Thirsk Easingwold InFocus Winter 2015

thirsk&easingwold Quarterly Royal Mail distribution: 15,900 homes & businesses www.jkanorth.com/thirsk | Winter 2015

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THIRSK & EASINGWOLD infocus

Carols in the Market Place

all invited to join the Easingwold Lions for festive carols in 10 You’re Easingwold Market Place

Christmas 2015

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Thirsk Christmas Fayre returns and is bigger than ever!

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07 christmas 08 local news: 10 new businesses 12 beauty 14 out & about 16

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finance

Saving & Investing

How to prepare the perfect table FEATURED

Carols in Easingwold Market Place New businesses and services Some great Beauty Christmas Gifts Local Events this Winter

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Magical Christmas!

Elf Airlines arrives at Piglets Adventure Farm

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18 local news: 20 garden view: 22 local news: 24 26 pets & animals: 30 infocus

local news: FEATURED

Christmas 2015 local events FEATURED

Rural Arts this Winter FEATURED

Choosing the right Christmas Tree FEATURED

Magical Sleigh Rides!

FEATURED

An update from the Blue Cross Advertising Details & Index

Welcome to the Winter issue of Thirsk & Easingwold InFocus We are well and truly in Christmas-mode as there’s so much to see and do across the area this time of year. From the exciting activities schedule at Rural Arts and Carols at Easingwold, to Elf Airlines at Towthorpe and Thirsk Christmas Fayre. Don’t forget, if you have any local news or a story of interest then please submit them to editorial@jkanorth.com I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and New Year and I’ll see you in Spring.

Best wishes,

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

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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Saving & Investing Financial planning always starts with the bigger picture – what are your objectives? Once you have established that, you will have money that you can choose to save in a deposit account or invest for the longer term.

The key difference between saving and investing is risk and reward.

Savings By savings, I mean money that is held in a bank or building society deposit account that is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

Currently this means that up to £85,000 of savings held with a financial institution is protected if that institution was unable to give you back your money. This limit will reduce to £75,000 from 1 January 2016.

This means that the money you have in a savings account below the compensation limit is secure.

However, the long term returns that you can expect to earn on your money is likely to be lower than if you invest your money and take some risk. As an example, the best instant access savings account available at the beginning of November was 1.61%.

Investments When it comes to investing your money there are a number of different types of assets where your money can be invested. The most popular traditional asset classes are Bonds, Property and Equity.

There are many other asset classes which are considered as investments. Generally, there are funds available which will allow individual investors to invest in particular asset classes.

As an example of how asset classes perform differently, the table below shows the performance of different asset sectors for the period up to 30 September 2015 (Source: Trustnet). The figures are the cumulative performance of the fund over the given period.

3 months

1 years

3 years

5 years

Bonds

-0.6%

1.4%

12.5%

26.3%

Property

1.0%

7.6%

21.1%

27.7%

UK Equity

-6.9%

1.2%

29.5%

44.1%

European Equity

-4.5%

3.3%

38.0%

39.2%

North American Equity

-5.5%

3.5%

42.9%

74.1%

Asia Pacific Equity

-13.5%

-7.9%

5.9%

7.1%

Emerging Market Equity

-15.0%

-14.7%

-10.1%

-14.9%

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

Of course these figures are a snap shot and would have looked quite different over a different time period. In particular the short term figures have been affected by concerns about the Chinese economy and the impact this will have across the world. A long term investor can ignore these short term fluctuations as it is the longer term performance which matters.

A balanced portfolio will invest in a mix of different asset classes and will avoid being over exposed to any one area.

A lower risk portfolio will have more exposure to Bonds and less to equities than a higher risk portfolio.

Savings & Investment Strategy A good savings and investments strategy will be based on an understanding of what money you will require in the short term and what can then be invested for the longer term.

Shorter money would normally include an emergency fund of 3-6 months outgoings. I.e. if your household outgoings are £2,000 per month then an emergency fund of £6,000 to £12,000.

On top of this, any capital expenditure that you have planned over the next 5 years, e.g. a new car.

The balance can then be invested for the longer term (5 years or more).

When advising clients on their investment strategy, I use a risk scale from 1 to 10 where 1 is low risk and 10 would be high risk. In general, most people lie somewhere between 3 and 7.

The risk level that you are comfortable with will depend on your personal circumstances; your investment time horizon as well as you risk appetite. As a general principle, with a longer time horizon you are able to take more risk.

In practice, risk appetite tends to go down with age.

The balance between saving and investing needs to be reviewed regularly to take account of changes in circumstance and new requirements.

