Hillam News Feb Mar 2015

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The voice of Hillam village. Volume 28 Issue 47 February—March 2015

Happy New Year A celebration to remember at The Cross Keys We had a particularly happy and jolly New Year round at the Cross Keys. When Laura told me months ago it was going to be a black tie and ticket do I wasn't quite sure if it was my cup of tea (well, glass of wine), but I'm glad to say we bought two tickets before they were all 'sold out.' The pub was shut for a short time to get ready for the festivities and needless to say Gordon and I were first in - Quelle Surprise!

The disco was just right. Not too loud. You could hear what people were saying. But it was loud enough to get things going.

Later in the evening we were entertained by people singing on the Karaoke (I don't know how you spell it.)

The buffet was excellent. There was something for everyone to choose from and there was plenty of food. And no queue either.

We ate what we wanted when we wanted.

The atmosphere in the pub was lovely as the majority of people there knew each other. Excitement grew the nearer it got to midnight. When Mel did the countdown we all burst into Auld Lang Syne (You spelt that right, Mary.) We were all full of joy and excitement (among other things).

Then to top it all, Mel got down on one knee AND PROPOSED TO JAYNE! There was total silence. It lasted for ages.

Jayne did that on purpose!

When she SAID YES the whole Cross Keys erupted into cheering and clapping which made this one of the best New Year's Eve parties I have ever been to.

It goes without saying, we'll be buying our tickets early for next New Year's Eve and look forward to a fantastic reunion in the Keys.

Thank you to Laura, Mel and Jane for turning our pub round and restoring it to it rightful place at the centre of our community.

Mary Little and your chance to make a difference

Also in this issue…

More news from ‘Our pub at the hub’ .

Getting into shape—how to work off those Christmas puddings.

There’s an Aussie coming to town— news from the cricket club.

Proposed changes of land use in Hillam and Monk Fryston

Christmas Competition update—the winners. .

An update from the Parish Council—

And plenty more from our team of regular contributors…

From all of us at Hillam News, we wish you all a happy and healthy 2015.

Issue editor - Andrew Scott Hillam News is financed by advertising and the generosity of contributors, copiers and 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

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HILLAM RINGTREE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ‘SWITCH ON’ We hope that by the time you read this you will have enjoyed another Ringtree Christmas Lights ‘Switch on in The Square, or it may seem a distant memory as the cold winds of January blow.

The ‘Switch on’ Knottingley Concert Band made their usual appearance and it was fabulous to hear their traditional sounds again adding a touch of brass to the festivities. Accompanying them were the talented Fairburn Singers who again led the carol singing and they seem to grow in numbers as each year passes by. Thanks to both for providing so much atmosphere to the event. We must also thank Kevin Pease for his superb compering skills. He skillfully kept everything on track on the night.

The children all seemed to enjoy the chance to scramble round the fire engine which was there along with firefighters from Selby. Of course, St John Ambulance first aiders joined us too – fortunately, their mere presence seems to prevent accidents or incidents! And special thanks go to Balfour Beatty in Selby who supplied the barriers for free.

A huge thank you!

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who made the evening possible. Without the team of over 50 volunteers who give their time, skills & donations the evening would not be possible. Whether it’s providing soup, managing the grotto queues or putting up Santa’s Grotto – a huge thank you to each & every one of you.

We must thank all the refreshment makers and servers. The mulled wine was on top form again this year (thank you Mark and Kathy), as were all the soups on offer. Without the road marshals the event would not take place safely. Many stand on the peripheries of The Square, too far away to see what’s going on so miss out themselves so families can remain safe from cars and even the odd bus or Taxi coming through!

A special thank you to Santa who appeared on the roof (eventually). Also to Mother & Father Christmas who were able to join us again this year.

Time and Money The 100 Club is the principle way of raising all the money needed for the lights, trees and ‘Switch on’ event expenditures.

The £12 annual subscription provides good value as if you enjoy the evening then there is also the possibility of winning one of three prizes. Thank you to everyone who has renewed their 100 Club membership, however there are still numbers available if you would like to join. Please simply complete the application form in this edition that Hillam News have kindly agreed to include in this edition.

If you would like to join our band of ‘Merry Men’ by volunteering in any shape or form, then we would love to hear from you. Please contact Karen Merry, 12 Hillside Close, or phone 685694.

Lastly, we wish you all a happy 2015 – and look forward to seeing you on Saturday 5 December gathered round the Ringtree with some mulled wine, looking out for Santa!

The Ringtree Christmas Lights Committee

Nigel Adams—your MP 17 High Street, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire LS24 9AP Tel: 01937 838088 nigel.adams.mp@parliament.uk Welcome to the village, Gloria Law, who has come from Kellington, and judging by her bird feeder, will soon have the fattest birds in the village.

With her son and daughter-in-law and granddaughters already living in nearby Bedfords Fold, she is already familiar with the village. Gloria has already been over to the Pubs The Hub Coffee mornings and found them a great opportunity to meet her neighbours and begin to make new friends.

Also, Katy and Carl Hale, with sons Tom and Sam are currently, but slowly, en route from Monk Fryston. After some alterations and renovations, they will eventually settle in Applegarth Cottage in Bedfords Fold.

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FAREWELL Richard (Dick) Roebuck (1946 to 2014)

members of staff. They each had a heated garage.

Richard Roebuck was well known in Hillam and Monk Fryston, in the Crown and Cross Keys. He could also be spotted most mornings taking his Aviva taxi from Hillam Square to the Stove Shop, Monk Fryston where he regularly helped out.

Hillam seems less tidy than before (1997). The grass verges are overgrown, the Ring Tree area with the coloured posters near the pump is scruffy. and it's noticeable that the roadman, Eric, is no longer there.

He lived for some time in Canada. His wife Sue, from Mill Close, and son and daughter stayed on in Toronto after he returned home in the nineteen nineties. He was well known for having a strong opinion on almost anything - from flooding to planning through to farming.

There are also some good renovations of old buildings. But building methods are Victorian by Canadian standards. A wooden frame with brick skin is better for insulation and over there air conditioning and dust extraction are essential. So are insect screens on open doors and windows"

His step father John Newsome worked on farms in Hillam and Burton Salmon and was in his time just as well known.

The collection taken at the funeral will be divided between the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and St Wilfrid's Church.

Flashback — Richard Roebuck talking to Hillam News in 1997 I was brought up by my grandparents in a large old house in Monk Fryston. We had one cold tap, which sometimes worked. I had fun playing in the grounds of Monk Fryston Hall, going to the allotments with my grandfather and delivering milk in aluminium cans for Stokers' Farm. The school had three very popular teachers, in three classrooms. It was heated by coke, which was fetched by the coke monitors.

Any boys who were caught arguing were sent into the playground wearing boxing gloves.

Every Monday we all took whatever cash we could afford to save, and this was put into the Yorkshire Penny Bank. My savings eventually bought my first new bike, for £17. Later we moved to a council house in Mill Close, which had such luxuries as electricity and a flush toilet.

Eric Walters, Hillam cricketer 1937-2014 I played cricket with Eric Walters at Hillam in the 1970s along with Keith Ward, Bernard Simpson, Bert Thompson, David Blackburn and David Bramley. Eric didn't come from the village. We didn't see him every year as he moved about. He was a primary school headmaster in South Elmsall and Fitzwilliam.

A memorial service was held at Central Methodist Church, Pontefract.

Eric was a major force in founding Pledwick Cricket Club at Newmillardam, Wakefield. He lived in retirement at Thorpe Audlin and his ashes were spread at Hillam on December 28th 2014.

I asked his widow Eileen why they wanted his ashes to be at Hillam, when he finished his playing days at Pledwick.

