Hillam News August 2011

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The voice of Hillam village, North Yorkshire. Delivered free to all residents. Volume 23, Issue 4. Aug-sept 2011

NEW CHAPTER IN HILLAM HISTORY The day of the grand opening was a very special day. Years of work and thousands of man-hours must have gone into the new building. While progress has been regularly reported in Hillam News it is only when you visit the finished building that you can fully appreciate the scale of the achievement. The cricket club and its supporters are to be congratulated.

2011 The superb new cricket pavilion, built by villagers for the cricket team and other village events.

The new building shows what can be achieved by local residents.

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After exhaustive research

by Hillam Historians it can be revealed on very good authority that the origin of Yorkshire cricket is Hillam.

1150

The new pavilion takes its place as part of the local heritage which goes back nearly 1000 years. The church in Birkin is the oldest local building and dates from 1150.

Also in this issue…

The building features a central area suitable for functions with shower rooms, changing facilities and a kitchen arranged around.

It is a tribute to the villages of Hillam and Monk Fryston that after nearly 400 years the game is still being played in the village. The facilities are a match for the heritage of the game.

We have to thank the former Prime Minister John Major for making the discovery about Hillam and the origin of cricket. He published the research in his 2007 book “More then a game: the story of cricket’s early years”. It was therefore appropriate that the new pavilion should be opened by the MP for Selby and Ainsty- Nigel Adams. See inside for photographs.

The MC for the day was John Cundy of BBC Look North fame. He asked Nigel Adams about his involvement with cricket and got a very modest reply. Nigel had actually broken off from a cricket match that he was playing in Selby to come and open the pavilion. He had also recently played at Lords against an MCC team led by the former Kent and England all-rounder, Matthew Fleming. Nigel was playing for a joint House of Lords and House of Commons team.

A great day with perfect weather, we look forward to seeing the club progress in the coming years.

What’s the mystery - Another murder at Monk Fryston Hall.

Public meeting to discuss burglaries Was it an inside job? - the Historians - held January 1747, find out more at Birkin Church Open day..

Public meeting 2011 style - Read about the CEF and what it can do for you.

Snakes alive - Graham Todd, of the birding column takes to the long grass.

Cross Keys - Black smoke replaced by

Gilbert tax declare a dividend - and sponsor the front page of this issue.

Plus - Sport, art and food columns.

Black Sheep. Check it out.

PS Please complete the CEF survey

say Inclosure was 200 years ago.

Editor for this issue - Howard Ferguson 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 an article you would like published phone David Atkinson on 684577 or email at dsa99uk@yahoo.co.uk..

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THE GRAND OPENING OF THE CRICKET PAVILLION

Nigel Adams MP for Selby and Ainsty with Eric Frankland 2nd team Captain at the opening of the new Hillam and Monk Fryston Cricket Club pavilion.

24 July 2011.

The old facilities are put firmly in the shade by the superb new pavilion. The crowd looks on and enjoys the sport. A typical summers day in Hillam!

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VILLAGE NEWS Open Government - parish council style What do you want from your Parish Council? That’s what we have asked several times in recent issues of Hillam News.

Whether the question has been properly answered is yet another question. Nonetheless Monk Fryston Parish Council is to be congratulated after it staged an (annual) Open Parish Meeting. Chairman Bill Holmes reported on their year, their achievements and ongoing problems. The event also provided a platform for the Community Association and St Wilfrid’s.

Ray Newton and Sara Kelly spoke on their behalf.

A commitment and date for next year’s event was made.

Perhaps Hillam could follow suit.

The Monk Fryston parish precept has been raised by £20.00 per household to pay for consultants to back the fight against the showpeople’s planning application in Lowfield Road. A questioner discovered that following a survey, only two parishioners objected to the increase. We were reminded that the Community Association was asking for an increase of £5.00 to cover their running costs.

Ray Newton on behalf of the Community Association renewed the call for the Hillam and Monk Fryston Parish Councils to support them, as there was a danger to association members’ morale, if requests continued to be turned down.

The Council agreed to re-examine at a future meeting a decision not to contribute to repairs to the War Memorial, which is situated in St Wilfrid’s churchyard. The original refusal had been made on financial grounds.

On the Selby Times picket line Hillam News visited the Selby Times picket line in Selby to learn that striking journalists plan to publish their own mininewspaper produced with a home publishing package. Hillam News may have some new competition.

Selby Times was published as normal last week by non union staff and according to strikers, with the help of a sixteen year old, who had spent a week at the paper doing work experience and then stayed on. Last week’s issue was fine and even included a story overlooked by the Selby Post. But a lot of the material was already in the pipeline, picketers insisted.

We also learnt that the National Union of Journalists strike at Doncaster’s Johnson Press was not being actively supported

by Labour leader Ed Miliband, in whose constituency the company was based. He was paying all his attention to another media matters.

‘He’s on the Murdoch-bandwagon,’ said NUJ official Lawrence Shaw.

Showmen’s site - Public Inquiry to make the final decision The proposal to divide a field on Lowfield Road into 8 plots to be used as a permanent caravan site and storage depot by Showmen was reported in previous issues of Hillam News.

The application was rejected by Selby District Council but the owners have lodged an appeal. The owners presently live on a site at Upton and run a variety of catering and food related businesses including burger vans. Should the application be approved there would be up to 32 caravans on a field near to the football field on Lowfield Road. This would totally change the character of the area with the caravans visible from the A63 at the edge of the village.

The site would also generate a significant amount of traffic which would have to exit onto the A63 via a difficult junction with poor visibility. There have been a number of fatal accidents along this stretch of the road and safety is a major concern. However the site is also low lying and is often flooded in winter.

Whilst not in the Green Belt, it is along the boundary of the Green Belt. All things being considered it does not seem to be an appropriate site and we are pleased that Monk Fryston Parish Council are objecting to the proposal and have employed the services of planning consultants to put the case against the proposed development.

The Public Inquiry will take place during August.

Cherry tree farm In what appears to be a positive development work started on Cherry Tree Farm, Austfield Lane. We understand that it has been purchased by a property company based in Manchester and that they expect to commence work on the site in the near future. Some of the rubbish on site has already been cleared and burnt. Beyond that we know very little. When the workers were on site they were visited by the police who confirmed that they were legitimate. The entrance onto Austfield Lane has been opened up again and temporary fencing put in place to protect the site. It remains to be seen what the plans are for the site, but as far as we are aware there has been no planning application submitted.

After lying semi derelict for many years it would be nice to see progress being made.

Hillam Lights100 Club The winners in the May draw were: 1st - £20 - Arthur & Pam Spooner (No. 69) 2nd - £10 - Karen Everson (No. 22) 3rd - £5 - Kevin Coles (No. 80) And in the June draw they were: 1st - No. 35 - Shirley & Neil Sutcliffe - £20 2nd - No. 2 - Ivor & Joan Battersby - £10 3rd - No. 23 - Mr. & Mrs. D. Metcalfe

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MORE GOOD NEWS FOR THE VILLAGE Hillam in Bloom at the Cross Keys The Cross Keys is open again and Hillam News wishes Nicola Woodcock and her partner a long and successful stay. Nicola certainly has her feet on the ground. She has a realistic attitude to the future. She arrived in Hillam from Wakefield via the Ferryboat Inn, Stanley and Bistro 42 in Horbury.

We missed the champagne opening but recently enjoyed a pint of guest beer Timothy Taylor’s. Black Sheep is on all the time together with all the other beers you would expect in a busy village pub. Nicola is committed to using local suppliers and the floral displays are courtesy of J P Leighton of Hillam Gardens.

Before we know it, the Cross Keys will be in the running again for Leeds in Bloom.

Business owners Barracks Inns are backing Nicola by encouraging her to source food locally and she is currently on the look out for a reliable fish merchant.

Nicola has listened to customers and Wednesday is to be Poker Night. The domino gang are back on Tuesdays and Fridays. On Monday it will be ‘buy one, get one free’ on chef’s specials.

Tuesday is ‘bogoff’ night for sizzlers. On a Wednesday, Nicola is offering a couple of two-course meals with a glass of wine for just £20.00.

There is a special pensioners’ offer every lunch time Monday to Saturday.

Church comings and goings The Rev Mandy Rhodes originally from Kippax, has taken her first service at Christ Church, Lofthouse. She was supported at her induction by friends from St Wilfrid’s including Gwynne and Barbara Richardson and Suzanne Jukes. Suzanne is provisionally scheduled to preach at St Wilfrid’s on October 16th.

…. And the bad news

The dog men are back. A small white van has been seen very close to the village, watching hares and on one occasion setting a pale coloured lurcher after a hare. The new program “Wildlife Patrol” on Tuesday evenings started with hare coursing and said that the hare population had been reduced by 80%, with coursing accounting for much of the reduction. Please be on your guard If you have any doubts then just take a look at the specials board. and report any suspicious activity on 0845 60 60 247.

