Hillam News June July 2005

The Voice of Hillam village, North Yorkshire. Delivered free to all residents. Volume 17, Issue 3. June—July 2005.

In this issue

Respect Thank goodness the election is over and Tony Blair has got down to dealing with those critical issues which matter most to the people of this country. I had expected this to include things like the pensions crisis, global warming and our position in Europe. He might well get round to these, but his first priority is to make “Respect” a major theme for his next term as Prime Minister.

Why he should choose now as the time to do this is a bit of a mystery. Maybe the election has made him realise that a lot of people simply don’t like him and he feels he deserves more respect, or it might just be that he had heard of our recent problem in Hillam with graffiti on the cricket pavilion. Whatever the reason, we think that this is a difficult challenge and that the best thing for Hillam News to do would be to lend a hand to the campaign.

It is difficult to come up with a simple definition, so we thought the best approach would be presentation of a few examples. They are listed in no particular order, but the ticks and crosses show respect or otherwise. The table also provides a summary of just a few of the many and varied articles in this issue of Hillam News.

Happy reading

Respect

Page

Hillam junior football teams win three League titles

7

Hillam farmers in bid to produce new fuel for cars

11

Campaign success in stopping asphalt plant

3

Thanks from the Hillam News team to Kay Webster who will shortly be moving down south

2

Tribute to Angela Paul who committed so much of her time to helping others

2

Squash Club awards - but is it sport?

14

Hillam Cricket Club’s swift action in cleaning up the graffiti on the pavilion

7

Hillam Hot Dogs - Winners at the Middlesbrough competition

16

The planning that went into celebrating Kevin’s 50th Hillam Historians - getting it all taped

This page 11

The bottle bank being full when I take my collection of empties down there - my personal pet hate Graffiti on the cricket pavilion

Happy birthday, Kevin!

Best wishes from Hillam News

12

Wanted - Those responsible for criminal damage to cricket club property

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 have a view you would like published, or if you wish to advertise, phone David Atkinson on 684577 or email at d.s.atkinson@tesco.net.

2

Local News Tribute to Angela Paul Angela Paul, a villager born and bred, has died suddenly, leaving her family heartbroken and the many people whose lives she touched feeling deep sadness and loss.

Angela, previously known to all as Margaret, was born in Hillam and worked at British Gypsum for many years. She had four children, Richard, 42, Gary, 41, and twins Tara and Jamie, 24, and was the centre of a warm and loving family which included foster children Eddie, Natalie and Tara.

She combined being a business woman – she owned her own residential care home in Halton, Leeds – with being a wife to Alan, mother, grandmother to Erica, Ben, Emily and Josh, foster mum, and a founding member of the Monk Fryston group of the Chernobyl Children’s Project (CCP).

She was instrumental in starting the group after she played host to two young girls from the Gomel region of Belarus, who were staying with a CCP group in Leeds. “The girls were distraught after the family they were staying with objected to a pillow fight, and decided they were too much like trouble,” said Roy Holland, group co-ordinator.

“Angela stepped into the breach. From that moment she set her mind on supporting the children of Chernobyl, and over the past ten years she looked after numerous children during their summer recuperative holidays here and

helped to raise literally thousands for the cause.”

One of the naughty pillow fighters, Natasha, returned to stay with Angela for six months. Angela saw Natasha, now a mum herself, last year when she and Pat Tamburrini went to Belarus, staying with Ludmilla, the interpreter, with whom Angela forged a deep and lasting friendship. Angela’s family offered to bring Ludmilla over to attend the funeral, but Ludmilla, in poor health herself, was too ill and upset to make the journey.

Angela was a wonderfully warm, larger than life character, and there was laughter as well as tears at her funeral.

Long-time friend Pat said, “She was a great optimist, always smiling and the best friend you could ever have.”

Angela was always late – not just minutes, literally hours and sometimes days. She was a strong, active and committed Christian. As well as attending church regularly, she went on several pilgrimages, one to the former Yugoslavia and several to Walsingham in Norfolk.

But Angela was more than a church-going believer – she was a Christian in her heart, and it was a big heart. There was no one she wouldn’t help, or forgive if they had spurned her kindness. Her home was open house and her kindness was endless.

She will be very sadly missed and not forgotten.

Wide range of plants and shrubs Gardening tools and garden features Patio accessories and barbecues Growbags, fertilisers and compost

Hillam News says thanks to Kay Webster The last editorial meeting of Hillam News was a subdued affair.

We have lost our main connection with the Geoff Hall era, Kay Webster Jones. She and Peter, together with Sam, Miranda and Lily, the friendliest Alsatian Dylan has ever met, are moving to East Grinstead in Surrey. Nothing to do with plane spotting at Gatwick Airport, but at the call of multinational company Nestlé, which now owns Rowntrees and whose UK headquarters are in Croydon.

Kay staged the meeting which led to the new Hillam News team taking office. One neighbour remembers daring to joke that she would make a very good successor for Geoff Hall. He found himself on her team in next to no time. When her predecessor Michelle Wagstaff left Homegarth, Kay mentioned she might help with a few typing tasks. Geoff Hall was round in a flash and it was more than a bit of typing he had in mind. The occasional typist didn’t take long to become a fully-fledged General Secretary of the type which used to run the Soviet Union, but with style, charm and presence. She skilfully handled printing, advertising and the occasional temperamental contributor and was responsible for the first edition of the famous Hillam News year planner, now deemed too complicated for some team members.

As is mentioned elsewhere in Hillam News, it is difficult to get young people with the time, ability and motivation to ‘give’ their efforts to village clubs and projects. Hillam has been fortunate in having Kay, albeit for a relatively short time. We expect to be hearing that East Grinstead is benefiting from her enthusiasm in the not too distant future.

Kay’s successful efforts in selling Hillam Lights Hundred Club tickets were greatly appreciated. The Hillam dog-walking community will miss Kay and Lily. We hope the Jones family settle down in their new home.

100 Club Winners—Lighting up Hillam The latest draw for the Hillam Lights 100 Club took place over the May bank holiday weekend, when Marjorie Kelly took the first prize with number 45, Caroline Cockerham came second with 32, and number 93, Trisha Birch, won third prize.

Winners in the March draw were Bev Jackson (2) £20, D and Z Selier-Smith (56) £10, and Rob Preston (28) £5.

3

New doubts over post office move

Village News No tar ! Asphalt developers admit defeat this year that they would not lease the land for the asphalt plant if the local community was against the scheme. Questions remain about Scottish and Southern’s sudden change of mind, but perhaps it has something to do with pollution from Ferrybridge ‘C’, which according to Friends of the Earth burns some of the worst sulphur content coal and is second worst offender (after Fiddlers Ferry, Warrington), when it The appeal always looked doomed comes to carbon dioxide emissions after Ferrybridge owners, Scottish in relation to electricity output. and Southern Energy, said earlier

The appeal against Wakefield Metropolitan District Council’s decision to throw out plans for a permanent asphalt plant at Ferrybridge ‘C’ Power Station has been withdrawn

by Aggregate Industries (UK) Ltd. This means that the public hearing scheduled for June 14th will not now take place, and the Aire Campaign Committee can take pleasure in a well run and successful campaign.

Tribute to Dr Christine Doyle Christine Doyle was born on 23rd Janu- Christine led an academic life, gaining a ary 1950 and spent about 30 years of her doctorate in psychology at Hull Univerlife in Hillam. sity, and eventually becoming Head of Psychology at Trinity All Saints UniverTo those of us who knew her well, she sity, Leeds. She then moved on to be was a stunning, flamboyant lady, at one senior lecturer at the University of East with everything and everyone. Many London, where she was responsible for will remember her floating round the undergraduates and Masters students; village in her long Victorian dresses, she also developed a PhD programme in petticoats and big straw hats. Friends clinical psychology. During this time will remember her parties – some of the she often lectured abroad, and gained best in Hillam – a caterer of high esinternational recognition. Her family is teem, the original domestic goddess! very proud of her achievements, includMany too will remember her beautiful ing her recently published book ‘Work herb garden, now sadly overgrown and and Organisational Psychology – an in need of tender loving care.

Introduction with Attitude!’

Ever the expert, Christine wrote a book about herbs. For her son she wrote a After an illness, borne with huge courstudent cookbook – rather more than the age, Christine died on April 11th 2005. usual handwritten favourite recipes, possibly soon to be published on a charity basis!

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

Concerns about the state of the filling station site on Selby Road have caused a worried Monk Fryston Parish Council to contact the owners, Bayfords. Councillor Denham has learnt that the owners do not consider plans for relocation of the post office as viable and intend to leave the site unused until they get residential planning consent.

Councillor Denham said he was concerned about the site’s fire certificate. Hillam News is concerned about the future of our post office. Postmaster Kevin Pease, who is also clerk to Monk Fryston Parish Council, understandably had no comment for Hillam News.

Meanwhile the site continues to become more derelict and a worsening eyesore on the edge of the village of Monk Fryston.

THE NEWS WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR Everyone has been asking our postman about the arrival of his baby, so here is the official announcement: Joseph Sugden was born to Tracy and Symon on 4th May at 12.27 in York. He weighed 8 lbs 6½ ozs at birth.

In August the three, who live in South Milford, will travel to Mauritius for the wedding of Tracy and Symon which was arranged many months ago, before little Joseph was even dreamt of.

Congratulations to the pair from their Hillam customers!

