Thirsk Easingwold InFocus Summer 2014

thirsk&easingwold Quarterly Royal Mail distribution: 15,600 homes & businesses www.jkanorth.com/thirsk | Summer 2014

InFocus

FREE

2

infocus

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

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

infocus

3

inside THIRSK & EASINGWOLD infocus

Summer

11

14

22

18

25

08 local news: 11 health 12 local news: 14 local news: 14 out & about 16

new businesses: FEATURED New businesses and services FEATURED

Easingwold Players Update The Science Behind the Smile FEATURED

What’s On at Rural Arts?

FEATURED

The Clock receives Award Local Events this Summer

08

18 garden view 20 local news: 22 local news: 25 26 book review 28 index

local news: FEATURED

Local company celebrates success A Thorny Issue

featured

Blue Cross Update featured

The Grand Départ 2 great reads this Summer InFocus Advertiser Index

Welcome to the Summer issue of Thirsk & Easingwold InFocus.

In this issue we take a look at a whole host of events and activities in and around Thirsk & Easingwold this Summer. Don’t miss our events listings (p16-17) for great days out as well as ‘The Grand Départ’ (p25). There’s some fantastic new businesses opening (p8-9). We also look at what’s going at Rural Arts (p14) and The Blue Cross (p22). It’s going to be a fantastic Summer, hope you all enjoy it and we’ll see you in the Autumn.

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

Best wishes as ever, Christine Campbell | Editor

4

infocus

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

Inheritance Tax Property Trap Although it started off life as a tax on the wealthy, rising property prices may mean that ordinary homes may soon become liable to this tax.

The Inheritance Tax has been frozen at £325,000 since 2009 and will remain there until at least April 2019. David Cameron recently pledged to raise the IHT threshold to £1m but to date has shown no appetite for implementing this. Where a person’s assets are above £325,000, which is known as the nil rate band, there is a tax bill of a hefty 40% levied on that excess on death. This means that as the price rise surges over 15% in London and over 11% across the rest of the UK, more and more house owners are getting dangerously close to falling into the inheritance tax net.

If you want to reduce your IHT liability you need to make use of all the available exemptions to ensure that your estate is passed on to your loved one and not the tax man.

Transfers between spouses and civil partners are exempt from IHT and if the nil rate band has not been used on the first death the balance of the allowance is transferred to the survivor. In this way the allowance effectively rises to £650,000 on the second death. It can also mean that an unmarried couple can greatly increase the available options by getting married!

Making a Will is a crucial part of IHT planning even if you want everything to go to your partner. Dying without a Will means that intestacy rules will apply, which effectively means that the law will decide what happens to your estate and you risk part of it going to other family members which could trigger an IHT charge.

Anything left to charity is free of IHT and if you are particularly generous you could also cut the IHT rate on the rest of your estate.

One other key strategy with IHT planning is to take advantage of the various exemptions available

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 during your lifetime. Every year you have an annual allowance of £3,000 which can be given away with no IHT consequences and if you do not use this gift in one year it is carried forward to the next. Gifts on consideration of marriage are free from IHT but limited to £5,000 per parent and £2,500 from a grandparent.

One often overlooked exemption is that gifts of excess income, after all bills and taxes have been paid, are also tax free. There are rules with regard to this and you need to keep careful records. However, if this is overlooked the surplus income will form part of your estate and further increase your IHT bill.

Beyond these allowances any cash or asset which is given away is classified as a potentially exempt transfer (PET) and provided you live for 7 years from the date of any PET that gift will be excluded from your estate for IHT purposes.

Putting assets of cash into Trusts is another way to reduce the value of your estate and you could also have a whole of life insurance policy which is written

in trust so that the cash is paid out to pay any IHT tax on death.

By careful use of all of the above one can look to control a tax which is gradually creeping up on a lot more people than expected.

infocus

5

Local Business Spotlight: Searles Carpets: Horsefair, Boroughbridge We spoke to owner Martin Searle about Searles Carpets.

“Searles Carpets was founded and established in 1970 in Ilkley, West Yorkshire by my parents, Leslie and Mable Searle. I joined the family business in 1974, aged just 17 and worked hard to learn the trade. Today, Searles of Ilkley is run by my brother Carl Searle, whilst my wife and I opened Searles of Boroughbridge in May 2009.

My life has been spent working with carpets and so that is why we know our carpets when it comes to quality and value, we give a personel touch and guide our customers with patience and honesty. We fully understand that buying carpets is not an everyday event and that customers need reassurance when making their decision. We are still a tight knit family business, and the fitters we take on are trained to fit like we do. We remove and adjust your doors if needed free of charge and we remove old carpet and reduce it in size and put it in your bin at no cost. We also hoover when finished for free.

Our aim is to please our customers and that makes us happy. Don’t forget if you are unable to visit our showroom we will come to you.”

For more details call Martin or Tracey Searle on: 01423 325874

6

infocus

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

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

infocus

7

W E N businesses

s e c i v r e s & in & around our area

“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.

space in complimentary editorial*.

This editorial provides excellent business exposure to 15,200 homes and businesses and allows further explanation of the new business or services available.

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

* Editorial must be supplied completed.

NEW Joinery Business!

Time served local Joiner | 1st and 2nd Fix Those familiar with Malcolm through his work across North Yorkshire will be aware of the high quality of craftsmanship and service that he will be providing with M. Watt Joinery.

Covering all aspects of joinery, including Bedrooms, Kitchens, Flooring, Decking, Interiors and Shop fitting, Malcolm provides a personal and professional service to all clients. Utilizing his extensive experience in the trade, Malcolm is able to undertake both domestic and commercial work and provides a free quote on all jobs.

For professional joinery, call Malcolm on: 07795 690611

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

New - Husthwaite Village Markets!

Sunday 16h March saw the first of the regular Husthwaite Village markets, held at the all new eco-friendly village hall, built with generous support from The Big Lottery and many other funders.

