Hillam news dec 2013 jan 2014

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Superfast The voice of Hillam village. founded 1989 by mary little. Delivered free to all homes in hillam. Volume 26 Issue 6. December 2013 January 2014

Waste Incinerators at Ferrybridge The next CEF public forum is at Monk Fryston School on December 3rd and the key speakers are presenting information about the Multi Fuel Incinerators, one being built and another being planned at Ferrybridge.

This should be of interest to all residents of Hillam and Monk Fryston as both villages are directly downwind and within 5km of the plants which will be burning 675,000 tonnes per year of municipal (household) waste, industrial and commercial waste and wood waste.

The second plant, plans for which were recently on show at Monk Fryston Hall, will have a design life of 30 years and a current life expectancy of 50 years. It will generate circa 70MW, enough to power Construction of the first plant is well underway. around 160,000 homes. The Public consultation for the second plant runs until three year project will bring 20th December 2013. www.multifuelenergy.com/fm2 ÂŁ10m into the local economy.

Reflections of Bonfire Night From Monk Fryston School Pupils Monk Fryston bonfire is always fantastic fun. All the fireworks were epic and the barbeque was excellent! There were loads of families with glowing light sabres like thousands of fireflies.

Rosy red toffee apples were delicious, even though they were very sticky!

Sizzling sparklers were leaving trails of glittering light everywhere. People were crowding round the bonfire trying to keep warm holding their breath because of the stench of the smoke.

When we arrived at the bonfire there was an amazing feel to it. It felt like the whole community had made a mighty effort to bring us all together and celebrate. There was an enormous bonfire, sparklers, toffee apples and every type of treat you could think of.

As darkness fell all you could see was multicoloured lights coming from the light sabres. It was 7pm and time for the fireworks. All of a sudden blasts of light shot up in the air like rockets. Some were large and made lots of noise whilst others Eventually the fireworks started throwing shimmered down like fairy dust. They the colourful sparks everywhere like fairy went on for about thirty minutes. dust spraying all over the crowd. They were brilliant, despite being extremely Even though it started to rain it was a loud. The shimmering fireworks were my perfect end to a fantastic night. absolute favourite.

It was a really dark and windy night when the bonfire went alight. All the hot sparks shot over the tents to the other side. Loads of people turned up in their big coats and huddled together in a giant crowd to see the wonderful fireworks.

Staying there for a while normally makes everyone very hungry, so there was a lot of food to choose from: hot dogs (child size), (I had two), hot dogs (adult size), burgers (adult size) and soup.

Mmmmm. Delicious. Oh don't forget the toffee apples.

Memories of a great bonfire night at the Community Centre.

Thank you to pupils from Monk Fryston School.

Hillam News is financed by advertising and the generosity of contributors, copiers and distributors. Issue editor - Rob Preston If you have an article for publication, please phone David Atkinson on 684577 or email dsa99uk@yahoo.co.uk Advertising enquiries to David Edwards on 682346 or exSite@talktalk.net

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THE BIRDING COLUMN

by Graham Todd

I saw my first Pink-footed Geese of the winter of the winter on 6th October when a flock of c100 flew east, high in the sky in an almost perfectly symmetrical chevron. Common Buzzards are becoming more evident than they have been all summer, with a It was early morning on 9th November, with the sun streaming in couple over our garden in early October, one of them a juvenile, through the bedroom curtains, and as per usual, not being able to calling plaintively for food. I also saw a mini thermal of them whilst on a bike ride along the Trans Pennine Trail north from access the bathroom for what seemed an interminable length of th time, I decided to make the most of this enforced wait by drawing Temple Hirst along the deserted metalled track. It was on 5 back the curtains, sitting up in bed with a cup of tea, then gazing October – a warm, sunny day with no wind, now a distant out across the flat blue skies towards Burton Salmon. There were memory; the plumes from Eggborough cooling towers drifting vertically into a clear blue sky. There was no sound, apart from the usual busy flocks of Starlings zipping across the tree tops, the distant purring of ploughing tractors, which induced a feeling golden leaves now hanging by threads in the late autumn. The of serenity and contentment. Shaking me out of my trance, I occasional pairs of Carrion Crows alighting on gable ends, detected the call of mewing buzzards, odd birds flying in from hoping to find a morsel or two in the gardens nearby, but there was also a very distant bird lit up by the low, near horizontal rays different directions, culminating in a small stack of four rising in the thermals. This area of small patches of oak rich woodland of the sun as it flew with a slow, measured beat against a belt of does seem to be particularly favoured by buzzards. grey cloud. Was this snowy white bird a gull? The relatively broad wings, brilliant whiteness and direct flight then all clicked into place – it was a Little Egret! This was my first record for the Jenny and I have just returned from Tiree, where the weather village, and is long overdue in my opinion, as this is a bird that is was to put it mildly, appalling. I had planned to go in early October, but the threat of Jury Service put paid to that; however now regularly seen at both Fairburn and Swillington Ings, we did manage to get up at the end of the month. It is at this time especially post breeding season. This small, white heron first appeared in the UK in significant numbers in 1989 from colonies of the year when winter migrant birds arrive from Greenland and Iceland, with huge flocks of Barnacle Geese to be found grazing expanding from France and first bred in Dorset in 1996. It has since bred elsewhere in Britain, including the North of England on the machair. Late one day, having waited patiently all day for the wind and rain to abate, I decided to risk a trip to the north of where according to historical records it used to be quite the island to witness the spectacle of Barnacle Geese flying in to common. The inclusion of 1,000 egrets in the banquet to their nightly roost. There were dark, heavy rain clouds to the celebrate the enthronement of George Neville as Archbishop of north west over the Outer Hebrides, but the setting sun behind me York at Cawood Castle in 1465 indicates the presence of a sizable population in northern England at the time, and they are floodlit the field below, where rank upon rank of Barnacle Geese also listed in the coronation feast of King Henry VI in 1429. They resplendent in their black and white plumage plodded across the farmer’s field in a synchronised slow march, munching his crop had disappeared by the mid 16th century, when William Gowreley, 'yeoman purveyor to the Kinges mowthe', "had to send of grass. I initially felt sorry for the farmer until someone on the island told me that they are paid a subsidy of £80 per goose and further south" for egrets, so let’s pray that our beloved Archbishop John doesn’t develop a taste for them if they become having counted 1,200 in this particular flock, my sympathy soon evaporated. Flocks of fifty or more Common Snipe flew re-established in the area! overhead, coming in to roost and I was standing so perfectly still Our local killer has reappeared again, with two Collared Doves that one landed at my feet, seemingly unaware of my presence.

Just then, a pale bluish grey raptor with black wing tips appeared in a day lost to the Male Sparrowhawk on 6th September. low over the marsh in front of the geese, a graceful male Hen Unfortunately there is nothing I can do that is within the law to deter him , and will have to just endure the regular carnage until Harrier. What a wonderful sight that was, this elegant and he tires of eating Collared Dove, or our dove fly-in takeaway runs beautiful raptor now unfortunately having been rendered extinct as an English breeder in 2013 through persecution on the grouse out of stock. moors. That such a terrible thing should be allowed to happen in It is now 9th November and we have not seen the usual numbers a civilised age beggars belief. By way of a fitting finale, a of birds in the garden that I would have expected to see at this beautiful male Snow Bunting then flew into the farmyard as I was time of year. Recently a gentleman who lives on Betteras Hill getting into my car to go home; fortunately a very confiding Road phoned me to ask why he had not seen the ubiquitous individual which allowed me to obtain several photos.

