Thirsk Easingwold InFocus Winter 2013

thirsk&easingwold Quarterly Royal Mail distribution: 15,600 homes & businesses www.jkanorth.com/thirsk | Winter 2013

InFocus

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inside Thirsk & Easingwold infocus

winter

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05 local news 06 new business feature 08 local news 12 local news 14 cinema 14 finance

Tax Man Targets Healthcare Thirsk Clock Christmas Appeal New businesses & services Thirsk Racecourse in Industry Final Winter Events at Rural Arts Winter Cinema @ The Ritz

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16 Out & About 18 food local news 18 safety 20 garden 22 local news 24 Local Events

Christmas Pudding Recipe Easingwold Players Update Winter Driving Tips Surviving Christmas Blue Cross Update

Welcome to the Winter issue of Thirsk & Easingwold InFocus.

In this issue we look at some of the wonderful events taking place at Rural Arts this Winter (p14), as well how to make the perfect Christmas Pudding (p18). We also find out what’s been happening with the Easingwold Players (p18) as well as at the Blue Cross (24). I’d like to take this t: 01609 777401 opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy www.jkanorth.com New Year. Best wishes as ever, Christine Campbell | Editor

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Tax Man Targets Healthcare Workers Healthcare professionals are the latest target for HMRC’s campaigns aimed at tax defaulters. There has been a series of these campaigns designed to encourage voluntary disclosure by people with undeclared income and workers in the healthcare field are the latest.

The campaign offers a carrot and stick approach. The best terms are available for those who come forward now, but there are tough penalties for those who do not.

HMRC follows up its campaigns by using third party information to identify those whom it thinks should have come forward and so if you have had income that should have been taxed then it is best to declare it now.

This campaign is called the “Health and Wellbeing Tax Plan” and would be of interest to you if you are in the field of health and wellbeing. The people affected work in physical therapy, e.g: physiotherapist, chiropractor, chiropodist etc, alternative medicine or therapy (homeopathy, acupuncture etc) or any other fields such as psychology, speech therapy etc. This list is not exhaustive but if you have undisclosed income and work in these areas you need to consider carefully whether you should be making a disclosure.

The plan works through a two stage system. The first stage is to tell HMRC that you intend to make a disclosure. HMRC will then give you a unique reference number as well

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

as a payment reference number.

The second stage is to calculate the tax which is due together with the interest and penalty, complete the declaration and offer and pay over the tax.

In making your declaration you will also need to consider other matters as well as undisclosed income. If you have employed someone and have not deducted tax and National Insurance from their wages, or if you have any unpaid VAT or Class 2 National Insurance then these should be included in the declaration also.

We appreciate that the above list may be quite daunting and would be very happy to discuss any case or disclosure in principle to help someone dealing with it. We can help you work through any problem areas and help to calculate amounts due. ...........................................................................

Feel free to ring Peter Tarren or Duncan Fothergill on 01609 779400 or email us at northallerton@euraaudituk.com

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Pension Income If you have a form of pension where the pension fund is building up until you reach retirement (Personal Pension, Stakeholder Pension, SIPP or a defined contribution pension with your employer), you will have a number of options as to how you receive your pension income. You will normally be able to take up to 25% of the fund as a lump sum which is not taxed. The remaining fund after any tax free lump sum will be taken as a form of income and will be subject to income tax.

The main options are to use your pension fund to buy an annuity or to use pension drawdown.

Annuity An annuity pays you an income for the rest of your life, however long you live. In this case your pension fund is used to buy an annuity from a life insurance company. You can add different options and get different types depending on your needs and circumstances. For example, the annuity can continue to be paid to the spouse of the annuitant on the annuitant’s death. This can be at the same level or at a reduced level. The level of spouse’s pension chosen will affect the starting amount of the annuity.

Annuities tend to be most appropriate if you have a smaller pension fund.

Also available are investment linked annuities where the income which you receive will depend on the performance of the underlying investments. The rationale for buying an investment-linked annuity is the hope of getting higher income payments in the longer term by taking the investment risk. Of course the income may go up or down depending on the performance of the investments.

For this reason, these type of annuities are more appropriate for individuals whose circumstances allow them to take more risk.

Pension Drawdown Pension drawdown is more flexible than buying an annuity and within limits allows you decide how much income you are able

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to take from year to year. There are two types of pension drawdown: Capped Drawdown and Flexible Drawdown.

