Hillam News Feb - Mar 2012

1

The voice of Hillam village. founded 1989 by mary little . Delivered free to all homes in hillam. Volume 24, Issue 1. February–March 2012

A tale of two buildings The Blue Bell – RIP It is generally agreed that Monk Fryston and Hillam are well balanced vibrant villages, with a community spirit which is the envy of people who live elsewhere. Our villages have a lot going for them and, as residents can see for themselves, they are becoming more and more desirable places to live and bring up families.

But not every aspect of village life is on the up and up.

The Blue Bell has, like many other village pubs, suffered in recent years from anti-pub Government legislation and over ambitious entrepreneurial companies, the pubcos. These factors have combined with changing lifestyles and alienation of local clients and brought a village institution to its financial and social knees.

Rumours are that the Blue Bell’s doors will finally close this spring and that the pub will be converted into a house.

This would be a sad loss of a village facility, but it may be better to have a proud, well maintained building on our high street rather than a sad, run-down reminder of the past. We still have two pubs, a hotel, post office, doctors’ surgery and a variety of shops.

The message is simple – use them or lose them.

A new chapter for Cherry Tree Farm Anyone who has walked up Austfield Lane recently cannot fail to have noticed the hive of activity at Cherry Tree Farm.

We are delighted to report that it has been bought by a local couple, Chris and Katie Grech-Cini, who have battled through the morass of legal complexities which defeated many before them who previously tried to buy the property. They have also succeeded in getting the agricultural restriction lifted. Indeed, Chris acknowledged that if it hadn’t been for Katie’s tenacity, he too would have thrown in the towel.

They were kind enough to show our reporter round. A substantial remodelling and refurbishment is currently underway. After clearing out six large skip loads of fly-tipping from both within and around the house, they and their builders are now working at full tilt to get their new home ready for them to move in. Indicative of the property’s chequered history, perhaps, was the handgun found in the roof during the internal renovation work.

Another visitor who was delighted to see the renovations underway was the builder and original owner, who reminisced about the now lost cherry trees originally planted along the drive, and which gave the property its name.

Chris and Katie currently live in Fairburn with their children Lewis, Alex and Lydia. Chris used to live in Burton Salmon at Keeper’s Cottage, and initially went to Burton Salmon School.

They are very much looking forward to moving to Hillam.

Also in this issue…

The Hillam precedent - is it going to be repeated?

Hillam Lights - we need your help Western Area Community Engagement Forum - get involved and make a difference

We’ve never had it so good - our new correspondent discusses Tea with the Queen - a very special invitation

Christmas quiz - the results 101 or 999? - we let you know Sport-in-news - our very own columnist ponders sporting issues

Turbines - they are on their way to a village near you

Eating out - a double-header

Issue editor - Andrew Scott Also available at http://www.issuu.com/hillamnews HILLAM EWS is financed by advertising revenue and the generosity of contributors, photocopiers and distributors. If you have an article for publication, please phone David Atkinson on 684577 or email to dsa99uk@yahoo.co.uk.

Advertising enquiries to David Edwards on 682346 or exSite@talktalk.net.

2

IN AND AROUND OUR VILLAGE Western Area Community Engagement Forum

No foundation to planning delay rumours

Monk Fryston School Tuesday 7th February 6 pm

Selby Council’s (SDC’s) Site Allocations Development Plan Document (SADPD), which in its draft form contains plans to allow 60 houses on Foundation Field, Monk Fryston, has not yet been finalised. SDC’s 15-year Core Strategy is held up by legal arguments, which centre on objections from Sam Smith’s Brewery. The brewery wants to stop building in or near the green belt at Tadcaster, whilst a governmentappointed Planning Inspector wants more houses to be built in the SDC area.

The regular local forum where you can raise issues and get action taken to resolve them. The next meeting will be held at Monk Fryston School so there is no reason not to attend.

The forum will open at 6 pm to give you time to look at stalls providing information on funding for projects, volunteer schemes and community broadband – three topics which are very relevant to Hillam. You can also have an informal chat with the police and the fire service about such things as local crime and speeding.

The formal session will start at about 6.30 pm with presentations and progress reports on action taken to resolve issues raised at previous meetings.

An example of an issue which has been addressed and resolved by the forum is the parking restriction imposed by the Co-op in Sherburn. The forum took the matter up with the Co-op and got the time limit for parking increased to 2 hours. The system is now working well.

Heavy work down Stocking Lane Hillam cricketers have completed another stage in their pavilion development. Loads of hard core were delivered and levelled in the car park mid-November. The area affected consisted of a rectangle between the main gate and the east wall of the building. There is now a usable compacted base capable of improvement when funds allow. Next phase will be to add the final surface of planed tarmac, sometime this year.

Congratulations!

David and Kate Cockayne of Rose Lea House have a son – his name is Edmund Henry, and he was born in York District Hospital on 14th November, weighing 7lbs 11ozs.

Congratulations from the Hillam 'ews team to our occasional restaurant reporters, Holmes and Watson. The editor now understands why David and Kate’s gastronomic tour has tailed off, but hopes our foodie column will resume soon.

An unexpected Christmas present for Charlotte and Jason and their wider families was the arrival on Christmas morning of identical twins Hattie and Tilly Wells-Thompson, who weighed in four weeks early at 5lbs 1oz and 4lbs 8ozs respectively.

Mum and babies are doing well and all were back home within a few days.

The delay has nothing to do with local issues, and proposals for development in Hillam and Monk Fryston remain unchanged.

Not quite a New Year Honour, but…

Jenny Hoare has been invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party. The first question might be, ‘How do you earn such an honour?’ Well, Jenny obviously knows. She has had to decline, because you can’t attend twice and she has already taken tea with the Queen.

Jenny said she was flabbergasted. Even if she is unable to drive down the Mall she is quite rightly revelling in the sheer pleasure of receiving the invitation. Both Hillam Historians and Hillam 'ews can feel the warmth of some reflected glory. The discerning people who advise Her Majesty have recognised that the former, with its wide range of projects in local renovation, research and publication, and the latter, with its reputation for high standards in dealing with important local issues, are worthy of an accolade.

Recycling at the Community Centre Income from the recycling bins at the Community Centre over the last year was £688.

This is a valuable source of income for Community Association funds.

A big thank-you to all who bring their recyclable items to the banks.

3

OTHER LOCAL NEWS A new initiative for St Wilfrid’s It is several years now since the Parochial Church Council (PCC) last asked regular worshippers and friends of St Wilfrid’s to review their giving, or for new churchgoers and supporters to consider giving on a regular basis, where possible using the Gift Aid Scheme.

Unfortunately, with ever increasing commitments the Church’s income no longer covers the annual cost of running and maintaining this outstanding Grade I listed building with its surrounds. In particular the PCC has known for some time that the main roof and tower are both in need of substantial structural repairs. The cost is estimated between £150,000 and £190,000.

These works need to be undertaken sooner rather than later for the Church to be a major focal point of village life and to continue to serve the communities of Monk Fryston, Hillam and Burton Salmon.

The PCC is launching a new initiative under the TRIO banner.

This is a stewardship programme which has been successfully operated in over thirty parishes within the Diocese of York, as a means of raising awareness and improving giving. TRIO stands for The Responsibility Is Ours, and it is now the turn of St Wilfrid’s to embrace it. A team of local people has been formed to run the programme during 2012, beginning in April and culminating in a series of events in October. Stuart Wroe, vice chair of the PCC, is to lead the team.

If you think that you can help in any way, please contact him on 672229.

Leaving Hillam?

If you are leaving Hillam, Why not take out a hillam News subscription for two years? twelve issues for only £12.00 including postage.

Please send payment and your name and address to the treasurer.

Church walk Saturday 25th February 2012 Venue: Blyth (south of Bawtry) We walk over grass tracks via Hodstock Priory to the village of Carlton-in-Lindrick. On the return to Blyth, we walk through the Priory grounds to view the snowdrops and complete the 6.5 mile walk.

Meet in the centre of Blyth opposite the Co-op supermarket, at 10.15 am for a 10.30 am start.

Please bring food and a drink. Travel south on the A1 to junction 34, then take the B6045 into Blyth. Allow about 40 minutes from Monk Fryston.

NOTE: There is a short walk of 2.5 miles only, to view the snowdrops at the Priory.

Any questions, please contact Paddy or Stuart on 684180.

Burton Salmon phoenix Burton Salmon cricketers have been presented with an autographed cricket bat by Selby MP Nigel Adams, after they won the Selby Times Cricketing Hero competition.

The bat is signed by ten international cricketers (plus the MP).

The club gained most votes in a postal poll supervised by correspondent Charles Gardner. In September their changing rooms, pavilion and tea room were destroyed by vandals.

The club has fought back and already has a fortified converted site office in place. At the presentation ceremony, Chairman Mark Pawson thanked everyone who had voted for the club.

Members of Hillam and Monk Fryston Cricket Club supported and voted for Burton Salmon in the poll.

4

RINGTREE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS What a great night seemed to be had by all at the annual lights switch-on event round the Ringtree in December. Santa surprised everyone with his arrival at Carter’s Cottage, and he was soon in residence with Mrs Santa in the grotto distributing free selection boxes to delighted children. Our thanks go to Lee Furness for his kind donation of all the selection boxes.

