CHURCH & VILLAGE NEWS
Escrick - Deighton - Stillingfleet
Kelfield - Naburn - Crockey Hill
December 2024
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14
ALL VILLAGES
Questions for Advent
As we move into Advent, there’s a story I like to remember about Rabbi Akiva, one of the many great figures from Jewish history.
Born in Israel around 50 C.E., Akiva was a brilliant and inspiring teacher who shaped the course of the Jewish religion. But he wasn’t immune to absent-mindedness. Making his way home one evening, Akiva became lost in thought and managed to take the wrong path home. Walking in darkness and forgetful of his surroundings, Akiva didn’t realize his mistake until he was surprized by a loud call:
‘Who are you, and why are you here?’
Akiva’s wrong turn had brought him to the outskirts of a camp of Roman soldiers, where he’d been spotted by a suspicious guard.
Akiva didn’t answer the guard’s question immediately. He thought a moment, and then asked him what sort of salary he received for his sentry work.
The sentry named a sum.
‘If you come and work for me, I’ll pay you twice that,’ Akiva said. ‘I want you to stand at my door and shout those same two questions to me every morning: who are you, and why are you here?’
With all the demands and delights of this season, it’s easy to miss the chance Advent offers us to reflect. We are looking forward to the birth of Jesus, to the start of the Christian year. At this time, I think there’s no better time to ask ourselves – like Rabbi Akiva – who are you, and why are you here?
And one other question, too: who is Jesus, and why did he come?
All good wishes, Rev Robert
Rev Jackie
Vacancy – Parish Magazine Editor. Can you help?
After nearly 5 years as an excellent Editor, Poppy is stepping down in December, following the completion of our January 2025 edition. Thank you to Poppy for all she has done for the magazine, our parishes and for the wonderful, approachable way she has engaged with everyone.
We are now, therefore, looking for a new Editor. If you could spare a few hours per month, enjoy using the computer and are comfortable working to deadlines, please do get in touch with Caroline as soon as possible at escrickchurch@gmail.com for more information. Thank you.
Derwent Probus
The October meeting took us on adventure exploring 2,000 years of history in York. Henry Farrar came to show an interesting video which he had made covering York’s history. The video had many stunning images and was beautifully narrated. The adventure began with the Romans setting up a fortress in Eboracum to deal with the marauding tribes in the north. We saw a Roman bath house, now part of a museum below a local pub as well as the remains of Roman walls. We were reminded of the Roman emperor Constantine, who was proclaimed Emperor in York in 306CE before moving to Rome. He was the emperor who established Christianity throughout the empire in the early part of the 4th century.
The next change was that Eboracum became Jorvik with the coming of the Vikings, who again established their presence in York. We are well acquainted with the Viking legacy in the city with various place names – perhaps most noticeable are the number of street names incorporating the word “gate”, stemming from the Viking word “gata” meaning “path or way”. You can think of Coppergate, Stonegate, Swinegate and many more. The Norman invaders found Jorvik a rebellious place and so were determined to stamp their image on it. They built two castles and a new Abbey and reconstructed the Minster and gave the area a new name – York.
We followed the later history through the Wars of the Roses, the Civil War and up to the 21st Century. A fascinating presentation, well-received by the 30 members who were present.
Have you thought about joining the Group? Probus is part of a global organisation with some 40 clubs in Yorkshire alone. We meet on the last Wednesday of the month at White Rose House in Wheldrake. The current membership is predominantly male but is open to all. After the meeting, for those who wish, there is the opportunity to have lunch in The Wenlock Arms. If you would like to know more, chat to a member or contact Bob Nott, the Secretary, at rwnott@btinternet.com or on 01904 448106. Our website is https://derwentprobusclub.blogspot.com. We will be pleased to welcome you.
Derwent Lions Christmas Sleigh “Rocking Rudolph”
The Derwent Lions Christmas Sleigh will be visiting Escrick on Tuesday 3rd December starting at 6.30pm. Collecting for Lions Charities. If you would like to help, please contact Lion John on 0345 833 2816. Further information from https://derwent.lionsclub.co.
If you want to track Rocking Rudolph in real-time, go to the above website and click “Find Santa”. Only available when Rocking Rudolph is out and dependent on a mobile signal.
Derwent Lions Christmas Tree Recycling in Escrick
Saturday 4th January 2025
On Saturday 4th January 2025, Derwent Lions will be recycling Christmas trees in the Escrick area. If you book your collection through our website well in advance of 4th January, we’ll collect your tree from your house, recycle it and save you getting needles all over your car!
When booking online you have the option to make a voluntary donation, with proceeds being split between St Leonard’s Hospice and other local causes supported by Derwent Lions. Please see https://derwent.lionsclub.co/, locally distributed flyers for more information, or contact us via email Derwentlions@gmail.com. The preferred option is the website but if that’s not for you, ring Lion John on 0345 833 281.
• NHS Sight tests as well as Private Sight Tests
• Complete pairs of Glasses starting from £45, with a 2nd pair half price
• Game changing Innovative Lenses to manage short sightedness in Children
Opening Times
Mon to Thurs 9.00 to 17.00 Friday 9.00 to 16.30
Alternate Saturdays 9.00 to 17.00 (Ring for details)
86 Main Street, Fulford, YO10 4PX
Tel: 01904 621604 Yorkopticians.co.uk
Stone Connection, specialists in the design, supply and installation of granite, marble and quartz worksurfaces, with a selection of floor tiles for a variety of applications throughout your home.
