THE VOICE OF HILLAM VILLAGE
HILLAM NEWS
APRIL 2017 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2
Including Monk Fryston and Burton Salmon
At the heart of Hillam village It’s arrived but it’s one of those things we hope not to put to good use. Hillam now has it’s own defibrillator based in the telephone box in Hillam Square. Such an important resource has warranted a fair few mentions in this edition so keep on reading……. Now up and running in Hillam Square
A bit of a disappointing turn out for the evening—sadly many more registered than showed up at the seminar. Really worthwhile evening with nuggets of info such as — did you know that you can still make an emergency call on your mobile even if your phone says “No Service” Good to know given the patchy mobile coverage in Hillam
Some of the attendees at the Cardiac Arrest Response Seminar on 14th March
Highlights in our latest issue…..
Local Services Page 23
See anyone you recognise? See pages 13 & 16
The Pub is the Hub See page 4
Defibrillator Page 2, 5 & 24
Guide to deal with an emergency
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Editorial Comment In This Issue 2 Guide to deal with an emergency 3 Editorial Comment 4 The Pub is the Hub 5 Hillam Parish Council 6 The Birding Column 7 Give growing a go 8 To Bee or not to Bee.. 9 School Report 10 Church bagging for beginners 11 ..lots to do in Hillam 12 HMFCC 13 ...a weekend of wonder 14 ...THE LUNCHBOX 15 Finding Fryston... 16 Days gone by..recognise anyone? 17 Classified 23 Local services 24 STOP PRESS Editorial Contacts
Hillam News email hillamnews@gmail.com Secretary… it could be you Shona McWhirter shonamcwhirter@icloud.com Editor… it could be you Shona McWhirter shonamcwhirter@icloud.com Advertising Coordinator Pat Atkinson patatkinson@gmail.com
Treasurer David Edwards exsite@exsite.plus.com Distribution Betty Wright Bettywright333@gmail.com Local Services Clubs and Groups hillamnews@gmail.com Proof Readers Mick Merry mick.merry@hotmail.co.uk Hilary Curd c1urd@hotmail.com Graham Baker
Spring has sprung
you’re interested in helping out any of the groups please make By the time you read this edition contact to find out more before the clocks will have sprung ruling yourself out. forward and we’ll be optimistically looking forward to Pull out and keep a long summer full of good There are two pages you may weather. But before that many of wish to tear out and keep (please us may have a chocolate egg to let everyone in your home read enjoy... HN first!!) and those are page 2 Our thoughts turn to what can containing what to do if be produced now winter has someone collapses and page 23 passed and William (Age 9) has a the reinstatement of Local few suggestions on growing. Services. Many people have told Now you’d be forgiven thinking us that they missed this and also that Bob McGregor enjoyed that it was a great resource for Shakespeare and was paying his new residents so hopefully you’re own tribute to the bard but those glad to see it back. in the know are well aware Bob is The Pub is the Hub a keen apiarist (beekeeper) and he has shared much of his What a success the Pub is the knowledge in this edition. Hub is with a great bunch of folk including those from other Quite rightly this edition focuses villages!! Mel and Jayne make on our latest and very important everyone welcome each week addition, the defibrillator, and it’s and Mary is the driving force for location in “heart” of our village this great community asset. Hillam Square. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit Volunteering with them on 6th March and it Now as you all know Hillam provided the idea for publishing News relies on volunteers to old photos which are a great collate, write and edit each record of the village. Enjoy the edition in addition to a dedicated prints in this edition and please delivery team but we still find send some in for future issues. ourselves very depleted and Ed’s ongoing comments looking for some volunteers to supplement our team. In fact As you edit Hillam News you find there are opportunities to you may want to add a few volunteer for quite a few groups comments. I hope they help and within the village (page 11) so make sense but as with please give it some serious everything in this edition please thought and help if you can. send me any feedback you have. Often you may believe that volunteering will take up too Shona McWhirter much time but often it’s only a couple of hours a month. If 3
The Pub is the hub by Mary Little I would like to thank Mel and Jayne for allowing us • to have the Monday coffee morning in the Cross Keys from 10am to noon. • • Over the past couple of months we have enjoyed • listening to various speakers on how to make a will • and other important issues. We had a talk about •
how to trace our family tree and also our local P.C. Dion Wood reported about local issues and how to remain safe in our homes. We’ve also had a brilliant time singing and dancing to music we requested from the 60’s to the present day. All this for the price of a coffee.
From January to September 2016, £542.15 towards the New Ring Tree; £70 for Guide Dogs for the Blind £37 to the Sherburn Visiting Scheme; £300 for McMillan Nurses; £26.45 for Cats’ Trust; £65 to the Poppy Appeal.
2017 has started well and in March we raised £140 to be divided between the Alzheimer’s Society and Prostate Cancer.
So, you see, we not only have a good time we also make money for very worthwhile charities so come We like to support local businesses and community along and join us for a coffee and a chat - all welgroups as much as possible and on 13th March we come. had a Spring Fashion Show featuring Cath Finan’s I dropped in on the Pub is the Hub on 6th March and latest collections with volunteers from our coffee enjoyed listening to 60s music and meeting many group being the models.
people I am lucky enough to know—so don’t be shy pop in on a Monday you’re bound to know someone.
We try to raise money for local charities and over the last year we have: raised and donated:
I also met some new folks and managed to generate a few articles and features. Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with me. Ed
Easter Sunday at Cross Keys Inn Please join us from 10am onwards for children's games and an Easter Egg Hunt. We’re also open normal hours for food.