Knottingley Concert Band wasn’t snowed out this year, and it was fabulous to hear their traditional sounds again adding a touch of brass to the festivities. Accompanying them were the talented Fairburn Singers who again led the carol singing with gusto. Thanks to both for providing so much atmosphere to the event. We must also thank Kevin Pease for his superb compering skills. He expertly kept everything on track on the night.

Stepping into the shoes of Trevor Gowthorpe, who had been the compere for years, was going to be a mighty challenge – one which Kevin took effortlessly in his stride.

The children all seemed to enjoy the chance to scramble round the fire engine which was there along with firefighters from Selby. Of course, St John Ambulance first aiders joined us too – fortunately, their mere presence seems to prevent accidents or incidents! And special thanks go to Balfour Beatty in Selby who supplied the barriers for free.

We must thank all the refreshment makers and servers. The mulled wine was on top form again this year (thank you, Mark and Kathy), as were all the soups on offer. Without the road marshals the event would not take place safely. Many stand on the peripheries of the Square, too far away to see what’s going on, so miss out themselves so that families can remain safe from cars coming through – thank you to them all.

There are so many more people we should thank, but this isn’t the Oscars. Everyone involved should have received a personal thank-you from us by now and know how much your contribution has meant.

Faulty lights There’s no use beating round the bush (or Ringtree): we are all bitterly disappointed about the dismal light show on the main tree this Christmas. Firstly, the lights were reaching the end of their predicted life though we had hoped for at least another year

from them. Then, gales in September and November battered them. Finally, a last-minute attempt to replace some strands in December didn’t work, with further gales throughout December.

Members of the self-styled ‘Light Brigade’ were out almost every day trying to keep them going. However, there is nothing we can do but replace them. This is going to be an expensive business – about £2,000 is needed. We could maybe stretch to it though this would not leave enough money to run the 2012 switch-on event. We have asked Hillam Parish Council to help with this one-off cost and are currently waiting to hear the outcome of our application. Hopefully, there will be more to tell by the next issue of Hillam 'ews.

Dark future?

It’s not all dark news, although money is a huge worry for us.

From our item in the last Hillam 'ews, people have stepped forward with ideas and offers of help. Each person should have heard from a committee member by the time you read this.

Numbers for the 100 Club – our main means of funding – have dropped to a record low. At the time of writing it was a mere 71.

This is simply not enough to fund the lights and event in the future. We have calculated a £500 shortfall for 2012. We are working hard to see how we can cut costs without compromising the lights themselves, or the switch-on night. Given we operate on a shoestring, with most of the goods and time given free, it is a tough job.

So please, if you enjoy the lights and the event night, join the 100 Club. It is just £12 per year – the equivalent of £1 per month.

Plus, you stand a chance of winning that money back as we operate monthly draws with three cash prizes (£20, £10 and £5).

Do it now: fill in the form below and help us keep Hillam’s lights on next Christmas. Completed forms should be returned to Karen Everson (3 Prospect Close) or Karen Merry (12 Hillside Close). If you can’t get out to drop off your form, text or call 0786 778 7881 for a free collection service.

Lastly, we wish you all a happy 2012 – and look forward to seeing you on Saturday 1st December gathered round the Ringtree with some mulled wine, looking out for Santa!

The Ringtree Christmas Lights Committee

5

Précis of PC minutes for the meeting November 2011 Finances Current a/c £651.93 High interest a/c £10,048.82 Cheques drawn: Burial Board £425.00 - 2nd half-year precept CSR Electrical £186.46 - street light repairs MH Walton £180.00 - October salary HM Revenue £45.00 - October PAYE J Collinson £17.00 - wreath Clerk requested £1,000 be transferred to current account.

Members agreed that the precept for 2012/13 remain the same as last year.

Correspondence in SDC - clerk advising 2012/13 precept requirements Hanover Housing - confirming agreement to PC storing a grit bin at Manor Court NYCC Highways - amendments to winter gritting routes for 2011/12 CAB - request for support; it was agreed to defer decision until February when other financial requests may have been received SDC - SADP Gypsy and Traveller Site Review

Planning matters Applications: Mr C J Vickers - extension and alteration to existing accommodation over garage to provide dependent relative annexe. No objections.

Mr David Platt - erection of wind turbine and associated infrastructure, Northfield Farm, Roe Lane, Birkin.

Decisions: Mr K Pilkington - 2-storey side extension following demolition of existing conservatory at Yew House. Granted.

Mr C Johnson - development of show people’s quarters. Appeal dismissed and planning permission refused.

Environment Cllr Robertson reported that a horse was seen being ridden on the pathway. Cllr Robertson to speak with the rider’s parent and ask

that the practice cease from a health and safety point of view.

Cllr Lorriman reported no news from SDC in respect of Honey Pot Field. He had contacted the new Community Officers to investigate unauthorised encampment on the site where it is believed there is permanent residency. Cllr Lorriman to contact Cllr Mackman to highlight the problem not addressed by SDC.

Reports Burial Committee Refurbishment work of cemetery gates will be undertaken immediately after work on the war memorial is completed.

Poppy wreath provided through Cllr Collinson, who suggested contribution to the Help the Heroes Remembrance Day collection. £25 agreed.

Community Association Cllr Robertson reported that suggested provision of library facilities had been discussed and rejected. Imminent events: village bonfire and support for South Milford bonfire. MFPC proposing a grant of £1,500 towards running costs of the CA.

CEF Meeting Cllr Lorriman distributed a report of the Sept CEF meeting to members and also advised that the PC could seek funding for the specific purchase of a grit bin. Clerk to action.

6

Précis of PC minutes for the meeting December 2011 Matters arising Cllr Robertson concluded the matter re the horse being ridden on the pavement, having discussed with the owner of the animal.

Cllr Collinson requested that Mr Watherston be allowed to take a limited quantity of grit salt held at Manor Court to use on the roadway at the corner of Betteras Hill Rd. Members agreed.

Cllr Sadler reported 21 volunteers recruited, and asked for £100 to purchase a quantity of snow-clearing equipment. Members approved.

Reports Burial Committee. Cllr Collinson discussed with the clerk VAT matters related to the imminent refurbishment work to the cemetery gates.

Community Association. Cllr Robertson reported that the

Finances Current a/c High interest a/c Cheques drawn: MH Walton Glasdon Ltd MH Walton HM Revenue SG Parkin MF Church

He will make enquiries.

Cllr C Mackman has been requested to advise on how Neighbourhood Planning will affect the PC.

£606.31 £9,049

£105 - rock salt £214 - salt bin £180 - November salary £45 - November tax £415 - grass cutting £150 - contribution to refurbishing war memorial SLCC £72 - subscription Cllr Sadler £100 - purchase of equipment CSR Electrical £149 - street lighting repairs Cllr Wright £10.00 - plants £1,000 to be transferred to current a/c.

Precept request for 2012/13 submitted to SDC; first payment expected before 30th April £5,647.50.

well-attended bonfire raised approximately £1,800. Poor acoustics in the CA are to be addressed. Olympic Torch is to be paraded through Monk Fryston. Queen’s Jubilee celebrations under consideration, involving MFPC suggestion of the erection of a PC shared cost church tower beacon totalling £300.

Additional committee member sought from HPC; to be discussed February.

CEF meeting. Cllr Lorriman provided a brief report – SDC may cover winter gritting insurance issues; Cllr Pearson has been approached with the aim of getting the gritting of Austfield Lane higher priority. 6ext CEF meeting scheduled to be held at MF School Tuesday 7th February 6 pm.

Next HPC meeting 1st February 7.30 pm, Community Centre.

High speed broadband

Correspondence in Cllr Sadler - risk assessment, snow clearing procedures Came and Co - advice document of snow clearance Cllr Lorriman - advising of unauthorised encampment on Roe Lane; details passed to SDC Resident G Lyndon - expressing concerns re planning application for wind turbine at Northfield Farm Hillam Lights Committee - requesting details of applying for financial assistance

Planning matters Application. Mr David Platt - 66.7m wind turbine at Northfield Farm. PC objection remains as previously advised to SDC Planning.

Decision. Mr T Cannon - proposed change of use of land and permanent permission for the siting of existing caravans and outbuildings currently having temporary permission. Temporary usage extended to 2014.

Environment Wind farms - regular updates in Hillam 'ews and from Howard Ferguson’s website.

Cllr Lorriman suggested that a covered area could be provided for local youths to congregate, and funding may be available.

Hi everyone I received the email below, about broadband, from one of our members, and would be pleased to receive your comments.

I have no idea of the cost per household, but if there is sufficient interest more information can be sought.

Regards Tony Hudson Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator Community Association Secretary Would the Community Association have any interest in bringing high speed broadband to the village? The service in this area varies between poor and unusable. A small village in Rutland installed its own system, which provides 20 MB to all users for a moderate cost per house/business. So many of us now work from home or are involved in activities which require the Internet.

I think it would add value to homes if you could advertise high speed connections when selling a property.

Is it worth exploring?

7

HILLAM HISTORIANS Looking back The most significant happening for us in 2011 has been the loss of two more of our dear friends, Freda Webster and Geoff Woodall, both of whom were founder members. They, as well as Ralph Atkins and Ruth Kelsey whom we lost at the end of the previous year, will continue to be much missed by us all.

We hope to take comfort from the words of Freda’s grandson in his tribute, “You can shed a tear for their passing, or smile for having had the pleasure of sharing their lives.”

Though the circumstances were sad, it was rewarding to have the reserve of personal recollections of our departed members stored in our oral history files. When eulogising and celebrating their lives we were able to call upon these memories and share them with other villagers through Hillam 'ews.