01904 405 405 sales@stoneconnection.co.uk www.stoneconnectionworksurfaces.co.uk
Stone Connection Worksurfaces Ltd, Millfield Industrial Estate, Wheldrake, York YO19 6NA.
Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. Saturday 9am - 12.30pm.
thursday 28th november 6-8.30pm
The parsonagE
christmas market
join us along with local suppliers for an evening of festive shopping!
free entry & complimentary mulled wine & mince pies
the parsonage hotel escrick, yo19 6lf
Derwent Lions are very grateful to all the help Toby Johnson, Tree Surgeon, gives us with this project.
Upcoming Events:
Senior Citizens Christmas, Sunday 1st December 2024
Derwent Lions invite you to our Annual Senior Citizens Christmas event. This is held in Wheldrake Village Hall on Sunday afternoon 1st December at 3pm.
We will be serving afternoon tea of turkey sandwiches and mince pies along with some musical entertainment featuring a range of music including your Christmas favourites. We will have a free Raffle but welcome any donations of prizes We may be able to supply transport, depending on distance and numbers.
The event is free and open to all senior citizens residing in the Derwent Lions patch to the East of York provided you book a place.
Bridlington Spa Concert, Monday 16th December 2024
Derwent Lions invite you to come along with us to the Bridlington Lions Christmas concert at the Spa Theatre Bridlington on Monday 16th December.
The concert starts at 7pm, doors open at 6pm and we are arranging a coach from the Wheldrake, Dunnington, Stamford Bridge area to take us there.
On arrival in Bridlington, we have arranged a fish and chip meal at Salt on the Harbour, a well-known sea food restaurant. Afterwards we will make our way to the Spa Theatre ready for the concert starting. After the concert finishes around 9.30pm, the coach will collect everyone for the return journey back to the York area.
The concert and food are free, we would be grateful of a donation towards to cost of the coach. It is open to anyone residing in the Derwent Lions patch to the East of York provided you book a place. Numbers are restricted so please book early.
Please contact Lion Ken about either of the above events on 01904 448198 or email ken.hardgrave@btinternet.com. We will need to know how many people, any dietary requirements and whether you need transport.
ESCRICK
Escrick Church
Escrick Church is open daily between 8am and 4pm. Our service plan is in the centre pages of the magazine. Everyone is welcome to call in to Church, light a candle and maybe have a look at the second-hand book and jigsaw stall. Volunteers are always very welcome to get involved in all our services and events. Please contact our Churchwarden Heather at churchwardenescrick@gmail.com for more information or if you are available to help. Many thanks.
Sunday 8th December. This month we will be holding our Christingle Service at 4pm instead of our normal Family Fun @ 4. Please do come and join us.
Partnership Prayer Lunch. Monday 9th December. Prayers 11.30am to 12 noon followed by a soup lunch. Everyone is very welcome to come along for 30 minutes of informal prayers for our community and wherever and whatever is on our hearts. If you aren’t able to come along but have prayer requests, please do let us know. Likewise, even if you can’t make the prayer session, you are very welcome to join us for the soup lunch from 12 noon. No need to book, just come along.
Little Hoots Baby and Toddler Group. ONLY ONE MEETING THIS MONTH. Tuesday 10th December 09.30-11am. No booking required, please just come along. Refreshments available. £3 per family. For more information, please contact escrickchurch@gmail.com.
Carol Service. Sunday 15th December. 7pm. You are warmly welcome to join us for our Carol Service followed by light refreshments.
Crib Service. Tuesday 24th December. 3pm. Come along and enjoy our wonderful Crib Service. Why not dress as a character from the Nativity Story?
Easy Fundraising. This is a simple way to help the Church raise funds at no extra cost to yourself. All that is required is to log on to www.easyfundraising.org.uk and follow the links to nominate St. Helen’s Church. So far this year, we have raised over £400 for Church funds.
The 100 Club. If you would like to be part of this club, please contact Carolyn Skilbeck. For an annual subscription of just £12, you chose a number which is then entered into 12 monthly draws. This gives you the chance of winning cash prizes every month for a whole year. Not bad for just £12, is it?
Hearing Loop. Don’t forget that St. Helen’s has a hearing loop. Simply switch your hearing aids to the T position to hear every word of every service.
Cleaning Rota – December: H. Castle & N. Mackenzie
Escrick Heritage Events (All events in Escrick Church)
Escrick Heritage Group – Wednesday 4th December starting at 7.30pm. We are in for a treat! ‘A Christmas Carol’ – A one- man show by Chris Cade. As usual, all very welcome. Members free. Visitors/Guests £4 and festive refreshments will be served.
Poetry Evening – Thursday 5th December 7.30pm. ‘Celebrating Winter and Christmas’. Do you have a Christmas poem or song you remember from your childhood? Have your recently written a poem? Come and celebrate your memories and poetry about Christmas and Winter over a glass of Christmas cheer. Everyone welcome with their stories, songs and poetry on our theme of Winter and Christmas. You are also very welcome to just sit and listen and share good company. (No charge but donations welcome.)
Heritage Afternoon. Monday 9th December. 1pm to 4pm. Please feel free to call in for a guided tour around the Church, listen to the audio tour and/or just call in to enjoy hot drinks, cake and a chat.
Hoots Café – Tuesday 17th December 9.30am to 12 noon. Absolutely everyone very welcome to come along for tea/coffee and cakes. Adults £3, children 50p. (Free refills). This month we are raising funds for The Children’s Society. We look forward to seeing you.
