Hillam News April May 2004

24

Hillam News

April - May

2004

LOCAL SERVICES To amend or to add to the information below, please phone Jenny Hoare (683332) Monk Fryston Post Office (682252)

Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm; Sat 8.30am – 7pm; Sun 9am – 7pm

Post Office counter

Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri 9am – 5.30pm; Wed & Sat 9am – 1pm

Last postal collections

Hillam Square Monk Fryston PO South Milford PO Pontefract, Trinity St

Public transport – local bus & train timetables & enquiries

0113 245 7676, or www.wymetro.com

Micklefield StationLink & Village Bus

685555

South Milford Surgery – Dr A Janik & Partners (682202, or www.southmilfordsurgery.co.uk)

Mon – Fri 9 –11am & 4.30 – 6.30pm; Sat 9 –10.30am (emergencies only)

Monk Fryston Surgery – Dr D James & Partners (683452)

Mon 11 - 2pm & 3 - 6pm; Tues 5 - 7pm; Wed & Fri 8 - 12 noon

Selby War Memorial Hospital

01757 702664, or www.sypct.com

Pontefract General Infirmary

600600, or www.panp-tr.northy.nhs.uk

Visiting Scheme for the Elderly (Books on wheels, hospital transport, social events for the housebound, etc.). Volunteers also required.

Enid Taylor (681828)

St Wilfrid’s Church, Monk Fryston Rector: Rev’d Gwynne Richardson (682357) Curate: Rev’d Susanne Jukes (01757 706719)

For service times, see St Wilfrid’s Church News page

Monk Fryston & Hillam Methodists Minister: Rev’d Rory Dalgliesh (682230)

Services: most Sundays 9.30am, Monk Fryston Church Hall Coffee morning: 1st Sat of month 10am, Church Hall

Mobile library (Sherburn Library) (682306, or www.northyorks.gov.uk/libraries/mobiles)

Every 3 weeks (but different Tuesdays - see website): Hillam Square Tues 10.05 - 10.35am Maspin Grange Tues 2.20 - 2.25pm

Hillam Parish Council

Mon-Fri 4.30pm, Sat 9.30am Mon-Fri 4.15pm, Sat 11am, Sun 11.30am Mon-Fri 6pm, Sat 11am, Sun 12 noon Mon-Fri 6.30pm, Sat 1pm, Sun 1pm

1st Wed of month 7.30pm, Community Centre Clerk – Malcolm Walton (685186)

Selby District Council

01757 705101, or www.selby.gov.uk

Refuse disposal

Removal of bulky items (domestic items free) Selby District Council (01757 292113)

Police

01904 631321, or www.northyorkshire.police.uk

Neighbourhood Watch

PC Mike Welsh (01904 669199)

Gas (leaks)

0800 111 999, or www.transco.uk.com

Yorkshire Electricity (supply failure)

0800 375 675, or www.npower.com

Yorkshire Water (sewerage and leaks)

0845 1242429, or www.yorkshirewater.com

Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Selby Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Pontefract

0845 1203718 ) 0870 1212044 )

or www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Volume 16, Issue 2

April / May 2004

The Voice of Hillam village, North Yorkshire. Delivered free to all residents With that and £250 to replace vandalised signs at the Community Centre a lot of fundraising will be Thank you to all our regular con- needed. tributors and a warm welcome to the new ones. Dylan’s Diary must What about other village issues? surely be the first article written by Well, strong opposition is brewing against the Ferrybridge asphalt a village dog! plant. On an equally smelly theme, Looking ahead, the village diary concerns have also been exappears quite full! There is the pressed about dog fouling in the Barn Dance and Hog Roast in village. support of the Hillam Lights, and the Chernobyl Children’s Project’s On a positive note, those of you Grand Auction. It’s a great time to who wish to enhance the village become involved in village life. will be interested to know that These should be memorable money is available from the Parish Council for enhancement projects. events!

Do you have any ideas?

It is disappointing to hear that the village flag is missing, presumed Rob Preston, Guest Editor stolen! I understand that the re- robert.preston4@virgin.net placement cost is around £100.

Welcome everyone to the April/ May issue of the Hillam News.

Barn Dance & Hog Roast With the Bad Bargain Band Sunday May 2nd, 7.30 pm to midnight.

Marquee off Austfield Lane, Hillam.

Tickets £7.50 for adults, £3.00 for children Available from Post Office, The Blue Bell, The Crown, The Cross Keys, Hillam Feeds and from Mary Little

Proceeds to Hillam Christmas Tree Lights

In this Issue 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Geoff Hall Parish Council Ponderings More Parish Council Round the Parish Pump Hillam Historians Art Club & 100 Club results Cats and Dogs The Sky at Night over Hillam Local Issues Schools News St Wilfrid's Church & Methodists Money Matters Manor Court Community & Youth Club Chernobyl Children’s Project Advertising Brownies & Playschool Police and Football Gardening Birding Classified Letters Local Services

VILLAGE DIARY Sunday 2nd May, 7.30pm Monday 17th May Hillam Lights Barn Dance, Community Association Selby Market Austfield Lane, Hillam

Stall,

Saturday 19th June Friday 7th May, 7.30pm Chernobyl Children's Project Monk Fryston Football Club, Grand Auction, Monk Fryston Annual Football Tournament School Monday 21st June Monk Fryston Art Club, Saturday 8th May Jumble Sale, Community Centre Open Day Saturday 26th June, 1pm Monday 10th May, 7.00pm PTA Summer Fayre, School Monk Fryston Art Club Open Day, Monk Fryston Hall Saturday 2nd October, 8pm PTA Race Night, School Tuesday 11th May, 8pm PTA Get Well Stay Well! Health If you want your event listing, and Beauty Evening, School

contact the Hillam News team

HILLAM NEWS is financed solely by advertising revenue and the generosity of contributors, photocopiers and distributors. The Editor is solely responsible for the paper’s contents. If you would like to advertise, Display or Classified, contact Bev Jackson on 685923.

If you have an article to submit or a view you would like to have published, telephone Kay Webster on 680917

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Hillam News

April - May

2004

Hillam News

Letters

HILLAM PARISH COUNCIL Mrs Allison Garner 2 Hillam Gates, Betteras Hill Road, Hillam.

Tel: 682575

Miss Julie Taylor 2 Bedford’s Fold, Hillam.

Tel: 680482

Nick Tinker 12 Hillam Hall Lane, Hillam.

Tel: 684908

Chairman Mrs Jean Collinson The Cottage, Betteras Hill Road, Hillam.

Tel: 682391

Mrs Betty Wright 11 Bedford’s Fold, Hillam.

Tel: 682361

Bring your news and views to the attention of the residents of Hillam

Have your say, raise your voice; lets hear what you have to say. You can send letters in at any time and we will hold them for the next issue.

Send letters or E-mail to Kay Webster Peterjones@kaywebster.freeserve.co.uk or give Kay a call on 680917.

Vice Chairman Charles Vickers The Manor House, The Square, Hillam.

Tel: 684912

Mrs Donna Tonks Rose Tree Cottage, Main Street, Hillam.

Tel: 681729

April - May 2004

Clerk to the Council Malcolm Walton Oak Lodge, Chapel Street, Hillam.

Tel: 685186

The Council meets on the first Wednesday in the month, 7.30 pm in the Community Centre.

District Councillor: Robert Collins, Ashleigh House, Lumby Lane, South Milford, 558391 District Councillor: John Mackman, 107 Main Street, Monk Fryston, 689221 North Yorkshire County Councillor: Jim Snowball, 6 Orchard Close, South Milford, 683679 MP: John Grogan, Selby Office, 58 Gowthorpe, Selby, 01757 291152 Selby Conservative Association, 56 Gowthorpe, Selby, YO8 4ET, 01757 700026

Geoffrey Hall The Editorial Committee of the Hillam News wish to apologise to Meg Hall and her family for omitting to publish the following notice in the last issue, and for any distress and disappointment this may have unwittingly caused.

GEOFFREY HALL 7 June 1930 – 3 November 2003

Dear Editor, I really enjoyed reading the article about the Coldwell family.

A Methodist family ourselves, when we arrived in Monk Fryston village in 1939 we were warmly welcomed. Being a family of 11 we certainly boosted the numbers attending Sunday school. My father was a railwayman and we

lived down at Milford Junction.

A close friend of ours, Madge Dickson, now 88, who no longer lives in the area, was during childhood the best friend of Barbara’s mother (Margaret Coldwell).

I spoke to her about the article and sent her a copy.

She said she would type up and send some of her early memories for publication in the next issue.

Some time ago Barbara brought her mother to visit us and reminisce about old times. One of my early memories was of being taken by a friend when she went to talk to the soldiers at the searchlight battery on the road between Monk Fryston and Milford Hall.

I was taken along only so as not to raise the suspicions of our parents.

Phyllis Earless

HILLAM NEWS CONTACTS The new line up Compilers

Rob Preston Howard Ferguson

Dear Editor, It was a lovely surprise to receive the magazine and the letter from Muriel Johnson (née Atkinson) telling me all the recollections she has of my family. I did not think there would be so many people who remembered, as my mother was the youngest of seven and was the only one left when she died at 86 years old - two years ago this Easter.

My cousins have also been very interested in the information and will no doubt be contacting the people who have memories. Thank you for putting this into the magazine for me and also for all the trouble you have taken in passing on the information. We will look into our albums and see whether we have any photographs which will add to your collection.

Three years ago, one of my cousins - Elsie's daughter, who is called Sheila and now lives in USA - had her 70th birthday party at Monk Fryston Hall. She invited all of the Coldwell descendents and their husbands and wives and children. It was a wonderful day; there were enough people to fill the whole place and the garden too! The weather was glorious and there were people from all over the country and also from overseas. It was very comforting to know that we all had happy memories of a loving, warm, supporting family who have remained so all our lives.