The weather, on the day, could not have been better for the 21 stallholders; 3 of which were outside, including some woolly visitors from Beacon Alpacas, helping draw shoppers in and making the event a huge success.

Some 340 in all passed through the doors, marvelling at the variety and quality of the goods and partaking of the great food from the refreshments team.

‘The atmosphere was buzzing and the positive comments from both shoppers and stallholders, has been wonderful’ say the organisers, ‘and we have learnt a great deal’. ‘We want to make sure that our stallholders are comfortable in their space and that the flow is such that shoppers see the variety of products and produce on offer ’, said Annabel. Debbie and Lynn agreed. We hope to continue to offer variety and quality at our next 3 markets; to keep things fresh making them a pleasurable shopping experience for all’.

‘We know we can increase the Artisan bread order’ said Lynn. ‘And we would also like to offer a space to a fruit and veg stallholder, to increase Don’t miss the ‘produce’ side, giving a good balance of products’, said Debbie. future Markets: So, thank you, to all the stallholders and shoppers who made our first market a brilliant start to the future Markets of Husthwaite. And put the following dates in your diary now so you don’t miss future markets, 15th June, 14th September and 30th November.

Entrance free, all ages, doors open 11 am to 3pm For further details about our new sustainable building, it’s funders and other great events in Husthwaite please visit www.husthwaitevillage.com

8

infocus

15th June 14th September 30th November Put the dates in your diary now!

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

Solicitor Rachel Roche has opened a new law firm to serve the community throughout Thirsk, Easingwold and beyond.

Rachel brings with her over 10 years of legal experience and a real passion for building long-lasting and trusting relationships with those for whom she works. Rachel is often asked to act for different members of the same family, who wish to ensure that their assets are protected for future generations.

Roche Legal can help you reduce your inheritance tax bill, and discuss what would happen to your assets should you need residential care in the future.

Roche Legal can also help you deal with the affairs of a loved one after they have passed away, and can obtain the Grant of Probate if needed, in a sensitive and appropriate manner.

As a professional member of Solicitors for the Elderly, a specialist organisation providing advice to older and vulnerable people, their families and carers, Rachel offers both practical and legal advice. This is invaluable at a time when there may be significant changes in your family and you need a bit of help to sort out what to do.

Roche Legal deals with Wills, Probate and Estates, Powers of Attorney, Court For advertising contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com

of Protection work and more, so pick up the phone today. Fees are fixed from the outset wherever possible, meaning no surprise bills. Free consultations are offered and as Rachel visits you at home or at work, there is no need to worry about traffic or parking.

Roche Legal is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority.

More information about the firm can be found at www.rochelegal.co.uk or by telephoning the office on 01347 844 046 or by emailing your query to info@ rochelegal.co.uk.

infocus

9

10

infocus

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

Summer 2014

Update

As their 25th anniversary production Easingwold Players presented a double bill of one act classic comedies at the Galtres Entertainment Centre.

Black Comedy

by Peter Schaffer

This farce uses ‘reverse lighting’ to show what happens during a power cut in Brindsley Miller’s apartment just minutes before he is expecting a millionaire collector to arrive to view his artwork.

Phil Grainger as Brindsley with his two ladies, Sarah Rumfitt as Clea (left) and Kerry Barker as Carol. Photo: Colin Richardson

Brindsley (played John Cleese-style by Phil Grainger) is a down at heel artist and he has taken the crazy risk of attempting to impress both the art collector and his own prospective father-in-law by ‘borrowing’ priceless furniture from his neighbour. The pot of farcical chaos is stirred by the simultaneous arrival of upright, military father-in-law (John Drew), Brindsley’s ex-girlfriend (Kerry Barker, stepping up to her first principal role) and - inevitably - the wronged neighbour (Cameron Smith). This scene, remember, is played out in the dark.

A refreshing blend of experienced Easingwold Players and new faces set about this absurd scene with gusto. The play is presented on a fully lit stage, with the actors interpreting the writer’s idea of the power cut and total darkness. Achieving the blend of convincing movement on a crowded stage with all the elements of an out-and-out farce was a big challenge for Vicky Abbiss in her debut as a director. Congratulations to her for giving her audience a side-splitting experience.

The Real Inspector Hound

by Tom Stoppard

This play presents quite a challenge to an audience. They must grasp that the lines between theatre and reality are blurred.

Moon and Birdboot begin as theatre critics.

Moon (played by Jonathan Lewis) is young and obsessed by his position as Number 2 to the absent Higgs. Birdboot (David Pike) is the old hand who flatters himself that he Brian Goodyear as Inspector Hound, has manipulated his critic status in pursuit Hannah Spencer as Lady Cynthia of his womanising fantasies. As they think Muldoon in The Real Inspector Hound pompously aloud together about a play they are watching Stoppard subtly manoeuvres them into its action. Actors become critics, critics become actors, and both get shot for their pains.

Is it Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap? Perhaps it is Stoppard’s satirical take on the self-obsessed world of low quality theatre and/or corny whodunits.

The play was directed by John Lister.

For our autumn production (19th - 22nd November) Easingwold Players present The Cemetery Club by Ivan Menchell. The director will be John Roberts, a founder member of the company and an experienced director.

John writes: ‘The play has humour, love, jealousy and pathos. There is a cast of four women and one man. Their age range could be around 50 - 70 years. The three main female characters, although Jewish widows, are very different and the roles will be challenging and enjoyable to play. The play has a lot of comedy in it. There is a happy ending so that audiences should have that good feeling as they leave.

Full details on these productions and more: www.easingwoldplayers.com For advertising contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com

infocus

11

Did you know that there are two sorts of smiles - the fake smile and the genuine smile? In both the fake and the real smile, the zygomaticus major muscle - which controls the corners of your mouth - is activated. But in a genuine smile, the obicularis occuli muscle - which encircles our eye socket - is also activated. Scientists call the first smile a social smile, and the second a Duchenne smile, named after the scientist who first discovered it.

