201606issue finalamend

THE VOICE OF HILLAM VILLAGE

HILLAM NEWS

JUNE 2016 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 2

The Ring Tree Is Dead Long Live The Ring Tree Arthur Warren

The heart of Hillam, the horse chestnut tree that saw in sixty Christmases and was the centre of village life, is no more. It was a sad sight to see it go but it was mercifully quick and now the square bears it’s scar…….but not for long. Like the Hillam News, the Ring Tree will soon rise from the ashes and breathe new life into the village.

Hillam News is delighted to report that Arthur Warren is making unbelievable progress after being badly injured in an accident along Hillam Lane. He suffered a broken leg and head injuries after being hit by a car.

A New Era Later in the year, a new Ring Tree will be planted and everyone has the chance to vote for their favourite.

The Whitebeam is compact and domed and grows to 15metres. When the leaves first unfold they look like magnolia flowers. They fade to a rich russet colour.

Flowers form in clusters in spring and develop into scarlet berries in late summer.

Whitebeam The Wild Cherry can grow to 30m and live for up to 60 years. The shiny bark is a deep reddish-brown, leaves are green and fade to orange and deep crimson in autumn. The fruits are deep red cherries.

Children’s Wildlife Challenge

Arthur, who we understand to be 95, is probably one of Hillam’s best known residents although many of us know him mainly for the cheery wave of his walking stick to every passing car as he strolls along Hillam Lane with his faithful canine companion, Wezzo.

Having got over the worst of his more serious injuries, Arthur is now undergoing rehabilitation in a care home and I know we would all like to wish him the very best in his recovery so, Arthur, if a copy of Hillam News finds it’s way to you….get well soon.

Arthur’s family would also like to express their thanks for all the good wishes and concern from so many villagers.

From William Lonsdale, aged 8, of Hillam

“I am usually reading when I travel in the car but I am glad that I wasn’t this time as I would have missed seeing so much.

We were driving home from Grandpa’s.

The sun was setting and suddenly one fluffy barn owl swooped across the road.

In the next field there were ten rabbits and amongst them were two long-eared

As for Wezzo, all his friends will be pleased to hear that he is also being well looked after as he has constant family lodgers.

Wild Cherry The Rowan can grow to 15m and can live for up to 200 years. hares bounding about. A couple of fields along and I spotted a male pheasant and his three girlfriends. In a couple of minutes we were home in Hillam.”

Well done, William.

The bark is smooth and silvery grey and leaves are like feathers. Flowers are borne in dense creamy white clusters. These develop into scarlet berries.

Rowan

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Tour de Yorkshire In Pictures

From Olympic gold medallists to Dames, from street art to kids having fun, TV as well.

Many thanks to all the organisers who arranged such a wonderful day and did their utmost to make sure we not only had a great day but that villagers weren’t inconvenienced.

Credit for these photographs is due to various villagers and the Selby Times.

WHAT’S NEXT THEN, GUYS ?

Meanwhile in the Falklands “...there's some corner of a foreign field that is forever Hillam...” (apologies for the violation of The Soldier, Rupert Brooke 1914)

Ian Wright, son of Betty and Les Wright, having just erected a Hillam sign in the Falklands, more years ago than he’d like to admit to.

On the right, a shot from last month’s BBC documentary “Treasure Islands”...still securely in place ! That lad has real talent with a hammer and nails…………….

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Editorial Comment In This Issue 2 Tour de Yorkshire pictures 4 The birding column 5 Tour de Yorkshire round up 6 Road safety 7 School report 8 Monk Fryston Post Office 9 Community Association 10 Gone but not forgotten 11 News bites 12 EU referendum 13 Monk Fryston Art Club 14 Hillam Parish Council 15 The pub is the hub 16 Gardeners’ diary 17 Fitcamp 18 Classified advertisements 22 Convoy diary 24 Stop press

Editorial Contacts Hillam News email hillamnews@gmail.com Secretary Shona McWhirter shonamcwhirter@icloud.com Editor Robert Kingsbury compost51@aol.com Deputy Editor Pat Atkinson patatkinson@gmail.com Treasurer David Edwards exsite@exsite.plus.com Distribution Betty Wright Bettywright333@gmail.com Local Services Clubs and Groups Julie Staker attajulie@gmail.com Proof Readers Mick Merry mick.merry@hotmail.co.uk Hilary Curd c1urd@hotmail.com Graham Baker gdbaker15@btinternet.com

by Robert Kingsbury

The front page in this issue is given horses ingesting the bags, in some cases wholly to what really matters in this proving fatal. So please, all dog walkers, village; its people and its heritage. bin it properly.

The number of people enquiring about Arthur Warren’s progress has been unbelievable. We are all so pleased that he is making good progress. It is so often said that life today is all about youngsters, but it’s not; it’s every bit as much about the older characters, like Arthur.

At the other end of the scale, and a mere 87 years younger than Arthur, we have William Lonsdale who has become our youngest contributor with his wildlife observations. We are so lucky to live amongst our local biodiversity and it is so encouraging to see an 8-year -old appreciating it. Whilst on the subject, I must try and find that pheasant and get a few tips from him.

Taking centre stage is the Ring Tree. I knew we were all very fond of it but, once again, the outpouring of concern and sorrow has been quite remarkable.

It seems to have triggered many memories for so many people. It really has brought home just how important this little bit of heritage is and I can quite easily see the new Ring Tree being accorded “Royal” status by the end of the year.

The letter on page 5 from Susan and Keith Field of Huddersfield really does drive home how fortunate we are to live in such a strong community. We may know it ourselves but it speaks volumes when it comes from a visitor.

Two subjects of annoyance have reared their heads once more; road safety and dog poo. As ever, the important thing is how to prevent or avoid the problems in the first place. The letter from Steve Law really does highlight the need for some form of positive action to be taken soon.

Thoughts on this subject would be welcome for the next issue.

It seems excavations in the Finding Fryston Dig are turning up more and more interesting items and facts all the time and that is now to be followed up by a Big Village Dig in village gardens this summer which should be fun for some.

The theme of fun continues in July with the Proms at the Pavilion, for which it seems tickets are selling fast. This is followed the very next day by a Family Fun Day, organised by a new initiative, the Hillam and Monk Fryston Community Sports Association. Initial details of this are on the back page.

I’m really pleased, this issue, to remember two great village characters who were also great friends with each other, Colin Wells and Chris Escreet.

They both left us too soon but both were an integral and unforgettable part of village life.

I was also introduced to a very worthy cause last month; Freda’s Garden along the canal at Knottingley, an excellent piece of community work that also maintains the local heritage.

Finally, star billing this issue has to go to Jenny and Mike Allison for the Convoy Diary and the Chernobyl Aid Group.

We’ve seen so many Chernobyl children here in the past and the association of the village with Chernobyl is as much a part of history as the Ring Tree.

Jenny’s account of the recent convoy is extremely eye-opening, especially when you compare the Belarus appreciation of the simple things with our own somewhat affluent lifestyles..

Chernobyl is basically a 30-year-old news item but Mike’s summary of the situation shows just how long-lasting the tragic effects are, decades after the As for the dog poo; apart from some media have moved on. dog-owners being apparently too lazy to carry a bag to a bin, preferring to …..and I never mentioned the EU fling it in a field, it seems there is an once…….yet ! additional problem that it is a danger to horses. Elsewhere there are reports of

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The Birding Column by Graham Todd Barn Swallows The return of our swallows or, to give them their proper name, barn swallows, is a much anticipated event by those who live in Rose Lea, and it was 16th April this year when they first put in an appearance over the old school.

This was in the middle of a prolonged spell of northerlies when there was little insect life upon which to feed. After travelling all the way from South Africa, the levels of exhaustion in such a small delicate bird must have been indescribable; so after discovering no food available when they got here, it is no wonder they cleared off again, but where to?

