will be crucial if you’re gong to reach a critical mass in an acceptable time frame.

SUMMARY Starting a business is an exciting opportunity for many and hard work for all. Do a thorough initial appraisal to make sure you’re not in the vast majority of businesses that fail in the first year. Once you’ve decided to go ahead, work out what form will suit you best and get familiar with your obligations.

If you’re in doubt or need further help, seek professional advice. New businesses should seek discounts and free advice that may be available. If trouble starts, getting help early will improve your options and chances of success.

Disclaimer This article can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying its contents. No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this article. Details correct at time of writing.

Lydia Ebdon is a Chartered Accountant and Business Adviser providing specialist help to owner managed businesses. She is the director of L M Ebdon Ltd, a firm regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

For further information see HMRC’s website or www.lembdon.co.uk.

The full text of this and related articles can be found on the news page of Lydia’s website.

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textiles Talking

From tea towels to quilts, hankies to curtains, expert on them all is enterprising business woman Joan Evans. From shop premises in Skipton and now online, her household textile business combines old fashioned values and products with the retail technology of today.

‘An Aladdin’s Cave’ is a cliché but nonetheless a true depiction of the reassuringly jam-packed showroom on Coach Street, close to the canal basin marina in this picturesque market town dubbed ‘Gateway to the Dales’. That being the Yorkshire Dales.

It may seem strange to find a business here named ‘Oswaldtwistle Mills of Skipton’.

Oswaldtwistle is a distinctively Lancastrian place name, and a friendly greeting from Joan on stepping inside soon reveals the fact that this lady has indeed crossed the border from Red to White Rose country - to offer the best of both worlds to her customers.

Joan’s journey to become a lynchpin of the retail heart of Skipton and a national expert on household linen is an interesting one. From 1995 she began work at one of the few remaining giants of the industrial revolution in Lancashire; Oswaldtwistle Mills. There she ran the Weavers Cottage Museum and its retail shop. Joan quickly progressed to become curator of The Textile Museum, brushing up on the rich local heritage and taking group visits round the working mill.

In July 1999, with a yen to move to the Dales, Joan was quick to take up the opportunity to run one of the Mill’s first retail franchises over in Yorkshire. Having already made it her own in spirit, she finally bought the shop herself in April 2006. Since then her entrepreneurial drive has seen her become a key figure in fostering Skipton as a vibrant place to live and a welcoming tourist destination. Over recent years she has been President of the Chamber of Trade, Chairman of Skipton’s Mediaeval Festival and is currently Chairman of the Skipton BID (Business Improvement District), an initiative which enables businesses in the area to work together beyond the remit of the council, to implement social and economic growth and development in the town.

It is the breadth of stock available that is the first – and lasting - impression from a visit to the shop. Set over two floors it certainly isn’t minimalist. Joan doesn’t have a stock room, so every nook and cranny is full to bursting with tempting items, many of which you simply no longer see elsewhere. “Do you sell table protectors?’ asked a customer despondently; clearly expecting to hear that such a thing no longer existed. Her old one was thirty years old she said. Needless to say, Joan sells it by the metre, so the customer could get a new one custom-made to fit her table. You can maybe buy bedding and towels from the supermarket, but this level of old fashioned service is worth its weight in gold.

Above all, she has a reputation amongst her growing flock of loyal customers for being the single most valuable source of quality household textiles with no pretensions. Joan’s stock is renowned for being of exceptionally good quality for a reasonable price. She explains: “There is a tendency to think that because we have ’Mills’ in the name we are a mill shop in the sense of carrying seconds or discontinued lines. In reality we are a far cry from marketstall and carry a good range of new and value for money lines.”

Launched in 2010, Joan’s website: www.o-millsofskipton.co.uk takes the same level of service all over the country. Each order is still personally processed by Joan, with a secure online payment method and prompt delivery. At the touch of a button customers who have perhaps first discovered the shop while on holiday, can now order table linen, kitchenware, towels, nets, voiles, curtains, bedding and even luxurious Christmas gift items from the comfort of their home. It may not be quite the same as the heart-warming northern welcome you get on crossing the threshold of the shop; but it’s the next best thing.

Top Heart Charity Opening New Shop in Ripon British Heart Foundation is due to open a new shop in Ripon town centre in April this year.

