Hillam News Feb Mar 2005

The Voice of Hillam village, North Yorkshire. Delivered free to all residents. Volume 17, Issue 1. February - March 2005.

Beyond the Undergrowth

by Phil Boothroyd Just over 2 years ago, having moved to Hillam, I spent some time at Hillam Gates train spotting with my young son, Nicholas. Whilst here we were spurred into action. I was shocked at the amount of accumulated litter lying at the verge side – well-intended signs were clearly not working.

So my son’s tractor and trailer became the litter wagon as we cleaned up around Hillam Gates and progressed along Betteras Hill Road. We collected the deposits of years gone by. Beer cans and vodka bottles were prominent early items in our collection – not to mention various items of clothing, including odd shoes and underwear! We have found carpets and car tyres, shopping bags and bottles, footballs and a frisbee - the list is endless.

With a sense of achievement our patrol extended to include other parts of the village. Not deterred by comments of “You’re fighting a losing battle,” we have persevered, and welcomed the encouragement of residents who have shown their appreciation of our efforts.

Going for a Sunday morning walk has taken on a whole new meaning to us and we feel we are making a small contribution to preserving our picturesque village.

The old litter sign on Betteras Hill Road of £100 penalty from Osgoldcross Rural District Council stands proud; sadly its respect has faded badly.

So the crusade continues, as there is still much to do. It is hoped to resurrect the village spring clean up day begun by the late Geoff Hall, so we can all make a little difference!

Hillam News Open Evening This is Volume 17, Issue 1—that means Hillam News has been going in some form or another for 16 years. It also means that it is just a year since the new group accepted responsibility for regular production of the Hillam News.

We took on a tough challenge, 24 pages to fill every two months. The content has to be interesting, topical and thought-provoking. For content we rely on a number of regular contributors and others who find the inspiration and have a desire to see some of their work in print. For funding we rely on our advertisers who enable Hillam News to be produced. Then we rely on our volunteers who duplicate and deliver it to every home in the village.

We would like to thank all of our contributors, duplicators, distributors, advertisers and Sean, our printer, for making the Hillam News possible.

Over the year we have tried to improve the presentation of both the articles and the adverts. Sometimes our efforts have not been successful, and we apologise where we have made mistakes, such as inserting headings which are incorrect (as we did in the Money Matters column of the last issue), or where we haven’t done justice to one of our adverts (or even missed one out).

This year we would like to make Hillam News even better, and that means asking you the readers, you the advertisers and you the contributors what you would like to see improved.

To do this we are holding an open evening on Wednesday 23rd February in the Community Centre. It promises to be a good, entertaining event, so please do try to attend and let us know what you would like to see or not to see in Hillam News over the coming year.

The open evening will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday 23rd February at the Community Centre.

Village Spring Clean Up Day - Sunday 20th March What an inspiring story from Phil and his son. Lucky for us they are not the only ones who have been busy collecting rubbish, and what an amazing amount and variety there is to be found. See our list on page 2.

Sunday 20th March has been designated as Village Spring Clean Up Day. Please take some time out to clean up the street, verges, paths and tracks near your house on the day.

HILLAM NEWS is financed solely by advertising revenue and the generosity of contributors, photocopiers and distributors. The Editor is solely responsible for the paper’s contents.

If you would like to advertise contact Bev Jackson on 685923.

If you have an article to submit or a view you would like to have published, telephone Kay Webster on 680917.

2

News from the Hillam Pump

Once you have a hole, just keep digging

What a load of rubbish

Report from the Lumby meeting about potential limestone quarrying Did you know that Aggregates Industries have undertaken test drilling of the magnesian limestone behind the highway construction compound near Lumby garden centre?

and direct access to the new A1 would help their case * landscape impact based on the openness of the Green Belt and any other local landscape designation.

If Aggregate Industries decide that the quantity and quality make extraction a viable proposition, they have two possible ways to seek planning approval.

2. Via the Minerals Local Plan. The site would be promoted as an allocation in the Minerals Local Plan. A review of the adopted plan was to commence with an Issues Paper later this summer. This plan is expected to be adopted in 2007. The company would then make its planning application after publication of the plan.

1.

Immediate application. The company could submit a planning application within months if it could demonstrate special circumstances for not waiting for the Local Plan revision. If the reserve is of marketable quality, issues that would govern approval would include consideration of * regional supply and demand * amenity disruption - dust, noise, etc. for Lumby village * traffic - using the existing motorway construction compound access

Watch your garden gnomes With spring nearer than we think it’s worth securing any movable objects in the garden. Recently a pair of cherished, very old (and extremely heavy) stone urns was stolen from a

The other local proposal is for a quarry extension at Burton Salmon, which would bring quarrying to within 140 metres of properties.

It does seem to be a case of “just keep digging”. While neither of these is in Hillam, we should keep our eyes on these proposals and be prepared to lend our support to the other villages. property in Burton Salmon. This is the time of year when opportunist thieves, as well as professionals, are on the look out for garden objects which will readily sell at car boot sales and the like.

All of this was found by village residents on a recent tour, which all goes to show that there is potential reward in doing your bit on Village Spring Clean Up Day. Woollen hats x 6 Pyrex measuring jug At least 10 soft toys Child’s desk (duly renovated and passed on) Handkerchiefs (likewise) Ratchets and spanners Walking gloves Torches Yellow cone warning lights x 8 Wood offcuts Electrical tie-backs from expired notices (dozens) £5 note and coins ranging from 2p to £1 (please do not claim from HN) Innumerable cans – aluminium and steel Glass bottles Ceramic mugs and, only last week, a porn video (which should have found a new home at a landfill site by now).

Unfortunately, as in many rural areas, phone calls have had to be made to the council about car wheels/tyres/batteries.

Snowball the rabbit is hiding in an advert.

In the last issue Snowy was pretending to be a statue at Barnes Building Supplies.

Can you find Snowball in this issue ?

Pinnacle Decorating Lawn food and garden fertilisers House plants and indoor garden features Spring bedding plants Bird food and bird houses Garden tools

Premium quality painting and decorating specialist for home and business Int-ext design, inc. fine wall coverings and specialist coatings All enquiries dealt with in a prompt and professional manner Fully insured, and all workmanship guaranteed by Dulux to the highest standards Free comprehensive written quotations

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Village News November Poppy Day Collection The Royal British Legion Poppy Day collection in Hillam raised £154.16.

The British Legion spends £54 million every year on welfare work for ex-servicemen from the Second World War, the Korean War and later conflicts right down to the Gulf Wars.

In Memory of Karl Walker The death of Karl Walker on Saturday 15th January came as a shock to all who had known Karl and Cynthia during their time in the village. A big and big-hearted Yorkshireman, Karl was a gardener, a convivial regular in the Cross Keys, a cat-lover and one-time village cricketer.

“Karthia” had been the couple’s home since it was built in 1967 until 18 months ago when they moved to Flamborough.

Karl, along with Cynthia, was a long-time employee of Hickson and Welch in Castleford, where he worked on the technical side of production until retirement. Villagers will recall the fatal explosion a few years ago; Karl gave significant evidence to the subsequent enquiry.

In recent years Karl and Cynthia developed such a liking for Castle Howard and that part of Yorkshire that they bought a static caravan as a summer home, where they became well known to locals.

Finally, although Karl was frequently seen working in the garden, ever so occasionally from over the fence one might have got the impression that Cynthia had nudged him there and that it was the prospect of a pint of Guinness in the Keys that sustained him until the evening’s project was complete.

With affection for Karl’s memory, and sympathy and support for Cynthia.

HSH

Your Local Electrician W.T.Braund & Son Electrical Contractors Tel: 01977 600599 Mobile: 07774 671551 All types of electrical work.

Rewiring, Security Lighting, Shower Installations, Storage Heater Installations and Repairs.

Ring Paul

Inscriptions in Monk Fryston Church, Churchyard and Burial Ground Pontefract & District Family History Society have published the recordings they made last year: Monumental inscriptions, Selby Road Cemetery, Monk Fryston, Part 1. £2.75 Monumental inscriptions, St Wilfrid’s parish church, Monk Fryston with Selby Road Cemetery, Part 2. £3.00 The booklets contain numbered lists of over 1000 inscriptions, numbered plans showing the location of each grave or memorial, and surname indexes. Also included are names of those interred in unmarked graves.

Postage and packing is 30p per booklet or 50p for two ordered together. Cheques should be made out to Pontefract & District FHS and sent to: Mrs Brenda Graham 10 Saddlers Grove Badsworth Pontefract WF9 1PE.

RESURFACED: ASPHALT APPEAL Arrangements have now been made for the inquiry in connection with the appeal by Aggregate Industries (UK) Ltd regarding the fixed asphalt plant at Ferrybridge.

It will be held at 10am on Tuesday 14th June 2005 at the Civic Centre, Ferrybridge Road, Castleford. The venue has been reserved for six days, and if you wish to speak at the inquiry you must attend when it opens.

Further information about the appeal can be obtained from Helen Grieveson, Legal Services, Wakefield MDC, on 01924 305027.

Your nearest doctor is located at

Monk Fryston Surgery Main Street

Monk Fryston

We welcome new patients We operate an appointment system and are a dispensing practice For surgery details please ring

0113 287 0870 during office hours The resident doctor is Dr. Diana James 'The Gibson Lane Practice' Kippax

4 Chairperson Mrs Jean Collinson The Cottage, Betteras Hill Road, Hillam. Tel: 682391

HILLAM PARISH COUNCIL Mrs Allison Garner 2 Hillam Gates, Betteras Hill Road, Hillam. Tel: 682575

Vice Chairperson Miss Julie Taylor 2 Bedford’s Fold, Hillam. Tel: 680482

Mrs Donna Tonks Rose Tree Cottage, Main Street, Hillam.