Blackbird in his garden. I advised him that we have two distinct populations of Blackbirds – our breeding birds that arrive in February/March, which disperse to Ireland in early August, and Graham Todd then the winter migrants from Scandinavia, which arrive on the eastern seaboard in October and stay until the summer breeders arrive. Thus far, the winter Blackbirds haven’t come as far west as here, so I can only surmise that this is down to a combination of several factors; good weather on the Continent, a sufficient food supply further to the east of us, or is it just that the weather is so good that there is no need for wild birds to come into our gardens for food?

It has finally happened - every birdwatcher’s dream, to see a rare bird from the comfort of one’s own bed!

In October, being at a loose end, I walked from Swillington Ings along the River Aire towpath and on to Leeds. What a lovely walk following the course of both river and canal. The River Aire is now a clean river with luxuriant overhanging vegetation. Otters are seen regularly between the heavily industrialised area of Stourton and Swillington, and, although I didn’t see any otters, I did see three Kingfishers, which is always a good indicator of river cleanliness. It is only seven miles to Leeds and with a regular train service back to Woodlesford I would recommend it as a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon, an easy, flat walk with no hills.

Open Sunday Open Sunday

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VILLAGE NEWS Hillam Lights Switch-on Starting at 7pm on Saturday 7th December Dear 100 Club member, Thank you for your support during 2013.

Hillam’s Christmas lights will be switched on in The Square at 7pm on Saturday 7 December.

Join us there to start the Christmas celebrations with a mince pie and festive carols. We hope Father Christmas will be there, too!

Hillam Lights 100 Club As you know, the 100 Club is the main source of funding for both the Christmas lights and the event itself.

Experimental Pedestrian Crossing Use it or lose it

In the last issue of Hillam News a Hillam resident wrote prophetically, 'I am most relieved that ‘at last’ something is being done to make crossing the A63 in Monk Fryston safer.'

Our correspondent must have known something as we now learn that a temporary crossing will be set up near Monk Fryston Stove Shop and before Christmas. It will be there for thirteen weeks after which there will be further discussion on making it permanent.

It looks as if the Highways Department is not convinced that such a crossing is really necessary and doesn't want to spend the money.

A Parish Council spokesman said, "A permanent crossing will not be installed if the use of the crossing is not sufficient to justify the expenditure."

We hope you will continue to be part of the 100 Club for 2014 – it still costs only £12.

Your number(s) are also entered in a monthly draw with cash prizes of £20, £10 and £5.

Christmas Trees

• To pay by cash or cheque, please use the attached form.

• To pay online simply reply to this email (hillamlights@gmail.com) for banking details and your unique reference number.

Hillam resident Richard Hardman will be selling Christmas trees at the Community Centre this year.

If you renew your membership by Sunday 15 December your number will be entered is a special prize draw with the chance to win a hamper stuffed with goodies worth over £30!

Wishing you peace this Christmas, The Ringtree Christmas Lights Committee

100 Club Draw winners The winners of the August draw for the Hillam Lights 100Club were: 1st -£20 - Ian Metcalfe (No. 21) 2nd -£10 - Iris Criddle (No. 57) 3rd - £5 - Tilly Wells Thomson (No. 74)

Trees on sale from Sunday 1st December and then each Saturday and Sunday between 11am to 3pm.

Norway Spruce and Nordmann Fir to choose from in sizes 4-5ft, 6ft and 7ft.

Tree stands available too.

Orders taken. Delivered locally.

Call Richard on 07542 366213 ramblehouse@live.co.uk Ramble House Smallholding

David (Dai) Jones

Architect

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

Phone 01977 685534 Consultation Welcome – Initial Discussion Free

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HILLAM FOLK Leaving the Keys

Roy Tyler 1926 to 2013 Roy Tyler has passed away peacefully at home in Hillam aged 87. Margaret Barr conducted his funeral service on Friday November 8th at York Crematorium. It was attended by family and friends.

Roy and Ruth moved to Hillam from Tickhill in 1968 and he lived the remainder of his life in the village.

He was a qualified electrical engineer and after conscription during the Second World War joined the REME Regiment and served in India for the last two years of the war. Afterwards he joined International Harvester (IH) at their Doncaster factory. In 1968 he and his family came to live in Hillam following his promotion as works manager of IH's Five Lane Ends factory at Bradford.

After retirement he was persuaded by IH to go to Nigeria to supervise the construction of a factory and sort out major problems they were experiencing. This he did.

He had a reputation for being meticulous in his work and being a stickler for perfection in the completion of work to a high standard and a to a strict time schedule. This was reflected in putting his natural skills to use in his hobby of restoring antique clocks.

His passion was collecting Napoleonic memorabilia and he put together a collection of books which was his pride and joy. He enjoyed poetry and one of his favourites was Kipling's 'If,' which was recited by Margaret during the service.

Roy and Ruth had 62 married years together and our thoughts are with Ruth, their daughter and grandchildren.

Ken Sampson

Yes, it’s true: after eighteen glorious months I have left the Cross Keys.

Sometimes events and situations change your thought process, and this is what happened to me at your favourite local. No one is responsible for my leaving. Every so often it is vital for the progression of the individual and of the business that changes are made. And on this occasion there was total harmony as a mutual agreement took place.

I have had a fantastic year and a half at the pub and have had the privilege of serving the best group of friends and customers that I have ever met. As you all know, when I took the helm at the Keys it had been closed for some three months. Since the first day of reopening it has gone from strength to strength.

Once again it has become the pulse of the community, with customers not just coming in for drinks and terrific food, but also to hold meetings, celebrations, and sadly to see loved ones to the other side.

I have been particularly humbled how all the wonderful locals have accepted me and taken me into their hearts.

All this could not have been possible had I not been ably and efficiently assisted both behind the bar and behind the scenes, in the kitchen, with the cleaning, planning, waitressing, etc.

My thanks must go also to Neil and Sue, the licensees, who put faith in me to take the pub up to a higher level. This I hope I have done.

I am sure you will agree with me when I wish Terry and the team all the best for the future. It is vital for Hillam that the Cross Keys both grows and thrives in the months and years ahead.

With thanks to a great friend, Carl, who has taken pity on a homeless ex-publican, I will be staying in the area for hopefully a good while to come. My brain is in ambitious mode and I plan to set up my own business here providing healthy and organic dog and pet food, so if you see the odd advert and you have a beloved pet, please give it a try!

Finally, could I say a big thank-you for all the expressions of hopes for the future you have offered in the last few days?

They are much appreciated.

Steve

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Précis minutes Hillam Parish Council October 2013

Previous meetings minutes agreed.

Matters arising Cllr Collinson will represent the PC on Remembrance Sunday Local resident has offered to plant up village troughs for winter and spring, including a herb trough for communal use to be planted next spring.

Cllr Robinson still concerned about what appear to be blocked drains on Chapel Street. Clerk to reiterate request to NYCC to ascertain their definition of a blocked drain.

NYCC to be advised yet again of the potentially unsafe path surfaces in Rose Lea Close. Joint site visit to be offered.

Finance C/A £8559.68H/I a/c £5,203.46 Payments made MH Walton £180.00 Thirsk c/care assoc £38.25 PAYE service PKF Littlejohn £120.00audit fee HM revenue and Customs £45.00 SG Parkin £630.00 (replacement cheque) £5,647.50 precept payment from SDC.

Correspondence Out Nigel Adams requesting info re progress on the outstanding planning appeal submitted by Mr T Cannon.

S Booth requesting repair of the broken handrail on footbridge off Betteras Hill Road.

SDC re building being constructed at Shiraz.

No planning matters this month.

Environment Cllr Sadler will ask for local farmers’ assistance in removing the soil overspill near Tom Lane to clean and widen the road.

NYCC footpaths team have cleared overgrown vegetation adjacent to the Hillam to Monk Fryston footpath.

Cllr Collinson suggested Hanover Housing be requested to contribute to cost of grit used in the winter on the development.

Cllr Collinson to investigate with Network Rail the possibility of placing a seat near Hillam Gates.