This is a pattern that is repeated every single year, for it was not until 4th May, after the winds swung around to the west on 2nd of the month, bringing both warmth and insects, that our swallows finally returned to their traditional nesting haunt up the steps.

Where they go in the interim is a mystery, but surely, if they go off in search of food, they must clear off back to the continent at least, where there is more insect life?

sometimes has the desired effect of making owls come to their “front door”. It didn’t have any effect at all in terms of producing owls, but to my surprise, a grey squirrel popped out of a hole in the trunk above the box, where it was presumably nesting. Not the outcome I was hoping for, but nice just the same.

Oystercatchers I am both hearing and seeing Oystercatchers fairly regularly nowadays, their loud piping very audible as they make low passes over the village. This is a relatively recent colonist of the local damp field habitat, of which there is a great deal nowadays.

In the past, I have tried planting cowslips on verges around our village, but these invariably get mowed by over enthusiastic gardeners or get dogs peeing on them.

Bunting Not that Bunting……

Blue Tits I have watched Blue Tits do the same, after spending days building their nest, endlessly faffing around at the nesting hole, they similarly clear off for a couple I retreated to a safe distance then raised of weeks, but where to? my binoculars and was astonished to see the large patterned disc of the face of a There surely must be a paper there for an Tawny Owl peering back at me. It is still aspiring PhD in zoology to write……alas there, a couple of weeks later, so too late for me! hopefully it is on a nest.

Apart from a couple of pellets beneath a fence rail I could see none, so I decided to stand below the box and make a soft “hiss”, similar to that which the young birds make when calling for food, which

It has been a long held dream of mine to own a field, plant it up with wild flowers and then allow free access for the public to enjoy. This is the next best thing for me, but unfortunately there is no public access to Gateforth Wood.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a large plot of land in the village so that those of similar Hobby mind could join in the recreation of a I saw my first Hobby on 3rd May, so am flower meadow? What a rewarding optimistic that they will be breeding project that would be for our community. locally again this year.

There are a lot of movers and shakers out there, full of enthusiasm, so if anyone has Tawny Owl any ideas or even better, spare land, Late in April, whilst walking in the woods, please let me know……

I glanced up at a ruined owl box and was surprised to see a rufous coloured tail Graham Todd sticking out through a hole in the side, where I had seen no birds in the past.

Red Kites The red kites that I monitor follow a similar pattern, but I think that, in their case, having secured a territory, the mated pair then clears off on some sort of honeymoon, before returning to lay eggs.

Barn Owls This spring has been a difficult one personally, with particular problems associated with nesting rare birds taking up a lot of my time, let alone the annual search for kite nests. I have therefore not had a great deal of time to watch local birds, but I did find the time to pay a visit to my barn owl box a couple of days ago to see if there were any signs of nesting activity.

them out; but the effort has been rewarded with a colourful display of yellow flowers this spring.

Grass Snakes This week, with the weather warming up, I am starting to see snakes basking in the sun on wild verges, with a couple of grass snakes just yesterday. Last year I saw a very large one along Betteras Hill Road, in the undergrowth at the start of the public footpath so keep your eyes open, particularly on warm, still days.

Cowslips and Wild Flowers Over the winter, I grew approximately 1100 Cowslips from wild seed to plant in Gateforth Wood. The growing of the plants was not particularly difficult, though it has been absolutely backbreaking and time consuming planting

...this Bunting Due to the copious amount of bunting which was made by the WI for the Tour De Yorkshire, and the fact that most of it has been salvageable, the WI would be very grateful to have it returned.

We are offering to loan it to anyone who would like to decorate their houses or gardens in the future for garden parties, family events ,etc, for a small donation to WI funds.

All WI bunting can be returned to Alex Duncan at 1 Bedfords Fold, preferably washed, or at the very least, folded, and we really hope that villagers will take the opportunity to use it again.

Anyone wanting to borrow it needs to contact me, either by email to sallywhittingham@gmail.com, or by phone to 07790 018745 and I will be storing it at my house.

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Tour de Yorkshire Round Up “The best village event – ever!” time...playing to different rules !

So said one veteran Hillam resident who has been to more village events than Just as the hail and winter weather most of us have had hot dinners. returned, Le Tour caravan turned up to shower lucky villagers with sponsors’ It was a day packed with excitement, freebies. Has anyone ever seen a though the buzz had been building all Yorkshire pudding quite that big? week with Dame Sarah Storey meeting Y3 from the school at the Ring Tree, and Y1 Spirits weren’t to be dampened by the and Y6 meeting the Wiggle High5 Team lack of TV coverage, and the turn out for in Monk Fryston two days later. The BBC the men’s race was incredible - or was the was there to film both occasions. turn out for the Rock Choir? The live music throughout the day added to the The villages were dressed top to toe. amazing atmosphere.

Archbishop Sentamu had offered prayers the previous week to one bunting-hanger With the racing over, it was time for the who was precariously balanced on top of beer festival to really get underway with a ladder. The WI had done an amazing Nigel Adams MP on hand to award a host job. Almost 3 km of bunting (over 6,600 of prizes and enjoy a pint; and it was one triangles of cloth) in little over six weeks. final outing for the Ring Tree which went out in style. Monk Fryston and Hillam The festival got going on Friday night loved Le Tour Team – we hope you did with a hog roast at Bert’s Barrow. It was too an incredible night for those lucky enough to get a ticket.

Décor winners were: Best dressed house on route: The On race day, as soon as the women’s race Darbyshire and Fawcett families for Hillam swept through the village, over 100 Farm cyclists joined Monk Fryston Cycle Club Best dressed house not on route: The members on family-friendly rides. Those Roberts family, 7 Selby Road who remained were entertained by First property decorated: Maxene Wells Graham Reed riding his pennyfarthing as for the Dower House well as the Mad May Inter-village Games Best dressed section of the route: Lisa which concluded with a tug-of-war at the Childs and team for Lumby Hill top of Mill Close. Apparently Monk Best dressed business: The Cross Keys Fryston won…just...luckily...this

Hello,

fest. The maypole dancing, penny farthing display and Rock Choir followed, with the On Saturday 30th April my wife and I interruption by the Tour Caravan visited Monk Fryston and Hillam to see spectacle, complete with Yorkshire the Race pass through. arrived early pudding, which got everyone in the mood Please convey ourWe appreciation all those involved. in order to see the first ever full women’s for the afternoon event. The location for race and it turned out to be the perfect the men’s race was also excellent. location.

My wife and I would like to thank Due to theand early Keith start weField then visited The everyone who contributed to the events Susan Crown for a very welcome bacon at Monk Fryston and Hillam for making sandwich and coffee. Following this we the Tour de Yorkshire 2016 such a then took in the preparations for the big memorable and truly excellent occasion.

Huddersfield afternoon event.

You should all feel extremely proud for At the Community Centre we met your putting on such a wonderful event chairman who was most welcoming and involving all sections of the community. suggested that, with time on our You have a community to be envied,. As hands ,we followed the Heritage Trail. We they say in Yorkshire, “ Tha did a reight collected our guide from St Wilfrid’s and good job” had a very interesting and informative tour of the village.

Susan and Keith Field It was then time for our picnic lunch, Huddersfield which was followed by a drink at the beer

Monk Fryston’s very own pop up tearoom

The Village Tea Room We are situated in the conservatory at Monk Fryston Community Centre, initially on Thursdays only, from 10am to 1pm.

We are serving a selection of fresh, home-made cakes, scones and pastries as well as a range of teas, coffees and juices, in beautifully decorated surroundings with a friendly atmosphere at reasonable prices.

There is also a take away service as well as cakes made to order.

Join us for a chat, read the papers, have a coffee or a welcome break after dropping the kids off at school.

We are registered and insured with a 5 star hygiene rating

Nicola Cockrem Mobile 07800 740141 Tel 01977 288363 Email graceandpaige@hotmail.com

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Road Safety Dear Hillam News.

