Thirsk Easingwold InFocus Winter 2017

thirsk&easingwold Quarterly Royal Mail distribution: 16,400 homes & businesses www.jkanorth.com/thirsk | Winter 2017

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inside

THIRSK & EASINGWOLD infocus

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Christmas around the Market Towns

We look at Christmas activities and celebrations across Northallerton, Thirsk and Masham

Blue Cross

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Looking after your pets in bad weather

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06 local news: 10 events: 12 events 12

local news: FEATURED The Clock Update

FEATURED

Rural Arts this Winter FEATURED

Easingwold Singers Concert Local Events across the area

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The Clock

We get a Winter update from The Clock

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14 garden: 16 pets & animals: 18 infocus 22

local news: FEATURED

Christmas around the Market towns FEATURED

National Tree Week

FEATURED

Bad weather pet care Advertising Details & Index

Welcome to the Winter issue We welcome Winter, Christmas and all that they bring with a wide selection of local news and updates, from Christmas events on p12 and 14, to some valuable tips on looking after pets in bad weather on p18.

Don’t forget, if you have any news, events, updates or stories of local interest, please send them to editorial@jkanorth.com and we’ll do our best to publish them for you.

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

I hope you all enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in Spring.

Best wishes,

Christine Campbell | Editor InFocus Magazines are published in good faith and the editors cannot be held responsible in any way for inaccuracies in reports or advertising in reports or advertising that appear in this publication and the views of the contributors may not be the those of the editors. Adverts and advertisers appearing in the InFocus Magazines carry no implied recommendation from the magazine or the publishers. All rights reserved. All information is infocus correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to press. InFocus Magazines cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

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Winter @ The Clock

As Christmas approaches we are beginning to get ready for fundraisers, raffles and Christmas Hampers! Mowbray Quilters are also very busy sewing and crafting wonderful items to sell at our stall during the Thirsk Christmas Fayre weekend. Please support us by popping along to the Town Hall on the 25th November and perhaps purchasing a Christmas gift or two! Or how about donating a gift to someone in need this Christmas and help us fill our Christmas hampers.

Additionally we are also looking to expand our network of support into the business community. We have many ways companies, big or small, can support us from sponsorship to hosting a collection tin. Currently we are also looking for businesses who could perhaps organise a fundraising Christmas raffle on The Clock’s behalf. If any of our supporters have contacts in this sector we would love to hear from you.

This year we did a survey of all our members about what elements we could improve and what we did well. 94% of our members said we offer activities that they couldn’t otherwise access. If you would like to see all the results and quotes from our members please visit our website at www.theclock.org.

Our youth café is open every week Mondays and Wednesdays between 5 and 7pm. We have X-box, Pool and computers with internet access. We also try and run themed activities on evenings when possible including crafts, board games and baking. It is free for anyone aged 11 (Year 7) +, any younger members (ages 9-11) can join Little Hands in The Methodist Church on Wednesdays 5 – 7pm.

Our last coffee morning of the year is on Friday 24th November between 9:30 and 11:30 and lastly, we would like to invite everyone to our next AGM on the 27th November at 6.30pm, which will be held in the Church, St James Green, YO7 1AQ

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Winter at Rural Arts Book places online at www.ruralarts.org or call 01845 526536 Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Westgate, Thirsk, YO7 1QS The Courthouse Café and Gallery are open Monday to Saturday 10am 4.30pm

A Taste of Art Workshops

Learn something new every Wednesday 10.30am-12 noon with our great range of introductory art workshops.

weave your own wreath to hang on your door this winter.

Last Minute Christmas Cards

Tuesday 19th December Make some last minute cards to send some loved ones, using a selection of decorative papers.

Art Club Wire Beaded Ornaments and Cards

Wednesday 22nd November: £17 Put together ornaments that can be used as Christmas tree decorations, hanging ornaments or incorporated into Christmas cards.

