Hillam News Feb/March 2013

1

The voice of Hillam village. founded 1989 by mary little . Delivered free to all homes in hillam. Volume 26 Issue 1. FEB–MAR 2013

Electric shock - how power generation and housing development could transform Selby District In this special report Hillam News summarises the many developments proposed in Selby District and around Hillam.

If you thought you lived in a nice village in the country, maybe you should revise your opinion. While the pace may seem slow, it is when you see the number of developments and their size that you realise the scale of the change that is on the way. Wind farms at Hook Moor, Darrington Quarry, Cleek Hall, Rusholme, Bishopwood, Byram and Woodlane are shown on the map but not discussed. Carbon capture is not shown, but if it goes ahead it will bring even more projects.

North Selby mine - proposed waste food digester plant needing 70,000 tons of waste food brought by road per year. When the mine was set up it was a condition that the site be returned to agricultural use.

Copmanthorpe wind farm the developer has withdrawn after vociferous objections by local residents.

Hook Moor - 5 turbines in Green Belt. Average total output 3MW. £1.25 million subsidy per year. No permanent local jobs.

Single turbines on farms - so far there have been 32 applications for single turbines up to 80 metres high on farms. The subsidy for the larger ones is over £300,000 per year. Only one application has so far been refused and is being appealed. Turbines are being approved in Green Belt.

The total subsidy so far for built, approved and pending applications is £1.8 million per year - all paid via a surcharge on our electricity bill.

Sherburn - 700 new homes between Sherburn and South Milford. The station car park is already too small - see inside.

Ferrybridge power station half of the 2000MW capacity will be shut down in 2015 as part of the Government commitment to reduce emissions. 1000MW of generating capacity will be lost.

Ferrybridge incinerator - this has been approved and construction has started. The unit will burn 2000 tons of refuse per day which will be brought in by road.

The A1 will be modified to take the extra traffic. The plant will have a maximum output of 68MW. The new plant will cost £300 million. The waste will come from Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham.

N Yorks waste to go to Allerton Part - further up the A1.

Knottingley power a new gas power station - 1500MW capacity. To the East of Knottingley.

Gas to be supplied by a pipeline from Gateforth.

Public consultation has been completed.

The application is expected in summer 2013.

Space on the site has been reserved for carbon capture equipment.

Also in this issue…

Spuds in the mud - and druggies in the sand pit Waxing lyrical - or is it a finch?

Rickety rackety bridge - to be closed for two years. Are the trolls to blame?

Knottingley incinerator - called Southmoor at the scoping stage. It would burn 280,000 tons of waste per year and this would be brought in by road. The plant capacity would be 26MW. Peel Holdings say it would create 38 jobs. The site is adjacent to Kellingley Colliery and is on colliery land.

Drax power station - converting to run on 100% biomass. New rail handling facilities are being built and new storage domes for the biomass fuel, which must be kept dry.

Average power output from the plant when fully converted - 3200MW. Provides over 500 local jobs. Drax is a world leader in using biomass and a major part of the local economy.

Eggborough power station - plans to convert to biomass but needs the Government to support the conversion.

The only alternative would be to close the plant. Average output 1600MW.

Be vocal, go local - village pub proves a major attraction, but are they local?

No to Bishopwood wind farm councillors unanimous

In the dark down under - and photos to prove it

TRIO triumphs - deep digging yields large dividend

Hillam traveller site - full report from the appeal hearing

Fit for a king - enhancing, infusing, blending and intensifying. Saucy tips

Hillam News is financed by advertising and the generosity of contributors, copiers and Issue editor - Howard Ferguson distributors. 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 www.issuu.com/hillamnews

2

THE BIRDING COLUMN

by Graham Todd

First find your Hawfinch

Waxwing winter

One of my target birds for 2012 was the elusive Hawfinch, a shy bird that I had not seen in the UK for many years. It is a native species that has become decidedly scarce in recent years, not just in the north of England, but also throughout the entire country.

I had already experienced extreme disappointment in late 2011, not just at having travelled the great distance and failing to see any at Sizer Castle in the Lake District, but also at having being caught speeding in the process of doing so. Having got over that disappointment, I decided I would have one last try before the end of the year, but this time I would not travel so far, going only to Clumber Park in north Nottinghamshire. Hawfinches are notoriously wary of man, and as Clumber is such a popular place at weekends, this necessitates arrival at their favoured spot by the church – at dawn. It is only forty minutes by road from Hillam to Clumber and a comparatively easy trip, but having to get there by 7:30 in winter necessitated me getting up at an inordinately early hour, something I haven’t had to do since I retired!

As I predicted in my last column, it has been a “Waxwing winter”, with many large flocks of this colourful bird being seen across the county of West Yorkshire in particular. Not wanting to miss out on this event, one day around Christmas time I took the train to Bingley, as there had been reports on t’Internet of a large flock in the vicinity of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, visiting allotments adjacent to Five Rise Locks. Shortly after leaving the station, I heard the distinctive call of a Waxwing, a pleasant ringing “sirrr” as from a small bell, then the peal of bells from a flock as it rose into the air. I hurried off in the opposite direction to Five Rise Locks from whence the sound had come and located a flock of 82 Waxwings sitting in the top of a bare ash tree in the grounds of an old folks’ home. They then took to the air and descended en masse upon an ornamental tree that was heavily laden with berries. If you have seen a Waxwing at close quarters it is something you will remember for a long time, but to see no less than 82 is quite unbelievable, and unlike my last encounter with Waxwings at the bus station in Ilkley, I had actually brought my camera and telephoto lens with me this time.

Then get up early It was a clear sky all the way down the A1, the conditions boding well for a lovely dawn, and when I concealed myself in the shrubbery at the edge of the clearing it was perfectly still and quiet, save for the clear, elegiac song of a Robin. The stench of leaf mould filled the air, as I waited in hungry anticipation of a possible Hawfinch sighting; the sun broke through the mist on the lake behind me, with the scattered pines on the heathland starkly silhouetted against an ice blue sky. The steady beat of wings heralded the approach of a pair of Mute Swans from the other end of the lake, and then they billowed into sight through the rolling mist. It was absolutely perfect, so all I needed was a Hawfinch. For such a large and colourful finch they are notoriously difficult to see, but their habits are well known, with a decided preference for the seeds of the Hornbeam tree, of which there are some magnificent specimens in Clumber, so I had taken care to position myself in view of a particularly large Hornbeam about a hundred feet or so high, and it was on the top of this tree that I saw my first Hawfinch for a long, long time.

It was well worth the wait though, as it was a superb male with powerful blue-black triangular bill, a bird sometimes described as a flying pair of nutcrackers! The dominant colours are rusty brown with buff, with black and white and grey embellishments, and once you have seen one it is an unforgettable sight. It didn’t stay there for long though, as the ubiquitous sounds of early morning dog walkers quickly scared it off into the woods.

Hawfinch

I must have stayed there for at least two hours photographing the birds, and during that time several people stopped to ask what I was looking at, and when I pointed them out, they were simply amazed at having seen such an exotic looking bird in the centre of Bingley. A young woman was so taken with them that she hurried off home to fetch her young daughter to see them. Most of the flocks have moved on now, further south where there are more berry crops as yet untouched by Waxwings, or wintering flocks of Fieldfares or Redwings.

Pink feet on their way north Spring is not that far away now, and I have already heard my first flock of Pink-footed Geese one night in early January, winging their way across the clear night sky on their return journey to the far northwest. Soon, I expect more will follow, so keep your eyes open for the v-shaped formations high up in the sky, most frequently seen between the hours of 11:00 and 13:00, the birds usually announcing their approach by an excited nasal trumpeting.

Graham Todd

3

PLANNING APPEALS Cannon appeal hearing - full report

Gateforth - proposed showmen’s site

Mrs Ellison, Inspector at the appeal hearing into Mr Cannon’s planning application to live at Ten Acre Field, Hillam, achieved her wish for a larger attendance. She adjourned the original session because Selby District Council (SDC) had not let us all know. Even more villagers from Burton Salmon and Hillam turned out. In anticipation SDC laid on a larger meeting room.

If you look into the numerous planning applications by gypsies, travellers and showmen you soon start to feel that there are two planning systems running in parallel. The Selby Core Strategy has been on the go for what seems like years and has set out which villages are to be expanded and where building will and will not be permitted. Green Belt is to be protected and in general building will not be permitted in open countryside.

Even if the Inspector rejected most of the villagers’ points as inadmissible on planning grounds, she did grant everyone a hearing including Mr Cannon, who rhapsodised long and eloquently about a life spent breeding horses.

Philip Brown, the specialist gypsy advocate with a remarkable success record, was rebuked by the Inspector for responding to points raised by others, before she had had chance to consider them herself. He caused outrage when he suggested that the November floods, which had led to Mr Cannon pumping water onto a public road, were the fault of neighbouring farmers who, unlike his client, had neglected to clean out their dykes.

That seems clear and most people accept it and agree with it.

However the planning appeal by the showmen for the site with up to 40 caravans between Gateforth and Thorpe Willoughby revealed another set of rules.

If you go to Selby via Gateforth you cannot fail to notice the derelict mushroom farm. The site actually extends as far as the Selby bypass. The proposal by the showmen is to convert the Thorpe Willoughby end of the site into a mixed residential and storage area for showground equipment. The application was refused by Selby planners and the showmen appealed. The appeal was heard in January by Inspector Clive Kirkbride. Residents of The crucial point (as always) was whether SDC’s gypsy site at Thorpe Willoughby were opposed to the scheme and raised a Burn would be ready in time or whether it would be fit for number of objections to do with access and safety. The fundapurpose – or indeed if it was what Mr Cannon wanted. According mental point as far as Hillam News is concerned is that house to Mr Brown, his client has specific needs, which are not met at building or other commercial development would not be permitBurn because grazing land for horses is not being provided. ted on the site, so why should it be suitable for a showmen’s site?