Best wishes, Barbara Lumb.

Hillam News Compilation Team

681163 684922

Rob Preston and Howard Ferguson are sharing compilation. Other tasks which were carried out by Geoff have been taken on as follows: Chairman and Treasurer, David Atkinson; liaison with advertisers, Bev Jackson; copying and distribution managers, Betty Wright and Neal Wilson.

Margaret, Sue, Madeleine, Fiona and Joanna would like to take this opportunity of thanking Reverend Canon Gwynne Richardson, Reverend Susanne Jukes, Tony Hudson, Ray Newton and everyone else associated with St Wilfrid's Church, together with the community of Hillam and the surrounding villages, for their support and kindness through this very difficult time.

Chairman, Treasurer David Atkinson

684577

Editorials will be written by members of the team and by guests.

Secretary

Kay Webster

680917

Hillam News, St Wilfrid's Church and the Community Centre played a very large part in Geoff’s life.

He thrived on the challenge of new projects and a worthy cause; he was always thinking ahead for new ideas.

Proofreader

Jenny Hoare

683332

Some 40 others who constitute the existing army of volunteers are to keep on their original roles, their numbers now increased by newly recruited duplicators and distributors.

Geoff was at his happiest working towards “deadlines” as all involved with Hillam News knew only too well. His attention to details and “lists” will be remembered for a long time.

We were overwhelmed and touched by the local attendance at the funeral; it was a great comfort for us all, knowing that he was well liked in the village.

Thank you again for your kindness.

Meg and the girls.

Copying and distribution managers Betty Wright Neal Wilson

682361 685551

Advertising liaison Bev Jackson

685923

Duplication and distribution are carried out by over 40 volunteers

We should like to thank the many people whose efforts have resulted in this happy outcome. We are particularly indebted to Meg and family for permitting access to Geoff’s computer files, to Peter Watkinson for practical assistance and advice with IT, to Simon Cook for printing leaflets at short notice, to the residents of Manor Court for allowing us to meet in their common room, to all those who took the trouble to attend the meeting, and last but not least, to the leaflet distributors.

The next issue of Hillam News is planned for Summer. Due to many individuals’ hard work Hillam News can look forward to a bright future.

Kay Webster and Jenny Hoare.

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Hillam News

April - May

2004

Hillam News

Classified Advertisements Advertising in Hillam News The objective of Hillam News is to encourage a strong community spirit in Hillam. One way in which we hope to achieve this is by making people aware of the wide range of local businesses and their services.

For our advertisers Hillam News provides a unique way of reaching every home in the village.

Space is limited and, even though it is the advertisements which meet the cost of producing Hillam News, we can offer space only when available.

If you would like to advertise, please contact Beverley Jackson on 685923.

Holiday Opportunity Give yourself a break on the Côte d’Azur Apartment for 2, central Nice Check it out on www.cheznous.com Property ref. 1192 Or contact Betty Wright 01977 682361

Holiday Cottages to Rent Available for weeks or short breaks Lake District—sleeps 9, four poster bed, open fires, tourist board rating 4* Robin Hoods Bay—2 cosy neighbouring cottages in the Old Village, each sleeps 4 (discount for only two adults renting

£3 per item per issue

Services Offered Newspapers and Journals H Winterbottom, High Street, Ferrybridge.

Telephone 672575

Free to good home Greenhouse, 7’ x 6’ For sale Exercise bike Tel: 682858

For Sale New Piaggio NRG MC3 50CC Scooter 4 miles, yes four miles on the clock!

Unwanted gift. UK dealer supplied.

Now offered with a big saving on list £1150.00 price.

No Pets or Smoking please

Chain Saw Stihl 08S fitted with 20” saw bar.

Powerful professional saw. Good chain, needs servicing and TLC.

Further info., phone 01977 681372

£40.00

Staithes near Whitby—sleeps 7, Panoramic sea and village views from the balcony and patio

Tel 01977 685750 C.J.TATE SERVICES DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS & SERVICING

For an efficient service on most makes of automatic & twin-tub washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, cooker, microwave and fridge/freezer.

Tel: 01757 228811 Answerphone available out of hours Mon-Sat. Closed Sundays.

Monk Fryston Post Office & General Store Bread and Pastries, freshly baked every day Video Rental Club, new releases every week Selected Ales and Wines, on special offer every month Mon-Fri Saturday Sunday

Shop 8 – 8 pm 8.30 – 7 pm 9 – 7 pm

Post Office 9 – 5.30 (Wed 9 – 1) 9 – 1.00 pm Closed

Call Joan & Kevin on 682252 Local orders delivered FREE

April - May 2004

Parish Council Ponderings Précis Report of the Parish Council Meeting February 2004 Present: Councillors Collinson (Chairman), Vickers (Vice-Chairman), Wright, Tinker, Taylor, Garner, Tonks and the Clerk to the Council.

Guests: Mrs S M Gilbert, Mrs M Wells, Mr C Wells and Mr A Broughton.

Apologies for absence: None Minutes of December meeting : Approved.

Matters Arising Councillor Wright reported that the article relating to dog waste bins had been inadvertently overlooked in the last edition of the Hillam News but would be included in the March issue.

Councillor Vickers still pursuing clarification of NYCC’s responsibility for grass cutting within the village prior to preparing a contract for the 2005 season.

Finance Bank Bal. £702, Dep. £9,383.61 Reimbursement by Direct Line of costs incurred for the repair to street light damaged by motorist in October 2003.

Correspondence In included: 1 NYCC invitation for Parish Council to select an appropriate street name for the Wild Bennett development. Brambles Court was selected.

2 SDC application for tree preservation orders at the Old Coach House, Hill Crest and 3 Pine Tree Lane.

3 SDC notification of investigative planning department site visit to Hill Top Farm.

4 NYCC progress report on the imminent replacement of damaged bollards in Hilllam Hall Lane.

5 NY Police obscure response re future use of cells at Selby Police Station.

Correspondence Out included: 1 J. Coote: NYCC letter of thanks re construction of new bridge and repairs to Betteras Hill Road bridge and footpath sign.

2 J. Coote: request for repair of damage to gate and rails of footbridge and finger post, Betteras Hill Road.

3 Request for extension of speed restriction on Betteras Hill Road.

Planning Applications 1 Mr and Mrs Thompson, 2 Hillam Hall Close: proposed erection of single storey side and rear extension to link existing garage.

2 C. and J. Naylor: proposed erection of detached house and single garage on land between Manor House and Austin Cottage.

3 Hillam Gardens Limited: erection of conservatory to dwelling to be used as a

tea room, creation of polytunnels and increase in retail floor area, construction of 8 craft workshops, siting of 12 craft stalls, change of use of woodland to picnic areas and 5 touring caravan pitches, creation of a miniature railway with landscaping and widened access bridge at Hillam Gardens Ltd. No objections made at the meeting.

Notice of decision Applicants Mr and Mrs Bisset re erection of a five-bedroomed detached dwelling with double garage on land to the rear of Orchard View. Passed.

Environment Guest speaker Mrs S Gilbert , supported by Mr Broughton and Mr and Mrs Wells, addressed the meeting to advise on the proposals for the construction of an asphalt plant at Ferrybridge and the potential impact upon the immediate vicinity and surrounding villages. Having heard the concerns expressed, the parish council agreed that on behalf of the residents a formal objection would be registered with Wakefield Metropolitan District Council.

It was proposed and agreed that we financially support the fund to obtain legal and expert health advice over the planning objection and that councillors Tonks and Vickers would endeavour to be presented as observers at the planning meeting in Wakefield.

Letter to be sent to the fishing club about litter at the Brick Pond.

Damage to handrails, gate and tree on the footpath off Betteras Hill Road has been reported to NY Police and the NYCC Environment Agency. Repairs will be put in hand. Costs may be recharged to the parish.

Reports Burial Committee Meeting held 6 January.

Seat to be selected and installed.

Maintenance work on wall to be undertaken.

Community Association Aluminium can bank to be installed by SDC. Jazz Night scheduled for Friday 6th February.

Craft Fair for Sunday 4th March.

Advance notice of potential request for financial support from the Parish Council to provide disabled access to the centre, which

is required by October 2004.

Funding for extra play equipment not currently available, but a couple of the swings will be height-adjusted to make them more suitable for older children.

School Governors Councillor Tonks reported that: . there are currently 181 pupils registered at our high-achieving village school. some parents are investigating the possibilities of setting up a Walking Bus Scheme. . OFSTED inspection visit is imminent. The first visit two weeks ago to meet staff, parents and governors was very well attended. . international links are being developed and have resulted in a forthcoming teaching visit from a Swiss teacher.

Joint Services Committee No meeting until February 25th.

Any Other Business There was no further business; the meeting closed at 10.45pm.

Next Meeting Wed 3rd March at 7.30pm in the Community Centre.

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4

Hillam News

April - May

2004

Parish Council Ponderings Précis Report of the Parish Council Meeting March 2004 Present Councillors: Collinson, Tinker, Taylor, Tonks, Wright and the Clerk, Malcolm Walton.

Absent Councillors Garner and Vickers.

Councillor Wright informed the meeting that the article she had written relating to dog control and waste bins, which had been accidentally omitted from the last issue, would be published in the next issue of the Hillam News.

Councillor Tinker confirmed that the damaged bollards reported previously (on Hillam Hall Lane) had been repaired.

Our representative at the meeting of interested parties relating to the planning application for the siting of the asphalt plant reported that it was well attended, and that the planning application has been deferred.

The Parish Plan grant scheme may provide extra funds to improve the quality of village life for the community as a whole. The provision of a sympathetically styled bus shelter or the purchase of additional play equipment was suggested. The Clerk is to ensure that bus shelter currently proposed

by NYCC for the village is aesthetically appealing

NYCC response rejecting our request for to Battersby’s garage requires maintethe extension of the speed limit on Betteras nance.