Reports Burial Committee meet in November Community Association Cllr Robertson provided a brief report together with a copy of the CA’s financial results to 31st March 2013.

Correspondence in Nigel Adams acknowledging our letter re the inordinate delay in Volunteers wanted for both the South Milford and village giving decision to the appeal submitted by Mr T Cannon. bonfire.

AOB Burial Board - advising of 10p increase in precept charge to Cllr Wright suggested that application for financial assistance £2.70. from eligible local clubs and groups be published in the next Christmas Lights Committee requesting copy of PC insurance Just Garden offering to tender for grass cutting. edition of the Hillam News – deadline for response being February.

NYCC Highways Clerk to obtain a quote for the cost of replacement of street . disputing the need for pothole road repairs on Hillam Lane following our request for same. lights. . via Cllr Lorriman providing details of an enquiry made with Next meeting November 6th.

NYCC in respect of localised flooding in the area. . advising that 60m section of drainage appears to be missing in the top section of the village. Clerk to investigate with them exact location and implications.

SDC Planning advising on current position re construction works at Shiraz, Betteras Hill Road.

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Précis minutes Hillam Parish Council November 2013 of grit salt for Manor Court.

S Booth requesting repairs to broken handrail on footbridge off Betteras Hill Road.

NYCC advising them of poor state of footpaths on Rose Lea Close.

SDC disagreeing with plans to publish all future planning applications in the Pontefract and Castleford Express.

NYCC – requesting estimate for replacement lights.

NYCC – requesting further info re alleged damaged 60m section of drainage located by the authority.

Précis November minutes Minutes of previous meeting approved Matter arising Cllr Sadler reported that a local farmer is willing to assist in removing the soil overspill onto the road near Tom Lane. Thanks from PC. Cllr Sadler reported drains on Chapel Street coped with recent heavy rain.

Cllr Wright purchased plants to be planted in square by local resident. The PC is grateful for her involvement.

Cllr Robertson suggested that the costs incurred by the PC over the last two years be reviewed and analysed to enable identification of frequency of repair of individual lights.

Finance C/A £7,691.79 H/I £5,204.11 S. Booth £48.00 bridge repairs Burial Board £3417.30 Precept CA £72.00 Hall Hire MH Walton £180.00 October Salary Tax £45.00 J Collinson £17.00 wreath B Wright £19.60 plants Correspondence In Various invoices related to above payments Christmas Lights Committee- request for copy of PC insurance NYCC – Yorkshire Water Authority served with a section 81 Notice re drainage problem near Hillam Hall Lane.

Cllr Mackman re Hillam flooding update.

SDC reasons for planning notices being published in Pontefract and Castleford Express.

Dept for Communities and Local Govt re Cannon Planning application.

NYCC Re proposed changes to post 16 home to school transport charges.

NYCC re costings for new street lights. Subsequent discussion led to clerk being requested to request a structural survey of all PC owned streetlights.

Correspondence out CSR Electrical – repair 4 faulty lights.

Hanover Housing requesting financial support for the provision

Planning Applicant Mr Sanjay Retrospective planning for the erection of a Summer House in the grounds of existing Dwelling 'Shiraz’ Betteras Hill Road, Hillam. No objections raised.

Environment Cllr Lorriman will contact respective officer of the NYCC re none response to the request made for a 7.5 tonnes weight limit restriction to be placed on Austfield Lane.

Cllr Pattison reported that the 30mph sign on Burton Salmon Road needs refurbishing. Clerk to action.

Cllr Sadler reported on the storm damage review that was undertaken. No further action necessary.

Cllr Collinson to pass on recently received details of potential contractor to Cllr Wright be lodged in the grass cutting file for use in future tendering process.

Cllr Wright informed members of suggestion from Cllr Holmes MFPC for an informal meeting. No matters currently identified, so meeting to be deferred.

Cllr Collinson reported verge damage near the level crossing by Network Rail contractors. To be kept under review.

Burial Committee Joint Burial Board meeting 7th November to discuss terms of reference.

Community Association Cllr Robertson reported Beer Fest great social and financial success with greater profit being made than originally reported despite substantial investment in bar equipment.

CA Involvement in South Milford Area Bonfire expected to return extra funding.

Extensive extra effort planned into marquee coverage for visitors at Hillam and Monk Fryston village bonfire event.

CEF Meeting Cllr Lorriman reported the next meeting will be on 3rd December at Monk Fryston School.

Next meeting Wednesday 4th December 7.30 at Monk Fryston and Hillam Community centre.

Burton Salmon Parish Council is on the web http://www.burtonsalmonparishcouncil.co.uk/

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MONK FRYSTON SCHOOL NEWSLETTER forward. It has helped us to reflect upon why we do things and endeavour to always get best value for money. Sometimes, this is best achieved in partnership with others.

We are really lucky that we have such a strong and supportive community around us.

How quickly the time goes! We are well into the school year now and have been very busy since September. All the children are immersed in their learning and are enjoying finding out new things.

In September our Year 6 children went on a residential visit to the Robinwood activity centre at Todmorden. They stayed for two nights and had opportunities to experience a range of adventurous activities that challenged them and helped them to develop new skills. The weather wasn’t always great, but that only added to the fun! It has set them up really well for a successful year.

Several other visits have taken place to enrich the learning experiences of our children. Our Year 2 class visited Eureka to learn more about the body, and our Year 3 children experienced life as Vikings at Murton Park. They successfully completed many different tasks and even fended off some Saxon raiders!

Rick Weights Headteacher Year 6. Somebody recently challenged me to bottle the formula for how we achieve this (I wish I could!) as it encapsulates what good education is about. I believe it is because we work very hard to get the approach right to learning that our children achieve highly personally, socially and academically.

We continue to respond to challenges presented by policies that affect our school. In the current financial climate there seem to be endless funding issues that force us to change the ways that we work. Despite pledges and promises that school funding has not been cut, we do One of the privileges for me as notice tremendous pressure upon our headteacher is taking visitors and new budget. We have to work even harder to parents on a tour of our school. I never fail ensure that we continue to provide the to be impressed by the vibrancy of the excellent level of education that we expect learning, and the wonderful attitudes and for all our children, even though behaviour of our children. It is a delight to sometimes hard decisions have to be see them grow from active learners taken. We find ourselves working exploring play opportunities in their increasingly closely with other schools in Reception year through to deep thinkers our locality, and this is a positive step tackling advanced academic problems in

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ONE LAST JOURNEY In 1986 a massive explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, in the north of the Ukraine sent a cloud of radioactive debris across most of Europe, including the UK and as far away as Japan and the USA. Chernobyl is sited just 20 miles south of the border of Belarus and it was that country, still part of the Soviet Union, which took the major part of the fallout with over 25% of its land contaminated.

Some two weeks after the explosion thousands of families were ordered to collect what personal belongings they could carry and were evacuated within hours, changing their village life for high rise flats in the major towns. Pets and animals were left behind to fend for themselves.

The rise in thyroid cancers in children, birth defects and other illnesses including psychological, in the immediate period after Chernobyl and following years has been well documented and there are volumes of information to be read on the subject via the internet. Google: Chernobyl.

In 1995 following a request for help from the medical profession in BY, charities in Europe started to offer assistance and the charity Chernobyl Children’s Project UK was formed based in Glossop Derbyshire with the aim to bring children from BY to the UK for remedial holidays.

CCP has responsibility for projects such as supporting homes for disabled children in Belarus, professional training for carers there, supporting hospices and creating a foster programme that will result in the closure of some very poor orphanages in that country.

The overall costs continue to rise and the charity (CCP), like many such organisations, has to address a shortage of funds and an increase in expenditure. Several of its less direct projects have to be either cancelled or delayed. The Trustees have also indicated that they do not have the funds to continue to support regular aid convoys to Belarus.