The

Science Behind the Smile

Mother Teresa said, “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.” Haven’t we all experienced feeling good because someone smiled at us. Yet science tells us that there is nothing simple about a smile.

Imagine an appealing child or a cute kitten and you probably smile. Electrical signals travel from the cortex of your brain to the brainstem (the part that deals with basic body functions such as breathing, heart rate etc.). From there, cranial nerves carry the signal onwards to muscles in your face and you smile.

But have you ever noticed that as you smile you actually feel happier? This is due to a positive feedback loop whereby electrical signals are fed back to the brain from the smiling-muscles, reinforcing our feeling of joy. Our brain feels good so tells us to smile: we smile and this tells our brain we feel good.

Researchers have found that smiling can be as happiness-inducing as receiving a large unexpected cash bonus!

12

infocus

We are surprisingly good at distinguishing between a real and fake smile, and we do this in three ways. First, we unconsciously compare the geometry of a person’s face to a standard smile. Second, we think about context and judge whether a smile is expected. Finally, we automatically mimic the smile, to feel for ourself whether it is fake or real. In fact if we are prevented from mimicking a smile (e.g. by clenching a pencil between our teeth) our ability to differentiate a real smile from a fake smile decreases dramatically!

Smiling reduces stress and generates more positive emotions. This is why we often feel happier around children – they smile more. Children smile on average about 400 times a day. Happy adults smile 40-50 times a day, but most of us only smile a maximum of 20 times. Yet smiling more is good for our health. Our brain even keeps track of our smiles - a smile scorecard if you like, so it knows our emotional state. Scientists discovered that people who smile the most are mentally more healthy, and live on average some seven years longer than the rest of us. The good news is, smiling is contagious so spread yours around. As Louis Armstrong sang, “When you’re smilin’, keep on smilin’. The whole world smiles with you…”

By Louise Addison :-)

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

National Smile Week May 19th to June 19th

National Smile Month runs from May 19th to June 19th. It’s all about oral hygiene. Here are our top tips.

Brush your teeth - At least two minutes twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you clean your teeth before bed, as your mouth doesn’t have the same salivary protection during the night as it does during the day.

Floss - Each tooth has five sides; a toothbrush only cleans three sides. The other two sides are where most decay and foul odours originate. To clean between the teeth requires dental floss or tiny inter-dental brushes.

Clean your tongue - This is an important part of oral hygiene and works wonders with stale, smelly breath. You can use a tongue scraper or a toothbrush Give up smoking - Smoking dries the mouth, depleting the protective saliva. It also exposes your gums, soft palate and tongue to harmful and cancercausing toxins, and it makes your breath smell.

Use a mouthwash - This freshens breath and coats the teeth with a protective layer, helping to prevent plaque build-up.

Cut out sugary foods and drinks - Sugary snacks feeds the bacteria in your mouth which ultimately break down your enamel and cause decay.

Visit your dentist regularly!

By Louise Addison

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

infocus

13

What’s on at The Courthouse (Rural Arts) this Summer?

The sun is shining and the weather is sweet and Rural Arts are happy to announce that we have lots of fun and exciting activities for all ages and abilities at The Courthouse this Summer.

If you are thinking about gift ideas for someone’s birthday or perhaps a nice wedding present for the happy couple, we sell gift vouchers (starting from £5) that can be exchanged for workshops, performances or in our café and shop/gallery. The Courthouse gallery showcases and supports work from local, regional and national artists. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift, add to your collection or simple enjoy a bit of retail therapy in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The menu in our Courthouse Café is currently undergoing a summer revamp, so why not call in and try it. From homemade quiches and soups to fresh salads and sandwiches, there will be something on the menu for everyone to enjoy.

Our café and gallery/shop are open Monday to Saturday 10am – 4.30pm.

Summer holiday activities to keep the children entertained:

If you’re unsure about what to do over the holiday period, we have lots of different exciting activities on offer for you to choose from.

Printmaking using letterpress, silk screen bags and t-shirt decoration across 4 sessions in July and August (Tuesday 29th July, Thursday 31st July, Tuesday 26th August and Thursday 28th August) £2.50 per family per session 6th August: Fondant Fun! £3 per item 29th August: Braided jewellery £10 per person Our very popular Art Club, is back but with a twist.

New for September, we will also be holding afterschool sessions as well as Saturday mornings. If you require further details, please ring Hannah on: 01845 526536 or e-mail hannah@ruralarts.org.

Summer workshops:

Suitable for all ages and abilities and at affordable prices, these friendly workshops will give you the opportunity to be creative and meet new people along the way.

Our upcoming workshops include: Sat 14th June: Fantastic Fascinators£55including materials (10am – 4pm) Tues 17th June: Cyanotype £35 including materials (10am – 4pm) Fri 27th June: Silk-Screen Mono-printing £60 including materials (10am – 4pm) Thur 10th July: Ceramic Platters workshop £65 including materials (10am – 4pm

Sat 19th July: Wirework chicken £60 including materials (10am – 4pm) If you’re a complete newcomer the world of Apple or you just want to get to grips with the basics, Claire Ford runs iPad for Beginners courses which covers everything you will need to know to get your iPad up and running. The iPad sessions are very popular, so book early to avoid disappointed.

Sat 14th June & 28th June: iPad for Beginners £15 per session and £25 if you book both sessions.

Sat 26th July & 2nd August: iPad for Creativity £30 (2 x 2 hour sessions) Sat 12th July and 9th August: iPad Troubleshooting £12.50 per 30-minute consultation (one-to-one sessions)

Rural Arts are calling all sole traders, home based business, home workers, mobile workers, business start ups, freelancers and entrepreneurs. Have a day with a difference. Don’t work alone. Don’t work from home.