"That's simple," replied Eileen. "All our best cricket memories were at Hillam," David Atkinson

When I married, we lived with my wife's mother at Rose Lea, Hillam. My wife had visited Canada, and was keen to go back. I had been an apprentice joiner with Squire Swift of Selby and had a good job, so I followed her later. I wasn't impressed at first, as I'd never lived in a city or an apartment before, but we made friends with other immigrants (from England, Scotland and Yugoslavia). I found work mainly in the construction industry, including three jobs with wealthy families, I also worked for Conrad Black, owner of several newspapers including (later) the Daily Telegraph. He had inherited a house, and had living quarters added for the nanny, butler and 4 other

David (Dai) Jones

Architect

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

Phone 01977 685534 Consultation Welcome – Initial Discussion Free

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THE BIRDING COLUMN Wintering thrushes have been very evident around the village this winter, Fieldfares in particular, with a flock of about a hundred or so over Hillam Square on the 3rd /4th December.

Redwings are much scarcer this year, but up to ten or so can usually be found in the water-logged grassland and tall hedgerows along Betteras Hill Road. On 23rd December I was thrilled to spot a female Peregrine harassing the fantail flocks over Burton Salmon pond, late afternoon. The pigeons’ owner may not have been as enthusiastic as I was however, as both Peregrine and Sparrowhawk decimate these easy targets in winter.

On 31st December, Rob Preston emailed to say that he had seen a Little Egret in the dykes to the south of village, whilst out walking his dog. This small snowy white heron, with black legs and bright yellow feet was scurrying along the dyke ahead of Rob, but then he lost sight of it. This is still a scarce bird in these parts; however I expect Rob’s to be the first of many records, now that there is an established colony of breeding birds south of The Humber in Lincolnshire. I checked the dykes again on New Years Day, but unfortunately couldn’t find it.

Keep looking Rob. Stuart Wroe tells me that he has had a wintering female Blackcap in his garden. This is a small brown warbler with an orange-chestnut coloured cap that usually over winters in Southern Europe or further south.

After a cold overnight frost, it dawned bright and sunny on 4th January, so I decided to walk to Burton Salmon, then back home via the A162, birding en route. There were a few Yellowhammers and Reed Buntings in the laurel hedge bordering the fields along the road to Bluebell Wood, and a mixed flock of Lapwings and Golden Plovers resting in the fields west of West Park Farm, but no more birds until the pond at Burton Salmon.

There was of course the ubiquitous Cormorant, a colourful male Shoveler, a couple of Pochard, about ten Tufted Duck, and a female duck that looked like a hybrid between a Tufted and Scaup, with a white base to its bill. A Little Grebe ducked and dived amongst the Mallards, one of which, a male, hauled itself out of the pond onto the bank, the iridescent green neck and bright orange of its legs strongly reflecting in the near horizontal rays of the sun. A flock of Red-legged Partridges pecked idly in the hard, frosty ground, scurrying off at my approach along Betteras Hill Road. The tall, bare trees bordering the tip, sheltered from the cold wind, were lit up by the warm rays of the sun, so I lingered awhile to try and spot whatever may have been skulking amongst the dense concentration of grey, lifeless

by Graham Todd

branches. Several perfectly camouflaged Woodpigeon preened in dark recesses, and a brilliantly lit salmon pink-coloured male Bullfinch sat in splendid isolation enjoying the sun’s rays.

As an aside, I have just finished reading a very erudite tome entitled “The Wisdom of Birds”, in which is described that in Victorian times it was very fashionable to own a Bullfinch and teach it to sing. Now for anyone who is familiar with Bullfinches, you will know that it is not exactly renowned for its song, and all I have ever heard from a Bullfinch is a thin monotonous piping, so it was the last bird I expected to be a suitable candidate for mimicry, yet it was apparently possible to train them to sing complete folk songs, and even Queen Victoria had one! I have always thought that only male birds sang, but in another book I have just read that both male and female Robins sing, and sometimes this occurs with Skylarks and Starling, so there you are.

On 8th January, again on a bright morning, I walked along the towpath by the Selby canal northwards from the locks at West Haddlesey, where the canal joins the Aire. There were few birds other than Blackbirds along the short grassy towpath. Blackbirds have arrived in huge numbers over last two weeks; presumably being migrants from Eastern Europe, where the ground is still very hard during the cold winter they are experiencing.

Presumably this same weather induced an extremely rare Little Bustard to fly across the North Sea to Fraisthorpe in East Yorkshire, with another recorded in the South of England. The canal walk was rather disappointing in that there were few birds, but on my return home via Gateforth I spotted two Common Buzzards displaying over woods to the east of the village. This unusually mild weather has no doubt precipitated early territorial display; the presence of these large circling raptors causing absolute mayhem, with a flock of c200 Lapwings dancing in the blue sky in absolute panic, with a similar number of Fieldfares taking flight from the invertebrate rich grassland nearby, to take shelter in the tall trees that border the edge of the wood.

Finally, Hillam has lost a lovely man this last month, Richard Roebuck, who had a keen interest in birds; always taking the time to tell me about the birds he had seen in his garden, when I occasionally gave him a lift to Monk Fryston. I often wondered how he managed to get such a large number, and variety of birds in his garden, until in a weak moment he admitted to regularly providing them with veritable feasts. I shall miss him, and probably his birds will too.

Open Sun-

5 stolen in Hillam break-in

CRIME

Expensive jewellery stolen in Hillam break-in.

The Cheshire Police scam

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following a burglary in Hillam.

My computer screen was locked and none of the keys would work. All I could see was a message from the Cheshire Police.

I was informed that I had committed a range of offences including downloading copyrighted material and viewing pornography. The lock would be removed if I paid ÂŁ100.00.

I tried restarting my PC - to no avail.

The burglary occurred at a property on Chapel Street at sometime between 6.30pm and 8.15pm on Tuesday 9 December 2014.

Thieves gained entry to the rear of the property by forcing a ground floor window and stole numerous items of high value jewellery.

The stolen items include a ladies Rado watch with a black face and diamonds, which is valued at ÂŁ2,000, a ladies 9ct gold bracelet with flat links in a crystal trinket holder, a ladies Swarovski, silver chain with a large crystal fob, and a necklace with five crystals and a heavy silver coloured chain.

Extensive police enquiries remain ongoing into the incident, including forensic examinations at the scene and analysing CCTV in the area.

Police are urge anyone with any information that could assist the investigation and possibly identify the people involved in the burglary.

In particular they would like to know about any suspicious individuals or vehicles seen in and around the Hillam area during the evening of Tuesday 9 December 2014.

If you can help, please contact DC Kendra Wedgwood on 101 or via email at Kendra.wedgwood@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 55 111.

Please quote reference number 12140212879 when passing information about this incident.

10 December 2014

This is ransom-ware originating with a Trojan Horse. I freely admit to exploring a number of 'dodgy' Russian websites and watching 1950s films on Youtube. But you can catch this infection anywhere, shopping, downloading software and opening an email attachment.

There is inevitably an initial feeling of panic. Fortunately I knew about Ransom-ware and I started another computer and Googled 'Cheshire Police scam'. It is a widely used racket and the page which displays and locks varies from country to country. Just imagine getting a message telling you the FBI or FSB (reborn KGB) were onto you.

You need to get rid of this virus as soon as possible. It can breed. If necessary get a teenager to help. Otherwise, leave your computer switched off, and take it to an expert.

I have two security protection programmes. One is AVG which is a standard and free antivirus programme. I also use Malwarebytes (also free). AVG checks whether a virus has managed to lodge itself on your computer and Malwarebytes looks for spyware and viruses which have been activated and are running.

I now realise that the Trojan Horse got past my guard when I was offered a choice headed "Microsoft wants to make changes to your computer. Do you agree?" I pressed "OK" without thinking.

Bang - I was being held to ransom.

The advice from my other computer was to start my PC in 'safe mode' (with networking). You get there by closing down, restarting and repeatedly pressing function 8. Once in safe mode the procedure is to use 'system restore' and wind the computer back to an earlier date before the ransom-ware struck, perhaps a week previously. This should get rid of the ransom ware but not necessarily the Trojan horse.

On this occasion system restore refused to operate. (Just when I needed you, Microsoft) I ran Malwarebytes. This located and quarantined the active ransom-ware but not the original Trojan Horse. I then ran AVG antivirus and this found the Trojan Horse, lurking and ready to trick me again into allowing it to reinstall the ransom ware.