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The Perfect

Christmas Table

Whether you are using new festive tableware or the dinner set you keep for special occasions, create a table to be proud of.

Think about your colour scheme.

Are you going for sophisticated white and gold, elegant white and silver, festive red and green or something more modern such as purple and turquoise?

Are there some handed down family decorations that you want to include or are you going for the fun factor? Crackers and candles are traditional but you could also include Christmas table confetti and seasonal items such as Santa shaped cruet.

For many Christmas Day is one

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of the few times when three or more courses will be served. If you are having soup, the spoon for this should be on the far right. A fish knife would be on the inside of the spoon with the main course knife on the inside of that and a desert knife closest to the plate.

On the left side working inwards it would be the fish fork and then the main course fork. The desert spoon would be above the plate and facing left with the desert fork facing right and closest to the plate. Side plates go to the left and glasses are placed top right.

Add candles or fairy lights and you’re good to go. Â

By Susan Brookes-Morris

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Easingwold District Lions Present:

Carols in the Market Place Saturday 19th December 5.30-6.30pm

Easingwold District Lions invite you to join them for their annual Community Christmas Carol Singing event. Once again the music will be provided by our very own Easingwold Town Band and local singer Jessa Liversidge, together with members of her various choirs, will lead 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.

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 around 200 people joined us, an amazing turnout. 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).

For ore details about this event and other information about the Easingwold Lions, please email: info@easingwold-lions.org

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t u o h S ess! in s u b r u o y t u o b a Reach over

15,900

One these 2 pages...New Businesses & Services “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.

they will receive the equivalent space in complimentary editorial*. This editorial provides excellent business exposure to 15,900 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

* Editorial must be supplied completed.

homes & businesses across Thirsk, Easingwold & surrounding areas with InFocus 1/8 Page

1/2 Page

£65!

£180!

from only

from only

1/4 Page from only

£105!

New Premises & Ranges for Thirsk Decorating Centre ‘Established in Sowerby in 1965 RYDENOR LTD offers a huge range of Paints & Woodfinishes for use around the home and in the workshop.

THIRSK DECORATING CENTRE offers

2016, namely a further expansion of THIRSK

Farrow & Ball and Little Greene designer

DECORATING CENTRE. We are moving to a

paints as well as Crown, Dulux and Johnstone’s

bigger town centre location where we will be

paints. Also a huge range of decorating and

increasing our product range. As well as this

woodfinishing products plus advice on all

huge range of decorating and woodfinishing

decorating needs.

products we will be offering an increased range of wallpapers with more in-store displays and

RYDENOR SPRAY & FINISH concentrates on

sample books.

the industrial sector, supplying woodfinishes, abrasives and spray equipment to tradesmen

Look out for our new showroom in Thirsk

working in wood. We are main distributors for

early in the New Year, when we will be offering

Morrells Woodfinishes and Sia Abrasives plus

promotions and special offers to get 2016 off to

other leading suppliers.

a fresh, newly decorated start!’

We are also pleased to announce an exciting

For more information contact Rydenor on:

development to the business in January

01845 440668

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Full Colour, High Quality Publications Royal Mail delivered FREE Index Service Free Advert Design

Full Distibution Details on p30

Great Gifts & Crafts for all Occasions Kristina opened Kristina’s to share with the world a handpicked selection of bright and colourful, British made or ethically sourced, unique gifts.

for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for baby gifts, toiletries, kids fancy dress costumes or just a place to unleash your creativity, Kristina’s is well worth a visit.

Along with her delightful collection of candles, cards, jewellery, crafty kits and more she offers the chance to craft in-store whilst enjoying a hot cuppa or juice for the little ones.

Tel: 01845 574573 3 Court Arcade, Thirsk

Kristina offers more than just friendly service with options to personalise or commission bespoke crafty items

New Luxury Accomodation at Abbotsway Abbotsway Kennels are delighted to announce the opening of their new purpose built luxury kennels especially designed for pampered pooches.

We spoke to owner Andrea Blackman about the new building at the kennels, “The new building has been designed to provide a luxurious, secure, quieter environment including a snug area suitable for the more timid guest. It is centrally heated and offers a variety of kennel sizes up to 100sq ft which enables us to accommodate several family pets together when required. We are absolutely delighted with the new building and many owners have remarked how nice it is.”

Abbotsway Kennels provide: • Family run accommodation providing outstanding care for your dog and peace of mind for you • Heated, spacious accommodation, secure paddock, on and off lead walks • Competitive rates for short and long stays including day boarding • Christmas and New Year bookings now being taken Located on Thirsk Road, near Easingwold and just 15 minutes from York.