Tel: 681729

Mrs Betty Wright 11 Bedford’s Fold, Hillam. Tel: 682361

Charles Vickers The Manor House, The Square, Hillam.

Tel: 684912

Clerk to the Council Malcolm Walton Oak Lodge, Chapel Street, Hillam.

Tel: 685186

Nick Tinker 12 Hillam Hall Lane, Hillam. Tel: 684908

The Council meets on the first Wednesday in the month, 7.30 pm in the Community Centre.

District Councillor: Robert Collins, Ashleigh House, Lumby Lane, South Milford, 558391 District Councillor: John Mackman, 107 Main Street, Monk Fryston, 689221 North Yorkshire County Councillor: Jim Snowball, 6 Orchard Close, South Milford, 683679 MP: John Grogan, Selby Office, 58 Gowthorpe, Selby, 01757 291152 Selby Conservative Association, 56 Gowthorpe, Selby, YO8 4ET, 01757 700026 parish councils throughout the district. CounPrécis of minutes Hillam Parish Correspondence in: Council meeting 3rd November 2004 SDC – Giving precept data information. It cillor Tonks to obtain further information.

SM Gilbert requesting donation to assist in Matters arising: Councillor Tinker requested Mrs Wells be asked to clear cut branches from verge on Betteras Hill Road.

Clerk received confirmation from Mr Harrison SDC that the listed beech tree in Mrs Battye’s garden was in such a dangerous state as to warrant removal.

Councillors Tonks and Wright reported that the substantial trimming of trees in Tom Lane requested in a recent planning application would spoil their overall appearance; objection lodged with SDC.

Finances: Current a/c £198.05 High interest a/c £12,157.17 Monies received Precept payment £3,110 Cheques drawn L Wright £33.47 Plant hire costs MH Walton £17.71 Wreath/Postage SID Board £100.00 Dyke cleaning

was agreed that this year’s precept request remain unchanged at £6,220.

Informing councillors of proposals for parish councillor remuneration. It was agreed that no claim for allowances was necessary.

Selby housing needs survey form.

Refusal to remove fly tipping from councilowned land on Betteras Hill Road; Councillor Garner will arrange removal and destruction.

Advising authority approval of the Selby Biodiversity Action Plan.

NYCC – Confirming clearance of vegetation along the path on the A162.

Response to the concerns raised on behalf of Mr Birdsall about the verge, dyke and related matters arising from the housing development on Chapel Street.

Mrs Merry, Ring Tree Lights Committee, requesting insurance liability cover through council insurance for the event. Insurers notified and cover confirmed.

Abbey Leisure Centre advising of mobile skate park facilities to be made available to

the planning objection of the proposed asphalt plant at Ferrybridge. Clerk informed the meeting that payments cannot be made to individuals, and will request bank details and name of the account.

Request from Mr Hudson, Burial Committee, for details of number of band D rated properties for 2004/2005.

Boundary Committee – Periodic electoral review, final recommendations. These involve the proposed merger of electoral wards.

Environmental Agency – Inspections at the quarry site on Betteras Hill Road report no visible evidence of unauthorised deposits.

T Hudson, Sec. to Community Association, will provide necessary documentation in respect of holding trusteeship when prepared.

Hillam Parish Council meets on the first Wednesday in the month, 7.30pm at the Community Centre.

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Hillam Parish Council Correspondence out: Mr Shirtliff, requesting the hedge he owns is cut back in order to improve road safety.

SDC, requesting cost details for the authority to supply and fix a dog bin on Hillam Hall Lane.

Monk Fryston PC, informing dates of Hillam PC meetings.

T Hudson, advising of the number of band D properties.

Complaint and report form forwarded to all members requesting the form be used for all cases where a matter is to be reported and needs attention. This will formalise complaints and allow the clerk to follow up the reports as appropriate.

Mrs Hoare, confirming the Inclosures Award document of 1811 can be held on a shortterm basis to allow the committee to take relevant copies, etc.

Planning matters—applications:

A Broughton - summer house in garden of Rose Lea House. No objection.

Mrs C Laskey - outline planning application for erection of 1 x 3 and 1 x 4 bedroom house at Honeypot Field, Hillam Common Lane, Hillam. Objection raised on the grounds the application was on greenbelt land.

Mr and Mrs L Furness - listed building consent for the erection of a carport at Hillam Hall. No objection.

Re-submission for the erection of a twostorey extension to the west elevation and detached single garage and car port at Orchard View, Main Street. No objection.

Mr Flannigan - proposed re-submission of previously approved application for the erection of a garage to the side of Conifers, Betteras Hill Road. No objection.

November Minutes continued

Mr and Mrs G Kirk - single storey extension at rear of 11 Hillam Hall Lane. Approved.

N G Woolley - installation of velux window to Ramble House, Hillam Hall Lane. Approved.

T Morley - conversion and extension of existing piggery to create stables and covered arena at Hillside Farm, Austfield Lane. Not approved.

Environment Dyke blockage along the footpath off Betteras Hill Road to Mill Close. Clerk to request clearance from Selby Internal Drainage Board.

Falling leaves on footpaths creating potential hazard to pedestrians. Situation to be monitored.

Mud on Fairfield Lane due to tractors working in adjacent fields. Because of minimal use of this lane as a byway, no action considered necessary.

Degree of nuisance to pedestrians caused by contractors excavating path on Main Street.

Problem reported and resolved.

Stile on Stocking Lane overgrown with brambles. Owner, Mr Leach, to be requested to clear to facilitate access.

Councillor Vickers gave update report on progress towards new grass cutting contract.

Further progress will also be reported.

Grass on Dunsmire Lane requires cut before winter. The chairman to contact Mr Craven to arrange for the work to be undertaken.

Reports: Community Association

The community bonfire is set for Friday 5th November 6.00pm.

Report of significant rubbish being left in the grounds of the Community Centre by visitors.

To keep the Parish Council informed, the school will make available a copy of the parents’ newsletter to be circulated amongst the members.

Joint Services Committee

The chairman provided a brief report of the meeting held on 2nd November.

AOB

Councillor Taylor reported upon the meeting of the Parish Plan Group. Monk Fryston PC has promised the sum of £500 to assist with initial costs for printing, distribution and preparation of questionnaires. Hillam PC Planning matters—notices of decision: School Governors will contribute if necessary.

Councillor Tonks reported that there will not Mr and Mrs Bowden - listed building consent and permission for proposed extension be a parish council representative on the newly constituted school governors.

Chantries Cottage, Tom Lane. Approved.

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Monk Fryston Church of England Primary School News from the Parent Teacher Association Since September the Parent Teacher Association has raised over £5,700 for the school.

As usual, we have organised a number of fundraising events for the year. Our first event of the year, the Race night, raised over £680.

www.monkfryston.n-yorks.sch.uk

Our most recent event was the Family fun Five years of Circuit Training Party. Both parents and children enjoyed an This month marks five years of Circuit trainevening of party games and a disco. ing at the school. Originally set up by former PTA chairman Neil Lineham and his New School Equipment - Interactive wife Pam, circuit has raised over £8500 for White Boards school funds.

One aim of this years fund raising is to equip each classroom with an interactive In recognition of their efforts the PTA prewhiteboard, seven are required in all with sented Neil and Pam with presents as a token of our appreciation. Circuit training each one costing over £2,000 goes from strength to strength and is very The first two white boards were purchased popular with villagers from Hillam and with a donation from the Church. They are Monk Fryston, South Milford and Sherburn. already installed and being put to good use If you feel like getting fit - come along on by the teachers and children.

Mondays at 8:00pm and Thursdays at Three more boards have just been ordered 8:15pm. and will be installed shortly.

Each year Monk Fryston School supports the South Milford bonfire and this year was no exception. This year over 50 parents from school helped out by setting up during the day, marshalling and serving food on the evening and clearing away on the Sunday morning. Our efforts were recognised by the bonfire organising committee and we Future events were delighted to receive a cheque for Our Fancy dress disco is on 12th March. In The final two boards will be purchased with £1,575. past year the event has been great event. funds raised over the next five months.

The Christmas fayre was very busy, and we This year sees the return of the popular The PTA has also recently purchased new were pleased to raise over £1,200.

Fashion Show on 26th April. batteries for the Schools laptop fleet.

SHERBURN HIGH SCHOOL The school is sad to announce that Mrs Carol Peace, Headteacher, has indicated her intention to retire in the summer. During her 15 years as Headteacher she has built up and developed a formidable and successful management and teaching team, and standards and aspirations have been significantly raised throughout the school. Best wishes go to her and to husband David for a long and happy retirement.

www.sherburnhigh.co.uk

mas fund-raising included bag-packing at Sherburn Co-op (£350), a Christmas raffle (£678) and a raffle at the Prizegiving Evening (£156). Unwanted mobile phones are still being collected to raise money for the bid; please hand them in to Mr Walker, Head of Science, or to any pupil.

Other fund-raising by post-16 students in the 10 days prior to Christmas raised money for Band Aid 20, the British Heart Foundation Specialist Science Bid: to date (January and Martin House Hospice; 150 shoeboxes figures) the total raised is £35,589. Christ- were sent by the school to Operation Christ-

☺MONK FRYSTON PLAYSCHOOL☺ Welcome back, and a happy New Year to everyone.

This is a short half term and next term is also short, so at circle time the topic is Shapes for the whole of this term. We are concentrating on letters M – U. The children are encouraged to bring in one item each day relating to the topic, and one item beginning with the weekly letter. They enjoy circle time and eagerly participate.