Capital Drawdown Capped drawdown has an upper limit equivalent to 120% of the amount of income which would be paid to an individual buying an annuity. There is no minimum amount so you can withdraw any level of income as long as it’s below this limit. The limit is reviewed every 3 years until age 75 and every year thereafter. If you choose to take the maximum amount, there is a greater risk that at the review the amount of income which you are able to take is lower.

Flexible Drawdown Flexible drawdown allows you to withdraw as much as you want and is conditional on you having secure income of at least £20,000 per annum. (Secure income can be State Pension, Pension Annuities and Scheme Pensions). All income withdrawn in this way will be subject to income tax. However, the flexibility allows for some careful tax planning.

As well as the above options, they can be mixed and matched to support your individual requirements. For example, to provide the level of income that you require, it’s possible to phase the tax free cash withdrawals and use this and capped drawdown to give you the level you require.

With choice, comes a degree of complexity and timely financial advice from making sure you get value when you buy an annuity to coming up with a plan to withdraw your pension via pension drawdown has great value.

Please contact me for help and advice with any aspects of your pension.

Update

As the weather changes and the clocks have gone back, many of us are beginning to make plans for Christmas. Christmas should be a time for friends and family.

For far too many people though, living alone, it is the coldest and loneliest time of year.

Thirsk Clock tries its best to make the lives of some young people a little bit easier by providing hot meals, warmth, friendship and a wide range of essential services that they often miss out on.

This year Thirsk Clock will be providing a hot meal on 24th December and a party day on 30th December. It will also be open on Christmas Day for young people who have no where to go. Last year 70 young people benefitted from Thirsk Clock’s Christmas activities.

In previous years, local businesses and members of the community have generously donated money, food and toiletries. These have

been used to make sure that young people and families in need have got food, electric and gas over the Christmas period. Staff are hoping that they will receive donations again so that they can provide the same.

One young person said that, ‘last year I was dreading Christmas on my own. Instead I spent a lot of time at the Clock feeling that I belonged. I had lots to eat, money for gas and a food parcel to take home. I can’t thank the people who donated things enough.

When I am back on my feet, I will make a donation to Thirsk Clock’s Christmas appeal’. Please can donations be dropped off at the Clock before 20th December in order for staff to give them to those who need them most. .......................................................

For more information contact Abigail at the Clock on: 01845 524494

Christmas Eve Countdown The big day is nearly here! So what can you do on Christmas Eve to make things easier on Christmas Day? Many top chefs support the idea of preparing much of the Christmas dinner well in advance. Christmas puddings are often made months ahead, and many elements of a traditional Christmas dinner can be prepared the day before.

Commonly, vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, sprouts and potatoes are all peeled and left in saucepans of cold water.

It’s also a good idea to prepare the turkey, pigs in blankets, stuffing and any sauces. If you have bought a frozen turkey, you will almost certainly need to start the defrosting on Christmas Eve. If you have baked batches of mince pies or other goodies in advance and frozen them, do remember to check the freezer and take out anything that’s required.

Depending on your choice, some starters can also be made and stored in the fridge.

You might also want to lay your table. This job can easily end up rushed if left to Christmas Day, so why not take the time now to get it exactly how you want.

Finally, try to get to bed at a sensible time. That way you’ll be on top form for a fabulous Christmas!

By Susan Brookes-Morris

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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 thousands of 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.

Award winning, educational and fun music classes, uniquely written for babies, toddlers and pre-school children.

Hello! I’m Lucy and I offer Rhythm Time classes in Ripon, Thirsk and Pateley Bridge. I’ll soon be adding more venues from York across the northern Dales, so if there isn’t a class close enough to you just yet, please watch this space. You can also keep an eye on things by liking our

Facebook page at www.facebook. com/RhythmTimeNorthYorkshire Exciting songs and activities help a child’s development and life skills, and help to build the neural pathways that stimulate the growth of language and memory. Week by week, as the babies and children develop, so does their CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY and COORDINATION. 07909 151910 www.rhythmtime.net

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

Winter Weather is on its way!

Protect your home, are you insured correctly, do you have the right cover in place?

Every winter millions of pounds of damage are experienced by businesses and households from burst pipes, roof snow collapses and water ingress.