Martin Newton, BHF Shops Area Manager, says: “We are looking forward to welcoming our new customers in Ripon, who by shopping with the BHF, will be helping to raise vital funds.”

Located at The Arcade the Shop will offer a wide range of goods, with all profits going towards helping the BHF fight heart disease – the UK’s single biggest killer.

To get the shop ready we are urgently appealing for good quality clothing, accessories, handbags, shoes, books, records, videos, DVDs, CDs and bric-a-brac. To donate

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items simply ring our Thirsk Shop on 01845 574925.

The Ripon Shop will have a wide range of volunteering opportunities to suit every type of person, including stock sorting and pricing, window dressing, sales assistant, books and music volunteer and much more.

To find out more about volunteering at the Shop or to donate your unwanted quality items, please call the Thirsk Shop on 01845 574925.

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Events in 28th January

Ripon Cathedral Wedding Show The Cathedral is hosting a wedding show during the weekend of Friday February 11 and Sunday February 13.

Businesses of all price ranges will be exhibiting, including ideas for reception venues, bridal wear, mother of the bride, bridegroom wear, photographers, cars, cakes, stationers, travel agents, florists, caterers and beautiful hand-made jewellery.

Everything you would need for your perfect day.

The wedding show is the first of its kind to be held within the walls of the Cathedral, one of the most ancient and stunning venues in the local area, which dates back over 1,000 years. We hope that as many Brides to be, Bridegrooms and their families will attend this exciting show. There will be an opening reception on Friday from 6.30 to 8.30 and the show will be open all day Saturday, and Sunday afternoon.

• Ghost Hunt - The Busby Stoop Inn (Thirsk) 10:00pm till 4:00am Spend an evening with a difference whilst staking out one of your areas most haunted buildings. In 1702 Thomas Busby was hung for the murder of his father-in-law.The Inn takes its name from the stoop his remains could be seen after he was gibbeted but Thomas Busby still visits the Inn today. £13 per person (Prices may vary). For tickets or more info visit www. spiritseekers.info or call 07915 670663 .................................................................................................................

29th & 30th January

• Winter Abbey Tours at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Join a free guided tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey & monks. Meet at Porter’s Lodge at 1.30pm. Dates are: January: Sat 29 & Sun 30 February: Sat 5, Sun 6, Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 19, Sun 20, Sat 26 & Sun 27 Tel: 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk .................................................................................................................

9th February • Film: Samson & Delilah Ripon Leisure Centre Price £1.50 / £1.00 Guests: £4.00 Film starts at 8pm. Tel: 01765 601353 www.riponfilm.org .................................................................................................................

11th - 13th February

• Wedding Fair - Ripon Cathedral See article on left. There will be an opening reception on Friday from 6.30 to 8.30 and the show will be open all day Saturday, and Sunday afternoon.

More information is also available online at www.riponcathdralweddingshow.co.uk or by telephoning 01765 603583. .................................................................................................................

12th February

• Valentine’s Ball Fundraising Valentine’s Ball for school library and village church at Kirkby Overblow.

Admission: £50.00 per person (table of 10 - £500) 7.00pm to 2.00am Contact: Martine Phipps - Tel: 07986 582284 ........................................................................

We aim to help couples to plan their big day with as little fuss as possible since they may be able to find everything they need under one roof – in addition the event will help to raise money for the Cathedral restoration appeal, a worthwhile cause to help maintain our local heritage.

Come along and see for yourself!

More information about the wedding fair is available online at www.riponcathdralweddingshow.co.uk or by telephoning (01765) 603583.

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our area 13th & 14th February

• St Valentine’s Dinner - Bettys Harrogate A delicious three-course candlelit meal will be served to the accompaniment of The Pavilion String Quartet, followed by tea or coffee with handmade chocolates.

1 Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2QU Time: 7:30pm. Price: £35.00 per person Bookings: 01423 814070 .................................................................................................................

21st February

• Sings Of Spring - Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Join us at the restored Nosterfield Quarry for some Spring-themed activities and crafts!

Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm Meet at Nosterfield Quarry visitor centre Charge: FREE, booking is essential please contact the Trust on 01904 659570 .................................................................................................................

28th February

• Embroidery Workshop - Canvaswork and Colour Quarry Moor Activity Centre, 10am-4pm Have fun playing with canvaswork stitches and colour in this one day workshop, suitable for beginners or more experienced stitchers. Your piece can be made into a mini scissor keeper, needlecase, mobile phone cover or pouch, and can be further embellished with beads. £25 including tea and coffee all day.