Hillam at last has its own gastro pub.

In another incident a Land Rover was seen prowling around at We asked Nicola when she was busiest, expecting to hear it was night. A resident followed it to get the number as it made off at speed towards Leeds. The target could have been either wildlife Friday night. This is when families with children let their hair crime or theft of cable from over-head power lines or the nearby down after a busy week. Nicola thought Sunday was busier. railway line. Both of these crimes are on the increase.

You can call Nicola at the Cross Keys on 689797.

The Cross Keys – Use it or lose it. That until recently was the slogan. Nicola and partner John Dowson (from Selby) have gone beyond that. Hillam residents and diners from outside the village are already enjoying Nicola’s hospitality.

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MONEY MATTERS - FEATURED LOCAL BUSINESS The new cricket pavilion is a truly remarkable achievement and Hillam News was very pleased when Gilbert Finance agreed to sponsor the colour pages in this issue. One thing led to another and it seemed like a good idea to start a regular feature on local businesses.

If they want to sponsor the front page, then that is even better, but it is not essential. If your business is based in the area, or you simply live in Hillam and have your own business then why not drop us a line and we could feature it in a coming issue. Thanks go to the Gilbert Finance Group - Scott lives at Amarna on Hillam Common Lane and his brother Jay lives in Burton Salmon. They both grew up in the area, attended School in it and have lived in or around it all their lives. A truly local business with a very interesting range of services.

Gilbert Tax Tax Investigations and conflicts with the Inland Revenue and Customs & Excise (HMRC) create difficult and stressful times.

Gilbert Tax specialise in resolving any tax investigation or Inland Revenue investigation or disclosure in the most efficient, cost effective and timely manner. We also specialise in helping people who have committed a tax fraud or tax evasion and who need help disclosing this to the Inland Revenue in such a way as to minimise their liabilities as far as possible.

Gilbert Tax:-

• Are non- judgemental.

• Rigorously defend your position within the scope and parameters of the law.

• Take control of the investigation.

• Focus on working towards the most cost effective and efficient way to achieve the closure of the tax investigation.

• Encourage you to concentrate on your business and leave dealing with the Inland Revenue to us.

• Pride ourselves on caring vehemently about our clients and that they are treated justly and fairly.

Between the 6 partners and 2 members of staff, Gilbert Tax has over 90 years’ experience of tax investigations from both working for HMRC and spending significant time in other tax investigation teams. Gilbert Tax offer a unique blend of relevant experience at affordable prices.

Gilbert Tax believe they have saved tax, interest and penalties for all our clients. We are confident that we have the depth of experience to assist your business at every level with practical, relevant and affordable services.

For more information visit www.gilberttax.co.uk , or call

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

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

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

Scott Gilbert on 07771 974137 .

Gilbert Consulting If you need help to raise finance from investors banks or any other funds provider, be it for a for a start up, restructuring or expanding business Gilbert Consulting can help you achieve your goal.

We provide a range of advisory services designed to get your business the capital it needs to launch, survive or expand.

Recent projects include offers to invest in 2 new business start ups of £250k and £1.5m as well as £40m for the expansion of an existing business. We have also restructured £22m of bank debts for a Group to enable it to continue trading.

To see a full list of the services offered by Gilbert Consulting please visit www.gilbertaccounting.co.uk or call Jay Gilbert on 07771 815066 .

Gilbert Finance & Accounting Looking for an advisor who has worked in practice but also has experience of running a business? Someone who can look at your business from all aspects and help you with the whole range of business issues? Then look no further. We are a firm of qualified accountants who have worked in practice, but also been involved in running real businesses and projects.

At Gilbert Finance & Accounting we pride ourselves on providing an outstanding service to our clients. We are pro active and can offer a unique blend of relevant experience at affordable prices based on knowledge gained from our practical experience working with and within accountancy practices, owner managed businesses and investor owned businesses. We are also able to provide a range of Taxation advice ourselves and through our sister partnership To learn more about our services please visit www.gilbertaccounting.co.uk or call Martin Baily-Stead on 07734 774240.

Local Fruit and Vegetables on Austfield Lane Visit Marlene’s Vegetable stall for fresh local eggs and vegetables.

Valerie Richardson for frozen locally produced fruit at Eastburn Farm.

Please support local farmers.

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Précis of PC Minutes for the Meeting April 2011 Precis of Hillam PC minutes 6th July 2011 Matters arising

Correspondence Out

Other issues

Formal letter of acknowledgement and thanks to be sent to local residents who regularly collect discarded rubbish throughout the village.

Mr Ottaway reporting overgrown vegetation and request for the shuttering on the side of the footpath to be repaired on the public footpath off Betteras Hill Road leading to Monk Fryston .

• NYCC P. Sheppard requesting the post or the signpost in Hillam Square be replaced due to its poor state.

Cllr Lorriman reported that grass verges on Common Lane have not yet been cut back and culverts on Pighill Nook Road need jetting.

Finance

Burial Committee

New contractor to be appointed to refurbish the gates and post. Cllr Tuddenham suggested that Simpsons of York be con• SDC – Rachel Howden requesting tacted to give advice and help move the information re alleged unauthorised project along. development on land at Roe Lane, Cllr Lorriman reported that the CEF meet• The track way on land off Pighill Nook ings now cover matters previously dealt with by the Elmet Forum which has now Road not having been reinstated effectively ceased to exist.

• expiry of temporary planning agreeCllr Lorriman provided a précis CEF rement for the Canons family site port on matters relating to Hillam.

NYCC - P. Sheppard £50,000 available from Sherburn TransRe upgrading of Austfield Lane Hillam port. Attempst have been made to obtain Correspondence in funding for the A63 traffic calming Planning Matters Mrs A Thomas - auditor for HPC scheme.

Mr. D. Cook £56.00 Dog fouling both in the Foundation Field Minor alterations - Appeal dismissed NYCC request for PC’s to nominate a and Hillam Mrs T. Masser representative Lack of road sweeping in the village and Re change of use of land on Lowfield Proposals re library service – to be disresultant weed growth Road to equestrian stabling cussed August Winter gritting will be undertaken by Appeal dismissed SG Parkin for grass cutting £415.00 NYCC – Clerk to ask that Hillam Lane be Various – correspondence about social use included.

Environment of the quarry Betteras Hill Road Windfarms - Test mast at Byram approved £25,000 is available for grant and projects SDC – planning appeal for Show peoples in the area. Suitable applications are being Show people’s site Site lodged by Mr C Johnson re land east sought.

Appeals process underway of Lowfield Lane C/A £335.27 H/I A/C £6,901.32 Transfer of £500 requested Cheques drawn Avis Thomas £56.00 Audit fee MH Walton £180.00 July salary Thirsk C/Assoc £34.50 PAYE SG Parkin £415.000 Grass HM revenue £45.00 Annual return received from internal auditors to be submitted to Mazars LLP external auditors for approval.

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BIRKIN CHURCH OPEN DAY - A LOCAL GEM History going back to 1030 Birkin Church Open Day - Saturday 3rd September.

Did you know that Birkin Church was built around 1150 and is one of the best Norman Churches in the country because so much of it is as originally built?

Did you know that the River Aire used to be called the River Eye and that it flowed past Birkin?

Did you know that in 1322 there was a battle at Boroughbridge and that Sir Adam de Everingham of Birkin was one of the rebels that was captured ?

Did you know that the men from Hillam, Monk Fryston and Birkin then proceeded to take arms and overcoats worth forty shillings from the rebels ?

Did you know that there was a really bad flood in 1743 which destroyed the bridge over the River Eye near to Birkin Church?

Did you know that in 1744 Gray, of Grays Elegy fame spent time living in Birkin?

You can get the full story about the church and lots more information about Birkin and the surrounding area by visiting on the open day. There will be experts on hand from:- Pontefract Family History Society, Durham Cathedral Historians, as well as the Birkin Church Historians. They will be able to explain the history in detail and to point out the historic architectural features of the church.

The church will be open all day and the exhibition will be on until 3.30pm and will then be followed by Evensong at 4pm.

David Edwards joins the Hillam News team.

We are very pleased to announce that David Edwards has joined the Hillam News team. We are expecting David to bring some fresh ideas to the publication and these are his initial thoughts :“I was really pleased to be asked to join the Hillam News team. I have long been an admirer of the way that the publication has endured through thick and thin, attracting readers from all over the place, a bit like ex-pats longing for news from home.