CROSS KEYS INN The Square, Hillam, LS25 5HE Open Every Day 12-11pm Serving Real Ales & Quality Wines Tasty Home-cooked Food 12-8.30pm Every Day
Parish Walk OS reference SE 708711
Saturday 22nd April Venue
Castle Howard
Leaders
Paddy and Stuart Twidale
From Monk Fryston join the A 64 at Tadcaster. Continue to Barton Hill, and the Brown signs for Castle Howard. Follow this road until the cross roads for Terrington and Coneysthorpe.
A 5.25 mile circular walk in, and around, the grounds of Castle Howard. If the group [and weather!!] agree, the walk can be extended by one[ or Two] mile[s].
Please bring food and a drink, and wear suitable clothing for the day.
Meet at 10.15am for a 10.30 am start. Meet at the roadside car park at the turning to Coneysthorpe.
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Hillam Parish Council www.hillamparishcouncil.co.uk
Monk Fryston Parish Council www.monkfryston-village.co.uk
Burton Salmon Parish Council: www.burtonsalmonparishcouncil.co.uk
South Milford Parish Council:
Full Parish Council minutes are available on the website. The defibrillator is in place and working. All residents were invited to a seminar on Cardiac Arrest Response presented by Community Heartbeat Trust, the charity involved with setting the defibrillator up in Hillam. Hillam PC want to thank the Western Community Engagement Forum, Monk Fryston, Hillam and Burton Salmon Defibrillator Group, Bert’s Barrow and Hillam and Monk Fryston Cricket Club for their donations towards the project. A Village Emergency Telephone System (VETS) will be set up to assist lone responders. A lone responder is told by 999 not to leave the patient because they must continue chest compressions – so if there is only one person on the scene of a cardiac arrest, the VETS system will simultaneously ring 10 volunteers and whoever picks the phone up first will take the defibrillator to the patient’s location. The system can be used for any emergency situation where additional help is needed. Although we hope the situation never arises, the village and surrounding area now have access to equipment
that can be lifesaving.
lems. If you see a streetlight out, please send the number of the lamp If you’d like to be a member of VETS and describe its location to the clerk: support team for the village please hillampcclerk@gmail.com contact Hillam PC Clerk. Parking Footpaths Once again, vehicles have been parkAfter much reporting and chasing, ing dangerously, specifically on the and a petition by Hillam residents, junction of Bedfords Fold. County Councillor Chris Pearson has confirmed that funding has been secured to slurry seal the footways on Rose Lea Close. The PC is aware this is far short of what is actually required but this will hopefully improve the safety of pedestrians along this route and it will continue to pursue the district and county councils for more action on footpaths, roads and flooding in Hillam. Streetlights The replacement of bulbs and repair of street lamps is an ongoing process, recently 2 lamps were out for quite a long time due to replacement parts needing to be ordered and fitted. The PC apologise for this and have reviewed the condition of all the lights to highlight any future prob-
The PC urge people to consider the safety of others when parking – if a vehicle is causing an obstruction either physically or visually, the police advise to report it via 101 nonemergency and police will deal with the problem accordingly.
David (Dai) Jones
Dip Arch RIBA
Architect
Fletton House The Square HILLAM North Yorkshire LS25 5HE
Phone 01977 685534 Consultation Welcome – Initial Discussion Free
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The Birding Column by Graham Todd Into mid January now, and a trip on the train to Morecambe with my three birding pals, for a spot of coastal birding. Long typified as a symbol of the decline in UK holidays in the north-west, Morecambe is being transformed into a genteel resort, with a brand new promenade, new sandy beach, and as its centre piece the magnificent restored art deco hotel, The Midland. No noisy pubs and amusement arcades on the seafront, but more emphasis on the café scene and a gentler way of life. This of course has an attraction for the casual day tripper, as our first task, after alighting from the train, was to consume a “full English” in the nearest café.
trees in fields near the railway in Monk Fryston. It is a few years since I heard one in Hillam, and there has been a general decline in the species for a few years now, which seems to be gathering pace. Maybe it is the increasingly wet conditions, or perhaps too much “tidying up”, and the felling of large, old, decaying trees? Out again, and a walk from Newthorpe to Lotherton Hall and back on the 14th. There were very few birds about, this being the time of year when winter birds had begun to migrate back to their breeding grounds, and before summer migrants had arrived. After refuelling with a Cornish pasty in Lotherton café, I headed off back, returning via Hook Moor, my intention being to examine the ground around the base of the huge wind turbines, looking for avian casualties. It is not possible to get close to the turbines, as they are surrounded by crops of winter wheat, so I just had to use my binoculars to scan. It was as I was just focusing onto the final two turbines, that I saw a large bird in my peripheral vision, heading towards one of these last two turbines. It was a
A mild day, with little or no wind, followed by a sunny afternoon was the perfect birding conditions to observe the wealth of waders busy probing along the tideline. Small flocks of brightly coloured Oystercatchers stood idly watching, as noisy Redshanks skirmished with the busy Turnstones, doing as their name suggests, turning the small stones on the beach, looking for food. A scattering of Pintail, with their immaculate spring plumage of black, brown and white, sporting long tails, were hidden amongst large numbers of resting Widgeon, occasionally disturbed into flight by out of control dogs and their inconsiderate owners walking along the beach in the warm sun. Later on, thousands of Knot began to appear with the incoming tide, running along the surf, probing the sand for food. All Red Kite in all, it was a superb day, great weather, good company and lots of birds. Red Kite, heading directly for the first turbine, passing closely underneath the Into February now, and on the 13th, I rotating blade, before turning and flying walked down Fryston Common, return- around the turbine to the other side. It ing home via paths that skirt mature did a complete circuit of the turbine, woodland to the rear of Monk Fryston occasionally diving close to the ground Hall. The weather was crisp and sunny, and at times my heart was in my mouth, but cold, with navigation by unmetalled as I thought it inevitable that the bird footpaths proving to be extremely diffi- would collide with the rotating blade. It cult, following the winter rains. I saw my even lost control at one point, having first displaying Common Buzzards of the been so close as to be caught up in turyear towards the rear of Paul Caddick’s bulence. It then flew to the next turbine place, announcing their presence by and did exactly the same with all of the their far-carrying plaintive mewing. It is furthest three. It did not come towards always good to hear your first buzzard, me, as I was fairly close to the other two. as I regard it as a harbinger of Spring, The bird finally flew off in the direction but I was totally surprised about ten of Aberford. The field in which the turminutes later, to hear the loud yaffling bines have been built is intensively call of a Green Woodpecker from large farmed, and apart from an odd singing