A holiday club is planned for the playschool children on Wed 9th February during half term. The topic for this will be Maisie Mouse. Only sixteen places are available and these are on a first come first served basis.

The Christmas nativity – Whoops a Daisy Angel - was a huge success, and all the

children did really well and enjoyed themselves. The coffee morning that followed was also a success. Thanks to everyone for their support and for the tombola donations.

The children also had a great time at the Christmas party. A magician kept them entertained, and they all had a dance, followed by a special visit from Father Christmas.

Playschool is very popular, so if you have a child who would like to come and have fun with us when he or she is 2½ years old, then please come and register with us as soon as possible.

Playschool opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.15am – 11.45am, Tuesday and Thursday 12.30pm – 3pm.

Contact the playschool supervisor on 01977 681050 during the above hours.

mas Child, and will have been delivered to many eastern European countries, with a special delivery to orphans in Mozambique.

Thanks to who all who contributed.

7

Hillam Sports & Recreation FOOTBALL CLUB NEWS The football season is well under way now; all four teams are doing really well with some outstanding results under their belts.

Some really strong teams with talented players have joined our league this year and they all come to our ground determined to be the first to beat us. Our lads have really shown their character and despite the best efforts of the visitors continue to grind out the results. Credit to the players and coaches, who continue to give their best efforts in every game.

Cup competitions are also underway at all levels, adding to the number of games that the teams have to play.

On a club front, good news for everyone who attends training on Tuesdays: the new floodlights are now operational and, whilst there are a couple of minor teething problems, they are a great addition to the ground. It’s great to be able to move

around without bumping into other parents or kids. Credit for arranging the installation goes to Steve Knight who has done a great job – thanks, Steve!

ers and anyone with access to a digger, so that all of these projects can be finished off as swiftly as possible. Anyone able to assist should contact a team coach or one of the club committee.

Next project is finishing off the kitchen so that we can offer refreshments to everyone; Finally, a big thank-you to everyone this should be completed within the next associated with running the club, and a couple of weeks. Thanks to David and belated happy New Year to everyone.

Danny Wright for looking after the fitting Kevin Maloney Chairman and to Steve Hornsby for donating much of the equipment, not forgetting Joanne Toolan for sorting out the microwave!

Once the kitchen is finished, the next planned Football Awards Evening project is to build some Saturday 21 May 2005 much-needed toilets. Obviously all of these proPlease put it in your diary now. jects need funding, and Further details in the next issue any help that anyone of Hillam News. might be able to offer will be much appreciated. We need electricians, plumb-

GUIDES, BROWNIE AND RAINBOW NEWS Brownies: the Brownies visited the residents of Manor Court at

Christmas and enjoyed singing carols and Christmas songs – a lovely time was had by all.

In January we will be working on our World Guiding badge, looking at guiding in other countries. This will lead to our Thinking Day celebration in February, when Brownies, Rainbows and Guides from Selby Rural District will join together for an afternoon of fun.

We welcome Miranda, Bethan and Megan to Brownies from Rainbows, and Emma who has also joined the Unit. In January we said goodbye to Emily, leaving us for Guides.

Rainbows: the Rainbows have returned after their Christmas

break with more energy than before (if that’s possible!).

We will be looking at Rainbow friends around the world and learning new games and songs.

MILLER ASSOCIATES Business & Financial Planners Offering a high level of advice and professional service to clients who lead busy lives and are serious about organising their financial affairs.

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The Rainbows group will hopefully be joining our other groups at Thinking Day celebrations in February, to be held at Hambleton.

We welcome to Rainbows our new recruit, Georgia.

Both units still have a waiting list, so please contact me if you wish to add your daughter’s name (Rainbows 5-7 years, Brownies 7-10 years).

Julie Bottomley

Tel : 682097

Guides: Hambleton Guide unit has now reopened on Thursday evenings from 7-8.30 pm. Any girl aged 10+ who would be keen to start, please contact me for further information.

The Crown Inn Main Street Monk Fryston Under new management by Kate Vaks A right royal welcome awaits you at the completely refurbished Crown Inn, Monk Fryston Log fires and smiling staff Bar food of excellent quality served with style Self-contained function room, upstairs away from the bars Big screen showing live Sky Sports

Visit our website on www.millerassociates.org.uk

Principal Partner: Christopher C. Miller M.L.I.A (dip) A member of DBS Financial Management Plc

Reservations for lunch or dinner 682468

8

Sprouts on stalks!

If you haven’t yet been to Selby Farmers’ Market (first Wednesday in the month) then treat yourself and give it a try.

Everything at Selby’s market can be guaranteed as farm produced and local.

You need to be there early to have the best choice. There are several butchers’ stalls, a bread stall, one with conserves, and probably the most popular of all, a stall selling fresh English vegetables—of course, only those in season.

In December at the special pre-Christmas market, people were to be seen walking round Selby clutching freshly pulled Brussels sprout stalks. The queue for them was never less than twenty. There are many other stalls selling a range of goods from plants to crafts, as well as cheeses and eggs.

The vendors are not professional retailers but they are professional producers. The setting is Selby’s traditional market place overlooked by the majestic west façade of Selby Abbey.

Highly recommended !

CAKES FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Cake stands for hire Hilary Sampson, 1 Pine Tree Lane, HILLAM. Tel: 01977 683222

Landscape Gardener Steve G Parkin

20 years’ experience in garden maintenance Rushed off your feet?

No time to cut the lawns?

The garden getting out of hand? Phone me!

All types of garden work undertaken.

Lawns mowed, reseeded and cleared.

Hedges cut, planted or removed.

All types of fencing erected and repaired.

No job TOO BIG or TOO SMALL. To discuss your gardening problem, phone

01757 228675

Knight’s Décor has moved again, to 11, Northgate Vale, Market Weighton, York For all your decorating jobs, large or small, give me a call on my new numbers:

Home: 01430 876886 Mobile: 07754 145952 I’m still working in your area and look forward to hearing from you!

Yours, Wayne

9

MANOR COURT NEWS from Ruth Laycock I think it would be fair to say that the highlight of Christmas at Manor Court was when Julie, the Brownie leader, along with a few helpers, brought 30 of her Brownies to entertain the ladies with a great selection of Christmas carols. Just to see all the happy little faces and hear their clear voices was enough to fill anyone’s heart with joy.

I was talking to Julie a few days later and she said that Brownies had thoroughly enjoyed performing for the ladies, and they are hoping we will ask them again next Christmas. You can bet your life we will!

Also that night we had a most unexpected surprise when we were re-introduced to one of the little Brownies, who turned out to be the granddaughter of a former resident, Winnie Carney, a dear friend who sadly died five years ago. We knew Emma Kennedy so well as a baby, as Winnie used to look after her quite a lot, so we all used to share her, but unfortunately we never saw her again after her gran died. You can imagine how thrilled we were to see her again. I just wanted to share this very touching story with you, as we all need a little happiness to help us cope with the sad things in life, for example the Asian tsunami, which was totally tragic.

However, tragedy often seems to bring out the best in people, and it is wonderful to see how people throughout the world are united in their desire to help.

The only other Manor Court news I have at the moment is that all

And from Eileen: “Goodbye 2004 and not so welcome 2005!”

Ruth mentions that everyone seems to have had a good Christmas – that was until Boxing Day, when spirits took a dive with the news of the terrible tragedy in Asia, and I’m sure that as we saw the pictures on the TV we all wept. Each day we see aid and help being given with the countries coming together. As everyone says, it will come right in the end, but how long will that be, we wonder, and our thoughts will stay with them as long as it takes.

A Monthly Chat On the 3rd Saturday of each month, at 10.00 am, Hillam residents are invited to the Common Room at Manor Court for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.

We have no shop, no church, or any other meeting place, so try the Common Room for coffee.

You’ll be amazed how much you will enjoy yourself meeting old and new friends! the ladies managed to stay well over the Christmas period and spend some happy hours with their families. Now they are all in good spirits to start the New Year, and face whatever the future holds, together.

Happy New Year!

Ruth Laycock.

PS: Over the holiday period we paid a couple of visits to the Cross Keys for lunch and we would highly recommend the food. It was delicious, and excellent value for money.

Cross Keys Inn The Square, Hillam. Tel: 01977 683840 Meals served all day on Sunday and every lunchtime and evening.

An extensive menu with daily specials.

Special senior citizens’ lunch Monday — Friday from only £3.95 and £4.25.

A popular pub for villagers and visitors to the village. Famous for its excellent food, warm welcome from Gail, and summer display of hanging baskets.

Your pub at the heart of the village

Then Scotland takes a battering and a family dies in the raging sea: water again, as all of Britain felt the wrath of the gales. 2005 came in like a lion and hopefully it will go out like a lamb.

There has been some cheerful news in that snowdrops are out already in some areas, and many people are talking of daffodils and other spring flowers almost in bloom. We grumble at our weather, but thankfully we do have four seasons and we should be grateful for that.

I have a sister out in Australia, who, in her last letter, tells me it is too hot now for her to do housework and there has been no rain for weeks.

Water restrictions mean that they cannot use the pool - so we are not on our own regarding weather problems!

We ladies of the Manor enjoy our afternoons together in the common room two or three times a week, joined by Ruth, and also our coffee morning once a month, when we can mix happily with the villagers.

The delicious cakes blow the diets, but thank-you to the ladies who cook and help.

All the best to everyone for the rest of this year, Eileen Brotherton.

PS: We often hear the words “a difficult time”. Thinking about it, teenagers must find it just that, moving from youngsters into the years of taking responsibility for their actions (I’m too old to remember).