The last twelve months have seen the development and the realisation of our members’ projects, and also ventures into new fields.

Jenny and Stuart Hoare’s research into the ancient texts relating to the history of cricket in Hillam culminated in their findings being completed, as planned, in time for the opening of the new pavilion. As well as being reported in the local papers, they were published in the commemorative programme celebrating the grand opening.

Valerie Richardson and Vivienne Wilkinson, abetted by Shirley Sutcliffe, have now finished their research articles illustrating the life of a farming family over a century, from 1850 to the 1950s, along with the background farming practices and village activities which would have underpinned the family’s lives.

Peter Watkinson has set up a remote storage site which facilitates the central collection and sharing of photos and documents.

As ever, the village website is the major conduit for enquiries from afar and, through a combination of local knowledge and Paul Scholey’s research skills, we try to assist enquirers as much as possible. Paul has also continued to expand a genealogical archive of local families.

Members of the the Pump Group – Cyril Pickup, Mike Thornton, Paul Scholey and Neal Wilson – had an unexpectedly busy day helping a constant stream of enthusiasts when the pump was opened for Scarecrow Weekend. They also had an evening opening, when the excited Brownie pack came to experience life as it would have been a hundred years ago, as part of their local

www.hillam www.hillam--village.co.uk

history project. The new sign post has been installed, so the Group now has, literally, a secure base for future plans.

Our contribution to the Summer Fair, a collection of traditional games arranged by Betty Wright, was much appreciated and, in the post-fair discussion meeting, very positively commented upon as being extremely family-friendly.

2011 was the bicentenary of the Inclosure Award. The celebrations we organised gave us the opportunity to have an open social meeting, to show and share a range of artefacts and recent research, as well as for us all to find out more through our visiting lecturer’s presentation about village life in pre-enclosure feudal times. The evening was much enjoyed by all who attended.

We are all related to Cyril Pickup if we go back far enough When Lorraine Hodges-Chant found Hillam 'ews, as a result of a Google search for the Chequers Inn, Monk Fryston, a familiar sequence of events ensued. She had forefathers in nineteenthcentury Monk Fryston and the name Pickup came up straight away. Her grandfather with several greats, Preston Hirst, was married to Jane Pickup. My great-grandfather was also married to a Jane Pickup and I wondered if there was a mistake somewhere. Then I remembered that there was a Pickup round every corner in nineteenth-century Monk Fryston. (See previous articles in Hillam 'ews about Nicholson Pickup, and Pauline Pickup locating her 200th Pickup – at the latest count she had achieved 257.)

As Lorraine clarifies: ‘My Jane was the daughter of Robert and yours the daughter of his brother Richard, so somewhere down the line we are related.’ We are of course also related to Cyril and Pauline Pickup.

If you go back far enough we are all related.

Lorraine adds in a recent message: ‘The cottage on the left in the Mill Close windmill picture (see Hillam, a village remembered) is where Preston Hirst lived in 1881. My family are buried in Monk Fryston cemetery. I have visited and photographed the graves. Preston is buried with his parents Thomas and Sarah Hirst and his sister Emma, who married Job Longbottom.’

David Atkinson

8

NATIONAL CELEBRATION The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee - 4th June 2012 June 2012 is shaping up to be a memorable month for the residents of Hillam and Monk Fryston, with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations getting the month off to a cracking start, followed by the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Olympic Torch, and then soon after by the village Summer Fair. As one of our residents said on BBC Look North recently, “We like a party in the village”, and June promises to be a month of “real good dos”.

At its first meeting of the year the Community Association decided to inform both Parish Councils that it would take the lead and organise an event to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, and support them on the Olympic Torch celebration, whilst continuing to participate in the much loved Summer Fair. Quite what will happen on June 4th is not yet decided, but one thing is certain – it will be memorable. So put the date in your diary and watch out for more information.

Everyone will recall the big investments and improvements last year to the Community Centre and playground. The CA committee has looked carefully at its financial plan and the Centre users’ requirements, and given the go-ahead to complete the second phase of the project. The long awaited renovation and upgrade of the ladies’ toilet will take place during the Easter holidays. There will be new storage facilities for Centre users.

Unfortunately, despite spending £35K on playground improvements last year, this year has brought bad news. Our health and safety checks have brought to light a number of issues which we are now trying to find resources to rectify. We have submitted requests for funding to Hillam Parish Council as part of their new initiative to use some of their financial reserves to support local groups. We are also working with Monk Fryston Parish Council to see where they can help with the playground costs as part of their new commitment to help fund community recreational facilities.

The really bad news, which everyone will shortly see, is that when we carry out the recommended health and safety maintenance on the children’s swings, we will have to reduce the number of swings. We are sorry to have to take this action but unfortunately there is no alternative. We already have a quotation of approximately £13,000 to remove and replace the three sets of swings. This is currently beyond the financial capability of the Association.

Going forward, our aim is to ensure all the CA facilities comply with health and safety requirements, also to finish off last year’s projects and then, in consultation with village residents, to determine how to raise the funds required.

So, as usual at the Community Association, there is plenty to do, challenges to overcome and fun to be had.

Hillam and Monk Fryston Community Association

9

LOCAL CRIME Calling the police on 101 or 999 North Yorkshire police have a new number for non emergency calls – 101. Easy to remember and easy to dial. There is also a standard call charge of 15 pence, however long you are on the line – even from a mobile.

In our exclusive article we explain which number to use in what circumstances.

Call 999 – if you have a real emergency, which could be a fire, a medical emergency or a crime. These calls are put through direct to the police control room, and if it is not an emergency they will give you a hard time and ask you to call 101.

An emergency would be if somebody was in real danger from criminal activity or if a crime was in progress. It is not an emergency if you are reporting a burglary or other incident which has taken place. It is not an emergency if you see suspicious behaviour but haven’t actually seen a crime being committed.

Call 101 – to report suspicious behaviour or a crime that has happened and there is no sign of the people responsible. This could be a strange vehicle in the wrong place, damage done to property, or signs of an attempted break-in. Please report all suspicious events and provide as much information as possible.

The police rely on people providing them with information about suspicious events – it all gets logged and used to build up a pattern of behaviour and gets fed into crime analysis. They will be grateful for your information, so please report anything you see which is suspicious. However, for it to be of value, you will need to provide details such as a vehicle number and description of people involved. You should also ask for an incident number. If you need to call back with further information the incident number provides quick reference.

If the situation develops into a crime being committed you should use 999 to get through direct to the control room.

We hope that you never have to call either 999 or 101 but if you do, please call the right number.

Saturday night, Sunday morning Overnight on 10th/11th December, burglars were active in Prospect Close, Hillam, breaking into one house and the garage of another, stealing property and causing damage. If anyone saw or heard anything suspicious on the Saturday evening, please ring the police on 101.

Church thefts Church thieves are not going just for lead on the roof.

North Yorkshire churches have reported furniture thefts.

Intruders are on the lookout for Mousey Thompson furniture, and tables and chairs valued up to £3,000.00 have been taken.

Robert Thompson’s work can be seen in many Yorkshire churches including York Minister. He designed Burton Salmon War Memorial.

Prearranged handover A man claiming to be from Lloyds Bank telephoned a customer of the bank stating he had a new debit card for the customer.

The caller confirmed the customer’s bank details, then went to the customer’s home where he exchanged the legitimate card for a fake one. The bogus bank employee subsequently used the customer’s card to get money from a cash point.

Please do not pass your bank details over the phone. The bank would never ask for your card details over the phone, and a bank employee would never deliver a card by hand.

Mobile updates Dates for 2012 when the Mobile Police Station (MPS) will be at Chestnut Green, Monk Fryston: Feb 9th, Mar 8th, Apr 3rd, May 1st, Jun 6th, Jul 2nd, Aug 1st, Sep 4th, Oct 1st, Nov 19th.

The MPS will be open between 1900 and 2000 hours.

If you see anything suspicious call 101 - if a vehicle is involved try to get the number.

Dion Wood Police Community Support Officer

Tony Hudson Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator

10

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY–WHEN THE SKY MEETS THE GROUND .Monk Fryston Time Team continue their Introduction to Archaeology Course on Friday 10th February, when leading archaeologist Simon Tomson gives an illustrated talk in St Wilfrid’s Church on how aerial photography is used in archaeology. Simon will explain the principles and practicalities of aerial photography and how the images are interpreted. This subject is evolving rapidly, and he will take us through its evolution and how new technology is being used to identify ancient developments even through crops. Simon will use illustrations from throughout Britain but will incorporate ones from Yorkshire whenever possible.

The two-hour presentation (with a break) promises to be a very informative and interesting evening, and we hope will lead to a

closer inspection of aerial photographs of our local area by the Time Team who are researching our village history. In an earlier course, test pit diggers discovered many ancient artefacts, one of which has been dated as second century Roman. Who knows what may be discovered from the sky?

This illustrated talk is part of the Monk Fryston Time Team’s Introduction to Archaeology course. If anyone is interested in joining the course or the Time Team please contact the secretary, Sue Newton, on 682084. The talk commences at 7.30 pm; refreshments will be available from 7.00 pm. Tickets (£4) will be available at the Post Office, or pay at the door.

Monk Fryston Time Team

Monk Fryston Art Club http://monkfrystonartclub.blogspot.com We start the New Year with a blog. Many of us knew ‘blog’ as a word but had little or no idea about social networking, until now!