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Skylark, appeared to have no potential source of food for a kite except perhaps worms? Have kites adapted to turbines, realising that they may be a source of food in terms of avian casualties that have collided with the turbine blades? There is no documentation about this, so I was quite excited to be able to pass on my observations to interested parties. Into March now, and a walk along the Battlefield Trail in Towton always produces a wealth of soaring raptors on a sunny day. It was on a sunny day in early March that I sauntered along the slippery but drying path that leads up the gentle hill towards the ridge above the old quarry. The warm sun emerging from the clouds encouraged three Red Kites to join five noisy buzzards circling overhead in thermals. Later that afternoon, returning to Stutton where I had parked my car, following a walk to Hazlewood Castle, I paused to listen to bird noise from nearby woodland. At first I thought it was a Starling roost, but in the gathering gloom I could see that the nearest birds were thrushes, not Starlings. I raised my binoculars and was astonished to see that the birds were Redwings, probably a large gathering, before overnight migration back to Scandinavia. Back home now, and the brick pond woodland, being largely unmanaged, is a haven for birdlife, but not being a fisherman, I am precluded from entering the compound. I am therefore glad to receive emails from Rob Preston who regularly supplies me with updates of birds he has seen in the mature willows and undergrowth in there. On 18th February Rob saw a Kingfisher, with a very
Kingfisher scarce Treecreeper climbing a willow on the 28th, and a Goldcrest in the same general area on 4th March.
Give Growing a Go I like gardening because you can grow your own food and well, it tastes better than most food you can buy from the shops. (I hope Sainsbury’s don’t read this!!!!!!!!!) It’s nice to do outside on a sunny day but it’s hard dirty work. I have been gardening for several years, I have vegetable patch and grow some things in pots. I would not recommend Spring onions because i have made two attempts, one failed because it got eaten by birds and the second time hardly any grew.
Garden hints
Carrots grow well, I have had several seasons of nice big carrots, some times they are bigger and cost less than the shops. Peas. It is nice to grow them in a pot next to the front door then if it is a sunny day you can pick some and they are sooooooooooooooooooooo nice. I also like to grow flowers, Sweet Williams, Sunflowers and Dahlias are nice and easy to grow. This year I am also growing corn flowers. Last year the kind man who put the veg out on his door step inspired me, I tried the summer squash and loved
it and so I am growing some myself this year (I hope mine turn out as well as his did). So go on give growing a go!!!!!!!
William Lonsdale (Age 9)
from DavidMitchell
My “assistant gardener” had been out lifting vegetables for the Sunday meal. The Chard will remain in their present position for another year giving us stacks of vitamins. The Pak Choi looked as if it would go on for ever and the Turnips would give us several more meals. That reminds me the slugs were about as the weather warmed up. Just because WE think it’s winter THEY are out there revelling on the warm days; popping out to do some daily shopping and despoiling any vegetation and vegetables in sight. Keep the slug pellets going! The carrots and leeks were finished! It still meant that I would have to cultivate between the root crops. Not too enthusiastically but enough to get some fresh compost heap material mixed in. There is a lot said about rotating crops on the same piece of ground but I have seen beans, peas and brassicas grown on the same area of ground year after year without detriment. The main ideas of crop rotation are to reduce the incidence of disease (Turnip Townsend?), allow the introduction of organic matter and cultivation and keep in balance nutrient levels. Brassicas will have different requirements to Legumes (pulses) and likewise root-crops. The legumes (Peas, Beans) will add nitro-
gen to the soil with their root nodules containing nitrifying bacteria. This nitrogen added to the soil can be picked up by leafy crops like Chard and Brassicas as the root nodules break down. I do not feel it is too much of a mistake if you grow Brassicas in the same place two years running unless you know you have a high incidence of club root. There again if you have Tomatoes outside and you know that there was a high incidence of blight then it would be foolish to use the same piece of ground next year. Likewise with potatoes suffering scab, a newly prepared piece of ground would be invaluable. Don’t forget to dispose of any plant material into your green bin if you have one or burn it. For “heavens sake” don’t stick it in the compost heap to infect next year’s crop. I cannot labour the point too much about the disposal of infected material, but for those that missed it last year; take care when it comes to Roses. It makes all the difference between having plants with rust, mildew and black spot which infect wood, stems, leaves and flowers as opposed to the admiration of your neighbours and friends as your attention to detail pays off with a great display of rose blooms. You see the lifecycle of the fungal disease Black Spot has a Winter or
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secondary lifecycle which causes the development of fungal spores during the Winter on rose residues either attached to the plant or lying on the ground. The antidote to this is to pick up all arisings in the Autumn, when you shorten back the plants including leaves and pruning’s (don’t miss a scrap) and then give the plants and surrounding ground a fungal spray. In the Spring when you cut back to strong buds, remove all the debris and again spray plants and ground immediately and thereafter in 2/3 week cycles to catch any disease that develops. Remember that disease fungal spores are always in the air and it is the surrounding conditions of temperature and humidity that set off the disease again. Try using a combined pest and fungal spray from the Garden Centre or Nursery. Aphid numbers are quick to accumulate, young being born alive in the early part of the year (parthenogenesis), so it is a 2 for 1 catch all. Keep a sharp eye out for the aphids. They seem to survive even when the temperatures drop well below freezing. Their presence like fungal diseases can seriously reduce plant vigour and likewise the blossom! Any questions? – email or ‘phone me. Email: dave@daviddmitchell.co.uk MO: 07967730010