Handmade Personalised Crackers

Wednesday 6th December: £15 Bring novelty gifts and notes to incorporate into personalised crackers for your friends and family.

Christmas Foliage Wreaths Wednesday 13th December (2 sessions) £15, (2nd session at 1.30 to 3pm) Using Foliage and metal wreath rings, you will put together your own personalised wreaths for your doors this Christmas!

Christmas Holidays - Kids Workshops Get creative this winter, with our Christmas themed workshops!

These workshops can be enjoyed as a family. Under 8’s to be accompanied by a non-paying adult.

10.30am – 12 noon All sessions £4.50

Mini Christmas Wreaths

Monday 18th December Using natural foliage and wreath rings,

Are you aged 5–8, and interested in arts activities? Join our Art Club for children and young people during term time on Saturday mornings, and Thursdays after school. You can also complete a Bronze or Silver Arts Award through the club. Find out more at www.ruralarts.org/saturday-art-club.

Adult Workshops Workshops at Rural Arts give you the opportunity to learn or develop an artistic skill in a relaxed, creative environment, and are suitable for beginners.

Machine Embroidered Bags

(with Linda Breckon) Saturday 18th November (10am-4pm) £60 Within this workshop you will be using fabric to put together your own sugar base tote style bag. Materials will be available, but feel free to bring along fabrics and a sewing machine.

Fused Glass Christmas Decorations (with Jane Littlefield) Saturday 25th November (2-5pm) £45 Learn new skills and techniques using beautiful coloured glass. The decorations will need to be fused in the kiln, so will be returned to you in time for Christmas.

Felted Book Covers

(with Androulla Jefferies) Saturday 9th December (10am-1pm) £60 Using a combination of Merino wool, silks, ribbons and threads you will design, build and embellish your own A5 book cover. Please bring a towel, A5 notebook and plastic bag with you.

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Many more events & workshops online 10

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Watkins Wright

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The Easingwold Singers

Out & About 18th November

Peformance of Carmina Burana at The Galtres Centre, May 2017

People who came along to see our Carmina Burana performance at the Galtres Centre in May will be aware that this was the last concert for the Singers conducted by Sarah Reece who guided us through us through this challenging but rewarding programme. It was a very fulfilling evening for us all and the feedback we got from our audience was truly wonderful.

The concert was very well supported and was virtually a sell-out so a lot to live up to moving forward.

The choir is now nicely settling in under the direction of our new Musical Director, Edward Venn, who brings with him a wealth of experience in his own style. We are enjoying coming to terms with Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols which is to be performed along with other carols old and new at the St John the Baptist & All Saints Church, Easingwold on Saturday 2nd December 2017 at 2.30 pm (see advert below for more details).

It is a challenging but very enjoyable piece and we are extremely honoured and privileged to have two outstanding musicians join us for

the Christmas Concert together with soloists from our own Choir.

Alice French – Harp Alice is a world renowned musician with local connections and we are delighted to have availed ourselves of her services as well as being very excited about the harp itself being included in the concert.

The logistics might be slightly challenging but well worth the effort. If you would like to find out more about Alice, please look at her website. You are sure to be impressed. www. alicefrenchharp.com

William Dore – Organ We are so happy that William Dore has agreed to play the organ for us again at our Christmas Concert. He has supported the choir on many occasions and he never disappoints. We look forward to welcoming him back again this year.

We hope that this little resume has wetted your appetite to find out more and join us on the 2nd December and we look forward to seeing you on the day.

n Casino Night Sutton under Whitestonecliffe Village Hall, YO7 2PS. Have fun with roulette, blackjack and more including Roulette Raffle. Free fake currency provided Why not dress up for the occasion?. 7pm for 7.30pm start. £20 per person to include delicious canapes, but bring your own drinks.

Tel: 01845 597757 Tickets: Sue Stephenson .suttonunderwhitestonecliffevillagehall. co.uk ........................................................