Collaborate, cooperate, connect, explore, learn and grow your business with like-minded people at Thirsk’s first ever co-working day. You bring your laptop and we will supply you with superfast Wi-Fi and a lunch for £15. (11st July with other dates in August, September, October and November.) For more information, please contact: Nick Scott on: 01765 609971 or e-mail nick@ colibra.co.uk or to book a place, please call Janice on: 01845 526536 or e-mail janice@ruralarts.org. Spaces are limited to 25 people and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Performances:

For dance lovers and to celebrate the Tour de France and the Grand Depart in July 2014, Balbir Singh will be performing “The Roundness of 12” at The Courthouse on 12th June, which is performed by riders and dancers, exploring man’s dependency on his innovations and his addiction to adrenaline and power.

On 5th July, The Courthouse welcomes a high energy show from Jonny and the Dunebugs, featuring songs from The Beatles, The Stones and much more. Get on your dancing shoes and enjoy the music!

Exhibitions:

The World’s biggest cycle race - the Tour de France - is coming to Yorkshire. This is Yorkshire’s chance to welcome the world, where millions of fans will be joining together to cheer on their heroes!

It will be the first time Le Tour has visited the North of England and like many other organisations in the

county, Yorkshire based arts charity Rural Arts have been preparing to welcome people from all over the world to the region.

To complement the Le Tour banners in The Courthouse garden, young people at Rural Arts weekly art club have been creating fantastic Up-Cycled sculptures.

They have been looking at the work of artist Robert Bradford, who makes sculpture out of discarded plastic toys. Using Robert Bradford’s work as inspiration, the intention was to create a life-size cyclist on a real bike made out of old toys to be installed in the Courthouse garden.

We are pleased to announce the Thirsk Grand DepART Trail (Saturday 25th June – Saturday 12th July) To celebrate Le Tour, we are launching an ART TRAIL around Thirsk for visitors and locals to enjoy. Collect an entry form and follow the map to hunt down specially created French Impressionist paintings hidden in Thirsk’s independent retailers. Those who return completed entry forms to The Courthouse (Rural Arts) will be rewarded with a free tasty treat from our café and be entered into a grand prize draw, the winner will receive a hamper of art materials provided by Rural Arts and The Artist’s Palette! All proceeds will go to Thirsk Christmas Lights Appeal. Entry forms are 50p from Tourist Information, White Rose Book Cafe or The Courthouse.

For more information or to book on any of the above events, please visit www.ruralarts.org, or call: 01845 526536.

Made in Yorkshire (1st July – 6th September) the tremendous strides she has made in developing The Clock to what it now is, a very valued and respected service that supports our young people.”

Malcolm Sollitt, Chair of Thirsk Rotary’s Community and Vocational Committee, presented this award in May to Abigail Homer, Chief Executive of The Clock, “in recognition of outstanding service to families and communities”.

In his address, Malcolm said “we cannot praise her enough for infocus

Tour De France:

Co-working days at The Courthouse:

Abigail Homer of The Clock presented with Rotary Family and Community Service Award

14

“Planete Femmes” (25th July – 31st August) Make It Slow (9th August – 6th September) The Courthouse gallery is open Monday – Saturday 10am – 4:30pm.

Rotary only rarely makes this award. Past awardees include the ‘Thirsk District Nurses team’ and ‘Thirsk in Bloom’, and this is only the second time it has been given to an individual. It really shows the high regard Thirsk Rotary members have for Abigail, for her efforts and for her achievements at The Clock since she helped ‘Churches Together in Thirsk’ to get it off the ground in 2002.

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

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

infocus

15

Out & About 15th June

n Sowerby Open Gardens Sowerby Parochial Hall. Sowerby Open Gardens. All proceeds to Oxfam Refreshments,Plant Sales, Garden Equip etc. Raffle & Quiz. 2pm -5.30pm. £3.50 (children free). tickets: Oxfam Shop or on the gate ......................................................................................................................

15th June

n North Yorkshire County Show From 8am - Otterington Hall There will be many exciting displays and demonstrations, plus a whole range of Main Ring Attractions. There will be Bungee Trampolines, Traction Engines, Classic Cars & Motorcycles, Cattle, Sheep and Poultry, Rabbits and Ferrets, Children’s Inflatable’s, Country Pursuits, Carriage Driving, Horticulture and Produce, Arts, Crafts, Photography, and the Yorkshire Country Women’s Association & Children’s Classes. ......................................................................................................................

15th, 16th & 17th June

n Homemade and Vintage pop up shop and tea room ‘ lazy summer days’ 10am - 3pm: Thirlby Village Hall, YO7 2DJ A treasure trove of vintage homewares and painted furniture, along with beautiful homemade pieces arranged in inspirational displays. Tea and delicious homemade cakes served on pretty vintage crockery. www.homemadeandvintage.co.uk. ......................................................................................................................

17th June

n Champagne Tuesday - Thirsk Racecourse Thirsk racecourse YO7 1QL. Flat racing from 2.20pm.

Tel: 01845 522276 www.thirskracecourse.net ......................................................................................................................

19th - 22nd June

n Willowman Festival Hillside Rural Activities Park, Knayton Thirsk.

A wide and diverse line up of bands and musicians providing 4 days of great music in the heart of North Yorkshire. 4 music stages and lots of family activities.

More details: www.willowmanfestival.co.uk ......................................................................................................................

22nd June

n Helmsley Walled Garden Learn how to make your garden a haven for wildlife. The day is a mix of theory & practice & is suitable for those who have never gardened before, or who have done some gardening but would like to extend their knowledge. £55. Tel: 01439 771427 www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk ......................................................................................................................

28th June

n Easingwold Lions Summer Fair Easingwold Market Place, from noon Held in the historic Easingwold Market Square surrounded by lovely Georgian buildings, the event is definitely not to be missed if you are anywhere in the area! The events start at 12.00 when the mad rush for the various Stalls takes place and the children seek to be the first to have a go on the various rides and slides and swings etc.