The case would be decided by balancing the need to preserve the The discrepancy could not have been made clearer than it was Green Belt against the need to ensure children’s welfare. during the hearing. The barrister for the showmen, Paul Brown Councillor John Mackman pointed out that in the Hillcrest QC of Landmark Chambers, asked one of his expert witnesses, decision, which went against gypsies, health and education needs who specialises in the design of sites for showmen, where they of children were not accepted by the Secretary of State as being were typically located. The answer was that they were normally paramount. Hillcrest is in South Milford on the old A1 near the in the open countryside as showmen could not afford land in Watermill Restaurant and former Boot and Shoe pub. urban areas because it was too expensive, any land scheduled for An important and relevant event, Mr Brown told us, would be the development as industrial or residential purposes having a higher expected arrival of Mr Cannon’s grandchild. His daughter was value. Showmen prefer to set up their sites in open countryside on married earlier in 2012 in St Wilfrid’s to a Gainsborough-based land which costs less - because nobody else would be permitted gypsy, but she now lives at Ten Acre Field. to undertake a similar form of development.

A local wondered whether a precedent would be set if the It was all far too familiar, and if this follows the standard pattern Cannons won planning consent, because she owned a field in the the showmen will end up having their appeal cost paid. Local Green Belt as well, and might want to live there. Another residents feel that the planning system is seriously flawed. member of the public wondered if the Cannons had considered their children’s welfare when they moved onto a waterlogged field without planning consent.

None of this was of interest to the Inspector but everyone had their say. A site visit was not possible as the field was flooded.

Mr Brown applied for costs for the appeal, including the aborted session. This long-running dispute started when the family moved onto the site without planning permission. They subsequently secured temporary permission and this appeal was to make it permanent. It will be a very unpopular decision if the Inspector decides to award costs. In effect we will be paying for the appeal via our council tax.

David (Dai) Jones

Architect

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

Phone 01977 685534 Consultation Welcome – Initial Discussion Free

4

FIT FOR A KING - HILLAM FOODIES COLUMN Gourmet cookery

simplest form, pour some olive oil into a heavy-based pan on a low heat and add a few tins of tomatoes. Simmer for two or three What is gourmet cookery and how can this brief article help hours, stirring occasionally as the tomatoes break down. Add readers to enjoy their food more? olive oil as necessary when the sauce seems to be getting a bit too I believe gourmet cookery is simply doing justice to good quality sticky and stir well. It must be cooked very, very slowly to ensure that it sweetens but without going a dark colour. You will now produce. I am fascinated by colourful displays of fresh fruit and have a basic tomato sauce for pasta that bears little resemblance vegetables, fresh fish and seafood and well-stocked butchers’ to a tin of tomatoes as the flavour has both intensified with windows. Further afield, oriental spice markets and salivareduction and changed with the cooking process. inducing food stalls around the world have added to that passion.

Visual impact is so important – the colours, textures, shapes and If you like to blend several flavours, you can also do this by infusing them. Before adding your tomatoes to the olive oil, cook presentation – but, in my opinion, flavour is most important.

Never throw flavour away; freeze fish trimmings, meat bones and some garlic slivers in it until they are golden brown, then chopped fresh chili, and then some fresh, whole basil leaves until vegetable and salad tops and tails, and use them for stock and they crisp up. Remove all three and set aside while you make the soups. Every little helps. sauce. Afterwards, put the garlic, chili and basil back into the There are five main ways in which we affect the flavour of food – sauce. changing, enhancing, infusing, blending and intensifying.

To change flavour, take a simple onion, for example, and consider the difference in flavour between eating it raw, boiling it or frying it. We’re all used to enhancing flavour: the best known way is by using salt, which we must eat, albeit in quantities within the parameters of healthy eating. Flavour can also be infused into food, typically by marinating, such as beef in red wine. Blending flavours is also commonplace as we add herbs or spices or onions or mushrooms to the dish. The one main process that most cookery books, and even some TV chefs, ignore is the intensifying of flavour by reduction.

Sauce for meat and poultry

This demonstrates well the process of reduction. Just use the appropriate stock for your meat or poultry and an appropriate alcohol – white wine, red wine, sherry, marsala, madeira, brandy and whisky are the most widely used. Let’s use some pork tenderloin; cut it into 20mm slices and flatten out with a mallet or rolling pin and cook them gently in a butter and olive oil mix for a few minutes. Remove and set aside.

Add some finely chopped shallots to the pan and cook through gently without browning. Then add a healthy quantity of marsala The simple rule is: if you reduce a sauce in volume by simmering wine and reduce it by half and follow with a similar quantity of pork stock (if you haven’t been saving pork bones in the freezer, it in a pan, the flavour intensifies. All you boil off is water (and a stock cube will do). Reduce this by half and then add some maybe alcohol) but you retain the flavour. In some cases, the double cream to give it some depth of colour. Finally reduce this flavour also changes as, for example, sugar caramelises. until it forms a good coating consistency and adjust the seasoning. Heat the pork back through in the sauce and serve.

Sauce for pasta Let’s look at a tomato-based sauce for pasta. Contrary to the These are two really tasty recipes which both rely on the claims of one particularly well-known TV chef, you don’t just little-used art of reduction. “bung in a tin of tomatoes”. Fresh plum tomatoes are not readily Robert Kingsbury available for most of the year, so we’ll use tinned tomatoes. In its

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

www.gardenroutegourmet.co.uk Or call Robert on 07717 354112

NEW MENUS Individual meals, complete dinner parties, delivered buffets

5

Précis minutes Hillam Parish Council December 2012

Matters arising: Cllr Sadler confirmed the completion of the gypsy traveller needs assessment and reported on the appeal hearing about the planning application submitted by Mr T Cannon. The Inspector’s decision is expected mid-January 2013.

Finances: Current a/c £4,538.68 High interest a/c £6,201.21 Cheques paid B Wright £12.00 - plants SG Parkin £355.00 - grass cutting MH Walton £180.00 - November salary HM Revenue £45.00 - tax due Annual subscription to the Society of Local Council Clerks not to be renewed, making £145 annual saving.

Donation from Hillam Historians: £300 to be lodged with the PC to be earmarked for any future maintenance works or costs in the conservation area in the Square. Letter of thanks for the erection of the new finger post in the Square to be sent to Max Leighton, the current chairman of Hillam Historians.

Council agreed with Cllr Wright’s proposal that the sum of £385 be awarded to the Christmas Lights Committee to cover the cost of putting up and taking down the lights from the Ringtree; donation to be reviewed annually.

Donation applications to be invited from local groups through Hillam News. Deadline 25.02.2013.

Correspondence in: Various related to payments made and donations given.

Mr M Pattison - accepting co-option onto the PC. Cllr Sadler - re the planning appeal hearing.

Steve Tope, chairman of MF Football Club - expressing concerns over dog fouling on the football pitch. Suggestions for signage and consideration to make a financial contribution toward this incorporated in the reply.

Selby Area Internal Drainage Board - response to the enquiry made regarding the grill to the culvert and the blocked dykes on Betteras Hill Road. Work now complete.

Correspondence out: CSR Electrical Contractors - re damaged power cable feeding two street lights. Work in hand with Powergrid.

Mr Tench, Hanover Housing - requesting a copy of the covenants affecting properties on Manor Court.

SDC - parish requirements 2013/2014.

Mr Grogan, Enforcement Officer SDC - re the alcohol-free zone.

Planning decisions: Mr N Silcock - chimney at Orchard View, Main Street. Granted.

Mr N Scroggs - two extensions at Paddock House, Hillam Hall Lane. Granted.

Environment: Cllr Collinson to request from the Footpaths Officer a directional finger post across the football field.

Cllr Robertson will deputise for Cllr Sadler during her holidays,

if needed for snow clearing issues.

Cllr Lorriman pursuing update from Cllr Holmes, MFPC, re progress with the A63 traffic calming measures.

Cllr Wright gave update of liaison meeting held with Cllr Holmes. Re traffic calming, NYCC are not offering what MFPC are wanting.

Reports: Community Association. Cllr Robertson reported on potential proposal to install a conservatory at the Community Centre at a cost of £12,000 to £15,000.

CEF. Prior to the PC meeting Cllr Lorriman circulated notes for the November CEF meeting. New pattern of meetings organisation judged to be retrograde.

Liaison meeting with MFPC. Alcohol-free zone implementation strategy agreed; HPC advised on lighting survey check for MFPC undertaken by NYCC; clarification of the documented rules and constitution appertaining to the Joint Burial Board to be elicited search underway; grant availability and procedures between the two PCs shared; coordinated action agreed re maintenance of footpath linking the parishes, and trimming back of adjacent vegetation; further meeting proposed in 6 months’ time.

Next meeting : 6th February 7.30 pm, Community Centre.

6

Précis minutes Hillam Parish Council November 2012 Matters arising: Mark Johnson to be invited to meeting by Cllr Robertson to discuss future building and priorities which may be required for the villages with a view to incorporating them within an updated Parish Plan.

Cllr Sadler advised that Ringtree refurbishment contracted for completion late October to Mr Craven was still unactioned.

Tony Hudson advising of the closure of the children’s play area between 7 pm and dawn for the near future.

Correspondence out: Mr M Pattison - acknowledging his letter of application.

CSR Electrical - re street light repairs.

Planning applications:

Mr M Lambeth, Orchard View Main St - construction of chimney and single storey rear extension.

This is to be pursued through the necessary application process.

Mrs A Adamson, The Priory, Chapel Street - consent to fell one Full details of the proposals to be submitted to Hillam News by sycamore and crown another.

Cllr Wright.

Mr N Scroggs, Paddock House, 4 Hillam Hall Lane - two-storey Cllr Lorriman to check if there is any funding available to support extension and single-storey swimming pool extension. the process from CEF. No objections to any applications.

T Cannon planning appeal reset for 29th November. Cllr Sadler will draft a letter of complaint to SDC re the unprofessionalism of Environment: Timing of replanting of tubs left to Cllr Wright’s discretion. the officers concerned which resulted in the cancellation of the Cllr Collinson reported that the grid on the culvert at the junction previous meeting, and will attend the rescheduled meeting and with Betteras Hill Road is missing and poses a danger to children. speak on behalf of the council.

IDB to be informed and immediate action requested.

Finances: Betteras Hill Road dykes need to be cleared. Clerk to action.

Current a/c £5,130.68 Cllr Sadler will undertake ‘gritting liaison’ duties this winter.