Mothers’ Union
Our November meeting was shortly after the deadline for this December edition, so I am not able to say how that went. Nevertheless, I am sure we will have had an interesting afternoon with Rev Jackie guiding us through the meaning and interpretations of Advent. We always treat ourselves in December and this year we will be going again to the pop-up cafe in Skipwith Village Hall. Everything was so good last year; we are looking forward to our next visit. We have two members from Skipwith, and we always hold at least one meeting a year in the parishes of our non-Escrick members. Skipwith in December may become a tradition!
May I take this opportunity to wish many Christmas joys. Pamela Yates, tel 01904 728423
Ho! Ho! Ho! Everyone is welcome to come to the Christmas Escrick 'Pop Up’ Tea Shop on Wednesday 4th December, 2pm onwards (last orders at 4pm!) in Escrick and Deighton Club. Coffee, Tea and Cake – adults £3.50, children £1
Come along to start your Christmas celebrations and enjoy singing by the Escrick Primary school choir. There will also be a raffle raising funds for Martin House Children's Hospice (chosen by the Escrick school children).
The Tea Shop is held on the first Wednesday of each month. We look forward to seeing you.
If you would like to volunteer at the Tea Shop or join the baking rota, please ring Judith (01904 728845). Thank you.
With best wishes, The Tea Shop Team.
Heritage Poetry Group
Celebrating Winter and Christmas
Thursday 5th December at 7.30 p.m.
St. Helen’s Church, Escrick.
Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat Please [do] put a penny in the old man's hat
If you haven't got a penny, [then] a ha'penny will do
If you haven't got a ha'penny, [then] God bless you!
(listed as number 12817 in the Round Folk Song index)
This traditional Christmas song and nursery rhyme brings back so many memories of school and family preparations during mid-December.
Do you have a Christmas poem or song you remember from your childhood? Have your recently written a poem? Come and celebrate your memories and poetry about Christmas and Winter over a glass of Christmas cheer.
Everyone welcome with their stories, songs and poetry on our theme of Winter and Christmas. You are also very welcome to just sit and listen and share good company.
Got ideas about poetry in Escrick? Ring 01904 720235 (leave a message and I will ring you back) – Marion Horton.
Escrick Parish Council
Potential new Escrick Park Estate development: The Estate are proposing building housing on the land that is presently grass behind the former abattoir adjacent to Carrs Meadow. The provisional proposal is 8 plots consisting of 4 detached houses and 4 semi-detached properties, along with a small amount of off-street parking. This development is in addition to the proposed redevelopment of the former Abattoir site, access will only be via Carrs Meadow. All residents are welcome to give their feedback to the Parish Council once the
planning application is made and prior to the final decision by North Yorkshire Council (NYC) planning department.
Maintenance issues: Southbound from the village towards Selby the hedges have been cut back away from the path side of the A19 from the Carr Lane / A19 junction to the Cawood Road turning to Stillingfleet.
Northbound from the village towards York we have again requested to City of York Council that the verges either side of the path between Escrick and Deighton are cut back.
Trees have been trimmed back at the playing field to improve access along the path.
Escrick Park Estate have repaired the root damage to the surface of the cut through path in the village between the A19 opposite The Parsonage and Skipwith Road.
Volunteer support in the village: If you are reading this and feel you would like to get involved in any aspect of the upkeep of the fabric of the community then please do not hesitate to initially contact our clerk who will put you in contact with the relevant group where you have expressed an interest. This does not have to be committee involvement; it could just be a small amount of time to assist in the upkeep of the village.
Local Plan Consultation: We provided comprehensive feedback objections during the initial consultation prior to Heronby being removed in the second consultation of the Selby District Local Plan. We are told the planning team are working through comments prior to its submission for government examination.
The NYC Local Plan, that will ultimately replace the SDC Plan, is progressing we are told with an ‘Issues and Options document’ to be available by the end of the year. The call for potential building sites is ongoing and they have commissioned a revised Housing and Ecconomic Development Needs Assessment (HEDNA) survey that will ‘assist officers to determine housing numbers and distribution’.
General Parish ongoing issues:
• The Parish Council have applied to NYC for funding for a new item for the playground, these funds should be made available as part of the agreement to proceed with the former Abattoir redevelopment.
• More detail of general ongoing parish issues can be viewed in the minutes of the last Parish Council meeting, available online and printed on the Parish Council notice board.
New Councillors required: We presently have Parish Councillor vacancies, anyone who could spare a couple of hours once a month to join the PC and assist with local decision making would be made very welcome. You would be co-opted into the group, meaning minimal paperwork and no election required; there are no limitations with regard to experience or minimum adult age. For more information please initially contact our Clerk, Sally Look, clerk@escrick.org.
Next Parish Council Meeting: To be held at The Parsonage Hotel (Wenlock Room, adjacent to the hotel reception) Monday 2nd December at 7pm. Previous meeting minutes and future meeting agendas are posted on the Parish Council notice board and available on our website www.escrick.org.
Escrick CE Primary School News
We’ve arrived at December, with all the exciting performances and other events for the festive season on the horizon. However, as the excitement builds, the children are still working hard in class and outside.