Having lived in Hillam for over twenty years, I have sadly been witness to many acts of foolish and dangerous driving. I am constantly amazed at the speed that people seem to fly through the village (sadly often by residents!).

It was therefore upsetting, but no surprise, that I heard of the accident involving poor Arthur Warren, who had been hit by a car leaving the village. I now wonder what it will take before serious action is taken to reduce the speeding and dangerous driving in our village (particularly on Hillam Lane).

appears to be a target speed (as quickly as possible) rather than a maximum! With the additional fact that the lane has no pavement, I often find myself quickly clinging on to the hedgerow as cars fly by me with very little movement to allow me and my dogs to walk on the roadside safely. Perhaps the next thing will be a fatality of someone’s loved one and then we will eventually receive some action?

Perhaps mobile speed traps are required sooner rather than later, to reduce the dangerous driving so often displayed in our village, or an overall reduction in the speed limit allowed on our roads. Surely something has to be done.

The fact that the thirty speed limit signs Regards are visible at the entrance/exit of the village seems to be irrelevant to many. Steve Law The national speed limit on the lane also Hillam Resident.

Editor’s View This letter from Steve Law highlights an issue of which we are all well aware. It is not the place of Hillam News to pass an opinion on the accident involving Arthur Warren but, nevertheless, when someone is knocked down by a car and seriously injured it is obvious that something has gone wrong somewhere.

are villagers and some are police vehicles.

Prevention I also recall requests for ideas to improve the village when there was some community funding of some sort available. My first suggestion was to invest in footpaths along all the village roads, especially Hillam Lane and Austfield Lane.

Various causes There are all sorts of driver reasons such as inappropriate speed, careless or Whatever else the cause may have been, if dangerous driving, a moment’s there had been a footpath along Hillam Lane, I think it’s pretty fair to say that distraction.

Arthur would still be walking along it.

Such accidents can also be partly or wholly due to unexpected pedestrian Speed cameras do not stop speeding movement, whether voluntary or The emphasis of speed cameras is all upon punishing offenders financially; it otherwise. does not address the root cause of the The third main reason is vehicles and problem (speeding drivers) nor does it pedestrians having to share the same provide a safer environment for pedestrians to walk. The only method of stretch of tarmac. slowing drivers down seems to be obstructions in the road, such as speed 65 mph on Main Street Shortly after receiving Steve Law’s letter, I humps or single carriageway priority was walking up Main Street from the passing places. square and a car came flying down the hill into Hillam, which must have been doing Punish but prevent at least 65 mph through the narrow, blind Yes, I agree with Steve Law that anyone who consciously drives in a dangerous section. manner must be severely dealt with, but it Whilst most aren’t that bad, there are would be equally important to provide certainly plenty of vehicles which pass at safe pavements and footpaths and design speeds well in excess of the 30 mph the roads so that speeding is virtually impossible. speed limit. It has to be said that many

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School Report Monk Fryston CE Primary School

Our work as a National Teaching School started in earnest following the Easter holiday. We hosted a conference for 100 teachers from schools across the STAR Alliance, at which they could share good practice and learn from others. Feedback included the words ‘sensational, fantastic and incredible!’

The conference was opened by David Cameron (not that one! – this is a very highly regarded educational speaker ). He gave a very entertaining talk about the current state of education, including the implications of the government’s recent White Paper. He also introduced methods of self-evaluation for teachers to enable them to further improve their work.

Following workshops and case studies of effective teaching, delegates had a keynote address from David Chabeaux, an award-winning musician. He spoke poignantly about good teachers and discussed how to manage workload effectively to concentrate upon what matters most – children.

The event showed how schools can work in partnership and improve the work we do for the benefit of all pupils.

If you know a graduate who is considering entering the teaching profession, please do put them in contact with our school and we will gladly talk to them about our School Direct offer.

We are really proud of our Year 6 and Year 2 pupils, who have recently completed their statutory assessment tests. They maintained excellent levels of positivity and determination and we know that they all did their very best, and we look forward to another set of fantastic results. The tests reflected the much higher expectations of the revised National Curriculum. This has been a challenge for our children and staff, particularly those in Year 6 and we are absolutely delighted at their resilience in rising to this challenge.

The differences in all the tests this year makes comparisons with previous years very difficult. Our entire assessment system has been changed, and we still do not have real clarity about some of the aspects led by central government. What we do know is that we will continue to do our very best for all our pupils, regardless of what systems are created to test their ability. We consciously strive to meet our aim of ensuring that everyone develops excellent standards of achievement and behaviour, and are very proud of all our children.

I take great delight in showing people around our school because they comment upon how well we do this. In this age of educational change and ever-increasing accountability, we know that our children are well-rounded individuals who are fully equipped to make a positive contribution to their community. We hope that this is evident outside our school as well as within it.

We have now appointed our first trainee teachers who will start work in schools in our alliance from September. This is an exciting opportunity to learn from the best teachers and become qualified in our best schools. We will be offering placements again next year and applications can be submitted from Rick Weights October.

Headteacher

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Monk Fryston Post Office History Uncovered As building work on our B and B progresses, we have been both delighted and astonished to be handed an intact and very old domestic pot by one of our builders (Pete Goodall), found lying beneath an original wall to what must have been a previous and possibly medieval building. We initially dismissed it as a piece of ‘70’s night school pottery’ and had it not been for Sue and Ray Newton happening to call by, its history would have remained undiscovered.

the pot’s age etc. is to be sought (thanks to Sue) from the Yorkshire Museum in York, which will also help us date the original building. We will keep you posted.

Prize Winners Our April prize draw winners were Diane and Keith Knaggs (champagne), and Marjorie Kelly (deli box). Our May prizewinners are Colin Smith (champagne) and Chris Thompson (deli box). Congratulations to you all.

If you would like to join our free monthly prize draw you can do so online at our new website Sue and Ray felt it was of medieval – origins and were kind enough to ask the www.monkfrystonvillagestores.co.uk (or ‘Monk Fryston Dig’ visiting archaeologist call in to the shop for an entry form.)

Medieval Jug

Thank you Many thanks to all of you who came along to the shop to greet and speak with the Archbishop of York on 23rd April as he progressed on his pilgrimage around the diocese. The shop was packed with people on his arrival – all wishing to greet and to speak with him.

We feel extremely privileged to have been included in the pilgrimage of such a unique and talented Archbishop – to take a look at both the pot and at the thank you Dr. Sentamu. Huge thanks site where it was found. He confirmed also to Rev. John for all the planning and Sue and Ray’s feelings that it was effort that went in to making this visit. medieval and it seems such vessels were buried beneath thresholds to buildings Faye & Kevin to ward off evil spirits. More detail about

HILLAM NEWS IN MONK FRYSTON At the moment, a number of copies of Hillam News is available at the Post Office. We would like to deliver printed copies to Monk Fryston but the printing costs are beyond our current budget.

If you would like an electronic copy emailed to you when it is published then please send your email address to Shona McWhirter at hillamnews@gmail.com.

We are currently looking at the possibility of a small increase in advertising charges

plus a colour advert at a premium.

Another idea under discussion is issue sponsorship where a sponsor might have a 4 page centrefold colour insert We are hopeful that the additional revenue would fund the extended circulation.

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Community Association Will all Music and Firework Loving A full and varied program of musical Picnickers please take note…. … because for the first time this summer, on Saturday evening July 16th, we will be staging a fabulous evening of musical entertainment in the wonderful setting of mature trees which have provided a majestic backdrop for Hillam and Monk Fryston Cricketers for many, many years.

entertainment has been carefully put together to help you enjoy your canapés and fizz, or picnics and Pimms.

Packages start from just £10 per person for the full evening of entertainment; bring your own food and drink or buy what’s on offer; bring your groundsheet and chairs, or purchase a seat undercover.

Alternatively, why not take a gazebo pitch, and bring tables, chairs, candelabra, and whatever else takes your fancy.