Thanks to a new member, Karl Simpson, who joined the club in the autumn, we are all on a fast learning curve. Karl seems determined to bring older members like myself into a modern way of thinking! He wrote the first blog at the beginning of December after we’d had a demonstration and workshop by Sue Deighton. This ‘enlightenment’ has put our brains to work in a completely new field, which is so exciting. The blog will be updated every week with club news and activities, pictures, paintings and photographs. News of local artists and exhibitions of interest to everyone will also be included. I implore you to look at this new blog because I am sure you will find things to interest you. Any feedback will be most welcome.

Maureen Booth, our programme secretary, has a busy agenda planned for the winter/spring session. In February an old friend, Mike Dobson, will lead a demonstration and workshop. Both he and Dave Newbold, whose open demonstration we enjoyed in January, have been very good to the club over many years, not only giving of their time but most generously giving us paintings to raffle for charity whenever asked. We thank them very sincerely.

Before Christmas we began working on ideas for both the Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee. Discussions are in progress with Monk Fryston Hall, and details will be on the blog as soon as possible. We are thinking on the lines of an outdoor summer exhibition, weather permitting, for the Jubilee, and themed ideas are brewing for the Olympics!

At the annual exhibition, held at the Hall, we raffled two paintings, one by Mike Dobson and the other by June Elsey, with proceeds going to the Anthony Nolan Trust. In addition, members decided not to give each other Christmas cards but to donate a small amount of money to the trust in lieu. Committee members also decided to forgo their small presents from the members and £20 was added to the donation. At this moment I do not have the final figure but expect it to be about £250. The immediate family of one of our members has been in need of help from the Anthony Nolan Trust, so it is very dear to all our hearts, and we intend to support the Trust throughout 2012.

From the Art Club, a very happy New Year.

Jean Dearn Limited edition A former Hillam resident who now lives in Burton Salmon (well, Richard Wright actually) recently came across a set of china plates with well-known scenes of Hillam. He could have approached Fiona Bruce or Flog it! or even offered them on eBay, but generously decided to send them back home to Hillam.

Scenes include the village pump, the Cross Keys and Home Farm. The plates are described as being from the ‘Canterbury

Collection’ and are distributed by Decor Art Creations Ltd. They are part of a limited edition. Hillam 'ews has number 9 out of 50.

It is clear we have not got our hands on anything particularly rare or important, as similar plates from other villages are available on eBay, but now when I have a ‘cuppa’ from my Hillam Christmas Tree Lights commemorative mug, I can put my cake on a limited edition Hillam plate.

Hillam ews Editor

11

THE MONEY COLUMN Finally, my share tip for this year. Remember, I am not able to give professional advice in this area. I buy shares in individual companies for fun, and use money that I could afford to lose.

2011 was certainly eventful in a number of ways. The year Buying individual shares is high risk, and if the company goes started off quite well with stock markets going in the right bust you lose all your money! I purchased shares in a company direction, and by April-May time a lot of people were thinking called Rockhopper some time ago; I bought at around 50p and that perhaps the worst was over as the FTSE 100 kept its head the share price is now over £3.00. The company is an oil above 6000 points. However, come August the markets began to exploration company which has been working around the fall with talks of the eurozone on the brink of collapse. The Falklands and has now struck oil said to produce some 800 FTSE 100 actually fell to around 4700 in October but has since billion barrels. The company is confident of more strikes and if rallied and today stands at over 5700 points. Most analysts are that happens the share price will rocket again. Don’t expect predicting a good year in 2012 for shares. Since 1st January the results in weeks or even months, and you should also bear in FTSE has gone up by just over 3%, which is about the best rate mind that the shares are heavily traded so there will be volatility. you will find (before tax) for an instant access bank or building If you buy, hang in there. It may be a bumpy ride but in the society deposit account for a whole year! longterm I’m confident you will reap rewards.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy New Year.

Funds I’m recommending for this year are Standard Life UK Richard Wright DIP Ip PFA Smaller Companies, Marlborough Special Situations, Fidelity South East Asia and Threadneedle American Smaller 678066, 07764 923528, richard.wright@lighthousefa.co.uk Companies, all of which I invest in through my ISA and my pension. Don’t forget the two golden rules: always seek Richard is a professional independent financial adviser and part of Lighthouse professional advice before investing, and don’t invest in equity- Financial Advice Ltd. Lighthouse Financial Advice Ltd is an appointed represenbased (shares) funds unless you are prepared to leave the money tative of Lighthouse Advisory Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. invested for at least five years.

LEAVING BRITISH GAS IS EASY After changing broadband supplier, moving from British Gas to an alternative energy supplier has gone through without any complications. I had previously felt it was probably not worth the hassle to leave British Gas, but the press publicity became deafening and British Gas kindly informed me that they were transferring me to their standard tariff – that’s how they treat established customers.

amount by which my monthly direct debit payments had exceeded my actual indebtedness to them.

The new contract runs out in December 2012 when, I am told, I will revert to a standard tariff. That’s when I will be back in the marketplace.

I found switching broadband supplier just as easy

When the Internet first appeared I registered with the Yorkshire company Freeserve. They sold me to Wanadoo, who in turn A few test runs with sites such as uSwitch convinced me it was flogged me off to Orange, and we all know about their customer worth the effort. I got all the information I could find about my satisfaction ratings. Just try having a conversation with Orange’s existing supplier and set off. The process was completed in about overseas call centre about the junction box at the entrance to twenty minutes. I did not choose the cheapest alternative, but Mill Close. went for a new supplier that I had heard of.

The changeover took six weeks. I use day and night electricity and gas, and chose an online tariff with meter readings submitted by me. I was eventually asked (by the new company) to send my readings via the Internet, and that was it. British Gas also asked for my readings, but I ignored them because my new supplier had promised to forward my figures.

As a parting gift, British Gas have refunded me £514.54, the

In the same way that suppliers do not value loyalty in customers, I have no loyalty to any of my suppliers any more.

If I sound like Mr Grumpy, er…

By the way, Egg, my credit card supplier, has just sold me to Barclaycard, whom I left fifteen years ago for Egg.

David Atkinson

12

GARDENING - MAKING MORE This is the beginning of the propagation season. In early February it is not too late to take hardwood cuttings. You can push in stems of many shrubs in a nursery bed, veg garden or even where you want them to grow, as I do with stems of coloured willows or dogwoods and buddleia. These are all easy to root from stems of ¼ to ½ inch diameter, cut down to about 18 inches, half of which should be buried. This is not a precise method for special things, but often you will find a nicely rooted shrub in just the right place by the following spring. At this time of year I begin to dig up overlarge clumps of perennials which are just starting to appear.

Asters, day lilies or helenium will flower much better with regular splitting. They can be dug up with a good root ball and left in the greenhouse or shed to be dealt with on frosty, windy or rainy days. When you are ready take most of the soil off so you can see what you are doing, remove every scrap of weed, and discard old, woody or dead bits of the plant. You will be left with lots of healthy shoots with new roots attached. These can be replanted, first digging over the soil and adding compost. It is also worth potting up a few pieces to plant elsewhere or give to friends.

where you are cutting. When forsythia has finished flowering it can be kept compact by cutting flowered stems back hard; the new stems will flower next year. Some shrubs which are grown mainly for their foliage, like purple-leaved cotinus and gold- or dark-leaved elder, should be hard pruned now. Late-flowering clematis can be cut back to 6 to 12 inches.

In the garden now This is the time when many shade-loving plants are flowering, but you do not need a woodland to grow these spring beauties.

They enjoy the spring sunshine and will be happy in the summer in the shade of a shrub or even on the north side of a perennial which will grow up to shade the plant. A visit to Harrogate Flower Show will inspire, with plantings of epimedium, with flowers like miniature stars and good leaves; dicentra, the small cousins of the tall dicentra spectabilis, which have ferny leaves and a dainty habit; pulmonaria, flowering in blue and pink but giving value in their leaves beautifully marked with silver, as a background to showier plants in the summer; tiarella, like heuchera but with better flowers, some of which flower through summer; lathyrus vernus, a miniature perennial sweet pea in It is still a bit early for seed sowing, although hardy annuals pinks and purples; brunnera, like a very large forget-me-not, the including sweet peas can be sown in late February or March. newer cultivars such as Jack Frost having well silvered leaves Tomatoes and chillies can be sown in March if you have which are an asset throughout the year; and early geraniums, all somewhere warm to germinate the seeds and look after the of which are easy and undemanding. A specialist nursery can seedlings. Half-hardy bedding plants should wait until April, as offer many of these exciting new cultivars. An hour down the A1 they cannot go out in the garden before late May and can get very would take you to Norwell nursery which has a wonderful range leggy if sown too early. and a demonstration garden.

Perfect pruning My plant of the month (January) is sarcococca, known as It is now time to start pruning roses. Whatever sort of rose you Christmas box. Evergreen, totally hardy, neat at 2 foot in height have, remember that the aim is to open up the centre to allow and spread, it grows in shade, and throughout January and light and air to the bush. The best flowers occur on new stems February the scent from the tiny cream flowers fills the air on and these can be encouraged by cutting old wood to the base. The sunny days. Easily available – no garden should be without one. same applies to most shrubs: you can cut out a few old stems of overgrown philadelphus, weigela and deutzia while you can see Susan Ferguson

13

ST WILFRID’S CHURCH RECTOR’S RAMBLI6GS Readers of the Hillam 'ews may well be aware of the extreme difficulty faced by parish churches across the land with thefts of heavy metal, and in particular the theft of lead from church roofs. I am sorry to say that St Wilfrid’s Parish Church has not escaped these difficulties, and we have suffered three thefts of lead from the church roof in the four years that I have been in post as Rector.