20th November

n Thirlby Local History Group Thirlby Village Hall,. Thirlby Local History Group - The Lost Village of Lodge in Upper Nidderdale - talk and film show

by Jim Brightman, Solstice Heritage.

7.30pm. £3 includes refreshments.

Tel: 01845 597077 ........................................................

23rd November

n Live Music with Thirsky Twos Little 3, 13 Finkle Street, Thirsk, YO7 1DA. . 8pm. free entry.

Tel: 01845 523 782 Email: info@littlethree.co.uk www.littlethree.co.uk ........................................................ n Christmas Fair

24th November

6-8pm at Stillington Village Hall YO61 1JX. Crafts, Candles, Chocolate, Cards, Cakes and Christmas spirit, plus lots of other stalls not starting with a ‘C’. Come and buy Christmas gifts from local traders at fair prices. ........................................................

26th November

n Husthwaite Village Christmas Market All you want for Christmas at Husthwaite Village Market. With over 30 stalls to browse, our popular quarterly market will help start your festive season shopping!

Decorations, wreaths, gifts and stocking fillers! Candles, arts and crafts, cards, books, jewellery and beauty products.

Even a pair of socks from Husthwaite’s very own Beacon Alpacas!

Order your favourite Christmas bird, meats and salmon from our NEW local producers of free range and organic poultry, rare breed pork and lamb, duck, geese plus a selection of cured and smoked meat and fish. Accompany this with a choice of artisan breads and pastries, oils and sweet treats and of course a bottle of Husthwaite cider.

Everything you need for the festive season!

The Apple Tree Café will be serving up delicious home-made hot and cold food, beverages, mince pies and a little festive cheer!!

Charity number 1013186.

Husthwaite Village Hall YO61 4PY 11.00am – 3.00pm ........................................................

1st - 2nd December

n Christmas Opening Times Helmsley Walled Garden, Cleveland Way, Helmsley YO62 5AH. Christmas opening times - The Gift shop at the Garden is open both days from 10am till 3pm for the sale of gifts, hand-made Christmas wreaths and our own apple juice. 10am till 3pm. Free. info@helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk ........................................................

2nd December

n Thirsk Royal British Legion Band Christmas Concert 7.30pm in the Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall, Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QR. The concert will include a wide selection of music including many of the Christmas favourites.

Free admission.

For further information please contact Mr and Mrs Worley on 01845 523511 ........................................................

Registered Charity No 1062232

Easingwold Lions

Carols in The Market Place 2017 Saturday 16th December 5.30-6.30pm

Easingwold District Lions invite you to join them for their free, annual Community Christmas Carols event. Once again the music will be provided by Easingwold Town Band with local singer Jessa Liversidge, and members of her various choirs, leading the singing.

The event takes place on the cobbled side of the market place under the Market Cross. The start time this year is 5.30pm and will finish at approximately 6.30pm.

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Having an event?

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

2nd December n The North Yorkshire Chorus Christmas Concert 7:30pm on December 2nd 2017 at St Mary’s Church, Thirsk.

The programme will include Coronation Anthems by Handel, Psalmfest by Rutter and Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Vaughan Williams.

Ticket details: tel.01609775964 email: jeanhayward1@gmail.com www.northyorkshirechorus.org.uk ........................................................

8th - 9th December

n Northallerton Musical Theatre Company Presents their annual Christmas show Town Hall, Northallerton: 7.30 pm.

This is a lovely way to start the Christmas festivities. Come along and listen to some lovely Christmas music with readings and comedy as well. You will not be disappointed.

Tickets are £10 (which includes a glass of wine and mincepies) Obtainable on: 01609 770936 maureenwilloughby48@gmail.com ........................................................

13th December

n Christmas Concert Northallerton Silver Band will be holding their Christmas Concert on Wednesday 13th December at 7.30pm in Northallerton Town Hall.

Tickets £7 and are available Greensleeves, Central Arcade Northallerton. Come along and get your Christmas off to a good start! ........................................................