I was asked if there was anything that I would like to see featured in Hillam News and I suggested a series of articles about renewable energy. We are all keenly aware of the efforts being made by windfarm developers to install turbines in the fields around us, but how much do we know about alternatives to wind power? Which technologies can be adopted by families at their own homes? How many residents have already installed any of these technologies? Can renewable energy be integrated into new developments? Over the course of the next few issues, we will be answering these questions and featuring different options for generating renewable heat and power, together with their impacts and limitations, costs and benefits.

There is a wide range of options for generating renewable energy in the form of heat, power or combined heat and power. The sources of energy are very diverse, including solar, geothermal, wind, biomass, biogas, biofuel, marine, hydro and waste. These sources can provide energy in different ways and some technologies can use more than one source, so it is potentially a bewildering subject to ad-

dress. However, we are going to have a go, starting with the September issue.�

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FORUM - CEF What is the CEF ?

Topics discussed at the July CEF

The Community Engagement Forum or CEF is the place where you can take local issues and have them addressed and resolved by a combination of Selby Council and local service providers such as the Police and Fire Service. The sorts of problems that they get involved in are anything from anti-social behaviour to footpath improvements and facilities for leisure and sport. The mobile skate park for example was introduced by the CEF.

1. Volunteering opportunities Selby AVS is a local volunteer champion and promotes volunteering by both individuals and groups. They are to launch a Volunteering Centre in Selby in September. Selby AVS liaise with several volunteer groups in the district and anyone interested in volunteering can contact Cathy Donnelly for information on 01757 291111. Volunteering is excellent on CV’s of people wanting to return to work, finding work or before going to University.

The CEF is Chaired by Councillor Andrew Pound who makes the meetings lively and entertaining, while still maintaining the focus on identifying and resolving problems. The members of the CEF include local District Councillors, Parish Councillors and other members.

The meetings are open to everybody, if you have an issue come to the next meeting and raise it there. The last meeting was held at Monk Fryston School on 5 July and the next meeting will be on 27 September in Brotherton. The Girl Guides attended one meeting and asked about road safety in Byram.

Hillam is in the Western CEF which covers all villages from Sherburn down to Birkin, Brotherton and Byram.

As a measure of how much importance Selby District Council attach to the meetings the last one was attended by Mark Crane, Leader of the Council who gave an update on plans for future housing construction. The summary was that building is to be scaled back and the majority of it will be in Selby.

While separate from the Parish Councils the CEF membership includes Parish Councillors who then report back to their parish. The information to the right was provided by Julie Sadler from Hillam Parish Council and is based on the report given by Duncan Lorriman who attended the CEF and then gave a full report to Hillam Parish Council at their meeting.

2. Funding The Community Engagement Forum has a fund provided by Selby District Council available for local projects to a maximum of £1000 - subject to meeting the funding criteria.

There is currently £10000 allocated and £14000 remaining for projects in this financial year. The Funding Committee are looking for quality applications. Groups must have a written constitution and make a detailed presentation. They will also be required to provide feedback on how the grant has been spent. Its easy to apply, look at www.your-community.org.uk and follow links to Western Area CEF. 3. Winter Gritting The CEF is co-ordinating a scheme where local residents can undertake gritting when required in winter months. There is funding available from the Council for grit bins and salt - this funding will be allocated on a first come, first saved basis to villages who have volunteers organised to do the gritting.

Hillam PC has asked the Highways Dept to upgrade the priority on Hillam Lane and Austfield Lane, these being two important local roads which are currently not treated adequately, if at all.

4. Nominated Neighbour Scheme - This scheme has been introduced by N Yorkshire Police and is very simple to operate, but could be very effective. The objective is to help protect people from becoming victims of cold callers intent on crime.

The idea is that residents help each other, and under the scheme While it is still early days it looks as if the CEF will take on you agree to be the first person that your neighbour can call if a more responsibility as Government plans for local communities stranger arrives at their door. They don’t open the door to the to have more say comes into force with the Localism Bill. caller but present or show through a window a card issued by the North Yorkshire Police stating that they are in the Nominated Neighbour Scheme. Further details on the Crime Page.

CEF Questionnaire

Hillam News has agreed to distribute a survey for the Western CEF. The form is attached. The results will be analysed and fed back into the Community Development Plan. Please fill the form in and return without delay. Have your say!

5. Dog Poo There was a complaint from a Hillam resident about dog fouling in the village. Bill Parker, the SDC Dog Warden, has contacted the resident and will be visiting the village.

Bill will be retiring soon and it is the Council's intention to dispense with the Selby district dog warden as part of the cost cutting exercise. The Council propose to utilise the dog warden in York to cover our area as well as the York district. Bill will be missed in the area as he certainly seemed to know ‘his dogs’.

Please note that forms from Hillam will be accepted if received by Selby Council on or before 10 August. No 6. Weeds The village is looking lovely, especially with the Cross stamp required, just fold it up and put it in the post Keys being open and looking so smart and colourful. If villagers by 8 August. could tidy weeds from the front of their houses then it will save the Parish Council money in having to get them treated and make the village extra smart.

New Kitchen? Re-cycle your old one to the Community Centre.

If you are currently or imminently having a new kitchen, please consider giving your old one to the Community Association.

The Community Centre extension will provide a much needed larger kitchen area, but cash constraints do not run to a new kitchen, and the existing kitchen will be reused. Your cupboards and worktops would enhance what is already to hand, but particularly welcome would be a double sink unit.

Any offers? Contact Ian Woods 683261

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NEIGHBOURHOOD CRIME REPORT Nominated Neighbour Scheme

Phone scam targets your credit card details.

I recently received a call from a 'representative' of BT, informing me that he was disconnecting me because of an unpaid bill. He demanded payment of £31.00 or it would be £118.00 to reconnect.

The caller wasn't even fazed when I told him I was with Virgin Media, allegedly VM have to pay BT a percentage for line rental! I asked for his name. He gave me the very 'English' John Peacock with a very 'African' accent and phone number - 0800 0800 152. Obviously the fellow realized I didn't believe his story, so offered to demonstrate that he was from BT. I asked how & he told me to hang up & try phoning someone else. He would disconnect my phone to prevent this.

AND HE DID! My phone went dead, no engaged tone, nothing - until he phoned me again. Very pleased with himself, he asked if that was enough proof that he was with BT. I asked how the payment was to be made and he said by credit card, there and then. I said that I didn't know how he'd done it, but I had absolutely no intention of paying him, I didn't believe his name or that he worked for BT. He hung up. I dialled 1471 to learn the number was withheld. I phoned his 0800 number and it was not recognized. So I phoned the police to let them know. I wasn't the first! It's only just started apparently, but it is escalating.

Their advice was to let as many people as possible know of this scam. The fact that the phone does go off could convince people.

So please make as many friends & family aware of this.

How is it done?

The cutting off of the line is very simple. He stays on the line with the mute button pressed so you can't dial out. But he can hear you trying. (This is because the person who initiates a call is the one to terminate it). When you stop trying he cuts off and calls back.

The sad thing is that it is so simple that it will certainly fool the elderly and vulnerable.

By the way this is not about getting the cash as this would not get past merchant services. It is all about getting the credit card details which include the security number so that it can be used for far larger purchases.

Help put a stop to bogus callers and unwanted visitors and feel safer in your home by joining a Nominated Neighbour Scheme.

The scheme seeks the help of neighbours or relatives to check whether unexpected callers are genuine, especially those calling on more vulnerable members of the community.

North Yorkshire Police have developed a Nominated Neighbour pack that can be downloaded from www.northyorkshire.police.uk/neighbour and printed or electronically distributed to those for whom the scheme would be beneficial . If you are unable to access the download you may request a printed pack from your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

The pack contains a card to hold up to the window or door telling the caller that they are not recognised and to go to the Nominated Neighbour. That person will then try to check the caller’s identity. A genuine caller will not mind following the instructions on the card.

Mobile Police Station - Monk Fryston North Yorkshire Police’s mobile station will no longer stop in Hillam, but it will continue to be available in Monk Fryston, at the lay-by near the school between 7.00 and 8.00 pm. Next dates are August 23rd, September 26th and October 24th.

Volunteer service runs front desk Sherburn Police Station front office is looking for new volunteers so that the service hours can be extended. Anyone interested please contact Nigel Drayton on 07775 947660.

Crime prevention tip We would like to bring to your attention that you should be vigilant when working in the garden. Please make sure that you have locked and secured your home. Do not allow the opportunist thief to target your property. There are more reports of garden ornaments being stolen. This always requires two offenders and a vehicle. Please be vigilant and if you see anything suspicious call North Yorkshire police on 0845 6060 247.