Our Prom at the Pavilion is a new joint venture promoted and organised by the Cricket Club, Chernobyl Aid UK and the Community Association. The proceeds will be shared between the three local Tickets are on sale now . organisations. promsatthepavilion@gmail.com Enjoy a fabulous summer evening of entertainment with family, friends and Put the date in your diary now neighbours. The night will culminate with a spectacular, musically-accompanied, 6pm Saturday 16th July firework display at dusk.

The Big Village Dig What’s Under Your Garden ?

What a remarkable start to the year and it could get better. We have just concluded the continuation dig in Monk Fryston Hall where we have made discoveries way beyond our expectations. However, from a heritage perspective, other discoveries made in our villages have been really exciting and just show what could be lurking below the surface in your garden and, in July, you can be part of the Big Village Dig and maybe discover something remarkable.

Roman Coin

assessed. This is remarkable. In the past we have found a couple of sherds of Romano-British pottery and Samien ware but we have never had anything quite like this. One swallow doesn’t make a summer but I wonder when the person who lost the coin mended the hole in his pocket or pouch? There could be more just waiting to be found…. by you.

volunteers who have been digging at the hall who will come and help residents explore a small test pit in their garden to see what can be found and recorded. This will form part of the first village archaeological survey. Most test pits take only a day; in fact, a few hours, and the children love it. I’s a great family activity and the garden or lawn doesn’t get ruined; everything goes back except what Finds like these, and the medieval jug you find. We will give training on both found at the Post Office, help to build a days and summarise what has been found picture of longer term settlement and/or at the end of each day. activity in our villages. To the best of my knowledge such a survey has never been Details can be found on our website previously undertaken and that is what http://www.findingfryston.co.uk/the-biglies at the heart of our Big Village Dig on village-dig-2016.html or simply call Sue the weekend of July 2nd and 3rd.

Newton on 01977 682084 to find out more details.

Elsewhere in our villages a Roman coin and other artefacts have been found and Village Archaeological Survey again they are in the process of being We have a team of experienced

Excavation Open Afternoon

from the Monks to the Victorians.

Layers of People Finding Fryston is “mightily impressive” according to one visitor after he toured Another visitor said, after visiting, “it is the dig on the excavation open afternoon. remarkable that I have been walking past the site along Fryston Common Lane for 30 years and simply didn’t know what I A Blessing Thirteen days of excavation in the was passing and what was just below the grounds of Monk Fryston Hall over the surface”, and someone else said “it’s hard past three weeks got off to a flying start to picture and imagine how so many with a visit and blessing from Archbishop different people lived in that relatively Sentamu on our first morning and has small area over the centuries now all the culminated in some remarkable surfaces have been revealed, one on top discoveries. The Archbishop’s blessing of another”. certainly worked because despite the cold, unseasonal and threatening weather we only lost 15 minutes digging time due to rain throughout the period. They were rewarded for their efforts and it allowed visitors to see elements of Monk Fryston’s heritage from the whole project period –

Artefacts Galore About 50 trays of new artefacts have been found on this short dig to add to 10,000 plus pieces which were found last year; they have been washed and will be sorted over the next few months and, in due course, reported and publicly displayed

along with a full interpretation..

A couple of items nicely illustrate the range of remarkable discoveries made on the site. We found a pair of Victorian cart tracks which cross the new excavation area. These have been assessed as a regular route used by the Hemsworth workers to cart away reclaimed materials for reuse from demolished buildings in the Hall grounds.

Neolithic Evidence We also found a natural road drain running beneath the fabulous medieval road which we found last year. In the silt we found 5 small, but very sharp, flints; further evidence of human activity in this area, probably in Neolithic Times, between 2000 - 4,000 BC.

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Gone But Not Forgotten The village has many great characters and characters who were also great friends they all help in their different ways to and they both left us too soon just four shape our community. So, too, do the months apart, but they are not forgotten. characters who are no longer with us.

We still talk about them, the things they In this issue, we remember two of those said, the things they did which all go to

Colin Wells

Dower House in 1980., where Maxene still lives. Having qualified in electrical engineering, he soon became a copper wiring salesman and did so well that he set up his own copper wire business. That went even better and a few years later, Colin sold up. The working class boy from Hunslet had made good.

However, Colin had the risk-taking bug and ventured into the world of wine trading. He had one or two mishaps but always laughed about them…..like the time he got a few thousand bottles from Austria at a fantastic price, only to find they were contaminated with anti-freeze.

Next came the very fine vintage Chianti that Colin bought. Having sent a wagon from Pontefract to collect it. It got all the way to Italy to find it wouldn’t get under the bridge near the vineyard. Once that problem was sorted, he discovered the price he paid was for the wine in the fermentation vessel and he had to bottle Colin originated from Leeds but arrived in and label it himself. It later became Hillam in 1970 when he moved into known as the Hillam wine lake and was Chantries Cottage, and then on to the

make up the village we know and love.

If you would like any of your friends and family remembered in this way, please let us know via email at hillamnews@gmail.com distributed widely around the village.

When Colin was younger, he had a speech impediment but overcame that with help of a speech therapist. As Maxene says, “He never shut up after that”.

Colin always supported, encouraged and inspired the young. He knew what it took to fight against difficulties and he helped many young lads to start businesses. He was also a real grafter, a trait so obvious in one of his four children, Charlotte, at Bert’s Barrow.

He was always good at what he did— skiing, boxing, rugby, horse-riding and had a good eye for a ball. When things didn’t go right, though, he had a terrible temper. How fitting, then, that his great friend, Chris Escreet (featured below), could totally defuse his wrath by cradling his head and planting a big kiss on it.

As the photo depicts, once Colin got his voice back, he loved nothing more than being behind a microphone.

Chris Escreet Chris moved into Hillam in 1988 with his partner, Peter, who still lives at Breakfast Cottage today. I think its fair to say they were a very flamboyant and sociable pair, frequenting the Cross Keys on a very regular basis, always immaculately turned out in dazzling shirts, ties, perfectly creased trousers and shoes like mirrors As Chris would often say, “Its got to be done right, ‘an’t it ?” He was an absolute perfectionist and became known to so many people for his superb re-upholstery, which led to a steady stream of sofas, suites and dining chairs to his workshop.

Sapphire gin and his can of tonic water which used to sit down to the nine o’clock news with him every night he was in.

Before he became ill, he decided to bring his image up to date. Apart from his new glasses, he secretly invested in a teethwhitening course. He didn’t tell Peter at the time as it was rather a substantial investment but many a time he could be found in front of the mirror, checking the progress of his pearly whites. On one occasion he turned around with that cheeky glint and said, “Let’s face it, I’m ******* gorgeous me, aren’t I ?”.

Like his great friend, Colin Wells, he had a fair temper occasionally but he was basically soft as putty. When his next door neighbour was away, he would inherit Thomas, the ginger cat, look after him, feed him, fuss over him, talk to him and He loved taking the mickey out of people, so on. On one occasion, that neighbour but always with a childish gleam in his (me) returned from a few days working away to see that Chris and Peter were eye and never meant any malice. sitting at the dinner table, in the conservatory all laid up with best crystal Another good friend of his was Bombay He had a very cheeky brand of humour.

He used to say that, being gay, he was able to make all the jokes and comments that the rest of us couldn’t make. ...and how !

and silver. They also had a guest, Thomas, with his own chair, his own place setting and his own plate of finely cut up sirloin steak !

Chris is sadly missed but left us with so many great memories.

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News Bites

Redrow

Burton Salmon Cricket Club has Following last month’s brief item withdrawn from the HPH York Vale Cricket League due to lack of players.

The club played in the West Riding League until 1970. It was later disbanded and then re-formed as a Plough pub team in 1992, playing on Sundays. The club then joined York Vale League. The year 2000 saw them move to their new ground on Common Lane but, three years ago, a major fire destroyed the pavilion.