15th December

n Charity Concert Northallerton Woodwind will be presenting their Christmas charity concert on Friday 15th December 2017 in conjunction with singing group AChord. The concert is in Northallerton Town Hall at 7pm in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Tickets are £7 with under 18s free.

Tickets are available by contacting 01609 774158. ........................................................

30th December

n Pocket Panto proudly presents CINDERELLA at Stillington Village Hall YO61 1JX on Saturday 30th December at 2.30pm Tickets £8 adults and £4 children Online at ruralarts.org or tel 01347 811544 “Captures the essence of family entertainment” ........................................................

21st - 27th January 2018

n Northallerton Variety Company Present their Fortieth Pantomime!

“Jack and the Beanstalk” The Forum, Northallerton Ticket prices range from £7 to £10 and will be available from The Forum from early December or Telephone 01609 770936 for further details.

This is the Variety Company’s traditional family pantomime with all the old favourites. Come and meet Dame Dotty Dimple and her silly son Simple Simon.

Boo at the Wicked Witch Piccalilli and Rancid the Ratman, laugh at the antics of Snatchet and Scarper but beware the Giant. Buttermilk the cow will help Fairy Sugardust make sure our hero Jack gets up the beanstalk and marries his Princess. ........................................................

16th February 2018

n Modern, Old Time and Sequence Dance Northallerton Town Hall. Commences 7.30pm.

The accordionist for the evening will be Elizabeth Harrison, tickets are £7 and will be available from Greensleeves, Central Arcade Northallerton. There will be a pooled supper. ........................................................

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.

Free mince pies and hot potatoes will be provided and then those Strictly fans can hot foot it home for the final!

This is a great community get together with a special feel good factor and the Lions way of saying thank you for all the support they receive over the year. Last year more than 200 people joined us, an amazing turnout. This event is growing in popularity year on year. Don’t miss out, come and join us!

Of course no Christmas gathering should be without a visit from Father Christmas and we have it on good authority that he is taking some time out from all that present wrapping to come along. We look forward to seeing you there. (If the weather is bad we shall retreat to the Galtres Centre).

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Christmas around the Market Towns

Northallerton

Masham

This year Santa Sunday will be different to every other year since the event has started as Santa will be entering the high street on a Christmas sleigh led by reindeers. Santa will arrive at approx. 3pm on the Sunday on his sleigh! The usual open top bus will be following with children from different primary schools alongside Chercade Wintersgill the winner of Northallerton Town Council’s Christmas illumination design last year, she will finally see her design in lights come to life on the Town Hall Building. Santa will arrive only when the Vasstech Elf run is finished, after this being such a success last year it has returned and we’re hoping for an even better turn out of little elves.

Northallerton Silver band will be performing an array of Christmas carols in the Upper Hall, Town Hall, mince

Saturday 9th December

Santa Sunday - Sunday 3rd SDecember

Christmas Fair

pies and teas/coffees will be on hand to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Country Markets will be in the lower hall laden with lots of Christmas goodies throughout the day and there will be an array of stalls and fairground rides down the high street ready to welcome Santa and the keen shoppers. Panto stars from this year’s Christmas panto will be present in costume gearing the crowd up and switching this year’s Christmas lights on. And for the first time in years there will be a steam train riding up and down the high street for people to enjoy! And throughout all this Minster FM will be playing live Christmas songs from their radio station filling the town.

Elf run entries are now open and forms are available from the Town Hall offices. £3 entry fee.

Masham Town Hall, Little Market Place, Masham From: 10am Crafts and Gift Ideas * Santa’s Grotto * Stalls and Activities * Seasonal Delights Yummy refreshments Plus all day: Big Market in Market Square Hot Food – Handbells – Carol Singers – Live Music Christmas trees for sale Throughout Masham Market Place and the Town Hall

Thirsk

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Thirsk Christmas Fayre - 24th - 26th November 2017 Friday 24th Nov – 4pm to 7:30pm Saturday 25th Nov – 10am to 4pm Sunday 26th Nov – 10am to 4pm Together with local business, voluntary groups and like minded residents we are bringing the magic of Christmas to Thirsk for a weekend celebration of all things Yorkshire and all things Christmas! Alongside our usual Saturday Market crammed full of local suppliers, there will be food and gift stalls in the Town Hall adjacent to the Ritz Cinema.