Then it’s the mid-life crisis when, as they say, middle age is when a broad mind and narrow waist exchange places. Well, we at Manor Court experience the most difficult stage, whereby in later life remembering yesterday is a problem!

As the song goes, “That’s life”!

Come along to Kevin’s prize quiz on Thursday nights.

Green Garden Herbs 13 West Bank, Carlton

01405 860708

Award winning herbs from the specialists

400 varieties of aromatic, culinary, medicinal and ornamental herb Lavender a speciality Open March–September 10am-5pm (daily except Tuesdays) Open other times by arrangement

Group visits and tours welcome

10

Hillam Historians OUR NEW VENTURES ARE MORE THAN JUST HISTORY! Spurred on by the success of our book, we have decided that our next main project will be an illustrated leaflet describing a walk round the village.

This will enable us to cover places not dealt with in “Hillam, a village remembered”. It will include information on features of historical interest, and we hope that drawings by local artists will figure prominently.

and recording them on tape. We are aware that this growing collection is far from complete; perhaps you know someone who has a contribution to make. The recordings will be transcribed so that eventually they can be made available to all.

At the same time we shall look into the feasibility of restoring the pump to working order, with perhaps an annual ceremony involving the drawing of water.

Whether you’re an artist or an engineer, whether you have ideas about how we can make our plans reality, or whether you’re just fascinated by local history, you’ll be welcome at our next meeting, on Wednesday 26th January, 7.30pm at the Community Centre.

Also, we have been gathering the reminiscences of long-term residents

More details from Jenny Hoare (683332).

When they’re gone, they’re gone There are now only a few copies remaining of “Hillam, a village remembered”. If you need an extra one, visit the post office without delay!

DAYS GONE BY – 15 YEARS AGO Barbara Atkinson has been interested in genealogy for several years and has found out many interesting facts from our past from the parish registers. In the 1890s more than a third of children baptised were given two names; the most popular names in Monk Fryston, Hillam and Burton Salmon were as follows (counting only their use as first names): William George John Harry Thomas James Walter

16 11 11 8 6 5 5

Fred Albert Benjamin Sidney Joseph Reginald

4 4 4 4 4 4

Ann 10 Elsie 7 Edith 6 Mary 6 Gertrude 5 Margaret 4 Emily 4

South Milford Badminton Club • •

Have you made a pledge to get fitter?

Do you have a strong competitive edge and a will to win?

If the answer to the first question is YES and the second is NO then you need us.

We are a small Badminton Club; we play for fun, not for league position. Our members are of all abilities, ages (and fitness).

We meet at South Milford School every Thursday during term time 7:00-8:00pm Membership is by the year or per evening and is astonishingly reasonable.

Come along for a sample game

or call Graeme on 682190 or Brian on 682624

Evelyn Hilda Florence Sarah Ivy Maude

3 3 3 3 3 2

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

However, Hillam News can help ease the pain. Just take out a subscription to Hillam News for two years and keep in touch.

Two years – 12 issues – for £10.00. Payments and details to the Treasurer.

This does not apply if you are moving abroad or to Monk Fryston, when it might cost a little more!

New Patients Welcome!

DRs JANIK, MACKENZIE, STUTTARD, LOVISETTO, HIRST & MURPHY South Milford Surgery High Street SOUTH MILFORD Our six partner dispensing practice was established at the beginning of the 20th century. Based in South Milford, we cover 22 villages, holding branch surgeries in 3 of them.

For appointments or surgery information, phone

01977 682202 Opening hours Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm Saturday am: emergency only

11

Although we were visitors here for only five brief weeks, Hillam village will retain a special place in our memories, not least because it provided the venue for our first ever home exchange. If the character of a village is shaped by its residents, by its geographic position, and by its history, our impression is that Hillam has a lot going for it.

The welcoming warmth and friendliness extended to us by Les’s & Betty’s immediate neighbours quickly broke down the barriers, and enabled us to feel less like the aliens we knew we were. They helped us sort out several niggling domestic, logistical, geographic, and cultural uncertainties that inevitably arise when a couple first moves into a home in an area with which they are unfamiliar. Absorbed into the community in such a little time, we were able to focus on the recreational aspects of our visit.

When we arrived in Hillam, a little over a week before Santa was due, we eagerly anticipated a white Christmas, a geographically improbable concept anywhere on the vast Australian continent.

Quite wrongly, we assumed that northern England receives lots of snow in the winter, and that there’s an each-way chance that some will fall in time for the festive season. Although a few flakes of snow fell with a fleeting drizzle on Christmas morning, the white blanket to romp in and build snowmen from did not eventuate. We subsequently learnt about the moderating effect that the Pennine chain has on cold winds blowing in from the Atlantic, and that this reduces the probability of snow falling in the protected large valley in which Hillam lies. As a result, the residents of Hillam can look forward to a milder winter than their further-flung Yorkshire kin in places like the Dales and Moors. We came to appreciate the comparative moderateness of the winter weather several times after returning from visits to some of these decidedly colder (but, nevertheless, ruggedly appealing) places.

Here, and elsewhere in England too, wet weather is a fact of life in the winter. The drainage seems inadequate to cope with the deluges, and swollen rivers flowing torrentially festoon the landscape. This provides such a contrast with the region in which we live, where the few major rivers that drain the land flow sluggishly, locally clogged by weeds and are joined by tributaries that are often dry for years owing to prolonged periods of drought. Australia could benefit greatly from the excess precipitation that England receives.

For two people whose association with a history of civilization in their own country goes back only a little over two hundred years, we were ceaselessly fascinated by the antiquity apparent in so many villages like Hillam that we visited in the Yorkshire region. Castles and churches abound, boasting of beginnings that date back to medieval times or earlier. We see the residents of these places going about their business, seemingly oblivious to the antiquity that surrounds them, and wonder if it’s possible to become blasé about the proximity of architecture dating back several hundred years.

Yes, we’ve travelled around the region a fair bit. We’ve been for lots of walks locally between Harrogate and York, we particularly enjoyed walks along the towpaths of canals (of which there are none in

Australia). We’ve visited the Dales, the Lake District, and the Yorkshire coast, all of which impressed us with their stunning landscapes and picturesque towns and villages. We’ve been to York city, walked the medieval wall, and even attended evensong on Christmas Day in the minster, a truly memorable experience.

Where to next? After Hillam, we travel to Brockenhurst, in the New Forest, where we shall remain for another five weeks, before moving to Brighton for our third home exchange.

Shall we return to northern England? Yes, if we’re invited, though it is not in our current schedule. We do have a 6-week unplanned period in the middle of the year, so, if anyone who reads this short reflection of ours knows anybody who fancies visiting an all-year sunny subtropical Australian coastal environment on a home exchange between mid-July and the end of August, we’d like to hear from you (outofport@hotmail.com). Alternatively, if you know someone looking for two reliable housesitters to feed the animals and just be in the house for security (we would be particularly interested in Scotland), then please give them our email address.

Your village and its people are charming and we have enjoyed every minute of our time here.

Geoff Bladon and Susan Green

..from down under

Why would you leave an all-year sunny subtropical Australian coastal environment in the summer to spend winter in Britain? That’s what Geoff Bladon & Susan Green did, so that they might experience first hand all four antipodean seasons during a proposed 12-month odyssey that includes mutual home exchanges with five counterparts from England. Their first exchange brought them to Hillam in mid-December 2004 to the home of Les & Betty Wright in Bedford’s Fold.

Support Sue and Geoff Well, we’re back from our fantastic trip to Oz and reluctantly readjusting to the more mundane patterns of everyday life.

From subtropical to Hillam in 24 hours in mid- January is quite a challenge.

If anyone is considering taking up the vacant mid-summer exchange option or the house sitting offer, feel free to contact us for any further information we might be able to provide.

Betty and Les Wright (tel 01977 682361, email bettyandleswrigh@aol.com)

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Fax. 01977 682178

Email: hillamfeeds@aol.com

12

The Birding Column by Graham Todd Apart from a flurry of snow on Christmas Day, the weather has followed the usual pattern of being mild, but windy and damp. Our winter visitors are not as obvious when the weather is mild, as they tend to stick to the fields and hedge bottoms where the soil is damp and there is still insect life to be had. I was all the more surprised, therefore, when a female Blackcap visited our garden on 27 Dec, in the company of a small flock of tits. A Blackcap is a delicate unobtrusive type of bird, slightly smaller than a House Sparrow, fairly plain grey with a fine bill. The obvious identifying feature is a bright ginger cap, which is black on the male. The Blackcap, a species of warbler, is an insectivorous bird that usually migrates south to Africa for our winter with the rest of the warbler species, House Martins and Swallows, where there is an abundant supply of food. However, over the last forty years or so, Blackcaps have overwintered in the UK ever more frequently, taking advantage of our milder winters.

Strangely enough, it is usually the females that stay behind.

Another indicator of what might be climatic change is the early movement of wild geese. I was in the garden on 27 Dec when I happened to hear geese calling. Not the usual sounds of feral Canada Geese on their way to Fairburn, but an excited clamouring, that I recognised as the call of the Pink-footed Goose. Looking up into the bright blue sky, I was just in time to see a long v-shaped skein of about 120 geese heading northwest, following the line of the Aire Valley. This was at about 10:30 in the morning, and the next day I mentioned it to a friend at work, who said that he too had seen them over Horsforth at about 10:50.