I later managed to restore 'system' to an earlier date. (This was a typical Windows complication linked to the firewall.) I am even more on my guard now. Especially immediately after visiting dissident Russian websites.

The Hillam Nerd

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Précis Parish Council minutes for December 2014

Minutes of previous meeting approved Financial report and budget review submitted C/A £9,721.86 Uncashed cheques (October and November) £2,180.22 Forecast Balance £5,206.06 Expenditure agreed for Chairs attendance at YLCA course Pension offered to and declined by the clerk Recommended financial internal audit controls instigated. Cllr Mitchell confirmed as internal auditor.

Grant application form to be designed by Cllr. Robertson Precept set for next year - Band D charge to remain the same.

Clerk to advise SDC. Planning Reports 10 Acres update – Agreed response letter to be sent objecting to the appeal against the enforcement order.

Notice of decision received re. side and rear extension to 22 Hillam Close – Approved Though there were no objections, clerk to query why no advice of application was received by the PC. Reports Community Centre Bonfire Night very successful Noise issues within the centre to be investigated and addressed Trees in the grounds were in need of attention.

Local residents would be consulted.

Key events for next year included beer festival and bonfire night.

Burial Board Cllr Collinson advised that there had been tipping issues in the corner of the cemetery. Removed by a kind neighbour.

Burial Board clerk has tendered her resignation – vacancy to be advertised in the Hillam News.

CEF Attended by several councillors. Meeting covered the Selby Plan and CEF funding application process.

Howard Ferguson requested to include us in e mail circulars to give guidance and keep us up dated with developments.

Policies and Procedures A range of policies approved, a few still in construction.

Correspondence e-mail from Richard Hardman advising of intentions to raise more animals and erect a temporary poly tunnel to facilitate extending growing projects in a nearby field. No planning issues and no objections.

Complaint from previous clerk re précis of PC minutes. This will be dealt with under the complaints procedures. Cllrs Mitchell and Collinson to investigate. Parish Clerk instructed to write to previous clerk and advise him of intentions. Request for the relevant section of the Hillam News précis to be removed from website during the course of the investigation Network Rail declined responsibility for damaged wall at Hillam Gates.

Ongoing Issues Waste bin to be located at Hillam Gates Feasibility of moving bench from The Square to Hillam Gates and getting a new one for the village centre will be investigated

by Cllr Robertson.

Ashfield Villas Watercourse dredging Clerk advised he was struggling to find a contractor to carry out dredging of Villas watercourse.

Mike Thornton and Paul Scholey had assessed the necessary repairs to the village pump base which will be undertaken in the spring.

Contractor advises that a cherry picker was needed to complete some lighting repairs on Chapel Street, otherwise, lighting repairs were up to date.

After preparation of a tender document, a comprehensively equipped maintenance/repair contractor would be sought for the coming year.

Clerk appointed as health and safety officer and webmaster Updates on Pub the Hub Coffee morning and proposed voluntary transport scheme to medical appointments.

Coffee mornings well supported and thriving with diverse activities happening within them.

This is no longer considered to be a council matter.

Letter of thanks to be sent to the managers of the Cross Keys without whose support the venture would not have been possible.

Voluntary Transport scheme – feasibility still at investigative stage. £20 offered to facilitate leaflet/survey printing .

AOB Chair advised a neighbour was interested in seeing the recent tree risk assessment report. No objections.

Next meeting January 7th 2015 Burton Salmon Parish Council minutes are at http://www.burtonsalmonparishcouncil.co.uk

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Précis minutes Hillam Parish Council January 2015

Previous minutes accepted Financial report C/A £8,273.44 HI/Ac £5,206,06 Planning Applications Letter sent to Planning Inspectorate detailing concerns of PC re the appeal against enforcement issued to the owners of 10 Acre site.

East Burn Farm - Proposed change of use of an agricultural building to a Motor Services Garage/Tyre Fitting and MOT station.

The application was discussed. Concerns about the consequences of such a change, primarily; precedent set by change of use from agricultural to industrial within this rural setting; increased traffic; noise; potential contamination from tyre storage, oils and other industrial liquids and visual impact were recorded in the response to the planning department.

Potential for extending/supplementing current Sherburn based Helping Hands scheme discussed. Local need investigations show local doctors strongly support the idea.

PC fully supportive of the idea but doubtful about the PC’s role and responsibilities in this area Sue Auders co-ordinator of Sherburn group to be invited to March meeting to give more information.

Matters Arising/Ongoing issues.

Modifications to new notice boards agreed.

Grant application form to be drafted and submitted for inclusion in the forthcoming Hillam News.

Completed applications to be submitted to clerk by end of February.

Cllr Robertson advised that the bench in the square could be removed and re-positioned elsewhere.

Cllr Saddler will gather information about a potential replacement bench for next meeting.

Waste bin for Hillam Gates was chosen – Clerk will order .

Ashfield Villas dredging. Cllr Collinson reported one resident had already dealt with this issue outside his own property. She will get information of the contractor used with a view to getting a quote for the whole Villas dyke.

Chapel Street faulty lights were discussed. It was agreed that these repairs need to be addressed urgently. Clerk to get quotes.

Invitation for Tender for lighting repair contract to be placed in The Selby Times.

Reports The Complaints Committee who investigated a complaint from the previous clerk reported that the minutes of the October meeting were a fair reflection of the situation at the time. It was confirmed that there were now no outstanding matters to be handed over. As far as the PC is concerned, the matter is now closed.

Community Centre Official opening of the Community Centre will be on 16th February. Cllrs Sadler, Little and Collinson will attend.

Chasing of outstanding issues to be added to Parish Clerks Action Solutions to noise issues within the centre still being investigated. Log. Voluntary medical transport initiative.

Annual Meeting preparation Cllrs Wright and Little reported.

Cllrs discussed encouraging more public involvement and engagement. Options put forward to be considered for further CEF funding requirements and guidance update. discussion next meeting.

Burton Salmon Parish Council minutes are at http://www.burtonsalmonparishcouncil.co.uk

Agreed that a quote should be obtained for the cleaning and spraying the moss and algae covered pavement in Roselea Close .

Cllrs asked that a letter of thanks be sent to Phillip Boothroyd who so diligently voluntarily clears litter within the village.

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THE PUB IS THE HUB – DON’T JUST LISTEN TO US…..

Christmas Day at the Cross Keys From TripAdvisor I'd like to thank Mel, Jayne and all the staff at the Cross Keys, for making our Christmas day special.

With a warm welcome, fantastic food and great service, every member of my family had a great day. It is my first visit to the Cross Keys under the new owners, but I will be returning to try the specials and Cross Keys offers.

Reviewed 3 January and awarded 5 out of 5 stars Jayne L, The Cross Keys, responded: Thank you for your lovely review. It was super to see you and the family on Christmas Day. We were so pleased with how well it went and we also have a list of improvements for next year, because we want to make sure each year it gets better, giving you reason to keep coming back.

We really appreciate the time you took to write your review and look forward to seeing you soon.

The Pub is the Hub More Monday morning events at our coffee mornings in the Cross Keys March 16th Susan Ferguson on Flowers from the Garden March 30th Fashion Show from Cath Finan (and helpers) Recruiting now for even more models The Cross Keys every Monday morning from 10am until 11:45am

Just visited the Cross Keys with my boyfriend, Friday evening.

We didn't book but a gentleman (who I assumed was the landlord) welcomed us and sat us at a table. I ordered the French burger and my partner ordered the venison burger from the specials board.

Service was quick and oh my gosh, the portions were huge!

Neither of us could finish our meals! Delicious. The value is also something worth mentioning, 2 wines, 2 beers and 2 meals for under £40! To say we only live minutes away in Hambleton.

I can't believe we've never visited before and we will definitely be returning !

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THE PUB IS THE HUB – DON’T JUST LISTEN TO US…..

This was my first visit to the Cross Keys for several months and things have changed.