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

4 Chairperson Mrs Jean Collinson The Cottage, Betteras Hill Road, Hillam. Tel: 682391 Mrs Betty Wright 11 Bedford’s Fold, Hillam. Tel: 682361

HILLAM PARISH COUNCIL Mrs Allison Garner 2 Hillam Gates, Betteras Hill Road, Hillam. Tel: 682575

Vice Chairperson Miss Julie Taylor 2 Bedford’s Fold, Hillam. Tel: 680482

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

Tel: 681729

Nick Tinker 12 Hillam Hall Lane, Hillam. Tel: 684908

Charles Vickers The Manor House, The Square, Hillam.

Tel: 684912 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

Précis of minutes Hillam annual salary and administra- Selby DC electoral services name sign. Such vandalism manager - re recording of par- appears to be commonplace PC meeting 6th April 2005 tion expenses.

NYCC - re winter service.

Minutes of previous meeting NYCC - Public rights of way approved and signed. improvement plan.

Mr LR Wright - confirming Matters arising: acceptance of conditions of Dog waste bins ordered. employment.

Refurbishment of street sign- DEFRA - quality parishes and posts and Ringtree seat put in parish planning – to be circuhand. lated.

Selby and York Rural TransFinances: port Partnership - invitation to Current a/c £365.42 autumn conference.

High interest a/c £8,931.17 Selby DC - acknowledgement £1,800 to be transferred to of order for dog waste bins to current a/c be supplied and fitted.

Rent due £50 Selby DC Overview and Scrutiny Committee - the relationCheques drawn ship between town/parish MH Walton: councils. To be circulated. £1,500.00 - clerk’s salary MF&H Community Associa£91.50 - admin expenses tion—progress update re PC’s YLCA: £149.00 - subs potential position as holding trustees; clerk to write Correspondence in: to convey agreement and apAcknowledgement of receipt proval. of £250 donation to AIRE from Request for £400 toward SM Gilbert. money to be donated under the YLCA subscription renewal.

Entrust Grant Application to Invoice from clerk in respect of the football club; clerk to seek an update on the football club’s proposal at the Stocking Lane site.

Annual return received from the external auditors.

When prepared the accounts will be audited by Mrs Avis Thomas.

ish councillors’ personal details.

Selby DC parks and leisure officer - order for 2 dog waste bins to be supplied and fitted.

Advising Mr Allison, of the cricket club, of the section 106 agreement, terms and conditions for information in order to make any grant application deemed appropriate by the club.

MF Parish Council indicating the support given by Hillam PC to any applications made by the cricket club for financial support under the terms of the section 106 agreement.

Planning matters

Applications: Mr and Mrs L Furness - re submission of previously refused application to erect a new garage at Hillam Hall, Chapel Street, Hillam.

Mr and Mrs P Lowe - consent for various works to lime trees in the rear garden area of The Limes, Hillam Common Lane, Hillam.

Mr and Mrs Venables - remedial thinning and pruning to a number of trees at Field View, Hillam Common Lane, Hillam.

Mr Shirtliffe - proposed erection of a dwelling following the demolition of existing bungalow at Shiraz, Betteras Hill Road, Hillam.

No objections at the meeting to the planning applications subCorrespondence mitted.

out:

Mr LR Wright advising contractual conditions ratified at April PC meeting.

- order for 4 jobs to be undertaken.

Environment Criminal damage - wood edging to footpath. Blockage of dyke alongside path. Order for repairs and clearance instigated.

Spray painting - Rose Lea

within the village. Police are aware of the criminal damage caused with suspects known to the police.

The 30mph speed sign posts along Betteras Hill Road to be repainted.

Hillam sign, Betteras Hill Road - redesigned replacement sign to be progressed.

Police informed about a van found parked near the Brick Pond. It transpired it was a vehicle stolen from Whitby.

Further enquiries have revealed that the telephone kiosk is not listed, as previously believed.

BT will not authorise the sale of the box to the village. Councillor Vickers to make enquiries on how to obtain Grade II listing.

The appointed grass cutter is Mr Farnsworth. Requirements to be discussed.

Reports Burial Committee. Next meeting 18th April 2005, when chairperson and cheque signatories to be agreed. Mrs Twidale, the new secretary, takes over the position at this time.

Councillor Collinson suggested that Mr Hudson’s loyal service be recognised.

Community Association. Next meeting 18th May. Craft Fair made approximately £1,700.

School News. Councillor Tonks reported that a Theme Week involving all classes is taking place at the school.

Joint Services Committee. No report available Any other business - none.

Next meeting - 4th May 2005.

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Précis of minutes Hillam PC meeting 4th May 2005 Minutes of previous meeting Green Scheme - provision of approved. green bins for garden waste; draft Recreational/Open Space Matters arising: Strategy 2005/2010; planning It was agreed that a small gift appeal, Mr Stoke, Windways, be purchased to mark the long Betteras Hill Road. service of Tony Hudson to the NYCC – Selby Area Review of local bus services; advising Burial Board.

It was also agreed that Julie of the various highway Bottomley’s long service to the schemes for the district during Guides and Brownies within the year 2005/2006. the community be commemo- WMDC – advising that the appeal by Aggregate Industries rated.

Mr Wright has undertaken has been withdrawn. various works around the par- AIRE – thanks for donation ish on behalf of the parish recently made; document re proposed weight limit restriccouncil.

Clerk awaiting proportionate tions for a section of the A1 grass cutting invoice for Hil- to be circulated to members. lam PC from Monk Fryston LR Wright – invoice.

PC. Total invoice from FounCorrespondence out: tain Landscapes for 2004/5 season received by them.

Zurich Municipal re appointment of Mr Wright.

Finances: Mr Hudson re Holding Trustee status; contribution towards Current a/c £4410.78 upgrading the football club on High interest a/c £12,041.17 Stocking Lane.

Monies received Mr Wright – requesting a numE Smales £50 - field rent ber of works be undertaken.

Cheques drawn Burial Board £735.75 - precept Planning matters 2005/06 Applications: Zurich Insurance Co £866.91 P Evans – retrospective for the insurance premium erection of a conservatory, 18 Mr L Wright £92.48 - mainteBedford’s Fold. nance Mr M Flanagan – kitchen extension, The Conifers, Betteras Correspondence in: Hill Road.

Email from Beverley Jackson No objections. re proposed celebrations to mark Mrs Bottomley’s long Decisions: Miss Taylor – conservatory, 2 service to Guides/Brownies.

NY Police – antisocial behav- Bedford’s Fold. Granted.

Mr and Mrs Little – outline iour.

SDC – precept; change of application for one dwelling, officers within the ground including means of access, on maintenance team; Garden land to the rear of 2 Ashfield

Villas. Refused.

Broken drain cover outside Rose Tree Cottage requires Environment replacing. NYCC to be adTelephone kiosk - update on vised. proposed listing. Advice given Reports was to encompass the stone troughs, pump and kiosk and Burial Committee. Mrs P Twifor the area to be given listed dale has now taken over the status. Councillor Vickers to position of secretary from Mr proceed with the application T Hudson. Healthy financial on this basis. state reported. Complaint re Grass cutting - first cut of the the condition of wall adjacent season completed by the ap- to 3, The Meadows visually pointed contractor. investigated, and no problem Duncemire Lane has been as to its state could be found. worsened by horses using the Next meetings 13/09/05 and footpath as a bridleway and is 10/01/06. AGM set for very uneven underfoot. Riders 16/05/06. are to be requested not to use Community Association. No the lane. Notices to be erected meeting held. The jumble sale to this effect. realised £200, and £265 was The need for additional cuts, raised from the Selby market which is entirely weather devenue. pendent, to be monitored and addressed as necessary. NYCC Joint Services Committee. No grass cutting responsibilities, report available. now contracted to Fountain Any other business: Landscapes, have as yet to be undertaken.

Councillor Taylor reported the Headstones - resetting of po- Elmet Forum had met recently tentially dangerous headstones and the police provided a repin the cemetery to be discussed resentative. Matters discussed with both Monk Fryston and included fly tipping on the Burton Salmon Parish Coun- A63 and the future use of the cils. old Gascoigne Wood mining Vandalism - Councillors Vick- site. ers and Tinker are liaising with Fly tipping on the road leading the NY Police regarding the to Burton Salmon Road. recent vandalism in the village. Request for replacement HilDrainage, highways - clerk to lam name sign on Betteras Hill request drains be cleared as Road to be progressed with soon as possible.

NYCC. Road edging, Austfield Lane Next meeting Wednesday 1st broken edging and rutting June 2005 at Monk Fryston causing a danger to vehicles, to and Hillam Community be reported to NYCC HighCentre. ways.

6

Monk Fryston Church of England Primary School It has been another busy time. We started the new term with a whole school theme on artists, and the children produced some fantastic work – from Kandinsky in the Reception Class to Monet in Year 6.

Then Year 6 children did the national tests, SATs. I am very proud of their sensible approach and I know they will have done their best. My advice to them is always: “your best is always good enough”. I am more interested in how well they work throughout the year, and government league tables that have nothing to do with the actual abilities of individual children frustrate me.

way, but the principle is the same. Sadly national testing is here to stay and we have to do our best to help children show what they can do. Children in other classes have also been tested. These tests are for our assessment purposes only and are not shared with anyone outside school.

Mr Alan Clarke, an experienced trainer, has volunteered to start cycling proficiency for Year 6. The idea is that he will also train other volunteers so that we can continue to provide this for a few weeks every year for our children. If you would like to support us by becoming a trainer please let us know.