However by taking some basic precautions and planning ahead, many incidents can be prevented or the effects of damage minimised.

Here are some tips for minimising damage: • Protect pipes and tanks with good quality lagging BS6700 • Repair dripping taps and faulty ball valves as they can cause waste pipes to freeze.

• Service heating systems at least annually • Ensure all boilers are safeguarded against freeze, particularly drain and condensate lines. Drain down all idle boilers.

• Never use naked flames to thaw ice plugged pipes and equipment.

• Monitor the amount of snow

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on roofs and clear them before accumulations reach unsafe levels.

• Know the location of all main and subsidiary stop -taps and ensure they are fully operational.

• Research the details of reliable local plumbing contractors and keep their contact details available.

We have experienced staff that can provide you with advice and guidance regarding household insurance.

Give us a call we provide household insurance for occupied and unoccupied properties!

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

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Elephant out the Door The Elephant, once situated outside Pine Junction, The Stone Barn, West Tanfield has been found.

His new home is The Corridor, Little Pickhill Workshops, Pickhill, YO7 4JU. He has moved there with Rose, Adam and Rachel who are now trading as Mother Hubbard’s Pine Cupboards.

Rose, Adam and Rachel are dedicated to building hand-crafted, uniquely designed beautiful furniture using only the absolute Top Grade, solid wood – no chipboard or MDF for them. Anything from kitchens to bedrooms and bathroom furniture can be uniquely tailored to your needs, with either a hand waxed finish or beautifully hand painted with the colour of your choice.

There is also a children’s range of bedroom furniture which, again, can be personalised to reflect any theme required; and add a beautiful hand carved toy box.

• Opening times Mon – Fri 8am to 4pm (ring for an appointment on Saturdays) • Find us on Facebook – (Mother Hubbards Fine Cupboards) and Twitter • Please note that our website is being updated.

For more details call: 01845 567007 or 07518 860545 .........................................................

For advertising please contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | christine@jkanorth.com | www.jkanorth.com

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Please mention Thirsk & Easingwold InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

For advertising please contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | christine@jkanorth.com | www.jkanorth.com

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Thirsk Racecourse Reaches Final of Industry Awards Ceremony Thirsk Racecourse has secured its place as a finalist at the 2013 Showcase & Awards, a racing industry awards ceremony. The Racecourse is one of 5 racecourses nominated in the Owners’ Experience category and has been selected for their new Owners’ and Trainers Suite located in the Pavilion Rooms.

The Showcase Awards, which celebrates excellence and innovation across all aspects of British racecourses, is organised by The Racecourse Association (RCA), in conjunction with Great British Racing and 051 Sports Marketing.

Thirsk Racecourse received its nomination in the Owners’ Experience category by developing the first floor Pavilion Rooms to provide a suite specifically for Owners and Trainers. The new suite, which includes a restaurant, bar and tote facilities as well as views of the Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure, offers owners and trainers high quality private dining facilities and dedicated facilities.

Thirsk is joined in the Owners’ Experience category by Chester, Fontwell Park, Hamilton Park and Nottingham which were whittled

NEW! Winter Films @ The Ritz Cinema

Coming Soon!

down from a record number of entries by an independent judging panel.

James Sanderson, Manager and Clerk of Course at Thirsk Racecourse said, ‘It is fantastic

that a small racecourse like Thirsk has been made a finalist for the RCA Awards. We are a small and dedicated team who are committed to making improvements to our racecourse facilities in order to provide the ultimate raceday experience for our racegoers’ The winners of each category will be announced at the Showcase Final at Lingfield Park Racecourse on 14th November. ...........................................................

For more information, and to view all of the shortlisted submissions, please visit www. britishracecourses.org or contact Sam Cone on 01344 626067.

Fri 15th Nov - Thurs 21st Nov

Fri 29th Nov - Thurs 5th Dec

A bipolar, bigoted junkie cop manipulates and hallucinates his way through the festive season in a bid to secure promotion and win back his wife and daughter.

1hr 37m (Cert 18)

The true story of Paul Potts, a shy, bullied shop assistant by day and an amateur opera singer by night who became a phenomenon after being chosen for -- and ultimately winning -- “Britain’s Got Talent” Stars Julie Walters, Colm Meany and James Corden 1hr 43m (Cert 12a)

Filth

Fri 22nd - Thurs 28th Nov

Captain Phillips

The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.