With the increased value of heavy metals it is unlikely that this problem is going to go away, and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) has sought advice from a number of bodies (our insurance company EIG, North Yorkshire Police, the Diocese of York, English Heritage, and others) to see how we can best address this problem and protect the Parish Church from vandalism. We have also consulted several other churches with similar problems to see how they have addressed the challenge. In light of these discussions the PCC has gone ahead with the installation of an infrared roof security system that is connected to an alarm and also to the floodlight circuitry at the church.

The system is now up and running, and we have been assured by the installation experts that it cannot be triggered by anything other than a ‘sizeable presence’ on the church roof, which means that it should not be set off by birds or animals. The alarm is no louder than a house security alarm and is primarily there to deter individuals from continuing with their crime once they are on the roof (it sounds for 15 minutes before automatically switching off – if not manually reset before that time). When the alarm triggers, the church floodlights also come on.

If someone is on the roof of the church and the alarm does go off, please do let someone on the list below know if you hear it. We will then deal directly with the police regarding the incident. It is hoped that by placing signs around the church at various points, warning that a security system is in place, we may deter those who might attempt lead thefts in the future.

The project has been funded by St Wilfrid’s Church and supported by a very generous donation from one of our parishioners.

SERVICES AT ST WILFRID’S 1ST SU6DAY OF EACH MO6TH 8am Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 9.30am Sunday Club at St Mary’s Church (ages 2-8) 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 11am Sunday Club in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall (ages 2-8) 26D SU6DAY OF EACH MO6TH 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6pm Evensong at St Mary’s, South Milford 3RD SU6DAY OF EACH MO6TH 8am Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Family Service at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 4TH SU6DAY OF EACH MO6TH 9.30am Family Service at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6pm Holy Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford

Blessings

John CO6FIRMATIO6 John Hetherington 680788 Stuart Twidale 684180

Neil Woodhall 682091 Kevin Coles 682252

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR WEDDINGS AND BAPTISMS FOR 2012 AND BEYOND Enquiries to the Rector on 01977 680788 or email at hetherington556@btintenret.com

In response to several requests for Confirmation, a service is to be held at All Saints’ Church in Sherburn-in-Elmet on Sunday 4th March at 10.30am.

This Confirmation service will be conducted by Rt Revd Martin Wallace, Bishop of Selby, and is open to all individuals from the Selby Deanery (which includes the villages of South Milford, Monk Fryston, Hillam, Burton Salmon, Lumby and Newthorpe).

The minimum age for Confirmation is 10 years.

Confirmation is the step of taking responsibility for the promises made on our behalf at Baptism.

It is also the point of recognition by the Church (through the Bishop) of entry into full membership by the individual, and subsequently makes Holy Communion available to that person.

There will be two short courses running at the Rectory in February (one for children and one for adults) so if you would like to know more or feel this is a step you would like to take, please contact John at the Rectory (09177 680788) or email hetherington556@btinternet.com as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made.

14

DID GRANDMA REALLY GET RUN OVER BY A REINDEER? We have a winner for the Hillam 'ews Christmas competition – 'ame the Christmas carol. There were five correct entries and the only question was whether Grandma got ‘runover’ or ‘run over’ (by a reindeer). The editor (whose decision is always final) decided to allow either alternative, which meant he couldn’t use it as a tiebreaker. The eventual winner was determined by drawing lots at the Hillam 'ews January meeting.

1) Twelve Days Of Christmas 2) Once In Royal David’s City 3) The First 6oel 4) Rudolph The Red 6osed Reindeer 5) Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer 6) Silent 6ight 7) Got Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 8) We Three Kings Of Orient Are 9) It Came Upon The Midnight Clear 10) When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney 11) See Amid The Winter’s Snow 12) Away In A Manger 13) Oh Christmas Tree 14) Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem 15) Angels From The Realms Of Glory 16) We Wish You A Merry Christmas 17) Frosty The Snowman

100 Club draws The winners of the draw for November are as follows: 1st (£20) - Robert Hopley (no 37) 2nd (£10) - Bev Jackson (no 50) 3rd (£5) - The Lonsdale family (no 34) The winners for December are: 1st - The Sadler family (no 49) 2nd - Graham Baker (no 44) 3rd - Mick and Jackie Cole (no 82) There was an additional draw of the 100 Club at the switch-on of Hillam’s Christmas lights on Saturday 3rd December.

The winners are as follows: 1st - Robert Hopley (no 37) 2nd - Karen Everson (no 22) 3rd - Karen Banks (no 61)

18) Hark The Herald Angels Sing 19) I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus 20) Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow 21) Rocking Around The Christmas Tree 22) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 23) The Little Drummer Boy 24) Jolly Old Saint 6icholas 25) Ding Dong Merrily On High

Congratulations to all who took part.

The winners are Brenda and Malcolm Leach of Hillam.

15

THE HILLAM PRECEDENT Is the Hillam precedent going to be repeated?

Gypsy Danny Smith of the Sycamores, Sutton Lane, between Brotherton and Birkin, has submitted a retrospective planning application to Selby District Council (SDC) citing the ‘Hillam precedent’. The application is for change of use of his land and asks for three years’ temporary permission for conversion into a travellers’ site for three caravans.

A public inquiry in 2010 refused permission to Danny and his brother Rocky, but extended the term of a Selby enforcement order to a year.

The Inquiry Inspector took account of changes in national policy and described SDC’s efforts to establish official gypsy sites as ‘concerted’.

He confirmed that one Smith brother had an alternative home in Bolton and that the other had given up his official pitch at Heath Common, Wakefield. Rocky and Danny had bought the land without properly considering its status and planning history.

The Smith application is possible only because of the continued failure of SDC to provide plots for gypsy families and its recent decision at Hillam to allow Mr Cannon to remain for another three years.

Mr Smith’s representative states in the application: The Council accepts that it will be 18 months until sites will be available and, given delays, it is not considered unreasonable to expect further slippage. The precedent for granting temporary planning permission for gypsy/traveller sites, due to a lack of alternative sites, was set within the district at Hillam.

ABDUL’S St Richard’s Friary was closed in 1538

by Henry VIII and its stone used by the citizens of Pontefract to build much of the town we know today. Pontefract and District Archaeological Society recently headed archaeological excavations on the site under manager Simon Tomson, well-known to Hillam Historians and Monk Fryston Time Teamers. Contractors Balfour Beatty gave permission for the dig on part of the hospital site previously occupied by Dominican Black Friars.

More or less opposite (in 2012) is Abdul’s Indian takeaway, constructed in the most modern of materials and style, with not a mediaeval stone in sight. Hillam 'ews has recommended Abdul’s before and does so again.

Getting there is not much different from trekking to Sherburn, although the prohibition of U-turns at the ‘Oriental’ road junction means you need to divert through central Pontefract or approach from the M62 to get to the right side of Southgate.

Parking is off-road, and don’t be put off by the names on many

of the parking bays. These are the names of the latest generation of Pontefract’s business elite, but now that Tony Blaza has passed away, no one seems to work late at the office on weekend evenings.

Service is fast and slick. Like MacDonald’s, they do ‘meals’.

When we went many of the staff were true-bred ‘Yorkshire’ and there were discreet notices offering part-time employment.

The people who arrive after you are not necessarily queuejumping. They probably telephoned their orders, which is a good idea (01977 700003).

We ordered a couple of ‘meal deals’: chicken tikka masala and chicken karri. There were naans, a bhaji starter and copious fresh salad, also mango lassi. You can eat on the premises if you want.

Next time we will select from the menu and phone our order.

Prices are keen, as you would expect in Pontefract.

Our conclusion was that the Aagrah had better watch out - Abdul’s is going to give it a run for its money.

Remember, the Community Centre is available to hire for private gatherings and parties (contact Becky on 689230).

If it’s chairs, tables, marquees, gazebos or even crockery you want to borrow, give Kath Ratcliffe a call on 683590.

BOARDI6G KE66ELS A6D CATTERY Common Lane, South Milford, Leeds, LS25 5BX Come and see our spacious purpose-built accommodation “YOUR PET’S HOLIDAY HOME” Phone Kathryn Parkin on 01977 685404 Open 9 am - 6 pm daily VISITORS WELCOME

16

A VIEW FROM THE BOUNDARY - THE YEAR AHEAD So 2012 is with us and we look forward to a new season and what it holds for us.

However, we record with sadness that Cyril Stoker (1933-2011) passed away after a short illness. He had been in poor health for some time. A lifelong farmer in Monk Fryston, he loved his cricket and would turn out for the club on match days when farming allowed him. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family.

O6 THE FIELD With the success of both our 1st XI and 2nd XI being promoted last season, a new set of teams and a new set of challenges await.