Reception children are learning about celebrations, in particular all about how Diwali and Christmas are celebrated. They are also practising hard for their Nativity play, which they will present in the last week of term. Year 1 are focussing on their castles topic and also learning about the changing seasons in the local area. Year 2 children have been learning about the story behind Guy Fawkes in their history topic this half term. Connected to this, in D&T they have learned to sew to make their own coin purses. In RE lessons, they are learning about why Christians celebrate Christmas. The Year 1 and Year 2 children are this year presenting a Nativity play together, and they too have been hard at work, preparing to perform in the last week of term.
Year 3 very much enjoyed their trip to the Railway Museum in November, to round off their railway history topic. They have also been practising hard with their musical instruments and in lessons with Mr Novell leading up to their Christmas ensemble performance.
Year 4 have been using a Roman history topic box on loan from Jorvik and have loved investigating the artefacts. They have also particularly liked investigating how Roman aqueducts worked, and tried recreating their own aqueduct arches, using a keystone and no cement.
Year 4 will be presenting their knowledge about their Romans topic in a workshop session for parents at the start of December. The children have prepared quiz sheets so that parents can go to various stations around the hall and find out the answers from our Year 4 experts, or from the work that they have prepared.
This half term the Y5 topic is about the Victorians. Lessons include finding out why Victoria was unique, what life was like for children, and about amazing Victorian inventions and significant Victorians such as William Morris and Dr John Snow. In linked English lessons the children are enjoying the story of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Year 6 have been learning all about how Parliament works and the role of MPs. They had debates during Parliament week around issues such as should homework be banned and should the voting age be lowered to 16. Year 6 have also been enjoying investigating circuits in their electricity topic in science, and designed their own websites in computing, considering what makes an effective website.
Whole school events
Miss Wilde have been running a Christmas craft club this term, and she and a group of KS2 children went to The Minster at the end of November to decorate our tree, using the decorations made in the club. The festival is open to the public from Saturday 30 November until Sunday 5 January 2025.
Reading bingo: Over the autumn half term break we again this year set the children a challenge linked to reading. The children were provided with a reading
Escrick
bingo grid to encourage them to read. Lots of children across the school submitted pictures and records of their reading adventures. Three children were chosen at random in a raffle to receive prizes for their efforts.
Rocksteady: The children who learning to play the keyboard, electric guitar, bass guitar or drums, or sing with their Rocksteady groups will have a chance to perform for parents in December. Some budding rock stars in the making! Our PTA recently sold handmade chocolate apples using donated fruit, raising over £200. We look forward to some exciting PTA events in the run up to Christmas.
Children in Need: A non-uniform/ dressing up clothes day and cake stall was held in aid of this worthy cause in November. The amount raised will be included in our next newsletter.
Our Christmas events begin with the lighting of our school Christmas tree and a welcome to Advent event led by Year 5 and 6. The KS2 choir children will be visiting the Escrick Tea Rooms to sing carols. Year 3&4 will lead a Carols Round the Tree event, which will include a brass instruments performance by Year 3. Other events planned include Nativity plays performed by EYFS and KS1, a trip to the pantomime in York, and school Christmas Dinner and party games to finish off the term. We also look forward to welcoming the Archbishop of York to our school in the run up to Christmas.
Sports news
A group of Year 5 & 6 children enjoyed the Sportshall athletics event at York High where they took part in a range of indoor track and field events against other primary schools. During a fast-paced afternoon many children had their first competitive athletic experiences and learned new skills with their friends. They arrived back at school in great excitement as they had come second overall. Well done to those involved!
Shown here are some of our Year 5 & 6 athletes.
Our KS2 girls and boys football teams have both been in action against Barlby Bridge. The girls succumbed to a 0-3 home defeat, although
some lovely patterns of play were seen emerging and great team spirit was shown. The boys played away; Barlby Bridge took an early two goal lead, but Escrick boys didn’t let their heads drop, and shortly after half time had pulled it back to 2-2. The game was on a knife edge until Barlby Bridge scored from a late corner to win the game 3-2.
Escrick Preschool
Pre-school has had an incredibly busy few weeks with lots of fun and lots of 'sparkle'!
We returned to Pre-school after the October half term with lots of glitter ready for Bonfire night and Diwali too!
The children got very creative with 'bonfire playdough' and 'sparkly' paintings. They created some amazing firework pictures and I think it's fair to say, we all looked like 'walking fireworks' from all the glitter, colours and sparkles!
We have also shared lots of lovely songs and stories under the twinkle lights and talked about some Diwali traditions.
For Children In Need, we had a very spotty day with spotty playdough and we created lots of Pudsey Bears with yellow coloured dry rice!
Christmas is now definitely on the way and the bells are starting to 'jingle'! We have been busy learning lots of Christmas songs ready for our little mini concert.
About Us
• We provide a fun, friendly setting that delivers high quality childcare for children in Escrick and surrounding villages.
• We take children from 2 years old and accept government funding entitlements (15 hrs and 30 hrs) and childcare vouchers.
• We are open Monday - Friday and operate on a session basis.
Morning session 9.00 am – 12pm
Lunchtime session 12pm – 12.30 pm
Afternoon session 12.30 pm – 3.00 pm
• We have an exceptional team of experienced, friendly staff and provide links with neighbouring schools to assist in every child’s transition to big school.
Email – manager@escrickpreschool.co.uk or call 07878377588. Find out more about us at www.escrickpreschool.co.uk.
FRIENDS OF ST HELEN'S ANNUAL QUIZ
Please join us for our annual quiz to be held in Escrick Village Hall on Friday 10th January 2025 at 7pm for 7.30pm
Price £10 each to include a cheese and biscuit supper Bar Raffle
Please contact Sara Cunningham (07579 769931) or Linda Reader (07771 600863) to book a table (Maximum number of 8 per table)
We look forward to seeing you!