Clerk to write to NYCC Highways to reHill Road. quest site visit to poor quality road repairs on Rose Lea Close with a view to remedial Correspondence Out Letter of thanks to Mrs Gilbert for her pres- work being undertaken. entation alerting us to the proposed asphalt Councillor Tonks reported the replacement erection of an inappropriately styled telesite, Ferrybridge.

Letter of complaint to SDC planning depart- phone pole outside Ryebread Cottage. ment relating to the materials used to con- Clerk to write a letter of objection to British struct the wall at the front of the Wild Ben- Telecom that style is out of keeping.

The Hillam Historians are undertaking nett development.

Letter of objection to WMDC relating to the some archive work at the graveyard. Counplanning application for the construction of cillor Collinson will make enquiries about the paupers’ graves there and report back the asphalt plant at Ferrybridge. through Councillor Wright.

Planning matters: Wild Bennett Homes. Work on protected Burial Committee ash tree – objection raised on the grounds Next meeting April 2004. that the proposed work was not necessary.

Community Centre Mr and Mrs Thompson. Erection of a two- No meeting this period. storey side and rear extension at 2 West View, Betteras Hill Road, Hillam.

School Governors Councillor Tonks declared an interest The OFSTED report would be available on through family membership and left the 21.03.2004. meeting whilst the application was being Councillor Tonks had not attended the last meeting of the School Governors, was considered. No objection. awaiting the report, and would update the Notice of decision parish council at the April meeting.

All were approved by SDC. Hillam Gardens Ltd. Proposed erection of a conservatory to existing dwelling for a tearoom, siting of polytunnels, and increase in retail floor area, with landscaping and widened access bridge at Hillam Gardens Ltd.

Joint Services Committee SDC will provide manpower to undertake litter picking/pavement sweeping when and if required.

The proposed duties and appointment of an odd job man for the two villages is still under discussion.

Business Councillor Wright enquired as to access and use by the Hillam Historians of the plans relating to the village enclosures. The Clerk is to make enquiries as to the whereabouts of these and any other historical parish documents.

Next meeting Wednesday 7th April 2004.

Applicants Mr and Mrs Thompson. Erection of a single storey side and rear extension Councillor Wright to prepare an article for to link garage to dwelling at 2 Hillam Hall inclusion in Hillam News inviting sugges- Close. tions from residents as to what the villagers would like to see brought to the village, Mrs J Masters for the erection of a dealso to invite interested residents to join a tached house and double garage at Botany group to manage the proposed Parish Plan Bay, Hillam Common Lane. group and move the concept forward.

C and J Naylor. ErecNo response has been received from the tion of a detached NYCC Building Control Department regard- house and detached ing the proposed name put forward for the single garage on land Wild Bennett Development, Chapel Street. b e t w e e n Manor House and Austin Current a/c £511, High Interest a/c Cottage, Main Street. £7,883 £1,500 to be transferred to current account The Clerk to write to to accommodate imminent payments.

Miss J Coote, reportNo money received this month. ing the poor repair of the damaged gate on Budget for the year was considered. Esti- the footpath leading mates expenditure £6,291 income £7,641. from Betteras Hill Road, and requesting modification and imCorrespondence In SDC request for payment of £54.96 Parish provement.

Council election costs.

Wakefield MDC acknowledging of the Par- Street lamp outside ish Council’s objection to the planning ap- Courtlands. Required and now on line: visit our website plication for the siting of an asphalt plant at repair reported to and Ferrybridge. repaired by the desigSDC Planning Dept re stone structure un- nated contractor. der construction at Hilltop Farm, Main Clerk to report to Street.

NYCC that the overSDC Confirmation of Tree Preservation grown footpath on for all enquiries or to make a booking. order for Main Street/Betteras Hill Road.

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Hillam News

April - May 2004

The Birding Column I am sorry I missed the last edition, Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust, but here we go into 2004, with the have reappeared after a three-year absence, having been resident off spring migration under way!

Coll and Tiree for the previous ten Before I go into that, I ought to tell consecutive years. You can imagyou about a very interesting and ine my surprise when, fascinated to unusual record of a Ring-necked hear this, I found out that the Parakeet, which I saw on 25th Janu- daughter of one of my colleagues at ary as I was walking along Betteras work is actually sponsoring Hill Road. If you remember, I wrote “Starlite”! It is a pity I hadn’t got my a piece not long ago about the way camcorder with me at the time this bird has now colonised the southeast of England in its thou- Another harbinger of spring is the sands; however I don’t think this Northern Wheatear, slightly smaller particular one hung around long, as than a Starling, with a pale grey it was just before a very cold snap. I back, black wings, pure white unhaven’t seen it since, but you will derbelly, yellowish-buff patches on certainly know it if you see it, as it is its chest and a black horizontal bright green with a red head, has a stripe on the side of its head. You very long tail and is extremely would normally expect to find it in vocal. It was the high-pitched upland habitat like the Yorkshire Dales or the Peak District, but on screeching which first alerted me. occasions you may be lucky It was this time last year when enough to spot one on stony Jenny saw an Osprey from the ground, on migration. I remember garden, on its way up to Scotland to few years ago I saw some by the breed, so keep your eyes open. It is railway track in Sherburn, picking a large, soaring bird of prey, ap- over the railway ballast. I reckon the pearing mostly white, with a dark spoil heaps at Gascoigne Wood head and black diagonal wing would be a perfect place to spot one of these birds. They appear pattern. annually at Fairburn Ings, on the This morning I noticed another sign spoil tips. of spring, with a flock of fifty Golden Plover flying northwards over Hillam I was in the Peak District a couple at 7.00am. They appeared as a of weeks ago, walking with a friend tight knit flock of fast-flying birds on the moors, above Hathersage. with an anchor-like silhouette. A We didn’t see any Wheatears, but couple of weeks ago, as I was we did see the first breeding Rastanding on Leeds railway station vens in Derbyshire for a hundred waiting to come home, I saw a V- years. Fortunately, there are some formation of about a hundred birds, Grouse areas which are keepered flying northwards, heading for the by more enlightened individuals, northwest of Scotland en route for who no longer persecute Ravens their Arctic breeding grounds. They and birds of prey, but there are were possibly Pink-footed Geese other gamekeepers, particularly in which had over-wintered in the the Derwent valley near Sheffield, Ouse Washes, in Cambridgeshire. who harass birds of prey continuously. Only last year, one disgrunI have just returned from a week’s tled keeper, who had been proseholiday on the Isle of Tiree, where cuted for molesting these spectacuthousands of Barnacle Geese over- lar and elusive birds of prey, elimiwinter on the machair. It was a nated the entire population of Goswonderful experience to be walking hawk as an act of revenge. along a beautiful sandy beach on a gloriously sunny day, then to have a We have small populations of rapparty of a thousand noisy Barnacle tors locally, not only Owls, but Geese fly low overhead, then land Kestrels and Sparrowhawk, but in the fields nearby. A further thou- alas, none of the larger birds of sand was gathered in three sepa- prey. Your best chance is to see rate and distinct groups, lined up them on migration over the next like battalions of troops in the Napo- month, so if we are lucky enough to leonic Wars. I suppose the highlight experience a warm sunny day in of the trip for me was to see two the next four weeks or so, dust off Bottle-nosed Dolphins playing your binoculars, put away the around the ship as it was berthed in mower, put your sunglasses on, sit Coll harbour. After making further in a deckchair and look to the enquiries of a friend on Tiree, I south: you never know your luck! have ascertained that these two Graham Todd Dolphins, named “Starburst” and “Starlite” and monitored by the

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Hillam News

April - May

2004

Spring in the Garden By our Garden Correspondent This issue takes us from spring into early summer, probably the best time of year because we have all of summer still ahead of us. Every garden looks wonderful at this time of year with spring flowers and fresh leaves.

The difficult part is to keep the interest through the summer and into the autumn; this needs some planning. The spring flower shows offer a tempting array of flowers, and we are starved of colour so buy with abandon. Pause and think what your purchase will look like in the summer. If the answer is ‘boring’, especially for a large shrub or any plant in a prominent position, ask yourself if the space could be put to better use. When planting always try to make sure that you leave space for summer plants, which enables you to spread your plant buying over the year.

Prune herbs and hebes There is still some pruning to be done, especially of the shrubby herbs like lavender, sage and santolina. These can be cut back quite hard and will recover to form a fresh mound of foliage in a few weeks instead of a mass of untidy stems and half dead leaves. Tidy up straggly hebes, take out any dead wood, prune to a good shape, and you will see fresh buds coming along the stem. Over-wintered penstemons should be cut back hard now (use some of the cuttings for propagation if they are too fresh to throw away). If you grow the spring clematis (alpina, macropetala and montana), they require no pruning, which sounds easy but after a few years you are left with an untidy tangle of dead looking stems with flowers on the ends. These can be tidied up by cutting hard (to 1 or 2 ft) immediately after flowering. Feed and water well and the plant

will almost always recover and throw out lots of fresh shoots to flower next spring.

Pulmonaria – a good addition for spring gardens An underrated spring flower looking fresh and colourful in my garden is the pulmonaria or lungwort. The common form has pink/blue flowers and spotted leaves: quite nice, but there is a very wide range of these plants.

Some have flowers in white, or pale or dark blue, which make an effective and long lasting foil to the tulips and other late flowering bulbs. Many pulmonaria are grown for the beauty of their silvered leaves, a cool background to summer flowers. They are easy to grow in light shade and the only attention needed is to cut them back to the ground (flowers and leaves) after flowering, then water and mulch them (otherwise they get mildew). We are fortunate to have the National Collection of Pulmonaria in Yorkshire at Stillingfleet Nursery, near Cawood. If you go on Wednesday or Saturday afternoon, May to September, you can visit Mrs Cook’s lovely garden for a small charge (£2-50).

sow in small pots and will develop into good sized plants to put out in early May. Many are good for picking, which will keep them flowering. Examples are cosmos, cornflowers and marigolds. If you haven’t sown sweet peas you can get good results by sowing them now; they will flower later but last until October. Finally, even if you don’t have a vegetable garden, sow some mixed salad leaves, parsley and rocket for summer salads; all can be sown direct into short rows now. They do surprisingly well in the flowerbeds and look good too.