Please feel free to contact us to arrange a viewing.

Call Andrea on:

01347 82324 / 07974 359575 andreablackman1@googlemail.com www.abbotswaykennels.co.uk For advertising contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com

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The gift of beauty Ah Christmas. The time of year when you know you’ll be given at least one supermarket bubble bath set that will end up in the charity shop. If you don’t want to commit the same present buying mistakes, read on for our pick of the top beauty buys this Christmas.

• Teens and tweens - Buying for a teen?

M&S have some really cute gift sets out, including a set of mini lip glosses for £9.50. The glosses are also perfect for splitting up to add to Christmas crackers or stockings.

• It’s what’s outside that counts!

Let’s face it, when it comes to some members of the family, it’s often as much about the packaging as it is

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the product. Head to White Stuff for some gorgeously designed beauty products, including a body butter for £9.95, make-up bag for £15 and soaps for £5.

• Bargain hunter?

TK Maxx is always worth a rummage for beauty products. You can get your mitts on some top brands, at well below the RRP. You’ll also want to check out the bargain beauty bundles at www.halfpriceperfumes.co.uk and www.latestinbeauty.com. At the time of writing, Latest in Beauty was offering a bundle of over £70 worth of products for just £17.99.

• A touch of indulgence The Forever Frangipani Collection

by Elemis is one of those gifts that’s pretty much guaranteed to please.

(Cont)

It’s £39.90, but includes a shower cream, body oil, body cream and body mist, that are worth more than £70 altogether. The frangipani fragrance is warm, rich and evokes the feeling of an expensive foreign holiday to a sunnier climate. Bliss.

• Looking to really splash out? Try Elemis’ Heritage Heroes. It’s an eye watering £225, but you do get 25 products, worth £425 altogether.

• Charity Gifts Green People has partnered with the Woodland Trust on a range of gift sets, including the Hand Care Collection (£15.95), Facial Care

By Kate Duggan

Collection (£15.95) and Men’s Collection (£19.95). Other great charity gifts on the market include Lush’s Charity Pot hand and body lotion (£6.95).

• For the boys There are some great men’s gift sets out this Christmas, including the Nuxe Men Survival Kit (a bargain at £8.50) and the Elemis Perfect Man set (£49). Origins, Darphin and Lancome usually have some good male grooming sets out for Christmas too.

• One for your list Finally, if you fancy adding one to your own wish list, Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Aromatherapy Bath and Massage Oil Organic Collection is definitely worth a look. Featuring six mini oils, all gorgeously scented, this is a real treat, especially if you specify that a massage needs to be included as part of the gift…

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

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Out & About Community 20th - 26th November

n FILM: Suffragette The film centres on early members of the British women’s suffrage movement of the late 19th and early 20th century The film stars Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Meryl Streep, Ben Whishaw, Brendan Gleeson and AnneMarie Duff.

All showings at 7.30pm except Wednesday: 2.30pm 16 Westgate, Thirsk, England, YO7 1QS Box office 01845 524 751 www.ritzcinema.co.uk .........................................................

26th November

n Thirsk Museum Society Talk A talk on ‘From Bamletts to Burneston - 10 miles of History’, given by Lionel Twiss. 7.30pm. Admission £2.

Tel: 01845 527707 Email: thirskmuseum@btinternet.com www.thirskmuseum.org.uk .........................................................

27th November - 10th December ......................................................... n FILM: Spectre In the aftermath of Raoul Silva’s attack on MI6, a cryptic message sets in motion events that will see James Bond come face-to-face with the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE. showings at 7.30pm 16 Westgate, Thirsk, England, YO7 1QS Box office 01845 524 751 www.ritzcinema.co.uk .........................................................

27th - 29th November:

n Thirsk Christmas Fayre A fun-filled family Christmas weekend with lots to do for all the family. Festive Market in the Town Hall and lots more including the lights switch on. For full details and news visit the website: www.thirskchristmasfayre.com .........................................................

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27th November

n LIVE MUSIC The Golden Fleece, Market Place, Thirsk.

Loosely Folk presents Samantha Whates and special guest David Ward McLean.

Doors 7.30pm show starts 8pm.

Tel: 07436 071332 Tickets: White Rose Book Cafe, Thirsk TTI or: www.wegottickets.com/ event/315160 .........................................................