As you know, our Year 5 teacher is Year 2 children have also had national spending a year teaching in America, and tests to face, and they do this over a I was very fortunate to visit Miss Hooper longer period in a more child-friendly in Santa Monica for a few days in April.

SHERBURN HIGH SCHOOL

www.monkfryston.n-yorks.sch.uk

The British Council paid for my flight in exchange for a report about assessment arrangements in America. It was a fascinating experience and it was good to see Miss Hooper and get to know the school where she has been working all year. My impression was that there are more similarities than differences in the two education systems, although testing is more accepted in America and happens to every child every year. The greatest difference I noticed, in the short time I was there, was how much better American children are at listening in school. We can learn something from them in this area. Everyone made me feel very welcome indeed, and I certainly didn’t feel that I was 5000 miles from home!

Carole Middleton

www.sherburnhigh.co.uk

Welcome to new staff

‘Grease’ lightning strikes

Comic relief

Mr Carl Sugden will be the Headteacher of Sherburn High School from 1 September 2005. In addition there are 3 new staff: Mr Wood is the new assistant caretaker, Mr Hobson an ICT systems manager, and Mr Pod an ICT technician.

This musical was staged at the end of last term and was a complete sell-out. The singing performances were outstanding and the audience was amazed when a car was rolled out from behind the curtains.

Total raised to date: £1400. The school lunchtime was ‘rockmania’ with five rock bands playing to raise money. Students and staff joined in.

☺

MONK FRYSTON PLAYSCHOOL ☺

As the summer fast approaches, some of our children are getting ready to go to school. Visits will be arranged to the schools for those starting in September.

As playschool is currently taking its maximum number of children, it is necessary for us to recruit a new member of staff to begin in September. Qualifications are required. The closing date for applications At circle time the children have started on is 3rd June. Please contact playschool staff numbers after completing the alphabet. on the telephone number below for further The subject this term is Mini Beasts. details.

The summer trips have been arranged to Playschool is very popular, so if you have Bowl’n’Fun at Selby and Whitepost a child who would like to come and have Farm, Nottingham, both new venues for fun with us when he or she is 2½ years the playschool, but everyone is sure to old, then please come and register with us have a good time. as soon as possible.

Barkston Ash Catholic Primary School We are coming towards the end of another busy half term. The drama club performed a very successful production of ‘Head in the Sand’ … a Roman play; our girls represented the school in a netball tournament, and boys and girls have played in football matches against our local schools.

After-school clubs continue to be extremely popular. Clubs taking place this term include sewing, infant sports and cricket.

Educational visits have been planned for this term with our infant children going to the Castle Museum in York on Monday 23rd May.

Everyone at the family disco had an enjoyable time. Fund raising continues.

We now have interactive whiteboards in four classrooms and hope to install a fifth before September.

Just a reminder that there will be an opportunity to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon in the ‘Open Garden’ of Maspin House, on Sunday 12th June from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Everyone is welcome, refreshments will be served by ‘Helping Hands’ and money raised will go to school funds.

Playschool opening hours are: Monday to Friday 9.15 am – 11.45 am, Tuesday and Thursday 12.30 pm – 3 pm.

Contact the Playschool supervisor on 01977 681050 during the above hours.

7

Hillam Sports & Recreation MONK FRYSTON JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB It seems only like yesterday that I announced the start of the season, and already it’s over. It’s been an interesting 8 months with some ups and downs along the way. Three out of the four age groups won their respective league titles; the under 11s only just missed out on a fantastic double, losing in the cup final. This club however shouldn’t be about winning at all costs; we have a responsibility to teach the youngsters to have respect for others, to consider their teammates, to set an example by good behaviour, by being proud to be representing this community and proud of wearing the club badge.

To end the season we have just had our annual awards evening hosted by Jane and Bob at the Blue Bell. The first presentation of the evening and certainly one of the most popular was a bouquet of flowers to Jane. Not enough people realise just how much work she does for the club; she is one of our strongest supporters and most generous sponsors, and deserves much credit!

Other awards included best player and clubman for each team and the players’ own choice for the player of the year in each age group.

Mick Finan was presented with an abacus to help him calculate that six players are needed for a six-a-side tournament game and not 7 on the field at any one time. Nigel Hough was promoted to the position of assistant for the under 11s, having laid claim to the job with a stunning demonstration of note taking, cigar chewing and ranting, when he took control for one game this season.

OK, Nigel, so you won; will we ever hear the last of it?

Kath Finan (kit), Andrea Bottomley (best unofficial coach), Janette Taylor (refreshment queen), Joanne Toolan

(Exocet) and Pete Bottomley (all round grafter) were given a special vote of thanks for providing superb support throughout the season, but the award for best all round club person for 2004/5 went to the outstanding youngster, Kiegan Bottomley. He also got the loudest cheer!

Many hands would have made light work

Hillam cricketers emerging from hibernation for the club’s opening match caught their first sight of damage to the club’s facilities. If only the graffiti artists had had a word first. There was a whole list of pre-season painting and other work awaiting the club’s elusive membership. The graffiti painters could have made up the biggest preAn award for the most significant conseason working party tribution to inter-village relationships ever. went to Mike Walker for nearly starting an international incident through his Why is it that our vilindividual style of refereeing. lage’s youth prefers paint spraying to sport?

Bob Hopley was presented with an The cricket club is award for his outstanding contribution desperate for youngto the club over the last 20 years. He sters to join them. Permade a very moving acceptance speech haps someone younger although most of it is unprintable here. than I am could write The award for excellence in all things to Hillam News and (results, behaviour, attitude, fundraisexplain why they preing, organisation, fee payment, parents’ fer what seem to ‘us involvement, etc) went to Mick Toolan old uns’ to be such and his under 10 squad, who each remindless pursuits. ceived a special trophy. They have been an example to the other teams all seaW G Grace son about how young people should behave and how the entire squad (players, coaching staff and parents) can work together to achieve excellence. Let’s hope oth☺ MONK FRYSTON PLAYSCHOOL ☺ ers follow their lead next season. (member of DfEE)

has a vacancy for a Finally, I would like to mention others who Playschool Assistant have helped quietly starting in September 2005 behind the scenes over the last 17 months: Ian Qualifications required: Woods Paul Senior, DPP, NNEB, BTec Nursery Nurse, Trevor Gowthorpe, or equivalent. Computer literacy preferred David Atkinson, Andy 17½ hours per week £6.37 per hour Stuart and Kay Webster, and all others who Application forms available from have contributed Jeannette Dossett 01977 681020 thanks very much to Closing date for applications Friday 3rd June 2005 Interviews to be held week commencing 13th June 2005 you all.

8 The Birding Column by Graham Todd The Swallows are back As I put fingers (or should it be finger?) to keyboard, the weather is warm and sunny, with a moderate warm southwesterly wind. It was those very conditions, following on from a cold northerly, that preceded my first sightings of Barn Swallow this year, with a couple of prospecting birds returning to inspect last year’s nest on 10th April.

New Forest in Hampshire, with occasional breeding records from East Yorkshire. It is a very shy and elusive bird, Song Thrush in size, but a brilliant golden yellow all over, apart from pure black wings and a pink bill. Usually located by its rich, fluty song, it is a bird that is associated with poplar plantations. Norfolk and Suffolk used to have extensive plantations of poplars reserved for the

Landscape Gardener It was only a few days later that I heard my first Cuckoo, at 5:30 am on 26th April. Not to be o u t d o ne , m y n e x t - d o o r neighbour Ken said he had heard one the day before!

I now hear and also occasionally see one each morning as I stand in Hillam Square waiting for my bus to work.

A chronological list of summer migrants ought next to show House Martin, but as at 4th May, as I write this article, I have not yet seen one. It therefore came as somewhat of a surprise when on 2nd May a small group of Common Swifts flew over the garden - a species whose arrival date normally follows that of the House Martin. There is a very good website that provides news of recent sightings at http://www.birdguides.com/we eklyreview. This is aimed towards the more avid birder who is prepared to travel long distances to see rare birds, an activity more commonly known as “twitching”. Not one of my weaknesses, I hasten to add.

Golden Oriole in Norfolk This time of year though, I have to admit getting the urge to travel to Norfolk and Suffolk on what was once an annual pilgrimage to see some of Britain’s more beautiful breeding species, one of which is the Golden Oriole. A bird fairly common on the Continent, it breeds only in small areas of Norfolk, Suffolk and in the

matchmaking industry. Not so common these days, with the advent of disposable lighters no doubt, there are still a few mature plantations left, where these lovely birds breed. There are other cracking birds too in that part of the country: breeding Common Cranes, Stone Curlews, that also used to breed on the Yorkshire Wolds, Montagu’s Harriers and a Blackwinged Stilt at Titchwell RSPB reserve. Of course it is not necessary to go so far to see exotic species.

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

Local bird reserves Only a few miles away, just east of Goole on the south bank of the Humber, lies the RSPB reserve, Blacktoft Sands. It is so accessible from here and there is much to see. For instance, the RSPB emblem bird the Avocet, breeds there in large numbers now. So too does Marsh Harrier. A little further has moved again, to afield is Barton on Humber gravel pits, a reserve tenanted 11, Northgate Vale, by the Lincolnshire Trust. Even Market Weighton, York if you are only slightly interested in birds you cannot fail to be overwhelmed by the fantas- For all your decorating jobs, large or small, tic views that you are likely to give me a call on my new numbers: have of Bittern, the large, brown Heron that breeds in Home: 01430 876886 Britain in exceedingly small numbers.