Don’t forget the weeding The most important jobs to do in the garden in spring are to keep weeding (don’t let weeds flower and then produce seed), and to mulch as much as possible to keep in the moisture over the summer.

Hillam News

April - May 2004

Round the Parish Pump DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR LITTLE ANGELS ARE? Recently there have been several incidents at the Community Centre in the evening (under the cover of darkness), which concerns me not only as a member of the Community Association Committee, but also as a resident of Church Lane.

Junior Nature Correspondent Becky-Jo reports that there is a lot of frog spawn in the stream along Betteras Hill Road. There are frogs and toads on the roads. Please take care.

We have cars and scooters congregating on a regular basis, which is not a problem in itself, but when the scooter boys start using the grass in front of the Centre as a track, it does not help the grass very much.

More importantly, if the signs are not visible then the swing park area will have to be removed, and who is going to tell the young children who have such enjoyment there that they can’t use it? Maybe our vandal friends could do this?

Do they use their mums’ lawns in this way?

Fire lighting has now progressed from the tree area to the front of the building – perhaps it will be the building itself next?

Polite suggestions or donations to Julie Bottomley, Treasurer, Monk Fryston Community Association, 8 Church Lane, Monk Fryston.

WHERE’S OUR FLAG?

vandal friends spreading their damage further Should anyone know where the flag is, please afield, or has someone done us a good turn let me know, or alternatively, if anyone hapPlease help me sort out a mystery. by taking it down? pens to have a spare Union flag at home (suitable for a flagpole) and would like to During the Mothering Sunday weekend, the Seriously, the flags were purchased by the donate it to the community, please contact Union flag at the top of Mill Close went missing. Did the high winds take their toll, are our Millennium Group which no longer exists, and me.

Julie Bottomley Tel: 682097 therefore we cannot replace the missing flag.

Barn Dance and Hog Roast to raise money for Hillam Christmas Tree Lights Lots of villagers kindly said how much they enjoyed the Hog Roast we had three years ago at Hillam Gardens, so we have decided to run another fund raising event. This has only proved possible because Rob Murtland and Karen (Rob is celebrating a special birthday on 1st May) have kindly allowed us to make use of their marquee on Sunday, 2nd May, off Austfield Lane, Monk Fryston from 7.30 pm to midnight.

There will be a bar from 7.30 to 11.30 pm and a Barn Dance provided by “The Bad Bargain Band” from 8 pm.

Plant seeds for summer colour There is still time to sow seeds of annuals to fill up spaces in the summer border. Hardy annuals are easy to

Your Local Electrician W.T.Braund & Son Electrical Contractors Tel: 01977 600599 Mobile: 07774 671551 All types of electrical work.

Rewiring, Security Lighting, Shower Installations, Storage Heater Installations and Repairs.

Ring Paul

Most annoying of all, the playing equipment signs, which had to be erected as part of our insurance policy (we belong to the age in which you can’t have a swing park without public liability insurance) have now been vandalised. One is completely missing and the other not quite yet uprooted. These signs cost £120 each, and where will the money come from to replace them?

DYLAN’S DIARY – The ramblings of a Gentledog Hello! I’m sure you will recognise me! I’m the elderly gentledog who loves to carry his daily paper!

I’m recovering from a rather nasty operation and as I am now so much better, I would like to share with you some of my escapades on my travels with mum around the village.

On my walks we meet lots of other dogs. To name but a few – Rebel Hudson, Monty the Dalmatian, Tara the miniature Schnauzer, Max and Jack Collinson (the Collies), Bob the Springer Spaniel puppy and Nell and Bess (look-alikes of old-fashioned dogs sitting outside butchers’ shops waiting for a bone!). We were so grateful to Geoff and Mollie who showed us some lovely walks and where to find sloes, wild pears and blackberries (my mum makes a demon sloe gin!). Sometimes we see Lucy Denton but sadly she doesn’t seem to fancy me!

One night last winter it was very dark and walking along the path behind the lake I slipped and fell into the dyke. My mum did laugh and I felt a right Charlie!

Tim and Arlene Morley, from Hillam Grange Farm, have once again donated a pig for the refreshments so a good time should be had by all. There are limited car parking facilities but the good news is that it is within walking distance from both villages. The tickets will cost £7.50 for adults and £3 for children who are 14 and under, and as there are only a limited number of tickets available you had better get in there first! They will be on sale at the Post Office, The Blue Bell, The Crown, The Cross Keys, Hillam Feeds and from me. We are looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible at this excellent night's entertainment.

Mary Little, 2, Rose Lea Close, tel 683372.

I am enjoying the smells and sights of forthcoming spring, especially squirrels who I love to bark at and the lovely doggy smells that linger.

Mum and I were pleased to see that the dyke has been cleaned out and that the hedge behind the school has been cut and the vegetation on the school side cut and cleared. There is a lovely forsythia just starting to show colour.

I do love meeting the village children who sometimes give me sweeties (and toast on one occasion), but it saddened me to see after half term lots of litter near to the playground and that some bars had been pulled out of the fence near the swing gate. Mum says she is very thankful for the little red boxes around the village and wishes that the litter was treated as well as we treat our little accidents.

I had to laugh last week when a car went so fast through a puddle that it soaked mum from head to toe – I didn’t realise that she knew such language!

That’s all for now; hope you have enjoyed my little observations and I’ll talk to you again soon!

Woof Woof , Dylan

5

6

Hillam News

April - May

2004

Hillam News

HILLAM HISTORIANS Book Progress

After helpful editorial comments and guidance from Roy Holland, our book has reached the compilation stage. Now we know exactly what’s going into the book and just what the ideal illustrations would be. For this reason we devoted part of our last meeting to selecting photos to suit our various needs.

We know from previous open meetings that there is a treasure trove of artefacts out there. As one of the contributors, it’s only now that I personally can say what would be the ideal historic photos to illustrate my wartime-focussed chapter.

I’m sure that tucked away, probably in some old shoebox in the bottom of the wardrobe, somebody out there has just what I’m looking for. Perhaps it’s you!

Wartime Photographs Wanted

Ever the optimist, I therefore ask you to cast your mind back to the old photos you have seen within your family and if possible come to my rescue. For instance, have you perhaps a photo of any of the following?

Any wartime celebration Any fund-raising event within the village A war savings poster The village school in its wartime protec-

We were able to send him details of their family, including their son Thomas Wilson White, who emigrated to the USA. In return we have been offered information on the White family in the USA from 1840. If this would be of interest to you, please let us know.

Recent Crime Reports to 29th March PC Mike Welsh

Hillam

16th February, 300-400 roof slates were stolen from a farm in Hillam.

Between 12th and 15th February, building materials including paving slabs and concrete were stolen from the football club.

On 21st February there was a house burglary in Hillside Close. The thief smashed the kitchen window and reached in to take a set of car keys from inside, and then used the keys to steal the householder’s BMW motor car which was parked outside.

Between 24th and 25th February a Landrover was stolen from the rear of farm buildings in Austfield Lane.

April 1st, 3.07am. Hillam Ring Tree stolen!

Large hole found. Police looking into it.

Hillam Pork Local Grown Pork

Not just British or Yorkshire

In the next issue of Hillam News, read how two far-flung families with shared Hillam ancestry dating back two centuries were put in touch with each other.

Next meeting: Wednesday 26th May, 7.30pm at the Community Centre.

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Monk Fryston

Between 11th / 12th February, a wooden twin-axle trailer was stolen from a field

adjacent to the A63 in the village.

On 24th February, a local company received a demand to pay £135 to register with a Data Protection Agency or they would be liable to proceedings.

This demand was a scam and the company was advised to contact Trading Standards Dept.

There have been a number of thefts from expensive cars in the area recently. Usually the keys have been stolen from the house.

12th March, the kitchen window of a house in Church Lane was shattered, probably by someone firing an air weapon.

Insurance may be invalid if your doors are insecure and your keys are easily accessible.

Good advice!

During the evening of 19th March, both the front and rear doors of a car parked on Selby Road were damaged by someone trying to break into the car.

Nothing was stolen.

Posted on Village Notice Board

Car Thefts

Keep your keys safe and out of sight or risk losing your car.

CAKES FOR ALL OCCASIONS Cake stands for hire

Hilary Sampson, 1 Pine Tree Lane, HILLAM. Tel: 01977 683222

MONK FRYSTON FOOTBALL CLUB

Ed continues to pursue the tracks of his Hillam ancestors, and would be delighted to hear from anyone who can help. You can contact him direct at edwardwib@aol.com or via Hillam Historians.

Pinnacle Decorating

Tel: 01757 228584 24 hr answering service

Tel: Selby 01757 702596

Modern technology allows us to produce a speedy copy of any print without damage to the original. If you can help, please contact me, Betty Wright, on 682361.

USA Hillamites Ed White, the great great grandson of Thomas White and Sarah Wilson who were residents of Hillam around 1800, has recently contacted us from the USA seeking information about his roots.

North Yorkshire Police

tive shuttering The home guard Any other photo illustrating aspects of village life during the war years Or maybe you have a copy of some original wartime document?

Other chapters and contributors are: Early history of Hillam (Jenny Hoare, 683332) Facts and figures from the parish records of St Wilfrid's Church, Monk Fryston.