CHARITY OF THE QUARTER
A huge thank you to all who have made donations for St George’s Crypt in October and November.
Charity of the Quarter collections will resume in January.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
FRIENDS OF ST HELENS CHURCH, ESCRICK NEED YOUR HELP
COULD YOU SPARE 50P PER WEEK??
The image of the Church as you enter our village – especially as it's lit up in the evening – is something that I’m sure we all enjoy seeing. Your donation to the Friends could help us maintain this iconic building. We are a charity that is focused on helping maintain the fabric of the building and its surroundings, and have so far helped with funding towards the following:
• New door / new kitchen / new heating / new oak gates If you feel you could help, then please set up a yearly direct debit for £25 using the bank details below.
The Friends of St Helens Church Escrick (Registered Charity Nr 1113534) Sort Code 20-99-56 Account Nr 30077631
Committee: Sara Cunningham (Chair) 07579 769931 - Judith Luscombe (Secretary) 07469 922301 - Linda Reader (Treasurer) 07771 600863 - Caroline Wandless (Trustee) 07774 461026 / Fiona Walters (Trustee)
R iverbe nd F lowers
Florist and Flower Farmer supplying flowers for all occasions.
• Bouquets, baskets and buckets
• Weekly/monthly flower subscription service.
• Group tuition and wreath making.
• Wedding and event flowers
• Local free delivery.
Lots of photographs on our website, Facebook and Instagram www.riverbendflowersyork.co.uk riverbendflowersyork@gmail.com 07910318932
KELFIELD
Kelfield Village Institute (KVI) News
Festive Evening of Carols on the Green
Friday 20th December
Wrap up warm and gather with us for an evening of joy and community as we celebrate the season with carols under the stars.
Then join us for mince pies and warming mulled wine back at the KVI.
Bring your family, friends and festive cheer – let’s make it a night to remember.
Keep up to date with what’s happening at the KVI by checking out the village Facebook page: Kelfield Notice Board or our Instagram page: @Kelfield.Village.Institute
To contact the KVI please send an email to: KelfieldVillageInstitute@gmail.com
KVI Coffee Morning
Wed 11th December
10.30am – 12.30pm
No charge / donations welcome
If you are unable to attend the coffee morning but would appreciate a piece of cake dropping off at your home, please contact Gill Little on 01757 248824 or email gmlittle281@outlook.com
KVI December Events
December Church Time Service Sun 1st
Priest in Charge of Benefice of Escrick, Stillingfleet and Naburn, plus the Churches of Derwent IngsRev Jackie Doyle Brett revjackiedb@gmail.com Tel 01904 448736.
Assistant Minster: Rev Robert Owen. Tel 07706 243547 Email revrobertlowen@gmail.com (usual working daysMon, Fri and Sun).
For weddings, funerals or Baptisms enquiries for any of our churches please contact our administrator, Tricia at theriverspartnership@gmail.com or call her on 01937 835098. For access to zoom services please contact Catharine Grievson cgrievson@btopenworld.com for log in details.
for the Benefice of Escrick, Stillingfleet
December Church Time Service
Wed 18th Zoom 7pm EP/Compline
Thurs 19th Escrick 9.30am Holy Communion
Fri 20th Thorganby 7pm
Sun 22nd Naburn 9am
Tues 24th
Communion
Wed 25th Naburn 9am Holy Communion
Communion
MAGAZINE EDITOR: Poppy Green, Email: parishmagedit@gmail.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Jill Smowton, Email: parishmagadvert@gmail.com
CHURCH WARDENS:
ESCRICK – Heather Conolly Tel 07894519782 / churchwardenescrick@gmail.com
STILLINGFLEET – Jenni Bartram 07563172885
STILLINGFLEET United Churches LEP – Mrs Grace Atkinson 01904 728373
NABURN – Jean Dale Tel 01904 634231
Classes Held at the KVI
GemFit, helping you find time to enjoy fitness!
Gemfit will be running ladies only pad work & HiiT classes every Tuesday evening 6:30pm – 7:30pm.
Gemfit and HiiT is a ladies only, whole body workout. High intensity interval training with a mixture of pad work and circuits at a pace that suits you. Suitable for all ages, all abilities and all levels of fitness. For more information call 07503 938982 or email gemma.bentley26@gmail.com.
Pilates with Olivia Thornton every Thursday evening 6pm – 7pm and 7pm – 8pm
The classes are run by Olivia Thornton who is a Level 3 Modern Pilates Teacher with over 10 years’ experience. For more information, please contact Liv direct on 07584 138181.
Hobbies & Crafts
1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month 10am – 12pm
All hobbies and levels welcome, Support given by other members. Paper, card crafts, sewing, knitting, crocheting, lace making and bead work. Equipment available to borrow. For more information call 01757 248905 or email fandd@btinternet.com or Gill Little on 01757 248824.