Mobile: 07754 145952

01757 228675

Knight’s Décor

You don’t see much sitting in front of a PC…………….

So I am off out birding now, even if it is only down Betteras Hill Road!

I’m still working in your area and look forward to hearing from you!

Yours, Wayne

9

MANOR COURT NEWS First of all I would like to say how sorry I am to be losing Kay Webster.

She was a very good member of the Hillam News committee and a very popular resident of the village. I shall miss her, as I am sure many other people will too. But good luck in your new life, Kay. Our friend Mary Green had a short stay in hospital recently but she is back with us again and picking up slowly. Like every one else, she can’t wait for the warmer weather to arrive.

eral Election has come to an end, things seem to have quietened down a bit, but it was always good for a friendly debate. I hope your chosen party got in.

This week I celebrated yet another birthday and treated my friends at Manor Court to a good old-fashioned meat and potato pie lunch with all the trimmings. Also a glass or two of wine. The ladies always enjoy these get-together lunches.

See you next time.

Now that the excitement of the Gen- Ruth Laycock.

And from Eileen:

King’s Stable at the racecourse.

Everyone decided to celebrate by It is always nice to remember going to London, catching the Ascot to Waterloo train. friends and events from the past.

May 8th 1944 was VE Day, and Our group of friends mingled with my memory of the day was rethe huge crowds, and ended up by cently refreshed by a press cutting walking down the Mall and then about VE Day and how it was waiting in front of Buckingham celebrated at the time. It was even Palace until the King, Queen and more of an event as it was also my the two princesses came out onto friend Vivienne Parson’s 19th the balcony. The atmosphere was birthday. one of great happiness and it was Vivienne was an ATS driver sta- as though no-one had a care in the tioned at Ascot and billeted in the world.

Wanted Now we’ve got your attention, Hillam News is looking for a cartoonist. If you think you can make our readers laugh and turn out the odd drawing or two without the help of your art teacher, then please get in touch.

A Monthly Chat 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!

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10

FUN WITH HOLIDAY SEEDS Part of my holiday entertainment for many years has been tracking down seed shops and other sources of seeds. There are, however, rules about importing seeds (and plants, but I do not bring in growing matter). Rules to protect native species and to exclude foreign pests/diseases are set out on DEFRA’s website at www.defra.gov.uk/planth and are available from the Plant Health Division at Foss House, York, YO1 7PX. I have learnt not to rely on the fly-blown seed carousel at the beach shop, although it should be inspected for anything worthwhile, always remembering to check the use-by date.

The real fun is in finding the back-street ironmonger in Spain, the grocer in Luxemburg, the supermarket in Helsinki or the mower shop in Estonia.

herbs but occasionally fall for t h e i m p o s s i b l e fruit/flower/tree.

For example, I was pleased with the success of some upright cabbage-like plants which I found in a dusty box in the north Luxemburg grocer’s shop. We had gone in to buy beer (and food) for a picnic lunch when I spotted the box. As time was short I hoovered up a few likely packets and studied them later over the beer (and food). I now know that in that town in Luxemburg there has for many years been a colony of Portuguese immigrants which buys Portuguese seeds from that shop! Nevertheless, the Portuguese Couve Gallega Lisa seed via the Grand Duchy flourished in our veg plot. A less hurried success was the discovery last month of a Slovenian-run garden centre near Trieste with a magnificent selection of seeds; chief among them was what must be the world’s largest range of chicory seeds. Why do they need so many varieties? I restricted myself to one.

Seed types may be exotic or mundane, but, if you share my view that most gardening is a continuous experiment, do not be afraid of failure. The great challenge is to persuade some Fallen seeds, pods and flowers find to survive the North Yorkform public and hotel gardens shire winter, even in a cool and from locally bought progreenhouse. duce must not be overlooked.

I go for mainly vegetables and We have a wisteria from the

David (Dai) Jones

Architect

Dip. Arch. RIBA Fletton House The Square HILLAM North Yorkshire LS25 5HE

Phone 01977 685534 Consultation Welcome – Initial Discussion Free

Rock Hotel in Gibraltar, a loquat eaten in Barcelona, a mimosa from the roadside in Nice, an unidentified tree from a park in Seville, a wild fennel from Menorca, and so on.

A very valuable source of information is the local fruit and veg market; there you may see the local specimens as they should be and, usefully, find the names in the local language/dialect.

Finally, do not neglect home.

Far be it from me to advise carrying a pen-knife to take cuttings from the Italian Gardens in Scarborough, but a legitimate way to come by new items is the market stall. Only the other week in London I came across Iranian sour plums; three stones have been potted and another experiment is under way.

Stuart Hoare

DAYS GONE BY : 1945 VE Day in Rose Lea Close

A great time was had by all at our VE Day celebrations thanks to Jane Earless who had the idea of a street party to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Victory in Europe.

The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs Leach (one of the children thought that she was the Queen Mother), after which we listened to a tape of some of the most famous wartime speeches.

After the serious moments remembering why we were having the celebration, the children began their day and enjoyed the traditional races, including egg and spoon, sack races and three-legged races.

Prizes were donated by residents and all the children enjoyed themselves as much as the adults.

The excellent three course gourmet meal, prepared by Bob Hopley, could not be faulted.

The menu was Celebration Soup (chicken and vegetable) Victory Roll Lord W o o l t o n ’s Pie (donated by a resident) Ceasefire Potatoes (spuds in jackets) Liberation Peas (mushy) and salad followed by Montgomery Pudding (bread and butter) Churchill Surprise (jelly and ice cream) A selection of cakes (black market) All washed down with copious quantities of either wine or beer. We had tea or coffee available, but we forgot to serve it as we were having such a good time!

11

FARMING REPORT - OILSEED RAPE – the fuel of the future?

The fields of oilseed rape around Hillam and Monk Fryston are a patchwork of yellow amongst the green at the moment.

The flowering rape is very pretty, but is frequently blamed for inducing hay fever and asthma. However, some people think this is unlikely as rape pollen is large and sticky (as anyone who walks through a field in flower will discover) and doesn't blow far in any quantity. Much of the time it is probably blamed in error because it is highly visible, but less obvious pollen-producing hedgerow plants and trees which flower at the same time may be the real culprits.

This heavy sticky pollen, however, is very useful when it comes to pollination. As a result, oilseed rape is responsible for much of the honey produced in lowland UK, although the honey is so strong it tends to crystallise and so is often blended. Another use for this crop is as edible oil as it is low in saturated fat. This makes it especially useful where a “healthy” oil is required.

This versatile plant can also be used to produce biodiesel known as rape methyl esters - RME (for those who worry about such things!). These are produced by subjecting the rape oil to a process that removes the glycerine from the oil, which results in a biodiesel suitable for use in modern diesel engines - did you know that a field of oilseed rape the size of a football field could provide enough fuel to power the average family car for a year?

Fuels based on vegetable oil are not new. In 1900 Rudolf Diesel demonstrated his new engine in Paris running on peanut oil, but for most of this century they have been superseded by super cheap fossil mineral oils. However, as it looks as if we are now approaching a more ecologically friendly era, the fact that oilproducing plants are carbon neutral (they use up as much as they produce) may mean that in the future oilseed rape could play an important role in our everyday lives.

Arfur Rowe

Hillam Historians Village walks leaflet The highlight for us this month was receiving from Monk Fryston Art Club a lovely set of pen and ink drawings of various village scenes. Some of these will be used, along with those which Ralph Atkins has already kindly put at our disposal, to illustrate the village walks leaflet, one of our current projects. Sadly, space restrictions within the leaflet mean we will not be able to use them all. However we do hope that launch day will be a joint venture with the art club, and will be an occasion where all their original artwork will be on show.

Village pump renovation Would-be pump renovators have managed, with the help of Arthur Warren and Geoff Woodall, to interpret the workings of the pump innards, much of which has

rotted or rusted away. An additional prob- now will future generations have a record lem is a split casing. The next exploration of the everyday life experiences of their will be to see whether there is any water families in the past. We know there are still accessible. There is a several senior strong possibility that the water members of our table has dropped to the extent community who that the well is now dry. have much to share. Please let Village memories to be us come and talk taped with you; just ring me, Betty The taped interviews of longWright, on term older villagers have sat 682361, and we treasured, but unused, in our can arrange a archives for the past couple of mutually conyears. The first of these tapes is venient time and currently being transcribed. We place. plan that these transcriptions will eventually be turned into a booklet The next meeting of Hillam Historians and published, giving personal accounts will be on Wednesday 27th July, 7.30 pm and a flavour of village life in the last at the Community Centre. All are welcentury. Only by recording memories come to attend.

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12

MONK FRYSTON AND HILLAM METHODISTS Our last two coffee mornings raised £75 (Methodist Home Missions) and £90 (Christian Aid), thanks to people’s generosity.

On Saturday June 4th our chosen charity is Action Research, which raises funds to pay for research into children’s illnesses. Then, on July 2nd the charity is Peter Pan Nursery, based in Sherburn and providing care for pre-school children with special needs. Please come and support these worthy causes. 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.

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

The Methodists also worship in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall, most Sundays at 9.30 am. Everybody is welcome. Our minister is Rev Rory Dalgliesh (01977 682230).

PARACHUTING IN HILLAM No, not this Hillam!

Further tidings of life beyond the Pennines have been sent by our Lancashire representative, John Makinson.