(Barbara Atkinson, 684577) Farms (Shirley Sutcliffe, 682601) The Chapel (c/o Betty Wright) Rose Lea School (Kathy and Mark Lazenby, 681742, or Vivienne Wilkinson, 685249) Ringtree Lights (c/o Jenny Hoare) Perhaps you have a photograph, document or map which would be helpful to them.

19

April - May 2004

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Over the last few weeks in an attempt to understand a little of the club history the new committee members have been spending time meeting many of the locals who have over the years had association with the club.

site. The rationale for this move is being re-investigated as a priority as you read this article and it is intended that the club will be in a position to make an announcement within the next few weeks.

What has become clear is that there are many people around this area who have selflessly given so much help and support in one way or another. The time and effort needed to run this club is only now becoming clear to the new arrivals and all of these folk should (and will be at the appropriate time) be thanked for all of the work that they have done.

The committee recognise that this project has been in the melting pot for some time with a massive amount of work being carried out behind the scenes in exploring various planning and potential funding routes. The patience and continued support of everyone is appreciated whilst we come to our decision.

The first committee meeting since the restructure took place a couple of weeks ago with progress being made on several issues.

One of the agenda items was the proposed move of the football club to a new

Central to the club is of course football.

Each of the teams has been busy playing matches over the last few weeks.

Due to the weather many extra games have had to be ‘squeezed’ in to catch up on cancelled fixtures. The players have done us all proud! Doing well in their respective leagues and cup matches,

scoring some fantastic goals, showing teamwork, having fun and behaving themselves. They deserve a big round of applause. Keep it up!! Lets not forget the coaches, they might not be the most handsome but they do a fantastic job with the teams!

A date for your diaries is Saturday 19th June 2004 when the club is planning to host its annual football tournament.

More news on that will be coming out soon but it is shaping up to be a super fun filled family day out.

Finally, a big thanks to everyone who continues to help out on behalf of the club. Without your support it would be impossible for these teams to play each week and, seeing the enjoyment on the faces of these young players makes everything worthwhile.

Please continue to give us your support.

18

Hillam News

BROWNIES AND RAINBOWS NEWS The spring bulbs which the girls planted are now coming into bloom around the Community Centre and in front of the church.

April - May

Playschool is enjoying this term with a “spring” topic for the first half and “animals” after Easter.

The Brownies are busy working towards their toymaker badge, which we hope to complete shortly.

In February both groups attended our Thinking Day service at Selby Abbey. Many thanks to Hayley who carried the Brownie flag and Miranda who took part in the candle lighting ceremony.

We also have summer trips to look forward to – Sundown Adventureland and Monkey Maze at the end of term.

Both units spent some time making gifts and cards for Mother’s Day, culminating in attending the church service on 21st March.

We have been granted permission to increase our numbers, to accommodate the large list of recruits, resulting in the Brownies now totalling 28 and the Rainbows 20. This has been made possible only thanks to a good response from an appeal for parents to operate a double rota.

DIARY DATE On Friday 28th May we will be holding a cookery and kitchenware demonstration by “The Pampered Chef” (and with the help of the Rainbows), to raise funds for a trip which both groups hope to attend in July.

Please make a note in your diary, as the more who attend, the greater the opportunity to raise money.

Contact Julie Bottomley on 01977 682097 if your daughter wishes to join either Rainbows (5-7 years) or Brownies (7-10 years).

Hillam News

MONK FRYSTON PLAYSCHOOL

The Church Hall has some lovely displays with work done by the children. We are all prepared for the OFSTED inspection of Playschool, which will take place at some time during April.

We recently took part in the Blue Peter “Get Together” Appeal by running a quiz and this resulted in £108 being raised for this worthwhile cause.

2004

Our Chatterbox Challenge in aid of ICAN raised £328.68 – this was a fantastic effort.

Playschool is open on Monday to Friday from 9.15 to 11.45am and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12.30 to 3.00pm. For further details ring Jayne Wood on 681050 during these hours.

If you have a child aged 2½ - 5 years and would like a place at Playschool, please put his or her name down on the list, as we are getting very full again. Registering in advance is recommended.

Holiday Club will be held on 7th April with Easter as its theme, and 16th April with Teddy Bears as the theme. The sessions run from 10am to 2pm and cost £10 each.

NEWS FROM MONK FRYSTON ART CLUB New Date for Open Day

Alteration to published programme: there will be NO OPEN DEMONSTRATION ON MONDAY 3rd MAY. It has been re-scheduled for Monday 10th May in Monk Fryston Church Hall from 7 – 9 pm.

Ian Kenning

Ian Kenning, a well-known local artist will demonstrate his method of big brush painting, using watercolour. There is enormous interest in Ian’s work and it is well worth seeing. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be served and all visitors will be most welcome.

Summer Programme There is still room for YOUR waste paper in the paper bank and your bottles in the bin.

The Community Association receives cash for every piece of glass you bring. It must be worth the effort and you can feel environmentally saintly.

The summer programme starts on 26th April. In the summer session there will be two OPEN DEMONSTRATIONS, to which everyone is welcome.

Patchings Visit

The bins are in the car park at the Community Centre.

Because of the Selby Council paper and glass collection scheme, some people no longer go to the village bins. This is a shame, as reduced quantities mean a longer delay in providing further amenities.

A visit to Patchings, a mecca for all artists and, weather permitting, various outside workshops are included in the programme.

The cash from rubbish provided the new seat in the play area and a fridge in the kitchen.

Interested?

Please consider taking your paper and glass; it will take only a few minutes and you might meet someone interesting on the same mission.

If anyone is interested in joining the club please phone 01977 682611. We now have both full members and associate members to accommodate those people who cannot come to meetings on a regular basis.

It’s worth the trouble!

The Complete Upholstery Service New, Re-upholstery & Restyling Free Estimates

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No Job Too Small or Too Big

01977 685522 Fax 01977 689835

Mobile 07940 446948

A Craftsman of Hillam

Jean Dearn

Art Club Diary

10th May Open demonstration: big brush painting by Ian Kenning 21st June Open demonstration, Chinese brush painting with Caroline Pont.

7

April - May 2004

TIME OUT AT SHERBURN OUT OF SCHOOL AND HOLIDAY CLUB BACK TO SCHOOL OFFERS! Are you looking for quality, affordable and accessible childcare?

Time Out is currently serving several schools in the local area.

Call Julie on 01977 689239 for more information

HILLAM LIGHTS 100 CLUB WINNERS 28th December 2003 First Prize Second Prize

Number 2 42

Winner R Atkinson J & J Walker

25th January 2004 First Prize Second Prize

93 51

Robert Murtland Susan Noone

29th February 2004 First Prize Second Prize

76 53

Anne Dawson Paula Bracken

28th March 2004 First Prize 4 Julie Bottomley Second Prize 74 I J Wood Barbara Atkinson 684577

David (Dai) Jones Architect Dip. Arch. RIBA Fletton House The Square HILLAM North Yorkshire LS25 5HE

Phone 01977 685534 Consultation Welcome – Initial Discussion Free

8

Hillam News

April - May

2004

Cats and Dogs Cats by Catnaps “Put butter on a cat’s paw to make it adapt to its new home.” There must be something in this old wives’ tale in that perhaps when a cat grooms itself then it has settled and therefore won’t leave its new home. Whatever it stems from, it is always safer to keep cats in for at least a few days after moving so that they can explore and get used to the new home.

Territory

When eventually the door is opened, make sure puss is hungry and accompanied and, before trotting too far, is called back for food. Once you have established the return home, hopefully all will be well. Should the new territory touch the old area then perhaps wandering may occur, but a cat likes its creature comforts and provided it feels unthreatened, warm, well-fed and loved, your pet should move house without too much fuss.

Mouse Brains and Shredded Starling

Can anyone explain the apparent blindness that seems to strike some dog owners when their precious pooch unloads itself on the village pavements? Is it really too much to ask that they take responsibility for what comes out of their pet as well as what goes into it? All that they need is a sense of pride in their environment and a pocketful of carrier bags. This basic provision should be as automatic when taking the dog out as picking up the lead.

Cat’s Teeth

Dried food is better for the cat’s teeth as it removes plaque, but be sure the food is fed dry, not on top of wet food, with fresh water always available. Again look at the food. Does it swell if dropped in water? If so, that is exactly what it does in puss’s tum. Puss then gets used to feeling “full” and overeats other food to achieve the same effect. This leads to a chubby cat, and then we get to diets, often advocated by vets, as they now have a chart of optimum weights just as our doctors do.

Overweight Cats

I personally have seen some overweight cats but also some large, active cats, and it can be difficult to decipher which needs normal food to continue its fast lifestyle. If a cat has difficulty grooming its back, unless it has a physical problem, then I would class it as too heavy; otherwise commonsense should prevail.

Lynn Ingledew, Catnaps

17

April - May 2004

Barnes Building Supplies

It would seem from complaints and requests to the Parish Council that I’m not the only one to notice the irresponsibility of some dog owners and the increased number of piles of dog mess about the village streets.

We have noticed recently the increase in “special” foods for pets. This is a very lucrative market and, in general, is aimed at you, the buyer, not necessarily the pet. Please remember that cats can never be vegetarians. They do not eat or need fruit or vegetables. They are pure carnivores and will die without taurine, which is found only in meat. Packets or tins of food with pretty pictures of tuna and sweetcorn, or chicken fricassee with carrots, are not half as interesting or necessary to your pet cat as a tin of mouse brains or shredded starling would be. However, sales would probably be low. Good quality tinned and dried food have been well-researched and contain all the nutrients needed, but even some of the more renowned manufacturers are not averse to cashing in on owners who will pay anything to please their pets - some of which have sussed how to keep their owners on their toes, and refuse to eat anything less than lightly poached salmon from a china dish.

Hillam News

Currently there is a dog bin at either end of the footpath leading from Lumby Lane to Betteras Hill Road. There will shortly also be a dog bin in Hillam Hall Lane. If dog owners feel there is a need for more please let the Parish Council know.