The event is organised by our local Lions Club for the benefit of the Easingwold Community - it cost a lot of money to organise the Summer fair - so please support them as much as you can! Any surplus monies will go towards the Lions Good Causes - and also next years fair! Full details: www.visiteasingwold.co.uk ......................................................................................................................

Please note: the editors cannot be held responsible for any changes to events listed.

Please contact event organisers directly. All events correct at time of going to press.

16

infocus

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

28th June

n Galtres Fun Run Organised by Easingwold Scout District. Run proceeds go to local Scout & Guide funds. The 2014 Galtres Fun Runs entry form is now available - visit the website for your copy.

All runs start at 1pm in the Market Place. www.easingwold.org/galtresrun ......................................................................................................................

29th June

n Raskelf Open Gardens & Village Fete Our beautiful little village has 8 open gardens just waiting to delight you; and if that sounds to stressfull to do in one go, make a point of pausing a while with our freshly made local strawberry cream teas and our very own Deleaus ice cream parlour! Other attractions include: vintage tractors, cars, plant stalls, games, rare breeds, steam engine, live music and our 12th century church, with local historian on hand to bring the ‘nasty Neville’s’ and Raskelf’s history alive for you. Fun starts at 11am - 4pm. Adults / Over 16 years: £3. Children free. More details: www.facebook.com/Raskelfopengardens ......................................................................................................................

7th July

n Helpery & Brafferton Open Gardens & Street Fair Helperby & Brafferton: 12 - 5pm A traditional village street fair with several types of music, Morris dancers, stalls selling a wide range of items, activities for children. There will be Street Entertainers, Bouncy Castle, Bungee Trampolines, Choir, Dog Show, Brass Band & other music, Art Exhibition & Photography. St Peter’s Church will offer various types of music all afternoon and a floral decoration display. Children’s miniature garden competition. Stalls - Books, Plants, Jewellery, Gifts, Cakes, Tombola, Cards, Raffle, local produce...and lots more! Adults £3.00, Concessions £2.00, Children 12 & under Free - Residents £2.00 Free parking - Disabled Access ......................................................................................................................

12th July

n Rockin’ All Over The Wold A wide range of live bands will play throughout the day in the car park area of the market place opposite the Commercial Inn, finishing at 21:00 outside, to then continue within the local public houses until close. We aim to include a small beer festival, with local breweries supplying real ale to suit most tastes. www.raotwold.org.uk | 07764 532649 ......................................................................................................................

30th July

n Borrowby Show From 8.30am: Hillside Rural Activities Park, Knayton, Field classes cover most farm animals. Tent classes and exhibits range from, cattle, sheep and farm produce through garden produce, flowers, cookery, wine, arts & crafts and children’s competitions. There are show jumping events, a gymkhana and a fancy dress parade. Trade stands and other attractions add further interest. Licensed Bar, Refreshments, Ice Cream. www.borrowbyshow.org.uk ......................................................................................................................

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

infocus

17

Local Company Celebrates its 2 millionth order Local entrepreneurial company VetUK achieved its 1 millionth order in October 2012, and even in the economic recession, the Thirsk based company is now celebrating the success of processing its 2 millionth order.

VetUK is an online retailer supplying pet owners with quality pet products and veterinary supplements. The company prides itself in being a provider of affordable and competitively priced products whilst maintaining a high standard of quality and customer care.

These qualities have gained VetUK increasing popularity throughout the years.

Iain Booth, Veterinary Surgeon and Managing Director of VetUK expressed, “I am extremely pleased to announce that VetUK has processed its 2 millionth order. This monumental success is very exciting for VetUK and we would like to thank all of our loyal customers for their continual support.”

To celebrate having Iain Booth Managing Director at VetUK processed its 2 millionth order, VetUK released a number of limited edition golden tickets which were placed into customer orders. The golden tickets were a token of gratitude from VetUK to its customers and rewarded them with a variety of offers and discounts.

To find out more about VetUK and the veterinary and pet products they supply online visit: www.vetuk.co.uk – just a click away!

18

infocus

Warehouse packer processing orders.

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

Hairdressing Company Eyes Growth & Awards A NORTH Yorkshire hairdressing business is eyeing further growth and is hoping to add more accolades to the trophy cabinet this year.

Watkins Wright – a multi-award-winning business with four salons in the market towns of Thirsk, Great Ayton, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge – is currently rolling out a £25k refurbishment programme of its flagship store in Thirsk and has just launched its own mobile application.

Owner, Jill Watkins-Wright, who runs the business with her husband, Paul has enjoyed sustained expansion since opening her first salon in 1988, followed by Great Ayton in 1990 and Knaresborough another two years later. Boroughbridge was the latest addition to the growing business last year, and there are plans to keep expanding across the region.

Originally from Great Ayton, Jill spotted a niche opportunity within market towns and has developed her offering from there: “Having worked in both a large town and then a village, I realised that many of the clients who came into town actually lived in the surrounding villages.

“They would travel into town, pay steep parking charges and a large part of their day would be taken up with coming to have their hair done. It made sense to me to set up in smaller towns and villages so clients didn’t have to travel. I also knew I could bring the skills I’d learnt, the standards and the mind-set of a city salon out to the smaller towns and villages – the demand is still high and I’ve never looked back.”

As a regular finalist in the coveted British Hairdressing Awards’ North East and a winner of scores of other accolades, Jill says continuous improvement, staff training and excellent customer service is the cornerstone of her business.

Having completed her first round shoot for this year’s awards, Jill is now waiting to hear if she is through to the next round, prior to the final stages.

“Having been a finalist twice out of three times, I’m hoping this year is my year!” she said. .....................................................................................................................