On New Year’s Day I again heard the call of geese, and spotted another flock of about 100 Pink-feet heading northwest, on the same route. Forty minutes later, a further huge flock of 200 birds followed the first flight of geese, splintering into two distinct flocks, before regrouping behind their leader. I cannot remember seeing so many geese, so early in the winter, when large bird movements usually follow a period of freezing, inclement weather. The line the birds were taking would suggest they were aiming for Martin Mere on the west coast, where there are huge congregations of geese late in the winter, prior to their return north to the Arctic in the spring. Maybe the birds are gathering earlier, in anticipation of favourable weather in which to migrate? There are certainly signs of a change in bird behaviour patterns, which I am inclined to believe is associated with our climate warming up.

Finally, I am pleased to end on a happy note, by passing on news of a sighting of a Barn Owl near Hillam Feeds in the last few weeks.

Maybe it will help Adrian keep his rat population down!

Big Garden Birdwatch 2005

by Odd Billie

Unfortunately by the time you read this it will probably be too late for you to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2005.

Nevertheless it is worthwhile looking at the RSPB website, which contains a wealth of information about how our bird population has been changing over the last 25 years.

Details of the survey and how it is carried out are presented on the RSPB website at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

A record-breaking 409,000 people watched their gardens and local parks during the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch on 24-25 January 2004. A staggering 8.6 million birds were recorded and 247,000 gardens surveyed.

Some of the big changes recorded over the 25 years of annual surveys are: Song thrush down to 19th place in 2004 compared to 7th in 1979 Collared dove seen in 62% of gardens last year, yet they were first recorded breeding in the UK in 1955, having spread here from Asia

☺ Greenfinch 84.4% increase in sightings in gardens Robin 31% decline

☺

Blue tit 20% increase

From looking out into my garden I would agree with much of what is reported nationally, except that I do have a good population of robins and also a growing number of wrens in the garden. The collared dove has grown in such numbers that I can now see as many as 80 doves and pigeons in our poplar tree at once. As far as I am concerned they are now so common that they have become a garden pest and a nuisance.

13

In the Deep Midwinter Seasonal gardening advice from Susan Ferguson The flowers out now, in January, are very special; with mild winters becoming more common it is worth having plants to entice you into the garden in the earliest months of the year. Four shrubs have given me great pleasure this month. A graceful small tree for winter flowers is a cherry, Prunus x subhirtella autumnalis. In palest pink and lightly scented it has flowered from November this year without pause. In my garden I have a chaenomeles in pale salmon pink. This is always in flower by Christmas and lasts until March; it is covered in flowers. Viburnum x bodnantense Dawn has nonstop, richly scented sugar pink flowers from November until March. In summer it has quite nice leaves and warm brown stems, and is a shrub for the back of a summer border at about 8 ft high. The winter-flowering shrubby honeysuckle, lonicera x purpusii or Winter Beauty, is a scruffier shrub, but the pale cream flowers along the stem scent the whole garden on a mild day, and it will grow anywhere so can be tucked away behind something in the summer. Both these are hardy and vigorous but can be pruned as hard as you like after flowering.

Both are lovely to pick for the house and will scent the room.

Jobs to do now The joy of winter jobs is that they are not urgent and can be done in January, February or early March, whenever the weather is fine enough to tempt you into the garden. There is always tidying up of dead stems when they begin to look scruffy, a bit of weeding and mulching, and the roses should be pruned before the end of February, but something to do as early as possible is pruning the clematis. This is not difficult if you know when they flower. The earliest spring-flowering clematis do not need pruning; this sounds easy but I find they quickly make a tangled mess with lots of dead bits. Remember they can mostly be cut back after flowering if they get very untidy; they will grow again. The early summer largeflowered clematis need some of the more tangled bits cut out to a healthy pair of buds. The easiest are the late-flowering clematis, which can be cut hard back. I try

to do these in January, as you can see beautiful buds high up on the stem, and I have to harden my heart to cut them off. If left it will flower but they will all be high up. You can cut to about 1 ft, or you can cut off the top growth to about 3 ft in December or January and wait for the new buds to show before pruning lower down.

Sowing seeds I sow my sweet pea seeds in early January (and maybe some more in March or April to get flowers which will last all summer). I soak them, then sow them in cardboard toilet roll insides packed into the deep plastic trays you get meat in from the supermarket, and filled with potting compost. Bring them into the light as soon as they have germinated and pinch out when they have one or two pairs of leaves.

These can be planted out complete when the roots come out of the bottom of the tube. Sweet peas are hardy and can stand a bit of frost if they are hardened off by being outside during the day when they are a decent size.

Don’t sow other seeds too early or you will have them in pots for too long. Sow hardy plants in March; they can go out in late April or early May. Leave half hardies until April; you won’t need as much heat then either.

Questions I had a question about why sedums grown in a pot might have rotted. Sedums are usually excellent in pots, as they don’t need frost protection and need very little water or feeding. For a shallow pan, any of the rockery sedums found in the garden centre will be good; for a deeper pot my favourite is sedum Purple Emperor, which has lovely dark foliage; mine has lasted well for 3 years with a white-leafed lamium, left out all winter and watered sparingly in summer. They all need good drainage, so add lots of grit to whatever compost you use.

I have tried many new ones, but I still think Autumn Joy is hard to beat in the garden.

Please send any questions by email to susan@maspinhouse.co.uk or phone 684922.

14

Crime Report It has been a while since Hillam News included a crime report. This is not because we have chosen to omit the report, or because there has been no crime in the area. It is simply because the responsibility for providing us with the crime report has been moved, or something like that. Letters have been sent, phone calls have been made, but all to no avail.

Our last step was to ask Stuart Younger, the Community Safety Coordinator, as advertised in “Citizenlink”, if he could help. He seems to offer

all sorts of wonderful things on crime and antisocial behaviour issues in this area, so we will keep you informed.

The whole purpose of including a crime report is to warn villagers of local crime trends, and thus enable us all to be on our guard and reduce the chance of our becoming victims of such crime.

With this in mind, we have two crimes which we do know about, and which should put people in the village on their guard.

Telephone scams that could cost you up to £260.00 We have been advised of a telephone fraud currently in operation (mobiles and landlines). If you do receive one of these calls, upon answering the telephone you will hear a recorded message congratulating you on winning an all expenses paid trip to an exotic location. You will then be asked to press 9 to hear further details, and on doing so you will be connected to a premium rate line which costs approx £20 a minute. Even if you then disconnect immediately, the line will remain connected for a minimum of 5 minutes, costing around £100.

The final part of the call involves you be-

ing asked to key your postcode and house number, after a further 2 minutes you will receive a message informing you that you are not one of the lucky winners. The total bill will be £260. Since the calls are originating from outside the UK, apparently BT and other telephone companies are left relatively powerless to act.

The only safe solution is to HANG UP before the message prompts you to go further.

Another variation on the theme is from individuals claiming to be engineers conducting a test on the line and asking for 9, 0# and text messages similar to the routine

It’s Wednesday, let’s break into a school Beware, the “It’s Wednesday, let’s break into a school” gang is working its way south. It started in Tadcaster and reached Barkston Ash on the following Wednesday.

The takings were a few pounds of petty cash from the office. Access was gained by throwing a heavy plant pot through a window, which made a big mess. The gang also generally trashed the office, causing a great deal of disruption.

Which school is next in line?

Crime report from Tyneside

Don’t go to work on an apple

Police called in a spotter plane, helicopter and video-equipped patrol car to help convict a woman who ate an apple while driving to work, newspapers have reported.

After nine court hearings and a trial lasting more than two hours, nursery nurse Sarah McCaffery was fined £60 when a court upheld a police decision to give her a penalty ticket.

Police used the plane, helicopter and car to film road conditions on the route she took in Tyneside, northeast England, after officers pulled her over in December 2003.

"It is a joke they put so much effort into this," McCaffery, 23, told the Sun newspaper on Tuesday. "You would think they had better things to do."

She said she had both hands on the wheel of her Ford Ka and was driving safely.

But police and public prosecutors said she was not in control and they were obliged to gather evidence when she chose to fight the fine in court.

Source—Reuters News Agency

described above. Do not dial these numbers for anyone! We are told that BT has been contacted and confirmed the details as being true.

Finally, the scam operating amongst mobile phone users: a missed call comes up and the number is 0709 020 3840. The last four digits may vary but certainly the first four numbers will remain the same. If you call this number back, you will be charged £50 per minute. People who have complained about their phone bills have been told that this is apparently legal - so do not return calls beginning with 0709!

15

Loser takes all in Cross Keys Quiz Hillam Lights 100 Club reached a full house for the second year running, and the organisers are so pleased that they have decided to award a third prize in the monthly draw. Prizes will now be of £20.00, £10.00 and £5.00. The group would like to thank Mike Thornton and others who delivered leaflets around Hillam and Monk Fryston; this certainly helped to ensure that the event was so well attended.

The November draw was won by Betty Wright (45) and Ian Wotton (88). The first draw of the new 100 Club saw Maxene Wells (74) the winner, with Sylvia Whaley (91) and the Lonsdales (59) runners up.

Brainboxes The Lights committee is again grateful for many donations, some anonymous. The Hillam Squash Club came up with £40.00.

Cross Keys tap room quiz team representative Rob Preston presented a cheque for £167.50 to Mary Little on switch-on night.

Other brainboxes in his squad include Deborah and Rob McCormack, Jason and Helen Thompson, P et e Sp e n c e , Jennie Allison, Wayne Craven, Phil Aisthorpe, together with Tony Stanton and Charlotte Wells.

Hillam News went along to the next quiz night to find out the secret of their success, and see why quiz night in the Cross Keys has acquired such a cult following. One of the reasons must be that there are so many of them in the squad. Fortunately Kevin is there to see fair play and keep a watchful eye on the smaller teams in the best room, one of which calls itself the Three Virgins.