Apparently, many dog owners are also not aware of the limitations which apply to public footpath access. The owner of the field across which the footpath linking Lumby Hill to the Brick Pond passes has asked us to bring this to general notice. This is a footpath across private land and public access is to the footpath only.

Dogs should be kept on a lead at all times and not allowed loose to roam the field.

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Cross Keys Inn The Square, Hillam Tel: 01977 683840

Your Pub at the Heart of the Village A popular pub for villagers and visitors to the village.

Famous for its excellent food, warm welcome from Gail, and summer display of hanging baskets.

Cannot find a reliable, trustworthy and mature lady to tend your offspring and give you a little time to yourself to go out in the evening and have a good time?

Look no further; your prayers are answered.

Ring Janet Walton on 685186.

Meals all day on Sunday and every lunchtime and evening.

13 Ropergate End, Pontefract.

Office also at 14 Millfield Road, York

Reasonable rates.

I’m just a phone call away!!!

Web Site: www.blaza.co.uk

South Milford Badminton Club

Louise Smith ICSF Designer Florist Your Local Qualified Florist and Flower Arranger

Wedding Bouquets with “WOW!” Traditional, Modern and Exotic Wedding Flowers to make that ‘Special Day’ more ‘Special’

An extensive menu with daily specials Special Senior Citizens’ lunch Monday—Friday from only £3.95 and £4.25

A complete Wedding Service with Home Consultations Also sympathy flowers, flowers for parties and for corporate functions

Thursday night is Quiz Night Pictures, General knowledge and Open the box!

Call Louise on 01977 685239

MOBILE: 07734 901184

CHILD MINDER FOR HIRE

Tel: 01977 702036 For free estimates Call Jason Thompson of Hillam

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Have you made a New Year’s Resolution to get fitter?

Do you have a strong competitive edge and a will to win?

If the answer to the first question is YES and the second is NO then you need us.

We are a small Badminton Club; we play for fun, not for league position. Our members are of all abilities, ages (and fitness).

We meet at South Milford School every Thursday during term time 6:45-8:45 pm Membership is by the year or per evening and is astonishingly reasonable.

Come along for a sample game

or call Graeme on 682190 or Brian on 682624

16

Hillam News

COMPUTERS AND VIRUSES A doctor writes:

April - May

2004

One of the problems seems to be that everyone has Outlook Express and so the virus writers target it. So another idea was to export the address book from Outlook Express and keep it somewhere like Excel, or even stop using Outlook Express and stick to Outlook or webmail.

The Sky at Night over Hillam

Group will Host Ten Children this Summer

Venus is still shining like a beacon in our evening sky and does not set until about 4 hours after sunset. Venus is very close to the moon on 23rd April (my birthday), and is always a beautiful sight. Jupiter and Saturn are also prominent and are both wonderful telescope objects. Mars is still around but is a very small disc: no surface details can be seen through an average sized scope any more.

For a month this summer the group will host 10 children from the Gomel region, bringing the total over the past eight years to more than 100.

Annual Summer Visit

In addition to the annual summer visit, which boosts the children's immune system, the group is also involved in a continuing programme of humanitarian and medical aid. It also raises funds for projects the charity carries out in Belarus itself.

Roy Holland, the group’s chairman and co-ordinator, said, “We have held the auction at the school for several years and we have always had tremendous support, in terms of both pledges and the people who come to bid on the night. And we need that support – to bring the 10 children here in the summer will itself cost around £4,000.”

Grand Auction

Meanwhile our chief proofreader is doing fine and The auction is on Friday May 7th, 7.30pm for an 8pm start. issuing stern reprimands for spelling mistakes and omitted commas.

The group, which has members in the villages of Hillam, South Milford, The Hillam Nerd Sherburn-in-Elmet, Church Fenton, Little Fenton and in Selby itself, is always keen to hear from potential host families.

This thoroughly rewarding job involves looking after two Belarussian children Snowball the rabbit is for a fortnight of their stay, and also getting involved in outings and events. hiding somewhere in Anyone interested in helping with a pledge for the auction should Hillam News. contact Mike Allison on 01977 684632.

Can you find Snowball?

Anyone interested in hosting should contact Roy Holland on 01977 683054.

Your nearest doctor is located at

Monk Fryston Surgery Main Street

Monk Fryston

We welcome new patients We operate an appointment system and are a dispensing practice For surgery details please ring

0113 287 0870 during office hours The resident doctor is Dr. Diana James 'The Gibson Lane Practice' Kippax

April - May 2004

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S PROJECT

A local charity dedicated to helping the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear Preparation of a recent edition of Hillam News was explosion 18 years ago will be holding a grand auction in May at Monk Fryheld up because our proofreader had a virus. Not ston Primary School. the flu variety but one caught from the internet. It was swiftly neutralised by a Blaster Removal Kit Chernobyl Children’s Project (UK), Monk Fryston Group is one of more than 30 groups around the UK helping children from Belarus, a country badly passed on by Howard Ferguson. contaminated by the power plant blast in 1986.

This led to discussions on how to combat and avoid internet viruses which seem to arrive as attachments on emails. Their favourite activity is to send messages to everyone in the Outlook Express address book. Malcolm Birkenshaw suggested putting false addresses as the first and last entry, something like aaa@a.com and zzz@z.com. This way if a virus started sending messages it would trigger a warning in the form of an error message.

Hillam News

MAM

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By Richard Wright

Comet Neat is currently a southern hemisphere object and won’t be seen until May, when it could burst on to the scene as a naked eye object. As I’ve previously said, comets are unpredictable, so anything could happen, but this could be the best thing since the great comet Hale Bopp in 1997. Watch the news and the papers for further information, or check www.popastro.com, a very good website.

There is a total lunar eclipse on 4th May, but only partial from the UK. The interesting point here is that the moon will actually rise in a partial eclipse, which is quite rare and well worth a look.

On Friday 21st May an occultation will take place as the moon moves in front of Venus - a great event, but unfortunately this happens in the daytime. The moon could take a bit of finding as it is just two days old and a very thin crescent. Through a telescope this will be an amazing show. As yet I haven’t the correct timings of the occultation, but a visit to the above website nearer the time should help.

Next issue we will talk Venus again, when a transit of the planet across the sun’s disc takes place on 8th June, a very rare event indeed.

The Moon in April

The Moon in May

New – 5th 1st Qtr - 12th Full - 19th Last Qtr – 28th

New – 4th 1st Qtr – 11th Full – 19th Last Qtr – 27th

Fill ‘em in HILLAM !

Baskets Troughs Tubs, Pots Window Boxes Planters, Borders and Beds A vast variety of bedding & annuals

Ready to plant out now for months of colour OPEN DAILY

HILLAM GARDENS

Hillam Feeds Animal feeds, pet foods, horse feed, saddlery, work wear, footwear, garden supplies, logs, coal, gas

Free local delivery Visit our website, www.hillamfeeds.com Sign the guest book and we’ll email you a £1 voucher

One voucher per email address

Border Farm Hillam Lane HILLAM Nr Leeds Tel. 01977 683369 Fax. 01977 682178 Email: hillamfeeds@aol.com

Hagg Bush Farm Dairy Delivered fresh milk & cream from our own herd to your home also eggs, potatoes, pop, orange juice & yoghurts with friendly reliable service from

Mrs Parkin 01757 228257

KEITH CRELLIN CARPETS & FLOORING STONEGATE HOUSE, BETTERAS HILL RD, HILLAM

Tel: 01977 684633 Mobile: 07714 244352 Established in 1966 means our vast experience can help you with all aspects of flooring.

No job is too big or small.

Carpets, cushion vinyls, safety flooring and carpet tiles.

WOOD FLOORING

The modern trend for laminate flooring continues to expand. We have a large range of patterns and qualities from which to choose.

We also fit solid wood and engineered floors.

See our display at Monk Fryston Stoves

or give us a ring for a home call.

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10

Hillam News

April - May

2004

Local Issues ASPHALT UPDATE

Some 75 concerned people attended the latest meeting against the proposed Asphalt Plant at Ferrybridge Power Station on Thursday 26th March. This was the first meeting of the Action Group following the planning meeting in Wakefield on 20th February.

While the Planning Officers recommended acceptance of the planning application, i.e. to build an asphalt plant, the Planning Committee “were mindful to refuse” planning permission there and then but have deferred making a final decision pending further enquiries. The decision of the Committee was brought about – we believe – by the Action Group’s case presented by our representatives, Councillor Graham Stokes and our MP John Grogan, and in no small part by the 700-odd individual objections. The Hillam contribution was greatly appreciated – well done. The Planning Committee’s deferral of a final decision is, we presume, to ensure any

Up for grabs: £5,000 that nobody seems to want!

The possibility of accessing this money has been published previously in the Hillam News, but no interest has been shown. Incredible really: up to £5,000 is available to improve life in your village in some way, and nobody seems to be interested. What do you think would improve life in Hillam? A bus shelter perhaps, or

refusal of planning permission is “watertight” and cannot be subject to a successful appeal, which could be made direct to the Deputy Prime Minister. To this end John Grogan is, we understand, attempting to seek the support of John Prescott.

The overall feeling of the Action Group is one of “cautious optimism”, but we are by no means home and dry. So what of the future? Is there anything still to be done?

Most certainly – and on two fronts: a) further objections, and b) finance.

Village -Enhancing

ber to quote the Planning Application number: 03/99/10784/BQ. Money, as always, raises its head – it being better to be unhappy with money than unhappy without it. To get proper advice to oppose a multinational costs money. The Group has engaged the professional services of both planning and environmental consultants. The cost of the campaign thus far is approximately £3,500 and to date some £1,700 has been raised. The shortfall needs our support whether large or small. Cheques can be made payable to “L Bloomer and J Witton” and sent c/o A.I.R.E at Dharma, Low Street, Brotherton WF11 9HQ.

your behalf. The money cannot be put towards any ongoing project. Whatever it is spent on must be 75% funded by the grant and 25% local input. Up to 20% of the local input can be ‘in kind’ (e.g. voluntary time spent on the project), plus 5% Parish funding.