Watkins Wright: 9 Market Place, Thirsk: 01845 525566 1 Stoneyard, Fishergate, Boroughbridge: 01423 326639 www.watkins-wright.co.uk

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

infocus

19

GARDEN VIEW

A

Thorny Issue

Whatever your opinion of roses, there’s no denying that this flower is the epitome of traditional English gardening, and maybe for some that’s just the problem. For some people the memories of insipid flowers sitting above leggy stalks and diseased leaves is enough to put them off ever planting another rose bush again.

Classified as a woody perennial, with over a hundred species it is still by far one of Britain’s favourite plants. Native to China, the humble rose grows well in our climate, where the cool moist winters and warm (ish) summers mean that as long as we don’t experience too much rain (which can cause petals to fuse together before fully opening) plants should live happily for many years.

That said they are not ‘forever plants’ and should not be held on to for sentimental reasons. I’ve removed no end of beds planted up in the 60’s with nothing more than clumps of baked clay soil as their companion.

Roses are best planted bare root between November and February but are most often purchased containerised when in flower during the summer months. If well watered in their first year, roses planted this way should establish well. Plant slightly deeper than you think you need, burying the graft (woody knuckle) fractionally below the soil.

20

infocus

Humans are not the only admirers of roses and they can suffer from numerous pests and diseases so prepare yourself for battle.

Problems include; brown scale, rose aphids, rose leaf-rolling sawfly, rose dieback, rose powdery mildew, rose blackspot and rose rust. That said there are disease-resistant varieties, and prevention is always better than cure. If planted in good soil (they don’t mind heavy clay) and in a well prepared hole with some homemade compost or manure, then fed in March with a special rose fertiliser before another layer of compost or manure is placed on top, and watered well they will provide you with a long lasting combination of colour and scent.

healthy foliage, ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ for exquisite scent, or ‘Etoile de Hollande’ for a splash of rich scarlet red.

Ground cover roses such as the ‘flower carpet range’ are great for covering banks and are extremely low maintenance, or try an avenue of standard roses such as ‘Winchester Cathedral’ which look fabulous when under planted with lavender or lush low growing evergreens. Finally for a wonderful thornless variety try Rosa ‘Mortimer Sackler’.

Happy Gardening

For added interest, why not grow two varieties together which complement each other, or flower at different times for lengthier impact.

On a sunny wall try; Rosa ‘Blush Noisette’, a great repeat flowerer with small double pink flowers, ‘Lady Waterlow’ for silky pink blooms and

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

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

infocus

21

Follow

Blue Cross top tips to keep cool cats & non-hot dogs

With predictions this summer could be a hot one, it is important to look out for our pets to prevent them from overheating. Never leave a pet in a car in warm weather.

Even with windows open, temperatures in a car can soar and become a deathtrap.

Try and avoid walking your dog in the middle of the day and go out first thing or in the evening when it is cooler instead. Don’t let them over do it! Many dogs will want to play for hours but avoid them over-exerting themselves when it is warm as they can quickly over heat which can cause serious health problems.

Pale pets are vulnerable to getting sunburnt just like us.

So try and make sure white and light coloured cats don’t sunbathe and stay in the shade or indoors.

Always have plenty of fresh clean water available for your pets to keep them hydrated.

Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/summer for more advice on protecting pets in warmer weather.

If you are thinking of getting a pet come and see us!

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Thirsk always has lots of pets needing loving homes and we can help find the right dog or cat for you. At Blue Cross we carefully match each homeless pet with each potential new owner and we are happy to talk to you about how we rehome our animals so pop in for a chat or give us a call to find out more.

Your local Blue Cross is on Station Road, Topcliffe, YO7 3SE, 0300 777 1540. All pets at the centre are featured on the Blue Cross website: ww.bluecross.org.uk or why not join us on Facebook?

Have fun and help pets in need Join Blue Cross for their annual open day and fun dog show fundraiser on Sunday 17 August at Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart, Thirsk Rural Business Centre, Blakey Lane.

Gates open at 11.00am and entrance is £1 for adults and 50p for children and concessions. All funds raised on the day will go towards the care of homeless dogs and cats staying at the charity’s animal rehoming centre in Topcliffe.

Activities include stalls, refreshments and dogs showing off their skills in special demonstrations. There will also be the popular dog show, all dogs are welcome to enter at £1 per class. Is your dog the fastest sausage eater?

Has he got the waggiest tail? Are you the owner that most looks like their dog? Classes open to all ages of owner and fancy dress is encouraged!

22

infocus

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

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

infocus

23

24

infocus

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

Enjoy the World’s largest free sporting event!

5th & 6th July 2014 The 101st running of the Tour de France will begin outside the 19th century Town Hall in the heart of historic Leeds. From the steps of the concert venue the riders will head northwest out of the city centre and into the Yorkshire countryside. They will pass Harewood House, home of the Lascelles family for over 250 years, before they head to Skipton, gateway to the spectacular Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Up to this point the route is fairly flat, but once they enter the iconic Dales the terrain gets steeper as the riders race a semi-circular route across the contours of the valleys. They leave at the north east edge of the National Park sweeping southeast through Leyburn and the cathedral city of Ripon, rejoining the flat roads to the spa town of Harrogate. It is here at the end of a long straight line finish that we will discover who will be the first rider to wear the famous yellow jersey of the 2014 Tour de France.

For full details visit: www.letour.yorkshire.com

Don’t forget...

The route passes back through Harrogate on Sunday 6th July too!

For full details visit: www.letour.yorkshire.com

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

infocus

25

A Good Read

Peace of Mind... whatever the weather!

Wolf Hall n Hilary Mantel

THE worst rainfall figures for more than 60 years have brought misery to many people.

This is a book that I took some time ‘getting round to’, not being sure that historical fiction was what I felt like reading. However, from the moment I did get round to it, I was hooked. Mantel deserves the praise and awards heaped on this volume and its sequel, Bring Up the Bodies: it is truly a remarkable book.

Incessant rain falling with such intensity, and for such long periods of time, may have caused damage to your flat roof on your home or business.