Our captains will be as last season: 1st XI Will Vaks, 2nd XI Eric Frankland, ably supported by their vice captains Adrian Joynson (1st) and Steve Sadler (2nd). Early season fixtures are as follows: Wetherby Cricket League Saturday 21st April 2012 Division 2: 1st XI v Kirk Hammerton (H) Division 5: 2nd XI v Kirk Hammerton “A” (A) Fred Fleetwood Cup Sunday 13th May 2012: v Green Hammerton (H) Hare Cup Sunday 6th May 2012: v Leeds Police “A” (H) Senior Evening Cup Tuesday 1st May 2012: v Great Preston (H) Reserve Evening Cup Tuesday 15th May 2012: v Sherburn Eversley “A” (H) The Elmete Evening League team will be captained again by Ian Patrick with the help of Chris Stelling. 2012 fixtures not available at the time of going to press.

Junior cricket This will be the first season for a long time when the club will not have any junior teams in the Wetherby Junior Cricket League. However, that is being addressed. Three of our members, Steve Sadler, Will Vaks and Adrian Joynson, are currently attending the ECB Level 2 Coaching Course, and with the club linking up to Monk Fryston Primary School and

Seed potatoes. Bird food.

Winter fuel. Logs and coal.

Inspiration for the garden in spring.

Monk Fryston Junior Football Club we should be running coaching courses through the summer months.

Representative cricket Last season the club hosted its first representative cricket match.

This was a Joe Lumb U-17 match between Wetherby League and Doncaster League. It is hoped to host another match in the new season.

Umpires and scorers One of the aims of the club is to have two qualified umpires.

To that end Eric Frankland has taken an ECB ACO Level 1 Umpires’ course and passed. Congratulations to Eric.

As a requirement of the League, clubs playing in the 1st and 2nd Divisions must provide an official scorer on match days.

Currently the 1st XI does not have a regular scorer, and would like to appeal for anyone in the village or anyone who knows of someone who would like to learn how to score. Transport will be arranged if needed, and the scorer will be paid and will receive a cricket tea. If you are interested please contact Will Vaks on 07747 045040. This is an urgent appeal.

OFF THE FIELD There is still plenty of work to be done both inside the pavilion and outside.

In terms of fundraising we are looking into obtaining funding through landfill site companies. This is with the view of using renewable energy sources to light and heat the pavilion.

A number of ideas is being discussed for further fundraising, namely car boot sales, a race night, a family fun day. We are also keen to hire out the pavilion for special occasions and meetings.

Contact me in the first instance.

For more information and facts visit our website: www.hmfc.co.uk

Tonu Vaks Chairman 01977 685227 or 07787 117650

17

FIRST

TURBINES APPROVED - IN GREEN BELT

Hook Moor—5 x 125-metre turbines approved in green belt

Farmers set to fill in gaps between large wind farms proposals

After a two-day public inquiry a Planning Inspector gave approval for Hook Moor wind farm.

Three turbines were approved by Selby Council at the January meeting. These are all in the green belt and one is within 1.25km of homes on Chapel Street.

Hook Moor, adjacent to Lotherton Hall, will be a dominant feature with five 400-foot high turbines next to the A1M/M1 junction. Travelling south on the A1 they will be the first industrial structures in nearly 100 miles. They will define the character of the area we live in as you approach from the North or from Leeds. The turbines will be visible coming out of Leeds on the A63 and will mark the western end of wind farms which developers are proposing stretching from here to Hull.

The Hook Moor inquiry was a strange affair. Leeds City Council, having previously rejected the wind farm, did not present any evidence at the inquiry. Micklefield Parish Council made a statement and three residents turned up to object. They were up against five expert witnesses called by Marcus Trinick QC, acting for Banks, the developer.

It was not surprising that the Inspector decided in favour of the developer. If you don’t make the case against a wind farm it will be approved. Perhaps the worst part of the decision is that the developer has been allowed five years before work must start. There are outstanding problems with radar that need to be resolved; until this is done no work will start. The developer has already spent a considerable sum of money in order to get the plan approved, but with the level of subsidy on offer you can rest assured that money is not a problem for the developer.

A66UAL subsidy to be paid by consumers for this wind farm - £1.4 million

Call for a 2km limit Under the planning system the only things preventing a turbine being put within a few metres of your home are limits on noise levels - known at ETSU-R-97 - which apply to all wind farms.

While noise from a single turbine of a modern design is unlikely to be a problem, this is not the case for large wind farms. A brand new wind farm at Fullabrook in Devon is causing noise problems for residents before it is fully operational. There are noise complaints at Lissett near Bridlington.

The simple solution is to have a minimum distance between turbines and homes. A comprehensive study looking at the adverse impact on health and sleep deprivation problems in Australia concluded that turbines should be no closer than 2km.

A Bill in Parliament, for which Nigel Adams MP is a sponsor, says that Local Planning Authorities be permitted to set their own limits. Another Bill in the House of Lords is calling for a 2km minimum. Both are being followed with interest.

The turbine near to Hillam was the first of three to be approved.

Voting was confused, with the first two votes being cancelled and the turbine passed by a narrow margin on the third vote. The key issue was that of green belt. The big concern going forward is that Selby is not only prepared to approve industrial structures in the green belt, but is also seeking to adjust the green belt boundaries to enable house building targets to be met.

The turbine approved near to Hillam is a 67-metre Enercon E33.

This is a large turbine with three blades and a 330KW capacity.

The owner will receive a Feed-in Tariff for electricity produced, even if he uses it all himself. Extra payments will be made for any surplus electricity fed into the grid. Clearly this is a win-win for the farmer. According to the sales brochure for the turbine, he can expect an income of £207,000 per year and this will automatically increase with inflation. At 5% inflation it would rise to £498,000 per year per turbine in 20 years’ time. A very nice pension!

With a subsidy like this we can safely assume that there will be many more farmers applying for turbines.

It isn’t such a good proposition for the consumer - we pay extra on our electricity bills which fund the payments to turbine owners.

This is set to rise, pushing more people into fuel poverty.

A66UAL subsidy to be paid by consumers for these three turbines - approximately £0.55 million

Woodlane, Bishopwood, Darrington next on the planning agenda The applications for these three wind farms, with 29 x 400 foot turbines between them, have not gone away. It is only a matter of time before a decision will be made. 29 turbines in addition to the 8 just reported as approved would seal the fate of the area as a wind farm.

As we saw when Cleek Hall was refused, it is important that local people attend the planning meeting. As soon as we know when the wind farms are on the agenda we will let people know via the email list. While the dates are known in advance, the agenda is made available only a few days before the meeting.

Please be ready to attend.

Latest information by email If you do not currently receive email updates, please register.

Simply visit www.stopwoodlanewindfarm.co.uk Click the “Email newsflash” button and fill in the form.

18

THE BIRDING COLUMN As I type this article I am shivering, as once again our central heating boiler has failed. It is therefore a good job that the winter has been mild thus far and not like the previous two, when many of our owls succumbed to the cold, and lack of food. It has been reported that 80% of the Barn Owl population in East Yorkshire perished last year, because the owls were unable to find food in the deep snow and frozen conditions. It is therefore a comfort to hear from Paul Scholey that he has seen at least one Barn Owl lately, but unfortunately he also found a dead bird in his fields in early December. Paul has also heard a Tawny Owl, and so too have I, so an owl presence is still retained in the village, albeit a tenuous one, and I hope that the weather stays mild, not just for the owls, but for me, until our boiler has been repaired. Howard Ferguson has a Little Owl that regularly visits his garden, and I sometimes hear it shrieking if I wind the car window down as I am passing his perimeter hedge.

eight other fantails. He has obviously decided that loft life, surrounded by beautiful women, is a lot more comfortable than sitting on a metal satellite dish with a cold wind blowing up his backside! Who says pigeons are thick?

Goldfinch has been the predominant species coming to our feeder, with a flock of up to 40 birds, and it has cost a fortune in sunflower seeds to feed them. A few Chaffinches have arrived since midDecember, but nothing like the numbers we usually get. I am hoping to see a Brambling in Goldfinch the garden this winter, as there have been sightings in Goldfinch flocks in the Wolds since early winter, but thus far no luck.

After leaving Sizer, we moved on to Leighton Moss RSPB reserve, where we fared much better, with views of Bittern, Bearded Tit and Great White Egret. However, the birding wasn’t so good as to tempt CofK into trying the coffee or cakes in the reserve café. We stayed on the reserve much later than we had anticipated, watching the thousands of Starlings coming into their evening roost in the reed beds on the reserve. As the dusk began to thicken, the Starlings appeared, thin lines of 30 or 40 birds at first, then congregations of several hundred, and finally armies many tens of thousands strong, sweeping across the sky in dramatic waves of closely packed birds to join the gigantic assembly already swirling above the reeds. It was by then bitterly cold, and it had been a long day in the field and with a long journey home in prospect. EJ was given pretty short shrift when he asked whether we knew that the collective noun for a gathering of starlings was a “murmuration”! In fact, after a barrage of collective nouns from EJ, CofK did suggest that the collective noun for a group of quizzers ought to be a “strangulation”. That’s mates for you!

Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve has been pretty spectacular this month by all accounts, with a winter roost of up to 35 Marsh Harriers and 5 Hen Harriers, the latter number exceptionally good for a bird that is becoming increasingly rare these days.