Booby prize And Hillam News won the top prize. It happened like this. There is a draw to decide which team chooses whether the top or bottom team in the quiz is the one to pocket the cash kitty. The choice fell to the Three Virgins. In a tactical move to outsmart the tap room army, they went for the lowest score.

This should have ensured them victory, but they hadn’t taken account of the Hillam News team, which got even fewer questions right and made off with the valuable booby prize. Sorry, Rob, better luck next time.

Get to know Hillam’s Three Virgins Quiz Night with Kevin is at 9.00pm every Thursday in the Cross Keys. If you want take on the champions or just meet the Three Virgins, then come along.

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16

Money Matters by Richard Wright Endowment mortgages explained I’m going to address the area of endowment mortgages this month, due to the fact that many people have been ringing me regarding the letters they have received from their various insurance companies.

First of all let me say that endowment mortgages are not bad or poor advice. In fact for decades people with this type of mortgage did very well, and not only did the policy pay off their loan but paid out a very generous tax-free cash sum on top. The problem really is that: a) a lot of people who took the product were not warned there were risks, and b) as with any product there are good, average and poor providers, and the poorest policies were very poor indeed.

I’ve always told my clients that there are only two ways to guarantee that your mortgage will be repaid: a straight repayment mortgage, or a FULL endowment with-profits plan. The full endowment policy will guarantee, providing the premiums are maintained, that the mortgage will be paid off at the end; any bonus attached and final bonus come to you as tax free cash. These policies are of course very expensive. I also explained to clients that if they could not afford the full endowment route (which most people could not) and they were not prepared to take some risk, their only choice should be a straight repayment mortgage. Had banks and building societies been as prudent and, let’s be frank here, honest, we would not have the situation that we are in today.

There were two types of endowment policy sold, generally speaking: the low cost with- profits policy and the unit-linked policy, the former in my opinion being by far superior due to the fact that it guaranteed that a portion of the mortgage would be paid off, and once an annual bonus had been added it became part of the guarantee, and the policy (unless cashed in early) could not fall in value it would steadily rise each year. The unit- linked version tended to be high charging and was stock market based, so could go into freefall if markets fell; therefore the risks tended to be much greater with this policy. I personally would not touch this type of contract with a barge pole, as it offered poor value. It was mainly sold by banks which had decided to sell their own policies, instead of the traditional way of recommending an insurance company; they made vast amounts of money from them in the 80s and 90s.

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There was never really a problem until the end of 1999, when the stock market peaked and fell for the next 4 years, the worst situation we have seen since 1971 to 1974. Values of the unit-linked version fell by about 45% on average, and although the traditional with-profit version did not fall in value, insurance companies cut annual bonuses and terminal bonuses, so that the values at maturity started to fall from what was being paid out in the late 90s. The top performing with-profit policy was paying almost £126,000 for a £50.00 premium over 25 years in 1999; in 2004 the top company was paying out £88,000. But bear in mind that total premiums paid in to the policy were just £15,000, and life cover was provided so the mortgage is paid off in the event of death. This still represents good value for money. The unit-linked policies have fared nowhere near as well.

With-profit endowment policies taken over 25 years with good quality companies such as Standard Life and Norwich Union, to name two, are still today (surprisingly so, if you follow the financial press!) not only paying off the mortgage, but are actually paying out a surplus amount of capital. This is because a good portion of the total amount paid out comes on the last day of the policy; this is generally called a terminal bonus. In 2004 the average company paid out 34% terminal bonus, i.e. out of the total amount of money paid out, 34% came on the last day of the policy - so things may not be as bad as you think. When you get the letter from your insurance company they are not allowed to take terminal bonuses into account when giving your projection. For unit-linked policies though, there is of course no terminal bonus.

Don’t forget that the letters that companies send out by law say that there MAY be a shortfall, not that there WILL be a shortfall.

Next issue we will continue down this avenue, and look in more detail at these letters that insurance companies have to send, and what they will mean to you.

If you have received a letter saying your policy may not pay off your mortgage, or you are simply worried after reading articles in the press regarding endowment mortgages, or you require any type of financial advice, you are free to contact me on the number below.

Richard Wright of Godfrey Pearson & Partners is an independent financial adviser and a member of Sesame, a network for independent financial advisers.

He may be contacted in confidence for free advice without obligation on 01977 678066.

17

From St Wilfrid’s Church Teamwork, a source of energy and inspiration

C A

urate: Revd Susanne Jukes.

Tel: 01757 706719

rrangements for Baptisms, Banns, Marriages and any other pastoral matters may be made with the Curate.

Y our church is here to serve you. Please make full use of St Wilfrid’s on Sundays for worship and on other occasions.

Monk Fryston is part of a United Benefice with South Milford.

SUNDAY SERVICES 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Methodist Service in the Church Hall 11.00am Parish Communion Rite A 6.00pm Evensong (in St Mary’s, South Milford) First Sunday in each month there is a Family Service at 11.00am, and Holy Communion in St. Mary’s, South Milford at 6.00pm

Lent programme of events Lent starts on 9th February (Mothering Sunday is 6th March; Easter Day 27th March).

During Lent we shall again be joining the Sherburn churches for their weekly series entitled ‘Journeys of Redemption’. Another very interesting group of speakers will tell the stories of their journeys of faith. These will be held at 7.30p.m. on Tuesdays in Lent at St Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Sherburn. Do ring me if you would like a lift.

Also in Lent, usually on a Wednesday, Lent Lunches – simple bread and cheese lunches in various homes throughout the parish, to raise money for Christian Aid projects throughout the world. Full details in the Monk Fryston and Hillam News and on posters. Do come!

Details of the Mothering Sunday and Easter Services will also be found in the March magazine.

Teamwork – if there’s anything that has impressed me over the last three or four months, it’s teamwork. Certainly, over Christmas, the seasonal round of activities was made much more enjoyable and the burden of them considerably lessened by a good spirit of teamwork that exists both within the church at St Wilfrid’s and between church and community. There has been teamwork in the leading of worship, in the practical aspects of management of the church, in the sharing of pastoral work and in the sharing of resources and abilities.

And this is surely how things should be. It has long been known that good teamwork gets things done, and better done. There is more energy, more inspiration, more commitment when people work as a team; but for the church, that’s not the only thing that matters. As Christian people we have the injunction to ‘be the Body of Christ’. The church simply doesn’t exist, doesn’t function, without everybody involved, whether it be as the ‘head’, the ‘hands’, the ‘eyes’ … or as the ‘little toe’. Everyone has a place, everyone is needed, whatever place they hold.

In order for the church to be effective as the Body of Christ, three things have to be in place. Firstly, we need to know one another; secondly, we need to be able to listen to each other; and finally, we need to have a clear idea of what our common purpose is, so that we’re not all pulling in different directions. People often say, ‘You can be a good Christian without going to church.’

You certainly can have a good moral standard, and be good caring people – but can you be a Christian (good or otherwise) without going to church?

Tsunami appeal Many thanks to all those who contributed to the tsunami appeal through the church.

Both Monk Fryston and South Milford churches had collections at the end of services; South Milford churches (Anglican and Methodist) held a combined coffee morning; collections have been made through the local shops at South Milford, and the Mothers’ Union has made a contribution. A total of £1000 has been sent to the Mothers’ Union Overseas Development Fund, to support MU projects in South Asia.

Thank you, all.

18

Monk Fryston & Hillam Community Association JAZZ NIGHT Once again the centre is hosting another evening of musical entertainment, on Saturday 5th February. Entertainment will be provided by the Gadband, and a light supper will be included. Tickets for this event are priced at £6 and will be available from Monk Fryston Post Office.

CRAFT FAIR 2005 Our annual Craft Fair is to be held on Sunday 13th March. Doors will open at 10am.

Admission will be £1 per person (free for accompanied children aged 10 or under).

We will also be running our ‘Diary Date’ competition, with the chance to win a meal for two at various establishments around the

villages. Please look out for advertisements and posters nearer the time giving further details.

JUMBLE SALE A jumble sale is planned at the Community Centre at the end of April. Date and details will be available nearer the time.

Do you have any ideas for the Community Centre?

Would you like to help out at any of our events? Perhaps you have an idea for another musical or social evening. If so, why not come along to our next meeting? The Association Meeting will be in the Centre on Wednesday 9th February, 7.30pm. All are welcome to come along.

The Quiz at the Community Centre As we seated ourselves, already on the tables were assorted nibbles and six delicious dips – but these were not just for enjoyment: we were also to be quizzed on their ingredients. In fact, besides the taste test and the expected general and popular knowledge questions, musical and visual tests had been prepared for us too.

The bar was well stocked: we were presented with the usual selection of beer, soft drinks, house red and white, but we were

surprised to be given in addition a choice from several bottles on the “wine list”.

Later, generous trays of garnished sandwiches catered for carnivores and vegetarians alike.

Quizmaster Kevin M and his band of helpers assured all of a warm welcome and a place in a team. The combination of fair and trick questions kept the teams neck and neck until one scraped over the winning line. The handsome trophy (decorative, practical and in a form suitably embodying wisdom) is in the custody of Joan and Kevin P, and can be inspected at the post office.

Funds were raised, fun was had and a repeat event is essential.

Revenge, for some, demands it!

MONK FRYSTON AND HILLAM METHODISTS Unfortunately our January coffee morning had to be cancelled owing to the weather. We felt that we couldn’t expect people to venture out in the gale force winds, so we rang everyone we could think of, and hope that no one was missed. It was decided to send a donation of £100 from our own funds to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The next coffee morning is on February 5th and the charity to benefit will be Chernobyl Children’s Fund. A group of children will be coming into the village again this year for a month, and funds have to be raised for their air fares, trips out, entertainment, etc.