Tony Hudson

Dion Wood

Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator

Police Community Support Officer

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A VIEW FROM THE BOUNDARY As I write this article I’m still getting over what has happened in the last 24 hours. I received a phone call on Wednesday morning that a journalist and photographer from the Yorkshire Post wanted to meet at the ground to discuss an article about the historical connection of cricket and the village of Hillam and the new pavilion. It culminated in the club having an article written for page 3 of the Yorkshire Post. I hope that many of you will have read this article by the time Hillam News is distributed.

What a marvellous advertisement for the club and for what it stands for in pride and commitment. In the time I have been connected with the club we have never had this sort of exposure, the sort of exposure that could well attract some new players to the club, attract potential sponsors and even open up new revenue streams. This sort of publicity is a first for the club and we have also been invited to give an interview to Radio York.

convincingly beat the Doncaster Cricket League. Another first on the day was that both teams were able to sit down to have their cricket teas along with the officials in the new pavilion. Feedback from various sources were positive and similar fixtures in future would want Hillam as hosts.

Our two teams continue to perform:1st X1 P14 W 12 L1 NR1 73 pts 1st 2nd X1 P 11 W10 L1 58 pts 1st

Ian Patricks Elmet Evening League side continue to fulfil their fixtures and whilst enjoying mixed fortunes look forward to the Thursday night thrash.

The club is in a healthy position from a cricketing point of view, however, much work needs to be done to continue with the development of the ground and pavilion. Rest assured the building blocks are being put into place again. Your support is That being a first for the club, club history was created again needed so please get in touch. when the club held its first junior representative match for the Joe Lumb U-17’s competition between Wetherby Cricket League and Visit www.hmfcc.co.uk. For match facts and stats and events announcements.

Doncaster Cricket League. The Joe Lumb competition was founded by Yorkshire cricketer Joe Lumb in 1962 who wanted a Tonu Vaks competition for young league cricketers within Yorkshire. The Chairman Hillam & Monk Fryston CC match was won by the Wetherby Cricket League who Tel: 685227, mob. 07787 117 650, e-mail tonuvaks@tiscali.co.uk

Hillam cricket memories I first played cricket at Hillam 51 years ago for St Peter’s School, York and we were soundly thrashed. Our Yorkshire schoolboys opening bowler had trouble with his run up and came in for his first dose of sledging. Hillam players included the names Sharp, Grace, Heptonstall and Stoker.

I played for Hillam in the seventies when Alan Hanson and Bernard Simpson were captains and players included Eddie Howcroft, Les Pearce, Harold Smith, Stuart Hoare, Ian Thompson, John and Richard Earless and David Blackburn. I got my first game only after volunteering my wife, Barbara to do the teas using facilities not a bit like those available in the new pavilion.

Alan Hanson’s company built the kitchen extension in the old pavilion.

The legendary John Foster had already retired and been replaced as secretary by Alan Thornton. I succeed Alan and remember being the first Hillam secretary with a telephone number. John Foster was still available in the Chequers Inn, Monk Fryston where sustained by a double whisky, he could talk all night. Teas were prepared by Joan Roebuck who still lives on Betteras Hill Road. Her partner Carl Townend was an opening bowler.

My most vivid memory was going with Alan Hanson to Harker's Shipyard offices in Knottingley to negotiate the purchase of the field. The negotiations were not too difficult. The then owner, Michael Lyon asked how much agricultural land was worth and generously sold us two acres of ‘farmland’ for £3,000.00.

His sister Janet Bailey lived at Hillam Hall. We raised the money by selling life memberships. If the club still has a list of long serving life members they are probably the ones who put their hands in their pockets forty years ago.

It was at this time that the land north of the ground was sold by the Lyons to developer Malcolm Bradley.

I want to congratulate the team behind the new pavilion and the club as a whole. I have enjoyed reading the weekly emails calling for help and been impressed by the new skills exhibited by people with totally different professions. Well done Hillam.

David Atkinson

11

VILLAGE FAYRE & SCARECROW FESTIVAL 4th Scarecrow Festival 10/11 Sept The 4th annual Scarecrow Festival will be on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of September. As last year the idea is that residents of both villages have fun by making and displaying scarecrows at their homes. A competition trail is then set up so that everybody can see and admire the scarecrows. It is only £3 per entry and all profits go towards the new kitchen and floor coverings in the extensions to the Community Centre which are due for completion by the end of August.

How to enter Entries can be registered with Sue Newton on 01977 682084 or by email at susi_newton28@hotmail.com with offers of help or scarecrows. We need to know the theme of your scarecrow by Monday the 5th of September so we can prepare the competition trail. See the attached flyer for more information.

Scarecrow making workshop Get help and advice about making your scarecrow at the workshop to take place at the Community Centre on Saturday the 3rd of September at 9.30am to 11.00am when straw, frames and advice will be available.

Community Centre improvements Work was due to start on the Community Centre play area on Monday 4th July and on the Centre extensions about the same time. Contractors’ vehicles and plant will use some of the car park and there will be restricted parking during the period of the works which are due to be completed by the end of August.

Tony Hudson Community Association Secretary

The Sunday Club An amazing free event for children aged from pre school to 8 years or above.

Generally held on the first Sunday of each month 11am start (so gives us all the chance of a lazy start to the day) the venues is the church hall ( behind St Wilfreds).

Forthcoming events :-

4 Sept

2 Oct

6 Nov

4 Dec

The club is about having fun, making things, meeting other parents and children from the area. Most recently we have held a treasure hunt within the grounds, made decorated photo frames and cards and also buns. We also have a summer trip in July which was a full day to Newby Hall. All the children had a great time splashing in the water, going on the zip wire and rope swings and navigating their way round the lake on pedalos. We had a picnic, a game of cricket and of course ice creams.

The club is run by volunteers and all activities are free!!!!!

Parents/Carers who want to go to the church service can do so leaving their children in safe hands having fun. We are looking for new children and parents/carers to join us from September with no obligation to commit to every session.

If you would like further information please contact John Hetherington at St

Village Fayre raised £3000 The 4th annual Monk Fryston and Hillam Village Fayre was once again blessed with one of the hottest days of the year so far. Attractions included displays by the "Kennel Club" members, Yorkshire Hawking Club as well as dancing displays by children from Monk Fryston School. Numerous stalls round the school playing field and at the Community Centre were added attractions. The 'guess the weight of the sheep' competition was won by Nancy Mills with a guess of 79kg against the 79.1kg weight of the young sheep!

Thanks to all who attended the Fayre raised over £3,000 for distribution to the participating village organisations.

12

GARDENING - NEW OPPORTUNITIES Late summer is a good time to prune many shrubs. Reshaping Gardens are still recovering from last winter and the late frost after flowering and dead heading tidy up the shrub. Reshaping which caught some plants which had started into growth. My may be used to thin out old and misshapen stems, allowing air grapevine was one such plant which looked promising and then and light in. This is espesuccumbed to frostbite on the new shoots. These shoots had to be cially useful for fruiting trimmed away and it was quite an anxious time to see if any shrubs such as gooseberry flowers would form. At the time of writing the results are still and blackcurrant. Shrubs uncertain but in the end some good will come as the plant has may also be reduced in been reshaped by pruning. height and taking stems from Other shrubs did not survive the winter and despite some radical the base of the plant allows pruning in the spring, did not make any growth. Now is the time bulbs and other ground to plan and replace. Gaps in the borders can be filled by tempocover plants better condirary accent plants for example dahlias ,chrysanthemums and tions for growth. ornamental grasses but longer term solutions are required.

Hard pruning plants may affect flowering in the folLook to other shrubs which have survived the winter and use lowing year as the plant repetition of these to fill spaces. Buddleias are now available to replaces growth lost but is flower later in the summer. These act as food plants for late used to control unruly plants emerging butterflies, so extending late summer into autumn. I have one in my garden bought from the Butterfly Conservation or plants which are outgrowing their space. Many people are reluctant to prune in this way but very few shrubs are damaged stand at a flower show and it never fails to produce masses of mid purple,scented flowers from August to October. It is named irretrievably. If the worst happens and the shrub dies back completely take the opportunity to change the border and replace it.

Buddleia ' Beijing' and has survived the last two cold winters especially as it can be pruned in March. As well as being a good The most dramatic loss in my garden has been the loss of a large attractor of butterflies it is also very easy to propagate from semigroup of cordylines (cabbage palms) and I am still reluctant to ripe and hardwood cuttings. Use these prunings as your propatake them out as recovery may still occur at the base. The interim gating material. One of my friends planted several cuttings to plan is to plant a couple of climbing plants alongside the trunks form a flowering hedge in her back garden. It has grown quickly to disguise the stems. A golden hop and clematis are both waitbut can be easily cut back in March or April to keep it under ing to go in but the trunks could also be used to support a climbcontrol. ing rose or honeysuckle.