At a recent meeting of the Aid Team in the Hillam Cricket Pavilion it was decided that a final convoy of four vehicles would be sent to Belarus in late April 2014 to clear existing stocks and to cease aid operations from that date. The challenge will be to raise the necessary funds required and we hope to have local support to achieve that. We plan to make public our plans shortly.

“I made my first convoy to Belarus in 1999 and became the aid co-ordinator in 2000. Since then I have had the pleasure of working with a team of enthusiasts who turn up in all weathers to load vehicles at our base in Thorpe Willoughby.

They travel from Lancashire, Buxton, Burton, Catterick, The Monk Fryston group was formed in 1997 and in the Stockton, Endon, Leeds, Wakefield and local neighbourfollowing years right up to 2013 local families have hosted hoods and most of them have made several convoys to Belarusian children in their homes and hopefully this will Belarus over the years.” continue in future years.

“Together we have had some challenging experiences In those early years several humanitarian aid convoys were sent crossing the borders into Eastern Europe but the friendships from Glossop to Belarus with teams from Liverpool and Cardiff. we have made there and the obvious improvement our In 2000 the aid operation was transferred to Yorkshire in efforts have made to the lives of those less fortunate than us premises kindly donated by David Campey of Selby. Since then far outweigh any difficulties.” we have sent over 50 convoys, some 150 trucks and over 1500 tonnes of a wide range of aid from clothes, bedding, footwear, Mike Allison school furniture, sports equipment and lot of equipment Aid Co-ordinator Chernobyl Children’s Project UK specifically designed for the disabled. Many local businesses, groups and individuals have supported the aid team and major companies such as Ikea and Proctor and Gamble have provided furniture, pampers, soap powders and toiletries all of which has been a tremendous help to the poor, sick and disabled in Belarus.

The considerable cost of convoys, some £3500 per vehicle, has been met by direct donations to the aid team and fund raising events with the balance from the CCP head office. The Rotary clubs have also been brilliant with their financial support for aid convoys and we carry their logo on our trailers. On each convoy the team pay their own expenses for food, booze and accommodation.

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BURTON SALMON CP SCHOOL We have had a busy and exciting start to our new school year. We give a special welcome to all our new pupils: Summer, Emily, Isla and Iris in Reception and Fiona and Chloe who join our Y2.

“Happy Learning for a Healthy Future”

visited Mr. Patrick’s farm at Skipwith as part of their project work on Harvest and crops.

On 19th September, our pupils in class 1 visited Beningbrough Hall as part of their We are enjoying an active and busy term project work on homes in the past and with plenty of exciting activities and pupils enjoyed spending the day in the life projects throughout school. We had a of a young Victorian servant! They had wonderful morning on Friday, the opportunity to work in the laundry, the 24th September with Zoolab who brought housekeeper’s room and the cleaning tarantulas, giant snails, snakes, lizards and room before heading ‘upstairs’. more for the children to study. Everyone On Thursday, 17th October Class 2 will be was very sensible and enjoyed the visiting Armley Mills Industrial Museum morning. and Abbey House Museum in Leeds as On Tuesday, 10th September npower part of their project work on the Victorians. Pupils in years 5 and 6 will be Climate Cops came into school to work with all our pupils. It forms part of the taking part in a Tag Rugby competition npower Brighter Futures programme and later this month with other primary links to the Government's national schools at Selby Rugby Club as part of framework for sustainable schools. The our P.E. curriculum and on the morning of programme aims to empower the next the 21st October the whole school will be generation from the first day at school to visiting Cineworld Cinema in Xscape to the first day at work and show children see the film Despicable Me 2 as part of how they can be heroes in tackling the National Schools Film Week. causes of climate change, both in their Mrs. Rylah has held the first of her homes and in their schools. The children Healthy Eating after-school clubs. Pupils took part in the Climate Cadet Challenge made delicious healthy snacks such as involving activities to prove they Sticky Chicken Drumsticks with Stir Fry understood how they can be more Vegetable Noodles, Chicken Korma with responsible for climate change issues.

Herby Flatbread and Chocolate, Orange & We have had a number of curriculum based visits already: Class 1 pupils are continuing their studies on Science, Art and Healthy Eating and reconnecting children with food production and visited Stockbridge Research Centre getting hands on experience digging, planting and harvesting crops. Class 1 pupils also

Ginger Cake! Mrs. Rylah will be inviting pupils from other year groups to take part throughout the year.

Our Football club, run by Mr. Smith and Dan has resumed and we have already participated in two matches against local primary schools.

If you have pre-school children please do come along to our very friendly parents and children group on Thursday mornings from 9.00 – 10.30am here at school. There are toys and games for the children and they can use the outdoor facilities too.

We would like to thank everyone who supported our Macmillan Coffee Morning in school on 2nd October. Thank you to everyone who brought delicious home-baked cakes, buns and biscuits and to all the parents, carers, children, staff that bought them raising over £250 for the charity. It was especially nice to welcome members of the community and residents of the village into school for this event.

We hope all our parents and carers enjoyed our Harvest Festival celebrations last week which we held in the Village Hall. Thank you to the Committee for setting up all the chairs and preparing the Hall. The children performed lovely Harvest songs, displayed magnificent art work and read their wonderful Harvest themed poetry. Back at school the children raised money for Water Aid - an international organisation whose mission is to transform lives by improving access to safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. It was delightful to see so many parents, carers, friends and family.

What a busy and active half-term and we are looking forward to achieving just as much after the break!

Best wishes, Mrs. D. Andrews Head Teacher

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COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - WHAT A DIFFERENCE...

Ideas in Action what a difference a Year makes!

Just about a year ago the CA debated what they could do to help solve two problems which the Villages were facing. The first was that the Centre would not be large enough to meet the demand from local parents who wanted local before and after school care for their children and the second, more taxing, problem was what could be done to provide more activities for our youngsters.

Next month, in December, the next milestone will be achieved by new Youth Club Chair John Leslie and his team, in conjunction with North Yorkshire Youth, when they start up the Junior Youth Club for youngsters aged 8-11.

John and the Team have put a lot of effort into the Youth Club already, in terms of planning its operation and being trained.

We hope that the Village youngsters and their parents make use of the club as they said they would do in the survey.

In addition to these visible actions, behind the scenes, the CA has been busy applying for grants to fund the redevelopment of the Community Centre and After discussing these issues with Andy provide a bigger main hall, additional Pound, Chair of the Selby DC Western toilets and a second meeting room which area CEF a plan was developed and things will allow more than one group to use the started to happen. Villager’s views and Community Centre independently at the opinions were canvassed and the CEF same time. We hope to hear if our made their biggest grant of £20,000, applications have been successful before towards the Youth and Centre too long.

Development Project.

In the Summer a 32 sq m, energy efficient, Conservatory extension was added to the Community Centre just in time to provide the space required for the additional Child Care needs arising from the New School Year and create the minimum space needed to start the planned Village Youth and Scout Group.

Potential Parish Council Funding For Worthy Projects Meet the deadline or lose the option.

Hillam Parish Council may have reserve funds to financially support local organisations which enhance our village life.

Applications from local organisation are invited for financial support for specific expenses, costs or imminent projects.

Applications to be submitted no later than 25th February to Parish Clerk, Malcolm Walton, 52a Ainderby Road, Romanby Northallerton, DL7 8HG Please note that the 25th February deadline is absolute.

The next step of the project is to prepare to launch the Scout Group next year. The CA cannot do this from its existing resources and would love to hear from anyone who will be willing to help.

Details of bids received will then be circulated to councillors for their consideration prior to the March PC meeting. After discussion at this meeting, all available funds will be allocated.

Please contact Ray Newton on 682084 or any CA committee member.