I haven’t been yet, but in November I did attempt to see Hawfinches at Sizer Castle, just south of Kendal, with my three pals, Egghead John – “EJ”, Clive of Kippax – “CofK”, and Mondo Ray. The Hawfinch is a very difficult bird to see in the North of England, but there is a small population in the Lake District, with the large trees in Sizer Castle grounds one of the more reliable spots. Unfortunately we didn’t see any. Neither did I see the speed restriction sign on the Kirkby Lonsdale bypass Our wintering Whooper Swans arrived later than usual this year, because of the constant distracting flow of quiz questions from as the conditions in their summering grounds did not deteriorate EJ in the back seat, so I was doubly disappointed a couple of quickly this winter, and Howard tells me that he counted 34 birds days later, when a speeding ticket arrived, courtesy of Penrith in the fields bounded by Hillam, Birkin and West Haddlesey.

Police Station!

The black and white feral pigeon that has been visiting our garden for the last three months eventually found a kindred spirit in a beautiful white fantail, presumably one that he enticed away from a nearby pigeon loft. For about four weeks they flew around together in synchronised display, and I did actually think they might stay and breed, as each night they roosted together side by side on my neighbours’ satellite dish. However, the fantail started to look a bit bedraggled and suddenly disappeared in damp conditions, followed by the male about three days later, and I feared the worst. Then when I was driving back from the chip shop in Byram Park last week, I spotted him on the roof of a large house by the main road in Burton Salmon, surrounded by

As I write this article an email has just popped into my inbox from Howard to say that the northwardly migrating flocks of Pink-footed Geese have just this week started passing directly over the area designated for the proposed Woodlane wind farm.

The calm, mild weather is no doubt encouraging them to set off for NW Scotland, which is their last staging post en route back to Iceland, Spitzbergen and Greenland – wherever it is they breed in the cold north. If the weather in Scotland is like it was last September when I was up there, then Howard may see them heading back to Norfolk sooner than expected!

Graham Todd

19

WE’VE NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD–SORT OF Britain is a broken society,” according to David Cameron. The bad news is that he is almost right; the good news is that he’s not quite 100% right yet. Over the next twelve months in Hillam 'ews, I’m going to be asking a few questions and offering a few opinions about life in Britain today and looking at how Hillam is bearing up in “the broken society”. Where to start – the economy, racism, education, health, transport or the happiness-o-meter?

Whatever the situation, you can be pretty certain someone’s been there before and summed it up in a few words. Take, for example, “money is the root of all evil”. It’s a bit like saying that Britain’s society is broken; it’s largely true but not totally.

We’re bombarded with terms such as child poverty, deprived communities, public sector strikes and student demonstrations.

They’re all about money. So, too, are the obscene bankers’ bonuses and what was the petty legalised theft, otherwise known as MPs’ expenses. All we seem to hear about is people complaining about not having enough money, either for necessities or for luxuries.

In 1957, Prime Minister Harold Macmillan claimed “…most people have never had it so good…” It’s all relative, of course, as “so good” in 1957 would be somewhere beneath destitution in 2012. Certainly, the economy and standards of living have escalated dramatically, with an occasional minor blip, until the last three years. It seems the majority of people in the western world have become greedy, fearful and angry – greedy because they want more than they’re worth, fearful that they might lose what they possess, and angry that others get more.

Is there really such a major financial problem? National and personal debt are ridiculously high but retailers have just announced a 4% increase in December 2011 over the previous December. Forget about what it means in “real terms”; Joe Public, despite all the so-called financial hardship, has found an extra 4% in his pocket to spend this Christmas just gone. There

is little doubt that the rich are getting richer; there is a safety net that does not allow the poor to get poorer; the middle income bracket may think it’s being squeezed but it has the benefit of much lower mortgage interest. Food may go up in price but that flat-screen TV is less than half the price it was four years ago, and there are not many homes without one. The people who have really suffered are those who have lost their jobs altogether.

In 1960, John F Kennedy posed the question, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” OK, so that applied to the USA but it could equally apply to any nation or individual – the principle of giving rather than taking. It’s very sad, then, that fifty years later, despite the phenomenal rise in standards of living, in levels of health and social care, in access to education, in freedom to travel and enjoy life, that Britain is now deemed to be a broken society.

Now hundreds of thousands are bleating about the lack of jobs: “Why doesn’t the private sector provide them?” Because the bulk of the private sector is not the greedy corporate world; it’s people who have ended up with no job and who have got up off their backsides, taken responsibility for themselves, and created their own job. They swallow their pride and do anything to get some money coming in – cleaning, gardening, caring, e-trading – or they retrain in relevant trades and become self-employed.

Life is good in Hillam. We have a good community and we don’t come face to face with a lot of the country’s problems, such as looting, run-down housing, racial tension, gangs, violence and disorder; but for those of you caught up in the race for wealth in a whirlpool of greed, fear and anger, just bear in mind that it may bring status but it doesn’t necessarily bring happiness. I’m not decrying wealth; it’s certainly possible to be happy despite being wealthy, but it comes with no guarantees – just ask Antony Worrall Thompson.

Robert Kingsbury

HAVE YOUR SAY - GO TO www.hillamforum.webs.com

MONK FRYSTON Pre-SCHOOL We welcome children from two years to school age* We provide lots of different activities including: Toys, Songs, Rhymes, Stories, Painting, Modelling, Sand and Water Play, Cutting and Glueing, Playdough, Puzzles and much more…!

Monday to Friday 9:00 – 12:00 am Tuesday and Thursday 12:30 – 3:00 pm Contact Jayne Wood 681050 Church Hall, Monk Fryston We are OFSTED inspected and LEA funded and we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum *places are offered subject to availability

20

LONG LIVE THE BON Dining out in Sherburn at the Bon The Bon Viveur (known affectionately in Sherburn as the Bon, and now thus renamed) has been attracting attention recently. Not least because of excellent reviews on Trip Advisor (nearing fifty), celebrity endorsements from the likes of Harry Gration, and owner Shaun’s eccentric style on Twitter.

There is a rumour that Shaun, who has a day job too, bought the Bon Viveur because his daughter worked there. The Bon has just had a major makeover. There is a new staircase which no longer looks like my grandfather’s route to bed. New toilets too.

They even serve afternoon teas on the terrace, in season. Shaun has abolished the two sittings, to universal approval, but just like before it is best to telephone (01977 682146) rather than arrive unannounced and be disappointed.

Hillam 'ews nearly staged its Christmas party at the Bon, and individual team members have eaten there – and the reports are rapturous. One pair recently were so pleased to be squeezed in at the last minute for Sunday lunch that they really did not care about being delayed a while. The staff kept them entertained and kept their glasses full.

Sometimes Sunday lunch is accompanied by pianist Robbie Bancroft (see December Hillam 'ews). He may have struggled with John Lennon’s Imagine but his Scott Joplin was word-perfect. The menu is excellent. It is à la carte, and if you settle for just roast beef and Yorkshire pudding there is change from a tenner. Of course, you can add a starter (French onion soup is a winner), and there is a sweet trolley.

Sunday lunch with house wine for two comes to about £40.00.

Highly recommended.

Hillam ews Correspondent

Further details about Hillam News on our website http://www.issuu.com/hillamnews

21

LIBRARY THEATRE TOURING COMPANY THEATRE LU CHES at Monk Fryston Hall for 2012 with the Library Theatre Touring Company Sunday 19 February 2012 Sunday 10 June 2012 Sunday 14 October 2012

Sunday 18 November 2012

FANNY HILL by John Cleland TWO TALKING HEADS

by Alan Bennett DOUBLE VISION

by Eric Chappell and directed by David Sinfield WEEKEND BREAK

by John Godber

2-course lunch and theatre £23.00 per person – arrive for 1.30 pm – until 5.45 pm approx MURDER MYSTERY DI ERS with Mid Supper Murders Dying for Dinner Join us for an evening with a twist: Friday 23 March 2012 OLD HABITS DIE HARD Friday 28 September 2012 A FAIRWAY TO MURDER Friday 9 November 2012 MURDER ON THE PISTE Murder mystery with dinner £38.50 per person Dinner, murder mystery, bed and breakfast from £89.50 per person

Jane Eyre on Facebook Had a very enjoyable evening at Monk Fryston School on Friday evening watching Jane Eyre with the Selby Globe Outreach Cinema. Hope these evenings continue and get much more support. Where else can you enjoy a film for only £3 and have an interval with tea and a slice (or two) of fabulous cake?

Hope to see more people there next time.

Tracey Maeer

BT broadband – exemplary support After the broadband had been used during the day it came as a surprise to find out it was down at 10 on a Saturday night.

The usual routine was followed: try to reset the router. No difference – the orange light stayed on, indicating no broadband connection. The techies among you will know that it actually means that the router is failing to synchronise with the carrier frequency – in other words it’s not working. Another 15 minutes were spent doing all the other usual stuff – reload the PC and try another full power reset of the router.

Last resort – phone BT helpline. Yes, you have to key 1 and then 3 and whatever else they ask you to do, but I was soon speaking to a real person. She was in India where it was 4 am on a Sunday. She tested the line, confirmed there was a problem and asked if she could ring back with an update in 10 minutes. After 7 minutes the orange light on my router changed to blue, indicating that it was back up and working. Sure enough, the PC was able to connect to the Internet and after 12 minutes she called me back, at 11.30 our time on a Saturday night, to confirm that it was all working.

That’s what I call excellent service.

Howard Ferguson

About Hillam News The Hillam 'ews is a free newspaper produced by volunteers.

We make reasonable endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content but we do not guarantee the accuracy of nor endorse the opinions of third-party contributions including adverts.

We publish our material in good faith and strive to comment fairly. If we make a mistake we are willing to correct it when it is pointed out to us.