The Parish Plan grant requires evidence of community involvement to support Surely there is some group of people out whatever village-enhancing venture is there who is interested? undertaken; therefore your Parish Council cannot make any decision or apply on Further details from your Parish Coun-

New Patients Welcome !

DRs JANIK, MACKENZIE, STUTTARD, LOVISETTO, HIRST & MURPHY South Milford Surgery High Street SOUTH MILFORD Our six partner dispensing practice was established at the beginning of the 20th century. Based in South Milford, we cover 22 villages, holding branch surgeries in 3 of them.

For appointments or surgery information, phone

01977 682202 Opening hours Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm Saturday am: emergency only

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April - May 2004

Monk Fryston & Hillam Community Association

We can all lobby our Councillor, John Snowball, MPs both local (John Grogan) and those not so far away but with an interest in health (Yvette Cooper, PonA fundraising dinner dance will be tefract, with her connection to the Dept of held at the Selby Fork Quality Hotel on Health, and David Hinchcliffe, Wakefield, Sat April 10 at 8pm. as Chairman of the Commons Select Committee on Health), always rememberTickets cost £25 and are available ing that while we want their support now, from Joe or Louise Bloomer on in the not too distant future – come elec676613. tion time – they will want ours! Rememan extra piece of equipment in the playground? Maybe another bench or two for socialising on sunny days in Manor Court or other sites within the village?

Hillam News

Jane Axtell MSSCH MBCHA

Chiropodist Treatment in the comfort of your own home, by appointment Phone 01937 835151 or 0775 2086698 Email: axtell@hayloft.fslife.co.uk REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE BRITISH CHIROPODY & PODIATRY Assc.

News & Events JAZZ EVENING

Happening as it did, only days after publication of the last Hillam News, the Jazz Night at the Community Centre is now but a very pleasant memory.

STARKEY’S PIES

The previous gig last autumn was such a great success that wisely the organisers followed the same pattern of feeding body and soul with mouthwatering food, Starkey’s pies and peas, complementing the excellent music. As a result, they quickly sold out all the tickets and were rewarded with another resoundingly successful evening.

It seems they have hit a winning formula here; I wonder what other styles of live music would also pull in the crowds?

SPRING CRAFT FAIR

ise and set up the event: those who arranged advertising, put up posters, baked cakes for the refreshments stall, put together the programmes, cleared up afterwards, and made the whole day run smoothly. Special thanks go to Tony Hudson for his organisational skills on the whole event.

COMPETITION WINNERS

The winners of the diary date competition were as follows: Meal for two at Monk Fryston Hall – Mrs Atkinson Meal for two at Selby Fork Hotel – Wendy Young Meal for two at the Cross Keys – Maureen O’Neil

JUMBLE SALE

We will be holding a jumble sale at the Community Centre, on Saturday 8th May. Please help us by saving up those unwanted items of bric-a-brac and clothing.

Details of where to bring the items or how to get them collected will be announced nearer the time.

Our annual Craft Fair was held on Sunday 14th March. It was a very successful day, raising in excess of £1500 for Community Association funds. I’m sure all of you who attended found plenty to spend your money on. Thank you for coming along SELBY MARKET STALL and supporting this major event in our calendar.

We will also be having a stall at the Selby Market on Monday 17th May. Why not pop TONY HUDSON Thanks go to everyone who helped organ- along and pick up a bargain?

Travellers

Rock

We’ve just had a gig by some Youth Club members who were in a Rock band. They are going to start a 10-week course at Sherburn High School where they will get specialist coaching.

They play music by Thin Lizzy, Eric Clapton. It takes me right back!

Would you like to help out at any of our events? Perhaps you have an idea for another musical or social evening. If so, why not come along to our next meeting? The Association Meeting will be in the Centre on Wednesday 19th May 7.30pm.

All are welcome to come along.

Hire the Centre for your party If you would like to hire the Community Centre at £5 per hour, please contact Ivy Smales on 683486.

There are also items at the Centre which may be hired for private use: Chairs £1 each Tables £2 each Prices are per day.

Contact Kath for details, on 683590.

CHILDMINDER

Youth Club News We’ve been like travellers over the past term, the bus we’d planned to use is too cold for winter and has been unreliable.

So we’ve had clubs at the Church Hall and Community Centre and the occasional barbeque.

Do you have any ideas for the Community Centre?

Residential in Thirsk

Our next event is a residential at Carlton Lodge at Thirsk. This is being part-funded by North Yorkshire County Council. The weekend will involve raft building, caving and climbing. This will be the last weekend of the Easter Holidays.

Catharine Preston

RGN RM

Ofsted Registered

For Childcare, before and after School, call me on 01977 681163

Mix

Home Garth, Hillam Hall Lane, Hillam

Youth club will resume after Easter.

Ofsted Registered

Julie Sadler

“A professional and friendly service”

The club is open to anyone over 12. The nice thing about the club is that members all go to different schools but can all mix and socialise together.

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Hillam News

April - May

2004

Hillam News

Monk Fryston Church of England Primary School

Manor Court News from Ruth Laycock.

We had our Ofsted inspection in February and were delighted to receive an excellent report.

The Ofsted framework changed in September 2003, and it is now much more difficult for schools to be judged good or very good, and so to read so many excellent judgements in our report was particularly gratifying.

“This is a highly effective and very successful school.”

“The very good quality of teaching throughout the school ensures that all pupils achieve very well.”

“The curriculum is refreshingly broad, innovative and imaginative. It caters excellently for all pupils and offers extensive enrichment opportunities.”

“The headteacher is providing excellent leadership and the quality of governance is also excellent.”

If you wish to read the report it is available from school for £3.50, or it can be downloaded from the internet.

Now that Ofsted is over we can concentrate on the real business of teaching and learning. We are not a school to stand still or coast following an inspection, but one that continues to develop new ideas and a better deal for children.

We recently went to Milford Country Club for a lunch, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed and thought good value for money – but not quite such good value, of course, as the lunch I put on the following week in the Common Room!

Muriel recently spent a fortnight in hospital (with heart trouble) but we’re glad to say she’s back home again and we all wish her a speedy recovery. She is lucky in that she has a very good neighbour (Pat) who, along with her family, takes good care of her.

“We’ll meet again”

Arthur is busy in the gardens again making everything look beautiful, and now the weather is warming up a bit perhaps we will see the ladies sitting outside sipping their cocktails. I know most of them like a drink, so why not?

A Monthly Chat

Happy Easter everyone!

PS: Here’s a thought for today: middle age is when a broad mind and a narrow waist exchange places!

Wine Challenge

Ofsted Inspection

Our residents do of course get together for chats in the Common Room, but I have been wondering if there is anyone out there who could perhaps come and give an interesting talk on a subject such as local history, or local wildlife, or perhaps even local politics. It would be greatly appreciated, so if you have anything to offer, just pop into the Common Room any Monday or Tuesday afternoon and we would be delighted to see you. We do have one or two nonresidents who just come for a chat; why don’t you come along too? We would make you very welcome.

Ruth Laycock

Monk Fryston School Parent Teacher Association

We have had a very busy few weeks since Christmas.

Since the last issue of Hillam News nothing much seems to have happened here. People tend to hibernate more during the winter months, depending a lot on their televisions for company and entertainment. What on earth did our grandparents do for entertainment?

The next big event on the calendar being Easter, I might suggest that we all make an Easter bonnet and have a bit of a knees-up!

April - May 2004

On the 3rd Saturday of each month, at 10.00 am, Hillam residents are invited to the Common Room at Manor Court for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.

We have no shop, no church, or any other meeting place, so try the Common Room for coffee.

You’ll be amazed how much you will enjoy yourself meeting old and new friends!

Years 3 and 4 are currently practising for their production of “We’ll Meet Again,” a WW2 drama about evacuees. The children are having a lot of fun learning the old songs and how to march!

Year 6 has been working with Konflux Theatre, and produced “A Play in a Day” about Victorians, another exciting event for the children.

Year 1 visited Milford Plants and enjoyed learning about seeds and plants. They brought back 30 buddleias to plant!

International Links Our international links continue to grow and we will be hosting a teacher from Switzerland for 3 weeks after Easter. Three members of staff will be visiting our partner school in America in May, and two will visit Brno in Czech Republic at half term. Children and staff gain so much from this communication with other schools in other countries. It broadens horizons for all!

Carole Middleton

The most recent event by the PTA was the Wine Tasting Evening on the 6th March. This was a great success; we had a great night out with plenty of wine tasted. Carole Middleton’s team came out victorious, correctly identifying all 8 wines.

100 Club, Recipe Book and Circuit Training We are planning to start a 100 Club from April, and are also compiling a school recipe booklet. There is of course the ongoing circuit training at the school every Monday 8pm till 9pm and Thursday 8.15pm till 9.15pm. The cost is £1.50 and everybody is welcome.

Get Well, Stay Well! - Health and Beauty Evening Our next major event is the Health and Beauty Evening to be held on the 11th May. This has been a great success in previous years and tickets will be on sale from the School nearer the time.

Summer Fayre Looking a little further into the future, to bright summer skies, the Summer Fayre is to be held on Saturday 26th June. There will be refreshments, bouncy castles and family fun all round.

Finally, we are very pleased to announce that the PTA now has charitable status.