Parish Clerk, Malcolm Walton

12

YOUTH CLUB The Community Association has over a number of years been aware of the need to provide an activity that will provide the youth of our two villages with a chance to meet up outside the school environment in a relaxed atmosphere where they can enjoy the companionship of children of their own age and where they can "chill out" and at the same time gain an appreciation of community life and spirit. The recent enlargement of the Community Centre has provided the space for this to happen.

As the first step towards a fully fledged organization providing a Youth Club embracing a wide age span the Community Association is making the Community centre available for the use of a "Junior Youth Club".

An open evening for parents and children on 2nd December is an opportunity to meet John and Sue Leslie who are the organizers of a Youth Club for children aged 8 up to 11 due to open on the 9th December when you can ask questions of them and find out more details.

The events of a year ago demonstrated the need for a place in the two villages for youngsters to congregate under supervision and relax and enjoy themselves.

The establishment of a "Junior" Youth Club is a step in the right direction followed in due course with a Club for the older children.

Please give your support to John, Sue and their helpers in their endeavours to provide a worthwhile facility for our children and grandchildren.

An open evening will take place on the 2nd December 7pm for parents and children-come along and meet the Team.

Tony Hudson

If you have not registered your child yet this can be done on the night.

Any further details contact John Leslie on 01977 682334 or email s.leslie@btinternet.com.

13

REVIEWS A DIFFERENT SUNDAY AFTERNOON Jennie Barker reviews Happy Jack by John Godber at Monk Fryston Hall. he afternoon of Sunday 20th October began with our arrival at Monk Fryston Hall Hotel. Drinks were acquired and meals chosen from the menu, prior to being served in the pleasant and attractive Haddon Room with its inglenook fireplace and panelling. Lunch was delicious, plentiful, well-presented and served by friendly and efficient staff. The congenial company of two other local couples seated at our table, added to the enjoyment of the meal.

T

After lunch and in a relaxed atmosphere we were eager to be entertained by J. Godber’s play, “Happy Jack”. The play was performed by two members of the Library Theatre Touring Company, Roger Cook (Jack) and Deborah Kelly (Liz) and centred in the relationship of Jack, a Yorkshire miner, and his wife, Liz. Godber’s honesty and humour were very evident throughout the play, which began with a short, factual, introduction informing the audience of Jack’s character. However, because of this and because I could relate to characters I thought the content of the play was superficial and lacking in depth. The introduction deprived the audience of exploration and personal recognition of Jack’s personality, as the prolific dialogue although well - delivered, on cue and faultless, merely qualified what the audience had already been told.

The play did not engage my imagination or widen my horizons.

The fact that the vignettes were not in chronological order gave some interest to an otherwise mundane script.

Jennie Barker

Fire Work Report Kara Johnson, pupil at Monk Fryston School, reviews Bonfire night at the Community Centre. emember, remember the 5th of November. What do we remember it for? It is a very important story that happened 400 years ago with Guy Fawkes and his gang who cunningly attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in order to kill King James (a disliked King by his kingdom). Setting the match, he was caught with gunpowder underground. For this reason, people throw `guys` on the bonfire. On the 9th of November, Monk Fryston joined together to celebrate this occasion.

R

It was a beautiful clear night and below people were gathering quickly and it became difficult to find space. Slipping through the gaps was the only way to get through. Inside, the ground squelched beneath our feet; it was so muddy there was not a piece of grass in the whole tent at all. The stalls were surrounded with eager children waving their money, and soon the stalls looked as if they had been robbed, because the only thing left was water-well of course!

Children were playing and running around with lighters which were things from torches to swords, headbands and gloves which had shiny fingers. These must have looked like multi-coloured spots from high above in the darkness; in fact they sold very well.

The first firework is always the most alarming, heads turned as they gazed at the colours explode in the sky. It was like someone was painting on a vast black canvas, flicking paint all over the empty night. It was all silent, except for the deafening bangs in the background. Then it fell out of the sky. Rain.

Drumming on the tent, bouncing off coats. Everyone turned and ran, hoping to get a spot in the cramped tent. A small waterfall forced itself through the gap in the tent and formed a large puddle. The rain gradually drained away and groups ran out in turn.

It became a very successful night when not only did they all have great time but they got together with the rest of their community.

Kara Johnson Monk Fryston School Pupil

14

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - REVIEW OF THE YEAR Marquees to the Rescue Cast your minds back to June 2012 and you will probably remember two things, the fabulous events in the Village and how lucky we were with the weather.

Just to remind you, it rained and rained and rained in summer 2012 but we were blessed with sunny days on all the event days. The CA and MF PC actually planned for the rain by buying our first large 12m x 6m Marquee which fortunately remained dry that summer. We must have used up all our lucky good weather charms because by Bonfire Night 2012 it poured down , ruined the night, ruined the fun and was a financial flop. The CA learnt the lesson; if we work hard to stage an event make sure people can enjoy it, they have to be weather proofed.

This year has been a very different story from last, it has been a sunny summer and mild autumn, with long dry spells except when we have staged village events; it’s been windy and/or wet at every one.

Having learnt from our experience, 2 more large marquees have been acquired since the Summer Fayre in June and have been an immediate success.

The Beer Fest was the first beneficiary; over 300 people being seated and kept dry and warm on a very wet first night. They were put into action again at the Milford Bonfire, this time providing essential protection to the Volunteer Catering Teams and Sales areas, whilst a week later our Village Bonfire they again provided shelter from showers and the cold.

The Marquees are now seen as essential to staging successful events. Many thanks to Bill Holmes and Monk Fryston Parish Council who helped fund the first; to Chris and Alex Spedding who kindly sold us the second and to all the volunteers who have helped us put them up and later dismantle them.

They are available for hire, by contacting John Leslie on 682334 or thecommunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk

Busy Times – Putting the Fun into Fundraising

happen and new friendships were established along the way. If you thought it was good this year, wait until next when we hope to beat the £3200 raised for the PTA and CA.

October meant detailed planning for the local bonfires. First up was the South It’s great to see people having fun and Milford Bonfire. The PTA and CA enjoying themselves particularly when we generate sponsorship, sell tickets and are raising funds to be reinvested in our provide an army of helpers, before, during village. The past few months have been and after the Bonfire. This is a terrific memorable – again. event and the Firework Display draws visitors and firework aficionados from a We thought that June 2012 would take very wide area who reckons it is the best in some beating but we have had a go to North and West Yorkshire. We are lucky to surpass it albeit not linked to National have it on our doorstep; the volunteer Events like last year but to the needs of our helpers are lucky to see it for free and the community.

CA and PTA are lucky to benefit to the tune of around £4000.

As a memory jogger – what about the Summer Fayre - can you recall Pete and Then there is our Village Bonfire. This Mandy Shaw and their team of helpers year it attracted about 1000 people, and squeezing money out of everybody as we was the best one staged yet, with Draught gambled on the sheep racing? It’s Beer, fabulous fireworks, reasonable prices rumoured they are still looking for the and shelter from that pesky rain which sheep which demonstrated that it could turned up again! leap higher and further than most Olympic athletes. And what about the tag rugby at The CA would like to say a Big Thank You the Summer Fayre, when we discovered, to all those who have helped, or supported Dean Harris, who demonstrated that he was the events over the past few months and Monk Fryston’s version of legendary Mr made them such a great success.

Rugby League commentator Eddie Waring.

Sandwiched between the two was the STOP PRESS Monk Fryston Cycle Club, whose static cycle challenge was a warm up to their I have just received a letter coast to coast fund raiser for the Church from Wren which tells us Roof. This was manned by several very that we have been allocated a anxious good sports who were raising grant of £74,390 towards our funds with a mixture of delight and fear as Youth Provision they anxiously worked out if they would and Community Centre be having their legs waxed in public. All Development Project. The this and much more raised over £4000 on total cost of the project is the day for Village groups September brought the rain, and the first Monk Fryston Beer Fest. Without a doubt this was a great success and enjoyed by everybody, even the intrepid Hillam News reporter who obviously found the selection of drinks very ‘morish’. A lot of work was undertaken by the new team to make it

£130,247 of which we have already spent £20,000 on the new Conservatory.