I would like to thank Mel, Jayne and all the staff at the Cross Keys, for making our Christmas day special.

There are now new landlords.

With a warm welcome, fantastic food and great service, every member of my family had a great day.

A smile means so much and it radiates a warmth that customers of village pubs go there for. Makes all the difference.

The menu is good if you like burgers; they have them from around the world, some spicy some not. They looked to be all hand made with different additions dependant on the country theme. I chose Italian which was quite nicely flavoured. It was served with the usual chips & salad.

I think the current tenants are trying hard to recover trade lost in the past by others who have moved on. It is a village pub in a good position, They need to make sure they welcome families as well as the rest of the community.

I am writing this on 2/01/2015 and have returned a couple of times over Christmas. I think they have got it just about right for a village pub. The food is reasonable & wholesome.

The service is very good and they are attentive to all customers.

There is a warm family atmosphere and on my visits the place was buzzing. Their burgers are something else, although to get your mouth around them you would need the jaws of an Elephant - That is not a criticism. The food is good and satisfying without been anything approaching a classy restaurant; it is good pub grub.

I called one night when they had entertainment, which was also very good. The Cross Keys is well worth a try for a simple lunch out or evening meal in good company.

Visited December 2014

It is my first visit to the Cross Keys under the new owners, but I will be returning to try the extensive menu and specials the Cross Keys offers.

A very satisfied customer Sam Lambeth Visited December 2014

Don't just spoil your Valentine for one day…...

The Cross Keys is offering a week long special, come along any time between 12pm-9pm from Monday 9th February to Saturday 14th February and take advantage of our "not to be missed" Valentines offer of 2 Premium 8oz Fillet Steaks with all the trimmings, peppercorn sauce and a bottle of white or red wine, just £40 per couple.

Book now to reserve your steak.

THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PRE-BOOKINGS

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PROPOSED CHANGE OF USE OF AUSTFIELD LANE By the time Hillam News went to press the consultation period for the Selby plan was over. There was some criticism that the period was not long enough, particularly as it included the Christmas holidays. When Selby's 'Core Strategy' was under consideration there was more publicity and a lot of local interest and a 'sell out' public meeting in the twin villages.

For PlanSelby there was a local meeting but it took place a week before the leaflet advertising it had been distributed and it was held 'behind closed doors.'

PlanSelby has been delayed by a legal dispute with Sam Smiths' Brewery, Tadcaster, which is now resolved. Nationally four out of ten local councils still have no plan in place. Without the constraints of a plan, developers in other parts of the country have been submitting proposals for zones, such as green field sites, which would have been excluded by a plan.

2014 we have welcomed the development of Bert's Barrow into a high class farm shop. Monk Fryston Stoves are already on Austfield Lane.

Austfield Lane might just grow into Hillam's new commercial zone - what the plan describes as 'start up space for small businesses.' Hillam would welcome well run and forward looking businesses, especially those with local connections.

This would be preferable to the piecemeal locating of businesses around the village.

Going, Going - Gone

Two fields adjoining Hillam were put on the market late last year by owners living in the village. Five acres opposite Ashfield When locals in Hillam and Monk Fryston last had a chance to Villas were advertised at ÂŁ60,000.00 and have been sold. As is voice their opinions in public several people spoke out against common in the sale of land which may in future be developed large estates which might overwhelm the villages. They probably there was a development clawback clause of 50% and this runs had in mind the mention of building 300 houses between the for thirty years. existing village boundary and Austfield Lane. This was listed in a 'Call for Sites' document published alongside the plan.

An 18 acre field which fronts onto Betteras Hill Road was offered at the same time with a different owner asking for offers The document states that in publishing the list Selby Council over ÂŁ190,000.00. The field is still on the market. makes no promise or comment.

Selby plan suggests between 60 and 70 new houses for Hillam and Monk Fryston up to 2027. This is growth of about eight per cent.

Last month the long established Sherburn Rubber Company applied for change of use at East Burn Farm, Austfield Lane into a motor service garage. Presumably the intention is to move the business lock stock and barrel.

Why not call it Hillam Rubber.

This is the type of business we should welcome to Hillam. In

Neither field is mentioned in a Selby Council planning report 'Call for Sites 2013.' This lists a number of possible future building sites in and around Hillam and Monk Fryston.

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MORE FROM OUR SCHOOLS Burton Salmon CP School “Happy Learning for a Healthy Future” The children have returned to school renewed and refreshed ready for a new term.

We are very happy to welcome two new teachers to Class 2; Mrs Pinto and Mrs Copley and a new part time G.T.A. Mrs Huntington. We do hope they will be very happy at Burton Salmon School. We also have a student from Leeds Met, Miss Donnelly on her final placement.

Class 2 are studying Peru and South America this term and have already had a visitor in to speak to them. They were particularly interested to hear about the food such as roast guinea pig! They tasted many foods from Peru but not guinea pig!!

Class 1 are learning about voyages and travel this term. Our role play area is already a ticket office for a shipping line.

Class 1 are also thinking about inspiration. Our parents have written some very thoughtful and moving accounts to share with us about who inspires them. This learning in partnership has helped the children to understand the meaning of inspiration.

This term we are taking part in a sports taster festival, a High 5 festival and a Tri-golf festival. We also have our football club after school.

We are very proud that 3 of our pupils have made it through to the finals of the County Cross Country competition.

The Healthy Eating Club is as popular as ever and we will also be running Revision Club and Craft Club this term.

We have a very busy time ahead of us in school but we work as a team and our pupils and parents are part of this partnership.

We wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Mrs D. Andrews Head Teacher

As we saw out 2014 we were delighted to be awarded the ‘Inclusion Quality Mark’ by North Yorkshire.

This involved a rigorous accreditation process including a full day inspection by two advisers.

Perhaps the most glowing indictment came from the lead adviser who said that if she was able to choose a school for her child, she would like to send them to Monk Fryston.

High praise indeed!

And so to 2015. The educational landscape continues to change.

Local authorities are really feeling the pinch of austerity measures as council budgets become squeezed, and we are noticing the impact upon schools. We have been lucky in North Yorkshire, as until now we have retained a high level of support from services that work behind the scenes for schools. We always knew that sadly this couldn’t last. We have fewer advisers to help us to negotiate change and continue to improve, and schools are increasingly expected to do things alone. This could make us extremely vulnerable.

Luckily, the schools in our area have responded by forming a very strong alliance. This has been named the ‘STAR’ (Sherburn, Tadcaster and Rural) Learning Alliance, and involves seventeen schools including most local primaries, Sherburn High and Tadcaster Grammar.

It may seem strange that we exist in a system that encourages competition for school places, league tables, and inspection outcomes; and yet we are directly helping each other. In practice it has proved extremely powerful. We have begun to develop honest and open conversations about our practice and are sharing expertise to ensure that we achieve the very best for all the children in our area. We have formed an action plan that indicates improvement priorities for the area and have already established a number of opportunities to work together for the betterment of all.

Head-teachers meet frequently and analyse school performance; teachers have come together on several occasions to moderate assessment practice to ensure that judgements are secure; governors have established a training plan to develop their role; and school admin staff are sharing resources and training to help the management of our schools work more smoothly.

Of course, the STAR Alliance is embryonic, but the spirit of collaboration is strong. We all look forward to a successful 2015 which will undoubtedly see partnerships develop further and we will really feel the benefit of collaborative working.

Happy New Year!

12

Health & Fitness Defibrillating News

You deserve maximum results

Burton Salmon's red telephone box is to become the location for a village defibrillator. Residents backed the parish council's move at a meeting in January and scheduled a further 'Awareness' meeting for Tuesday Feb 17th (7.00pm at the former chapel).

So what are you waiting for? Build the foundation for looking and feeling better! Get your body in shape for 2015 here.

The parish council originally turned down BT's offer to take over the redundant red phone box and it was adopted by a local businessman who paid BT £300.00 for the privilege. He is supporting the project.