High interest a/c £6,201.21 Reports: Cheques paid Burial Board.

MF&H Burial Board £418.95 - precept Cemetery wall repointed and railings painted. Cllr Collinson will HM Revenue £45.00 - PAYE provide details of cost next meeting.

M Walton £180.00 - salary Community Association.

SDC £104.40 - refuse bin Cllr Robertson reported that the bonfire had a lower attendance MF&H Comm Assoc £72.00 - hire of hall this year and profits will be lower.

J Collinson £17.00 - wreath South Milford bonfire a success.

Correspondence in: Grants for trees have been received and cricket club will absorb SDC any surplus to CA requirements.

- advising of the rescheduling of the cancelled planning appeal CEF. meeting in respect of Mr T Cannon’s application.

Cllr Lorriman reported the next meeting will be 13/11/12.

- precept for 2013 request letter: to be maintained at current level.

AOB: - authorising HPC to co-opt a new member.

Cllr Lorriman asked that the clerk ascertain information from Martyn Pattison - letter of application for vacant post of parish Hanover Housing re covenants related to local occupancy of cllr. Clerk to write to the applicant to confirm his appointment. bungalows in Manor Court.

Alcohol-free zone:

Quiz Night - Quiz Night - Quiz Night The Community Association is pleased to announce that its first social event of 2013 will be on Saturday 2nd February at the Community Centre, when Teams will again compete in this something for everyone general knowledge quiz.

There will be food, drink, music and (like last year) dancing.

Whilst this is team event, there will be a place for everyone who wants to compete. Well that is until tickets sell out – they have on the last three occasions. Organise your own team or buy a ticket and make a team up on the night.

Tickets on sale at the Post Office £6.00

7

BRIGHT NIGHT – BRIGHT FUTURE FOR RINGTREE LIGHTS? The positive feedback about the 2012 Christmas lights

Set-up assistants – to help put up tables, decorate Santa’s

has been very welcome. Behind the scenes we were holding our breath, not least because when the new lights were being installed it turned out the supplier had sent the wrong lights! We won’t tell you what we were expecting, just that we are delighted with what we got and even more delighted that so many people are happy with the result.

grotto and make the Square ready. Takes about an hour on the afternoon of the first Saturday of December.

Training and support is available where needed. We are

looking for bright, enthusiastic team-players with a good sense of humour. You don’t have to attend committee meetings (unless you want to, or are interested in being the Secretary). Many of the jobs leave you free to enjoy the ‘Switch-on’ event with your Hillam News readers will know that 2012 was a very uncertain year for us financially. With new lights clearly a ‘must’ friends and family. after the problems in December 2011 (with the lights failing on If we haven’t got people in place by the summer then we will an almost daily basis) we were unsure whether we had the struggle to put on the event in December. Both of these may seem funding in place to keep the lights shining, let alone the ‘Switcha long way off, but the road closure application needs extra on’ event going. We now have improved financial stability attention this year as the request for the 2012 event was initially thanks to the huge efforts of a number of people in the village rejected. We got approval only four days before the ‘Switch-on’. during 2012. However, there is no room for complacency and we The application is usually submitted in September so we have will continue pushing for funds whenever we can. decided to pull this forward to at least August. Please don’t read this and think that the Councils or Highways Agency are trying to The 100 Club remains our main source of funding and if you haven’t already joined up, it’s not too late. Simply close us down – far from it. In fact, both have been supportive contact Karen Merry (12 Hillside Close), or Karen Everson and are offering to help us get it right. But we must know we can (3 Prospect Close). run the event with safe staffing levels before we can ask for the road to be closed.

Manpower – and womanpower! List of vacancies.

The lights and the ‘Switch-on’ event take a small army of volunteers and this year we need to focus on recruitment.

Some of our current crew have said they want to step down after helping out for more than 20 years. They have hung on for the last few years as they understood the need for stability following the handover from Mary Little. Understandably they are seeking retirement, having taken on the job when they had young children themselves, and now wanting to enjoy the event with their grandchildren. For others, standing around for two or three hours in the cold when they are in their mid-70s with arthritis is just downright sore. Rightly, they feel they have done their bit.

We’ve started to identify the roles we need to fill. Below is not a comprehensive list and more will follow in future issues of Hillam News and through other sources.

Committee Secretary – to take minutes of each meeting and correspond with choir, band, St John Ambulance, compere and Fire Brigade (you get to go to the fire station, if you want).

Will need computer, printer, email, etc; passion for firefighters optional.

Tree helpers – for putting up and taking down the smaller trees round the Square. About three hours in late November and taking them down on the first Saturday of January.

Road closure marshals – two to three hours (approx 6.15 to 8.45 pm) on the first Saturday in December.

Delivery experts – to help deliver 100 Club renewals, 100 Club winnings and do other out-and-about roles, like putting up posters.

Traffic signs expert – Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual 2006 qualification holder – to help complete the road closure paperwork. Our current post-holder is retiring!

Going digital We are slowly getting to grips with technology. Many of you will know that a new 100 Club email account is in operation (hillamlights@gmail.com).

100 Club members who have opted to be contacted in this way will be emailed each month with the draw winners as well as being sent renewal paperwork later in the year. Anyone can use it to get in touch with us, though, so please mail us if that’s the easiest method for you. Snail mail will always be available to those who prefer paper.

Online banking details should soon be available for 100 Club members. As ever it’s not been as straightforward as imagined.

Bear with us please; we are getting there!

We wish you all the best for 2013, and hope you’ll make Saturday 7 December a date to be with us round the Ringtree.

Hillam Ringtree Christmas Lights Committee

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

8

OPPORTUNITIES TO PLAY YOUR PART Murder mystery at Monk Fryston Hall

Church walk Saturday 23rd February

Friday 1st March 2013

Venue: Brayton

CSI: Olde York

It is the SOCO (Scene of crime officers) annual dinner, but little does the forensic team know there will be a killing at their own gathering! Get the white forensic suits on and cordon off the restaurant as there is a murder to solve...

Arrive at 7 pm and depart 10.30 pm approx - cost £38.50 per person, including a 3-course dinner with coffee and mints.

Accommodation available, if required - just ask for details.

Computing self-help We have members with various levels of experience, and often split into separate groups to help each other with the operation and use of particular programs. We are involved in all aspects of using a computer from elementary levels in using the operating system, emailing, as well as any subjects requested by group members.

We pool our knowledge and help each other, and everyone contributes. Our meetings have a relaxed atmosphere, so please come along and join in the fun.

We meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month, 2.00 pm until 4.00 pm at St Mary's Church Hall, South Milford.

Would you like to join a friendly village cricket team?

Then Burton Salmon Cricket Club would like to hear from you!

All levels of ability are required to join our Open Age Saturday Team in the York Vale League.

Please phone Mark Pawson (07971 197788) or Colin Walsh (07913 656838) for an informal chat about pre-season training.

Hope to hear from you soon!

We welcome you to a pleasant 6.5 mile walk from Brayton bridge, past the church, and over the fields to Thorpe Willoughby. Then a gentle climb, up to and through Brayton Barff. Passing Selby Golf Club and Burton Hall, we join the canal bank for the walk back to Brayton.

Meet at Brayton bridge over the canal, at 10.15 for a 10.30 start.

Please bring food and a drink, and wear suitable clothing for the day. Any queries, contact Paddy or Stuart on 684180.

London Marathon April 2013 Former Monk Fryston resident of 25 years, Glenn Smith is taking part in the Virgin London Marathon to raise money for the children’s disability charity the Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

The London Marathon attracts over 30,000 runners.

The Bobath Centre is a small national charity which provides specialist therapy for over 300 children each year, and through its unique combination of physical, occupational, speech and language therapy, aims to improve their quality of life by keeping them healthy and active.

The Centre’s Fundraising Manager Kevin Gillespie said: ‘We are delighted that Glenn is taking part in the London Marathon for us. The Centre relies on voluntary income to fund our work, and this type of event is the perfect way to raise money and awareness for our cause.’

There is a sponsorship form in Monk Fryston Post Office, or you can contribute by using the link: www.virginmoneygiving.co.uk/glennsmith4294

9

SCHOOL REPORT Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year from Monk Fryston Church of England Primary School.

2013 has started well and all the children appear to be ready to refocus on learning and enjoying being back at school. Christmas is always lovely in school but it’s always good to get back into a routine.

There is a lot to look forward to in the next few weeks. Not least the appointment of a new Head Teacher! I am very confident that the Governors will do a great job in choosing my successor, although I have to admit that it will also feel quite strange. I will soon have to start clearing out thirteen years of accumulated rubbish from my storeroom.

We will be hosting teachers from our partner schools in Europe at the end of half term. It will be quite a large group as we are in a partnership with eight other schools – Lithuania, Greece, Germany, Spain, Italy, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Sweden.

You will most likely see some of them around the village so if you get the chance to stop and have a chat, please do. We will be showing them what life is ‘sometimes’ like in England by having a barn dance on Friday 15th February. Everyone is welcome and more details will follow, or contact school for information.

I received a letter recently from David Laws, Minister of State for Schools. It was congratulating us on the excellent performance of our pupils in the 2012 tests. The overall percentage of pupils achieving Level 4 combined with excellent rates of progress in both English and Maths places us amongst the top performing primary schools this year. It is very nice to know that someone in government has noticed!

We are looking forward to 2013 with optimism and excitement and a commitment to try to continue to be the best, while having lots of fun at the same time. Happy New Year!

Carole Middleton

Burton Salmon CP School Happy learning for a healthy future We have had a very busy start to 2013 with lots of activities and hard work. We are very excited about our brand new whole school project on Antarctica, and we will be following Sir Ranulph Fiennes and his team on the Coldest Journey as part of our studies. We will be following his daily blog and are really pleased the snow is enhancing our role-play area!

Pupils in Key Stage 1 have been learning about snow and ice melting, and have been investigating friction, and building sledges.

Key Stage 2 pupils are visiting the Royal Armouries to enhance their project on the Tudors. They will spend all day learning about the power and might of the spectacular tournaments during the reign of King Henry VIII and will handle replica armour and weapons which would have been used in games.