29th November

n Husthwaite Village Christmas Market Come and browse our wonderful Christmas offering at our popular market. Decorations, present ideas and stocking fillers, quality art and crafts, cards, books, jewellery and beauty products. Stock your cupboards with our usual selection of artisan breads, award winning Husthwaite cider, fruit and veg, sweet treats, chocolates, preserves and chutneys, bread, olive oils, pies and pasties. Everything you need for the festive season, including Christmas trees!

The Apple Tree Café will be serving up delicious home-made hot and cold food, beverages, mince pies and a little festive cheer! Entrance free, all ages welcome – donations gratefully accepted For enquiries, please contact us at H.V.Markets@mail.com 11am - 3pm.

Husthwaite Village Hall YO61 4PY Charity number 1013186 ...................................................................

4th - 6th December

n Homemade and Vintage Christmas pop up shop and tea room Friday 6pm to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm Inspiration for the festive home, homemade and vintage gift ideas, tea and delicious home baked cakes.

Coxwold Village Hall, YO61 4BB www.homemadeandvintage.co.uk ...................................................................

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.

5th - 22nd December

n Santa Experience Jump aboard the Polar Lightwater Express to Santa’s cabin, enjoy a fireside story with Santa. Refreshments and presents for everyone plus puppet show and fairground rides. 10am - 5.30pm. £12 Adults, £10 Children. Pre-booking essential.

Lightwater Valley Theme Park, North Stainley, Ripon. HG4 3HT. Tel: 01765 635321 tickets: on line or by phone web: www.lightwatervalley.co.uk/santa ...................................................................

5th December

n North Yorkshire Chorus Concert 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Thirsk.

Bach Christmas Oratorio PARTS 1, 2, 3 and 6. Soloists: Rowan.

Pierce soprano, Charlotte Tetley contralto. Stephen Newlove tenor, John Dunford bass Tickets: £15, including interval refreshment. (accompanied under-16 FREE) Discount if purchased from a Chorus member. Full price at the door.

Ann Hutchings: Secretary North Yorkshire Chorus Tel: 01609 775776 ann.hutchings40@btinternet.com ...................................................................

5th December

n The Easingwold Singers Christmas Concert 2015 “Comfort and Joy” A programme of music to include: Arthur Sullivan “Te Deum Laudamus” Vaughan Williams “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” and Carols for choir and audience.

Ticket Price (including refreshments) £9 – Students £4, Children under 16 free.

7.30pm, St John and All Saints Church, Easingwold ...................................................................

9th December

n Christmas Concert Northallerton Silver Band are holding a Christmas concert in the Yorkshire suite at the Golden Lion Hotel in Northallerton on Wednesday 9th

December at 7.30pm. Tickets £7 and they are available from Greensleeves, Central Arcade, Northallerton or from the reception of the Golden Lion Hotel or by calling: 01609 777272 ...................................................................

10th December

n LIVE MUSIC: Beggars Bunce Live Music in the bar: Beggars Bunce.

From 8pm. Free admission.

Tel: 01845 523782 littlethree.co.uk Little3, Finkle St, Thirsk. ...................................................................

19th December

n Christmas Concert Northallerton Silver Band are holding a Christmas concert in Masham Town Hall on Saturday 19th December at 7.30pm.

Tickets £7 and they are available from Greensleeves, Central Arcade, Northallerton, the Tourist Information Centre in Masham or by calling: 01609 777272 ...................................................................

19th December

n Easingwold District Lions Present: Carols in the Market Place 5.30-6.30pm. See p10 for full details. ...................................................................

From 24th January

n Panto: Robinson Crusoe & the Pirates This is a panto suitable for everyone and lots of fun and adventure as Robinson, his Mum Margarita Jucilita and Nutty Nick set sail. As in previous years all profits will go to local charities, over £130,00 has been raised since the Variety Company began their pantos in 1979.

The Forum, Northallerton.

Ticket Prices range from £6 to £9 and are available from The Forum.

Full dates and information online.

Tel. 01609 776230 www.forumnorthallerton.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 contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.jkanorth.com

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Christmas 2015 Thirsk Christmas Fayre is back!

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.

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!

27th - 29th November: www.thirskchristmasfayre.com

Ripon Ripon’s Annual Light Switch On Event is Saturday 21st November, to include entertainment from the Salvation Army and a well renowned local Rock Choir to lead the proceedings to the important 6pm, in which the Lights will be switched on by

Santa arrives early this year Northallerton Town Council and Barkers of Northallerton are delighted to announce that Santa Sunday will take place on 29th November 2015 from late morning.