The operation envisaged in Burton Salmon differs from the 'Community First Response' scheme based in Monk Fryston.

This latter one involves a rota of on call volunteers and was set up over 15 years ago with funds generated by the predecessor to Bert's Barrow. It is accessed by dialling 999.

In Burton Salmon the defibrillator, complete with audio instructions, will be available when needed under the direction of the ambulance service.

Church Walks February 2015 Date of Walk-------Saturday 28th February 2015 Venue---------------Harewood's Treasure House.

Leaders-------------Mike and Dawn.

We welcome you to a choice of two walks in the Harewood House estate, of "Capability" Brown fame.

Subject to weather conditions and demand, there will be a walk of 6.5 miles, and a shortened version of this walk of 5miles.Both pass through Harewood village with refreshment choices.

The parkland at Harewood is home to the "red kite", so if we are lucky……..

Meet at 10.15am for a 10.30am start ,please bring food and a drink, and wear suitable clothing for the day.

From Monk Fryston take the A1[m] towards Wetherby, turn onto the A659 through Collingham to Harewood.

At the traffic lights turn left onto the A61 for one mile, and park on the opposite side to the main entrance to the estate.

Allow about 35 minutes.

Please contact either Paddy or Stuart on [01977] 684180 if you require further information about this walk or the group.

With a choice of classes and personal training there is a programme for everyone’s busy work schedules and fitness needs whether your wanting to lose weight or tone up and improve your fitness level.

Get inspired and take the next steps to look better and feel better! There are many variables that can affect your ability to look and feel better. Learning what these variables are, and how to use them to your advantage is half the battle. We can teach you how to change the way you think…..about food and exercise and provide you with the knowledge you need to get inspired and change your body for the better!

You CAN lose weight, you CAN look better and feel better than ever before, and you CAN make a permanent change for the better.

When it comes to weight loss, changing your mind is as important as changing your body. Without learning new habits, any weight that you lose could be gained back if you slip back into the old habits that caused you to gain weight in the first place. While it is important to eat healthy and stick to your daily calories and nutrition, denying yourself the foods you crave entirely can actually do more harm than good. So we will teach you how to make your weight loss sustainable, so you can maintain your health and fitness goals for life.

How About Trying A Cleanse? Great to kick start a healthy eating plan or a great way to feel better over all that indulgence after Christmas….

Transform your body and lifestyle with a fantastic 69 day programme. JUST ADD WILL POWER. Combining premium quality products with easy to follow information and guidance, this programme provides you with everything you require to reach your weight loss goals. All you need is the will to succeed. Develop lifelong habits that will help you to manage your weight in a truly sustainable way.

The classes here are FUN, the class members are FRIENDLY and TOGETHER we get results!

Contact Jane Halstead for your FREE Consultation 01977673553/ 07921689931

13

WOMEN WITH INTERESTS GROUP CELEBRATE The end of the year is, traditionally for the WWI group, a time to celebrate with a delicious pot luck feast. It’s amazing that the unplanned menu of tasty treats brought always seems to be just the right balance for a most enjoyable meal.

Inevitably, the chat seems to include a reflective review of the many varied, successful and interesting meetings held throughout the past year and how best to expand our group and perhaps extend even further our range of activities and we’re open to new suggestions.

Last year’s programme included talks on The Life of a Vet, Homeopathy, Life in a Medieval Village. June saw some members supporting an Alternative Ascot event whilst others enjoyed a Fashion Show at Selby Abbey. Meals out and garden visits including afternoon tea at Wentworth Hall conservatory added to the year’s mix.

We are aware that many ladies in the villages might find it difficult to get to the meetings which are generally held at 7.30pm in the Community Centre on the 3rd Thursday of the month. We have driving members spread throughout Monk Fryston and Hillam all of whom would be very happy to collect and take home any potential new non driving members.

If you would like to join us and would like a lift, please ring Kath Ratcliffe 683590 and let them know where you live, and they will sort one out for you.

Our January 15th meeting is the one where we discuss and plan the coming year’s programme of events. Why not come along and find out what is in store for 2015?

HILLAM A LA MODE Say the words fashion, clothes and pub and you have a turn out that swells the pub to bursting even on a cold December Monday morning.

Kath Finan had come to sell her clothes and had racks of jumpers, tops, trousers, blouses, scarves and bags and asked several villagers to model them for her. Ann, Mary, Maxene, Julie, Andrea and Becky duly crowded into the toilet and had quite a giggle.

So out they came strutting their stuff, twirling and posing and encouraging sales. It was coming up to Christmas so there were some good Christmas outfits and jumpers on sale. Prices were very reasonable and the rails were heavily picked over. A really fun morning.

Kath will be coming to do another clothes sale in March, when we can look forward to changing to spring outfits. Look out for the date and come along to snap up a bargain.

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CHRISTMAS COMPETITION RESULTS The Hillam Homes on Santa’s route in our competition were: -

Chernobyl Aid Convoys It has been a busy time since our meeting in early July 2014 at which we decided to continue our work in Belarus. We have successfully applied for charity status and received formal registration on 12th November after much form filling and document signing. Later in November we sent over 11 tonnes of aid to Belarus and are busy now with the planning of a convoy in April 2015 which will involve as many as four vehicles.

Dower House, Hillam Hall, Roselea House, Hall Farm (one space too many), Austfield Farm (should really have been house) High Gables, Hillside Farm, Cross Keys, Rose Tree Farm, Breakfast Cottage, Orchard View, Chantries Cottage, Home Farm, Carters Cottage, Prospect Farm, Hillam House, Circle Cottage, Ring Tree Cottage, The Rectory, Burton Cottage Some entries were also beautifully coloured; well done particularly both William Lonsdale and Connie Mitchell,

Mike Allison www.chernobyl-aid.org.uk

After a late flurry of entries, we have a winner.

Congratulations to William and Derek Lonsdale of Hillside Close.

They have already been awarded with their prize, a voucher for a meal for two at the Cross Keys, which was very generously donated by Laura.

Without all the confusing ‘red herring’ letters, I’m sure you’ll now find the answers which eluded you, much easier to find.

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A B R E A K F

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1st - £20 – No. 68 - Betty Timson 2nd - £10 – No. 25 - Roger Everson 3rd - £5 – No. 2 - Pauline Styles

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The winners for the Hillam Lights November draw are:

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The winners for the Hillam Lights December draw are: 1st - £20 - no 81 - Rachel Timson 2nd - £10 - no 20 - Tony Hudson 3rd - £5 - no 17 - Diana Arey

Congratulations to you all - your prizes are on the way

15

ST WILFRID’S CHURCH Rector’s Ramblings Around two to three weeks after reading this edition of the Hillam News we will have reached Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Several people within the Parishes of Monk Fryston and South Milford have decided to have a big push at raising monies for the work of Christian Aid. They will be doing this during Lent by distributing Lent Collection Boxes to people who would like to help with this work – these can be used in peoples’ homes, so a person, couple or family miss a meal to help others, then the cost of that meal can be placed in the Collection Box, knowing that it will be used to feed and help those who are without.

Another way of using the Collection Boxes would be to undertake a ‘Dryathalon’ for the six weeks of Lent. If you feel challenged to go on the wagon for that period, then you could fill the Lent Boxes with the money that would normally be spent on wine, beer and spirits. Not only would you help others, you would probably do yourself a lot of good also.

In addition to the Collection Boxes, there will be a series of 5 Lent Lunches held at the homes of people across both Parishes. Lent Lunches are very basic lunches with soup and a roll, or bread and cheese, followed by tea/coffee. They are cheap to put on, with the cost of the lunch being borne by the host/hostess, and those who attend then make a donation towards the work of Christian Aid.