The Black Knights Parachute Centre, which opened in 1964 in the hamlet of Hillam, 8 miles from Lancaster, is one of the country’s longest-running parachute centres. Its 40th anniversary celebrations peaked in the month of July last year, when the centre was open every day and hired a powerful turbine aircraft, a Pilatus Porter. This aircraft can fly faster and higher than the Cessna 185 which the centre owns, and carries nine skydivers whereas the Cessna carries five. Over 2,500 jumps were made during the month.

for charity. Just one example of the safety precautions taken is the gathering before each jump of all those taking part in order to check each other’s equipment and ensure that it is correctly assembled. The minimum age for the sport is 16; there is no maximum age provided regular medicals are passed.

The centre has trained over 15,000 people, including some who have gone on to represent their country and skydive across the world.

Anyone who is thinking of making a parachute jump is very welcome to visit any weekend.

To find out more you can phone 01772 717624, or go to www.bkpc.co.uk, where you can Still in the same hands as at the also view a photo gallery of beginning, the centre not only parachuting over Hillam. caters for those who love parachuting as a sport, but also trains With acknowledgements to Lanpeople who are raising money cashire Life, October 2004

graffiti Derived from the Italian sgraffio, meaning ‘scratch’, graffiti has been around since the beginning of mankind. Pictures such as those at the Lascaux caves in France were mostly carved into the cave walls with bones and stones. Early man also developed a form of stencil and spray technique by blowing coloured powder through hollow bones around his hands.

Today’s form of graffiti emerged towards the end of the 1970s in New York and Philadelphia, where Taki183, Julio204 and Cornbread painted their names on walls or in subway stations.

In Great Britain the present form of graffiti first appeared in Bristol. Banksy became one of the most notorious graffiti painters.

He originally worked free-

hand but now uses stencils.

On separate occasions he hung some of his pictures in the Tate Gallery and also in the Louvre.

Some other very well known graffiti is that in the Bogside of Belfast, where graffiti was used as part of the IRA propaganda machine.

In general the large mural type of graffiti seen in our cities is commissioned work, with the artists being paid for their efforts.

The casual graffiti artist plays a high-risk game.

Painting graffiti in unwanted places on private property is an act of criminal damage, with penalties to suit.

Before any graffiti artists venture out again in Hillam, I suggest you think through the potential consequences of having a criminal record for the rest of your life.

13

Garden Open - 12 June Self-seeders The self-sown forget-me-nots are making a haze of blue in many areas of my garden as I write this in early May. The big question is: when to pull them out? I go around checking them from February as they are a) wonderful places for slugs to hide and b) adept at smothering the emerging shoots of herbaceous perennials.

A well-grown forget-me-not can reach 1ft across. The trick to using this, and many other selfseeders such as honesty and foxgloves, is to pull out about 80% of them when small. The young plants can be transplanted or composted. If, like me, you are too soft or too greedy to pull out all these free plants, keep going around your garden in early spring and pull out those which are smothering young plants. By the end of May they will be looking scruffy and can be pulled out; next year’s seedlings will be already there.

Summer scent

menting with planting bulbs, mostly tulips and hyacinths, in pots until I could see where the gaps were. The bulbs grew well, protected from mice, and in late February I could see where they were needed. I split them up and planted them and it worked well; they had made a lot of roots by February, but all flowered well and the experiment was a success.

Garden open on 12 June This year we are opening the garden for various charities under the National Garden Scheme on 12th June, when most of my roses should be at their best. I grow many shrub and rambler roses, which flower once and provide an avalanche of flowers at their peak. The borders in the orchard are the essence of an English summer garden and it is one the high points of the year for me. As you can imagine the work of preparation starts early, and we have spent a lot of time sprucing up the hard surfaces this year; if you wash one paved area it shows up all the others, so all have been washed. We have also re-laid some paths and added more brick edging, which gives a crisp finish to the borders. The weeding, pruning and editing of plants is never-ending in a garden as big as this. We have long lists of ‘things to do before open day’ and a team of helpers to organise.

It is all hard work but we get a buzz from seeing our garden looking its best and sharing it with visitors.

Lilacs are essential in May for wonderful scent, but most are too big for small gardens and boring for 11 months of the year. I have a small lilac which is a constant j o y, s yr i n ga mi c r op h yl la ‘Superba’. The clue is in the word ‘microphylla’, meaning small. It is dainty and graceful, grows to about 6ft, and covers itself with pink flowers with the most wonderful scent. When the flowers have gone brown it is worth taking off the dead heads back to a pair of leaves. You can also prune it lightly to keep it compact; it Susan Ferguson will flower again later in summer.

Tel: 684922, Bulbs in pots email: susan@maspinLast year I wrote about experi- house.co.uk.

14

Eating Out Report

Squash Club Awards

by the Hillam News Food Correspondent

by the Hillam News Drinks Correspondent

Have you been to the Crown in Monk Fryston since it has been under new management?

Our Drinks Correspondent, I P Knightley, reports from the prestigious Hillam Squash Club award ceremony.

Hillam News visited this establishment one Saturday evening in May and we were pleasantly surprised at the quality of service and the food.

After spending the summer of 2004 nurturing their squash, marrow and pumpkin plants, the Hillam Squash Club members had used their crop to create fine and intoxicating beverages. Last month the Squash Club members gathered at the Cross Keys Inn to present their ambrosia for judging. Security was tight as the region’s most revered vegners arrived to receive the recognition they so richly deserved (ie none at all). The marrow and squash rum was judged in a blind tasting session. The Squash Club is relieved to announce that the judges have now regained their eyesight, and should be able to lead normal lives – strange, as this was never previously an option for some of them.

On arrival at the bar, we were greeted with a smile and friendly conversation. Our table was booked for 8 pm, and once we felt ready, we were shown through to the restaurant area which is separate from the bar. The restaurant is very tastefully decorated, and has a bistro feel. The menus were promptly given to us and we found that they offer a large choice of food to suit different tastes (even salads for those watching their weight).

After careful consideration, we chose the bruschetta, garlic mushrooms and a prawn cocktail for our starters. After a wait of about 20 minutes, the starters arrived. The bruschetta was piled high with tomato and pesto and was extremely tasty. The prawns were plentiful and came with a generous topping of rose marie sauce. The garlic mushrooms were creamy and delicious.

For our main courses, we had fillet steak, cooked medium to perfection, swordfish (which, as a healthy option, was presented with tomato salsa – wonderful!) and a warm duck salad.

The meals were accompanied by a side order of fresh vegetables (broccoli, carrots and courgettes) and a choice of chips, new potatoes or rice. We all agreed that the food was of an excellent quality.

Throughout our meal, drinks were also being consumed and it was therefore a nice surprise to receive a bill for less than £80, which between four of you is excellent value for money.

The evening culminated in a grand prize-giving ceremony where the judges’ comments were read to the enraptured audience – “this horse should be shot if it is not already dead”, “just horrible” and “shivery” were among the more polite accolades. Silence descended upon the crowd as each member strained to hear the name of the winner.

The tension was so heavy that one could hear the drop of an antidiarrhoea tablet as it hit the carpet. Each entrant was silently rehearsing his or her winning speech, lips moving as if in quiet meditation while maintaining the fixed grin of the criminally insane.

The Best Marrow Rum The Crown offers affordable food of a Kathy Lazenby and Andrew Broughton at the Squash awards Award was presented to very good standard and bridges the gap, Andrew Broughton, though the judges felt that the rum effortlessly, between pub grub and a high-class restaurant. The needed to mature for longer. Andrew expressed his surprise at surrounding décor and friendly and personable staff ensure a this comment, as he confessed that his entry had actually been great evening. Go and enjoy! produced in 1959 by his mother. Mr Broughton was presented with a fine sculpture which had been hand-crafted by local artist, Gordon Little. The only Squash Rum entrant was Kathy Lazenby, and this brew was found to be of such quality that it was awarded ‘Worst in Category’.

As the ceremony drew to a close the gaggle of vegetable worriers retired to their limousines, and one of the members was overheard describing himself as “underwhelmed” – praise indeed for the organisers. The Hillam Squash Club would like to thank Gail and Kevin at the Cross Keys for tolerating the event, and for disposing of the hazardous waste afterwards.

This season the Squash Club members will be stealing blossom from the hedgerows in their bid to produce the most delicious elderflower champagne. As the club secretary says, “This year we frankly can’t be bothered with the growing, and would like to focus on the drinking”. If you would like to join them please contact Kathy Lazenby on 01977 681742.

15

SPORT-

IN-NEWS

At the time of writing it appears that Old Trafford is about to be transferred into the hands of an American businessman who has made his money out of trailer parks. It’s strange that a company that has been so well led over the last 10 years to become the largest football club in the world (by market capitalisation) now finds itself heading towards a period where it will be saddled with debts approaching £300m. It’s only 12 months ago that Leeds United faced relegation from the Premier League with debts around one third of that figure.

No one is saying that the Red Devils are heading for the same fate but a huge question mark nevertheless remains as to how that debt will be repaid.

In the last three years the profit made by the club has been in the region of £20-£40m per year. It’s going to wipe out all that profit and more in order to make the repayments, so just where will Sir Alex’s transfer kitty come from? That’s not great news coming at a time when they finish the season some 20 points behind top spot.

Keeping with football, congratulations must go to Chelsea who have finally broken the Arsenal – Manchester United duopoly and regained the Premiership title after a 50 year wait. Any team who can concede just 14 or so goals in the season whilst building up an 11 point gap at the top of the table fully deserve their reward.

They have played some excellent football at times and with Messrs Terry and Lampard they have two of the best players to come out of England in recent times.