Ray Newton

15

MISCELLANEOUS No solar panels for the Church Hall People may be interested to know that we looked into putting solar panels on the church hall roof through a government subsidized programme. We decided that it didn't make economic sense in the way it was being 'sold' to us by a reputable company from Nottingham.

Anyone considering solar panels should be aware of their expected life-span. We were told by our architect that 10 years would be average and that when they were replaced we would not only need to shell out for new ones but would probably have to pay a charge for the disposal of the ones that were removed.

Torch 300 Calories in 15 Minutes!

Unlike many here-today-gone-tomorrow fitness crazes, kettlebell training is a time honoured technique that’s just finally getting the attention it deserves. Since the weight isn’t evenly distributed, using a cast-iron kettlebell forces your stabilizer muscles to work harder. As a result, you’ll carve your core, sculpt your shoulders and back, and tone your butt and arms, as well as build power and boost endurance.

As for its calorie-burning capability, the average kettlebell workout melts away 20 calories a minute, says a recent study from the American Council on Exercise. That’s 300 calories gone in just 15 minutes!

With 6 weeks left until Christmas there is time to get you in shape for the party season. We are running an assortment of classes here at Burton Salmon Fit Camp and if your busy work or family schedule doesn’t flow with the times that the classes are running then try a Personal training session or a buddy I don't want to discourage any- session. one - but it does pay to consider all aspects of such expenditure. For more information about any of the above call Jane Halstead on 01977 673553 or 07921689931.

John Hetherington

16

GARDENING IN WINTER I seem to have spent a lot of time this year cutting back the lush growth made during the summer. After a slow start again this spring plants put on a spurt of growth and some had grown to gigantic proportions by the end of the growing season. If you had planned ahead you would probably divided some of your favourite perennials and replanted the border adding a generous dose of well rotted manure to feed the roots. If like me you had not been so organised you will be waiting until late winter/early spring to do this.

You may always tell any critics that you had left the perennials deliberately to provide shelter for overwintering insects.

As I was pruning back some roses in November I noticed there were quite a lot of ladybirds in the branches. I knocked them back into the roses hoping that the ladybirds would find shelter for the winter. There were other stray insects around, mainly spiders, but everything else seemed to have already gone into hibernation.

I have been asked about wildlife shelters recently. These do not have to be too sophisticated. One shelter I helped to build consisted of three small pallets, some bricks and old terracotta floor tiles, and a couple of sections of plastic tubing all gathered together on the day and pieced together. It could have been an exhibit at the Tate Modern! Spring will

hopefully reveal if it became a winter home for insects and amphibians.

At the same site we also created a bog garden and a pond. Water always attracts wildlife but if you feel that a pond is too dangerous or time consuming consider shallow pools created in pottery plant dishes as birds and small mammals can use these for drinking and bathing. We have a plant saucer placed on a concrete bench which attracts small birds as they seem to prefer this to ground placed dishes.

This is a good time of year to consider replacing shrubs which suffered last winter and failed to recover. Gaps in the borders and hedges may need to be filled in. Winter is a particularly good time to consider new plantings. The ground can be prepared by removing the old plant, digging the soil over, and then left to be broken down to a finer tilth by the winter weather. If the new plant is obtained and the weather holds planting may go ahead right up to early spring. If the plant is pot grown and the weather bad the plant will survive until the ground is suitable again.

As new trees and shrubs need time to settle and produce good root systems have patience. Your new plantings may not look their best for a couple of years.

Also be prepared for a fine crop of weeds initially as weed seeds often like disturbance and will pop up in your newly created fine tilth.

Winter is also an excellent time to plan new structures in the garden. Sites can be prepared for gazebos, arches and pergolas.

These all give opportunities for climbing plants especially roses.

Roses had a particularly good season in 2013, blooms were

profuse and colour seemed to be heightened. This could have been due in part to the cold of the previous winter.

Disease also seemed to be less evident although I did notice a higher frequency of eaten leaves on roses and other plants.

This could have been sawfly activity. I shall look out for this in the coming season.

One of my favourite winter jobs is pruning. It is an opportunity to reshape and open up plants. By this I mean taking out some centre branches in roses and fruit trees to form a cup or goblet shape.

This gives more air and sunlight into the centre of the plant. I usually prune roses in the late autumn to prevent wind rock and again in late winter to give a good structure for new growth. I aim to take off about a third to half the stem length and then take out any potentially crossing branches in the centre. If the weather proves too cold and inclement I shall probably be found catching up on my gardening reading and planning my fantasy garden for the spring!

Susan Scott 01977685205

Late season bargains Get ready for winter - logs and coal

17

WINDFARM NEWS Bishopwood—5 years on

Bishopwood appeal timescales

In 2008 Prowind of Osnabrook in Germany decided that our area was “perfect” for their wind farms. One at Scalm Park next to Bishopwood and another between Hillam, Birkin and Gateforth known as Woodlane. Five years on and they haven’t secured planning permission for either. Bishopwood was refused permission by Selby councillors early in 2013.

Prowind then had 6 months in which they could appeal the decision and on the very last day they did so. The Woodlane application is still incomplete and so no decision can be taken.

Five years on we still have the proposals hanging over the area like a dark cloud.

The planning process is complex and follows a fixed procedure.

1. For large applications there will be pre-consultation discussions between the applicant and the local planning authority and in the case of a wind farm there will be scoping document. This was done for the wind farms and the report was provided to Parish Councils who were then given an opportunity to comment.

2. The planning application was then prepared and submitted in 2009.

3. Local residents were given an opportunity to respond and a comprehensive objection was submitted by the Stopbishopwood Action Group in August 2009.

4. In January 2013 the application was considered by Selby District Council Planning committee and they refused the application.

5. The applicant then had 6 months during which an appeal could be submitted and this was done on the last day of the 6 month period.

6. A Government Inspector has been appointed and a Public Inquiry will be held. The Inspector will make the decision on the basis of evidence submitted and on cross examination of expert witnesses .

7. The parties have until 3 December to decide what arguments they will use to make their case and to notify the Inspector of the issues.

8. Evidence must be submitted in written form by 14 January.

9. The hearing will last 3 days starting 11 February 2014.

In waiting to the last possible minute to appeal Bishopwood Prowind showed no concern for local residents, especially those in Wistow, Hambleton and Thorpe Willoughby who had already live with the threat of the wind farm for nearly 5 years.

The wind farm was refused because 1. The predicted level of noise exceeded limits ( even when the limits are met people can find the noise intolerable).

2. The turbines were so close to several homes that they would completely dominate their outlook.

3. The information about cumulative impact had not been provided.

Looking across the UK Prowind have not yet built a wind farm and haven’t even got planning permission to build one.

Nevertheless they have lodged an appeal and will argue that they should be given planning permission for the 7 turbines at Bishopwood. The 7 turbines are nearly twice as high as the one near to Hillam and the nearest are about half as far away from homes as the Hillam turbine is from the end of Hillam Common Lane. They would look four times bigger.

The good news is that all it now needs is a last big push to get the Prowind appeal refused and put a stop to the 7 turbines at Bishopwood once and for all.

It might be nearly 5 years since the storm about the wind farm erupted but the arguments against it are still the same - it would industrialise the countryside between Hambleton, Thorpe Willoughby, Wistow and Sherburn.

We will be making the argument at the Public Inquiry.

It will then take several months for the Inspector to produce his report and make his decision. However the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government may decide to “Call the report in” and the final decision will then be taken by the Secretary of State.