1ST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 8am Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Family Service at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 2ND SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6.00pm Evensong at St Mary’s, South Milford 3RD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 8am Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Morning Prayer at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston

Lent Lunches will begin at 12.30pm and run until 2pm and the dates and venues are as follows: -

4TH SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH

25th Feb 23 School Lane, South Milford (Home of Jo Fleming)

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

4th Mar 15 Hillcrest, Monk Fryston (Paddy Twidale)

SIMEON WOOD RETURNS 11th Mar Northfield Farm, Well Lane, South Milford (Sarah Batty) 18th Mar The Rectory, Main Street, Hillam (Yvonne Hetherington) 25th Mar T The Wickets, Mill Lane, South Milford (Margaret Barr) Christian Aid is currently working in many crisis areas around the world – including: Sierra Leone – where they are at the heart of the response to the Ebola epidemic.

Gaza – where they are providing food and shelter to many hundreds of people.

Iraq – where they are supporting may Iraqis who have fled their homes to the mountain areas for safety. This is causing all kinds of problems such as winter taking its toll on human life, and the Islamic State fighters.

Syria – with some 76,000 people killed in this conflict during the past year (2014), making it the bloodiest year since the war began. Christian Aid is providing shelter, food, and medical care to thousands of refugees.

If you would like to help support Christian Aid during Lent, then do take a collection box, or attend one of the Lent Lunches above to show your support. Further details on 01977 680788.

Blessings as always

John

A CONCERT IN SUPPORT OF NAIMH THOMPSON TO BE HELD AT ST MARY’S CHURCH IN SOUTH MILFORD For those who enjoyed the Simeon Wood Concert at St Wilfrid’s in 2013, we are pleased to announce that Simeon will be performing again – this time at St Mary’s Church in South Milford on Friday 24th of April at 7.30pm.

Tickets will be £7.50 and all monies raised will go to the work of the children’s cancer charity ‘Candlelighters’ who are supporting Naimh and her family at this time.

SPECIAL SERVICE FOR CANDLEMAS On Sunday 1st February there will be a candlelit benefice service at St Mary’s Church in South Milford at 5pm in the afternoon to celebrate Candlemas which falls on that date. Please note on that day there will be an 8am Holy Communion Service at St Wilfrid’s – but no 9,30am service at St Mary’s or 11am service at St Wilfrid’s.

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR W EDDINGS AND BAPTISMS FOR 2015

Enquiries to the Rector on 01977 680788 or email at hetherington556@btintenret.com

16

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh Winter, the dormant time of the year in the garden. Clearing up from autumn finished. Pruning nearly at end and nothing much to look forward to except dark, damp days and a little snow (but not too much).

This is a good time to look at the garden, reassess and make changes, perhaps bring more light into the garden.

Larger plants can also provide winter perfume. The viburnum family has delicate pink flowers which release perfume into the air. Viburnum tinus isa a popular garden shrub which will perform well in a tub. I have seen it clipped into a low growing and functional hedge covered in flower.

Viburnum davidii is also evergreen but low growing with much more dramatic leaves and similar pink clusters of flower.

Areas can be opened up by reshaping plants, pruning to allow a Viburnum bodnantense is not evergreen and grows into taller vista to emerge or to guide the eye to a focal point. Repositioning becoming tree shaped. It produces highly fragrant flowers on bare a favourite container to allow it to be seen from the inside can stems in winter. brighten the day.

Another shrub producing flower on bare stems is the witch hazel.

In the world of colour, yellow and red jump forward and our eyes This plant has yellow or bronze flowers in winter. The flowers see these colours much more readily. Yellow is a colour used to are also fragrant - so fulfilling gold and frankincense categories. I guide in the gloom. A fireman's jacket can be seen through grew my witch hazel in a container before I decided where to smoke and the visually impaired person often still sees yellow place it in my garden. I'm pleased to say that as I write it has when other colours become more difficult to distinguish. So already come into flower. Witch hazel is not just a perfume plant using yellow in the garden has the same effect- It glows and acts but has been used for centuries for its healing properties It is like a beacon. For example yellow pansies are a cheerful addition found is lotions, creams and ointments to soothe bruising and to a winter container. skin problems.

As well as yellow flowers, yellow and gold plant stems bring brightness into the border. Grasses which bleach out to blondes and golds remain until spring when the old stems are cut back to make way for new growth. Contrast the grasses with dark, glossy leaved permanent shrubs in order to give winter interest.

In late winter and early spring yellow appears again in the form of flowering bulbs such as the winter aconite, Eranthis hyemalis, planted under trees and the dwarf narcissus, full sized narcissus and golden crocus.

Many other herbs grown in the garden, overwinter providing they are grown in suitable conditions. Herbs can provide perfume all year round. The leaves of lavender are as aromatic as the flowers.

Other herbs are grown because the leaves are aromatic.

Rosemary, sage, and thyme are popular herbs which survive our winters given suitable care.

Herbs give fragrance when brushed past. These herbs are often included in sensory gardens for this purpose. All herbs seem to benefit from free draining and even somewhat undernourished soil. They certainly do not like to have wet feet. Adding a little pea gravel to our local soil will help unless you happen to have a lighter sandy soil which will suit herbs even better. More unusual herbs such as winter savoury and lemon verbena may need protection from cold winter weather.

These plants can also provide another welcome feature in the garden - Scent. Many narcissi have perfume. Plan to have the narcissi near the entrance so that the perfume can be detected by someone passing. Other popular winter plants have delicate perfumes. Pansies, violas and primulas planted to brighten up a winter planter all have this virtue. The wallflower, used Our herbs may be used to flavour food or as healing plants as extensively in council bedding schemes, has both colour and myrrh has been for centuries but also to heal the spirit in the short perfume to lift the spirits and can be used as an under-planting for days of winter. narcissus and early tulips.

Susan Scott 01977-685205

Christmas decorations and gifts Fuel and logs - Christmas trees

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NIGEL ADAMS BILL TO ABOLISH WIND FARM SUBSIDY Nigel Adams 10 Minute Rule bill to abolish wind farm subsidies Why are wind turbines and wind farms springing up all over the country ? As with many things, the answer is found by following the money. In the case of wind turbines the money comes in the form of a complex set of subsidies, the cost of which is loaded into our electricity bills as a hidden charge.

electricity in a very short time scale.

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If a farmer with a 50KW turbine uses 80% of the power himself, which is not unrealistic, the power fed into the grid and therefore paid for by the consumer will cost a staggering £936.70 per MWh, which is nearly 20 times the wholesale market price.

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A report produced by Frontier Economics on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change concluded that Britain’s wind energy subsidy was 35% more expensive than the international average.

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In the last few weeks, we have discovered—thanks to private conversations between the industry and the Labour party—that if, God forbid, Labour was to return to power, it would want to see even more turbines erected across the country.

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Voters now know that the Labour party, alongside the Lib Dems and the Greens, has no issue with voters paying more for their energy bills and that it cares little about the impact that large turbines have on rural communities.

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I agree with Thomas Pursglove, our candidate in Corby and the chairman of Together Against Wind, when he says that “enough is enough”.

Subsidies are not sustainable.

The more electricity there is from turbines that costs as much as 20 times the going rate, the higher our bills will rise. The subsidy system is very complicated and is in the process of changing but even under the new system each turbine will receive a very large subsidy in spite of the fact that wind turbines supply no electricity when there is no wind and they even receive extra subsidies when they produce too much energy, for example in the middle of the night and have to be turned off. It simply is not sustainable.

Nigel Adams, along with a large number of other MP’s decided that if the subsidies were stopped it would focus attention on other ways of generating energy, such as the recently opened energy generating plant near to Selby which will produce up to 18MW of energy from waste cooking oil. To deliver a similar amount of energy from wind turbines would require about 20 turbines, each over 400 feet high. Even then they would only produce power when the wind was blowing.

Presenting the Bill to Parliament The bill to abolish subsidies received it’s first reading on 21 January 2015 and will receive its second reading on 6 March.

The following are some of the statements made by Nigel Adams during his speech :-

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We should be supporting technologies that are effective in producing power when we need it and not just when the wind blows

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Onshore wind farms generate below 20% of their stated maximum output for 20 weeks a year

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Britain’s onshore wind farms are routinely paid large sums of money not to generate electricity - as much as £l million in each week of 2014

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The Scottish energy Minister published figures last year showing that 2,235 jobs were connected directly to onshore wind at 203 wind farms across Scotland, so with an annual subsidy of £344 million, that works out at a cost of £154,000 per job.