That brings us to Liverpool, who dispatched the Blues over two legs in the Champions League Semi-final. Or did they? The ‘goal’ they scored has been surrounded by controversy and I for one have yet to see just how that ball crossed the line. In the end however the ‘goal’ is in the record books, and so Liverpool take their place in Istanbul. Let’s hope that all the Reds remember events on that Wednesday evening the next time a key decision goes against them.

Should Liverpool take their To those outside of Old Traf- place in next year’s competiford the coming weeks and tion in the event that they lift the trophy? Well, the rules say no, so the simple question: is why do we have all this fuss about changing the rules now?

At the start of the season every Premiership side knew that to qualify for the Champions League the team had to finish in the top 4 of the league. They also knew the rule that winning the Champions League would not guarantee a place in the following season’s competition. Those are the rules, so months will offer interesting why complain when a side observation and, for some, cannot finish in the top 4? It amusement. To those with the would be hard luck (not to club closer to their hearts, it mention costly) for Everton to can mean only frustration, find themselves pushed into the anger and uncertainty. Perhaps UEFA Cup. Given the money Mr Glazer’s longer term plan is involved, that decision would to sell the stadium with the no doubt be challenged in a surrounding area (to repay the court of law, which would debt) and turn it into a trailer surely overturn the decision on park. That would leave United the basis of the rules that were free to then take up occupancy in force. The harsh truth is that with their rivals City at the over the course of 38 matches Stadium of Manchester…! Everton are a better side than Liverpool.

Now there’s a thought.

Moving on to boxing, one could not fail to be impressed

by Amir Khan’s recent demolition of the Cuban Mario Kindelan. It’s hard to believe that Kahn is just 18, and surely he’s a world champion in waiting.

No doubt he’ll continue to be pressed to convert to the professional ranks and if he does then he’s got every chance of beating Nassem Hamed’s record of being a world champion by the age of 21. Watching him fight on ITV brought back memories of the great Saturday night fights of the late 80s and 90s when the terrestrial channel contained all the top British fights. Ricky Hatton, arguably our greatest pound for pound fighter at the current time, would be a national icon if his fights had been screened to those who don’t have the benefit of the dish. Let’s hope that when Khan turns pro either ITV or BBC secures the rights to his fights. In the longer term that might create a win-win for Khan, his (many) connections and the British sporting public.

Rugby League has been in the headlines recently for all the wrong reasons—or more specifically St Helens and their ex-coach Ian Millward. Those who follow the oval ball game will know that Mr Millward is not backwards in coming forwards and always has an opinion to offer. His time in front of both the Sky and BBC cameras show him as a man who craves the spotlight, and anyone watching a St Helens game can see that he maximises every opportunity to show his emotion during the 80 minutes.

Nothing wrong with that, I hear you cry, and I agree—to a point. Any person in a responsible position must realise that there is a line which cannot be crossed. I first heard of an alleged incident with Mr Millward a couple of years ago which was never 100% confirmed. I was left however contemplating the old adage of no smoke without fire, and recent events (where he’s been dismissed for a total of 3 incidents of verbal abuse) lead me to conclude that the St Helens board have simply being waiting for the right time. I don’t believe it’s coincidence that these incidents (which stretch back over the last 10 weeks) have now been brought to a

conclusion, during a period when the Saints don’t play a home game for 3 weeks. It gives them time to get a new man on board and hopefully avoid any further difficult confrontations with the supporters.

As for Millward, there’s little doubt about his coaching ability. As a person however, he leaves me and many others cold. Where he lands next is open to debate and if it’s back in his native Australia then I for one won’t miss him. Many people are however saying that he’ll end up moving just 12 miles up the road to Wigan which would not only be a slap in the face for the St Helens board—it would further annoy the paying customers at Knowsley Road. One other rumour which I’ve picked up is that he may well take on some kind of coaching role with his close friend David Moyes at Everton. Now that would be interesting—a rugby coach involved with a soccer club, and that person is not Sir Clive Woodward!

Finally, I mentioned last time about the jungle drums beating for a horse called MOTIVATOR to be backed for the 2000 Guineas. Unfortunately connections decided to re-route the horse and instead aim for the Derby. Motivator duly made his reappearance last week at York where he took the Dante in the style of a top class colt.

As a result he’s now as low as 2-1 for the Derby and whilst some of the larger prices have now been missed, it could well pay to back the horse on 4th June.

Away from horse racing, thoughts are turning to the forthcoming Ashes, and to spice up the series, why not make an investment on Michael Vaughan to be England’s top scoring batsman across the series? Vaughan really established himself as a world class batsman in the last Ashes series and there’s no reason to think that he won’t do the same again this time around. At around 5-1, I think he’s decent value to again show his true batting talent.

Yours in sport,

Doug Hought

16 HILLAM HOT DOGS FLYBALL TEAM Have you ever ventured on Hillam Common Lane on a Thursday evening and wondered what all the obsessive barking is about? Well, that will be the Hillam Hot Dogs Flyball team having their weekly practice.

To those who aren't familiar with flyball, it is a fast and exciting dog sport where two teams of four dogs perform a relay race against each other.

The teams start together in two separate lanes and the dogs each go in turn over four jumps to a 'box' which contains a ball. By pressing on the box the dog triggers the ball to be released, catches it and then returns over the jumps to its owner. The next

The race is won by the fastest team of dogs to have successfully gone over all four jumps, triggered the box, collected and returned the ball.

This sport provides excellent exercise and stimulation to dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes. It also gives them the opportunity to socialise with other dogs (not to mention the good social life for the owners too).

Hillam Hot Dogs regularly enter competitions, and here's how they have done recently: 30th April at Eggborough - 2nd place 7th May at Middlesbrough - 1st place 15th May at Pickering Game Fair - 2nd place Well done to all the dogs and their handlers (and a big thankyou to our supporters /helpers), and keep up the good work.

If you feel you and your dog like the sound of flyball, or if you would dog then passes the outcoming like any more information, please dog as close to the start line as contact Caroline on 07976 possible, at speed and close prox868566. imity to take its turn at collecting the ball. Obviously, the tighter Photographs of the team in action be found on the crossovers, the faster the c a n www.jtgphotographic.co.uk. team goes.

Malcolm Lupton Plumbing Contractor

Electrical Engineer No job too big or too small 37, Wolsey Croft, Sherburn in Elmet Tel: 01977 683218 Mobile: 07976 425988

Try me first!

17

From St Wilfrid’s Church

C A

urate: Revd Susanne Jukes.

Tel: 01757 706719

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

Y

our church is here to serve you. Please make full use of St Wilfrid’s on Sundays for worship and on other occasions.

Monk Fryston is part of a United Benefice with South Milford.

SUNDAY SERVICES 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am 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 11.00am, and Holy Communion in St. Mary’s, South Milford at 6.00pm

The holiday season beckons and as it does, so does the recognition that time for rest and recreation is sorely needed, not just by me but by many people.

Lives are so often out of kilter – too much busyness, not enough time to stop and play, whatever age we are. You may, like me, have been watching the series of television programmes about the Monastery. What’s been fascinating is seeing how the men from very different backgrounds have adapted to a totally different way of life, one based on the discipline of keeping balance between work and prayer, rest and busyness, discipline and authority. It’s not come easy for some of them.

both Anglican and Roman Catholic. It is the basis of the Order of the Holy Paraclete (the Whitby Sisters), to which I am affiliated as a Tertiary or Third Order Sister, and so it is a Rule by which I try to live my life. I can’t honestly say I always manage to keep the Rule, but it is there as a model to aspire to, as a reminder of my responsibility to myself, to other people and to God. It’s not about escaping from the world, but about the right way to live in it.

Holidays are time for rest and for recreation, for relaxing with others. Perhaps they can also be times when we stand back from the daily routine and assess what drives our lives, and what The rule that these monks live by is one can inspire us to a greater quality of life, devised by St Benedict shortly after the a life lived in all its fullness. year 525, and still in use throughout the Susanne Jukes world today in countless communities,

Time to pray … time to play … and time to part with your money!

St Wilfrid’s Summer Fair Sunday 3rd July St Wilfrid’s Church

Family Worship at 11am Fair begins in and around the Church and Hall after the Service Miss Lucie’s Dancers, raffle, afternoon teas, BBQ, tombola, face painting, children’s attractions, plants, books, cakes, cards, woodcrafts, jewellery, Youth Fellowship stall, bric-a-brac.

18

Monk Fryston & Hillam Community Association POSTER PROBLEMS There seems to be an ever-increasing problem with posters which advertise events in the villages being removed and/or destroyed more or less as soon as they have been put up.

The members of the association work very hard in staging events at the Community Centre, and part of this is the production and putting up of posters. We are very careful to remove posters as soon as possible after an event is over, and apologise if one or two slip through the net and are not recovered in a timely manner.

It can be quite soul-destroying to have to keep replacing posters over and over again, just to ensure that the message gets around about a particular event. The upkeep of the Centre is very much reliant on money made from the events we stage.

We would very much appreciate if those responsible would refrain from removing posters and adding to litter problems in the villages.

CRAFT FAIR Our annual Craft Fair was held on Sunday 13th March. It was a very successful day, raising in excess of £1700 for Community Association funds. I’m sure all of you who attended found plenty to spend your money on. Thank you for coming along and supporting this major event in our calendar.

Thanks go to everyone who helped organise and set up the event: to 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.