2hr 14m (Cert 12a)

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One Chance

Fri 6th - Thurs 13th Dec

Philomena

A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman’s search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent. Stars Steve Coogan and Judi Dench 1hr 38m (Cert 12a)

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What’s on at Rural Arts this Winter?

If you are looking for something to do as the weather gets colder and Christmas gets closer we have a great selection of workshops, performances, exhibitions and events for you to choose from.

Also, if you are starting to think of Christmas presents remember we sell Gift Vouchers (from £5) that can be exchanged for workshops or performances or for purchases in our café or shop/ gallery.

Rural Arts The Courthouse / Thirsk T:01845 526536 E: Janice@ruralarts.org

Exhibitions

Dick Whittington – Pantomime 2013

We are also holding a Christmas Makers Market on Saturday 23rd November (10am to 4.30pm) – Regional artists will be selling a wonderful selection of gifts, an opportunity to buy some gorgeous Christmas presents!

Thirsk Town Hall Saturday 21st December 3.30pm (£6, Under 18s £4) Sessay Village Hall Saturday 21st December 8.00pm (£7, Under 18s £5) Great Thirkleby Village Hall Friday 27th December 6.00pm (£6, Under 18s £4) Osmotherley Village Hall Friday 3rd January 2.00pm (£9) Newton on Ouse Village Hall Saturday 4th January 1.30pm (£7.50) Tickets & special offers available online at www. ruralarts.org or by calling 01845 526536.

The gallery and courtroom are set to host an exciting collection of work over the next few months. Entry to all our exhibitions is free.

18th November – 31st December – Christmas Exhibition A wide selection of seasonal gifts - textiles, jewellery, ceramics, prints, cards and gift wrap.

Rural Arts ON Tour and Pocket Panto present a traditional family show coming to Hambleton as part of a countywide tour:

Workshops

Our creative workshops are designed to give you the chance to try your hand at a new craft or brush up your skills. Suitable for all abilities, they are fun, friendly sessions that result in participants producing a piece of work to take home or you can give as Christmas presents.

Our autumn workshops include:

Performances

As well as offering a great programme of comedy, music and theatre at The Courthouse, Thirsk and Thirsk Town Hall, Rural Arts ON Tour also ensures great nights out in villages throughout Hambleton.

Felt workshops with popular artist Sheila Smith: • Nuno Scarves - Saturday 23rd November (date changed from 2nd Nov) • Felt bags - Saturday 30th November We are also running a variety of Christmas themed workshops, why not come along and make something special for your home: • Polymer clay decorations (Thur 21st Nov, Jane Burnley) • Rag rug wreaths (Wed 4th Dec, Sian Pratt) • Christmas pudding/robin fairy lights (Sat 7th Dec, Joanna Coupland) • Recycled paper wreaths (Tues 10th Dec, Angela Hall).

Our Zumba classes with Jo Gatenby at Thirsk Town Hall will be continuing on Monday and Thursday evenings, 6pm-7pm. The cost is £5 per session (or save £2.50 by booking both evenings).

Costs vary, for more information and to book: 01845 526536 www.ruralarts.org/shop Janice@ ruralarts.org

Workshops for kids

Our autumn activities for children include our popular Saturday morning Art Club. Running in term times only, participants get involved in a programme of creative workshops that are both appealing and challenging. (Six sessions are now available - advance booking is essential).

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Here’s a selection of highlights for Winter: Wednesday 27th November: Roisin Conaty “Lifehunter” Award winning comedian and star of Have I Got New For You (BBC One) Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC Three) ImpracticalJokers and Man Down (Channel 4) presents her one hour stand up show at Thirsk Town Hall Doors 7.30pm (£12)* Friday 29th November: Michael Janisch’s Purpose Built Quartet American Jazz musician at The Courthouse Doors 7.30pm (£10)* Saturday 30th November: O’Hooley & Tidow Loosely Folk Event The Courthouse Doors 7.30pm (£10) *Meat and Vegetarian Pre-Show Platters available, £7 (pre booking essential).

Our gallery, shop and café are open 10.00am4.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

Why not call in and enjoy some delicious homemade lunch or have a browse in the shop where we sell a range of high quality but affordable jewellery, ceramics, textiles, greetings cards etc. by artists from across our region and beyond.