There will be Christmas themed food and gift stalls, and a variety of activities on the High Street including small fairground rides, the purple play bus, donkeys for the children to pet and performances on the stage which will include local school choirs and Rock Choir amongst others. Northallerton Silver Band will be playing in the Town Hall in the afternoon and tea, coffee and mince pies will be served in the Upper Hall.

Santa will arrive on the double-decker bus at 2.30 pm, which is earlier this year. He will then take up residence in the grotto at the Town Hall until 4.30 pm.

As darkness falls a short carol service will take place outside the Town Hall which will finish with the lighting of the Christmas tree by the Mayor, Councillor John Forrest and Santa before he leaves the town to continue his Christmas journey.

Come along and join in the festivities and support your town.

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a surprise guest!

Meanwhile in Ripon on Saturday 21st November Ripon Cathedral are hosting their annual Food and Gift Christmas Fair, and Ripon Museums are also supporting these Ripon Events by opening their doors FREE to visitors!

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

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Exciting new season at Rural Arts A Taste of Art

Artist : Jane Littlefield Wed 9th Dec (10am – 1pm or 2pm – 5pm) Cost: £30 +£8 Materials (suitable for beginners) Come along to this glass-fusing workshop and create beautiful, unique glass Christmas decorations, using a variety of glass fusing techniques.

Observational Drawing-

Silver (PMC) Jewellery workshop

The Human Form Workshop

Artist : Kim Coley Sat 21st Nov (10am–4pm) Cost: £50 A day of drawing – projects to build confidence and encourage you to develop your own way of looking and seeing. Quick drawings in the morning and a longer pose in the afternoon.

Aladdin, Pocket Panto

Christmas Arts Market Workshop

Meringue Snowmen Family Workshop

Sat 28th and Sun 29th Nov (10am–4pm) A showcase of contemporary art and craft produced by local makers and the perfect venue for Christmas shopping! Enjoy live music whilst you browse. Free entry

Introduction to Bookbinding Workshop

Artist : Imogen Shaw Weds 2nd Dec (10am – 1pm or 2– 5pm) Cost: £25 incl materials Delve into a variety of bookbinding techniques and choose a style you like to design and create your own book!

Hey Clay! Day Sat 5th Dec (10am –4.30pm) Free event

(Thirsk Town Hall) Sun 20th Dec (1pm) Adults £6 | U18s £4 Enjoy the 10th anniversary of Pocket Panto with music, magic, mayhem and laughter, all wrapped up in a happy ever after.

Mon 21st & Tues 22nd Dec (10am-12noon) £2.50 per snowman Drop in for a yummy Christmas workshop in our café and decorate your own meringue snowman (best enjoyed with a hot chocolate!)

Christmas Decorations Family Workshop

Mon 21st & Tues 22nd Dec (1pm-3pm) £1.50 per decoration Come along and create your own decorations to hang from your Christmas tree at home!

An action packed day focused around clay! With live throwing and raku demonstrations, stalls, a ceramics exhibition and ‘ask the artist’, with artists including Fiona Mazza, Anna Whitehouse, Jackie Louise White and many more. There will also be workshops running throughout the day so you can have a go at your own clay piece to take home with you.

To reserve your place on the workshop call 01845 526536 or visit www.ruralarts.org

www.ruralarts.org / 01845 526536 The Old Courthouse, 4 Westgate, Thirsk, YO7 1QS

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Artist : Jane Burnley Fri 11th December (10am - 4pm) Cost: £65 +£20 Materials Learn how to make stunning silver jewellery (pendant/earrings or similar) using PMC, the amazing silver clay product. You will be able to make at least 2 or 3 pieces depending on size.

Porcelain Christmas Decorations Workshop

Artist : Fiona Mazza Mon 23rd Nov (10am–4pm) Cost: £50 Create your own festive ceramic decorations as a present for a special someone, or yourself!

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Glass Christmas Decorations

Every Weds from 4th Nov – 9th Dec (10.30am12noon) Rural Arts invites you to our ‘Taste of Art’ sessions.

These classes are specially designed for adults of all creative abilities and each session will allow you to develop and explore a given technique to your own ability and style. Workshops will include working with fabric and creating festive decorations for your home.

For all these events and many more, visit:www.ruralarts.org or call: 01845 526536

Please mention InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers

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

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GARDEN VIEW

Which Christmas Tree?

When we were kids my brother christened our rather sorry old artificial tree the Silver Lurch, on account of its colour and list.