Don’t forget the KVI is available to hire. Only £10 per hour for Kelfield residents or £11 per hour for non-residents. It is a spacious venue (12m x 6m) with a max capacity of 90 for standing events or 60 seated. It has a kitchen and bar facilities for you to set up and to serve your guests if needed. To make a booking please send an email to: KelfieldVillageInstitute@gmail.com
NABURN
St Matthew’s Church
Remembrance Sunday
Thank you to everyone who came to the Remembrance Sunday service and wreath laying ceremony at the village war memorial. A really good number joined in the act of remembrance. We remembered the eleven men and one woman who died in the First World War. We also heard about and remembered Joseph Graham and Charles Edgar Parker who died in the Second World War and are buried in Italy and Thailand respectively. Thanks to all who took part in the service and particularly Matthew Horne who played the organ and Karen Bloor who sounded the Last Post. We are also very grateful that George Porter, who is currently serving with the Light Dragoons, was able to lay the wreath on behalf of the Armed Forces and the village.
Church Services:
Everyone is very warmly invited to our services at St Matthew’s Church. Please do come along and join us. In addition to our normal services, we have the following:
Advent Sunday – 1st December
This will be a ‘United 8’ service of Holy Communion at 10.30am. All the churches in the Rivers Partnership will be joining together to give thanks to God for the 25th anniversary of the reopening of St Matthew’s Church in Naburn. Archbishop Stephen Cottrell will be joining us.
Carol Service – 15th December
The service is at 3pm and we will be joined by the Selebian Singers.
Our Christmas Day service is at 9am.
Naburn Parish Council
Naburn Parish Council is pleased to have made significant improvements to the Play Area behind the Village Hall.
In June, a new large slide was added.
During September, the existing grass mats were replaced.
And finally, a Boule/Petanque court will be constructed alongside the village hall in readiness for next Spring. This is a terrific game and can be enjoyed by all ages.
The “forgotten Tommy” statue was erected as usual for the period including Remembrance Sunday.
Knowles Education Foundation Applications
The next meeting of the Trustees of the Knowles Educational Foundation is due to take place at the start of March. If you have school children or are a student, and live in the parish of Acaster Malbis, you may like to apply for some assistance towards education costs. If you would like to make an application, please contact the secretary for an application form. The expenditure must already have been made and receipts or proof of payment must be included.
Something new for this year; if you are considering an educational trip for your child, we are now accepting proposals, whereby, if the application is successful, the trust will promise some financial help when a receipt is forthcoming. We hope that this may mean some parents can consider a trip at planning stage, with the assurance that they will receive some help, before they commit to it.
The deadline for an application is two weeks before the meeting; Thursday 20th February. Examples of costs that can be applied for are - school trips, music & sports lessons/exams; computers needed for education; text and study books; equipment for courses, and more. Any queries, please contact Susie Raimes (Secretary).
Naburn CE Primary School
Every time we see a rainbow in the sky, we can remember that God loves us and will always look after us.
The children have settled back well into school life – refreshed and eager to learn after a jam-packed half-term. We have lots more exciting topics and events lined up for this half-term and, of-course, we have Christmas celebrations to prepare for!
On 12th November, we will be having a STEM day – on the theme of ‘protecting our planet’. We will be joining with POP24 for a programme of live linkups with inspirational experts working to tackle climate change and the restoration of nature through interactive sessions. We will showcase our learning as an exhibition in the playground at home-time.
Acorn Class
Our little acorns are truly engaged in their topic of ‘Turn Back Time’. They were surprised to find a huge dinosaur footprint in the middle of our outdoor area (as were our team!) They are all very eager to find out more about the past. We will continue learning about our value of Community, the importance of remembrance and will also investigating the big question of ‘Why does Christmas matter to Christians?’ We are also looking forward to practising our nativity play which will be taking place in St Matthew’s church this year.
For Willow class and Sycamore Class, the topic in KS 2 is ‘It’ll be over by Christmas’. We are focusing on World War One and the meaning and importance of remembering those who fall in war. We will be investigating the causes of WW1; the announcement in York and the May 1916 zeppelin attack on York as well as celebrating music from WW1. We will continue to investigate our value of Community with big questions such as: Why is the Bible so important for Christians today and Was Jesus the Messiah?
Working together with our community, we are proud to have held a fantastic Harvest Festival with the theme of Community at St Matthew’s church in Naburn. Reverend Debbie spoke about the history of Harvest Festival, the children wrote and performed
poetry and sang harvest songs beautifully. Thank you all for attending and joining in with such a great service. We donated food to Arc light and Carecent this year – thank you for your contributions.
Our House Captains and deputies attended the 2024 Pupil Summit with our TEAL community. Jonny Uttley (CEO) have a speech about the value of community and being courageous advocates. We had a great day developing ideas about how we can be good leaders and be the change we want to see.
Young Voices
We are already busy learning new songs for the Young Voices Concert to be held in Sheffield at the Utilita Sheffield Arena on Friday 10th January. More information about this truly special event can be found on their website. We are very excited to be taking part!
Reflection Corner
This half -term, we have been making action plans about how we can make a difference both in our local communities and beyond. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Exciting events!!
10th & 12th December – Acorn Nativity performance 1.45pm at St Matthew’s 16th December – The Archbishop of York – Steven Cottrell - will be visiting our school and having a lovely school lunch with us too! We are very excited to have him visit us and show him our lovely school.
18th December – Christmas Lunch
18th December – Riding Lights Theatre
20th December – Christingle Service at St Mathew’s church. All welcome!
Book a tour of our wonderful school – simply phone (01904) 551075 or email the school office naburn.primary@york.gov.uk to speak to our friendly team, Mrs Atkinson or Mrs Fletcher-Moody and book your slot. We understand people have busy lives, so we’ll do our best to accommodate you!