Things That Go Bang In The Night. It’s a few years since peace was shattered in Hillam by the earthquake in the middle of the night but, the other Monday night, it was even more dramatic and eardeafening as two huge booms brought locals scampering on to the streets. There were a few instant speculative explanations such as World War Three commencing, a UFO rising out of the North Sea being shot down and even the ludicrous suggestion that it was sonic booms as a couple of RAF fighter jets chased an off course Air France passenger aircraft. The truth, as always, is simple...Basil Brush had just arrived in Hillam…..Boom...Boom !

about the proposed Redrow development, I sent the following email to the Hillam and Monk Fryston representative on Selby District Council , Councillor John Mackman on 23 April.

Dear Cr Mackman I have taken over as editor of Hillam News and, as our councillor, I thought you might appreciate a copy so the following is a link for you to read it. https://issuu.com/hillamnews/ docs/201604issuedraft_432e2775b8ba68/1?e=0 If you should wish any item to be included in Hillam News, please feel free to forward it to me, Robert Kingsbury, via this email address, or via our secretary, Shona McWhirter, on hillamnews@gmail.com.

I'd like to draw your attention to the article on page 16 of the April issue about the proposed Redrow development. The essence of it is the lack of meaningful communication, open consultation and the bewildering jargon and ambiguous and contradictory policies of Selby District Council.

I should be very grateful if you could clarify (preferably by 7th May in time for inclusion in the next issue) exactly what stage we are at with this application and whether or not any of the villagers will have the chance to discuss the proposal directly with planning representatives; no doubt Redrow have had that opportunity.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Would you like me to include you on a regular mailing list for Hillam News ?

Regards

Kids’ Summer Challenge Right, kids, how about letting us know at Hillam News what you really like about living in Hillam, Monk Fryston or Burton Salmon.

All we need is a sentence or two sent to hillamnews@gmail.com So, parents and schoolteachers, its over to you to spread the word…...

Robert Kingsbury Editor Hillam News To date (four weeks later) there has been no response, not even an acknowledgement.

There are all sorts of rumours flying around the village about this site. I think we deserve better treatment from Selby District Council than this.

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The EU Referendum by Robert Kingsbury The idea of this page was to present a balance of opinions from various villagers but, despite a request in the last issue, two calls for contributions on Hillam News Facebook page and constant persuasion, encouragement, cajoling and pressganging amongst the regulars of the Cross Keys, I have not managed to find one person who wishes to comment in favour of remaining in the EU. Europe is full of great people I shall do my best to be objective and fair in this summary but, as an adamant LEAVER, I suspect my views might colour my reasoning. Before getting on to the hard facts of the campaign, though, I would like to say that I love Europe and its peoples. Having travelled extensively throughout the continent for both work and pleasure since my first school trip to Venice in 1963, I have met so many people from all walks of life whether hitch -hiking in my youth, overland trekking to Turkey, selling refrigerators in Iceland, jetsetting for a few years on a virtually weekly basis, working with practically every nationality, staying in luxury hotels, camping, sleeping under hedges, caravanning and even staying on a commune last year in Bavaria.

LEAVE Who will benefit ?

Those who favour independence Those who want to control UK borders Those who feel a bit more secure with our own Armed Services..

Those who have the initiative and optimism to thrive on change.

Those who want to reduce bureaucracy.

Innovators Those who want to retain British culture Those who mistrust EU leaders The UK economy will regain control of £18billion a year, saving about £10billion and making our own decisions about how the other £8billion is spent.

Those currently on low incomes, as wages will rise after Brexit.

The politicians aren’t so great Practically every country is the same as the UK in that it is full of wonderful people but also a few that aren’t quite so wonderful. It seems to me that the worst people in each country are the politicians and the majority of political leaders lie, cheat, look after themselves first and don’t really care what we think.

Consequently, I am not going to assume that all Luxembourgers are as arrogant as Mr. Juncker, nor that all Germans are floundering out of their depth as Angela Markel is; just as I do not want other Europeans to judge me by the double standards of our own Prime Minister.

What might happen after Brexit ?

This doesn’t seem to have been discussed so far but I would say there is a fair chance that the EU would collapse. Once UK money is removed from the budget and other, similarly-minded countries, like Denmark, pull out, the stampede could follow.

European state and want to get out.

A confused and confusing monster The EU itself is so large and confusing, comprising of the European Council, the Council of the European Union, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Central Bank, and the European Court of Auditors, that no-one seems to understand how it works. It has never published a set of accounts and many decisions and policies are determined by unelected commissioners.

Now, I’m not too impressed with the way democracy is going in the UK, but the EU, regardless of whether it is a good idea or not, is completely undemocratic and unfit to govern itself, let alone a continent. If we are to remain a part of the EU, then reform of its structure and accountability should be top of the list for reform…..not much chance of that.

It is also quite possible that the UK will be Now let us have a look at the main flooded with immigration requests from decisions to be made before deciding German and French professionals, for whether to vote to LEAVE or to REMAIN. example, who are fed up with their own governments’ obsession with the single Different people have different priorities in life, and that will help determine the way they vote. The main issues are sovereignty, security, border control and the economy.

Some people look a couple of generations ahead and some just look at the immediate future.

If your main concern is independence then a leave vote is the obvious choice. If you are happy to be governed by unelected commissioners from other countries then you will vote to remain.

If you think the UK is in danger of being infiltrated by migrant terrorists who have gained EU passports then you will vote to leave. If you think we would be safer by pooling all our military resources with the rest of Europe and a little bit of Asia, then you vote to remain.

If you are happy to let anyone from the EU enter the UK and settle here in uncontrolled numbers, then vote to remain. If you would like to limit the number of immigrants to the UK and be selective about who is allowed in, then vote to leave.

If personal financial wealth is most important to you, then stick your finger to the wind and guess. Neither the government nor the Bank of England has got one economic forecast right in the last eight years.

REMAIN Who will benefit ?

Politicians, bankers and solicitors Many larger businesses Those who aren’t bothered about the UK Those who want cheap mobile roaming charges in Europe Those who want total diversity Those who want an open door policy for 75 million new members from Turkey, amongst others Those who trust EU leaders Those who are generally fairly well off.

Those in receipt of EU funding, such as Cornwall Those who think we would be better off with one European military.

Greece, Romania, Croatia etc No-one in the long term Those who are prepared to give away the country our ancestors fought for.

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Monk Fryston Art Club From Garage To Gallery In the early stages of planning, and as our contribution to the village and its celebrations for The Tour de Yorkshire, the garage at The Manor House became a studio. This was the only convenient place large enough in which to paint the huge boards; one to welcome the cyclists to Monk Fryston and the other to say “au revoir” as they left Hillam.

Petals and Pots Many of you will remember these boards when they welcomed the Olympic flame to the village and wished it well on it’s journey as it left in 2012. Covering up those strong colours for the new designs took six coats of paint before we

had a suitable surface to work on, all of which took in excess of 35 hours.

Interestingly, we discussed the white rose argent of York City and that of Yorkshire, discovering that, traditionally, in the North and West Riding, the petal of the rose is at the top but in the East Riding, the sepal is at the top. As the fever of excitement grew, we painted three bicycles and approximately twenty five plant pots in the yellow and blue theme.

Forty Years of Dust The club also planned

to

have

small outdoor exhibition in the driveway of the Manor House but, as time got close and the weather forecast was predicting a colder, possibly showery spell, the only option was to clear the garage out. That was hard work. Forty years of dust, cobwebs and 'stuff' was daunting but friends with a large trailer came to the rescue whilst other helping hands brushed the old walls down and, even laid a carpet. Hey presto!With tables around the periphery and covered with table cloths, we had a gallery and it looked good.