Mrs Rylah is continuing with her very popular Healthy Eating After-school Club. Pupils have made delicious healthy snacks such as sticky chicken drumsticks with stir-fry vegetable noodles, chicken korma with herby flatbread, and chocolate, orange and ginger cake! Mrs Rylah will be inviting pupils from other year groups to take part throughout 2013.

We wish everyone a Happy New Year.

D Andrews Head Teacher

Monk Fryston School in SATs top 5 Monk Fryston School came out fifth in North Yorkshire primary school SATS tests for final year pupils, according to figures published in December.

Columns show eligible pupils, % of pupils at level 4 in English and maths, and average points score.

Source: Daily Telegraph Hillam News congratulates the staff, the pupils and their parents on a great result.

10

AND HERE WE HAVE SOME OTHER NEWS New Year’s Day sensation for Hillam If Hillam had been in Scotland it would have been an even bigger sensation. Maxwell Baxter-Kershaw was born at 7.52 on New Year’s morning at York Hospital, the first baby born there in 2013. Parents Nick and Abbie Baxter-Kershaw of Tom Lane are delighted and so are grandparents Neil and Sue Woodhall from Monk Fryston. Neil is churchwarden at St Wilfrid’s and therefore has all the more reason to remember 12th July 2008 when Abbie and Nick were married at St Wilfrid’s.

‘And nothing has been the same since,’ he added, mysteriously.

Not to be outdone, Hillam residents Anne and David Edwards had a very different Christmas Day when granddaughter Ruby Alice was born, again at York Hospital. Father Rob Edwards and mother Kristy Northway were doing just fine.

Spuds in the mud Spuds were terrible to harvest, serious hard work and very frustrating. I have never seen conditions like it. We managed to get them all in the shed without doing too much harm to anybody or anything, which is a sight better than a few other farmers have fared. There have been some real horror stories!

We are currently grading as the majority of our potatoes make their way to McCains of Scarborough.

Just getting my thermals on; only one load of spuds today so I shouldn’t get too cold!

Alison Holmes

No change for Selby and Ainsty If you are wondering what happened to the proposal to put Selby (and Hillam) in with Castleford to make a new constituency - Hillam News can confirm that the idea has been dropped. The whole of North Yorkshire is to stay the same and this means that we will not be grouped with Castleford and other parts of West Yorkshire. It will, no doubt, save a lot of money and remove a lot of uncertainty. A large number of Hillam residents objected to the proposal.

Nigel Adams to help Leader of the House of Lords Nigel Adams was Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Lord Strathclyde, who was Leader of the House of Lords. This is an important position because it provides a vital link between activity in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. After being Leader for many years, Lord Strathclyde recently stepped down.

The new Leader is Lord Hill of Oareford. In an unusual move, which must have been based on Nigel’s performance in the role, Lord Hill has reappointed Nigel Adams to the post.

Mystery of tethered ponies?

Last year the police got involved when some gypsy ponies were put into a field without the landowner’s permission. In an incident near York there was an accident when a car hit a pony which had broken loose from the roadside. Closer to Hillam, a traveller family who set up residence on the verge of the old A1 near to Fairburn had a number of tethered ponies which damaged trees planted on the verge. But the mystery is: what are the ponies for?

The mystery was of concern to Nigel Adams over six months ago.

In a debate in the House of Commons on the subject of tethered ponies he asked: Will my hon. friend expand on where the market is for those horses? I am at a loss to know what they are used for.

They do not look like horses that can be ridden. Does he have any evidence for what happens to them, where the trade is in them, and what the market is for them? That information would be useful.

The answer from Julian Sturdy, who was leading the debate about the tethering of ponies, showed that the market for the horses was not known, and that he thought it should be investigated.

The recent news about horse meat being found in burgers makes you wonder about the extent to which horses are being bred for meat without our knowing about it. It turns out that approximately 10,000 horses were slaughtered for human consumption in the UK last year, according to DEFRA - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Like all other stories, once they have broken, other facts begin to emerge, and this is no exception.

Safety tests on horse meat have now revealed the presence of a banned veterinary drug which causes cancer in humans, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has admitted. Phenylbutazone or ‘bute’, which is used to treat sore joints in horses, but outlawed from entering the human food chain was detected in five cases at UK abattoirs last year. The FSA said that the contaminated meat had not been eaten in Britain.

It makes you wonder what else goes on.

11

CRIME PAGE Druggies play in Pre-school sand pit

Pets and livestock being stolen

One Monday 14th January when Pre-school opened in St Wilfrid's Church Hall, staff found a considerable amount of rubbish in the outside play area. The rubbish included sweet papers, fizzy drinks bottles, cigarette ends, and some cannabis in the sand play area. This was reported to the police, and they will be keeping a close eye on the area. Can you all please keep an eye on the Church grounds when passing and if you see anything suspicious contact me on 680788 or either of the Churchwardens (Neil Woodhall on 682091 or Paddy Twidale on 684180).

A Zebu cow with a young calf was stolen overnight on 16th January, and a miniature grey donkey and its foal were taken at the same time. The Zebu cow originates from the Indian subcontinent and is a very distinctive animal with a hump on the shoulders and drooping ears. The stolen animal has further distinguishing features, with its left horn pointing upwards as normal, but with the right horn pointing forwards.

These animals are usually only found on petting farms or in wildlife parks.

We don’t know if those responsible are local from Monk Fryston or Hillam, but parents need to be aware that cannabis smoking is taking place in the village and be aware of the signs that are connected with it – for example: • Lack of motivation or ambition for activities formerly enjoyed, or stopping playing sports once enjoyed.

• Performance in school declining, coupled with a sense of apathy towards this decline.

• Withdrawal from the family, which can be difficult to spot if children spend a great deal of time by themselves on computers or game consoles.

• Change in peer group – drug users will often abandon peer groups in favour of others who engage in similar drug use.

• Personal hygiene may begin to suffer as users are less concerned with their public appearance.

• Persistent cannabis users will exhibit similar symptoms to somebody suffering from depression.

In another incident, at Hensall offenders broke into unused stables and stole 2 bales of hay and 2 bales of straw. A padlock was forced and screws removed from the hinges of the stable.

Further information about the side effects can be found at: http://www.drug-aware.com/cannabis-information–class-signssymptoms-effects.htm If you have any information about the events which took place behind the Church Hall then please do let me know.

John Hetherington

Just before Christmas a pet duck was stolen and some pedigree dogs. Reports have just come in of a lamb being stolen from a field near Hillam overnight on 25 January. In a similar event last year thieves slaughtered sheep in a field overnight.

Daytime burglaries A small number of daytime burglaries continues to take place, with patio doors and outbuildings being common targets.

There have been reminders that Euro locks provide insufficient security and should be backed up by additional measures.

Wildlife crime on the increase Police in Selby District have taken a hard line on wildlife crime such as the use of dogs to bring down deer. The killing of three deer down Stocking Lane a year or so ago was a particularly gruesome example. Over the last year there have been relatively few incidents but the discovery of a badger at West Haddelsey which had been killed in a badger-baiting incident shows that serious wildlife crime is still going on. People living in West Haddlesey heard the animal as it screamed during its torture. This is not an isolated event: please remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, or vehicles in strange locations while there is snow on the ground. It is easy to track wildlife in snow and in the case of badgers to locate their setts. Offenders then return at another time to dig the sett and capture the animals in order to set dogs on it.

Calling 101 101 is the number to call if you have been burgled or you want to report suspicious activity. 999 should only be used if there is a crime in progress or if you are in danger.

12

HILLAM AND MONK FRYSTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 2013 plan – Community Association

Quiz night tickets now available

2012 proved to be a very good year for the Community Association (CA). The CA played a full part in helping residents celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Torch, as well as a number of other ‘regulars’. It continued with the steady upgrade of the Community Centre and ground’s facilities and repaid loans needed to build the extension.

Plans for 2013 agreed at recent meetings are no less ambitious.

A full programme of socially inclusive events is being planned; fundraisers will be used for further enhancements of the Centre, which will probably involve a large conservatory extension. The aim is to increase the overall size of the Community Centre whilst providing a second smaller meeting room.

In addition the committee is actively investigating if and how they could create and operate a youth club and a Beavers/Cubs/ Scouts troop.

Some years ago the CA helped several members start the current Rainbow and Brownie group which quickly outgrew the Community Centre, moved to the Church Hall, and now has over 40 members. We hope we can copy this success by helping to facilitate the start of a Scout troop. We know there is demand as some families use the Scout group in Sherburn. Similarly, most other local villages have successful youth clubs which are operated with the help of the Community Engagement Forum.

The CA is in consultation with the CEF to see if they can help us establish both clubs, which we think would go some way towards providing the village youngsters with more to do here where they live.

So lots of things planned for 2013 and we will provide regular updates. Inevitably, these initiatives mean more for the CA volunteers to manage, so if anyone feels they could or would like to help us, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear from you.

Despite having an extended hall to work with, last year’s record turnout for the always well supported quiz meant that, yet again, we totally sold out of tickets. Although the organisers’ ingenious table arrangements seated people just about everywhere but the toilets, some would-be attendees were disappointed. So, make sure of your place this year by buying your tickets early.

If you are the proud holder of the Wise Owl trophy, please return it to any committee member as soon as possible for its annual wash and brush up, before it is presented to the 2013 Quiz Champions.

Last year’s shorter quiz format with more end time for socialising proved popular and has guided this year’s plans.

Tried and tested elements of the established quiz night pattern will again be incorporated during this light-hearted evening.

These include taste tests and picture rounds, as well as wideranging general knowledge questions peppered with bonus point options. This year’s music quiz theme will be revealed only on the night. Thus, a mix of old and new is planned to entertain and challenge you.

Supper will be provided and, as always, a well stocked bar will fortify your efforts.

We welcome friends old and new to join us for this easy-going social event. Either bring your own team of six, or make up a team on the night. Oversize teams welcome but gently penalised.

Do join us at the Community Centre, 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm start, Saturday 2nd February. Tickets, £6 each, now available from Monk Fryston Post Office.