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For more information on all the above visit: www.ruralarts.org or e: Janice@ruralarts.org or tel: 01845 526536

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Out & About 23rd November

• Christmas Antiques & Craft Fair Thirsk Auction Mart: 9.30am - 3.30pm 60p. Tel: 01642 711036 www.amk-antique.co.uk ..........................................................................................................................................

29th November

• Michael Portillo - ‘Life - A Game Of Two Halves.’

Galtres Centre, Easingwold - 7.30pm Listen to his extraordinary story. £15 all tickets. Tel: 01347 822472 ..........................................................................................................................................

29th November - 1st December

• Thirsk Christmas Fayre Thirsk Market Place A magical weekend market and fun filled time. What a wonderful weekend last years Fayre and Market was.

Thousands of visitors, smiling faces and even reindeer wandering through the town. This year will be no exception and plans are well under way for another magic weekend. Details: www.thirskchristmasfayre.com ..........................................................................................................................................

3rd December

• Christmas Fair Thirsk Children’s Centre: 2-6pm Come along & join in with some Christmas activities for you & your children & do a bit of Christmas shopping.

Tel: 01609 533068 email: thirskcc@northyorks.gov.uk Hambleton Place, YO7 1DS. ..........................................................................................................................................

6th December

• Buddy Holly Tribute Galtres Centre, Easingwold: 8pm A Buddy Holly tribute as played by Marc Robinson. All Holly’s favourite hits + a guest appearance by The King himself -’ Elvis’ played by Steve Halliday. Tel: 01347 822472 ..........................................................................................................................................

7th December

• Christmas Concert St John’s Parish Church, Easingwold - 7.30pm Gabriel Faure’s Requiem & Cantique de Jean Racine and Christmas Praise – a selection of carols for choir & audience. Conducted by Rhiannon Davies. Tickets £9 (Students & Children £4) including seasonal punch and mince pies. Tickets available from Tempo Easingwold or Tel: 01347 822258. See www.easingwoldsingers.co.uk for further details ..........................................................................................................................................

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8th December

• Live Music - Doric Quartet St Oswalds Church, Sowerby: 3pm Sowerby Music - Doric Quartet. Haydn, Janacek & Dvorak.

3pm. £13. Tel: 01845 518001 tickets: White Rose Bookcafe or online email: tickets@sowerbymusic.org.uk web: www.sowerbymusic.org.uk ..........................................................................................................................................

9th December

• Christmas Special Tea & Talk The World of James Herriot: 2 - 3.30pm With Rosie, Alf Wight’s daughter. 2.30pm - 5pm. £20 per person. Tel: 01845 524234. Tickets: The World of James Herriott and: www.worldofjamesherriot.com ..........................................................................................................................................

8th December

• Bishop Monkton Christmas Fayre Bishop Monkton Village Hall - 11am-3pm Lots of fantastic gift stalls, hot turkey sandwiches, mulled wine, crafts area for children and a visit from Father Christmas. ..........................................................................................................................................

17th December

• Ladies of Thirsk Chamber of Trade Quiz night Thirsk Athletic Club: 7pm for 7.30pm Teams of up to 4 welcome. £10 per head inc hot supper.

Tel: 01845 525030 Tickets: Essential, from Luke Millers, Finkle St ..........................................................................................................................................

17th December

• Live Theatre: ‘The Mice Who Ate Christmas.’

Marton-cum-Grafton Village Hall: 7.30pm Badapple Theatre Company present ‘The Mice Who Ate Christmas.’ 2 particularly hungry village mice find themselves on as extraordinary winter journey after being seduced by an advert at the bus stop for ‘Switzerland - Land of Cheese’. £9.50 Tel: 01423 325179 ..........................................................................................................................................

21st December

• Christmas Spectacular St Cecilia Orchestra Ripon Cathedral, Ripon - 7:30pm Carols and Christmas music for all the family - Christmas hasn’t begun until you’ve been to the great St Cecilia Christmas Spectacular. Ticket details tba For ticket information please contact via: 01765 602856 www.st-cecilia.org.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.