Pruning shrubs can be used to perform different functions. There Whatever I decide this year I can change again next year as winare four main reasons cited for pruning:- to take out dead wood, ter may have further effects on the garden. New opportunities are to take out diseased wood, to remove damaged stems and to realways arising. move stems which are causing obstruction. I call these The Four D's-dead,diseased,damaged and dangling in the way!

Susan Scott

13

ST WILFRID’S CHURCH The Friends of St Wilfrid’s Church The PCC at St Wilfrid’s Church are presently exploring the possibility of establishing a ‘Friends of St Wilfrid’s Church’ to support the work of St Wilfrid’s within the community.

Many parish churches have done this over the years as a means of widening the support from within the local community and also as a means of increasing the usage and accessibility of the church for the benefit of the people of the parish.

Friends organisations have used their church premises for concerts, art festivals, lecture evenings, flower festivals, history events and a multitude of other things as a way of making the premises more available to people.

It is hoped that within our parish we may be able to do something similar and would like those who may be interested to get in touch. There is already a small group of people who are interested in taking this forward, but we probably need to increase this number if we are to have a successful group.

We are planning to meet in late September in an attempt to form this group and begin to explore possibilities – one of which is to have the church open and accessible to the wider community on a regular basis.

If you would like to be involved and help your community in this way please get in touch with me at the Rectory as a matter of urgency so that plans may move forward.

I look forward to hearing from you. Blessings

Events to look out for this Autumn Celebration of Baptism

We will be celebrating baptism (Class of 2010-2011) at both morning services (9.30am St Mary’s & 11am St Wilfrid’s).

Please not that this will not be a communion service but follow the pattern of a family service as there will be lots of families with young children present.

2nd Oct

St Wilfrid’s Harvest Concert

In the evening there will be a concert in St Wilfrid’s by the ‘York Rose Singers’ who return for the second year, after a tremendously enjoyable and successful visit last year. Begins at 7.30pm and light refreshments will be served at the interval.

16th Oct

1st Sunday of each month 8am Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 11am Sunday Club in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall (ages 2-8)

2nd Sunday of each month 9.30am Family Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6pm Evensong at St Mary’s, South Milford

3rd Sunday of each month

John

25th Sep

Services at St Wilfrid’s

St Wilfrid’s Patronal Festival

The morning service will begin at 10.30am and will be a benefice communion service. The preacher will be Revd Suzanne Jukes, previous Curate and Priest in Charge of Monk Fryston & South Milford. The service will be followed by a ‘bring and share lunch’ in the Church Hall.

8am Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Family Service at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston

4th Sunday of each month 9.30am Family Service at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6pm Holy Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford

MARRIAGES St Wilfrid’s Church is the most beautiful building in which to have your marriage service, situated directly over the road from Monk Fryston Hall which hosts many wedding receptions during the course of the year. Due to changes in marriage legislation it has become easier in recent years to marry at a church other than your local parish church, and if you would like to explore a marriage service in St Wilfrid’s, or simply require further information about getting married in church, please give me a call at the Rectory on 680788.

BAPTISMS Sometimes life passes so quickly that we occasionally never get the things done that we wish we had done.

I have met several people over the past couple of years who were never baptised as children and somehow felt that it was too late. It is never too late for anyone to explore the possibility of baptism as an adult, or even as an older child, and if you would like to do so, please give me a call at the Rectory on 680788.

John Further details about St Wilfrid’s on our website

www.stwilfridandstmary.org.uk

14

HILLAM HISTORIANS

www.hillam-village.co.uk

200th birthday of the Hillam Inclosure Award An illustrated talk by local historian Simon Tomson

VILLAGE LIFE BEFORE AND AFTER INCLOSURE Wednesday 14th September, 7.00 for 7.30 pm AT THE NEW CRICKET PAVILION, STOCKING LANE

Admission free

Celebratory glass of wine or two

Hillam Historians invite you all to come along and celebrate village life. We are using the 200th birthday of the Hillam Inclosure Award as a focus for an open social meeting here in Hillam’s newest building, the new Cricket Club pavilion. Please join us: everyone is welcome.

The Inclosure Acts were a series of Acts of Parliament which enclosed common land in the country. They removed previously existing rights of local people to carry out activities in these areas, for example cultivation, cutting hay, grazing animals or using other resources such as small timber, fish and turf.

‘Inclosure’ is an old or formal spelling of the word now more usually spelt ‘enclosure’.

The majority of Inclosure Acts were passed between 1750 and 1860. Much larger areas than hitherto were enclosed during this time. Under this process there were over 5,000 individual Inclosure Acts, and 21% of land in England was enclosed. This included fields cultivated by the open-field or strip system, wasteland, and the common pasture land.

Strip ownership had worked well for many hundreds of years.

Originally, each ‘owner’ was allocated a number of strips separated from each other by turf borders. The strips were scattered over the open fields so that owners each had a share in various qualities of land. Use of this land was restricted to the planting and growing season. After the harvest, the village livestock was grazed ‘in common’ on the land, and every year one third of the land was required to remain fallow to be used for common pasture.

The reasons for enclosure were primarily the need to feed an increasing population and a greater financial awareness of landowners, who saw the opportunity of increased profits.

The impact of enclosure remains among the most controversial areas of agricultural and economic history in England.

One set of beliefs purports that rich landowners used their control of state processes to appropriate public land for their private benefit. This created a landless working class, which provided the labour required in the new industries developing in the north of England.

The 200th birthday of our own Hillam Inclosure Award offers us the opportunity to explore its social impact and to celebrate the anniversary with an open social meeting. Here, through an illustrated slide show talk by archaeologist and historian Simon Tomson, we will find out more about local village life two hundred years ago and about the local impact of enclosure.

15

HILLAM NEWS FOODIES PAGE déjà vu - History repeats itself

Theatre lunch at Monk Fryston Hall

An Indian restaurant with a French name. The company behind the new venture at Milford Hall ran a restaurant there five years ago and has come back to have another go. This time the economic climate is different. Indian takeaways have opened and closed at the Bluebell in Monk Fryston and the Black Bull in South Milford. The China Palace on the site of the former Cocked Hat (and Milford Hall’s stables), is closed for the time being following a fire.

Performed by the highly acclaimed Library Theatre Touring Company

But Milford Hall has come to life again. The Bangladeshi business owners have named it Déjà Vu, because history is repeating itself. The chef has worked at the Jinnah in Leeds.

First time round they opened at lunchtimes serving English food and then in the evenings with a Bangladeshi menu.

We ordered a sizzling starter for two. Great, then Chicken Tikka Masala and King Prawn Suki with fantastic Nan Bread. As patrons of the Thaal, we spotted Royal Thali and Chocolate Bombe on the menu. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. There is plenty of room, so the more the merrier.

Sunday 4th Sept The Kingfisher by William Douglas-Home With echoes of PG Wodehouse, this effervescent romantic comedy takes a light-hearted look at the lives and loves of three fascinating characters.

As he peruses The Times obituaries, famous writer Sir Cecil Warburton makes a discovery that has him whistling in the bath! At last, the dull Reggie Townsend has died, widowing the only woman that Cecil truly loved...and lost. With only one thing on his mind - matrimony - he arranges to meet Evelyn under the same tree in his garden where he kissed her years earlier.

However, Cecil's expectations of a joyous engagement are foiled as it becomes clear that he hasn't considered any possible objections of his bride-to-be. Or indeed of his butler Hawkins!

2 Course Luncheon, concluding with Coffee and the Theatre Hillam News’ advice is to make use of the Déjà Vu (It does take- Presentation aways too). Only a short distance to travel with plenty of parking £22.00 per person. (1.45p.m. - 5.45p.m. approx) it fits the bill and has an interesting menu with super flavours. We have had reports from several people who have been and they have all been positive about the food, but felt that it lacked atmosphere. It is open seven days a week from 5:30pm to 10:30pm (11:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays), telephone 01977-689577 and 689448.

See you there.

Another murder at Monk Fryston Hall with Mid Supper Murders Join us for an evening with a twist Friday 30th Sept Cyanide at the School Reunion £37.50 per person (inc Murder Mystery & dinner)

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

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

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 Parkin on 01977 685404 Open 9 am - 6 pm daily VISITORS WELCOME

16

CLUBS AND GROUPS Monk Fryston Art Club

Women with Interests

A good day at Patchings is denoted by the amount of parcels carried back to the coach at the end of the day! This year we were blessed with perfect weather, neither too hot or too cold, which was ideal for the festive atmosphere there. Children sang, a band played and the sun shone, we couldn't have asked for more! Patchings is the regions shop-front for the Art world. All the new products are on display and in many cases, demonstrated, along with all the old favourites that we need to stock up with. The temptation to buy is enormous and most of us spend more than we intend!