Helping Narcolepsy Sufferers A number of paintings were cycle-related but, in addition, we also displayed an amazing range of subjects and media. There was no entrance charge but some people were kind enough to give a donation to Narcolepsy UK. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder which interferes with a person’s normal functioning; they don't or can't sleep, or do so at the wrong time. The condition is often mistaken for depression, epilepsy, the side effect of medication or even laziness. Almost everyone with narcolepsy also suffers from cataplexy, which causes episodes of muscular limpness where the patient may collapse on the floor. £52 was collected for the charity that supports people with this debilitating, chronic condition. The club thanks everyone who helped raise this sum of money.

will be the best exhibition ever. We have all summer to prepare for it and will look forward to showing you our work then.

There are many "thankyou’s" that the club needs to express. Principally, to the Tour de Yorkshire for making us think bikes and paint. Thank you, to Malcolm and Janet Pexton for the design and painting the boards, and also Steven Spence for donating a lot of paint. Malcolm and Janet also advised, and measured out, the large scale field art.

More thanks also to Ian Woodhouse, and indeed to many others, for their help in organising and running the exhibition; Pauline Vinton for dealing with the recycled artificial flowers; Lesley Venables for the beautiful, fresh flower displays and to all of you who cooked wonderful cakes.

To cap it all, we had a truly splendid buffet lunch for about 40 of us. A September Exhibition wonderful day, from beginning to end; a It was extremely gratifying to learn that fun day, a fantastic village party. quite a lot of visitors told us the exhibition should have been open all weekend. Unfortunately, we simply hadn't Jean Dearn thought about it. After all the hard work it Hon. President. would have been worthwhile. However, our annual exhibition will be held in a September at Monk Fryston Hall and it

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Hillam Parish Council Hillam Parish Council www.hillamparishcouncil.co.uk

Monk Fryston Parish Council www.monkfryston-village.co.uk

Burton Salmon Parish Council: www.burtonsalmonparishcouncil.co.uk

South Milford Parish Council: www.southmilford.org

CAST YOUR RING TREE VOTE ON THE SLIP BELOW Key Points from the April HILLAM Key Points from the May HILLAM up from the Pub and streets up to the PARISH COUNCIL meeting school. If you are a dog walker and think PARISH COUNCIL meeting Traffic.

NYCC Highways are going to put up extra speed signage on Austfield Lane and Hillam Lane, a speed monitor on Betteras Hill Road near the bungalows and also Transparency Funding Bid road markings on Chapel Street, that say It was reported that the Smaller Councils ‘SLOW’, near Hillam Hall. Little else is Transparency Funding Bid was successful, possible with current budgets. £1898.86 has been received for the council to put towards costs involved in However, residents can put up homesetting up and running the website. made signs that deter speeding or warn drivers of children, dogs, chickens etc. As Ring Tree A contractor was appointed to remove the long as the signs are on private property Ring Tree. The purchase and planting of a (not NYCC) and do not look official. replacement tree will be further Looking at the creativity shown by Hillam researched and decided on nearer the residents for the Tour De Yorkshire – time. challenge on!

Community Heartbeat Trust It was resolved that the Parish Council would use the CHT to supply, install and maintain a community defibrillator.

Planning Applications Outline application for the erection of a detached dwelling at Austfield House, Hillam Common Lane, Hillam was refused.

Village Maintenance A number of suggestions had been made by residents of the village, including facilities they would like to see in the village such as Crown Green Bowling, a bus shelter and more LED streetlights. The council have already reported the pavements and roads that are in need of resurfacing – Highways have these recorded.

Ring Tree By the time you read this the tree will have been removed and it will look very bare in the area. We have, in this edition of the Hillam News, a slip for you to fill in.

Each person in the household can have a vote. The slip can be returned to the Cross Keys, Post Office, into an envelope in the Notice Board, via the website or to a Parish Councillor. Closing date is 30th June.

We have been advised that 3 suitable tree types would be Whitebeam, Wild Cherry or Rowan (see the front page). Pictures Defibrillator will be on display on the notice board, Plans are moving forward to install a post office and Cross Keys. defibrillator in the phone box. If anyone is interested in helping the project forward, The Parish Council has funds to buy a tree; (the equipment will need low level but if anyone wishes to contribute to the maintenance after it is installed), then purchase and work involved then we are please contact us at the email address setting up a JUST GIVING page: above or any councillor. crowdfunding.justgiving.com/

Dog Fouling There seems to be a trend towards picking up the poo in a bag then leaving the bag.

Could all owners take the bags to a bin for disposal as the poo bags themselves take Councillor John Mackman is to be invited years to degrade. Certain areas are particularly bad – Betteras Hill Road just along to the next meeting.

Vote here for Wild Cherry

Wild Cherry

another dog poo bin is needed in an area then please email the Parish Council on the above email address.

Vote here for Whitebeam

Whitebeam

hillamringtree The login details are : hillampcclerk@gmail.com password: ringtree This would enable us to get the largest tree possible.

Vote here for Rowan

Rowan

Place an X against the tree of your choice, tear off the slip and take to the Cross Keys, Village notice board or give to a councillor by 30 June 2016.

15

The Cross Keys—The Pub Is The Hub There have been some great (mainly the Monday coffee morning have been impromptu) party nights at the Cross doing a range of fundraising for the Keys over the last few weeks. replacement tree. They have held a “Bringand-Buy” stall and carried out 2 raffles, Tinto, Tapas and Castanets raising over £200 so far – wonderful The night that rocked them all was at the commitment from some very caring beginning of April, when we hosted a individuals.

Tapas Night with live music from Jess & Paul. Serving a range of tapas dishes, Swinging Hillam accompanied by a glass of Rioja, there To build on this initial fundraising success, was an atmosphere of much fun and we will be hosting a “King of the laughter. The chefs did themselves proud Swingers” night on 25 June to raise further once more, demonstrating that the three of them have a really fabulous combination of skills. To accompany the tasty food was some enchanting music performed live by Jess & Paul. They even included some Spanish numbers into their set to add to the evening. People were up on their feet dancing and singing along. It was a lovely night to remember.

Tour Mania A most spectacular day was had by all when the Tour de Yorkshire came through.

The bouncy castle was delivered at 7.30am, BBQ lit at 8.30am and the coffee and cakes started flying out from 9am. We could tell we were in for a good day, but we could not have anticipated just how good. It was fabulous to see so many people from the village, and beyond, enjoying themselves and creating a celebratory atmosphere. Many thanks again to all our team. They worked so hard that day to keep everything going and maintain great quality service and food throughout. Tour de Yorkshire, you are welcome anytime!

funds for the new tree (only title we could think of that had some sort of tree theme).

There will be a swing band playing, an extensive buffet and some fun activities such as Kings & Queens, Play Your Cards Right and many more. Tickets are on sale now priced at £15 each. We hope you can join us for what promises to be an entertaining evening.

Ring Tree Farewell One of the busy viewing points for the race was around the Ring Tree. It was incredibly sad to say goodbye to our lovely tree that stood proudly in the centre of the Square but, alas, unavoidable. Therefore, it is only fitting that we make it’s replacement as grand a tree as we possibly can. During April and May, the ladies and gentlemen who attend

Yet More Swinging Talk about entertaining; our last Golf Society day took us to Garforth Golf Club and was a great day out for golfers of every level. The Society welcomes all golfers, male or female, of any handicap.

To come along to a Society Day, simply reserve your place with a £10 deposit at least one week before the event. The full fixture list can be found on our website

CROSS KEYS INN The Square, Hillam, LS25 5HE Open Every Day 12-11pm Serving Real Ales & Quality Wines

www.crosskeyshillam.com/golf-society One final point The Cross Keys Darts and Dominoes Team has now swung into action with some success at the start of the summer season.

Playing every Monday evening from 8.30pm, alternating home and away fixtures, please get in touch if you would be interested in joining us.

So that’s it from us this time. We look forward to seeing you for a quick one, for a leisurely one or for a bubbly one soon.