For advertising please contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | christine@jkanorth.com | www.jkanorth.com

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Ingredients 225g/8oz golden caster sugar

The Perfect Christmas Pudding

340g/12oz raisins

Makes 4 x 1 pint (450ml) or 2 x 2 pint (1 litre) Preparation time 30 minutes plus 5-6 hours steaming time, plus 2 hours re-steaming on the day of eating.

225g/8oz currants

Method

120g/4oz chopped candied peel

• Mix together all the dry ingredients.

225g/8oz vegetarian suet 340g/12oz sultanas

120g/4oz plain flour 120g/4oz fresh white breadcrumbs 60g/2oz flaked almonds Zest of 1 lemon 5 eggs, beaten 1level tsp ground cinnamon 1level tsp mixed spice 1 level tsp freshly grated nutmeg Pinch of salt 150ml/5fl oz brandy or rum ........................................................

• Stir in the eggs and brandy and mix together thoroughly.

• Scrape the mixture into 4 x 1 pint (450ml) or 2 x 2 pint (1 litre) lightly-greased pudding basins.

• Put a circle of baking parchment and foil over the top of each basin and tie securely round the rim with string.

• Make a string handle by tying both round and over the basin, to make it easier to pick out of the pan after cooking.

• Put the basins in a large steamer of boiling water and cover with a lid.

• Boil for 5-6 hours, topping the boiling water up from time to time if necessary so that it doesn’t boil dry. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a large pan and stand the basins on inverted saucers placed in the base.

• Pour in boiling water to come a third of the way up the sides of the pudding bowls. Cover and steam as before. Cool.

• Change the baking parchment and foil covers for fresh ones and tie up as before. Store in a cool cupboard until Christmas Day. • To serve the pudding on Christmas Day, steam for 2 hours and serve with brandy butter, rum sauce, cream or home-made custard.

News from the

EASINGWOLD PLAYERS Our next production is

“Honk” directed by Abbi and Julian Ollive.

Rehearsals for our Autumn production are now well under way.

The show will run from Tuesday 19th Nov - Sat 23rd Nov 7.30pm at The Galtres Centre.

Tickets £10 adults £5 children under 16.

The Galtres Centre Box office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Tel: 01347 822472.

April 2014 Plays “The Real Inspector Hound” & “Black Comedy”.

However as “Honk” closes we prepare for the Spring play. April sees a new venture with a double bill of comedy, “The Real Inspector Hound” and “Black Comedy” with two directors. Both plays use the same set. A read through will take place on Monday the 16th December followed by auditions on Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th December in the Galtres Centre, Easingwold. All are welcome to come along.

Play week is 9th April to the 12th April 2014.

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Theatre Trips We run regular theatre trips with transport from door to door. For more information, contact Ian Hall at lizian@applegarth17.fsnet.co.uk April 2014: “The Lion King” at Bradford Alhambra.

May: “War Horse” at Sunderland Empire.

Many more visits are planned in the coming year.

The Easingwold Players are a friendly group and welcome all new members whether to act, help backstage or front of house. Rehearsals take place each Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm. in The Galtres Centre.

For further information please feel free to contact the Hon. Secretary, Susan Rinaldi- Butcher, 01347 822733.

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Driving in the winter is very different than in other times of the year.

WINTER

DRIVING tips

Adverse weather and longer periods of darkness (especially after the clocks go back at the end of October) makes driving more hazardous.

Sometimes conditions can be extreme, as we have found out over the last two winters in particular, with prolonged periods of heavy snow and floods.

In very bad conditions, avoid driving completely, unless you absolutely have to make the journey and driving is the only option.

Different weather conditions create different hazards throughout the Winter and in different areas of the country at different times. A single journey may take us into very different weather, road and traffic conditions, so we need to be prepared for each one. This means that we need to adapt the way we drive to the conditions.

PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE It’s a good idea to have your vehicle fully serviced before winter starts and have the anti-freeze tested. If you can’t have it serviced, then do your own checks. In particular, check: • Lights are clean and working • Battery is fully charged • Windscreen, wiper blades and other windows are clean and the washer bottle filled with screen wash • Tyre condition, tread depth and pressure (of all the tyres, including the spare) • Brakes are working well • Fluids are kept topped up, especially windscreen wash (to the correct concentration to prevent it freezing), anti-freeze and oil It’s also a good idea to stock up on de-icer, windscreen wash, oil and anti-freeze at the start of Winter.