August. This month an afternoon outing. Arrangements have been made for a visit to Yorkshire Lavender, Terrington, YO60 9PB. It is free admission and in addition we are to have a private tour and talk. Please be there for 3:00 pm. All welcome please come along and support us.

In May, Alan Goodall ran a workshop-paint-a-long, showing us the finer points of creating distance, with his picture of a farmhouse in the Dales. The sort of scene we have all seen many times but Alan made us look and work with a critical eye having a special emphasis on colour and colour combinations that help to create distance. He worked at speed we had difficulty keeping up with and at the end of the afternoon we were all exhausted but felt we had learnt a huge amount. The resultant pictures were a credit to Alan and he praised the amount of talent and good artists amongst our members. Thank you Alan.

Our last demonstration will be an open meeting [already advertised] when Brian Lancaster will paint a marine-scape in acrylic. From the 18th July and throughout August there will be no workshops or demonstrations. The club will remain open [except for Bank Holidays] for those who wish to come along for free painting. The club will reopen on Monday September 5th for free painting followed on the 12th by a demonstration of Hindi Art.

Summer garden Party. August 8th.

Rod and Valerie Ward have kindly invited the club members, their partners and friends to their home, for a luncheon Garden Party. This will be a wonderful occasion, to which we are all looking forward, so lets hope the weather is kind to us.

Jean Dearn President.

Garden tools Grow your own vegetables Barbecues and patio furniture

If any one has any questions or needs transport please call Susan Leslie on 01977 682334 to discuss.

Church Walks Saturday August 28th 2011.

Venue: West Haddlesey.

We welcome you to a 7 mile circular walk through open countryside, including the villages of West Haddlesey, Gateforth and Birkin, and the bank of the River Aire..

Meet at the canal bridge in West Haddlesey, at 10.15am for a 10.30am start.

Please bring food and water.

Any queries, please contact Paddy or Stuart on 684180.

Golf Breaks Selby Golf Club has teamed up with the prestigious and beautiful Monk Fryston Hall Hotel to provide packaged leisure breaks. The picturesque village of Monk Fryston is located just 5 miles to the west of the golf club. Prices for dinner, bed and breakfast at Monk Fryston Hall hotel, plus a round of golf at Selby Golf Club start from just ÂŁ79.00.

Selby Golf Club website.

17

WIND FARM UPDATE AUGUST 2011 Spaldington Public Inquiry

Byram test mast approved

Spaldington villagers are worried. They used to enjoy the open countryside, then along came two wind farms proposals, with the turbines as close as 700 metres. Five turbines at one side of the village and seven on the other.

The Public Inquiry is now completed and the decision should be announced on 7 Oct. For the residents of Spaldington it is not just these industrial turbines that are of concern. As they return home along the M62 they will have 36 turbines of Goole Fields to the south, followed by 12 turbines of Rusholme to the north. Then the 10 turbines of Sixpenny Wood. Finally as they turn off and travel north they will be faced by the 12 turbines around their village.

Hillam faces a similar problem - while no turbines are yet approved the developers are working on their applications for Hook Moor, Byram, Darrington, Woodlane and Bishopwood.

Every road into and out of Hillam could have views dominated by giant turbines, all higher than cooling towers.

The effect on the area will be profound. A bigger impact than the Selby coalfield ever had. The cost to the village will be high while the benefits are negligible.

CO2 saving - Last year Drax cut emissions by 1,500,000 tons by co-firing with bio-mass. Each turbine will save at most 2800 tons of CO2 per year per turbine so the Drax saving is equivalent to 535 turbines.

Minimal power generated - it would need 4000 turbines to replace Drax but in winds less than 9 mph they would produce zero power. With the recommended distance between turbines, 4000 of them would stretch for about 1000 miles.

Wind turbines are as well as the power stations, not instead of them.

The 80metre high test mast for Byran wind farm just to the south of Hillam was approved on 8 June by Selby Planners. The test mast will measure wind speed in preparation for an application for 9 x 125metre high wind turbines.

The map above shows the location of the mast and the proposed location of the 23 wind turbines at Woodlane and Byram. We have no news about when a decision will be taken about the Woodlane proposal. At this stage we need to keep the pressure on to get the proposals turned down.

Hook Moor - near to the A1M at Micklefield. After being rejected twice the developer has appealed again and the Public Inquiry will last two days starting 11 October.

More information - See www.stopwoodlanewindfarm.co.uk

18

THE BIRDING COLUMN It is pretty dull looking out of the window at the moment; so too was my little birding perambulation down Betteras Hill Road a few minutes ago. That is to be expected though, now that the breeding season is well and truly over, apart from the usual late breeders such as Collared Doves and Wood Pigeon. Greenfinches seem to have done ok this year, but the thrush family has suffered because of two factors. Firstly, the great winds in early May blew down quite a few nests, and the very dry weather subsequently meant that the ground was rock hard and difficult to probe for worms etc. The three Blackbird families that regularly visit our garden have only produced three youngsters in total, sadly one of which was picked up and devoured by a passing Carrion Crow, as it sat by our water bowl! Our tame female has been in the house a few times, and more often than not she is sitting on the arm of our bench waiting for us when we open the door each morning, expecting her breakfast of dates. We were therefore very grateful to our neighbours Ken and Sylvia, when they agreed to feed her when we went away for a couple of weeks in June.

garden, when I heard a Peregrine Falcon cursing furiously very close by. It is an unmistakeable sound, a very loud shrieking that one usually hears when an unexpected intruder is in the vicinity of the nesting ledge, so I don’t know what had set it off. I guess it could be worth looking around for wintering Peregrines in our area in a few months time. They do frequent the old buildings at Gascoigne Wood in winter looking for pigeons, but I hadn’t expected to hear or see one in Hillam.

Last weekend I was out looking for potential territories for kites, and drove to look at an area not many miles away, which not being on a through route, was somewhere I had not visited previously. There is some lovely countryside in the triangle bordering Tadcaster, the A64 and The River Ouse, particularly around Bolton Percy, and whilst unfortunately the riverbank is not that accessible, being mostly adjacent to private land, there are a few walks that one can do using public footpaths. Rich pastureland is the predominant feature, interspersed with occasional fields of barley, but there are also some significant strips of mature oak woodland and several newly planted oak plantations. It Much of my time these days is involved with monitoring Red Kites and Peregrine Falcons, so I am always grateful when some- is a long time since I have seen Spotted Flycatchers in Yorkshire, mainly because of the dearth of oak woodland, but around Bolton one drops me an email about something unusual they have seen in these parts. A couple of weeks ago I had an email from Diana Percy they were plentiful both to see and hear, in the insect rich Arey in Burton Salmon, asking me about a 4 feet long snake she woodland. Red Kites have not done so well this year in Yorkhad found living at the bottom of her pond! This turned out to be shire, with the number of young birds down on the 147 of 2010 to just 118, which is just one more than in 2009. I was wondering a Grass Snake, and according to a web article “is harmless to how two successive hard winters might affect breeding birds, and pets, and may frequent garden ponds during the summer, in this is the first indication that they have been hit hard. Let’s hope search of their prey, frogs, toads and newts.” that the next one is a mild one!

Graham Todd

Editors Note There have been occasional sightings of Grass Snakes in and around Hillam. This year the only one seen at Wind Farm HQ was one that had been run over in the road. The picture is one taken of another snake seen a few years ago. They can be up to a metre long. The distinguishing mark is a yellow band just behind the head. The snakes are attracted to compost heaps and you may find their eggs buried inside when you come to turn the compost over.

I’ve tried something different this year to encourage insect life in The eggs are plain white and duck egg size. our garden and particularly bees, by leaving strips of lawn unmown, which has allowed the white clover to flourish and flower. The Swallows are breading very well this year, three broods of 4 Honey bees have welcomed this, since apart from my lavender birds each have been reared and we now expect most pairs to have beds and Buddleia, there is not much nectar available for them in another brood. the usual brightly flowering plants from garden centres.

Apart from the Barn Owl and the Roe Deer we also have had Read Paul Scholey has seen them in his wood, and so too has Howard Ferguson at “WindfarmHQ”. Howard mentioned to me the other day that he has seen a Barn Owl in his garden, which is pretty unusual, as owls like wilder places to hunt for prey. Maybe it is high time Howard cut his lawn?

I had a surprise at the weekend when sitting reading in the

Warblers, and yes the grass has been left long deliberately.

19

SCHOOL REPORT What a summer term!

It has been packed full of events as well as a lot of hard work!

We were lucky with the weather for our Sports Day, the rain held off until the very end and so we had a fabulous day of traditional and mixed event sports.