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Surely the only possible justification for subsidising these technologies is to drive down costs, but Labour ignored that principle and decided to use subsidies to meet arbitrary and foolishly high targets for green

There is a full report including transcript and who voted for and against the bill on the news pages of the stopwoodlanewindfarm web site. The vote on the bill was 59 votes in favour of abolishing subsidies to 57 against - i.e they wanted to keep the subsidies.

What is a 10 minute rule bill and what happens next The Ten Minute Rule, also known as Standing Order No. 23, is a procedure in Parliament for the introduction of Private Member's Bills in addition to the 20 per session normally permissible. It is one of the ways in which a bill may receive its first reading.

Any MP may introduce a bill under the Ten Minute Rule, although in practice it is only used by backbenchers. To qualify to introduce a bill under the Rule, the MP in question must be the first through the door to the Public Bill Office on the Tuesday or Wednesday morning fifteen working days (usually three weeks) prior to the date they wish to introduce their bill. Due to the popularity of the Rule and the difficulty in launching a Private Member's Bill by other means, MPs have been known to sleep outside the Public Bill Office in order to guarantee a slot.

The next stage is for the Bill to be drawn up and this will be done

by Nigel Adams and 10 other MP’s.

The second reading is then scheduled for 6 March.

18

NEWS IN BRIEF. A Monk Fryston resident writes : -

All change at the Plough

I had an accident on my bike on Saturday in Butts Lane, Lumby.

As we didn't have enough room in the car, we had to secure the bike against a fence post, whilst my wife took me to A&E in Pontefract. When we returned 2-3 hours later, the bike was nowhere to be seen. The bike was a Specialized Allez Sport XL road bike in black with white saddle and handlebars. I've reported the loss to the police. If anyone has any information, I'd really appreciate contact. (Please contact Hillam Neighbourhood Watch)

Mel and Dave are leaving the Plough Inn, Burton Salmon after a spell of more than six years. They helped pull the pub round after a rapid succession of landlords and its sale to Thwaites, a Blackburn based brewery with less than a dozen houses in Yorkshire.

This post reached over 3,000 people and was shared on Garforth Velo and Garforth wheelers page. We will all keep an eye out for a similar bike being posted for sale online. Hope he is ok.

From Facebook

From Bert's Barrow Bert's barrow is ready to open; just finished and it's looks fabulous even if we do say so ourselves.

Thank you so much to everyone who helped along the way. We can't wait to show you all when we open.

So sorry Bert is not here to see it for himself but this was what he always wanted.

Thanks for your support everyone. Like we said, we are passionate about using local fresh produce, keeping the local growers in business! Thank you everyone who helped make it happen and a big thanks to Tony Collins for giving up his holiday to get it all finished in the time

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

They came to the village from the Crooked Billet, Saxton.

The Plough is described in an Internet advertisement as a destination pub and is famous in the area for its roaring fires, is advertised to rent on a one to five year tenancy at a 'guided' rent of £29,000

19

HILLAM AND MONK FRYSTON CRICKET CLUB NEWS The ground is surviving all the high winds, with nets and dug outs staying in place for a change. The old pavilion is dismantled. How many people have had lovely moments and memories from that place? The nice thing is that it is being re-used and the timbers and bricks are coming in useful.

The committee has been strengthened with extra committee members. We are also delighted to announce a new President, Dave Page who lives in Hillam and has played for the club previously and at a higher level in the past. A full list of the committee can be seen on the Hillam and Monk Fryston Cricket Club website hmfcc.cricketclubwebsite.co.uk.

The new Secretary of the club is Maxene Wells and booking and hiring of the pavilion should be through her. Call her on 01977 681913.

The club is still in need of a freezer if anyone is throwing a usable one out. We have already been donated a fridge. We could still use a practical person to help out at the pavilion one to two hours a week in the season, doing maintenance and improving the building. Contact Tonu if your interested on 01977 685227.

Junior cricket will start in April – look out for confirmation of day and time.

The Matchball sponsorships scheme will run again this year. For £30 donation to the club you get invited to the club for a match, have a cricket tea for two and a free drink. If you wish to do this then contact Julie Sadler on 01977 685795 or sadlers999@tiscali.co.uk and she will make all the arrangements.

Overseas player Hillam and Monk Fryston Cricket Club are taking an Australian overseas player for the 2015 season and are looking for a host for the player. He is an 18 year old from Perth and will be working locally when not playing cricket. The player will be able to pay £50 a week for lodgings.

If anyone in the village would be interested in hosting our cricketer please contact: Martin Pugh 07985648067

Thank you to the copying and distribution team If you have read the footnote on the front page you will see that Hillam News is financed solely by advertising revenue and the generosity of contributors, photocopiers and distributors. This means that a lot of people do a lot of work in bringing you your free copy six times a year. There are people who write the articles, manage the advertising, edit and proofread. But in the end it is down to those who help with copying and distribution to actually get Hillam News through your letterbox. We hope you will all join us in giving a special thank-you to the copying and distribution team: Mike Allison Barbara and David Atkinson Sue and Peter Auders Susan Ferguson Jane Ford Elizabeth Fryer Jenny and Stuart Hoare Kim Humphreys Alison Judge Mary Little Ian Metcalfe Ian Robertson Sandra Spink Neil Sutcliffe Donna Tonks Celia Watkinson Neal Wilson Betty and Les Wright

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“FLOODING IN SOUTH MILFORD” South Milford sits in a narrow valley and has been subject to flooding for many years. The last four floods occurred in 2000, 2007, and twice in 2014. The most recent on 8th August 2014 was the worst so far.

Discussions have taken place with the authorities - Selby District Council, North Yorkshire County Council, Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency. These commenced in June 2014, instigated by Bob Packham, County Councillor and further meetings took place at the beginning of November with another at the beginning of December. A further meeting is due on 28th January 2015.

There is now a pressure group “South Milford Against Flooding” (SMAF) and it has held two public meetings in South Milford parish hall. Their negotiations with Yorkshire Water (YW) and the Environment Agency have produced a commitment from YW to clean out the culvert which runs for half a kilometre from the head of the village at Wain Gap down the High Street to the Mill Dike which runs on through the village park.

Dales River’s Trust and was supported by the National Trust, the Environment Agency and other authorities involved in flood risk management.

A Community Flood Plan is being developed. It will warn of impending flooding. Emergency sandbag supplies are ready.

The Parish Council is involved with plans to direct water back into the main watercourse and keep it away from the High Street.

The Environment Agency will be demonstrating its flood model to the group and this will illustrate how things have changed with the removal of silt from the Mill Dike. A decision will then be taken as to further work.

A danger to the village still exists at the causeway approach to Steeton Hall and we await developments from government departments to respond to requests for help in this area.

A new website being developed for SMAF by a young village couple will be up soon. A public meeting has been called in the parish hall for 7:30 pm on Monday the 9th of February 2015 when information from the latest meeting with the authorities on 28th January will be discussed.

Yorkshire Water has part cleaned the culvert and was expected back in January after the New Year. The Environment Agency (EA) has also brought its powers to bear to de-silt the Mill Dike Come if you can.

- from Woodlands Lane to just below Low Street Bridge. Not all this work has been completed and the village looks forward to a David Mitchell , Secretary SMAF. resumption of work on both the Mill Dike and the culvert.

Problem points are the culvert under the Low Street Bridge, opposite the Swan and a narrow section above this where access Re-cycling for machinery has been difficult. Local land owners and farmers have helped and they are involved in developing projects to (old bikes and other household rubbish) “slow the flow” of water from the two main watercourses before it reaches the village.

Ferrybridge Household Waste Recycling Centre will close permanently on March 29th. Glasshoughton Waste Recycling Selby MP Nigel Adams undertook a survey of properties Centre will open the following day. The Selby site in Canal affected by the flood. This revealed damage totalling £1.75 million. 154 survey forms were sent out and 84 responses were Road remains open every day and is accessible without a permit. returned. The SMAF Group members knocked on doors to encourage people to fill out the forms.