The central character, introduced in Wolf Hall, is Thomas Cromwell – clerk to Cardinal Wolsey at the time of Henry VIII’s attempts to divorce his first wife. The fact that Cromwell stands out against the figures of Wolsey, Thomas More and Henry himself is testament to Mantel’s storytelling power. He is a compelling character – complex, brutal at times and yet always sympathetic: a far cry from other fictionalised accounts, and yet somehow definitive.

The novel traces the rise of Cromwell, as first Wolsey and then More fall, seeing him become Henry’s chief adviser at the same time as the Boleyn family come to dominate the court. Anne and her sister Mary are probably the central female characters, each deeply involved in the life of the king and both fascinating in their own right. The historical and political intrigues surrounding these events are well known to many, and Mantel uses them to structure the novel as she concentrates on her characters and the ways in which their lives are affected.

Cromwell’s own family tragedies and triumphs are offset against events at court, developing the human side which makes this depiction so different.

This isn’t an easy book, and at over 600 pages it is a substantial read.

But the minute I put it down, I picked up the sequel – and that fact speaks volumes. .................................................................................................................................

There’s A Dinosaur In My Bathtub n Catalina Echeverri

Pierre is a dinosaur. He comes from France (you can tell by his name, and the moustache is a bit of a giveaway, too). And he lives in Amelia’s house – sometimes in the bathtub, but he can hide behind the shower curtains too. You see, noone else knows he is there.

Amelia and Pierre have wonderful adventures together – often involving marshmallows, ice cream and, of course, stinky cheese (remember, Pierre is French!). Each adventure is beautifully illustrated, with lots of little details and a smattering of French phrases just for fun. Sadly, by the end, Pierre has to go away when the autumn leaves start to fall – but surely, he will be back?

This is a charming picture book which does what all the best picture books do, telling one story with words and another with images.

Destined to become a bedtime favourite – oui? .................................................................................................................................

By Kath Bennett

26

infocus

If you have suffered or are worried that your flat roof may be close to the end of its useful life please give North Yorkshire’s Flat Roof Company a call on Freephone 0800 212548, for your completely free no obligation survey.

“Over 26 years, we have built up expertise and a reputation for quality work and material,” said director Kevin Moody. “We are here to stay and that gives our customers continuity and peace of mind. They know we will be here to help and deal with any problems in the future. Some companies in this business do a job, offer a 25-year guarantee and then go bust the following year, leaving a worthless warranty. Our 25-year warranty is independently backed, so will be honoured no matter what”.

The Flat Roof Company has just reached another major milestone – having fitted more than 36,000 roofs in North Yorkshire and beyond, whether on homes, schools or commercial premises. This company has succeeded where others have failed. Traditional flat roof materials, many laid in narrow strips, have consistently failed to provide the longevity and performance sought by home and property owners. Customers now seek low-maintenance “fit and forget” solutions to traditional home maintenance issues and The Flat Roof Company’s solutions are Tuffdek and its new complimentary system, Tufflex.

Tuffdek is a reinforced smooth laminate laid in situ on your flat or gentlysloping roof, forming a tough, single and jointless totally waterproof membrane. It is fully bonded to a quality BBA approved decking and is available in a range of colours and finishes. The effect is that your roof is now effectively totally encapsulated, offering you peace of mind whatever the weather. As there are no joints whatsoever in the laminate, future leaks are eliminated.

The Flat Roof Company has taken the industry’s technology even further by introducing super-efficient insulating materials into its flat roofs, as now required by the Building Regulations. The appropriately named “warm roof” is a foil-backed insulating board up to ten times more efficient than the fibre-glass quilting normally stuffed between joints. Up to 30% of heat in your home can be lost through a flat roof, but the “warm roof” reduces that loss to under 5%, an obvious huge saving on heating bills.

“The Flat Roof Company has built up a great reputation in North Yorkshire and are fully licensed by the British Board of Agrement, a watchdog set up

by Government to monitor the construction industry” says Richard. “We are subject to regular quality checks before relicensing, so we know we are doing things right.” Top Tip, Ask your contractor if their system has BBA approval!

For more details on The Flat Roof Company and their services call:

0800 212548 or visit www.flatroof.co.uk

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

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

infocus

27

at your finger tips YOUR MONEY SAVING LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY Low North Cowton Entercommon

Northallerton

14,600

Danby Wiske

Catterick

Osmotherley

Brompton Great Fencote

homes & businesses

Swainby

East Harlsey

Streetlam

Leeming Bar

Boltby

Leighton

South Kilvington Carlton Miniott

Masham West Tanfield

Dishforth

14,800 homes & businesses

Crakehill

Ripon

Wass Coxwold Yearsley

Thormanby

Skewsby

Raskelf

Grantley

Humberton

Sawley

Thirsk & Easingwold

Kilburn

Dalton

North Stainley

Greygarth

Scawton

Sutton-underWhitestonecliffe

Thirkleby

Wath

Call: 01609 777401 / 01609 779097 or visit: www.jkanorth.com

Felixkirk

Sowerby

Baldersby

Grewelthorpe

Ripon & Masham

Thirsk

Easingwold

Marton Abbey Farlington

Boroughbridge

Bishop Monkton

Aldwark

Markington Copgrove

potential customers

from only £25.00 a month!

Knayton

Pickhill

Fearby

Nether Silton

Borrowby

Maunby Rookwith

45,000

Over Silton

Landmoth

Newby Wiske

Bedale

Reach over:

Thimbleby

Northallerton Romanby

Save money and reach 45,000 potential customers by Royal Mail each quarter!

West Rounton

Tollerton

Huby

15,600 homes & businesses

Sutton-onthe-Forest

Brearton Hardwith Clint

Ripley Nidd

Knaresborough Harrogate

York

Don’t Miss Out! This space for only

£25 a month!

For more details call: 01609 777401

28

infocus

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

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

infocus

29

There are thousands of reasons to advertise with us...