In conjunction with the Community Association, St Wilfrid’s Church and other local organisations we put on a very English and traditional Summer Fayre. It was a beautiful day and packed full of things to see such as the Birds of Prey, Kennel Club and American cars. We had the usual stalls and games and the children put on fantastic displays of Country dancing, Morris and Maypole dancing and cheerleading. The new Brownie pack opened the event by making their promises which was very special. We are delighted that the event was successful and very well attended.

Our tag rugby team was invited to play at Twickenham during the half time of the final between Leicester and Saracens. Our team was very proud and excited to be playing at such an occasion in front of a massive crowd.

Year 4 spent a few weeks of the term on their Enterprise project.

Following on from learning about The Parable of the Talents, groups of 5 or 6 children were given £5 to grow. They were very enterprising; making buns, jewellery, bookmarks, running playtime clubs, hand massages, to name just a few of their amazing ideas. The project culminated in Ascot Day and everyone in school dressed in their best clothes for a pound. Year 4 amazed us all with their money making skills by raising over £1100!

They decided to give £650 to Chernobyl Children and £270 to adopt an endangered animal through the World Wildlife Fund.

The small amount left is for pizzas to be delivered to the celebratory sleepover in school!

Foundation and KS1 had a great, though very hot, day at Cannon Hall Farm. They had a wonderful time learning about all the animals. Countryside Live was a fantastic day out for Year 5 learning about life in the country – bats, falcons, sheep shearing!

Year 3 experienced some very exotic creatures in their class when Animals Intuition visited with snakes, tarantulas, cockroaches and other interesting creatures. The children loved it!

It was a privilege for Year 6 to take part in the Bicentenary Celebrations of York Minster. Many Church schools attended and it was a huge and very memorable event.

Year 6 also took their SATs tests with minimum fuss and maximum effort and should feel very proud of their achievements.

We have had Rololab, Castleford Tigers, York City Football, Murderous Maths, trip to Lightwater Valley and more! I can’t believe we have packed so much in.

Year 6 have been experiencing life in their new schools on transition days. We will miss them so much next term because they are a very special class of amazing individuals and we wish each of them success and happiness for the future.

Finally, of course, has been Monk Fryston’s Got Talent! Our KS2 children have danced, entertained and sung their hearts out and shown that children at this school can do amazing things!

The new autumn term will seem very quiet in comparison with this one!

Carole Middleton

SHERBURN HIGH SCHOOL The summer term is always very intense because of the public examinations. I have been very pleased with the positive attitude shown by our students to secure the best possible grades, with excellent attendance at revision workshops.

Our Y13 students organised a really successful leaver’s party at the end of May. This occasion underlined the strengths of this community in terms of the positive relationships between staff and students, with a great turn out by both groups on the night. It is a huge pleasure and a proud moment to see our oldest students on the brink of spreading their wings and leaving confident, prepared and ready for their lives beyond school. It is always, however, tinged with a little sadness because it is hard to see them go. I am sure all parents will know exactly what I mean!

A highlight of this term has been the work our Y9 students have been doing to gain their Bronze Arts Award. I cannot overstate the quality of the work which has been produced and the

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

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

enthusiastic response from the young people. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with them during the afternoon in which they showcased their endeavours.

You will remember that our recent ofsted inspection graded behaviour at Sherburn High School to be ‘good’. Our aim now is to move this to ‘outstanding’. To reach this goal we will place the emphasis on students taking a greater responsibility for their own behaviour.

Sometime ago I spoke about our planned introduction of ‘learning gateway’ which is a system through which parents can get access to attendance, behaviour and progress data for their children on-line. We are currently in the process of trialling this with regular members of our parent forum providing feedback by the end of this term. Our aim is to launch the system to all parents during the autumn term.

Martyn Sibley

Headteacher

20

BURTON SALMON METHODIST CHAPEL – THE LAST RITES Burton Salmon Methodist Chapel to close - final service on August 14th.

Then the Methodist Church plans to clear the building and put it on the market. There will be no more Sunday School. Pilates and coffee mornings may not continue. The building has until now been used as an election polling station and meeting place for the parish council.

The parish council called a meeting on May 24th to explore whether there was local support for villagers taking over ownership or running the building.

In 1885 the building was enlarged. It became the property of ‘trustees’ in 1922, following the sale of the Byram estate. This building was used for services until 1971 when the current chapel was built at the side of the original church. This was opened on October 16th 1971 by Dr Edmund I Marshall MP, and a classroom and vestry extension was opened by Maurice Walters in 1975.

A member of the Walters family told Hillam News that there are plaques on the organ in memory of Muriel Stretton (1909-1979), on a stool to Mrs M Veitch (1978) and on the clock to Olive Masterman (1976).

The meeting was led by Malcolm Vernon, newly appointed chair Hillam News comment: of Burton Salmon Parish Council (and former chapel organist).

Thirty people attended, including the Rev W Grewcock, Method- The chapels in Hillam and Monk Fryston are now part of history. ist minister, and Mr S Hindle, Methodist circuit steward.

Local Methodists stopped meeting for worship in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall three years ago. With the closing of Burton Salmon Mr Grewcock insisted that leasing was not an option as trustees had a duty under charity law to obtain the best price for the build- Chapel the Methodist era in our district will be over. Whilst it will be impossible to raise funds to buy the building before Seping. It would probably be advertised for sale in September and tember, parish councillors are to be applauded for their actions so without any condition banning the sale of alcohol. far. They might just investigate the possibility of using new laws Malcolm Vernon said that the parish council could not take perproposed by Communities and Local Government Minister Eric manent responsibility for the former chapel, but would assist in Pickles in his Localism Bill which will safeguard buildings forming a management committee, if that was what people needed by a community and allow local bids for them if they wanted. Half of those present voted for further action. come on the market.

At a later meeting, a management committee was set up with the The rude and dissolute state of full backing (including financial) of the parish council. A business plan will be drawn up and there will be an attempt to rent the Hillam and Monk Fryston building for a limited period whilst all alternatives are examined. Hillam and Monk Fryston Chapels date back to the 1840s. Monk Wide consultations in and outside the village are planned.

Fryston was built first, with financial help from the Hemsworths The Methodist Church in Burton Salmon was formed by a group of Monk Fryston Hall, while Hillam Chapel benefited from the of villagers led by John Davies (owner of Burton Salmon Brew- support of Daniel B Mouncey of Hillam Hall. The background of ery) and Robert Wilson. The first chapel was a disused storeroom both benefactor families was Anglican but for reasons lost in rented from Sir John Ramsden of Byram Hall. It was converted to history they wanted to support Methodism. In his inaugural a chapel and opened on October 6th 1864 by the Rev James Sug- address at Monk Fryston, J W Roadhouse Esq. referred to the ‘the rude and dissolute state’ of the Frystonians and Hillamites den of the Brunswick circuit, Leeds. In 1869 there were twenty before they were saved by Methodism. members but more than this attended services.

21

READER’S LETTER Dear Hillam News

Hi Graham,

We have recently received a very special donation for our appeal www.willowswish.org.uk from Janet Taylor the daughter of the late Ruth Kelsey. The money had been donated by her friends and family who attended her funeral. It amounted to £450. She was clearly a very popular lady. Janet suggested we put a thank you in Hillam News, so everyone knows where the money has gone and I thought that was a great idea.

The appeal is about raising money for my daughter Willow who is 7 years old and has cerebral palsy. She has been given the chance to go to America for a potentially life changing operation that will enable her to walk without aids for the first time in her life. Janet felt that her mum would have liked the money to go to a local cause and Willow attends the same school as her grandaughters.

I think Janet chose us because her mum had endless patience and energy for children, especially her great grandchildren and felt that she would have wanted to help us make Willow's wish come true.

Thought I would respond to your request for sightings of Red Kites in the area. Red Kites are a particular favourite of mine and I am always on the look out.

Kind regards Sally Neal

About Hillam News The Hillam News is a free newspaper produced by volunteers. We make reasonable endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content but we do not guarantee the accuracy of nor endorse the opinions of third-party contributions including adverts. We publish our material in good faith and strive to comment fairly. If we make a mistake we are willing to correct it when it is pointed out to us.

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

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

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A few weeks ago on two consecutive days I saw a pair of red kites just off the A63 opposite the Watermill Restaurant. The first time they seemed very interested in the rookery in a clump of trees, repeatedly dive bombing it and being chased off by the residents. The second sighting was when I saw the pair swooping over the field just south of the same trees.

My most recent and surprising sighting was the week before last. I was shopping in Sherburn and there was a single red kite gliding up and down the main road. It was flying quite low and seemed very interested in what was going on in Sherburn. I watched it for ages, seemingly the only person who had noticed it and there was no doubt it was a red kite. Eventuallyit flew away to the west being mobbed by a flock of crows.

Haven't seen any more recently although for anyone who is interested I can recommend a trip to Eccup Reservoir (just off A61 Leeds Ring Road) where you are almost guaranteed sightings of red kites. It’s also a great walk.