To bee or not to bee by Bob McGregor Not so many years ago I didn’t know of any beekeepers or hives in either Hillam or Monk Fryston, but now there are several, as well as former beekeepers, or at least one new starter. Beekeeping associations especially value young beekeepers to supplement an often aging member base – details of classes are given later. Honey bees are reputedly the most studied insect on earth and without their pollination man would supposedly perish – this may be a bit of an exaggeration nowadays, but have a look around your kitchen and consider the fresh fruit and, indirectly, the components of mass produced foods which would not be available without insect pollination. Bees survive in most parts of the world where they can find nectars and pollen, usually from flowers and trees, and can survive long periods without these by building up stores in the form of honey. Bees will survive in surprisingly cold temperatures by clustering, keeping the temperature of the cluster above 300C when the outside temperature may be -15. A clever, co-operative and resourceful insect, the honeybee should not be squashed on sight for fear of being stung. It has no real interest in human beings and is usually only seeking out nectar or pollen to allow survival of the colony. It will get out of your way if you will let it. Yes, bees do sting, but only the females! Male bees have no sting, and it is unlikely that you will see a honeybee queen other than in a hive, although you will
see large bumblebee queens droning hang from. Although this cause many slowly about in the spring looking for people to be wary or even frightened a suitable nesting place. by swarms, in general they are pretty docile at this time and merely In the summer honeybees are short awaiting the return of scout bees lived, taking 3 weeks to hatch from who, after consultation and egg to bee, spending a similar time agreement, will direct them to a new inside the colony performing duties home. Considering the number of like cleaning, feeding, building and colonies there are now around Hillam repairing comb, storing nectar, and Monk Fryston this may not now guarding the colony entrance and be an unusual sight and although then finally exiting the colony to beekeepers try to minimise swarming collect nectar and pollen, (as well as (they lose half their bees) it is not propolis and water). Actual flying is possible to prevent this entirely. curtailed by the bee’s work ethic and physical capacity for flight and by the At the end of winter and early spring time the bee has flown 450 to 500 flowers honeybees are encouraged by miles, it is exhausted, it’s wings worn warm days to seek out pollen and out, and it dies. nectar from celandine, willow, crocus, snowdrops, and hazel catkins – Thus the queen, who produces all of daffodils provide nothing useful. The the new bees (and a reasonably sized real buzz starts with the flowering of colony will be fifty thousand or so at the oilseed rape, fruit trees, chestnut it’s peak in the summer), has a job on and blackthorn. Colonies will rapidly her hands laying sufficient eggs to build up at that time hoping that replace her short-lived workers. A May, June, July and August will good queen will lay up to 2,000 eggs provide sufficient stores in the way of daily when in full lay, (few if any honey to see them through the winter during the winter), and a new queen, (and the beekeeper with a little when mated can carry up to five surplus for his or her efforts in trying million sperm, which will last her a to help them.) Late in the year ivy lifetime (not normally more than 3 gives the bees additional stores but is years, but occasionally longer). not a pleasant form of honey. Flowers with “double” blooms are of Honeybee’s method of reproduction no use to honeybees. relies on swarming, which is generally when most people become aware of Barkston Ash Beekeeping Association them, either as a cloud in the air, or offer theoretical beekeeping classes rugby ball shaped cluster hanging in February and practical classes in from a bush, tree, or many another May, June and July. Full details and unusual object! enquiries can be made via the British They aren’t fussy and will accept Beekeepers Association website. statues, bicycles, hanging baskets and many other strange projections to ..so is it to bee or not to bee……
Photos of yesteryear…… Pam Warren had kindly shared this of a visit by her and her dad to the Fairburn Flyover when it was being constructed— you definitely would have no chance of getting near nowadays thanks to good old Health & Safety……. Please email hillamnews@gmail.com if you have any old photos of the village or villagers you’d like to share with HN
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School Report the English and maths curriculum.
Have you seen our social media feeds? You can keep up to date with what is happening in our school by looking at our Facebook page (Monk Fryston CE Primary School) or our Twitter page (@monkfrystonsch). We use these to show all the exciting events that have happened in school recently, and all the different curriculum areas we teach. You will probably know how well our pupils do in English and maths, but did you also know that we recently held a Stone-age café, basketball coaching, and a visit to Parliament? We hope that this helps to illustrate all the wonderful experiences our children have beyond
We often experience movement of children into and out of our school. We are delighted to have welcomed some new families this term, but have also had to say goodbye to others who have relocated. We wish them well in their new homes. Although our school remains full in all the youngest classes, we do have some spaces available in upper Key Stage 2 and if you know anyone who would like to join us and is waiting for a place please encourage them to contact the office.
work that our children had created for their pupils. We are all really excited about learning about new friends in other countries. Unfortunately, parking and traffic continue to be an issue for us. We have had several complaints about drivers around school and have involved the police. If you have any concerns about parking or road users in the village, please do contact the police on 101. They have assured us that they will take complaints seriously and will visit school regularly to act upon information received.
We are delighted to be involved in another project with European partner schools. We are researching into effective ways to teach reading, and this term Mrs Law and Mrs Lofthouse visited a school in Sweden to learn about their pedagogy and to share
Rick Weights Headteacher Monk Fryston CE Primary School
The bar was busy, the raffle lucrative and the sausage casserole supper was voted excellent. The evening closed after a further performance by the Jammers Group. Thanks go to Lizzie for arranging this very successful After Hours event.
surrounding villages then you are eligible to join.