Discussions continue at Ministerial level over the provision of budgets to continue the work. In all 70 properties were affected in 2014 and they are slowly returning to normality.

The flooding has forced the closure of the village post office, shop and ATM service. Local councillors have encouraged the protection of individual properties since 2007. £37,000 has been spent. Flood defences were constructed on 19 properties although not all have been effective.

SMAF continues its work by regular meetings, gathering expertise from other flood group’s and were at a seminar at Fountains Abbey just before Christmas. This was an introduction to natural flood management run by the Yorkshire

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VACANCY VACANCY (hours flexible) CLERK to MONK FRYSTON, HILLAM and BURTON SALMON JOINT BURIAL COMMITTEE We require a Clerk who will: Attend Committee meetings (approx. 4 per annum).

Liaise with funeral directors, gravedigger for each funeral. Keep records of each funeral.

Be present at The Cemetery for each funeral. Support the Committee.

Manage the Committee' s financial accounts.

The Clerk will be accountable to the Committee for effective management and will report back to the Committee.

The present Clerk will work with the new Clerk to support them through the transition period.

For more information: Contact Jean Collinson on 01977 682391

HILLAM LIGHTS 100-Club If you would like join then please complete the form below and return it, along with a fee of £12 to Karen Merry(12 Hillside Close) or Jenny Friday (1 Hillam Hall View). .....................................................................................

Name(s) :_________________________________________ You can have more than one membership per household Email:___________________________________________ Phone:___________________________________________ Address__________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Postcode_________________ Fee enclosed (£12 per member):________________ Cheques should be made payable to ‘Hillam Ringtree Lights Club’ Treasurer’s use only: Number(s) allocated:____________

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SPORT - IN - NEWS World Cup is still 9 months away and England have more than eight games between now and then to decide on their optimum squad. Squad is the key because in today’s game it’s no longer The start of another year brings reflections on 2014. about just the starting 15 or indeed the team plus replacements.

Playing at least four games in four weeks will test the entire One of the stand-out sporting achievements came in the Ryder squad of 30 and the team who eventually goes onto lift the Webb Cup but there were also many impressive performances during Ellis Trophy will probably be the one with the best squad and not the year not least in the Commonwealth games where the home just the best starting line-up. Whether the new rugby league nations did us proud. Scotland themselves should be more than recruit, Sam Burgess forms part of England’s line-up will be happy not only with their haul of medals but also the way in which they hosted a fantastic games. The Commonwealth Games determined by his performances in the next four months. The early signs however are very encouraging particularly as he rightly takes second stage to the Olympics but we need to could fill one of the problem positions for Stuart Lancaster. remember that these games originated from the fact that many years ago Great Britain had an empire. That is not to say we expect those nations to formally sit in deference to GB (although Whatever happens let’s hope we are celebrating another World Cup for the boys in white come the end of 2015! that would be nice!), it is simply to reflect that each of those countries coming together once every four years to hold sporting contests is a marvellous way of generating camaraderie, Yours in Sport friendship, respect and togetherness, all of which is too often lacking in today’s world. Scotland provided a great setting and Doug Hought their handling of the entire event was to be applauded. Here’s to 2018!

SPORT IN NEWS

The nature of sport in today’s world means a never ending cycle of events and activities. In the last six weeks or so, we have seen a world champion crowned in Darts, there have been over 8 Premier League games per team (20% of the entire season), four rounds of Rugby Union’s European Champions Cup, England cricket one-day internationals, golf tournaments recommencing and American football reaching its annual climax with the Superbowl as well as many others. The point being that the sporting world continues to move on, whatever is happening elsewhere. We have seen many atrocities across the world during that period but sport has the potential to unite and create common, shared understandings between countries that may otherwise not exist. The old question of mixing sport with politics probably looms large into the debate at this point but I am not sure separation of the two has ever truly existed. May be what is needed is to help sport unite countries that have often been seen as enemies. That does not always mean football being the sport which has to act as the conduit. Many countries do not have football as their main sport so there is a need to search for the one or two aspects that would unite both countries without the need to turn to hostilities. Perhaps this is too idealistic but in an ever changing world where human casualties through conflicts continue to mount, somebody, somewhere has to find alternative routes to unite rather than divide. Sport has the potential to do that.

Turning to 2015, the sporting calendar is dominated by the Rugby World Cup which heads to these shores in September. As mentioned in previous columns England appear to be heading in the right direction despite being short in one or two key positions. The important factor to remember however is that the

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POTENTIAL PARISH COUNCIL FUNDING Hillam Parish Council has limited reserve funds to financially support local organisations which enhance our village life.

Using the form below we invite applications from local organisation for financial support for specific expenses, costs or imminent projects.

Applications are to be submitted no later than the end of February. Please note that the deadline is absolute.

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

Name of organisation: Contact name: Address: Email address: Telephone number: Details of application for funding i.e. what will the money be used for:

Finance requested i.e. what are the costs and if applying for multiple items details costs for each:

If application successful, who should the cheque be made payable to:

Signed by and date:

Please return to the Clerk to the Council, 27 Willow Garth, Eastrington Village, Nr Howden, DN14 7QP or email to clerk@hillamparishcouncil.org.uk Closing date 28th February 2015

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

CLUB OR GROUP Monk Fryston & Hillam Community Association

LOCATION

DAY & TIME

CONTACT

Community Centre www.mfhcc.com

Bi-monthly 2nd 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

MF & Hillam Luncheon Club (for anyone over 70)

Community Centre: for catering purposes, please book your place

1st Wed from 11.30am

Kath Ratcliffe

683590

Community Centre

Mon 6.30pm

John Leslie

682334

SM Church Hall

Wed 7-9pm (term time)

Annabel Hey

Community Centre & Hambleton Play Safe Club Church Hall

7.30am-6.30pm

Rachael Peacock

Church Hall booking

MF & Hillam Junior Youth Club (8-11) S Milford Youth Club Breakfast & After-School Clubs MF Pre-school Little Monkeys (Mothers & Toddlers)

Booking: Becky Gatenby 689230 Secretary: Tony Hudson 682693

Paddy Twidale

Community Centre

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

684180

07517 314720

01757 229910 Jayne Wood 681050 (Playschool hours only) Sarah Force 07879 452293

Rainbows (girls 5-7)

Friday

Becky Gatenby

689230

1st Hillam & MF Brownies

Friday

Marie Parkin

680363

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.cricketclubwebsite.co.uk

Occasional Tues 7.30pm

Burton Salmon Cricket Club

01937 557340 Paula Spencer

682506

John Colton

671172

Richard Milne

689809

John Nesbitt

684444

MF Junior Football Club

Stocking Lane

Steve Tope

07970 868288

Castleford & Dist Society of Anglers

Hillam Pond, Betteras Hill Road

E Addle

07535 782380

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

Dancing (2+, also teen classes)

Church Hall

Tappy Tots

Community Centre

7am summer 8am winter Tue 4-7.30, Wed 4-6.30 pm (term time) Thur 1.45-2.30pm

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

Community Centre

Thur 10-11am

Anne Nicholson 01757 611234

Pilates

Community Centre

Mon 9.30-10.30am (term time)

Beverley Fletcher 01937 530079

MF Time Team

Community Centre

4th Tues 7.30pm

Sue Newton

MF Art Club NCMD Yorkshire Federation of Metal Detecting Clubs MF Reading Group University of the Third Age, Sherburn and Villages Branch

Church Hall Cross Keys

Mon 1-4pm 1st Sun 9.30am-noon

Jean Dearn Trevor Austin

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

Cross Keys 1st Tues 7.30pm Various groups, locations and times detailed at: www.sherburnu3a.co.uk

Iain Mitchell

681063

Lucie Fox

01757 228841

Sue Brierley

0113 3790610

Susan Gardner Lorna Pope

682084 682611 07975 908822 683633 683514

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