Another sighting locally although this time not a Red Kite but a Little Owl spotted whilst walking from Burton Salmon to Hillam past Bluebell Woods last Sunday. A first for me!

Paula Maher Hillam

22

SPORT-

IN-NEWS

It

must be the middle of summer because yet another Wimbledon has come and gone with no British player threatening to lift either the Men’s or Ladies Titles. It’s now 34 years since Virginia Wade hoisted the Ladies Plate aloft and a life time since Bunny Austin raised the Men’s title. Much has been made of Tim Henman’s attempts in the early part of this century to claim the title and now the same is being said of Andy Murray.

For a sport that receives millions of pounds from Lottery grants, it is a pitiful return on investment. I wonder how many British citizens can name more than one British Men’s player and more worryingly how many could name just one women?

Personally I don’t lay the blame at Murray’s racquet. He’s done the best he can to land the title and given he’s number 4 in the world rankings, he’s clearly got talent. The problem for Murray is that he’s simply not good enough to beat the really top seeds (Nadal, Federer & Djokovic). To be fair nobody did him any favours by knocking out Nadal before the semi-final but you make your own luck and unfortunately he was found wanting.

The real problem however was illustrated two weeks after Wimbledon when the British Davis Cup team had to make the trip to Luxembourg to win a third-tier European play-off match.

Thankfully Andy and his Brother Jamie were on hand to help secure a 4-1 victory (Andy winning 3 out of the 4 points) but that sums up the British tennis scene. Whilst Spain were playing the USA in a semi-final match, we were in the Grand Duchy fighting for our lives in a third tier play-off. It’s time we either changed the whole structure of the sport in the UK and started with more children getting involved across ALL schools (and not just middle to upper class environments) or we should re-direct the funding to other sports. Anyone for Cycling?

Rory McIlroy secured his first Major title when dominating the US Open at Congressional in June. He had played similarly well in April at the famous Augusta course in the US Masters but a disastrous final round enabled him to slip from 1st to 15th. It takes a really strong character to bounce back from such a shattering defeat but he’s done so in terrific style and I don’t think anyone would have begrudged his win last month.

At the time of writing he’s trying to win back to back Majors at the British Open but whatever happens in Kent, we know that we have a champion from Northern Ireland who will be fighting for Majors for many years to come. At the age of just 22 and with Tiger Woods somewhere in the wilderness, the time is nigh for Rory to seize the crown.

Cricket seems to be non-stop at the moment with a series

just completed against Sri Lanka and another just about to start against India. One thing which has become the norm in world cricket appears to be the trend to have a different captain for each

format of the game. In England’s case we currently have Andrew Strauss looking after the Test team, Alistair Cook the 50 over side and Stuart Broad the 20-20. I’m not sure I understand how a player representing his country can be under the command of three different captains within the space of a week, which was the situation Graeme Swann found himself in a few weeks ago.

Surely if you are good enough to bat for England in a test match, then you can do the same in a 50 over match and if you are a good enough player and captain then you should be able to adapt to the shorter version of 20/20. C’mon England Selectors, let’s get some consistency at least with the captain and make Mr Cook the Leader for all forms of the game!

Yours in sport,

Doug Hout.

Hillam Historians Village Fayre Competition Winners Treasure hunt – Vivienne Wilkinson found the treasure hidden on Woodlands Lane and won 10 guineas.

Name the chicken – Joe Fairhurst picked the winning name, Isabella, and won a unique “chicken” doorstop.

Coins in the butter churn – James Watson guessed 611, and won a hamper of goodies made in Hillam.

23

BITS AND BOBS Selling online and more (in Hillam) Some time ago I was selling an item using an online auction site. I duly paid the ‘posting fees’, a bit extra to have a second photo and then waited with eager anticipation. Seven days later… and not a single taker. So I paid for another week…. but still nothing. It was not just that it had not sold, but the fact that it was costing me.

Then I learned from a friend who had purchased a garment online, whilst not particularly mis-described, it was certainly not what he expected.

There is also the seller’s risk that the return for his time and effort may be minimal.

This is where the idea for thevillage-store.co.uk came from.

Whilst in the Greyhound Inn at Saxon I mulled things over and came up with the following: Why pay listing fees Why have the chore of responding to emails What if I have no computer Why have the hassle of posting parcels Why not allow sellers to remain anonymous if they want Why not offer a view facility so the buyer can see exactly what he is buying Why not let a seller place an item on the site, and then if it sells elsewhere, take it off

SMALL ADS Only £1.00 per issue please contact David Edwards on 07831304150

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

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

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

Whilst on my second glass of Sam Smiths (£1.56 a pint) I came up with the following thevillage-store.co.uk This is an online site for the villages of Hillam and Monk Fryston.

It provides information about shops, and pubs around the villages. It also provides information regarding the local football team, lotto, Hillam News, links to the Cricket Club site, poker league, and pool league standings.

Its main aim however is to become an online store. So type in ‘the village store hillam’ or (‘monk fryston’) on google and you will be surprised.

Thank you

Lee Maiden

ZUMBA at Fairburn Mondays at Fairburn Parish Hall, 6.15pm to 7.00pm. £4 per session.Come join me for a fun fitness class featuring Latin inspired music and moves. Just move your body and follow my lead. It's easy! Come along and try it!

Tel: 07717 045112

Hillam News needs you!

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

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

If you have a contribution which you think will be of interest to people in the village please send it in.

If you feel you would like to be part of this team as a secretary, or to be a member of Hillam News, please contact Bev Jackson by email at bev@jack-son.com.

24

LOCAL SERVICES To amend or to add to the information below, please phone Jenny Hoare (683332) Service

Telephone

Details

Monk Fryston Stores Post Office counter

682252

Mon - Fri 7 am - 8 pm; Sat 7.30 am - 7 pm; Sun 8 am - 2 pm Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri 9 am - 5.30 pm; Wed & Sat 9 am - 1 pm

Last postal collections

Public transport

682252 682201 691940

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

Mon - Fri 4.30 pm, Sat 9.30 am Mon - Fri 4.15 pm, Sat 11 am Mon - Fri 5.30 pm, Sat 11 am Mon - Fri 6.30 pm, Sat 12.30 pm

0113 2457676

Local bus and train timetables and enquiries: www.wymetro.com

South Milford Surgery 682202 Dr A Mackenzie & Partners

Mon - Fri 8 am - 6 pm www.southmilfordsurgery.co.uk

Monk Fryston Surgery Dr D James & Partners

683452

Mon 4 - 8 pm; Tues & Wed 8 - 12 am; Thur 2 - 6 pm; Fri 9 - 11 am www.gibsonlanemedicalpractice.co.uk

Selby War Memorial Hospital

01757 702664

www.sypct.com

Pontefract General Infirmary

0844 8118110

www.midyorks.nhs.uk

Visiting Scheme for the Elderly

681828

Transport, shopping, social events for the housebound, and much more www.sherburnvisitingscheme.co.uk

St Wilfrid’s Church, Monk Fryston

680788

Rector: Rev John Hetherington www.stwilfridandstmary.org.uk

Mobile library

Sherburn Library 08450 349443

Every 3 weeks: Hillam Square Tues 11.35 - 11.50 am Maspin Grange Tues 1.20 - 1.30 pm www.northyorks.gov.uk/libraries/mobiles

Hillam Parish Council

01609 760345

Clerk: Malcolm Walton 1st Wed of month 7.30 pm, Community Centre

Selby District Council

01757 705101

www.selby.gov.uk

Environmental Health, SDC 01757 292113

Refuse disposal: removal of bulky items

NYCC Recycling Centre, Canal Road, Selby

01609 780780

Recycling centre for household waste - cardboard, metals, textiles, masonry, bottles, green waste, batteries, TVs, monitors, oils

Wakefield MDC Recycling Centre, Ferrybridge

677792 01609 532512

Permits necessary for NYCC residents waste.management@northyorks.gov.uk

Police (non-emergency)

0845 6060247

www.northyorkshire.police.uk

Mobile Police Station, Monk Fryston School lay-by 682693

Approx monthly, variable days, 7 - 8 pm See village notice boards or contact Tony Hudson

Neighbourhood Watch

682693

Tony Hudson

Gas (leaks)

0800 111999

www.transco.uk.com

Electricity (supply failure)

0800 375675

www.npower.com

Yorkshire Water (sewerage and leaks)

0845 1242429

www.yorkshirewater.com

Citizens’ Advice Bureau

01757 293015 0845 1203718

For appointments at Sherburn Advice line www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Venue bookings

07766 097520 689230

Church Hall: Paddy Twidale Community Centre: Becky Gatenby

Village website

www.hillam-village.co.uk