To book call 01765 606447 or email: annholden1@yahoo.com .................................................................................................................

Tennis Tykes serves up a treat for little ones in Ripon As Andy Murray bids to take his first Grand Slam title at this month’s Australian Open, closer to home, champions of the future will be beginning their own tennis adventure with Tennis Tykes, the innovative tennis coaching and play programme.

This programme, which has been operating since September in Ripon, teaches tennis to pre school age children from as young as 2 years old and is the creation of Caroline Buncall, who has worked in tennis for over 10 years. Latterly, she worked at the prestigious Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club whose coaching programme has received many accreditations including LTA Satellite Performance Club and Mini Tennis Accreditation in recognition of its quality coaching programme and its development of a number of national standard juniors.

Caroline has over the last 2 years seen the success of the pre school tennis programme at Ilkley and the positive effects tennis has had on the development of young children through the sessions. Her concept of offering tennis to a wider audience by offering the sessions through the non-traditional tennis club route using local community centres and church halls in Ripon, Harrogate, Wetherby York and North Leeds has meant that a huge number of children now have the opportunity of playing tennis at a local venue from a young age.

19th - 20th March

• Mind, Body and Beauty Show Harrogate International Centre Mind, Body & Beauty is a great new show to make you feel fab and look lovelier. Visitors will be able to shop and pamper all under one roof.

This exciting show will be packed with healing, beauty treatments, spa treatments, fitness experts, organic ranges, healthy eating, makeup demos, fashion & hair shows, yoga workshops and an abundance of opportunities for visitors to keep on shopping. We’ll have competitions and giveaways to keep them buzzing around each stand soaking up the atmosphere and picking up bargains while they learn new tricks to bring into their everyday lives.

Tel: 07971 258779 Email: relax@mindbodyandbeauty.co.uk .................................................................................................................

For further information about any of the events listed please contact entries directly.

The editors cannot be held responsible for any changes to the events listed. All events are correct at time of going to print.

Tennis is principally about having fun and there is an abundance of fun in all the sessions from the cheeky Tennis Tykes characters (Tommy and Tessa) to using nursery rhyme music for warm ups with younger children. Caroline knows the importance of keeping the sessions at the right level for the children, having her own little Tyke in the form of 3 year old Alexander! She says, “The great emphasis is on fun, remembering that these are still very young children. We use modified mini tennis equipment (small nets, sponge balls and adapted rackets) and the sessions develop children’s basic co-ordination, agility and balance while at the same time also promoting social interaction and developing confidence, language and listening skills. Achievement is also rewarded and we build on skills achieved each week with stickers and charts for every child.”

To begin your own Tennis Tykes journey, why not sign up for a FREE TASTER. Tennis Tykes will be starting up its classes in January again for children from 2 years, weekly during term time. For further information on Tennis Tykes, please log onto www.tennistykes.co.uk or contact Caroline on 07843 342662 or email: caroline.buncall@tennistykes.co.uk

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Winter

Gardening Diary

Your Garden Needs You! Even in the depth of Winter, there are still plenty of jobs to do in your garden to ensure you are ready for Spring.

• The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has been advising that this time if year can be the ideal time to deal with old tree stumps to free up some much-needed space for a new vegetable or rose garden.

• Stumps should have been cut with enough remaining above ground to act as leverage, allowing the gardener (or some other willing individual) to dig a trench around it about one foot deep.

• Larger roots can then be cut away with an axe or pruning saw and the stump can be rocked back and forth to free it up so that it can be pulled out.

• Dealing with stumps not only frees up space, but can help avoid root disease such as honey fungus.

• Recycling old plant pots is a good way of helping the wallet to recover after the Christmas period too.

• Gardeners can retreat to their greenhouse and decide which pots to set aside for which plants.

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• The BBC advises that any retreat to the greenhouse should be preceded with a good old shake-down of any snow-covered trees, bushes and shrubs to stop them becoming disfigured.

• Digging over your soil if it’s heavily compacted. Try to avoid digging over if the soil is wet, or digging over too much which may end up disturbing the structure of your soil. It should be fine to plant trees and shrubs at this time of year, another great way to fill out your garden if it’s looking bare in places.

growing season starts. This should then allow you to get a better first year growth and hopefully a better quality rose.