Firs are the best choice for a British Christmas. If you want the best, and you can find one, plump for Abies Noblilis, the Noble Fir. In its perfect form it’s hard to beat: uniform in shape with more open branches on the top, its flat, short needles have amazing retention properties. It’s trickier to grow well than most other trees so expect to pay a bit of a premium.

Artificial trees have improved enormously since then but most gardeners do prefer the real thing. There’s something magical about bringing a bit of the outside indoors at this time of year.

Unfortunately trees were not meant to live in centrally-heated sitting rooms. It puts them under a lot of stress. So which trees survive Christmas best?

The Nordman Fir (Abies Nordmanniana) runs the Noble Fir a close second. It is easily available now as many tree growers invested heavily in the species. They are generally cheaper than the Noble Fir so a good choice if cost is an issue. The Fraser Fir and the lemon-scented Douglas Fir are also worth seeking out.

Well there are several species available to the British public. The main choices are between pines, spruces and firs.

The traditional Christmas tree is Picea Abies, the Norway Spruce. Most popular they may be but they are actually least suited to the conditions inside the average home. Spruces are much more prone to shed needles than firs or pines.

Pinus Sylvestris and Pinus Contorta are respectively better known as the Scots Pine and the Lodgepole Pine. Their longer needles hold well but do make hanging decorations a bit tricky for small fingers, which is worth noting if your children like to help. If that’s not an issue the widely spaced branches show off larger baubles very well. The Corsican Pine (pinus Nigra Laricio) is not as common but has similar properties.

Once you have your tree, make a fresh cut across its trunk and give it a good drink of tepid water before bringing it inside. Secure it properly in a specially made base which is the right size for your tree! A toppled six foot tree, a couple of gallons of water and a hundred or so baubles make a seriously large mess...I know this to be true because several Christmases ago I was the person clearing it all up at 2 in the morning...don’t make my mistake! Merry Christmas!

By Rachel Leverton

Eco-Friendly?

• • • •

For true eco-friendliness buy British-grown trees.

Most councils offer a Christmas tree shredding service. The shreddings are then composted.

Artificial trees are generally non-biodegradable.

Christmas tree farms act as a carbon sink, fixing environmental carbon dioxide

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Magical Sleigh Rides with Elf Airlines For a truly magical Christmas experience for the entire family visit Piglets Adventure Farm in Towthorpe. Choose daytime or special evening Sleigh Rides from 5th December to 24th December.

Check-in at Elf Airlines and board Santa’s Sonic Sleigh which will take you through Lapland and Santa’s magical twinkling Woodland Village. Don’t forget to keep a look out for the Donkeys in the stable!

Share your Christmas wish with Santa when you stop off at Santa’s Grotto. You’ll be given a very special Magic Key to

unlock Santa’s amazing Toy Shop and choose a perfect present from a huge selection.

You’ll see festive rabbits and guinea pigs in the Nativity Scene and can enjoy delicious food, mulled spice drinks and mince pies at Santa’s Tepee.

Tickets for Sleigh Rides to Santa’s Woodland Village start from £8.95 per Child and £4.95 per Adult which includes the entire magical Christmas experience and a gift from Santa’s Toy Shop.

ONLINE BOOKING - PRE-BOOKED TICKETS ONLY - LIMITED AVAILABILITY Book today at: www.pigletsfarmpark.co.uk Tel: 01904 499183

Thirsk Clock Update

2 Dates for your diary!

The Clock’s Annual General Meeting 23rd November 2015, 6.30pm at The Clock

The Watermill, Carlton Miniott, Thirsk are holding a fundraising dinner for The Clock on 20th February 2016.

Further details are on www.theclock.org 01845 524494 | www.theclock.org | St James Green, Thirsk, YO7 1AQ

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The Great

Christmas Eve Countdown

Whilst it’s not a public holiday, many people across the UK choose to take Christmas Eve off work to do last minute preparations and take part in special activities.

turkey oven ready too by placing an onion and oranges in the cavity, greasing the skin, wrapping with bacon and putting it in the baking tray with foil. Just make sure you keep it out of the way of curious pets!

Many Christians attend church services ranging from special family-based events, to the traditional Midnight Mass.

In other countries, the opening of presents is part of the Christmas Eve celebrations along with a large meal enjoyed with family and friends. In the UK many spend Christmas Eve delivering gifts to friends and relatives, if of course they are not rushing round the shops perhaps having made a deliberate decision to buy at the last minute because many shops now start their sales early!