This still has some way to go and we now need to give it the last push and rid the area of the threat that this wind farm poses.

18

REDEDICATION OF THE CHURCH BY ARCHBISHOP SENTAMU It was a lovely sunny day in early October when my partner Jean and I arrived at St Wilfrid's for the re-dedication of the church

by Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu - after all the repairs of the previous year.

At 9:50am the church was already half full for the 10:30am start.

It is always nice to come back to St Wilfrid's, although Selby isn't a million miles away; it is almost like coming home (I left in 1961 after being the First Server here for a number of years).

There were a few friendly faces but obviously a lot of strangers.

By 10:30 the church was packed full.

All around us were beautiful flower displays for the Flower Festival.

The service was led by Archbishop Dr John and The Reverend John (two Johns for the price of one!) There were lots of children and the whole of year five from Monk Fryston Church School who acted out their parts and sang with great gusto.

After the hymns and responses Rev John told us about the efforts of the parish to raise the monies for the repairs and new roof; how a group Wilfileaks cycled across Northern England; how schoolchildren were given a £1.00 coin and asked to at least double it; and of many other organized by village groups. All this with the aid of pictures shown on the big screen!

The Archbishop then gave his sermon: the theme being 'Dedication, Re-dedication, Giving and Forgiving.'

After the conclusion of the service we crossed into the church hall for a buffet lunch, with many sitting outside under the gazebo or in the sun on the gravestones.

Monk Fryston Art Club had a grand display and sale of work on show and it was most interesting and I hear profitable.

It was nice to see and chat with old friends and whilst we were in the foyer the Archbishop and his staff departed. We shook his hand and had a brief word.

Alas Dr John is not the tallest of people and without his mitre he It had been quite an occasion. I think we have had visits from bishops before but never an archbishop. Pity about the pulpit was hardly visible. However he could certainly be heard. He though... couldn't use the pulpit because it hosted a flower arrangement.

The act of re-dedication followed, with the Archbishop going to all corners of the church for this part.

BURTON SALMON FITCAMP “After just 8 sessions you will feel better. After 16 sessions you will start to see a difference. After 24 sessions you will have a whole new body”.Guaranteed NO joining fee NO contract FREE consultation “We do not sell memberships. We sell results” For more information call Jane at Burton Salmon Fitcamp T: 01977 673553 M: 07921 689931 www.burtonsalmonfitcamp.com Email: info@burtonsalmonfitcamp.com The Dormers, Poole Lane, Burton Salmon, North Yorkshire, LS25 5JU

Cyril Pickup

19

RURAL UPDATE Strange goings on in Bluebell Wood It could only have been another Facebook Party which the owner of Bluebell Wood (much better than it's real name Bywater Wood) heard late one autumn Saturday night.

cans of cider lying in one of the nearby their Sierra next to Bluebell Wood where ditches. There were probably at least sixty police later searched in vain for an arms cans. dump.

The stockpile of cider was presumably stashed in advance of the above mentioned 'Facebook' jaunt. Before he had reached There used to be a route past the wood via this conclusion, the Hillam walker must have thought it was his lucky day. He is Fairfield Lane linking Hillam to Burton now on the look out for further stockpiles Common Lane until the wood and suras an early indication that there will be rounding land changed hands ten years another Facebook Party. ago. The new farmer had no land in Hillam or Monk Fryston and placed a The police are on the case and keeping a huge piece of limestone from one of his sharp eye on the area. quarries across the track. This has made At least it was not an arms cache which he the wood less accessible to road traffic. stumbled on. In 1992 IRA gunmen shot A Hillam walker was appalled to discover and killed a special constable near debris in Bluebell Wood on the Burton Tadcaster and inexplicably headed for Salmon side of the barrier: Burton Salmon. A householder near There is a perennial problem with litter at Railway Cottages recalled on national TV this location, but last weekend we were that he was woken by ‘semi-automatic appalled to find the entrance to the wood rifle fire.’ The IRA fugitives had fired littered with cider cans and a huge plastic their Kalashnikov at a pair of WPCs in a sack full of what looked like unopened pursuing Panda car. The gang torched

Slow uptake on superfast broadband.

It is now six months since superfast broadband was brought to Hillam and Monk Fryston with the new cabinet at the end of Mill Close.

The villages were ahead of the game and lucky to receive one of the first superfast fibre cabinets to be installed in North Yorks.

The story about the launch of the service made front-page news in the June July issue of Hillam News.

Nearly 6 months on from the official launch the take-up has been very disappointing with only 27% of people with broadband ordering the upgrade. The reason for this might be that people are not interested in having superfast broadband or that they are unaware that you have to place an order to have the service upgraded. The new superfast

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

Horses need passports too Back in May, Hillam News drew attention to the gypsy horses fly-grazing on land between Lumby Hill and the Brick Pond.

The field owners wanted to remove the horses and sell them, but were informed that this was illegal because the animals did not have 'passports.' The owner of the horses, who lives in Thorpe Willoughby, then promised to remove them by the end of September but they were still there a month later.

The horses are relatively healthy and a neighbour is supplying water. The landowners have been told by the police that 'fly-grazing' is a national epidemic and that they must not allow the animals to stray or they will be prosecuted. If eventually the horses are removed, the owner will then have to make sure all field entrances are secure. service requires a new modem/router and also a connection to be made in the cabinet at the end of Mill Close. You can order the upgrade from your Internet service provider.

People who did order and have already received the upgrade are very enthusiastic about the superfast performance. As somebody living over a mile out of the village I only wish that the service could reach this far.

Howard Ferguson

20

ST WILFRID’S CHURCH Christmas Peace and Hope!

It was as long ago as the 7th of August this year that Christmas came to London – or to be more specific to Selfridges. On sale for all from that day were 6ft polar bears (£1,599 each) as well as 120 different Advent Calendars and 2000 union jack baubles. There were also Furbies and retro-popcorn makers in abundance (expected to be high on the best-selling gifts list for this year).

At that point it was a staggering 141 days to Christmas. Now some among us may say it’s not all that early, but comments in the papers the following day seemed to imply that it was a bit too soon. One shopper said, “It gets earlier all the time, pretty soon it will be starting in January”, another was heard to say “there should be a law against it all; Christmas comes in December and not before.”

Sunday Services First Sunday in the 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

But not everybody was so vehement in their reaction; a few people thought it was fine, provided the store didn’t play Christmas carols just yet.

Second Sunday in the month 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6pm Evensong (BCP) at St Mary’s, South Milford

The store itself said there was a need to open early for Christmas since some people liked to order specially printed Christmas cards and others needed to send them abroad. They went onto say that they tried to ensure that things were kept stylish; and yes – no carols yet.

Third Sunday in the month 8am Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Ignite Family Service at St Mary’s 11am Family Service at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston

Other stores said they wouldn’t open their Christmas department before mid-November.

Fourth Sunday of the month 9.30am Morning Prayer at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6pm Holy Communion (BCP) at St Mary’s, South Milford

It’s all very commercial and no-one decided to wait for the Christmas season of Advent to finish first?

With all the secularization of Christmas, Christians are pretty powerless when it comes to defending the religious festival – at most they can but remind people.

But maybe there’s a hidden message in this flexibility. It does show that Jesus can be born at any time – in someone’s life – whatever the date. From flaming hot June to the snowy cold winds of January.

And when that really happens to an individual, it just isn’t possible to “put him away” when the season has finished.