• Shredding your old Christmas tree and using it for mulch is a great way to avoid that queue at the local tip.

• January is the perfect time to plan ahead for your garden, whether it’s topping up on your stock of pots, canes and string or carrying out work in the garden, just a short time spent every week during the cold months can pay big dividends when it comes around to the summer.

• Don’t forget to reward those birds that come in to eat the cabbage worms, grubs and whiteflies etc during the warmer months. Fat based bars and balls are recommended for most birds during the winter, if you like there are plenty of recipes online where you can make your own. Most birds like to be fed in the morning or early afternoon and this will hopefully keep up their fat reserves to cope with the cold frosty mornings throughout the winter. Don’t forget to put some water out, as well as a bird table for the birds to shelter under whilst feeding in bad weather.

• If the weather is suitable then planting bare root roses can be done late January through to March. Using bare root roses rather than those in a container enables you to plant earlier letting the roots get well established before the

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Ripon Area Music & Arts Diary Sunday 13th February

Wednesday 9 March

Saturday 19 March

Wind from Chethams

FILM: Mid August Lunch

Gallimaufry Wind Ensemble

Sunday 13 March

Wednesday 23 March

Sowerby Music

FILM: London River

Sowerby Music: St Oswald’s Church - Sowerby Starting at 3.00pm Great to have a return visit from some of those highly talented students from Chethams. By special request, we will hear one of Mozart’s own favourite pieces of chamber music – his Quintet for Piano and Wind in Eflat – K452. A ravishing piece displaying all the best of the composer and the instruments to go with solos from the individual performers.

Tel: 01845 518001 www.sowerbymusic.org.uk Email: concerts@sowerbymusic.org.uk .........................................................................................

Wednesday 23 February

FILM: The Secret in Their Eyes

Ripon Film Society: Ripon Leisure Centre - Ripon Tickets: Members £1.50, £1.00, Guests £4.00 Director: Juan Jose Campanella - Drama/Mystery A retired lawyer begins to write a novel based on an unsolved case from 1974, but in doing so reveals all sorts of demons: inner and outer. Mystery, love story and psychological thriller, the film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film 2010.

Tel: 01765 601353: www.riponfilm.org .........................................................................................

Friday 4 - sunday 6 March

75th Harrogate Competitive Festival for Music, Speech & Drama

Harrogate Competitive Festival: Harrogate Ladies College Commencing at 6:00pm Tickets: on door £1 adults, children under 17 free! This Festival -the 75th - is over 3 weekends 4th - 6th March 2011,11th -13th March and 18th -20th March. Details are on the web site (www.hcfmsd.co.uk) This is an opportunity to see individual performers with a variety of instruments, singers, speech & drama.

Tel: 0113 2886421: www.hcfmsd.co.uk .........................................................................................

Cathedral Concert Society Loriod Ensmble

Ripon Cathedral - Ripon Commencing at 7:30 pm Tickets: Series £80, single concerts £15. The Loriod Ensemble plays Messiaen’s Quartet for the end of time. The Loriod Ensmble (Sarah Beaty clarinet, Lisa Schatzman violin, Gemma Rosefiield cello and Sam Arnstrong piano) play Olivier Messiaen’s bleak but optimistic war-time quartet, written for the only instruments available in the camp in which he was a prisoner. The other works are Janacek’s Violin Sonata and Brahms’s Clarinet Trio Op 114.

Tel: 01765 658971 www.riponconcerts.co.uk

St Cecilia Orchestra’s “Happy” January Concert On Saturday 29th January 2011 Ripon’s outstanding community Orchestra is presenting a “Happy” concert to beat the winter blues.

The St Cecilia Orchestra, conducted by Xenophon Kelsey MBE, is renowned for its very high standard of performance, and is returning to the Holy Trinity Church with two stunning

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St Oswald’s Church - Sowerby, Thirsk Commencing at 3:00 pm Tel: 01845 518001 www.sowerbymusic.org.uk Email: concerts@sowerbymusic.org.uk .........................................................................................

friday 11 - sunday 13 March

75th Harrogate Competitive Festival for Music, Speech & Drama

See listing for 4 - 6 March.