Many choose to spend at least part of the day at home watching Christmas movies, listening to festive CDs and doing everything they can to ensure that Christmas Day goes perfectly. Most vegetables can be peeled and left safely in saucepans of cold water overnight. Fiddly jobs such as wrapping bacon around the sausages for pigs in blankets and preparing stuffing and sauces can also be done. You can get your

If you have a frozen turkey you will need to start the defrosting on Christmas Eve. This is also the time to bring any other items out of the freezer- such as pre baked mince pies. Just try to resist the temptation to eat them all the same day.

Some starters can also be made and stored in the fridge, and for those not wanting Christmas pudding other deserts can be cooked and then reheated on Christmas Day. Many people take great delight in laying the table carefully.

While youngsters may be out partying until the small hours, those in charge of the Christmas Day festivities and those with young excited children are well advised to get to bed at a sensible time; it is unlikely that you will enjoy Christmas Day if you are over tired and irritable.

Only one more sleep until Christmas.

Season’s Greetings. ..............................................................................................

By Susan Brookes-Morris

Excellent Eggnog When I was a little girl I was addicted to old American Christmas films (actually I still am).

People always seemed to be drinking eggnog, and it sounded cosy and Christmassy and very American, and though actually I had no idea what it was I longed to drink it too.

In fact eggnog traces its roots back to a 14th century England drink called posset. This was a drink of hot milk curdled with ale (bleurgh). Later in history eggs were added. Milk and eggs were expensive commodities in England and so the drink went out of fashion. When the American colonies were formed there was land a-plenty for chickens and cows and so it regained popularity over there.

The American plantations, sustained by slaves, meant that rum was plentiful too and the drink became alcoholic and was enjoyed by the masses.

In spite of its highly questionable history it remains for me the epitome of a festive drink – creamy and sweet; a Christmas cuddle in a glass.

Preparation time: 20 minutes plus cooling and chilling time Serves 8

Method In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine milk, cream, cinnamon, vanilla bean, vanilla seeds, and nutmeg.

Bring slowly to the boil. As soon as it boils remove from the heat and leave to cool so the flavours can infuse.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick and ribbons form when the whisk is lifted. Strain the milk mixture then slowly whisk it into the egg and sugar mixture and continue to mix until everything is combined and smooth. Add the rum or brandy, and stir. Refrigerate overnight if serving chilled.

The argument rages over whether eggnog should be served chilled or warm. Personally I like it warm but chilled is good too.

Either way, serve and garnish with whipped cream if desired, grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

700ml whole milk (I’ve tried it with semi skimmed and it works well too) 240ml double cream 3 cinnamon sticks 1 vanilla bean pod, split and seeds removed 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish 5 yolks, separated 130g granulated sugar 175ml Dark Rum or brandy Cinnamon sticks for garnish

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Be there

for Bono

Poor Bono has been living in kennels for over 500 days.

Top tips for the winter season

His owner was sadly ill and so Bono was placed in boarding kennels.

Sadly his owner died and so now Bono needs a new home but has so far been overlooked by potential owners.

• 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.

He is a five-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier who loves to be around people. A typical terrier he likes to run around with his play toys and give them a good old shake. He loves his walks too, but insists on saying hello to everyone he meets. If you can offer Bono a place by the fire he will love you forever.

• 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.

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

For more information about the homeless pets looking for homes at Blue Cross in Thirsk visit: www.bluecross.org.uk.

• Salt and grit can also be harmful to dogs and irritate their paws.

After walks, wash their feet and make sure there is nothing

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The website also has lots of advice and more pet care tips.

Blue Cross wishes readers and pets a very merry Christmas!

Opening Hours

Address

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

Mondays and bank holidays: closed

Parklands, Station Road, Topcliffe, Thirsk, YO7 3SE Tel: 0300 777 1540 Fax: 0300 777 1541 Email: thirsk@bluecross.org.uk

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Family Christmas Quiz Relax and chill out. Get the family together and see if you can crack our Annual Family Christmas Quiz.

Good Luck, Wishing All Readers a Happy and Joyous Festive Season – John Harris 1. The discoverer of Uranus.