STILLINGFLEET
St Helen’s Church Stillingfleet
All around the shades of Autumn; red, gold, yellow and orange turning now to brown inform us that the winter is rapidly approaching. Late November, usually a time of cold foggy weather, dripping leafless trees in misty yellow skies. A month of memories of the Worlds past conflicts, of loss and of settling the garden into its winter hibernation. It has been a kinder Autumn than last year; the potatoes are safely out of the ground and the green shoots of next year’s crops look promising in the fields around the village.
In contrast to the closing of the year come Advent and December, a time of family reunions and celebration in all our lives. A time of light.
We look forward to Christmas to seeing friends and family, to Nativity Plays and Carol Services, to winter walks together after delicious and special meals, to the excitement shining on the faces of our children and grandchildren as they await Father Christmas, to stockings and gifts to unwrap.
Planning for Christmas starts early. The shops and suppliers will have planned their goods for us a year ago. Real Christmas Trees take years to grow. The food we eat is grown and prepared for many months. Christmas cakes and puddings in the home are often made well ahead of Christmas and food and activities for the Christmas holiday bought ahead of time to ease the household budget.
Christmas can also be a lonely time for those without family and friends about them and I think our villages are very good at keeping an eye on those neighbours who need a little cheer and support at this time.
So too the services at Church are planned and organised well ahead to celebrate the birth of Jesus. A baby born in the Middle East, under troubled Roman rule. Prophesied to be a King of a very different kind to what his contemporaries expected. To change the known world and to be a bringer of a new age. Born not in a palace but a stable area of a hostel in Bethlehem. A bringer of love and peace.
So please join us for our Christmas Carol and Crib Service on Sunday 22nd December at 4pm where all are welcome, and we will be serving seasonal
refreshments afterwards to celebrate together this very special time and to enjoy singing our favourite carols.
If anyone would like to join us to decorate the church for Christmas we would be delighted to have your help. We are cleaning the church on the morning of 16th December and decoration will be planned for that week.
May I wish you a very Happy Christmas and all that you hope for in the New Year from all the members of Stillingfleet PCC.
Our church at Stillingfleet is a beautiful old building at the heart of the village and has seen many Christmas celebrations and worship and many lifetimes and is there for a quiet moment when needed, a witness to us all. So as we reach the end of another year may I thank the people who care for it on a daily basis, who care for its fabric and seek funding for its future and those who plan, worship in and work for it, who open the church up each day through rain or shine and all those who volunteer to clean and decorate the church, keep its surrounds tidy and place flowers in it or deliver our parish magazine in person or digitally.
Jennifer Bartram Church Warden.
Stillingfleet Parish Council
Community Speed Watch carried out more sessions last month:
1. On Church Hill – south towards the pub and north towards the church
2. On the B1222 – south towards the village hall and north towards Naburn
So far, out of over 4000 vehicles checked, the team of volunteers have recorded 162 above the agreed speed limit. The Parish Council send the details of anyone recorded to be speeding (35mph or more in a 30mph zone or 46mph or more in a 40mph zone) to North Yorkshire Police, who then follow this up with their own processes.
Community Speed Watch is about drawing drivers' attention to speed limits in areas where communities say it is affecting their quality of life. It also educates drivers about the effects that anti-social road use can have on local people. On behalf of the Parish Council, a special thanks to all of those involved with the initiative � � � �
The Charity Committee are in negotiations with a potential new tenant who has expressed interest in the Farm Business Tenancy (FBT) over the ByeLaw Field. The committee will share their recommendations with the full council when they have more information.
The annual safety inspection of the Play Area took place in October and a Play Area Committee meeting will be called to consider the findings of the inspection and any recommendations for action will be brought back to full council at its meeting in December.
Please note that several residents have raised concerns about dogs on the Play Area. Dogs are not allowed in the play area, guide dogs being the exception.
We continue to manage and maintain The Green.
o Work to be carried out on the Chapel car park to better delineate the boundary edges. This will make it easier for residents and Art Studio users to use the parking spaces.
o The current parking scheme had helped ensure the car park was available when needed for weddings and funerals, etc.
o The existing parking notice needed to be re-sited to the opposite side of the road to increase visibility.
o The existing parking permit holders to be advised that the scheme is to be renewed under the existing terms for 12 months but that no new permit hangers will be issued.
o The existing parking permit holders to be advised that on a specified date/time they need to park elsewhere to allow access for the edge of the car park to be strimmed to better delineate the boundary.
Surgeons
All types of tree and hedge work undertaken
2 Coney Hill, Kelfield, YO19 6RL
John Davison, professional interior decorator, is offering a high-class service in all aspects of internal painting and decorating.
o Thank you to the owner of the ALMA Art Studios for sharing their projections re usage of the Chapel car park. The Council will keep its operation under review as the business matures. Very best wishes and the village welcomes our newest business � � � �
A number of activities around our Village Infrastructure to report on:
o We will shortly be replacing the Parish Council & Village Institute noticeboard and are considering replacing the free-standing public noticeboard by the bridge.
o The council has now received the payment from the sale of the telephone box, and it has now been removed.
o The Network Access Agreement with Quickline Communications has been signed and accepted. The Parish Council have received an easement of £5,000 and Quickline have recently started their communication re the planned date for installation.
o The council funded a remembrance wreath for the November ceremony and "Tommy" signs were put up to commemorate the event.
Resident’s concerns such as tree pruning, road visibility, and a possible footpath/cyclepath were discussed at the October Parish Council meeting, with various steps being taken to address them.