Forthcoming Events 11th May Health and Beauty Evening 26th June Summer Fayre 2nd October Race Night The PTA

PTA Funds raised since September 03 £380 70’s 80’s Disco £1,350 South Milford Bonfire £1,020 Christmas Fayre £700 School tea towels £30 Carol singing £1430 Circuit training £180 Family evening £128 Video Club £553 Puffin Book Club £Tba Wine Challenge

SHERBURN HIGH SCHOOL

Carolyn’s Cuisine The Dormers, Poole Lane, Burton Salmon LS25 5J

LOOKING FOR HIGH QUALITY CATERING AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE? LOOK NO FURTHER!!!

Summer is coming—be ready Seeds, Seed Potatoes, Sets & Compost Moss Killer and Lawn Fertiliser Bird Feed and Bird Houses

Birthdays, Engagements, Children’s Parties or just having a ‘Do’ Business Lunches and Seminars a speciality

CAROLYN’S CUISINE WILL PROVIDE A BUFFET TO BE PROUD OF

Call 01977 676779

Specialist Science Bid Do you work for BT? BT runs a community awards scheme whereby BT people actively involved in a voluntary organisation can apply for funding. If you work for BT and help the school through FOSH, as a Governor or as a voluntary helper, please ask BT for an application form if you would like to raise some money to help the Specialist Bid.

Year 7 Residential Trip We are beginning to make plans for our Year 7 residential trip to the Bewerley Park Outdoor Pursuits Centre at Pateley Bridge in November, and are seeking volunteers to work alongside teaching staff from the school and fully qualified instructors at the centre. Do you enjoy working with 11-12 year olds? School will interview volunteers, and police clearance would have to be obtained. Please telephone Mrs Peace at school for further information.

Fones 4 Schools Fones 4 Schools is a scheme to recycle old mobile telephones. In return for collecting old, unwanted mobiles, students can gain points to win prizes and school will benefit from a cash donation towards our Specialist Bid. Start collecting your family’s and friends’ old mobiles now please!

Gift Aid Envelopes Thank you to all parents and friends who have returned the Gift Aid envelopes. All donations are gratefully received, whether £200 or £2! It’s not too late to return your Gift Aid envelope if you have not already

done so. We still have a long way to go, but together with your kind donations and the numerous fund-raising events taking place over the next few months, we do have a chance of raising the £50,000 needed to apply for Specialist College Status in October.

Headteacher Study Trip Mrs Peace is joining a group of ten secondary headteachers who are visiting Rostov-on-Don from 14-21 March 2004. The week will be spent in Russian schools and participating in seminars with Russian headteachers on management issues. The programme is organised by the British Council and aims to establish collaborative and sustainable links with secondary schools in Russia. It offers personal and professional development through observation of teaching practice in an international context.

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12

Hillam News St Wilfrid’s Church Monk

R

ector: The Revd Canon Gwynne Richardson, The Rectory, Main Street, Hillam. Tel: 01977 682357 urate: Revd Susanne Jukes.

Tel: 01757 706719

C A

rrangements for Baptisms, Banns, Marriages and any other pastoral matters may be made with the Rector.

Y

our church is here to serve you. Please make full use of St Wilfrid’s on Sundays for worship and on other occasions. M o n k Fryston is part of a United Benefice with South Milford.

Holy Communion Methodist Service in the Church Hall 11.00am Parish Communion Rite A 6.00pm Evensong (in St Mary’s, South Milford) First Sunday in each month there is a Family Service at 11am, and Holy Communion in St. Mary’s, South Milford at 6.00pm

2004

Dare to be different There is something very attractive about people who dare to be different – not those who are aggressive and ‘in your face’ with it, who challenge you to notice them, to criticise, to ostracise them for not conforming - but those who have a degree of self-confidence, of selfknowledge, of a belief in something ‘higher’, that enables them to say, ‘I don’t have to follow the crowd; I can be my own person.’

certainly didn’t conform to expectations.

He refused to be pushed into becoming a militaristic leader, the Messiah of Jewish expectation; he refused to preach and live anything other than a way of life that was true to his calling, even though it was not in line with most of the current cultural or religious climate. And his inner conviction, his sense of being part of something bigger, more significant – God – remains immensely attractive.

You find these people in all walks of life: monks and nuns who quietly live a life that says money, sex and power aren’t the be-all and end-all; prisoners who cope with being ‘inside’ without getting involved in gangs or drugs; professionals who don’t feel constrained by a particular career path; home-makers who create a living-environment that works for them, though it may not be themed in the latest colours; as well as people who dress in a way that is ‘them’ whether or not it be fashionable.

And then there’s Jesus, someone who

It can challenge us all to stand back and assess what drives us, what gives us our sense of ‘being’, what is important in life. It is a challenge to ‘dare to be different’, not just for the sake of it but because, ultimately, that is what brings out the truth that each one of us is uniquely individual, each one of us is made in the image of God. It is ‘daring to be different’ that gives us life in its fullness.

Happy Easter – Happy New Life, to you all!

Susanne Jukes

SUNDAY SERVICES 8.00am 9.30am

April - May

MONK FRYSTON AND HILLAM METHODISTS Owing to unforeseen circumstances our March coffee morning was in aid of Peter Pan Nursery and not Methodist Home Missions. It raised £115: a big THANK YOU to every one who helped in any way.

We hold our coffee mornings in St. Wilfrid’s Church Hall, Monk Fryston, from 10am to 11.15am on the first Saturday in the month (except December), in aid of 11 different charities.

On Saturday April 3rd the charity to benefit will be Martin House Hospice, and on May 1st Christian Aid. As usual there will be stalls, including home-made cakes, books and fancy goods. Tea and coffee with biscuits will be on sale and there will be a raffle. Admission is free.

The full list can be seen on the notice board in the Church Hall. The Methodists also worship in St. Wilfrid’s Church Hall on most Sundays at 9.30am.

Knight’s Décor has moved again, to 11, Northgate Vale, Market Weighton, York For all your decorating jobs, large or small, give me a call on my new numbers:

Home: 01430 876886 Mobile: 07754145952 I’m still working in your area and look forward to hearing from you!

Yours, Wayne

Our minister is Rev. Rory Dalgliesh (01977 682230).

Everybody is welcome.

The Crown Inn Main Street Monk Fryston A right royal welcome awaits you at the completely refurbished Crown

Log Fires and Smiling Staff Restaurant Meals or Bar Food of Excellent Quality, Served with Style

Our renovated function room, Crow’s, is self contained upstairs away from the bars A village pub for villagers run by villagers, Marianne and family Reservations, lunch or dinner 682468

Hillam News

Money Matters

by Richard Wright

Time does really fly, doesn’t it ? Surely it can’t be that time of the year already when people run around like headless chickens trying to use up their annual ISA allowance. Yes, it’s the end of the tax year, folks, and judging by the number of calls I have received, things are picking up . There is a lot of confidence out there due to the stock market rally over the last 12 months, but I still fail to understand why people leave investing until the last minute when they have got all year to make the decision.

Last minute Harry has lost out this year, because by not taking action early he has missed out on the rally of last year, where the average fund has produced over 20% growth.

Several people have asked: “Are ISAs really worth it now with all the changes that have taken place?” For those of you who don’t know, the 10% tax credit on the dividends has been taken away, but do bear in mind that all proceeds are totally free of capital gains and income tax. So yes, they’re still very much worth it. Another comment is: “Why should I pay an initial charge and an annual management charge?” The average fund charges 5% of your initial investment on going in (this is paid once), and then there is an annual charge of on average 1.5%. No one is going to manage your money for free, and the potential gains on a quality fund far outweigh the charges: the top performing UK equity fund produced over 90% growth over the last 12 months. Deposit based accounts with banks and building societies do not have initial charges, but they make huge amounts of money from you. They take your money, invest or loan it out at rates of 10% or more per annum, and in return pay a paltry rate of interest which is taxable. Some deposit accounts still pay less than 1% p.a.

Don’t forget that this new tax year is the last for the ISA allowance of £7000, as from the next tax year the allowance will fall to £5000. So if you use mini ISAs the allowance for the cash component is just £1000 p.a. The stocks and shares will remain at £3000 p.a. and the little-used life assurance part will remain at £1000 p.a.

You can of course invest the full £5000 into a maxi ISA. Finally, at this time I choose my fund for the new tax year. Last year I selected the Invesco Perpetual high income fund, which I am happy to report produced a return of 31.5%, beating the FTSE 100 by quite a margin. This year I am going for a Fidelity fund, namely Special Situations. This fund has been around for a long time but has been a constant top quartile performer over the last 10 years. In fact £1000 invested 10 years ago is now worth £3602: third in its sector out of 276 funds.

This fund is a bit like the old M & G recovery fund with the manager looking for bargain basement stock that has bottomed out, and is now on the way to recovery.

As in previous years I will be investing, and my aim is for top quartile returns over the next 12 months. My warning to you all is: never invest until you have received good quality independent advice first. The stock market should always be treated as a medium to long term investment, i.e. 3 to 5 years.

Richard Wright

April - May 2004

Landscape Gardener Steve G Parkin

20 years’ experience in garden maintenance Rushed off your feet?

No time to cut the lawns?

The garden getting out of hand? Phone me!

All types of garden work undertaken.

Lawns mowed, reseeded and cleared.

Hedges cut, planted or removed.

All types of fencing erected and repaired.

No job TOO BIG or TOO SMALL. To discuss your gardening problem, phone

01757 228675 For a wide range of

Traditional Cast Iron Stoves and Accessories Visit our showroom at

59 MAIN STREET, MONK FRYSTON Esse Range Cookers Multi-Fuel Stoves Wood Burning Stoves Central Heating Stoves Oil Stoves Natural Gas/LPG Stoves For further information

Tel: 01977 684837/682969 MONK FRYSTON STOVES

Green Garden Herbs 13 West Bank, Carlton Open March–September 10am-5pm

01405 860708 Closed Tuesdays

Award winning nursery Quality herbs for kitchen and garden Culinary herbs x Bay trees Fruit-scented sages x Medicinal herbs Lavenders x Perennials x Shrubs

and much, much more….

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