Because the paper is free we do not permit copying for gain but we are happy to grant permission for reproduction.

Garden Route Gourmet BEST QUALITY READY MEALS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR VISIT

www.gardenroutegourmet.co.uk Or call Robert on 07717 354112

NEW MENUS Individual meals, complete dinner parties, delivered buffets

22

SPORT-

IN-NEWS

It’s the start of the New Year and time to look at what’s going to happen in the sporting world over the coming twelve months.

Here are my predictions – and some are slightly more eccentric than others!

GOLF: Tiger Woods will fail to win a Major this year. Regular readers of this column will know that I hold Tiger in very high regard, despite his previous antics. However you cannot get away from the fact that his golf is some way off the dizzy heights he once achieved. Granted, he won a tournament late last year but that was a selected field of 25 golfers, in which the majority of the current top 20 were not playing. I’m sorry to say that I can’t see Tiger figuring in the final stages of any Major this year.

FOOTBALL: Manchester United to fail to win a trophy this year. Despite being only a few points behind their neighbours City and still being in the FA Cup and Europa League, I would suggest they will fail to win any of these three trophies. Bringing back a 37-year-old (Paul Scholes) to feature for the remainder of the season says everything you need to know about the current Old Trafford squad. If only Sir Alex had been prepared to pay the price for Wesley Sneijder in the summer, then things could have been very different...

RUGBY LEAGUE: The new season beckons and, whilst the Aussies once again put us in our place in the latest Four Nations event, I can see many splendid matches coming up in the domestic season. One team who could challenge for honours is from across the channel, in the shape of the Catalan Dragons.

It’s becoming increasingly hard to win in the south of France and no team will relish that trip (save for the sun and Stella!). The crowds are on the increase and the team is starting to perform – I would expect a top four finish from them this year and we could see them feature in the Challenge Cup final in August.

TE66IS: Andy Murray has been in the semi-final of the last four grand slam tournaments, and now that he has the talented Ivan Lendl to guide him I can see him going all the way to claim at least one of those titles this year. There’s no doubt he’s amongst the best in the world, but so far he’s failed to deliver at the vital time in the key tournaments. I expect (and hope) that will change this year.

HORSERACI6G: Two horses to watch out for this year.

Firstly, take the time to get on GRANDOUET for this year’s Cheltenham Champion Hurdle in March. He’s unbeaten this season and at around 6-1 he represents great value, having already won once at the Cotswolds course. Second, keep an eye on a horse called GAMILATI. This three-year-old filly has just won in the style of a good horse in Dubai and may well be aimed at the 1000 Guineas in May. She won at York last season and looks to have trained on nicely.

Yours in sport

Doug Hought

Skip’s ‘drink and drive’ fairway fun A Hillam man who had to wait twenty years to join Selby Golf Club, after his work took him away from the area, is now this year’s captain.

And 69-year-old John Hurrion duly performed the New Year ‘drink and drive’ ceremony after being piped in with traditional Scottish style.

After downing the customary glass of whisky, he drove off the first tee to welcome in a year when the Alzheimer’s Society his chosen charity - will benefit from a host of events.

John and his wife and family originally lived in Sherburn.

He was about to join the club in 1979 when he was moved to Liverpool by his firm. Further moves followed to Scotland, Leicester, Cambridge and Hull, before he eventually returned to our area.

He finally joined the Selby club in 1997, and retired from work two years later after moving to Hillam.

He said, “What a great day to be appointed captain of such a great club, quite the friendliest I have ever played at, and with so many great characters. Anyone thinking of joining would find us most accommodating. You can play social golf or join one of the many sections such as Ladies, Rabbits (for high handicaps), Tigers (low handicaps), Seniors (over-55s) or Juniors.”

A happy New Year to all golfers!

With acknowledgment to the Selby Times

23

A FINAL WORD ON CRIME…...

Microsoft scam Has anyone else been approached by an Indian-sounding caller who states that he is ringing from the Microsoft technical department to let you know that there is a problem with your computer causing it to run slowly, and that he will correct the problem? This is the second call I have had from this person in the last few days.

Suspecting this to be a scam call, I went along with answering his requests, starting with ‘Is your computer switched on?’ Then a request to return to the desktop and operate a combination of key strokes. I obviously did not comply with this request, and as I was not going to get any more information from him I politely told him to *********!

This man was very persuasive, even offering me a telephone number to ring to verify his authenticity. However, I am convinced that had I followed his instructions he would have gained control of my computer with all sorts of consequences.

Tony Hudson

Hillam News needs you!

We hope that you enjoyed this issue of Hillam 'ews. It is always a pleasure to receive articles.

We are fortunate to live in a village with so many creative people. Each issue of Hillam 'ews contains articles written by people living in the village.

If you have a contribution which you think will be of interest to residents please send it in to any team member.

If you feel you would like to be part of this team please contact Bev Jackson by email at bev@jack-son.com

Personal small adverts £1.00 per issue Business small adverts £4.00 per issue please contact David Edwards on 682346

Walking on Air Foot Care In the comfort of your own home

Amanda Hornshaw Foot Health Practitioner Dip CFHP, MPS Pract Corns/callus removed, nail cutting, verrucas and general foot care Home visits only: phone 07740 090368 Fully insured and CRB checked

ZUMBA Latin-inspired dance fitness workout St Wilfrid’s Church Hall Every Thursday, 6:45-7:30 pm, £3 For more details contact Hannah Howcroft (Qualified Fitness Instructor) 07707 929393

24

CLUBS & GROUPS To amend or to add to the information below, please phone Jenny Hoare (683332)

CLUB OR GROUP

LOCATION

DAY & TIME

Community Centre

Bi-monthly 3rd Wed 7.30pm

Paddy Twidale

684180

Ringtree Lights Committee

Cross Keys

Occasional

Karen Merry

685694

Monk Fryston & South Milford Mothers’ Union

St Mary’s Church, SM

2nd Thur 2pm

Paddy Twidale

684180

Women with Interests

Usually at Community Centre

3rd Thur 7.30pm

Kath Ratcliffe

683590

Community Association Luncheon Club (for anyone over 70)

Community Centre: for catering purposes, please book your place

1st Wed from 11.30am

Kath Ratcliffe

683590

St Wilfrid’s & St Mary’s Youth Fellowship

Venue variable Alternate Sats (term time)

Ages 8-11: 6.30-8pm Ages 12-16: 7.30-9pm

Craig Wright

07411 481603

S Milford Youth Club

SM Church Hall

Wed 7-9pm (term time)

Annabel Hey

07517 314720

Breakfast & After-School Clubs

Community Centre & Hambleton Play Safe Club

7.30am-6.30pm

Monk Fryston & Hillam Community Association Church Hall booking

CONTACT Booking: Becky Gatenby 689230 Secretary: Tony Hudson 682693

Rachael Peacock 01757 229910

Mon-Fri 9-12am Tue & Thur 12.30-3pm Tue 9.30-11.15am (term time)

Jayne Wood 681050 (Playschool hours only)

MF Pre-school

Church Hall

Little Monkeys (Mothers & Toddlers)

Community Centre

Rainbows (girls 5-7)

Church Hall

Friday

Becky Gatenby

689230

1st Hillam & MF Brownies

Church Hall

Fri 6.30-7.30pm

Marie Parkin

680363

Sarah Force

07879 452293

S Milford Guides 682506, Hambleton Guides 01757 705535, Sherburn Cubs and Scouts 07913 158839 Air Cadets (ages 13-21)

RAF Church Fenton

Mon & Fri 7-9pm

Chernobyl Children’s Project (UK), MF Group MF, Hillam & Burton Salmon Defibrillator Group

Crown Inn

Hillam & MF Cricket Club

www.hmfcc.co.uk

Occasional Tues 7.30pm

01937 557340 Paula Spencer

682506

John Colton

671172

Kate Vaks

Burton Salmon Cricket Club

John Nesbitt

07747 045060 684444

Monk Fryston United FC

Stocking Lane

Steve Tope

07970 868288

Innter Crown FC

Lowfield Road

Lee Hammerton 07774 048913

Castleford & Dist Society of Anglers

Hillam Pond, Betteras Hill Road

D Malanczac

557715

St Wilfrid’s Parish Walks

Variable

4th Sat 10.15am

Stuart Twidale

684180

Hillam Running Club

Ringtree

Various

Lisa Sage

689206

Circuit Training (children & adults)

MF School

Mon & Thur 8-9pm

Pat Birch

680580

Dancing (2+, also teen classes)

Church Hall

Tue 4-7.30, Wed 4-6.30pm (term time)

Lucie Fox

01757 228841

Dancing for Tots

Community Centre

Thur 10-11am

Claire Collins

07936 766420

Zumba Fitness Workout

Church Hall

Thur 6.45-7.30pm

Hannah Howcroft 07707 929393

Pilates

Community Centre

Mon 9.30-10.30am (term time)

Beverley Fletcher 01937 530079

Hillam Historians

Hillam Nurseries

Bi-monthly 4th Wed 7.30pm

Jenny Hoare

683332

MF Art Club

Church Hall

Mon 1-4pm

Jean Dearn

682611

University of the Third Age, Sherburn and Villages branch

Various groups, locations and times detailed at: www.sherburnu3a.co.uk

Lorna Pope

683514

Local evening & daytime classes

Adult Learning Service, Selby & Sherburn

0845 3006686

Sherburn Library

Has a list of local societies covering a wide area

0845 0349443