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Garden View

Surviving

Christmas Surviving a modern day Christmas can be challenge enough for humans, but just imagine how difficult it is if you’re a plant.

You’ve been reluctantly forced to flower, grown in a light controlled polytunnel and you’ve been force fed with growth stunting hormones to ensure you’re not too straggly when flowering on Mrs Cratchit’s table...and here’s me feeling sorry for the turkey!

It seems such a shame that after all the effort, you go and kill the poor thing after just one week of taking custody. This year will be different though, because whether giving or receiving a houseplant this festive yuletide, help is at hand with my top tips for keeping them alive (until New Year at least!).

House plants give such a wonderful display, and are sure to last longer than a bunch of flowers. Choose from large flowering Cyclamen, brightly coloured Azaleas, sweetly scented Jasmine and of course the traditional Poinsettia. Oh, and don’t forget about bulbs, ‘Paperwhite’ Narcissus are synonymous with Christmas, and forced Hyacinths too, but I can appreciate that their strong scent is best savoured in spring.

Before we go on to the care of houseplants, let’s just clear one thing up, houseplants hate houses! Dry central heating, low light levels and draughts are all things houseplants really don’t like, as most of these plants come from very humid, tropical parts of the world.

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The best way to ensure your flowers bloom for longer and your leaves don’t go brown at the tips, is to ensure the right conditions for survival.

the compost heap in the sky - I don’t think there’s any worse house plant tragedy than a straggly Poinsettia in July with three stunted yellow leaves.

• Avoid placing plants in a draughty location such as windowsills, or near to a frequently opened door, (they won’t appreciate the large fluctuations in temperature) • Avoid hotspots, such as in front of or above a radiator or fire • Water plants by plunging them into a bowl of tepid (not cold) water, and then allowing the water to fully drain out from the pot before returning to its location • Azaleas like humid conditions, so stand these on a tray of gravel filled with water, (but ensure plants are not sat in water) • Create a ‘plant area’ where groups of plants can be stood together, this will create more humidity • Avoid direct sunshine • Ensure the compost never dries out or is too saturated, water little and often • Remove faded flowers to prevent disease and to promote flowering

Poinsettias are popular because they look wonderful, but here’s a little word of warning, be careful not to get the sap of a Poinsettia on your skin as they can cause irritation, and always keep them out of reach of pets and children.

Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year Lee

And finally, don’t get emotionally attached, think of flowering houseplants as a medium term bunch of flowers or a Christmas decoration, and after flowering if they look a little jaded, return them to

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Blue Cross Update Abandoned ‘bags of joy’ find new homes

Little Hugo, Calvin and their siblings Kenzo, Pandora and Radley are an adorable litter of kittens who were found all alone in a barn near York. At just four-weeks-old they were brought into the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Thirsk after they had been seen over a number of days, but their mum was nowhere to be found.

Named after famous handbags brands, the kittens are now old enough to find homes of their own and three of the five were soon picked up but at time of going to print gorgeous Hugo and Calvin were still looking for loving new homes.

Rachel Gudgeon, Blue Cross Animal Welfare Assistant said: “These kittens are a real bundle of joy and have bags of character.

We are really happy for the three who are soon to start new lives in a home of their own but we hope Hugo and Calvin also soon find the families they Pictures: deserve.”

Hugo the kitten Ice and Snow (rehomed through Blue Cross in Thirsk)

Top Tips for the Winter season • If left outside cats may seek warmth in dangerous car engines, or get trapped somewhere without access to food and water. Make sure their catflap doesn’t become frozen over and stuck so they can’t get back in. It is a good idea to keep them inside when it gets really cold, make sure they have a litter tray to use indoors.

• Make sure pets are not left outdoors for too long, just like us they can develop hypothermia if they remain in the cold for long periods. Small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable and you may want to bring them inside if possible, or make sure they have extra bedding to keep them warm.

• Salt and grit can also be harmful to dogs and irritate their paws. After walks, wash their feet and make sure there is nothing stuck between their pads. Keep fur between pads trimmed to prevent ice-balls forming which can also be painful to them.

• Be very careful if it is icy outdoors and keep your dog on the lead if you may pass frozen water. Call for help but don’t go after your dog if they do run onto ice, it can be extremely dangerous.