U3A Ukelele Group It was Saturday night at the De Lacy Motor Club in Brotherton and the place was buzzing. Real fires were burning to combat the cold outside and there was an eclectic mixture of seating arrangements from squashy sofas to benches, dining chairs and footstools.
There was hardly a spare seat to be had as the evening began with a performance by Sherburn & Villages U3A Jammers group. This gang of guys (and one gal), enthusiastically played their guitars and sang along to a mixture of rock classics. The audience joined in noisily too – and the large room was filled with sound. After a short break, the U3A’s Ukelele Group (UKE3A) performed a similarly varied mix of folk, country and rock standards. They played their ukuleles while singing along and a percussion accompaniment was provided by willing members of the audience.
You can visit our web-site at www.sherburnu3a.co.uk to find out more. Or you could come along to one of
The After Hours Group is just one of more than 50 different interest groups available. So why not come and join us at Sherburn and Villages U3A and join in the fun? If you are retired or semi-retired and live within easy reach of Sherburn or the 9
our monthly meetings.
They take
place on the third Thursday from 1.45 for coffee or tea followed by the meeting and speaker or activity. Eversley Park Centre, Sherburn in Elmet, LS24 6BA.
Church bagging for beginnners by Joan Lonsdale Now that the weather is improving, my thoughts turn to Church Bagging. Let me explain. We are lucky to live in a country with many thousands of historic buildings and moreover a county with more than its fair share of architectural gems. Within our parish boundaries we have a fine example of a building with over a 1000 years of history, that can be accessed by all for free. I am thinking of the many churches scattered near and far that are so quintessentially English, in many places the sole survivor of a settlement, each a link to our past. Church bagging is a hobby that can be enjoyed at relatively little expense, almost anywhere and is open to all, those of religious and non-religious beliefs. There are of course exceptions like York Minster and St Pauls who charge a fee for entry but the majority are open for free. To those interested in historic buildings churches offer an almost infinite variety, to others seeking a puzzle they can pose conundrums which often have no definitive answer as it has been lost in time. Where else can you find the tombs of knights and giants, with dragons and mermaids lurking in the shadows? To some they offer a peaceful escape for a little while away from our hectic lives and to travellers often a tranquil spot to stretch ones legs or enjoy a picnic lunch to break a long journey. It has to be admitted that the average church bagger is probably retired, that said there are no age limits so don’t be put off. I was born into it my grandfather being a local historian who gave classes for decades for the Hull branch of the WEA; slide shows in the winter months, field trips in the summer and I was first taken along at the tender age of 10 months and I was hooked for a lifetime. I regularly
attended evening trips until last year run by his successor, one of my grandfather’s students, Geoff Bell whose keen pupils followed him across Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire. Local history groups, the historic churches trust and various civic societies arrange organised visits, but if you are more of a free spirit you can go it alone. Many are open on Heritage open days in September whilst some display church open signs year round. Take a moment to read the noticeboard outside that may tell you where you can borrow a key from and let yourself in. Even if you can’t get inside a walk round the outside can often be enlightening. In the past 40 or so years that I’ve pursued this hobby I am yet to find two identical churches.
tesque gargoyles, or spot a heart incorporated into the window tracery. As you enter the church itself look up at the doorway, are you being welcomed in by Norman Beakheads (as at Stillingfleet), patiently welcoming church visitors for nearly 1000 years? Then enter, find the light switch and explore, remembering to turn any lights off you have put on before you leave. It must be remembered that many of these buildings are cared for by a dwindling number of people, so putting a little money in the collection box, a figure you can afford, is much There are numerous books on the appreciated and helps maintain these subject, Mr Pevsner has been updated buildings for future generations. by Mr David Neave, but due to the ancient nature of the subject a bang I hope I’ve managed to whet your up-to-date guide is not necessary. My appetite. Why not start with our own books of choice are the pocket sized “pretty little church”, St Wilfrid’s in ‘Little red guides’ written by Joseph Monk Fryston. Sitting on a hill it posMorris almost a century ago, but still sesses a tower, the lower part is said relatively easy to get your hands on, if to be Saxon with not one but two coryou frequent second hand bel tables, (corbels being the lumpy bookshops, covering the subject by blocks that stick out as part of the county (although they were written support for a roof. The great adwhen Yorkshire was divided into Rid- vantage is that the interior comes ings so the West Riding volume co- complete with helpful labels to help vers Monk Fryston, Snaith and even you navigate your way round and Tadcaster (described as “a small, old- spot the 13th century piscina, the mefashioned town dominated by the dieval glass fragments in the window chimneys of its enormous breweries”) by the door, (if you look closely you and it seems a reasonable description can find a bear and a knights disemtoday. It is often surprising how little bodied head), the unusual square font many of these buildings have and even a couple of mini stylised changed over the intervening century. dragons(?) on the pulpit. If nothing So down to business, and once you more you can read the monuments arrive look up, you may see filled in and catch a glimpse of past village doorways, be glared upon by gro- residents.
If you’re interested in church bagging after reading Joan’s article how about starting locally? I’ve confirmed with the Rev. John Hetherington that in addition to Sunday services St Wilfrid’s is open 10am—3pm Monday to Thurs-
day with the exception of Bank Holiday Mondays and the Monday after Christmas and Easter. 10
Ed
It’s worth joining in…lots to do in Hillam Living in Hillam is great and Hillam News and in particular this edition shows many of the resources and activities available at our fingertips. However, this actually takes a lot of resources and the willingness of people to take part, so how about volunteering to join in and help spread the load. The more people that are involved it’s amazing what can happen—please look at the good news story of Sherburn library staying open helped by Hillam volunteers.