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Throughout both days the spirit of Christmas will be there touching all your senses with a real “Christmassy feel” Smell and taste the atmosphere by ambling through the stalls in our Indoor Fayre at the Town Hall on Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday. Visit the shops in the town for special offers and discounts and some of them will even have mulled wine and mince pies on offer!

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www.christmasinthirsk.com

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GARDEN VIEW

National

Tree Week

25th November-3rd Dec is National Tree Week

November 25th marks the start of National Tree Week, which in turn marks the start of treeplanting season.

Considering that most of us in the UK have fairly small plots we do love our trees. The trouble is we’re not always terribly good at choosing them. How many times have you driven through a housing estate and observed an enormous weeping willow or an enormous pine tree completely obscuring a front garden.

It can be tricky deciding what sort of tree to plant on a small, suburban plot but there are plenty of candidates. Generally trees up to 8-10m are considered suitable.

The best urban trees offer year-round interest.

Varieties of Acer Palmatum are rather lovely. They are elegant trees which have attractive green or purple foliage and col-

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our beautifully in the winter.

For my money Amalanchier Lamarckii is about as hardworking a tree as you’ll come across. During March and April it produces a frothy show of white flowers, then in June these are replaced by attractive deep purple, and supposedly edible - though I’ve never tried them - fruits. Then, when Autumn arrives the tree pulls out all the stops and bursts into fiery colour. If you only have room for one tree then an Amelanchier won’t let you down.

Another hard worker is Sorbus hupehensis var. obtusa. This tree has a pretty shape and is attractive throughout the year.

In the late spring it is covered in white blossom which is followed by masses of dark pink berries. The blue-green leaves turn red in the autumn.

It’s just my opinion of course but without at least one tree, a garden can seem flat and a little dull. Trees provide structure

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and height but are also a haven for birds and insects, which in turn add colour and life. Why not plant a tree during this week. Our guide has some helpful tips.

How to Plant a Tree • Dig a hole at least twice the size of the root ball.

• Make up a mixture of half compost and half soil from the hole. Put a few inches of this mix at the bottom of the hole.

• Trees need support so drive a support stake into the hole at one edge. This needs to be done before the tree is planted or you risk damaging the roots.

• Tip the tree from its container and loosen the roots a little.

Place it into the hole and fill in with the soil and compost mixture. Firm it down with your heel.

• Use proper straps to secure the tree to the post.

• Water well!

By Rachael Leverton

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Blue Cross Thirsk

Keep your pets safe this Winter As the nights draw in and

paws to make sure nothing

temperature drops make sure

stuck

your pet still gets the exercise

like salt or grit. Keep their fur

and mental stimulation they

between pads trimmed to

need.

prevent ice-balls forming which

can also be painful to them.

between

their

pads

Make sure you cat can easily get back inside and their

Be very careful if it is icy

catflap doesn’t freeze over.

outdoors and keep your dog

Cats will seek warmth and

on the lead if you may pass

comfort anywhere if needed

frozen water. Call for help

and are known to even get

but don’t go after your dog if

into car engines if they want a

they do run onto ice, it can be

warm place to rest.

extremely dangerous.

Just like us, pets can develop

For more information about

hypothermia if they are out in

the homeless pets looking for

the cold for too long. Small pets

homes at Blue Cross in Thirsk

like rabbits and guinea pigs are

visit

particularly vulnerable and you

The website also has lots of

may want to bring them inside

advice and more pet care tips.

www.bluecross.org.uk.

if possible, or make sure they have extra bedding to keep

Blue Cross wishes readers

cosy.

and their pets a very merry Christmas and a happy New

After dog walks wash their

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Year!