JUMBLE SALE and SELBY MARKET STALL The jumble sale held on Saturday 23rd April was very successful, raising £250 for Community Centre funds. The stall on Selby market on Monday 2nd May was also well patronised. It was a lovely day weather-wise and this obviously encouraged the crowds of bargain hunters into Selby on this bank holiday. The stall raised a very respectable £265. Thank you to everyone within the villages who donated items for both events. Without this generosity we would not be able to hold these events.

Many thanks to the volunteers who gave up their spare time, not only to run the jumble sale and stall, but also to sort, price and transport items and to clear up afterwards. It was a lot of hard work, very much appreciated by the Association.

TOMBOLA th

On Monday 25 July we will be having a stall with a difference on Selby market.

We will be running a tombola stall, with funds raised going towards the improvements at the Centre.

Do you have any ideas for the Community Centre?

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 20th July 7.30 pm.

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 Small Gazebo £10 Large Gazebo £25 Prices are per day.

Contact Kath for details, on 683590.

There is still room for YOUR waste paper, bottles and cans in the disposal bins.

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 bins are in the car park at the Community Centre. Because of the Selby Council paper, glass and can 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.

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

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

It’s worth the trouble!

All are welcome to come along.

BROWNIE AND RAINBOW NEWS Both groups have recently sponsored two came to support us, and a special thanks to guide dog puppies, called Denver and Kristy who carried our flag and Emma Veda. We will receive regular updates on who read the Brownie Law in the Abbey. how their training is progressing.

We say a sad farewell to Kristy and Grace The Rainbows learnt about guide dogs as who have now left Brownies for Guides, part of their Look, Learn, Laugh and Love but are pleased to welcome Meg, Alice, programme. They will soon be bringing Isabelle and Emma from Rainbows, and in their favourite toy or game for discus- Hannah who has joined us from another Brownie pack following a move to the sion, again as part of their badge work. village.

We welcome Hannah, Megan, Eleanor and Verity to our group, who will all soon Forthcoming Event make their Rainbow Promise.

In July I will be celebrating 20 years as The Brownies are now working on Safety Brown Owl! Doesn’t time fly? We will in the Home Badge, and will be tested be holding an event, and invite any past shortly.

Brownies to come and join the celebraOn 23rd April, 22 Brownies and 6 Rain- tion. bows attended the St George’s Day parade in Selby. It was a lovely sunny afternoon Julie Bottomley and Selby was awash with uniformed Guider in Charge members of the Guides and Scout Association. Many thanks to the parents who Tel 01977 682097

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

19

Another Catnaps tale …

Kipper was found in Hillam, two years ago, by a very kind lady who runs the bed and breakfast there. Unfortunately we didn't get her name. She had witnessed a lorry apparently running over a small kitten, and because her dogs would have thought breakfast had arrived, dashed the little creature to us. We, of course, did our usual hotfoot to our vet, who is at Howden. Thank goodness we now have the bypass.

She could find no breaks or other injuries; however the kitten was very ill. She had cat flu, severe anaemia from hundreds of fleas, and her stomach was distended from starvation.

Poor little scrap. Several injections later, the vet asked if either Kathryn or I were asthmatic before she sprayed the little one to kill her fleas. I am, but sensitive only to artificial perfume. Of course we said no, and Kipper was duly sprayed. We set off home, and two minutes later my b re athin g had gone. I was driving, so Kathryn opened the windows wide to clear the air of the smell, but frightened that the kitten would get chilled, stuck Kipper down the inside of her jumper. This caused hysterics, as Kathryn suddenly had a jumper full of dying fleas. It's a good job neither of us is squeamish, and the washer and shower were only at the end of the journey.

Kipper was brought into the isolation unit of the cattery and under a heat lamp, where she ate everything we gave her and slept the rest of the time. I have never known a baby animal that could not play, but it took ages to get her interested in even trying to catch a passing feather or show any hunting skills. No wonder she was starved.

Eventually she recovered, and having wrapped her way totally round our hearts, came home to be number eight at our house. She is the most beautiful little tabby with the most amazing personality.

Should you ever want to meet her or, in fact, any of our home cats, they tend to spend a lot of their days in the cattery.

They like the attention, so feel free to call in and see us any time. No, you don't have to have a cat, just to like them.

Eight dishes would take far too much floor space, and three dogs all willing to clean them if I turned my back is another hazard. My cats have a continual feeder of dry Royal Canin, a replenished dish of wet food, on demand, and fresh water at all times. The food is on the dresser and it is the only area the cats are allowed to jump up to. That is solely be-

cause the dogs are always hoping for extra rations.

Should anyone be thinking of adding to their cat household, or experiencing any problems, we are always available to give advice, and if we don't know, we usually know 'a man that does'.

Lynn Ingledew Catnaps

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

Some people worry about adding new cats to an established hierarchy, but after the initial spitting and growling and avoiding each other, we have never had problems. Our cats range from eighteen to two years old, and the only two who are a little off with each other are Onion, top cat, and Arfur, who wants to be. Saying that, they generally just avoid each other, although they have had a couple of rolls in the past. Mine tend to have their own areas to sleep in but all eat from the same dish.

South Milford Badminton Club • •

Have you made a pledge 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 7:00-8:00pm 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

20

BOOK REVIEW ‘No Coward Soul’ A biography of Bob Appleyard Lovers of cricketing books will be enthralled by ‘No Coward Soul’. Bob was chosen for Len Hutton’s team, which retained the Ashes in Australia fifty years ago. He did not write his memoirs at the time and this book, published recently, probably explains why.

gomerie. He coached another pair of brothers, one of whom went on to bowl for Hillam, and the younger one made only Burton Salmon. Recently Bob recalled the event by revealing that he received a sack of potatoes in payment from the boys’ farmer father.

Bob took 200 wickets in his first season with Yorkshire then succumbed to tuberculosis. He was in Gateforth Isolation Hospital, which since its closure has been a pub, an up-market restaurant and is now offices.

John Earless of Hillam Cricket Club remembers being in Gateforth shortly after Appleyard was discharged.

After cricket Bob became a salesman, doing much of his business on the golf course.

Sandra Sadler, formerly of Austfield House, Hillam, was his secretary at Waddingtons and remembers him as the company’s most successful salesman. ‘But he would have been fired today by the first management consultant who came along, as he ignored paperwork, never went on training courses and refused to consult the factory’s production schedule before phoning in his orders.’

Everyone who has read the book says he couldn’t put it down. Appleyard’s life was dogged by a succession of unbelievable personal tragedies.

The most shattering event, which may have been blocked from his memory, is told in the book by means of a cutting from the Bradford Telegraph and Argus.

As a cricket coach he was asked to report on the cricket potential of a youngster from Ilkley. He concluded the boy had moderate talent but that his younger brother was a brilliant ball player, and he grew up to become golfer Colin Mont-

Bob is proud that he later won an unfair dismissal case against Robert Maxwell.

‘No Coward Soul’ by Stephen Chalke and Derek Hodgson is published by Fairfield Books.

The title is taken from the last words of Emily Brontë, who died of tuberculosis in 1848.

Bob has donated his share of the book profits to the Sir Leonard Hutton Foundation, which supports young cricketers in Yorkshire.

Two Lessons in Management Lesson One An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing?" The eagle answered: "Sure, why not."

So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested.

All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Management Lesson - To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.

Lesson Two A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but, I haven't got the energy."

"Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull. "They're packed with nutrients."

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree.

He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.

Management Lesson - Bull shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.

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

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

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

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

21

NEW COMMUNITY OFFICE FOR SHERBURN-IN-ELMET AREA Selby District Council has teamed up with North Yorkshire County Council to give people living in Sherburn-in-Elmet and the surrounding villages the chance to access a range of council services through the County’s new Community Resource Centre.

Instead of having to travel to Selby or Tadcaster to pick up application forms, find out information or make some council payments, people living in the area will be able to get help and advice at the new office, which is at the existing Sherburn-in-Elmet Library and Information Centre. There will also be a free telephone link to the main District Council offices in Selby, if anyone needs specialist help. Residents will also be able to collect council house or garage keys, have benefit documents checked, access planning applications or request council services such as pest control or housing repairs at the new office. Business Link York and North Yorkshire will have an access point at the site and people will also be able to get help and advice on employment training services.

Leader of Selby District Council, Mark Crane, explained that the community office is part of a long-term commitment to give residents across the Selby District easier access to services: “We believe there is a need to give people living in and around Sherburn-in-Elmet a new point of contact where they can have direct access to Selby District and County Council services.” Residents will not, however, be able to pay rent or council tax at the office, but the most convenient way of paying either of these is by direct debit, which means there is no need to visit a council office.

Gordon Gresty, Corporate Director of Business and Community Services for North Yorkshire County Council, believes the partnership approach benefits local people: “This demonstrates how North Yorkshire County Council is developing services with partners that are fully joined up and customer-focussed. Residents will, I am sure, be delighted with the new refurbished premises and the facilities and services available.”

CRIME REPORT

6 April A Woodford 3.5 tonne trailer stolen overnight from Hillam Lane.

15 April Hillam cricket pavilion was graffitti'd between 1800 hrs and 0600 hrs; also damaged were the grass and the nets.

16 April Suspicious male sighted in Hillam selling goods; male was spoken to by police - nothing suspicious at that time - and sent on his way.

22 April Radio and tools stolen from a works vehicle, Hillam Lane.

5 May

Signs were stolen from Austfield Lane.