HILLAM NEWS
Hillam & Monk Fryston Cricket Club
Have a great opportunity for a few individuals to help out in the secretary and editor roles (with full support) to keep this great resource going.
Welcome volunteers to play, assist with cricket teas, bar work, social functions and ground work
Contact: Shona McWhirter Email: hillamnews@gmail.com
Contact Ian Patrick; Email : secretary@hmfcc.co.uk
Village Emergency Support Team (VETS)
Hillam Lights 100 Club
Volunteer to be a member of VETS where you would support lone responders in an emergency situation.
Need a volunteer to undertake the processing and management of the 100 club—a vital source of funding for upkeep of lights and annual December switch on.
Contact: Hillam PC Clerk Email: hillampcclerk@gmail.com
Contact ; Karen Merry Phone: 685964
Hillam volunteers helping to run Sherburn-in-Elmet community library From 1st April 2017, Sherburn library will be run as a community library. There has been a wonderful response to the request for volunteers, with over 70 people coming forward from lots of villages. The training is well underway, with the final tranche finishing at the end of March. Rotas have been set in place, and we all look forward to a social event which has been organised, where we can get to know people from the days we don't attend....and hopefully discuss our hopes for the community library. There is so much which the library can offer, and our hope is that the users will continue to support this valuable asset.
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Hillam and Monk Fryston Cricket Club was also identified as a high priority in the recentlyupdated village consultation. Our plans therefore include inter-working with other sports to create opportunities for multi-sports activity; by sharing facilities and Information people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to engage in sports of their choosing and assisting in the creation of a Sports Association, to raise funding and make ambitious plans for multi-sport venues.
Did you know Hillam and Monk Fryston CC has a great claim to history – research by the previous UK Prime Minister, John Major, followed-up by local historians, revealed that we are on record in ‘manorial court rolls’ as the oldest recorded location for playing cricket in Yorkshire (the world?), dating back to 1620. So, we can be rightly proud to be part of history, and we want to continue to add to the story.
Improving Facilities and Environment
We have access to a delightful playing environment, and we have put increased focus on the playing of the game. However, we need to maintain our ground and facilities, and make some essential improvements including improved security. We also are working with the newly formed Sports Association to bid for funding The club offers enjoyable yet competitive cricket to to improve the pavilion making it suitable all-year use players of all abilities and ages. A lot of work is ongoing by other community sports and activities. to maintain and grow the club and prepare for the future. Also, some parts of our buildings aren’t ideal so we plan Our current location is delightful, a picturesque ground, lovely pavilion and a great playing area. Our visitors appreciate this environment, and we want them to have a warm welcome. Recent years have featured some wonderful social events, even weddings, at the ground. In short, our vision for the future starts from a lovely place.
“2020 Vision”
to work on ladies’ loos, showers, and a safer environment for younger and vulnerable people – cricket balls can hurt! Financial Stability HMFCC is a not-for-profit, Community Amateur Sports Club, so we need to manage our finances with care. Pavilions, machinery and good quality playing surfaces don’t come cheaply.
We plan to work closely with other sports clubs, coordinating via the Sports Association, to pursue phased inThe game of cricket is facing some challenges. Local cricket leagues are finding it increasingly difficult to find vestment in facility upgrades and improvements and playing staff, at senior or junior level; Our own Wetherby try even harder to create events throughout the year League has shrunk from 6 divisions to 4 in the last three that are fun, and that raise a little much-needed cash years. HMFCC is not immune to this trend, and we failed Social Responsibilities to play three fixtures last year due to player shortages. The primary purpose of our club is to provide the local Our junior cricket plans have also clashed with other community with cricket that is competitive, fun and sports or activities, making it difficult to deliver quality good to watch. We plan to improve our communication coaching and league fixtures. and social networking, so that everyone knows of future games and events, and is made very welcome. We A renewed focus on the game of cricket is needed— will deliver as many fun social events as our resources starting by working with our cricket league to explore different, possibly shorter, formats of the game. can cope with. Also we aim to resolve diary clashes, and re-plan In the end, we are just custodians of a valued village coaching and junior activities that are fun. Playing the game, and having fun…
facility, and we aim to look after it for all.
Multi-sports
Steve Sadler, Chairman HMFCC, January 2017
Sporting calendars are creating more clashes than ever before, and we need to accept and manage this reality. We also believe that juniors need a rich mixture of fun activities. The demand for multiple sports and activities
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April 21 and 22 - A Weekend of Wonder by Ray Newton Local Churches at Monk Fryston and Birkin are staging a very special weekend for anyone interested in local history on Friday 21st at St Wilfrid’s Monk Fryston 7- 10pm and at St Mary’s Birkin on Saturday 22nd April from 10 – 2pm On Friday 21st April Monk Fryston Time Team will be staging an exhibition of artefacts and presenting illustrated talks on Finding Fryston: the Digs and the Discoveries. The aim is to share new heritage information about the village arising from their 2 year Heritage Lottery Funded research project and answer many questions about the undocumented history of the village. Three new Village History banners detailing some of our discoveries will be un-
veiled. Tickets at £2.50 are available from Monk Fryston Village Stores or on the door. Refreshments will be available in the Church Hall.
throwing a pot, milling flour, practice a sword and shield drill and to pet some spring lambs. The Church is now open again and ready for dual use as a Village Hall and for Worship. Come and The following day on Saturday 22nd see the display information about the April St Mary’s Birkin will host a Saxon building works undertaken to install Festival and Reburial Ceremony. The ground source heating and the archaerecent major project to install under- ology undertaken. floor heating unearthed many fascinating items which will be on display. Sax- Refreshments available all day. on skeletons were found and these will Contacts for further details be reinterred with a short Saxon style ceremony at 1 pm featuring mourners April 21st Monk Fryston in period costume and Saxon poetry. e_raynewton@hotmail.com 01977 682084 On a lighter note, there will be the chance to taste heritage food and drink April 22nd Birkin and try Saxon themed activities such as debbiepenny001@btinternet.com
Hillam Lights 100 Club winners Congratulations to the lucky winners are…..