Ray Newton, Chairman

Hillam PC - cash for projects November 100 Club winners 1st - £20 - David Knights (no 14) 2nd - £10 - Barbara & David Atkinson (no 37) 3rd - £5 - Shirley & Neil Sutcliffe (no 6) The winning number for the Hillam Lights 100 Club special hamper draw was 49. Congratulations to Mrs Heptonstall of Hillcrest, Monk Fryston! And a big thank-you to all 100 Club members who have returned their membership forms. Without each and every one of you the Christmas lights and switch-on event would not be possible.

Wishing you all good luck in the monthly 100 Club draws throughout 2013! Hillam Christmas Lights Committee

Hillam Parish Council have decided to set aside some of our reserve funds to give financial support to local organisations which enhance our village life.

Applications from local organisations 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. Details of bids received will then be circulated to councillors for their consideration. After subsequent discussion, all available funds will be allocated at our March meeting.

13

BE VOCAL, GO LOCAL The Cross Keys, Hillam - a good deal and a good meal That’s a recent description of the Cross Keys from a member of a Pontefract walking group, one of several which have taken advantage of the policy of the new landlord, Steve Allan, of welcoming local groups to make the most of the pub’s facilities.

His aim is to make the Cross Keys the cornerstone of the community, and he is working hard to develop this through a range of flexible initiatives.

The Pontefract group uses the car park as a meeting point to walk out from and then enjoys refreshments at the pub on their return.

The Yorkshire Region of Metal Detecting Clubs initially arranged for early Sunday morning bacon butties, tea and coffee to be served before they went off treasure hunting in the area, and enjoyed a meal on their return. So pleased were they at their welcome and the excellence of the food and service, several afterwards returned for their Christmas lunch, and the group has now arranged to hold their AGM there.

Steve has asked us to let you all know that the Cross Keys would welcome any group, charity or organisation wishing to hold events, meetings, etc, either inside opening hours, or outside opening hours by prior arrangement. Tea, coffee, etc can be arranged on request.

Locals have already discovered that Steve offers them a warm welcome and that the quality and the range of beers are much improved. Increasingly, more locals are becoming regulars, and the ambiance of a village pub is gradually being redeveloped.

There are also good reports about the quality and value of the food that is being served.

So, if you haven’t been down to the Cross Keys for a while, think again, and go support our local pub.

You will be pleasantly surprised.

Dodson’s fish and chips Every Thursday evening at the Community Centre It was snowing on the night I tried Dodson’s fish and chips for the first time, but as editor of this issue of Hillam News I was in need of a good feed. Another page was put to bed, and fish and chips seemed like a great idea. I must confess that the usual choice is to go up to Sherburn.

But it was Thursday, and as the advert in Hillam News so clearly says - Thursday is fish and chip night in the Community Centre car park.

The fish was a generous portion, cooked to order, and the chips were thick cut - just like they should be. No French fries in Hillam - we want English chips. Great value and great flavour.

The van parks up on the Community Centre car park and is there from 5 pm till 8 pm every Thursday - use it or lose it.

Sunday lunch at the Chequers Inn, Ledsham As regulars of the Chequers Inn we took the opportunity to treat ourselves and try out their new Sunday lunch offering – and I'm happy to say it didn’t disappoint.

It was unusual walking through the car park on a Sunday with the infamous “Closed Sundays” sign no longer on the entrance gate.

Upon our arrival we were greeted by their friendly staff, and ordered our drinks at the bar. The log fires were roaring which was delightful on that cold winter day.

We opted for a glass of house red wine and a pint of “Ledsham Sessions”, a locally brewed beer from the Brown Cow brewery near Selby – definitely worth a try. There is an extensive wine list and always a selection of local hand-pulled ales, such as Timothy Taylor’s Landlord and Leeds Best.

We plonked ourselves down next to one of the tempting fires and perused the menu, which offered traditional Sunday lunch favourites such as sirloin of beef, belly pork and shoulder of lamb, with vegetarian options too. Being vegetarian, I chose roast red pepper served with asparagus and melted brie, which was very tasty indeed. My partner opted for the traditional beef dinner with scrumptious homemade Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes with lashings of gravy.

As well as the traditional lunches there are snacks and sandwiches served, and smaller portions can be ordered for children.

We were very impressed with our Sunday lunch and polished off our main courses with little room to spare, but couldn’t resist a peek at the dessert menu – which showcased delicious homemade puddings from ice cream to sticky toffee pudding or fruit pavlova.

We chose the sticky toffee pudding and chocolate torte, and rounded the meal off nicely with coffees.

We had a lovely afternoon at the Chequers Inn and a hearty Yorkshire lunch at one of Yorkshire’s finest pubs – what more could you ask for?

Hillam Resident

14

HILLAM AND MONK FRYSTON CRICKET CLUB With a snowman standing in the field, it seems optimistic to plan for cricket in the summer. However…

Plans are already being made and events scheduled for a busy year. Junior coaching will resume in April and the two senior teams will be defending their league places.

Some dates you may like to make a note of are: Saturday 2nd March - Cheese and Wine Evening Sunday 10th March - Plant a tree/shrub for Mothering Sunday, a family event 11 am - 1 pm. Refreshments will be available Monday 29th April - Junior cricket coaching starts Sunday 2nd June - T10 Cricket Tournament Sunday 25th August - Family Fun Day We are fundraising in different ways: Full page adverts in the cricket handbook, which gets wide circulation – a full page will cost £60 Banners around the ground – up all season, £90 Match ball sponsorship with a cricket tea for two £30 Donations and any contributions are always welcome!

Contact Tonu Vaks on 685227 - tonuvaks@tiscali.co.uk or Julie Sadler on 685795 - sadlers999@tiscali.co.uk The pavilion is looking good but we need some comfortable seating areas inside. If anyone has a leather sofa (or pair of sofas) in reasonable condition which they would donate to us, that would be great. Contact as above.

And finally, we need some volunteer help in the summer with the teas on a Saturday and generally helping out at the pavilion. It would be a pleasant role: serving teas and chatting, tidying up, serving sweets and drinks, etc. Could be a young person over 16 who would like volunteering experience for their CV, or a person of any age!

Julie Sadler

George Ian ( Bert ) Thompson 1942– 2012 Many of you will already be aware of the untimely death of Ian, or Bert as he was known to so many. Sadly he lost his battle against cancer on Christmas Eve. You could not ask to meet a better guy. Nobody had a bad word to say about him and he was a friend to many. He was born in Hillam, worked in Hillam with the late Dan Bedford and lived in Hillam all his life. He played cricket for Hillam & Monk Fryston Cricket Club and was well-known as first team wicketkeeper. He became captain of the first team for a number of years, and later captain of the second team in his senior years. He was a true clubman, always willing to assist with fundraising and other nonplaying tasks. Bert could be seen nearly every Tuesday night in the Cross Keys playing dominoes with his friends Harry Birdsall, Keith Ward, Pete Spence, Malcolm Leach, Mike Webster, et al. On Friday nights he would go to the Cross Keys to raffle off a basket of food, the proceeds going to the cricket club. He became a life member, and after a spell on the committee became a vice president.

Sport was a passion, whether it was watching cricket, football (supporting Leeds Utd) or following the sporting achievements of his grandchildren. He made many friends outside Hillam with clubs he had played against, and if you didn’t know him through cricket you most certainly would through farming. He was a popular man about the village and will be sadly missed by so many but none more so than his family.

Our thoughts are with Marlene, Donna, Jason and their families at this time of sadness.

15

GARDENING IN WINTER Last year’s washout

seeking and travelling several miles to see, as the best can be colourful and spectacular. Within a reasonable day’s drive are Last year was a challenging one for gardeners but less, so I Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire, which was one of the believe, for gardens. Certainly most of my plants enjoyed the earliest of this genre, and Dunham Massey in Cheshire, which is unaccustomed moisture and grew to unprecedented heights, especially the late summer perennials, asters, heleniums and half- newer. Both have devoted several acres to the mass planting of trees, shrubs and plants which look wonderful during the bleakest hardy salvias. The dahlias I planted to fill in a new bed grew so huge they even outstripped the slugs and snails which were such time of the year. When you think that this lasts from November to a feature of this year’s gardening. The real challenge was the lack March, a full five months, it has to be worth doing, and you can pick up ideas to use in your own garden. Planted at the back of of sunshine which meant that plants flowered later, but the worst the border or under shrubs which perform in summer, they can be casualties and disappointments were in the vegetable garden. unobtrusive during the summer months and shine out in Germination was poor and even my beans, which enjoyed the winter. If you want something nearer, visit Harlow Carr in extra moisture, didn’t produce as many flowers in the cloudy Harrogate and look at their winter walk and the mass planting conditions. My leaky hoses which I bought for my new bed and the veg beds lie unused. I hope for better luck next year. It will be round the lake of colourful dogwoods. interesting to see what comes through the winter as the ground is Spring stars much wetter than usual at this time.

Some early spring stars in my own garden are the many varieties of epemedium. They have very pretty, mostly evergreen, leaves Plant catalogues which often turn red in the winter, then in March or April they The annual deluge of plant and seed catalogues has started to will explode with long stems covered in tiny lanterns of flowers arrive to brighten up the winter evenings. New to me last year but in orange, white, pink and purple which last for ages. They are now firm favourites are the Sarah Raven catalogues. Well-known easy to grow in good soil in shade and make a lovely foil for on television for her eccentric gardening attire (she seems to early spring bulbs and a good contrast with ferns and hostas. garden in a brown velvet coat), original ideas and love of bright colours, she is also a talented flower arranger and keen vegetable I look forward eagerly to their flowering and keep adding to my collection. A specialist nursery will offer many different ones and grower. The catalogues reflect this, as she sells her favourite a visit to Harrogate spring show will give you an opportunity to vegetable seeds and many interesting and easy annuals for flower see and buy them. After flowering the attractive leaves make a arranging with lots of ideas for combining them in the garden and good weed-proof groundcover. Visitors to my garden in late vase. The catalogue of plants includes dahlias in glorious colours March are often surprised to see sweet peas flowering; these are and some young plants of favourite annuals if you just want to dwarf, herbaceous, perennial sweet peas in pink or purple, called grow a few. It is worth obtaining just for the pictures and ideas. lathyrus vernus. They are very tolerant of a wide range of conditions, flowering for about six weeks. The dainty fernlike Winter gardens leaves then look good all summer. Both of these plants deserve to To cheer myself up in February or early March I choose a fine, sunny day to make a visit to a winter garden. These are a luxury be more widely grown. available only to estates with plenty of space, but are worth

Susan Ferguson

16

IN THE DARK DOWN UNDER

by Richard Wright

One of the most wonderful natural sights you will ever see has to be a total eclipse of the sun Although I’ve been an amateur astronomer for over 35 years I had never witnessed one. I’ve seen many very good partial eclipses. I’ve seen an annular eclipse, which happens when the moon is slightly further away from earth and when the moon passes in front of the sun. It doesn’t quite cover the sun and you see a “ring of fire” in the sky. But a total eclipse is something else. On 14th November 2012 at around 6.45 am in Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia, I was hoping for my first total eclipse.