Low North Cowton Entercommon

Northallerton

14,600

Danby Wiske

Catterick

homes & businesses

Leeming Bar

Bedale

Borrowby

Masham Leighton

Ripon & Masham

14,800

Tollerton

Huby Sutton-onthe-Forest

Copgrove Brearton Clint

Editor

Farlington

Aldwark

Ripley Nidd

Dwight

01609 779097 01609 777401 | 07742 595747 dwight@jkanorth.com christine@jkanorth.com www.jkanorth.com

.........................................................

Royal Mail delivered FREE Index Service Free Advert Design Service

Thirsk & Easingwold

15,600

Knaresborough Harrogate

Marton Abbey

Boroughbridge

Bishop Monkton Markington

Hardwith

Christine

Easingwold

Humberton

homes & businesses

Skewsby

Raskelf

Grantley Sawley

Yearsley

Thormanby

Crakehill

Dishforth

.........................................................

Full Colour, High Quality Publications

Wass Coxwold

Ripon

Greygarth

Kilburn

Dalton

North Stainley

Grewelthorpe

Dist: w/c 8th September Copy: 14th August

£180.00!

Sutton-underWhitestonecliffe

Thirkleby

Wath

Northallerton

from only

Scawton

Sowerby

Baldersby West Tanfield

Felixkirk

Thirsk

Carlton Miniott

Fearby

.........................................................

Dist: w/c 15th September Copy: 21st August

1/2 Page

Boltby South Kilvington

Dist: w/c 14th July Copy: 20th June

Thirsk & Easingwold

Knayton

Pickhill

£105.00!

Nether Silton

Maunby Rookwith

from only

Over Silton

Landmoth

Newby Wiske

1/4 Page

£65.00!

Thimbleby

Northallerton Romanby

from only

Osmotherley

Brompton Great Fencote

Swainby

East Harlsey

Streetlam

When’s the next issue?

Ripon & Masham

1/8 Page

West Rounton

York

homes & businesses

Index Architects

Equine

Northallerton Garden Services: p21

RBC Architects: p9

AJ Horseboxes: p23

Art & Antiques

Events

Hair & Beauty

Granary Picture Framing: p23 Spectrum Picture Framing & Gallery: p3

Hidden Gardens of Helperby: p17 Huby & Sutton Show: p16 Husthwaite Village Markets: p17 Lamb Inn Rainton: p31 Piglets Adventure Farm Park: p15 Picnic In The Park: p17

Boiler & Oil Tank Servicing Oilforce: p29

Builders & Contractors Inceil Conservatory Insulation: p21 Resin Drives: p32 T. G & H Harper Builders Ltd: p21 The Flat Roof Company: p26

Dentists Alpha Dental: p13 Clock Tower Dental: p13

Design & Print Printing.com: p16 RBC Architects: p9 The Specialists: p18

Elderly Care St. Johns House: p18

Electrical Services A Turner Electrical: p6 ADI Communications: p30 Electrocare: p28 Handy Andy: p28

30

infocus

Precious Gems: p28

Station Autos: p25

Pets & Animals AJ Horseboxes: p23 BATA Country Store & Garden Centre: p23 Skeldale Vets: p22 Vet UK: p1

Plumbing

Finance & Legal

Property Maintenance

Food & Drink

Anita’s Cleaning Services: p4 Oven Wizards: p4

Jewellery

Motoring

Oilforce: p29

Carpets & Flooring Cleaning

Clock Tower Dental: p13 Holistic Therapies: p18 Life Alignment: p28

Treske Ltd: p5 Value Doors: p28

Well Heeled: p3

Printing.com: p16 The Specialists: p18 Searles Carpets: p1

Healthcare & Wellbeing

Fashion & Clothing Askham Tax & Accountancy: p28 Eura Audit UK: p5 Roche Legal: p9

Business Services

Beauty Within: p3 Watkins Wright: p19

Spectrum Picture Framing & Gallery: p3 Searles Carpets: p1 Treske Ltd: p5 Value Doors: p28

A Turner Electrical: p6 ADI Communications: p30 Cloudy 2 Clear: p29 Handy Andy: p28 Inceil Conservatory Insulation: p21 Jason Hammond Joinery: p8 M Watt Joinery: p8 Resin Drives: p32 The Flat Roof Company: p26 Value Doors: p28

Jaipur Spice: p32 Lamb Inn Rainton: p31 The Pantry: p1

Funeral Services

Property Sales & Letting

Hill Brothers: p18

Hunters Easingwold: p2 Solo Property Management: p1

Furniture Brian Jones Upholstery: p6 Cedar Tree Home Furnishings: p11 Duncombe Sawmill: p21 Furniture Traders: p1 Hambleton Richmond Furniture Store: p11 Treske Ltd: p5

Garden / Outdoor Services BATA Country Store & Garden Centre: p23 Duncombe Sawmill: p21

Samaritans: p15

Home & Interiors Brian Jones Upholstery: p6 Cedar Tree Home Furnishings: p11 Dales of Thirsk: p27 Dream Doors: p3 Easingwold Bathrooms: p4 Finesse Interiors: p6 Furniture Traders: p1 Granary Picture Framing: p23 Howdens Joinery: p27 Rooms By Design: p7 Rydenor Paints: p5

Joinery Howdens Joinery: p27 M Watt Joinery: p8

Kitchen & Bathroom Design Dales of Thirsk: p27 Dream Doors: p3 Easingwold Bathrooms: p4 Howdens Joinery: p27 Nigel Atkinsons Bathroom Emporium: p6 Rooms By Design: p7

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

Recycling North Yorkshire Waste Partnership: p10

Safety North Yorkshire Road Safety: p24

Solar Power Peak Power Systems: p27

Weddings Bridal Factory Outlet: p12 Lamb Inn Rainton: p31 The Index is a free service offered to our customers. No responsibility can be held for errors or omissions.

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

infocus

31

01609 777401 | 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com