January
February
1st place
(£20)
Alice Proctor
1st place
(£20)
Phyllis Earless
2nd place
(£10)
David Atkinson
2nd place
(£10)
Diana Arey
3rd place
(£5)
Marjorie Kelly
3rd place
(£5)
A & P Spooner
If you recognise anyone in this nativity play at St. Wilfrid’s please let us know at the Hillam News team. Also please let us know if you have any photos you would be happy for us to share in future editions.
Nativity at St. Wilfrid’s (year unknown)
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Meet Your Secret Weapon For Weight Loss: THE LUNCHBOX Lunch is often an afterthought. Most of our mornings are far too hectic with snooze buttons, workouts, showers and last-minute scrambles to get ourselves, our kids, our pets and our partners fed, dressed and out the door. Exhausting! Just reading that! We often spend seconds thinking about breakfast, much less lunch. But if you’re looking for more accountability in your eating habits, you probably already have a secret weapon in your kitchen. MEET YOUR LUNCHBOX- You can successfully manage your next meal with this one simple tool that might just be the key to shredding that extra handful of pesky pounds you can’t seem to shift. Whether you pack your lunchbox the night before or factor in an extra 5-10 minutes before the morning commute is up to you. Simply having it all thought out will eliminate last minute fast food establishments, vending machines and office café meals, while also saving you calories, money and even time.
A successful weight-loss plan is just that: A PLAN! It’s knowing what to eat, when to eat it and when to stop. A lunchbox filled with healthy choices answers the what and the whenExample: at lunchtime when you’re just looking to shove the closest shop bought sandwich down your throat the lunchbox offers you a healthy inexpensive alternative and also tells you when to stop: when the box is empty. Once you get into the habit of thinking about how you’ll fill your lunchbox, you’ll begin to make the time to pack it and adding suitable contents to your shopping list. All this and you’ll be saving money too.
you’ll be armed with plenty of supplies that allow you to skip the vending machine snacks. Lunchboxes are not designed to hold an oversize, restaurant portion feast. Unlike eating out — where you’ll be tempted to finish an oversize sandwich and chips just because they’re there and you don’t want to waste the hard earned money you paid for them; packing a lunch enables you to be in control of how much you consume.
I hope that this has been helpful. 70% of getting into shape and staying healthy is all about getting your portion control right and 30% is Most trendy style lunchboxes have exercise. Spring is in the air so make three, four or even five areas for food. your plan, get your lunchbox out and Sandwiches, salads and wraps are give it a go. obvious fillers for the biggest compartment; others are great for FIT Camp Personal training & Small whole grains, lean protein and Group Session Classes veggies. The smaller spaces work nicely for fresh cut fruit, yogurt, Jane Elizabeth Wright hummus, nuts and even a piece of janeelizabethwright2015@gmail.com dark chocolate. By filling the spaces 01977673553/ 07921689931 with healthy, nutrient-dense foods,
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Finding Fryston—the Digs and Discoveries
by Ray Newton
st In 2015 the Time Team announced On Friday 21 April at St Wilfrid’s over the centuries?
that they had been awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to conduct a 30 day archaeology excavation in the grounds of Monk Fryston Hall. The discoveries were so exciting that the volunteers decided that they should return and excavate further last year and again they were not disappointed.
Church we will share what we have learnt during our Digs in Monk Fryston Hall and during the Big Village Dig and provide answers to such questions as:
Was local stone used to build Selby Abbey and how did it get there? Why is there a sharp bend in the road in Monk Fryston Square?
Why did the Monks live here and What did the Victorians do for the what did they do? village?
Why was the village given to the The interpretation of these Abbot at Selby? discoveries and the artefacts has enabled Time Team to gain a much Who owned the Manor of Fryston deeper understanding about the before they arrived and what origins of our village and what it was happened after they left? like to live in Fryston over the 1000 years from the Monks to the Why is the Church where it is and what role has it played in the village Victorians and much more besides. Geothermal heat beneath Hillam therapeutic mud baths, Hillam could could make the village energy rich become a spa town attracting tourist for a thousand years to come from around the UK. The outdoor pool is planned at the Brick pond to If you line up highest points on Brayton capitalise on the free hot water. Barff, Hambleton Hough and Hillam you will notice that they are in a line. Electricity - too cheap to meter! They are the remains of “crag and tail” Commercial exploitation may start in structures from the Wurm glacial 2019 once test drilling has been episode some 10,000 years ago. Hillam completed. Humff, as it was known in the past, is A village owned company, Hillam glacial moraine which scoured through Environmental Advanced Technology the underlying limestone and Company, H.E.A.T. Co. would build a punctured into the hot rocks above a community scale geothermal power shallow lava lake. plant. There are also plans for a District Heating system based on the Icelandic Following restoration Hillam Pump model. Low lying areas, where the pulled up warm water and anglers at geothermal energy is closer the surface Hillam Pond have long been catching could be the site of a massive steam tropical fish. powered electricity generating station which would draw water from the large Hillam villagers are entitled to profit underground aquifer and River Aire. from the free energy Stone for Selby Abbey was quarried in Selling electricity back to the Hillam and King Henry 1, born in Selby National Grid in 1068, felt so indebted to Hillam he Hillam is uniquely positioned to tap decreed that from thereon each into the pylon lines passing to the landowner was entitled to profit from South of the village. The new mineral rights within the curtilage of his substation could be built in Bluebell property from ground level to the wood. Spare steam could be sold on centre of the earth. So it’s simple the for a massive profit and piped over villagers own the heat and can profit ground directly to Ferrybridge power from it! station. In time the H.E.A.T. Co. could even purchase Ferrybridge to Hillam Hydro capitalise. We can then charge what we With clean, mineral rich waters and want. Simple really.