On March 5th Martin House will benefit; this is another worthy charity supporting a hos-

pice to care for terminally ill children.

As usual there will be stalls, including homemade cakes, books and fancy goods. Tea and coffee with biscuits will be on sale and there will be a raffle. Admission is free.

We hold our coffee mornings in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall, Monk Fryston, from 10am to 11.15am on the first Saturday in the month, except December, in aid of 11 different charities. The full list can be seen on the notice board in the Church Hall).

The Methodists also worship in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall on most Sundays at 9.30am.

Everybody is welcome. Our minister is Rev. Rory Dalgliesh (01977 682230).

Hire the Centre for your party If you would like to hire the Community Centre at £5 per hour, please contact Ivy Smales on 683486.

There are also items at the Centre which may be hired for private use: Chairs £1 each Tables £2 each Small Gazebo £10 Large Gazebo £25 Prices are per day.

Contact Kath for details, on 683590.

There is still room for YOUR waste paper, bottles and cans in the disposal bins.

The Community Association receives cash for every piece of glass you bring. It must be worth the effort and you can feel environmentally saintly.

The bins are in the car park at the Community Centre. Because of the Selby Council paper, glass and can collection scheme, some people no longer go to the village bins. This is a shame, as reduced quantities mean a longer delay in providing further amenities.

The cash from rubbish provided the seat in the play area and a fridge in the kitchen.

Please consider taking your paper, cans and glass; it will take only a few minutes and you might meet someone interesting on the same mission.

It’s worth the trouble!

BOARDING KENNELS AND CATTERY Common Lane, South Milford, Leeds LS25 5BX Come and see our spacious purpose-built accommodation “YOUR PET’S HOLIDAY HOME” Phone Kathryn Beal on 01977 685404 Open 9am-6pm daily VISITORS WELCOME

19

Cats

and

…….and lived happily ever after My next story is of a small black and white cat left in a box next to the main road, about six years ago. I received a phone call from a gentleman who said he had left a cat outside the cattery. I dashed to look, and was amazed to see a face peering from the large hole in the side of a small cardboard container. I was pleased I had gone so quickly, as the hole was certainly big enough for her to escape through, and she was almost on the A63.

Once I had her in a safe place, I lifted her from the box and found she was very heavily pregnant. Three days later at 7.00am I went to check she was OK, and found mummy cat proudly displaying 4 feeding babies, but there, left in the middle of the floor, was a beautiful large tortoiseshell kitten which had not made it. I praised mum, who we had called Floss, and removed the still bundle, but automatically stroked the body as I would have done puppies who were struggling when first born. Suddenly, I felt a slight movement and, with my heart in my mouth, dashed home to rub the kitten with a rough towel and get it warm.

After quite a struggle, Pebbles, as we called her, was breathing and searching for food. Obviously mum was her best hope, and so back I went, hoping Floss would accept her. What a star of a parent! She lifted her leg to help, and just watched whilst I tried to convince this kitten that it needed to suck the nipple. My hamfisted attempts were not working, so I left the pair together for half an hour, and returned to find 5 babies blissfully feeding.

Onion, the only boy, (need I say more) was a problem. If he climbed 4 inches from the ground, he became stuck and yelled for help. He could never decide to feed when everyone else did, so was often just ready when Floss walked off. Onion was black and white just like his mum. The others were all tortoiseshells, 3 calico and one dark tortie.

Then it was re-homing. Obviously, I had to keep Pebbles. She had been slightly brain-damaged by her birth experience: good at instinct things, but rubbish at learning. Plus, I had not got a tortoiseshell cat! The rest, including Floss, had all got good homes to go to. However my daughter, Kathryn, managed to persuade our doctor, who was having Onion, to donate him to her, and so two kittens moved in with us.

All are still well and happy, I think. Rosie and Hattie had to be rehomed because of unforeseen circumstances but, I understand, were very happy with their new owners. Measles was renamed Mathilda and moved away, but she came to visit me a year ago.

Floss is now called Domino, and lives with two other cats, who she bosses around. I loved having the kittens and, as she was only about 7 months old herself, fell for her too. I wish I could have kept them all. She will always be a favourite.

Onion is now boss cat at home. Once Bugsy died, Arfur thought he was next in line, but Bugs had obviously trained Onion and he muscled in. Onion is now an enormous cat and I can’t believe he was once so tiny. Pebbles, unfortunately, now has only three legs as a result of an unknown accident. It has taken her a long time to learn to cope, but she is still as loving and pretty, and has a good life.

Lynn Ingledew Catnaps

Dogs

Dylan’s diary Happy New Year to you all! Sorry that I didn’t feature in the last Hillam News – it was all my mum’s fault for missing the press deadline. What a daft woman!

Anyway, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas like I did. Lots of warm fires, turkey, sausages, doggie chocs and all the niceties.

Spike came to stay with his “baby” Harvey, and Karey and Mark.

Everyone makes such a fuss of Harvey – Spike and I don’t know why because he makes such an awful crying noise!

We saw Lucy Denton recently. She gave me a lovely kiss and told me that she is very well settled in Riccall with Audrey. It is good to know that she is settled after the sadness of losing both her mum and dad.

“Doggie friends” I’ve met recently are Millie, Chelsea and Chester (all retrievers), Rebel Hudson (who was very pleased to see me), Digger the perky little Jack Russell, and the magnificent Xena “postal” princess!

The path between Lumby Hill and Austfield Lane has now been cleared. Perhaps my mention in the News has helped! Spring seems to be just around the corner in Hillam. Celandines are in bloom by the path alongside the school and Quasimodo, our hunch-backed blackbird, is flitting around our garden. It would be nice to have another blackbird family this spring.

At New Year mum and dad took me up to the Lakes. The water level of Derwent Water was so high that some of the landing stages were underwater and the motor launches could not land.

Therefore we had a very long walk in the cold and rain and I was shivering. Mum says that perhaps she should buy me a waxed coat. Not on your nelly, I said – I’m not a wimp!

Welcome to our new neighbours Matt, Alison and their son, little Louis, and we hope that they will be very happy in the village.

Spike is coming to stay this weekend. I’m looking forward to it.

Must go now – we mustn’t miss the deadline!

Woof, woof!

Dylan

20

The Sky at Night over Hillam

by Richard Wright A happy New Year to all theNews readers!

What an important month January has been already with the successful landing of the Huygens probe on Titan, the largest of Saturn’s moons.

Some wonderful images have already come back, and over the next few weeks and months we are going to learn much more from the 3 hours or so of data which have been collected. The mother ship of Huygens, Cassini, has sent back some striking images of Saturn and its many other moons.

February is a funny month and can bring some of the coldest weather of the year, but the sun is now getting steadily higher and its mid-day warmth getting greater. There is not too much happening in our night sky in February, Saturn and Jupiter being the best planets to look at.

Saturn is still an all night object and, as I’ve said many times before, it’s most people’s favourite planet to view, and mine, with its wonderful ring system. This is closely followed by Jupiter, which is much bigger in a telescope, with its vast cloud bands swathing the planet and of course the famous red spot. Its four largest moons are visible in even the smallest scopes, stretching out like beads around the planet. Jupiter rises around midnight, so you have to be up late to get good views.

One object that is still just visible (only just) is comet Machholz, which is steadily moving north and, on the day of writing this article, is in the constellation Perseus. It will soon become circumpolar; this means that the comet will not set or dip below the horizon. I’ve viewed the comet through the scope and although this is the brightest comet since the fantastic Hale-Bopp in ’97, it has no tail as yet, so looks like a fuzzy ball. The comet is getting fainter now as it moves north but comets are very unpredictable and anything could happen.

On the 20th March the equinox will take place. The sun will rise exactly in the east and set exactly in the west and be visible for 12 hours, so night and day are exactly equal. After this day the days will become longer than nights, and we can all look forward to what we hope will be a long warm summer.

THE MOON Feb Last qtr 2nd New 8th First qtr 16th Full 24th

March Last qtr 3rd New 10th First qtr 17th Full 25th (Good Friday)

Barnes Building Supplies Moor Lane Trading Estate, Sherburn Tel 01977 683734 Reclaimed Building Materials Including timber, bricks, limestone and roof tiles.

Carved Stone Features Including wall coping stones and architectural stone work.

Paving Materials Paving blocks and engineering bricks.

Unusual materials for renovation projects and creating garden features.

TIME OUT AT SHERBURN OUT OF SCHOOL AND HOLIDAY CLUB BACK TO SCHOOL OFFERS! Are you looking for quality, affordable and accessible childcare?

Time Out is currently serving several schools in the local area Call Julie on 01977 689239 for more information

David (Dai) Jones

Architect

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

Phone 01977 685534 Consultation Welcome – Initial Discussion Free

21

What a good idea !

At Hillam News we are always pleased to welcome local business advertisers who offer something new to Hillam residents. In this issue we welcome Steve Mason, who is offering a service of restoring driveways.

SO IF YOU ARE FED UP WITH THE STATE OF YOUR DRIVEWAY… but don’t want to fork out the huge cost of replacing it...

Why not give your local Drive Doctor a call? He could have the ideal remedy.

For a fraction of the cost of replacing your driveway, qualified Drive Doctor Steve Mason could have your current drive looking just as good as new – and staying looking good for years to come.

Using state of the art equipment, any drive or patio – whether it is block paving, slabs or concrete – can be prepared, restored and preserved by the Drive Doctor.