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For more information about the homeless pets looking for homes at Blue Cross in Thirsk visit www.bluecross.org.uk. The website also has lots of advice and pet care tips.

Blue Cross wishes readers and pets a very merry Christmas!

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Pet Hazards around the Christmas Tree • Fallen Christmas tree needles are very sharp and can easily get stuck in your pet’s paws or throat. • Sweep tree needles up regularly or fence off your Christmas tree to separate your pet and tree.

• Do not hang your chocolates from your Christmas tree: they are highly toxic and your pet will be tempted if he can see and smell them.

• Cover up electric cords and flashing tree lights so your pet can’t chew them and electrocute himself.

• Try using fairy lights that don’t flash as some pets when up close can get very scared by these.

• Christmas tree decorations can cause a nasty accident or be fatal to your pet. Cats, and young pets especially, will show a great interest in decorations hanging from your tree. Try to use unbreakable decorations and nothing too small.

• Avoid tinsel or ribbons as these are dangerous to the gastrointestinal tract if your pet swallows them.

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Keep Warm This Winter - Top Tips A drop in body temperature can lower the body’s resistance to germs, so if you are elderly or otherwise susceptible to cold-related illnesses, it is essential that you stay warm during winter.

• First, keep your home warm. Consider creating a ‘warm room’ where you

spend most of your time, and turn down the thermostat in other areas of the home.

• Next, eliminate draughts. Place plastic sheeting over windows and fit foam seals and weather strips to doors. Use draught excluders and if you can’t successfully stop a draught rearrange the furniture so that you are not sitting in it.

• Close the curtains at night to reduce heat loss and make sure that radiators aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains.

• Wear several layers of thin clothing to insulate your body, keep feet warm in fleece slippers and use lightweight throws or fleece blankets to cover feet and shoulders.

• Make sure you eat well as food creates energy which in turn creates heat.

Hot meals and drinks can warm the body both inside and out.

• Finally, stay active! Doing a little light cleaning or some other simple activity will increase your circulation and generate some heat.

Follow these simple guidelines and hopefully you will not only stay warm this winter, but you will also remain illness free!

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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Clock Tower Dental: p13

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Granary Picture Framing: p32 Spectrum Picture Framing & Gallery: p3

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Jaipur Spice: p32 Lamb Inn Rainton: p31 The Forresters Arms: p19 The Pantry: p1

Printing.com: p15 The Specialists: p5

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Entertainment

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Events

Sutton Village Hall: p17 The Farmers Cart: p15

Fashion & Clothing

Humphrey & Tilly: p3 Planet Jewels Accessories: p16 Well Heeled: p3

Finance & Legal

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Funeral Services Hill Brothers: p5

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Healthcare & Wellbeing Alpha Dental: p1 Clock Tower Dental: p13 Cosy Feet: p16 Holistic Therapies: p12

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Highfield Marquees: p17 Moss’s Motors: p16 Sutton Village Hall: p17

Home & Interiors

Brian Jones Upholstery: p10

Dales of Thirsk: p29    Alpha Dental: p1

Easingwold Bathrooms: p5 Granary Picture Framing: p32 Rooms By Design: p11 Rydenor Paints: p7 Searles Carpets: p1 Spectrum Picture Framing & Gallery: p32 Stairs & More: p10 Treske Ltd: p4 Vertical Blinds: p10

Joinery

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Kitchen & Bathroom Design

Dales of Thirsk: p29 Easingwold Bathrooms: p5 Howdens Joinery: p29 Mother Hubbards Fine Cupboards: p9 Nigel Atkinsons Bathroom Emporium: p7 Rooms By Design: p11 Treske Ltd: p4

Motoring

Moss’s Motors: p16 Station Autos: p20

Pets & Animals

BATA Country Store & Garden Centre: p23 Chapman’s Pets: p25 Posh Pooches: p25

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Plumbing

Johnsons Heating: p21 Oilforce: p27

Property Maintenance

A Turner Electrical: p23 AMR Locksmiths: p28 Cloudy 2 Clear: p29 Handy Andy: p28 Jason Hammond Joinery: p10 Maid & Mend Ltd: p1 The Flat Roof Company: p7 Value Doors: p28

Property Sales

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Safety

North Yorkshire Fire Service: p21 North Yorkshire Road Safety: p26

Socialising

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Sports & Leisure

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Weddings

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