The fact that we get to see a total eclipse at all is amazing in itself. It just so happens that the sun is 400 times bigger than the moon but the sun is also 400 times further away. This is why the moon and the sun appear to be the same size in our sky, and when the moon passes in front of the sun it covers the sun’s disc perfectly. In the distant future a total eclipse will not be possible as each year the moon moves slightly further away from the earth, so eventually there will be only annular eclipses.

In the run-up to the event it was very much a “will we, won’t we see it?” situation. The weather had been extremely changeable all week, and most days had seen rain and there was a lot of cloud. On the eve of the eclipse it was raining hard till the very early hours, and bookmakers would have given very long odds of being able to see a totality.

I rose at 5 am. We had decided that the best view would be from the balcony of our apartment, which gave us a perfect view of sunrise, and away from the mass crowds which had been gathering down on the beach for days. My camera was set up and ready to go the night before, so all we needed now was for the sky to clear. At this point - and with my first look at the sky I would have said chances were only 50/50 - there were clear patches but a lot of cloud. I didn’t feel at all confident. I was also a little down as my camera’s solar filters, ordered many weeks before I left the UK, had failed to arrive. Nowhere in the Cairns area had any either, which left me able to photograph only the actual total phase and none of the partial phases.

“After breakfast we headed down the beach for “AprèsEclipse” and chatted to dozens of people, all with a story to tell.

One thing is certain; this was a day we will never forget”

Burton Salmon Fitcamp We all make resolutions; we all have hopes and dreams for the coming year and most of us want to lose a bit of weight and get fitter. The single most important thing you can do this year towards this is so easy you can do it right now - start a food and exercise diary. I guarantee you will lose weight through this action alone - however, think how much more you could achieve if we worked together on it - bring your diary to us and we can look at it together. Use the diary and come to some sessions and see the weight drop off!

Now, time to get back into a serious exercise regime or start one - either way, Burton Salmon Fitcamp has the answer.

We have group sessions running Monday to Saturday. The sessions vary from early morning bootcamp, couch to 5K, Nordic walking and strength, fat loss and conditioning classes.

For a timetable please contact Jane Halstead: details below.

What is Nordic walking?

Nordic walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking - it makes something we can all do…twice as effective!

Nordic walking uses poles in order to add two major benefits to walking: Sunrise: things were looking slightly better - we could see the • The use of poles means the upper body muscles are used as sun and then first contact as the moon’s disc moved onto the sun. well as the legs Then the clouds came, lots of clouds! It wasn’t looking good at all. The sun was now well up but we couldn’t see it. The skies • The poles help to propel the walker along - this means he/ grew darker, birds started flying away to where they roost, and she works harder than usual yet the support given by the you could almost smell the disappointment that oozed from us poles makes it feel easier all. Fifteen minutes before totality, and a miracle! The skies The Nordic walking ski-fit sessions are great fun for anyone parted, almost like Moses touching the Red Sea with his staff. preparing for a winter snow sport holiday and for anyone Eclipse glasses quickly put on, and there was the crescent sun, a wanting to really improve his/her fitness level, core strength, marvellous sight in itself. The countdown to totality began. It balance, strength and coordination. was almost dark already and then the diamond ring in the sky, We also offer personal training sessions and have packages with me remotely snapping shots on the camera but eyes firmly to suit all budgets. For more information, please email glued to the moon and the sun. Totality! The hairs on my neck Jane Halstead: info@burtonsalmonfitcamp.com, or call were standing on end and huge waves of emotion overcame me 01977 673553. and tears were in my eyes. I’d waited all my life for this moment. Eclipse glasses off, the stars came out in the sky, cheers erupted from down on the beach and it was dark. For the next two and a half minutes we just savoured this fantastic event, “After just 8 sessions you will feel better, After 16 sessions this wonder of the world, God’s gift to the human race. You you will start to see the difference, After 24 sessions you can’t buy tickets; it’s free. will have a whole new body’’ 0..Guaranteed

BURTON SALMON FITCAMP

Then the moon started to move off the sun’s disc and it was light again. My cousins, Aunty, Uncle, myself and Jane sat down to a wonderful Champagne eclipse breakfast and watched the sun get larger and larger through our eclipse glasses. Then the sun was full again - until the next time, in March 2015.

The two photos I had come for were perfect, totality and the diamond ring, both of which are now hanging on my wall, courtesy of local picture framer and Hillam News advertiser John Fenteman.

No joining fee No Contract Only £45 for 8 sessions per calendar month FREE Personal Training Consultation ‘’We do not sell Memberships. We sell results’’ For more information please call Jane at Burton Salmon Fitcamp T: 673553 M: 0792 168 9931 W: burtonsalmonfitcamp.com E: info@burtonsalmonfitcamp.com The Dormers, Poole lane, Burton Salmon, North Yorkshire, LS25 5JU

17

WIND FARMS RUMBLE ON - BISHOPWOOD REFUSED Bishopwood wind farm rejected It has taken 43 months for Selby Council to decide to refuse the planning application for Bishopwood wind farm. The decision was unanimous.

A major factor in the long delay has been the time taken by Prowind to answer basic questions about the proposal. (Prowind is the privately owned German company that submitted the applications three and a half years ago.) After months of trying to get essential information from the developer, Selby planners decided to complete their report and recommend refusal of the wind farm.

The proposed wind farm is at Scalm Park and has 7 x 125-metre turbines. The development would dominate Hambleton and Thorpe Willoughby, where homes would have some or all of the turbines within 2km. Other planning authorities have started to introduce planning rules which set 2km as the closest distance for a single turbine of this size. Bishopwood had seven turbines closer than 2km to many homes.

Each turbine is higher than the cooling towers at Drax. If it had been approved it would have continued the encirclement of Selby by wind farms. Cleek Hall is already approved to the southeast of Selby, Bishopwood to the west and more than a dozen single turbines up to 70 metres already approved around the district.

Sound reasons for refusal?

turbines would be seen from all main rooms and the garden. In addition the predicted noise level at the property is so high that most people would be expected to complain. The property would also be subject to shadow flicker in the evenings. The property would go from being highly desirable to most unpleasant.

After the visit councillors recognised the severe impact and it was one of the reasons for refusal. The developer, who attended the meeting without making his presence known, seemed satisfied with the outcome.

At an appeal you can expect developers to say that it is no concern of theirs if property loses value. Reports that properties very close to turbines can lose up to 40% are given no weight by planners. This loss would put most people into negative equity.

With £1.75 million per year subsidy to play for I don’t think we have heard the last from Prowind.

Next on the agenda - Woodlane It has been clear for a long time that wind farm applications never go away. Woodlane, with fourteen turbines which would industrialise the open countryside between Birkin, Hillam, Gateforth and West Haddlesey, is expected to be on a planning agenda in the near future. We will get five days’ notice. The developers can take as long as they like to answer questions; we can get as little as five days’ notice.

Wind farms and traveller sites have one thing in common - the applicants invariably appeal decisions to refuse applications. It is because of this that the reasons for refusal must be robust. The report to the planning committee identified problems of noise and cumulative impact. An objection from the RAF on grounds of safety for aircraft landing at Church Fenton was trumped by the MoD saying that they would be satisfied if the developer incorporated a radar system.

Twice as many turbines, so twice as much subsidy (£3.5 million per year). The farmers should receive about £140,000 per year rental. This is not a government subsidy; it is paid via an 11% surcharge within our electricity bills. So we stand to lose our countryside, making the area a far less attractive place to live, while paying more for our electricity.

Prior to making the decision a site visit was made and the committee saw for themselves the impact that the wind farm would have on properties close to the wind turbines. The nearest property is just 575 metres from one of the turbines and all seven

please@stopwoodlanewindfarm.co.uk

Seeds for spring planting. Potatoes.

Logs and coal. House plants.

If you want to be advised as soon as we know that the wind farm is on a planning meeting agenda, please send an email to

Howard Ferguson

18

LIVING ON IN OUR MEMORIES ………

It was about 10.30 pm on Christmas Eve 1995 when I got the call - if you want to say goodbye to your father you should come now. He had been ill with cancer for some time and by now he was in St Gemma’s Hospice. It was all very sad to see him go; he passed away quietly. As you can imagine, I always think about my father at Christmas and it brings both sadness and happiness to us at this special time of year.

It is with this uppermost in my mind that I offer best wishes for the future to those who have lost loved ones over the Christmas and New Year period.

Howard Ferguson Ian Thompson 1942 – 2012 Bert wasn’t just a farmer from Hillam. And his name wasn’t Bert either. As a farmer he welcomed John Hetherington to the parish at his induction on 27/10/2007. Bert was well-known more than anything for a genuine engaging smile. His mother called him Ian and as his days drew to a close his friends again referred to him as Ian. Hillam and Monk Fryston have lost a lot of their founding farmers recently. Roy Morley, Cyril Stoker and now Ian. He farmed originally from what is now Bedford’s Fold and was then Rose Tree Farm, and later from new premises on Austfield Lane. He was quite open about his cancer and fortunately he had a couple of years before it finally took him. But his friends were nonetheless shocked by its speed at the end.