As we continue to improve how we engage and communicate with our community, the council has decided to change our current website to a gov.uk domain name and will change to stillingfleetparishcouncil.gov.uk. A gov.uk website address is more secure, professional, has better controls with improved legal protection.
A Community Emergency Resilience plan was discussed at the October meeting and a resident shared their experience of the Ready for Anything emergency volunteering scheme. One of our councillors also shared information of the actions taken by the Riccall Emergency Resilience Group. Our Council has decided to form a working party with a view to drafting a proposal for how Stillingfleet might develop an Emergency Response Plan to cope with any future severe flooding or wide-ranging electrical outage impacting the whole village.
Tel:
If you are interested in getting involved with any of the initiatives, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. If you don’t have enough time to be actively involved, we still want to hear your views!
Minutes of all Council meetings are placed on the Parish Council website, Parish Council notice board and on our Community Chat page.
The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place in the Village Hall on Thursday 12th December 2024 at 7.00 pm.
Community Drop-in Session will start before this meeting at 6.30 pm and last 30 minutes.
In the meantime, we are looking forward to continuing to support our community! If there is anything you would like added to this Parish Council monthly update, please get in touch with us.
Stillingfleet Parish Council would like to wish everyone season’s greetings and a healthy, happy and peaceful New Year
Stillingfleet Village Institute
Christmas greetings to all Stillingfleet and Moreby residents!
Christmas Pop-Up Pub Night! – Friday 13 December - Stillingfleet Village Institute
Come along to a Christmas Pub Night on Friday 13 December! As well as all the usual treats we’ll have Mulled Wine, a cask of Christmas Beer and Christmas Food on offer! Dig out your Christmas Jumper, Hat and Accessories and head for Stillingfleet Village Institute.
No need to book. Just turn up for:
• Locally brewed Christmas Beer
• Mulled Wine
• Wine, lager, gin, soft drinks
• Hot Christmas food served by THE SHED 7 – 8.30pm
• Pub Quiz
Stillingfleet
• Bingo
• Good company
• Friendly atmosphere
Dates for 2025 coming soon! Look out for further details on village noticeboards and village Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/StillingfleetVI
Christmas Panto in Stillingfleet! (Oh no it isn’t!) - 6.30pm Sat 14 December
The wonderful Badapple Theatre, in partnership with Rural Arts On Tour, are bringing us their second live performance of…
Sleeping Beauty and the Beast
Three actors, two pantomimes, one hour… What can possibly go wrong?
The intrepid Badapple actors go where no Pantomimers have ever gone before in this hilarious new Panto mashup from York writer and director Richard Kay.
Join Fairy Naturel and friends as they try to thwart the evil plant-poisoning plans of the Wicked Witch of The West (of Yorkshire) and save Belle and Beauty from their storybook fates…
Expect classic pantomime – japes, songs and costume changes galore – on a joyous rollercoaster for all ages.
Entertainment for all the family (age guide 5+) in our very own Stillingfleet Village Institute!
Refreshments from 6.30pm (hot drinks & mince pies). Performance begins at 7pm. For tickets, visit: https://www.badappletheatre.co.uk/whats-on-tour/ (Adults £8.50, Children £5.50, Family £22.00)
Regular Events in Stillingfleet Village Institute
Coffee Mornings – last Thursday in the month, as advertised. Pop Up Pub Nights – monthly, as advertised.
Stillingfleet Village Institute – hall and/or equipment available for hire
Stillingfleet Village Institute is an extremely versatile facility which is great for meetings, classes, parties, stage productions, wedding receptions, social events and much, much more. It has full kitchen facilities, a useful bar area, and versatile sound system – ideal for playing music, presentations, quizzes, etc.
Stillingfleet
To book Stillingfleet Village Institute, or hire chairs, tables, crockery, glasses, stage blocks or our very sturdy 6m x 3m gazebo (very useful to protect family and friends from the elements!). Please contact: Wanda Dobson on 07935 235918 Or email: StillingfleetVillageInstitute@gmail.com or visit: https://www.facebook.com/StillingfleetVI
Stillingfleet WI
We had our AGM in November with each of the officers giving their overview of the year, as well as the members voting for their new president. Congratulations to Ann. No one else wanted to be put forward so the current committee were also willing to stand again!
We didn't arrange for a speaker, but Ann had compiled a "November" Quiz for us all, which we always enjoy.
We celebrated 75 years of Stillingfleet WI back in June and in commemoration, and with our parish council's permission, we agreed to contribute something to our lovely village. So, last month several of our members planted 600 narcissi bulbs at the three entrances to the village of Stillingfleet. We look forward to their display in the springtime of 2025 and hope the whole village will enjoy them too.
We will be having our Christmas event in December and then meeting on the first Wed in the month at 7pm from February 2025
If you'd like to find out more about our WI, you can call me on 07935 235918.
Wanda Dobson (Treasurer)
hiredesk@wrightsplanthire.co.uk skipdesk@wrightsplanthire.co.uk
Wrights of Crockey Hill
• 360° tracked excavators micro25 ton (up to 15m long reach)
• 180° back hoes loaders
• Hydra-digs
• Telehandlers (4m – 9m)
• Bobcats
• Operated Plant hire
• Plant attachments (selector grabs, crusher buckets, breakers, flails, weeder baskets)
• Dumpers (1 ton to 6 ton)
• Rollers
• Tracked chippers
• Tipper hire
• Skip hire (all sizes)