2. Which vowel is the only letter not on the top row of a Querty keyboard?

3. Which King of England was killed by an arrow in the eye?

4. The 3rd longest serving monarch of Britain?

5. Signed by King John at Runnymede in 1214?

6. Where does the President of the United States live?

7. The shortest serving monarch of Britain?

8. The first football team to win both the FA Cup and the League in the same season?

9. The first country to win the World Cup at football?

10. Which chess piece can only move diagonally?

11. A film about a miner’s son who wanted to be a ballet dancer?

12. He was an academic who captained England at Football and Cricket in addition to holding the world long jump record?

13. Gloucestershire lad played for England at Football and Cricket?

14. Who was caught trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament?

15. From what tree do acorns grow?

16. Once known as Peking?

17. What term in tennis is used for 40-40?

18. When do Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall in the same year?

19. Capital of Australia?

20. Who painted the Mona Lisa?

21. What turns red in acid and blue in an alkali?

22. A large desert situated in North Africa?

23. Which famous horse race is run at Cheltenham in the spring?

24. Capital of Iceland?

25. Name the wizard in the days of King Arthur 26. The longest serving President of the United States of America?

27. The shortest serving President of the United States of America?

28. Which character has a nose that grows longer every time he tells a lie?

29. The second man to set foot on the Moon?

30. The last man to set foot on the Moon?

31. The most common element on Earth?

32. Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable?

33. Unscramble these letters for the name of a superhero: MNATBA 34. What is a Stradivarius?

35. How many sides does a nonagon have?

36. What are Prince George’s middle names?

37. Name the recreated theatre from Shakespeare’s time in London 38. Who wrote Peter Pan? 39. Name the two families in Romeo and Juliet 40. What is the most southerly point on mainland Britain?

Answers on p30.

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Lamb Inn: p6 Wiltshire Farm Foods: p19 Funeral Services Hill Brothers: p5 Dales of Thirsk Memorials: p4 Furniture Brian Jones Upholstery: p10 Broadacres Furniture Store: p8 Love Thy Interiors: p9 Gardening & Outdoors RM Landscapes & Design: p23 Gifts Cathedral Court Medals: p9 Granary Picture Framing: p1 Kristina’s: p13 Planet Jewels Accessories: p15 Spectrum Framing & Gallery: p5 Well Heeled: p3 Hair & Beauty Beauty Within: p3 Hair Secrets: p15 Helen Foster Mobile Hairdresser: p14 Nails By Carolyn: p15 Samantha Dodson: p13 Healthcare & Wellbeing Clock Tower Dental: p21 Holistic Therapies: p15 Life Alignment: p15 Samaritans: p5

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Home & Interiors Brian Jones Upholstery: p10 Court Homemakers: p2 Dales of Thirsk: p8 Dream Doors: p3 Easingwold Bathrooms: p10 Finesse Interiors: p8 Granary Picture Framing: p27 Love Thy Interiors: p9 Rooms By Design: p11 Searles Carpets: p1 Thirsk Decorating Centre: p1 Spectrum Framing & Gallery: p5 Kitchen & Bathrooms Court Homemakers: p2 Dales of Thirsk: p8 Dream Doors: p3 Easingwold Bathrooms: p10 Jefferson Wade: p1 Nigel Atkinsons Bathroom Emporium: p4 Rooms By Design: p11 Logs / Trees Brian Pask Hardwood Logs: p23 Dawnay Farm Xmas Trees: p17 PJ Taylor Forestry: p23 Motoring Station Autos: p29

Quiz Answers:

1. William Herschel 2. Letter A 3. Harold 4. George 111 (1761-1820) 5. Magna Carta 6. White House 7. Lady Jane Grey (9 days) 8. Preston North End (1888/89) 9. Uruguay 10. Bishop 11. Billy Elliot 12. C.B. Fry

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Pets & Animals Abbotsway Kennels: p13 Skeldale Vets: p26 Property Maintenance ADI Communications: p10 Aerial Services York: p31 AVE Aerials: p23 Cloudy 2 Clear: p29 Handy Andy: p30 JT Joinery: p23 Keepsafe Windows: p31 Lowmac Builders: p23 Resin Drives: p32 T. G & H Harper Builders Ltd: p23 Wizard Builders: p31 Safety North Yorkshire Road Safety: p28 Solar Power Peak Power Systems: p31 Sport & Leisure Venture Cycles: p17 Weddings Bridal Factory Outlet: p21 Windows Cloudy 2 Clear: p29 Keepsafe Windows: p31

13. Arthur Milton 14. Guy Fawkes 15. Oak tree 16. Beijing 17. Deuce 18. Every year 19. Canberra 20. Leonardo da Vinci 21. Litmus paper 22. Sahara 23. Gold Cup 24. Reykjavik 25. Merlin 26. Franklin D Roosevelt 27. William Henry

Harrison 28. Pinocchio 29. Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin 30. Eugene A Cernan 31. Hydrogen 32. Fruit 33. Batman 34. Violin 35. 9 36. Alexander Louis 37. Globe 38. J.M. Barrie 39. Montague and Capulet 40. Lizard Point

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