Terry O’Hara 1932 – 2012

Peter G Torrible 1939 – 2012 Peter G Torrible MRICS of Monk Fryston has died after a short illness. Peter worked from Wetherby and successfully represented Monk Fryston Parish Council (MFPC) in the 2011 showpeople appeal. MFPC along with Selby Council effectively rejected the proposed showpeople development on Lowfield Road off the A63.

He was described in a eulogy delivered by Roy Wilson as good, honest, competent and hardworking. Peter was born in Liverpool in 1939, a city which was bombed heavily, and he and his family were evacuated to Rhyll. As the youngest of six children he had a happy childhood living by the sea. He was educated at Rhyll Grammar School and then became an articled pupil to the surveyor of Flintshire County Council.

Peter was ambitious and having read about Yorkshire decided that this was the place to be, with Pontefract as his destination.

He arrived exactly 50 years ago to start working for a firm of local architects called J L Poulson. In those days the practice was a prestigious place to work and had assembled a large team of high-calibre architects, civil engineers, planners and surveyors.

It was the largest practice of its type outside London.

He established his own practice as a surveyor and town planner in the early 1970s. The business thrived because Peter demanded a high standard of work from his staff. It also took on a number of large prestigious projects. Peter’s legacy for future generations is impressive.

He was involved in securing planning consent for both Leeds Grammar School and Leeds Girls’ High School. He also played a crucial role in the McArthur Glen development at York, which was fiercely opposed by York Council when first proposed.

I went for tea a couple of times at Terry O’Hara’s, when his It is sad that he has gone, but his achievements are there for all to family lived at Chapel View, next to the Plough Inn, Burton see. The funeral was at St Wilfrid’s. Our thoughts are with his Salmon. He was still at King’s School then and it was before he wife Irene who with whom he shared 41 years of his life. was old enough to go in a pub. His send-off was at St Wilfrid’s, where he had married Anne Webster, a local farmer’s daughter.

Up to sixty mourners followed his coffin into an already crowded church.

Terry served in the RAF and later became a car trader. John Hetherington wondered if he would have bought a car from Terry. I did!

In later life, he was in pub management and, among many postings, he ran the Plough and the Cross Keys with style and aplomb. With the Plough scheduled for temporary closure, after the burial mourners adjourned to the Blacksmith’s Arms, Biggin, which is the last place I saw bon viveur Terry – for the only time with non-alcoholic drink in hand. I was doing a review for Hillam News – but most of it was dictated by Terry O’Hara.

David Atkinson

19

VILLAGE SOAPBOX Rickety rackety bridge

Triumphant TRIO tops target

Many readers will be aware that the railway bridge on Lumby Lane, Monk Fryston, was closed to traffic recently, after a weight restriction was imposed a few years back. The reason is that Network Rail have discovered, during other works, that the supporting steelwork is ‘like lace’. Hence the closure.

The TRIO committee has been stood down. That’s how Stuart Wroe described the culmination of the TRIO campaign.

There is a statutory duty on Network Rail to replace the bridge.

These works will have to be budgeted for and the current belief in North Yorkshire Highways is that the bridge might not be repaired until 2014. The North Yorkshire order says ‘the maximum duration of the closure will be from 13/12/12 until 31/12/13’. A notice near the A64 warns that while the route is closed, the road will not be salted in winter. So take care.

The good news is that for the time being the bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists.

Fortunately the adjoining bridge carrying the A63 was replaced recently and is in good condition. A resident told Hillam News that he remembers the bridge on Lumby Lane being raised when he was a child. He thinks it was in anticipation of electrification, which never happened. He recalls sitting on uncovered girders watching steam trains passing beneath him. So it might have been quite a long time ago. It seems surprising that Network Rail have no budget for emergency repairs.

At the other side of the track there is a dispute between residents and Network Rail over who should maintain the road. Further up the same railway line there is another dispute with Network Rail about flooding. Villagers believe that a culvert crossing railway property was damaged when a cable was installed. Over the Christmas to New Year period sewage from the village was being taken to Tadcaster by tanker for disposal at the sewage works. Network Rail have been asked to investigate but claim there is no budget available to do this until April 2013.

With these three examples you have to wonder about the overall state of our national railway infrastructure.

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

“We always knew churchgoers and friends of St Wilfrid’s would respond with generosity, and they have,” said coordinator Stuart.

It is clear that people value the work of the church and its team and in particular the ministry of John Hetherington.

By balancing the books and making sure there is a healthy income, St Wilfrid’s parish can continue to benefit from the pastoral services of a full-time minister and team.

Stuart Wroe said, “One lesson we must learn is that the Parochial Church Council should remember to keep church members fully acquainted with our financial affairs, so that they will not be too surprised when we appeal to them again, as we surely will.”

... and at S Milford railway station …

Watch where you park because they have started issuing tickets to cars not parked in marked bays. The cynic in me says that it might be the means of raising the funds to pay for the bridge repair—except that it’s a different company.

20

ST WILFRID’S CHURCH Rector’s ramblings Over the years I’ve been in the ministry I’ve come across a lot of people who are absolutely certain that they can’t change, and they tend to get quite depressed about being forever the way they are.

But I don’t necessarily agree with them – I think people can change.

When my daughter Nicola was younger she hated every kind of food you can imagine, with the exception of pancakes, McDonald’s and the standard Sunday dinner of meat and two veg. Her favourite was clearly McDonald’s and it was very odd to see her eating anything else when we went out. When we went out for meals – to the Italian restaurant, for example – we’d have to smuggle in the brown McDonald’s bag with the standard six chicken nuggets and BBQ sauce, large fries and vanilla shake. She was extremely fussy.

1ST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH

Any occasion we had lunch or dinner at home, Yvonne or I would always have to prepare a different kind of meal for Nicola – one from her limited menu of likes. She was the kind of high priestess of the McDonald’s fraternity. And the rest of the fraternity, Nicola’s friends that is, were just as single-minded, and they regarded the consumption of other foods, which they frowned upon, as something abhorrent, often making us feel we should eat our food in dark corners, away from them, where our shameful apostasy could be hidden, as a shocking heresy.

8am 9.30am 11am 11am

I can remember days when Nicola and her friends would gather in the kitchen like some loony sect fussing and muttering over their selection from the McMenu at the large prefabricated temple over the road with the symbolic yellow ‘M’ above it. They would discuss interminably the advantage of vanilla shakes over the standard cola, Fanta or Sprite, and they would rationalise why they had chosen the quarter-pounder with cheese rather than the Big Mac.

3RD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH

Nicola went away to boarding school at the age of eleven and that proved to be a fixed point in her universe (and ours). It was a new reality for her.

I remember when she came home for her first Christmas holidays.

One day in the kitchen she asked what was for lunch. I replied, “Well, would you like some pancakes or should I nip over to McDonald’s for a takeaway?” “Oh no,” she replied, “but I’d love some scrambled egg on toast.” “But,” I replied, “you don’t like scrambled egg, or indeed toast for that matter. You hate scrambled egg, you eat only pancakes and McDonald’s and very little else.”

And Nicola stared at me as though I was absolutely mad. And then – she was clearly exploring the long tunnels of her past – her faced cleared and she said, “Yeh! Well, I suppose I used to have the odd McDonald’s, but I’m not over keen on them now.”

Nicola switching to eat other food amazed me as much as anything I’ve ever seen. And for those of us who really want to change – and there are lots of us – but have become resigned to the fact that we probably never will, take heart; let it give us just a little bit of hope!

Blessings as always

John

Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston Sunday Club in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall (ages 2-8)

2ND SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6pm Evensong at St Mary’s, South Milford

8am 9.30am 11am 11am

Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford Family Service at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston Ignite at St Mary’s, South Milford

4TH SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 9.30am Morning Prayer at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6pm Holy Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford

LENT AND EASTER 2013 Easter is early this year, with Easter Sunday on 31st March * * * * * Wednesday 13th February (Ash Wednesday) 9.45 AM – HOLY COMMUNION AT ST MARY’S IN S MILFORD (with Imposition of Ashes) * * * * * Sunday 10th March (Mothering Sunday) 11 AM – MOTHER’S DAY SERVICE AT ST WILFRID’S * * * * * Sunday 24th March (Palm Sunday) 11 AM – PARISH COMMUNION AT ST WILFRID’S (with Blessing and Distribution of Palm Crosses) * * * * * Thursday 28th March (Maundy Thursday) 7.30 PM – EVENING SERVICE AT ST MARY’S IN S MILFORD * * * * * Friday 29th March (Good Friday) 2 PM – DEVOTIONAL SERVICE AT ST MARY’S IN S MILFORD * * * * * Sunday 31st March 6 AM – DAWN COMMUNION SERVICE AT ST WILFRID’S (followed by Breakfast) 11 AM – EASTER DAY COMMUNION AND BAPTISM AT ST WILFRID’S BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR WEDDINGS AND BAPTISMS FOR 2013 AND BEYOND Enquiries to the Rector on 01977 680788 or email at

hetherington556@btinternet.com

21

HYSTERICAL PINT - THEY COULDN’T TELL MILD FROM BITTER Chequers history Annette and I (Annette Schofield and George Allen) became landlords of the Chequers Inn, Monk Fryston on 23rd January 1967. It was a BYB (Bentley’s Yorkshire Breweries, in case you thought these letters stood for something else) pub, and James Hubert Dibb was the landlord before us. We ran the pub for about 18 months and then moved to Thornton-leDale in 1968. We rented the pub from the brewery and I recall the rent was 10 shillings per week.

The valuation of all the stock when we moved in, including an upmarket till, was £281 10 shillings and 11 pence. We were able to get to know some very interesting characters who lived in the village at that time. Some of the regulars in the pub were Cyril and Charles Stoker, both farmers, and the chap who ran a bakery who we knew as ‘Doughy’ (I cannot recall his name), (George) Bernard Shaw, also Richard Roebuck, Jack Gundill, Les Drury, Don Riley, the retired farmer who lived next door, Mr Lomas and ‘Lofty’ (Newsome) who was the landlord of the Cross Keys in Hillam.

One night my younger brother Steven was asked to run the pub

while we had a night off. He mixed up the bitter barrel with the mild barrel and consequently pulled mild pints for all the bitter drinkers and bitter pints for all the mild drinkers – all night long.