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The Church now has 3 new Village History banners explaining this new heritage information. In addition to illustrated talks there will be an exhibition of finds and refreshments available in the Church Hall. Tickets are available now from The Village Stores at £2.50.
Wealth It could make every villager stinking rich, wealthy for generations to come. Precisely how much is to be established or course, but the whole village would benefit; it could put us into the FTSE 250. Selby District Council geologist Miss Avril Pool commented that “...it all stacks up - you lot could be rich!” So keep your eyes peeled for the drilling rig; it’s that same one that freed the Chilean miners. We must guard against this getting out before Hillam can ring fence the benefits for itself. Sadly though, Monk Fryston will not benefit due to the geological fault running through Mill Close. One local resident said, “This is too fantastic to be true, you can’t believe it!” A Village meeting in the Cross Keys @ 7:00pm on 1st April. All welcome.
Days gone by… recognise anyone? In these digital days it’s great to see photos from the days when you used to have to send them away to be developed, unsure of what was on the film; that’s right kids ask you mum and dad or grandparents!! All photos kindly provided by Pam Warren. Can you identify anyone in the photos or perhaps would like to share photos with Hillam News readers just send them in. (hillamnews@gmail.com) Ed
Big day out or village trip—sign says G Adcock (Board Residence)
Camping at Hathersage, Derbyshire
Church Nativity play 1942
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Local Services & Useful contacts and numbers To amend or to add to the information below, please email Hillam News: hillamnews@gmail.com Service Monk Fryston Store and Post Office Counter Postal Collections Public Transport
Telephone 682252
Details
682252 691940 01132 2457676
Hillam Square 9am Lumby Hill / Monk Fryston PO 4.15pm Local bus and train timetables and enquiries. www.wymetro.com Mon – Fri 8am – 1pm, 2pm – 6pm. www.southmilfordsurgery.co.uk Mon 4 – 8pm, Tues & Wed 8 – 12am, Thur 2 – 6pm, Fri 9 – 11am www.gibsonlanemedicalpractice.co.uk www.warmemorialhospital.org www.midyorks.nhs.uk Transport, Shopping and much more.
South Milford Surgery Dr A Mackenzie and Partners Monk Fryston Surgery Dr D James and Partners
682202
Selby War Memorial Hospital Pontefact General Infirmary Visiting Scheme for the Elderly
01757 702664 0844 8118110 681828
St Wilfrid’s Church, Monk Fryston Hillam Parish Council 1st Wednesday monthly except January Selby District Council Western Area Community Engagement Forum Environmental Health, SDC NYCC Recycling Centre, Canal Road, Selby Police (non-emergency) Police Community Support Officer Neighbourhood Watch Gas (Leaks) Electricity (supply failure) Yorkshire Water (sewage and leaks) Floodline Citizens’ Advice Bureau Church Hall Bookings Community Centre Bookings WI Beavers Cubs Brownies Guides
680788
683452
01757 705101 01757 705101
Rector: Rev John Hetherington www.stwilfridandstmary.org.uk Clerk: Juvina Janik Email: hillampcclerk@gmail.com www.hillamparishcouncil.co.uk www.selby.gov.uk www.your-community.org.uk
01757 292113 01609 780780
Refuse disposal: removal of bulky items. Recycling Centre for household waste.
101 101 682692 0800 111999 0800 375675 0800 573553
www.northyorkshire.police.uk Dion Wood Dion.wood@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk Tony Hudson www.transco.uk.com www.npower.com www.yorkshirewater.com
0345 9881188 03444 111444 684180 684008 07912 434199 07741 293350 07815 111306 07887 608604 07768 835059
www.adviceguide.org.uk Paddy Twidale Carolyn Popham Alex Duncan Tom Hewitt Liz Stonnel Marie Parkin Mandy Shaw
01757 229885
Many people have told us that this section is invaluable to both existing and new Hillam residents so we’ve listened and brought it back. Please email us on hillamnews@gmail.com with any updates on information or suggestions for additions. Ed
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Stop Press Going Digital by David Atkinson
It only takes minutes to save a life…. The defibrillator is easy to use; if you or a person with you seems to be having a heart condition ALWAYS PHONE 999. They will talk you through what you ned to do. They will give you a code to open and access the Defibrillator so if you have someone in the house you can send—do that, or ask a local friend or neighbour—once there are enough volunteers to set up the VETS (Village Emergency Telephone Scheme) the emergency operator will alert one of the team to bring the defibrillator and support you. The Defibrillator box itself gives instructions, it speaks and also has on screen images to follow— if a shock isn’t needed then it won’t give one. Smart phone users can download a free app from the Red Cross (Red Cross first aid app) featuring 18 everyday first aid scenarios, as well as tips on how to prepare for emergencies.
Dates for the diary Big Bash 20/20 Tournament A date for the diary for the Bank Holiday weekend is Sunday 28th May 2017 when the annual Ian (Bert) Thompson trophy is held at HMFCC with four local teams playing 20 / 20 cricket.
Proms at the Pavilion After the success of last year’s event HMFCC is again hosting the Proms at the Pavilion on Saturday 15th July that will include choirs, brass bands and fireworks.
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