Seasonal Blessings

John

Mid-week Holy Communion 9.45am Wednesday at St Mary’s South Milford

SPECIALS SERVICES FOR CHRISTMAS Monday 16th December 9.30pm Monk Fryston School Key Stage 1 Christingle Tuesday 17th December 9.30pm Monk Fryston School Key Stage 2 Carol Service Sunday 22nd December 3pm St Wilfrid’s Christingle Service (A lovely candlelit service for all the family) Tuesday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 6pm Service of Lessons and Carols (Get there early for a seat) Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 8am Holy Communion 11am Family Service (with Communion) (Let the children bring their presents from Santa Claus)

For any queries concerning baptisms, weddings or any matters relating to St Wilfrid’s Church please contact John at the Rectory (Tel. 01977 680788) www.stwilfridandstmary.org.uk Take a look at the church website

21

AN OUTSIDE VIEW OF LOCAL LIFE An outside view of local life It is only when questioned by someone with a different cultural background that you think about everyday things you take for granted. Our delightful new German daughter in law has a different cultural approach to housing; for her renting is the norm, with the exception being that people may buy a house later in life which then becomes a permanent home for the rest of their life, and in time, often the family home for the next generation.

So I explained; all being well our near neighbour in Bedford’s Fold is selling to someone from Deer Park and is himself moving to a house in Monk Fryston. They in turn are moving into one of the new houses on Monk Fryston Common Lane.

Thus a four house chain and no-one moving outside the two villages.

I commented to a friend who lives in Monk Fryston who has been looking to move locally that I thought he might be our new neighbour. “No, he said, we’re Thus the surfeit of For Sale signs in Hillam moving to Hillside Close.” So that’s one family from Hillam to Monk Fryston, two and Monk Fryston puzzles her. Totally besotted by our village life her comment is from Monk Fryston to Hillam and one ‘ Why would anyone want to move away from Monk Fryston to Monk Fryston. from here.’ I explained that people That’s a lot of For Sale signs for a lot of occasionally move for their jobs or people who seem to agree with Bianka’s sometimes to move near a secondary original statement,’ Why would anyone school graded ‘excellent.’ ‘ But there are want to move away from here’. so many for sale signs’ she said.

There are people who write the articles, We hope you will all join us in giving a manage the advertising, edit and special thank-you to the copying and proofread. But in the end it is down to distribution team: those who help with copying and If you have read the footnote on the front distribution to actually get Hillam News Mike Allison, Barbara and David Atkinson, page you will see that Hillam News is through your letterbox.

Sue and Peter Auders, Ann Dawson, financed solely by advertising revenue Susan Ferguson, Jane Ford, Meg Hall, and the generosity of contributors, The Hill family, Kim Humphreys, photocopiers and distributors.

Mary Little, Ian Metcalfe, Pamela Mountain, Ian Robertson, This means that a lot of people do a lot of Sandra Spink, Neil Sutcliffe. Donna Tonks, work in bringing you your free copy six Celia Watkinson, Neal Wilson, times a year.

Betty and Les Wright

Thank you to the copying and distribution team

Leaving Hillam?

If you are leaving Hillam, we are sorry to see you go.

However, hillam News can help ease the pain!

Just take out a subscription for two years, and keep in touch.

Two years — twelve issues — £15.00.

Please send payment and details To the treasurer.

22

SPORT - IN - NEWS The Rugby League World Cup has taken place over the last month with fears of it being played in half empty stadia and making a massive loss being totally unfounded. Even the initial group games have seen the full house signs being posted in well established venues such as Warrington, Hull and Huddersfield.

Indeed in the last venue England's game against Ireland created the second largest crowd ever to grace the ground. The marketing of the tournament was questioned by many but the proof of the pudding is in the eating and the crowds who have turned up in their masses have certainly been treated to some terrific games.

Yes there have been one-sided games and yes the traditional powerhouses of Australia, New Zealand and England will dominate the final stages but minor countries such as Italy and Samoa have also made their mark.

All is well again in his world until you look at the incidents that led to the allegation. The Analyst has since withdrawn the comment but the claim still lingers in the background. The season is now over for 2013 and at some point over the festive period I would like to think Woods will have a period of reflection.

Perhaps he could even resolve to improve his attitude and raise his personal standards to the same level as his playing performance in 2014. Now that would be welcome but I'll not hold my breath....

Tony McCoy rode his 4000th winner early in November which is a truly remarkable achievement for someone whose job involves being followed by an ambulance every I am not sure whether the game has the quality of players to time he goes to work. He looks stretch to a 14 team tournament but the rugby league population on track to secure another title certainly seem to think it has so who am I to argue. At the time (his 18th in a row) whilst never of writing the finals have still to be played so by the time you showing any sign of losing the read this we could have seen England lift another World Cup passion and hunger that has trophy. Regardless of the country crowned champions the real winner of the last few weeks has been the game itself. It may still driven him forward since he first arrived from Ireland in 1995.

The best sportsmen in the world are often talked about and may be a sport that in this country centres around the M62 corridor be they are Woods, Messi, Ronaldo or Vettel. For me however, but what's wrong with that if it can still fill out the venues...? someone who has dominated his sport for so long (nearly two Golf hit the headlines in the closing weeks of the season and not decades), winning all the major races (at least once) whilst overjust because Henrik Stenson secured the leading golfer in the US. coming serious injuries (including multiple fractures, broken back and numerous concussions) deserves to be up there with the A well established analyst working for the US based Golf channel claimed Tiger Woods was essentially a cheat. A look at rest. How long before we are saying Sir Tony??? his misdemeanours during the course of the season provides Yours in sport, strength to that argument. Woods has gone from being the best golfer in the world with a happy family to being a divorcee and Doug Hought ranked outside the top three. He's now returned to the top of the pile and seems to be settled back into a relationship with a leading skier.

23

LAST WORDS Organic Lamb Do you fancy a change this Christmas to the average turkey?

Why not try a delicious slow roasted leg or shoulder of organic lamb with refreshing balsamic mint sauce or a French trimmed rack of lamb with chestnut and tomato relish. Accompanying the delicious lamb you could have glazed carrots, cranberry with beetroot & red cabbage, roast potato, crunchy potato and parsnip mash and brussels sprouts with lardons & almonds.

I can supply recipes for the accompanying vegetables and the most delicious organic lamb to complete your Christmas feast. The lamb is born in Monk Fryston and reared at Fairburn; I doubt you can get much more local than that!

I have two delivery dates available before Christmas: Orders placed by Sunday 17th November will be delivered on 21st November.

Orders placed by Sunday 8th December will be delivered on 12th December.

All lamb is packed to your individual requirements and delivered fresh to your door; making it perfect for freezing.

All prices remain the same as our 2010 prices.

Whole lamb £140.00, half lamb is £75.00 and quarter lamb £40.00 Please give me a call on 07768 835059 to talk through your requirements. Also check out our website www.monkfrystonorganics.co.uk r

Many thanks, Mandy Shaw

ZUMBA Personal small adverts £1.00 per issue Business small adverts £4.00 per issue please contact David Edwards on 682346 or exSite@talktalk.net Vintage 14 inch Goodmans TV (analogue) with VHS video £10.00 ono, dsa99uk@yahoo.co.uk Early Freeview Box c/w Scart cable, £5.00 ono dsa99uk@yahoo.co.uk

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

24

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 6.30 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 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

Public transport

0113 2457676

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

South Milford Surgery Dr A Mackenzie & Partners

682202

Mon - Fri 8 am - 1 pm, 2 - 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.warmemorialhospital.org

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

Hillam Parish Council

01609 760345

Clerk: Malcolm Walton 1st Wed of month (except Jan) 7.30 pm, Community Centre To see the full minutes visit www.issuu.com/hillamnews

Selby District Council

01757 705101

www.selby.gov.uk

Western Area Community Engagement Forum

01757 705101

www.your-community.org.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)

101

www.northyorkshire.police.uk

Police Community Support Officer

101

Dion Wood dion.wood@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

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

684180 689230

Church Hall: Paddy Twidale Community Centre: Becky Gatenby

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