When we returned home and discovered this bitter-mild mix-up, I thought I would be in trouble from all the locals for leaving my very young brother Steven in charge, but I was surprised when the next evening they all (the bitter drinkers and mild drinkers) said, “Ey up, thy young’un pulls a better pint than thee.”

It just shows a change is often as good as a rest.

George Allen David Atkinson says: When I was old enough to go in the Chequers I also remember farmers father and son Jack and John Kirkman as well as all the other locals mentioned. The next (and final) landlord was David Keats whose first and only pub this was. He sold Guinness for two shillings a pint and a mixed grill (Friday nights only) for six shillings. The sign outside the Chequers disappeared on the final night of business. Bernard Shaw, after a few pints, decided to bring his extension ladders from Wayside Cottage and, not without difficulty, removed it – so Pat Shaw relates. It should be in his garage but it isn’t. Further enquiries cast light on why (George) Bernard Shaw found it so difficult to get the pub sign down from the wall. For some strange reason he tried to erect his ladder upside down, and with the wheels on the ground it kept running away.

David Keats later became an antiques dealer, trading in Sherburn and Aberford, but lived in Monk Fryston until his death.

Source: francisfrith.com/monk-fryston/memories/the-chequers-inn_113421/

22

SPORT -

IN - NEWS

So we turn into another year, and as the cold bites and

Looking ahead to the other code of rugby, hopes must be

the short days continue it’s always reassuring to see that sport can continue to take our minds off the more mundane aspects of day-to-day life. Where would we be, for example, if we didn’t have the daily allegations of cheating to mull over, or the key question of what we do with the Olympic Stadium or, last but not least, just who came up with the style of Liverpool’s current away kit...?

high for a good showing of the England team in this year’s Six Nations. Their autumn campaign was salvaged through a fantastic performance against the All Blacks and if they can build on that, then there is every reason to believe that a Six Nations championship, or maybe even a grand slam, can be secured. One note of caution however: the two games before the victory against New Zealand produced mixed performances.

I am not so sure the midfield issue has been adequately resolved (in other words who plays alongside Tuilagi in the centres) whilst more balance is arguably needed in the back three of wings and fullback. It could be that the team can pull through but a trip to Dublin to play Ireland in their own back yard will undoubtedly test their credentials, as will a home game against the improving French. Bring it on!

Since the last column, Bradley Wiggins (or Sir Bradley) has rightly won the Sports Personality of the Year Award, but one aspect missed in all of the celebrations was just what happened to the votes for Mo Farah. I totally accept that 2012 was a golden year for British sport, but the BBC revealed that Mo collected less than 5% of the public vote – which is amazing given the depth of his performance in landing the 5,000 metres gold medal, followed by the same feat over double the distance only 7 days later. In any other year he would have swept to victory, but to not even reach the top three maybe reflects more about his ‘personal marketing’ (or lack of) as opposed to his sporting achievements. Such is the way our sporting stars are now viewed...

Worrying developments continue within cycling, given the confirmation that Lance Armstrong cheated his way to seven Tour de France victories. This is another truly astounding story. Not just the scale of the deception and deliberate manipulation of the rules to ensure that this comprehensive programme of administering drugs to the entire US Postal team remained outside the view of the authorities, but also the fact that Armstrong has repeatedly lied to everyone in the process whilst also having the audacity to write two autobiographies outlining how he secured those precious titles. For bare-faced lies and lack of honesty, Armstrong has to go down in history as the King of Deceit.

Happier news for Rugby League fans is that the season is just around the corner – you may have been fooled into thinking this was now a summer sport, but the action starts right in the depths of winter on 1 February. Indeed by the time summer hopefully arrives (!), June / July, the season will be entering its final quarter. I am not sure which meteorological society the Rugby League administrators follow but surely it’s time to look at the composition of the season if it is to remain a summer sport. Six of the fourteen teams will finish their season in the first week of September which is manifestly a warmer month than February. Why therefore not start the season in March and run the League campaign through to early October? I fear the reason, like most things with British Rugby League, will be down to the Australian authorities wanting to play international games in October, which would not be possible if the season started later. Once again the British heed what others want...

Yours in sport

Doug Hought

23

DEAR HILLAM NEWS Dear Hillam News Just a line to say the Christmas lights on the tree and in the Square were wonderful this year. Congratulations to the team.

Personal small adverts £1.00 per issue Business small adverts £4.00 per issue please contact David Edwards on 682346

Yours sincerely

Linda Allison

Fast work by CEF slows down the traffic Generally the reaction from most people when discussing anything about local government is one of frustration. The perception is that a request for anything from our local civil servants will result in you being told of every barrier you could think of and many others you didn’t know about to deter you from what you would like to do.

Times are changing! The residents of Fryston Common Lane, Monk Fryston, took their request to move the 30 mph speed limit to the recently formed Western Area Community Engagement Forum, otherwise known as CEF. The old position of the 30 mph sign near the pumping station allowed vehicles to speed past all the existing houses and farms on the lane, but now it has been moved to the edge of the village envelope, and derestriction starts where the true countryside begins. The residents were able to make this request direct to NY Highways staff who are present at all meetings, along with members of other major NY functions and district councillors.

Less than 18 months after lodging the request, it had been debated, agreed, money found and allocated, and by the New Year the residents saw the changes being implemented.

Selby District Council is one of only two local authorities in the country to operate CEFs. Any resident can attend and discuss issues which are of concern at the regular CEF meetings, details of which can be found on: http://www.yourcommunity.org.uk/western_portal.html.

Thank you, CEF – keep up the good work.

Ray Newton Eric Widdop 1940 - 2013 Eric Widdop, who brought the Cross Keys, Hillam, into the 20th century, has died aged 73. He also ran the Owl at Hambleton, the George in Selby and Turk’s Head, Pontefract.

He was the best front of house I have ever encountered anywhere in the world. It was physically impossible to visit one of his establishments without being greeted personally. The Cross Keys was so full under his stewardship that he had to build the taproom specially for locals. News of his death came too late for Hillam News to provide a full report, but further details are in the Selby Times and the Selby Post.

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

24

CLUBS & GROUPS To amend or to add to the information below, please phone Jenny Hoare (683332)

CLUB OR GROUP

LOCATION

DAY & TIME

Community Centre

Bi-monthly 3rd Wed 7.30pm

Ringtree Lights Committee

Cross Keys

Occasional

Karen Merry

685694

MF & S Milford Mothers’ Union

St Mary’s Church, SM

2nd Thur 2pm

Paddy Twidale

684180

Women with Interests

Usually at Community Centre

3rd Thur 7.30pm

Kath Ratcliffe

683590

Community Association Luncheon Club (for anyone over 70)

Community Centre: for catering purposes, please book your place

1st Wed from 11.30am

Kath Ratcliffe

683590

St Wilfrid’s & St Mary’s Youth Fellowship

Venue variable Alternate Sats

Ages 8-11: 6.30-8pm Ages 12-16: 7.30-9pm

Craig Wright

07411 481603

S Milford Youth Club

SM Church Hall

Wed 7-9pm (term time)

Annabel Hey

07517 314720

Breakfast & After-School Clubs

Community Centre & Hambleton Play Safe Club

Monk Fryston & Hillam Community Association Church Hall booking

CONTACT Booking: Becky Gatenby 689230 Secretary: Tony Hudson 682693

Paddy Twidale

7.30am-6.30pm Mon-Fri 9-12am Tue & Thur 12.30-3pm Tue 9.30-11.15am (term time)

684180

Rachael Peacock 01757 229910 Jayne Wood 681050 (Playschool hours only)

MF Pre-school

Church Hall

Little Monkeys (Mothers & Toddlers)

Community Centre

Rainbows (girls 5-7)

Church Hall

Friday

Becky Gatenby

689230

1st Hillam & MF Brownies

Church Hall

Fri 6.30-7.30pm

Marie Parkin

680363

Sarah Force

07879 452293

S Milford Guides 682506, Hambleton Guides 01757 705535, Sherburn Cubs and Scouts 07913 158839 Air Cadets (ages 13-21)

RAF Church Fenton

Mon & Fri 7-9pm

Chernobyl Children’s Project (UK), MF Group MF, Hillam & Burton Salmon Defibrillator Group

Crown Inn

Hillam & MF Cricket Club

www.hmfcc.co.uk

Occasional Tues 7.30pm

01937 557340 Paula Spencer

682506

John Colton

671172

Kate Vaks

Burton Salmon Cricket Club

John Nesbitt

07747 045060 684444

Monk Fryston United FC

Stocking Lane

Steve Tope

07970 868288

Innter Crown FC

Lowfield Road

Lee Hammerton 07774 048913

Castleford & Dist Society of Anglers

Hillam Pond, Betteras Hill Road

D Malanczac

557715

St Wilfrid’s Parish Walks

Variable

4th Sat 10.15am

Stuart Twidale

684180

Circuit Training (children & adults)

MF School

Mon & Thur 8-9pm

Pat Birch

680580

MF Cycling Club

MF Square

7am summer, 8am winter

Iain Mitchell

681063

Dancing (2+, also teen classes)

Church Hall

Tue 4-7.30, Wed 4-6.30pm (term time)

Lucie Fox

01757 228841

Tappy Tots

Community Centre

Thur 1.45-2.30pm

Sue Brierley

0113 3790610

High-Low Quick-Slow (for under-5s)

Community Centre

Thur 10-11am

Anne Nicholson 01757 611234

Zumba Fitness Workout

Church Hall

Thur 6.45-7.30pm

Hannah Howcroft 07707 929393

Pilates

Community Centre

Mon 9.30-10.30am (term time)

Beverley Fletcher 01937 530079

Hillam Historians

Hillam Nurseries

Bi-monthly 4th Wed 7.30pm

Max Leighton

MF Art Club

Church Hall

Mon 1-4pm

Jean Dearn

682611

University of the Third Age, Sherburn and Villages branch

Various groups, locations and times detailed at: www.sherburnu3a.co.uk

Lorna Pope

683514

Local evening & daytime classes

Adult Learning Service, Selby & Sherburn

0845 3006686

Sherburn Library

Has a list of local societies covering a wide area

0845 0349443

07773 428917

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 are happy to grant permission for reproduction.