Cheers

Mel & Jayne Pauline Nesbitt, who was the power behind the scenes at Burton Salmon Cricket Club, organising everything from cutting the wicket to the annual dinner, has died. She was also a church stalwart at St. Mary’s in South Milford, where, she lived.

CCTV Electric Gates

Intruder Alarms Fire Alarms

Access Control Systems Lighting

Firsteye Ltd, Woodville, Austfield Lane, Monk Fryston, Leeds, LS25 5EH 01977 689759

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Gardener’s Diary by Susan Scott Recording successes and failures larger than ever with the promise of large, colourful flowers. Other perennials are pushing through with a lovely patchwork of greenness and, despite the damp, have undamaged leaves. A hosta in a container has pushed up and unfurled beautiful ribbed leaves and deserves to be placed in a more prominent position in the garden.

Gardens can have their own microclimates and timetables. This spring many magnolias in the villages around were already in bloom when my magnolia flowered late. The mild wet winter had brought on the narcissus from January and the summer snowflake made a very early appearance this year, flowering at the same time as the narcissus. Wild primroses flowered from December If the perennials show signs of becoming too lush they can be treated to the onward.

“Chelsea Chop” advocated by those in the south to curb perennials and to The Seasons They Do Change Every plant seems to be confused with encourage later flowering. As Chelsea some winter flowering shrubs, which Flower Show is in late May, that may be naturally flower on bare wood, keeping appropriate for those south of Watford leaves well into winter. Two particular but it also applies a little here. It does not shrubs then went quickly on to produce a damage the plant but helps to reshape it new crop so that the normally sweet and, as already said, encourages later smelling flowers were hidden by leaves. Is flowering. this a sign of things to come?

Just a Few Shattered Dreams Keeping records of what happens in the garden can be a useful guide. Head gardeners of old estates kept copious records of plants ordered, seeds sown, successes and failures, so that when their employer requested that they grow certain plants, the head gardener could confidently predict it could be possible.

Hottest, Coldest, Wettest, Driest…..

As an allotment holder I did the same.

Every visit to the allotment would be recorded with the general weather observations and comments regarding butterflies seen or whether the swifts had arrived. Some winters seem to drag on forever with frost late into May and I remember being told that the latest frost recorded in West Yorkshire was June 9th.

Further east, we are more protected from late frost but, at present, some fields still have pools of water. The professional meteorologist will be telling us that it was the wettest winter since…..or that May had the coldest start for a hundred years.

How does this affect our gardens?

Despite all that rain my containers still dried out as winds blew across. Two large containers had become water logged and will have to be emptied (if possible) to help the contained plants dry out.

This winter did not shatter as many containers as previously, so there were fewer rescues to undertake but after two or three years the growing medium may need changing.

Pots and containers may provide useful patches of colour whilst waiting for other, more permanent, plants to put on their display. In autumn I plant up pots of tulips and narcissus to scatter around the garden. By now these have done their best and are ready to go back into summer dormancy. Ensure that the leaves are allowed to grow for a long enough period to replace food lost from the bulbs, and feed with a general fertiliser.

Some herbaceous perennials are currently The bulbs can be then left to die back, or growing to triffid-like proportions. The planted out in the garden to re-emerge oriental poppies show every sign of being next spring.

I noticed this spring that some of my tulips had disappeared, perhaps rotted off in the wet winter soil, so I shall be looking to replace them this autumn.

Some cottage garden varieties of tulip seem to last for years and other less tolerant cultivars seen to diminish and disappear.

I love the large red flowers ‘Appledoorn’ and ‘Golden Appledoorn’ so showy and cheerful. It is such a shame that the tulip is not known to be fragrant.

So, as I record this spring’s successes and failures, I will plan for a more colourful spring next year and hope the weather is kind.

Friends of Freda’s Garden Freda was a lovely lady who lived by the canal in Knottingley. She was a keen gardener but had very little garden of her own, so she started to plant up the canal towpath, quite illegally. Her proud boast was that she never paid for a plant. Everything was from cuttings and gifts.

Over the years the garden became very well known to canal users and local residents. So much so that the garden featured in the British Waterways guide.

Sadly, she died a few years ago and the planting has suffered from weeds, brambles and contractors cutting everything down at the wrong time. Last year we formed a small group to try to restore the garden. We have adopted the towpath with the help of Canal & River Trust to keep contractors away and we have cleared about 2/3 of the 1/2 mile stretch of the garden, leaving as much of Freda's planting as we can, but some areas were so completely overgrown that everything had to go.

Some new planting has gone in with the help of Groundwork who had some money to regenerate the towpath in Knottingley, but we need a lot more.

Last autumn a local resident donated a £500 gardening prize to buy a seat in memory of Freda. If you would like to visit the garden, just walk along the towpath in Knottingley. The garden is situated between Cow Lane Bridge and Shepherds Bridge. (Picture Page 23) If you would like to help, please contact me marklovett@aol.com 01977 620766.

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Fitcamp by Jane Elizabeth Wright Are You Ready for Summer? No ?

Well, don’t worry help is at hand at FITCamp. Indulging over the winter months can often lead to a sluggish mentality, making it harder to break into an effective routine later on in the year.

Building a healthy lifestyle should be exactly that - a lifestyle - not something that fluctuates along with the seasons.

We can help you to change the way you think about food and exercise and provide you with the knowledge you need to get inspired and change your body for the better. You CAN lose weight, you CAN look better and feel better than ever before.

Let’s Get Started We will record your measurements and set some achievable goals. You will record your calories, drink plenty of water, put down the salt shaker and avoid sodas and carbonated beverages.

Eat This Not That Everyone has cravings. While it’s important to eat healthy and stick to your daily calories and nutrition, denying yourself the foods you crave entirely can actually do more harm than good. So here at FITCamp we will teach you how to make small changes that will stop you falling off the wagon and going back to the nasty habits you once had that inevitably will just take you back to the start Small group classes run on Monday & Tuesday 09.15-10.00 & 18.30-19.15, Thursday 18.30-19.15 and Saturday 09.00

Parish Walk Saturday 25th June 2016.

Led by Angela and June

-09.45. We also offer Personal training 1-2-1, Buddy sessions and private small group sessions for no more than four people (preferably similar fitness levels).

There are sessions to suit all schedules and budgets. If you’re still struggling to develop a consistent weight management regime then I can offer an amazing programme. It’s an advanced nutritional plan and is designed to help you look and feel better in just three easy steps.

Part 1: Encourages a change in mind set by altering the way you approach your fitness programme. It will help you look better and feel great, whilst providing the perfect starting point to help you transform your diet and fitness habits.

This nutritionally balanced programme will allow you to see real results in just nine days.

Part 2: Builds on your progress to ensure your new habits are ingrained long-term.

Part 3: Once you have achieved your goals, it’ll be time to push your body to the maximum and achieve optimum results by toning your body and making it stronger and leaner.

So what are you waiting for? Summer body here we come! Call us and have a chat about how we can get you started.

Jane Elizabeth Wright entering the village, turn left at the "Pub" (now closed, sadly) and park near the village green/pond.

Allow at least one hour, because the We welcome you to a 6.5 mile walk, traffic lights at Stamford Bridge can starting at Fridaythorpe, then onto the cause delays.

Wolds Way, all with lovely views over the Yorkshire Wolds.

The "Sea Ways" cafe at Fridaythorpe will be open for refreshments from 8.00am Meet at 10.15am for a 10.30am start. to 4.00pm.

Please bring food and a drink, and wear suitable clothing for the day.

Please contact either Stuart or Paddy on 01977 684180 if you require further From Monk Fryston join the A64 at information about this walk or the group Tadcaster, towards York. Leave the A64 in general and take the A166 towards Bridlington.