Helen West, Chief Executive of Business Link York and North Yorkshire, says, "We are delighted to be a new partner in this development. Our local access point at Sherburn-in-Elmet is part of our ongoing commitment to bring our services closer to new and existing businesses in their local area. Clients will be able to view our website and pick up relevant information in the new and relaxed surroundings of the Community Resource Centre. Sherburn Local Access Point is one of twenty-six access points serving rural areas across North Yorkshire."

Residents will also be able to make an appointment to see a specialist adviser about certain council services. Each week council officers will be on hand to talk face-to-face to residents about planning, housing or benefits issues. These sessions will be held at the same time each week. Anyone interested in talking to a council officer one-to-one about housing, benefits or planning can make an appointment by dropping in at the new Community Resource Centre, or phoning 01977 685406.

22

Small Ads £3 per issue To advertise, please contact David Atkinson on 684577

Babysitter available 14-year-old boy, very reliable, gets on well with children. References available.

For further details please call Michael Fox on 01977 685059.

Wanted - new home for Astra Her owner is in hospital and a neighbour who is looking after her is allergic to cat fur. Astra is about 12 years old, one owner, shy but loving! We would be willing to pay vets’ fees for the remainder of her life.

HILLAM NEWS CONTACTS Joint editors

Rob Preston Howard Ferguson Chairman, Treasurer David Atkinson Secretary Bev Jackson Proofreader Jenny Hoare Copying and distribution managers Betty Wright Neal Wilson Advertising liaison David Atkinson

681163 684922 684577 685923 683332 682361 685551 684577

Duplication and distribution are carried out by over 30 volunteers

PAST EDITORS Mary Little 1989 - 1995

Geoff Hall 1995 - 2003

Check out the Hillam village website

www.hillam-village.co.uk

Only genuine cat lovers apply please.

More information from Pauline Kilburn 01423 (Harrogate) 323420.

Orlando, Florida 3.5 miles from Disney’s Magic Kingdom luxury 4 bed, 3 bath villa with pool and spa.

Close to golf courses, shops and restaurants.

View

www.greatervillas.co.uk

or contact 01977 684140 for a colour brochure

CHILDMINDER FOR HIRE 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.

Reasonable rates.

I’m just a phone call away!!!

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 on 01977 682361

23

The Last Word Freedom of Information House prices History of Hillam Protection against identity theft Credit ratings

It’s all on the internet if you know where to look Following the introduction of new freedom of information measures, Hillam News readers might be interested in a new website giving house prices from the Land Registry. It is free except for most recent sales. You just have to register and think up yet another password. Go to http://www.proviser.co.uk and follow instructions. You can input a partial local postcode such as LS25 5 and then refine it by adding a street name such as Bedford’s Fold, or Chapel Street. The Hillam Nerd can confirm that the details for his house are correct.

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

If you are worried about identity theft have a look at http://www.identitycareinfo.c o.uk/ and then Equifax, www.equifax.co.uk, a major credit agency. If you are wondering about a business’ financial status then look at http://www.bizcheck24.co.uk where it may be worth paying for a check on that travel agent before you book a holiday. I recently used it to check a travel agent I had used last year, after being surprised when the proprietor answered the telephone instead of a receptionist. A check indicated the firm had been renamed by adding 2005 to its previous name. I booked elsewhere.

For those with more wholesome aims, who would like to research Hillam of the past, the 1871 census is now available, on: www.census.pro.gov.uk/.

The Hillam Nerd

DYLAN’S DIARY Woof! Woof!

What lovely weather we’ve had recently. I’ve spent most of my days sunbathing. I do love the longer warm evenings when I can roll around on the lawns. In my house there is much talk of greenhouses, plants, frosts, etc.

All I am interested in is ‘supervising’ the cutting of grass and weeding of borders.

My knowledge of these matters is paramount.

agents’ For Sale signs defaced and set alight, and road signs sprayed with aerosols. The very worst example was carried out at the cricket pavilion.

What do these antisocial youngsters hope to achieve? Years ago they could have gone to friends’ houses, the cinema, youth groups, etc. I appreciate the fact that village amenities cost, but society was so much happier in those days – or so mum says. In very ancient times they would have been named, shamed and put in the village stocks. The best deterrent, which unfortunately is a rapidly declining species, was the local village bobby on the beat.

The cow parsley is so high that even I am dwarfed. The birds are nesting, squirrels are darting around (good to chase), but the horses are still wearing their ‘anoraks’ because the mornings My old friend Rebel is very poorly. Dylan 2 is also getting can be chilly. on, like me. We will have to go After my strong words last to a doggie pensioners’ society. time, I did hope that the ‘doggie I saw Lucy recently and I’m poo’ problem might have less- sorry to say she is unsettled and ened, but, oh no, it’s still there. is missing life in Hillam.

It didn’t help the doggie owners when the council didn’t empty What a fuss there has been over one of the boxes. Thank good- the election. If I were Prime ness it has now been done! Dog, I would ensure that it was Would you believe that the day always warm, never rained, lots after my article was published, I more walks were provided, again experienced a ‘pile’ next doggie boxes had a supply of to the post office dog lead hook. bags, dog treats were available COME ON, dog owners – IT’S in dispensing machines on the NOT GOOD ENOUGH. If way and there was a social club your dog embarrasses you, the for dogs to meet. Dream on, post office girls are more than Dylan! willing to provide a bag.

That’s all, folks. Woof! Woof!

It breaks my heart to see the recent spate of graffiti. The dog boxes were defaced, estate

Dylan

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 Shop Mon-Fri 8 – 8 pm Saturday 8.30 – 7 pm Sunday 9 – 7 pm

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

Call Joan & Kevin on 682252 Local orders delivered FREE

24

CLUBS & GROUPS If you wish to make any changes to the information about your organisation, please phone Jenny Hoare (683332) Location

Day and time

Contact

Monk Fryston & Hillam Community Association

Club or group

Community Centre

3rd Wed 7.30pm (bi-monthly)

Booking Ivy Smales Sec Tony Hudson

683486 682693

Ringtree Lights Committee

Cross Keys

1st Tues 7.30pm

Mary Little

683372

Women with Interests

Church Hall

1st Thurs 7.30pm

Carolyn Popham

684008

Hillam & MF Ladies’ Lifeboat Guild - coffee morning

Manor Court common room All welcome

3rd Sat 10am

Liz Blaza

683719

MF & S Milford Mothers’ Union

Church Hall

Apr-Sep: 3rd Tues 7.30pm Oct-Mar: 3rd Wed 2.00pm

Paddy Twidale

684140

Manor Court Luncheon Club For all retired people

Cross Keys (Manor Court once a month)

Tues 11.30am-3.30pm

Ruth Laycock

St Wilfrid’s & St Mary’s Youth Fellowship (8-15)

Church Hall

2nd & 4th Sat 7-9pm (term time)

Jo Fleming

MF Playschool

Church Hall

Mon-Fri 8.30–12am Tues, Thurs 12.30–3pm

Pennie Taylor 681050 (Playschool hours only)

MF Parents & Toddler Group

Community Centre

Thurs 9-11.30am

Liz Hey

682814

Hillam & MF Rainbows (5-7)

Community Centre

Fri 5-6pm

Julie Bottomley

682097

Hillam & MF Brownies (7-10)

Community Centre

Thurs 6.30-7.45pm

Julie Bottomley

682097

S Milford Guides

SM Church Hall

Fri 7.30-9pm

Paula Spencer

682506

Hambleton Guides

Hambleton School

Thurs 7-8.30pm

Margaret Gaygan 01757 705535

Sherburn Cubs

Scout Hut, Church Hill, Sherburn

Thurs 6.30-8pm

Deryck Sayers

680401

Sherburn Scouts

Scout Hut, Church Hill, Sherburn

Mon 7-8.30pm

Jim Ainsworth

680511

Air Cadets (13-17)

RAF Church Fenton

Mon & Fri 7-9.30pm

Chernobyl Children’s Project (UK), MF Group

01757 709455 683620

01937 557340 Nicola Holland

683054

John Colton

671172

Hillam & MF Cricket Club

Tonu Vaks

685227

MF & Hillam Football Club

Andrea Siberry 07810 820278

MF, Hillam & Burton Salmon Defibrillator Group

MF & Hillam Striders

Crown Inn, MF

Variable

Occasional Tues 7.30pm

2nd Sun 10am

Kath Ratcliffe

683590

St Wilfrid’s & St Mary’s Parish Walks

Variable – usually local

4th Sat 10.15am

Hillam Running Club

Ringtree

Various

Lisa Sage

689206

Circuit Training (children & adults)

MF School

Mon 8-9pm Thurs 8.15-9.15pm

Neil Lineham

683383

Dancing (tap, modern, ballet; ages 3 to adult)

Church Hall

Adult dancercise

Church Hall

Yoga

Church Hall

Tae Kwon Do (5-17)

Tues 4-7.30pm Wed 4-6.30pm Thurs 8-9pm, except 1st Thurs of month

Susanne Jukes 01757 706719

Lucie Fox

01757 228841

Claire Collins

685088

Wed 7-8.30pm

Marilyn Bates

01757 707515

Community Centre

Sat 9-10am

Simon Wooffindin

685387

Hillam Historians

Community Centre (bi-monthly)

4th Wed 7.30pm

Jenny Hoare

683332

MF Art Club

Church Hall

Mon 1-4pm (term time)

Jean Dearn

682611

Hillam “Squash” Club

Cross Keys

Most Suns 6pm

Mark Lazenby

681742

Other local classes

Community Education, Sherburn High School

Jane Austin

683120

Sherburn Library

Has a list of local societies covering a wider area

682306