Tel: 0113 2886421 www.hcfmsd.co.uk .........................................................................................

friday 18 - sunday 20 March

75th Harrogate Competitive Festival for Music, Speech & Drama

See listing for 4 - 6 March.

Tel: 0113 2886421 www.hcfmsd.co.uk .........................................................................................

Saturday 19 March

Brahms’ Double Concerto & Dvorak’s New World Symphony

Monday 7 March

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Ripon Film Society: Ripon Leisure Centre - Ripon Tickets: Members £1.50, £1.00, Guests £4.00 Director: Gianni di Gregorio - Comedy/Drama Cash-strapped Gianni cares for his cantankerous mother so successfully that friends start asking if their elderly relatives can move in too. Several opinionated widows in a cramped flat bring both tension and joy.

“A delightful and witty homage to older people… a wonderfully patient, delicately observed film; warm, generous, never for a moment sentimental or patronising.”

Tel: 01765 601353 www.riponfilm.org .........................................................................................

St Cecilia Orchestra: Ripon Cathedral - Ripon Commencing at 7:30 pm - Spring Concert Tickets: £14, £11, £5 Britten’s 4 Sea Interludes provide a spectacular overture to the amazing Double Concerto by Brahms, with two brilliant young soloists - Tamsin Waley-Cohen (Violin) and Victoria Simondsen (Cello) - guaranteed to thrill you!

And, as if that wasn’t enough, the concert finishes with the ever-popular 9th Symphony by Dvorak, the “New World”.

After a programme like this, we are sure you will be “going home” delighted and uplifted! Tickets available from Ripon Cathedral Shop, Ripon Travel, Alan Matthews, Abode, Ripon & Harrogate TICs, Pomp & Circumstance - or by phone from Richard Russell on: 01765 677413 www.st-cecilia.org.uk .........................................................................................

young soloists to introduce a charming and unusual concert to our area.

The varied programme begins with Weber’s Concertino for Clarinet with soloist Richard Kippax, followed by L’Horloge de Flore, which is a charming, very effective and rarely performed piece by Jean Francais, with solo oboist Alexia Owens. The next piece, Richard Strauss’s Symphony for Wind is probably the greatest work ever written for wind ensemble, and is known as “The Happy Workshop”. The evening finishes with Mozart’s “Linz” Symphony, No. 36.

Richmondshire Concerts: Zetland Centre - Richmond Commencing at 7:30 pm Gallimaufry (Wind Quintet) Tickets: £10 (£1 students) The Gallimaufry Ensemble is one of the most exciting and dynamic young groups in the UK. This is one of six concerts in the Season of Richmondshire Subscription Concerts. A Subscription (Season Ticket for all six concerts) is only £35.00. For details or to purchase ring 01748 822001. Alternatively request a brochure through the website. This includes a form to apply for a Season Ticket.

Tel: 01748 822001 www.richmondshireconcerts.co.uk .........................................................................................

Ripon Film Society: Ripon Leisure Centre - Ripon Tickets: Members £1.50, £1.00, Guests £4.00 Algeria/France /UK/World 2009 Drama Director: Rachid Bouchareb In the aftermath of the July 7th bombings a Guernsey widow and a Malian man search for their missing children. They come to realize how little they knew of their children and how much they have in common, despite the difference in their ethnic, geographical and religious backgrounds.

“Brenda Blethyn and Sotigui Kouyaté play beautifully together in this thoughtful, resonant meditation on 7/7.”

Tel: 01765 601353 www.riponfilm.org .........................................................................................

Saturday 26 March

HSO Spring Concert

Harrogate Symphony Orchestra: The Royal Hall Harrogate Commencing at 7:30 pm. Three Boticelli Pictures - Respighi. Concerto for saxophone - Glazunov (Soloist: Hannah Marcinowicz) Tableaux de Provence - Paule Maurice Symphony number 9 : From The New World - Dvorak Tickets available from Harrogate International Centre box office.

Tel: 0845 130 8840 www.harrogateorchestra.org.uk .........................................................................................

Saturday 2 April

Britten: War Requiem

Ripon Choral Society: Ripon Cathedral - Ripon Commencing at 7:30 pm Tickets: £19 reserved; £17 unreserved Written for the consecration of Coventry Cathedral in 1962, Britten’s War Requiem intersperses the Latin Requiem Mass with First World War poems by Wilfred Owen, and serves to denounce war. Join us for a rare performance of this overwhelmingly powerful work – a concert not to be missed. FREE pre-concert talk at 6.30pm in the Cathedral: Philip Miles discusses Britten and the War Requiem Tickets: £19 reserved; £17 unreserved (student & other concessions available) to include a glass of wine or juice.