Opening Hours Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00am–5.00pm Animal viewing times: 10.00am–4.00pm.

Mondays and bank holidays: closed Address Parklands, Station Road, Topcliffe, Thirsk, YO7 3SE Tel: 0300 777 1540 Fax: 0300 777 1541 Email: thirsk@bluecross.org.uk

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Easingwold Players November 2017 Production “COMMUNICATING DOORS” Wednesdays 15th - Saturday 18th November Galtres Centre Easingwold at 7.30pm The year is 2014, and Phoebe a prostitute is summoned to a five star London hotel by an elderly business man, Reece, who wants her to perform an usual service: to witness a document detailing the murder of his two wives by his associate Julian.When Julian walks in on them, Phoebe disappears through the nearest door and finds herself in an identical suite but in the year 1994. Its occupant, Ruella, Reece’s second wife, is sceptical about Phoebe’s explanation: that she has traveled in time, but when she too goes through the door and finds herself in the same suite in 1974 with Reece’s first wife, Jessica, Reece decides to rewrite the future..A time -warp comedy thriller, Communicating Doors is Alan Ayckbourn at his most ingenious.

Tickets are available at The Galtres Centre Box Office, open Monday to Friday 9am. to 5pm. Tel 01347 822472

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Index Art & Antiques Cathedral Court Medals: p18 Connection Gallery: p6 Granary Picture Framing: p19 Spectrum Framing & Gallery: p13 Attractions & Events Easingwold Singers: p12 Husthwaite Village Market: p13 Blinds Finesse Interiors: p4 Builders & Contractors NYG Ltd: p17 Resin Drives: p24 Solid Roofs 4 U: p23 T. G & H Harper Builders Ltd: p17 Business Services Printing.com: p22 Carpets & Flooring Searles Carpets: p1 Cleaning Daily Poppins: p10 Zero Dry Time: p10

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Dental Clock Tower Dental: p9 Market Place Dentistry: p3 Design & Print Printing.com: p22 Elderly Services Abbeyfield: p8 Eve Home Care: p9 St. Johns House: p15 Electrical Services Aerial Services York: p24 AVE Aerials: p17 Electrocare: p22 Handy Andy: p22 Finance & Legal NFU Thirsk: p1 Northallerton Insurance Services: p1 Food & Drink Clarks Bakery: p1 Funeral Services Hill Brothers: p4 Dales of Thirsk Memorials: p5

Furniture Brian Jones Upholstery: p4 Foxtail Handmade Furniture: p21 Gardens & Outdoors Resin Drives: p24 Gifts Cathedral Court Medals: p18 Granary Picture Framing: p19 Spectrum Framing & Gallery: p13 Hair & Beauty Beauty Within: p3 Helen Foster Mobile Hairdresser: p15 Watkins-Wright: p15 Healthcare & Wellbeing Clock Tower Dental: p9 Market Place Dentistry: p3 Home & Interiors Brian Jones Upholstery: p4 Court Homemakers: p2 D & H Interior Design: p6 Dales of Thirsk: p5 Dream Doors: p5 Finesse Interiors: p4

Foxtail Handmade Furniture: p21 Granary Picture Framing: p19 Rooms By Design: p7 Spectrum Framing & Gallery: p13 Kitchen & Bathrooms Court Homemakers: p2 Dales of Thirsk: p5 Dream Doors: p5 Foxtail Handmade Furniture: p21 Nigel Atkinsons Bathroom Emporium: p24 Ripon Interiors: p11 Rooms By Design: p7 Logs & Fuel Corners Warmers: p17 Memorials Dales of Thirsk: p5 Motoring Station Autos: p20 Pets & Animals Abbotsway Kennels: p19 Doggy Doos Salon: p18 Hambleton Cat Care: p3 Skeldale Vets: p19