Summer days spent pulling weeds from your block paving or slabs can be made a thing of the past, as the Drive Doctor will get rid of any weeds and prevent them from returning.

After your drive has been thoroughly prepared, removing any surface stains and weeds from the block paving, new sterilised sand is added to the joints and a unique resin seal applied, which actually prolongs the life of paving.

Steve Mason, with the backing of a renowned national company, says he has found the unique way to keep drives looking as good as new. He commented, “As the local Drive Doctor licensee, I could have your drive looking as good as the day it was laid – and staying looking good. The Drive Doctor can eliminate weeds and prevent fading, while avoiding the damage that jet washing can do to your drive. We will work on any residential or commercial property, and all work is guaranteed and includes a free maintenance check every 12 months.”

Drive Doctor Steve Mason can be contacted on 0800 1 69 44 69.

Green Garden Herbs 13 West Bank, Carlton

01405 860708

Award winning herbs from the specialists

400 varieties of aromatic, culinary, medicinal and ornamental herb Lavender a speciality Open March–September 10am-5pm (daily except Tuesdays) Open other times by arrangement

Group visits and tours welcome

Fencing & Decking Prompt Service For free estimates call Jason Thompson in Hillam 07930 955591

22

Small Ads £3 per issue To advertise, please contact Beverley Jackson on 685923

Orlando, Florida 3.5 miles from Disney’s Magic Kingdom luxury 4 bed, 3 bath villa with pool and spa.

Close to golf courses, shops and restaurants.

View

www.greatervillas.co.uk

or contact 01977 684140 for a colour brochure

HILLAM NEWS CONTACTS Rob Preston Howard Ferguson Chairman, Treasurer David Atkinson Secretary Kay Webster Proofreader Jenny Hoare Copying and distribution managers Betty Wright Neal Wilson Advertising liaison Bev Jackson Editors

681163 684922 684577 680917 683332 682361 685551 685923

Duplication and distribution are carried out by over 40 volunteers

Past Editors Mary Little 1989 - 1995

Geoff Hall 1995 - 2003

For a wide range of

Traditional Cast Iron Stoves and Accessories Visit our showroom at

59 MAIN STREET, MONK FRYSTON Esse Range Cookers Multi-Fuel Stoves Wood Burning Stoves Central Heating Stoves Oil Stoves Natural Gas/LPG Stoves For further information

Luxury Boarding Cattery

Tel: 01977 684837/682969 MONK FRYSTON STOVES

Green Lane, Selby Road, Monk Fryston 01977 681661 OPEN 9-12 & 1-5

Give yourself a break on the Côte d’Azur Apartment for 2, central Nice

and now on line: visit our website

www.catnaps-online.co.uk Email: Kathryn@catnaps-online.co.uk

CHILDMINDER FOR HIRE Cannot find a reliable, trustworthy and mature lady to tend your offspring and give you a little time to yourself to go out in the evening and have a good time?

Look no further; your prayers are answered.

Ring Janet Walton on 685186.

Reasonable rates.

I’m just a phone call away!!!

Check it out on www.cheznous.com Property ref. 1192 Or contact Betty Wright on 01977 682361

C.J.TATE SERVICES DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS & SERVICING

For an efficient service on most makes of automatic & twin-tub washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, cooker, microwave and fridge/freezer.

Tel: 01757 228811

Answerphone available out of hours Mon-Sat. Closed Sundays.

23

The Last Word

Bring your news and views to the of the residents of Hillam

Dear Dylan, I am very pleased that you had a good Christmas and that it provided an opportunity to meet with many of your friends.

Send letters or email to Kay Webster: peterjones@kaywebster.freeserve.co.uk or give Kay a call on 680917

Your article made me realise that you are a leader in our doggie community, and I wondered if you could use your position to ask your friends and their owners to be more careful about matters of doggie toilet.

As a mum who walks her child to school and back every day, it has become more and more difficult for me to get to school without getting shoes covered in dog poo. This morning there were two new piles for us to avoid; this is on top of previous droppings, which can be very smelly, especially in the alley in Chestnut Green. I am sure that if the problem is pointed out in the right way then all concerned will be much more careful.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Name and address supplied.

Dear sirs, Comment on the Hunting debate If people wanted to protect the lives of foxes they should have introduced a law to make killing foxes illegal. As it is they have taken away the most humane way of culling foxes. Granted, there is no "nice way" to kill an animal, but when the fox is killed by the hounds death comes instantly.

Now look at the methods people will legally use after February 2005:Trapping Foxes have been known to chew their own limbs off to escape from a trap , how many hours or days would they suffer before they eventually die?

Shooting Not everyone is an expert marksman. How many foxes will be wounded or maimed and retreat underground to die in agony over days or weeks.

Poisoning A slow painful death as their insides rot or they bleed to death.

So is this law really about protecting foxes? Or is it really just a case of "Toff Bashing"? I can understand the town and city dwellers believing the stereotypical view of the stuck up toffee nosed huntsman , but people who live in the countryside should realise that the majority of people who fox hunt are hardworking local people with normal jobs who enjoy the traditional and proven ways of maintaining the equilibrium of the countryside.

I speak as someone who has never fox hunted in my life , but believe that some traditions should be left alone.

Tackagain - Hillam Received by e-mail—the author wishes to remain anonymous, and the Hillam News team do not know the identity of the sender.

Monk Fryston Post Office & General Store Bread and Pastries, freshly baked every day Video Rental Club, new releases every week Selected Ales and Wines, on special offer every month Shop Mon-Fri 8 – 8 pm Saturday 8.30 – 7 pm Sunday 9 – 7 pm

Post Office 9 – 5.30 (Wed 9 – 1) 9 – 1pm Closed

Call Joan & Kevin on 682252 Local orders delivered FREE

24

CLUBS & GROUPS If you wish to make any changes to the information about your organisation, please phone Jenny Hoare (683332) Club or group

Location

Day and time

Contact

Monk Fryston & Hillam Community Association

Community Centre

3rd Wed 7.30pm (bi-monthly)

Booking Ivy Smales Sec Tony Hudson

683486 682693

Ringtree Lights Committee

Cross Keys

1st Tues 7.30pm

Mary Little

683372

Women with Interests

Church Hall

1st Thurs 7.30pm

Carolyn Popham

684008

Hillam & MF Ladies’ Lifeboat Guild - coffee morning

Manor Court common room All welcome

3rd Sat 10am

Liz Blaza

683719

MF & S Milford Mothers’ Union

Church Hall

Apr-Sep : 3rd Tues 7.30pm Oct-Mar: 3rd Wed 2.00pm

Paddy Twidale

684140

Manor Court Luncheon Club For all retired people

Cross Keys (Manor Court once a month)

Tues 11.30am-3.30pm

Ruth Laycock

St Wilfrid’s & St Mary’s Youth Fellowship (8-15)

Church Hall

2nd & 4th Sat 7-9pm (term time)

Jo Fleming

MF Playschool

Church Hall

Mon-Fri 8.30–12am Tues/ Thurs 12.30–3pm

Pennie Taylor 681050 (Playschool hours only)

MF Parents & Toddler Group

Community Centre

Thurs 9-11.30am

Liz Hey

682814

Hillam & MF Rainbows (5-7)

Community Centre

Fri 5-6pm

Julie Bottomley

682097

Hillam & MF Brownies (7-10)

Community Centre

Thurs 6.30-7.45pm

Julie Bottomley

682097

S Milford Guides

SM Church Hall

Fri 7.30-9pm

Wendy Youngs

685557

Hambleton Guides

Hambleton School

Thurs 7.30-9pm

Margaret Gaygan 01757 705535

Sherburn Cubs

Scout Hut, Church Hill, Sherburn

Thurs 6.30-8pm

Deryck Sayers

680401

Sherburn Scouts

Scout Hut, Church Hill, Sherburn

Mon 7-8.30pm

Jim Ainsworth

680511

Air Cadets (13-17)

RAF Church Fenton

Mon & Fri 7-9.30pm

Chernobyl Children’s Project (UK), MF Group

01757 709455 683620

01937 557340 Nicola Holland

683054

John Colton

671172

Hillam & MF Cricket Club

Tonu Vaks

685227

MF & Hillam Football Club

Andrea Siberry 07810 820278

MF, Hillam & Burton Salmon Defibrillator Group

Crown Inn, MF

Occasional Tues 7.30pm

MF & Hillam Striders

Variable

2nd Sun 10am

St Wilfrid’s & St Mary’s Parish Walks

Variable – usually local

4th Sat 10.15am

Circuit Training (children & adults)

MF School

Mon 8-9pm Thurs 8.15-9.15pm

Dancing (tap, modern, ballet; ages 3 to adult)

Church Hall

Adult dancercise

Church Hall

Yoga

Church Hall

Tae Kwon Do (5-17)

Tues 4-7.30pm Wed 4-6.30pm Thurs 8-9pm, except 1st Thurs of month

Kath Ratcliffe

683590

Susanne Jukes 01757 706719 Neil Lineham Lucie Fox

683383 01757 228841

Claire Collins

685088

Wed 7-8.30pm

Marilyn Bates

01757 707515

Community Centre

Sat 9-10am

Simon Wooffindin

685387

Hillam Historians

Community Centre (bi-monthly)

4th Wed 7.30pm

Jenny Hoare

683332

MF Art Club

Church Hall

Mon 1-4pm (term time)

Jean Dearn

682611

Hillam “Squash” Club

Cross Keys

Most Suns 6pm

Mark Lazenby

681742

Other local classes

Community Education, Sherburn High School

Jane Austin

683120

Sherburn Library

Has a list of local societies covering a wider area

682306