Available online at www.riponchoralsociety.org.uk Tel: 01765 635244 / 01765 601856 www.riponchoralsociety.org.uk .........................................................................................

Ticket prices are £10 adults, £8 concessions and £5 children.

They are available from Ripon & Harrogate Tourist Information Centres; Alan Matthews, Kirkgate; Abode, Westgate; by phoning Richard Russell on 01765 677413, and on the door.

More information from Xenophon Kelsey, 01765 602856, mail@st-cecilia.org.uk, www.st-cecilia.org.uk.

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To advertise with us, please contact Christine on 01609 777401

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Winter Warmers...

Keep warm this Winter with our recipes

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

This hearty homemade stew, stocked with potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, beef chuck and beef broth, is the ultimate comfort food and sure to infuse your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Chessy Baked Pot at oes

This perfect pairing of baked potatoes with cottage cheese, Cheddar cheese, sour cream, onion and chives makes a spectacular side dish the whole family will love.

Cooking Instructions

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon garlic powder • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon black pepper • 2 pounds beef chuck, cubed • 12 small boiling onions • 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced • 6 carrots, sliced • 3 stalks celery, sliced • 3 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon cold water

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• In a large pot heat oil over medium high heat. In a resealable plastic bag mix together the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

• Add a small handful of meat at a time and shake until well coated; brown in hot oil, about 1 minute per side.

• Remove the browned meat and continue until all the meat is browned.

• Lower heat to medium and add onions.

Brown onions on both sides, about 3 minutes per side, then remove from pot and set aside. Drain excess fat from pot.

• To pot add potatoes, carrots, celery, reserved onions, browned meat and broth.

Stir all together and bring to a boil.

• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

• For a thicker broth: 1/2 hour before stew is done, combine 3 tablespoons flour and water in a small bowl and mix well, then slowly stir mixture into stew.

Nutrition Facts Servings per Recipe: 12 Amount Per Serving Calories: 353cal Total fat: 19.6g Cholesterol: 54mg Sodium: 523mg Carbohydrates: 26.9g

Fiber: 2.9g Protein: 17.1g Prep Time: 1 hour Cooking Time: 2 hours Ready In: 3 hours Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 5 potatoes, peeled and cubed • 1 small onion, chopped • 1-1/2 cups chive-flavoured cottage cheese • 1 cup sour cream • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese Nutrition Facts Servings per Recipe: 5 Amount Per Serving Calories: 421cal Total fat: 18.7g Cholesterol: 49mg Sodium: 450mg Carbohydrates: 44.3.9g

Fiber: 3.7g Protein: 19.8g Prep Time: 15 min Cooking Time: 40 min Ready In: 55 min Servings: 5

Cooking Instructions

• Place potatoes in a large pot of water and boil until tender when pierced with a fork.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) Butter a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, onion, cottage cheese, and sour cream.

• Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top with Cheddar cheese.

• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 40 minutes.

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Enjoy!

“Floating Ghost stairs” How do they do that?

So often on house renovation or grand design programmes you see stairs apparently floating out of the wall without any support.

Well really they don’t float but instead use well engineered minimal components, mainly consisting of a very strong steel structure bolted securely to the brickwork of the wall. This provides the strength necessary to hold the steps and the glass balustrade.

After attaching the steel to the wall this is then plastered over leaving just the steel supports for the steps protruding. At this stage the small step lights are fitted into the plaster for later.

To advertise with us, please contact Christine on 01609 777401

Next stage is to fit the steps onto the steel supports and the glass balustrade is mounted to the steelwork with concealed fittings. The final stage is to fit the external wood blocks to the outside of the balustrade.

The end result—steps seemingly coming out of the wall and running straight through the glass balustrade. The Ghost stairs give a light airy feel to any room with their stunning design.

At Stairs and More we specialise in working with the style and layout of the property to reach the best staircase solution for any type of development contemporary or classic straight or spiral.

For further details have a look at our website: www.stairsandmore.co.uk or speak to Steve Dunn on 01845 577200.

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