After passing through Stamford Bridge, Fridaythorpe is a further 11 miles. After Stuart Twydale

18

Classified

Everything for Christmas Enjoy a coffee and cake while you shop

19

Classified

Now open Sundays

20

Classified

21

Classified David (Dai) Jones

Dip Arch RIBA

Architect

Fletton House The Square HILLAM North Yorkshire LS25 5HE

Phone 01977 685534 Consultation Welcome – Initial Discussion Free

22

Convoy Diary by Jenny Allison It was 1pm, local Belarusian time, when I received a message from the editor asking me to write an article about the convoy. It would be perfectly reasonable to say, when I agreed to do so, I was not quite in my right mind. We'd just completed a 16 hour gruelling overnight border crossing into Belarus, I'd finally slept for 2 hours and we were up and ready to journey a further 8 hours to our final destination and therefore, in my sleep-deprived state, I accepted the challenge.

arms. The family had 3 children under the age of 10; their eldest daughter was deaf.

Although exhausted, Emily and I enjoyed their hospitality and even though we did not share a language we put our iPhones to good use showing them photos of our families back home. Mama and Papa gave up their bed for us that night despite our protestations. We were all collected the next morning and taken to have breakfast at the association. It is always nice to be with our friends again and spirits were high. However, it was with great sadness that we learned that one of their People who don't know me (and many daughters had died of cancer. Convoy who do) look at me totally perplexed always brings you back to reality with a when I say "I'm going on convoy to bang.

Chernobyl”. It's hard to explain, but I'll try; Convoy is addictive, every emotion and The highlight of our stay in Rogachov was feeling is to the extreme - extreme visiting a music school which had tiredness, extreme sadness, extreme received aid from us for the first time in frustration (usually at customs) but, also October 2015. On that convoy we had extreme happiness. It is a fact that we all delivered instruments, sheet music and a know the difficulties of the journey and drum kit. When returning home my Dad customs are soon forgotten when we visit had found the base drum pedal in his the schools and institutions and see how office! It was sheer brilliance when we our aid really does deliver happiness. The entered a room to find a young boy journey is always exhausting when you’re playing the drum kit and presented him chasing borders and drivers’ legal hours. with the pedal; a photograph would have We made the famous mistake almost never captured the joy on his face. The everyday of thinking we were ahead of children and their teachers put on a show time until we’d hit yet another 4 hour for us as a thank you and I would be lying delay and suddenly arriving at a if I told you we were all dry eyed at the destination for R&R at a decent time is end. It was truly awe-inspiring. just a mere fantasy.

Later that day we visited Vikov, an In Belarus we first headed for Rogachov. institution for mentally disabled adults. It The Rogachov Association is a place I love is always a hard place to visit and, while to visit; they are a group of families with there have been improvements in disabled children who joined together to cleanliness (the smell used to be be able to support and keep their unbearable), it still feels overcrowded, children at home. I am always in full unstimulating and the carers are more admiration of these ladies; so determined easily recognisable as bouncers. They and strong to fight for their children have a new lady director who is keen to despite all the adversities that face them. make improvements and could not be When we arrived at 11pm at night we more grateful for the aid we bring. Vikov were collected and taken to our ‘digs’. usually receive clothes, craft materials and incontinence products, I will leave it up to I was delighted to join a young family in you to imagine what happens when these their flat. ‘Mama’ welcomed Emily and I, run out. who were complete strangers with open

After unloading the lorry we headed to our second home, Gomel. In Gomel we had 2 loads to drop, one for the Diabetic Association who work to support the lives of children suffering from Diabetes and to the Education Department. We spent the day visiting a school in a rural community, meeting the teachers and children and being invited into their lessons. We saw aid we had previously delivered being used and the children were a delight. The school itself was so basic and had very little resources but the teachers made it an amazing place to be.

As a teacher myself, I felt strangely jealous of the teachers there. Maybe it was the lack of OFSTED expectations, but that’s enough politics from me.

Chernobyl 30 years on….Events to commemorate the accident are taking place in many countries across not just Europe but the world.

The passing of the years should not dilute the seriousness of the explosion and the effect it has had on the lives of so many, particularly the children, and will continue to do so in the future. Today in Belarus,

association and consider that in future years, due to genetic damage, there will be a further surge of illness.

In our work we continue to support the families, organisations and institutions that care for the sick and disabled by taking aid of all types that can enhance the standard of living of those living in poverty.

Mike Allison

the country just north of Chernobyl which received the greatest part of the radioactive fallout, cancers of all types, diabetes and disabilities both physical and mental are prevalent in children and adults. Although the authorities play down the link to the radioactive contamination, other experts in that field, across the world, are certain of the

All too soon it’s time to start the journey home, and a repeat of traffic jams and delays but as you stand on the ferry deck at Rotterdam, the feeling of a good job completed is amazing. There are many things about convoying I will never be able to explain and some things I don’t ever want to explain, I see things that break my heart and other things lift me up beyond belief. There is nothing more inspiring than the goodness in people and as you stand there on the ferry all these thoughts and memories pass through your mind.

For people who like team work there's not much that could compete with convoying - you leave as a group, some who know each other well and some newbies or 'rookies' (as we like to call them) and you arrive back as a team. In the last couple of days you long for quiet and some sleep but, within a few hours, you're missing the team and the great ‘craic’. After a good night’s sleep and a shower, the question is always the same … when’s the next one?

Until next time, Jenny Allison.

Chernobyl Aid UK and Hillam lass.

23

Jenny and Mike with their host family in Belarus

On the road again

OK The unloading begins

Nap time….

The team and the wonderful Gomel children

Jenny Allison is no stranger to journalism. Here is the “Hillam Lass” pictured with released hostage John McCarthy in 1993 when she interviewed him for Top of the Class, the magazine produced by Monk Fryston Primary School.

Freda’s Garden lies along the towpath of the Knottingley Canal for approximately half a mile.

Why not take a stroll and see what the volunteers are doing to restore it ? Some of the volunteers are from Monk Fryston so, better still, why not go along with them to lend a helping hand ?

What would be particularly helpful would be the donation of any of your garden plants (mainly, shrubs, bulbs, perennials, alpines etc) that you no longer want.

Just contact Mark Lovatt on 01977 620766 or marklovatt@aol.com

Freda’s Garden

Rogachov Musical School

24

Stop Press Where Are They Now ?

Jill Smith (aka Jill Park, aka Jill Muscroft) used to live on Main Street in Hillam with her parents, Jack and Molly Muscroft, who still live in Monk Fryston.

About 8 years ago she emigrated to Australia when she married Geoff, a Castleford lad, who beat her to Australia by about 50 years.

Having lived in Sydney and Nowra, NSW, for a few years, they now live in Canberra with the faithful Jesse. Although Jill has been gone from Hillam for many years, she still has many friends here and in other local villages. If you want to know what’s going on in LS25, just ask Jill via Facebook and she’ll tell you !

When asked if she was now settled in Australia, her answer was “No, because I’ll always miss home”.

When asked if she’d rather be at home, she replied “No, because I’ll always miss Australia”. Friends will be pleased to hear that she will back on British soil in June/July for a few weeks.

She can be found on Facebook and would love to hear from old friends.

Fitness, Fun and Family Day

Sunday 17 July 12 until 5

The Hillam & Monk Fryston Com-

The day itself will feature:

mun ity

Sp ort s

As soci ation

(HMFCSA) is a 'community interest company' formed by Hillam & Monk Fryston Cricket Club and Monk

Fryston

Junior

Football

Club.

Our vision is to promote and support

health

and

wellness

initiatives in the villages via local sports and community groups.

Our inaugural event will be a Family Fun Day at the Cricket Club following hot on the heels of the previous night’s festivities at proms in the Pavilion.

A 'guaranteed' sunny, family fun day BBQ Tea and cakes, food and sweet stalls Ale, wine and pimms bars Arts, crafts and specialist stalls fun events music Junior football awards mini fun fair Sports Association activities and competition A lovely chance to chill-out with the family in a lovely setting

Tony Hudson sporting his new B.E.M. gong...

That’s it, folks, end of the TdY coverage