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Property Maintenance Aerial Services York: p24 AVE Aerials: p17 Cloudy 2 Clear: p21 Handy Andy: p22 NYG Ltd: p17 Resin Drives: p24 Standing Property Maintenance: p3 Solid Roofs 4 U: p23 T. G & H Harper Builders Ltd: p17 Solar Power Peak Power Systems: p17 Sport & Leisure Venture Cycles: p15 Vets Skeldale Vets: p19 Windows Cloudy 2 Clear: p21 NYG Ltd: p17 The Index is a free service offered to our customers. No responsibility can be held for errors or omissions. Multiple entries included on a space available basis

Have you got a Greenhouse tacked to the side of your house?

A Conservatory is not a habitable room, being too cold in winter and too hot in summer.

Research at Cranfield University has shown that the average south-facing conservatory reaches a comfortable temperature for only two hours a day, unless energy is expended on artificial heating or cooling. The glass or polycarbonate roof and walls have a minimal insulation value, and a conservatory is little more than a greenhouse tacked onto the side of a house.

Unfortunately, instead of paying just a few hundred pounds for a lean-to greenhouse, many people have been persuaded by glossy advertising to pay £20,000 or £30,000 or more, for a conservatory. The conservatory industry has relied on huge profits on a few slick sales points-that a conservatory is a cheaper way of providing space than a proper extension; that it will be erected with little disruption in a week or so; and that conservatories do not require Planning Permission or Building Regulation approval. They do! * The planning permission* argument has always been suspect. Like any addition, a conservatory fell under “permitted development” rights only so long as it was not too big- no more than 10 per cent of the existing building (or 50 cubic metres) for a terraced house, or 15 per cent (or 70 cubic metres ) for any other house.

The Building Regulations situation is more complex. There are in fact several aspects of the Building Regulations that conservatories have always had to comply with-such as those governing structural stability and fire safety.

But the one that was stressed by the salesman was Part L – the conservation of fuel and power.

A conservatory was exempt from Part L as long as it was separated from the house by a closing door, and had a roof area of at least 75 per cent glazed and a wall area at least 50 per cent glazed.

It was this fact that was promoted as a “loophole” by the salesman, and a result in thousands of shoddy boxes being sold, with no oversight from local authority Building Control officers.

For what it’s worth, the percentage glazed area requirement was dropped for the 2010 edition Part L, so there is no longer any difference between a

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conservatory and a more solidly built extension. But people continue to be sold the false dream of a habitable “room in the garden”.

The firms that fit insulation and plasterboard beneath conservatory roofs are clearly hoping to cash-in on householders’ disappointment, but I would urge caution. The figures claimed for the expected improvements in thermal performance sound highly theoretical, and I am not aware of any independent evidence to support these claims in practice.

Furthermore, fitting insulation and plasterboard inside an existing glass or polycarbonate roof entails some risks.

Condensation forming on the underside of the glazing on winter nights might drip onto the insulation and damage the plasterboard ceiling. The Companies claim that crossventilation will prevent this happening but- as we have seen with loft insulation in normal house roofs - some degree of condensation is inevitable.

The main reservation, however, concerns over the long term water tightness of the existing conservatory roof. Polycarbonate roofs have a life expectancy of 10 years or less, and even the most expensive glass roofs can suffer rubber gasket deterioration within a similar time frame. Then what happens when the roof leaks onto the new plasterboard ceiling below?

This system should be treated with suspicion.

Estate Agents and valuer’s may list your conservatory on their particulars, showing its attributes, but you will find that no added value has been put onto the property because of it!

Advice - if you want your extension to be truly habitable, with a tangible value, then put your money towards removing the glazing altogether and fit a proper roof.

Fitting a real roof can have a true use and value added to your home.

Solid Roofs 4U Ltd can Engineer, Produce and Build in a choice of Styles and Roof Coverings including Real Tiles.

Call 01904 200 212 or Visit solidroofs4u.com

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

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01609 777401 | 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com