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The voice of hillam village, North Yorkshire. Delivered free to all residents. Volume 22, Issue 2. Feb 2010 — mar 2010 orries among Hillam residents about the travellers’ settlement near Hillam Feeds appeared well founded with the news that gypsies on a similar green belt site near Towton had won permission to stay.
successfully appealed to the Independent Planning Inspectorate and can stay until Jan 31st, 2014. Travellers were represented by Philip Brown Associates of Rugby.
North Yorkshire operates gypsy sites at Burn and Carlton, but they are full. There is a danger of more successful gipsy appeals unless SDC and North Yorkshire set up more facilities. Selby is urgently The inspector did not find sufficient looking for somewhere to locate another gypsy site. grounds to issue indefinite permission. The appeal was granted because Selby Wherever it is, there will be local Despite an enforcement notice at ‘The District Council has failed to fully opposition, the planning process will be Gallops’, adjoining Towton battlefield and implement national guidelines to provide lengthy and the costs could be £100,000 rejection by Selby of a subsequent e n o u g h s i t e s f o r t r a v e l l e r s . per pitch. planning application, travellers have
could still be here in 2014 elby is not the only local council, which has been unable to set up traveller sites and the situation has not been helped by central government, which has discriminated in favour of travellers.
...anybody who seeks to break the law and ignore planning rules can expect the council to come down hard on them.
A government circular from the office of the deputy prime minister (John Prescott) about gipsy sites is unclear whether they are to be set up by County or District Councils. Gipsies are now asserting their rights and with professional help are Back at Hillam, on Nov 30th a 28-day stop challenging local authorities. notice was issued to prevent Mr Cannon Council leader Mark Crane had earlier bringing any more caravans onto the field said of developments at Towton, he owns on the road between Hillam and “Anybody who seeks to break the law and Burton Salmon. ignore planning rules can expect the council to come down hard on them. We If he did not appeal or submit a planning believe that planning rules should be application within 28 days, an adhered to by everybody.” enforcement notice would come into force and he would have to leave the site within After the Towton ruling it will be no three months and restore it to its former surprise if inspectors follow precedent state in six months. and grant immunity from planning rules to other ‘travellers’ in the green belt, However in the more likely event of an including those at Hillam. Mr Cannon – appeal, an inspector appointed by the see adjoining story – is clearly very well Secretary of State would adjudicate. informed and advised.
Travellers have rights too Mr Cannon of ‘Ten Acres,’ who has received a notice from Selby Council to remove caravans from his field near Hillam Feeds, has telephoned Hillam News to insist his water mains connection is legal. He says he has papers to prove it. He says he has paid Selby Band ‘A’ Council Tax and they have given him a receipt. He admitted having received the Selby Council notice, but said that would have to be decided by Planning. ‘I own the field. It’ll take them six years to get me off. If necessary, I’ll take the case to the European Court. We travellers have rights,’ said Mr Cannon. Mr Cannon disagreed that he also had a duty to comply with the law. Note: The water connection referred to in our last issue was on Fairfield Lane, the road to Bluebell Wood and has nothing to do with Mr Cannon.
Editor for this issue - Rob Preston 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 have a view you would like published, or if you wish to advertise, phone David Atkinson on 684577 or email at dsa99uk@yahoo.co.uk.
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Travellers dig in at Towton orried Towton residents have attended a meeting at the Rockingham Arms, where they were updated on the travellers’ site in their village. They learned that a single caravan had been allowed temporary permission to stay by Selby Council, but that travellers were planning to buy more land, enough for 50 caravans. The siting of caravans on this land has been banned by Selby Council. Nevertheless residents discussed buying the field in order to preserve its green belt status. Statement from Selby Council Enforcement department In granting temporary permission, the Planning Inspector at the Towton appeal, gave considerable weight to the identified need for additional pitches both regionally and in Selby District and the fact that there were no lawful alternative sites. She also gave significant weight to the residents’ need for access to medical services, bearing in mind that the appellant’s wife is pregnant and has a child in a local school. She gave considerable weight to the fact that as there were no alternative sites, Selby Council could be making the gypsies at Towton homeless.
In this issue… Local news Hillam Lights report - Mary Little appeals for your support. Parish council minutes Snow report - from Daniel Daykin
OBITUARIES JOHN EARLESS - 15th November 1932 to 7th January 2010 John Earless was, for many years especially during the 1970s and ’80s, a pillar of Hillam and Monk Fryston Cricket Club. He also played for Elida Gibbs in the, now defunct, Barkston Ash League. He was a regular second team wicket keeper/batsman and captained the side for a number of seasons encouraging, among others, his sons, Richard and Malcolm, in their playing of the game. John loved cricket and the associated banter. He had an equable nature and was rarely fazed. He was well versed in the difficulties of 2nd Xl cricket, being involved in frequent last minute player round-ups, compensated for by enjoyment of the game itself, the after-match inquests and subsequent games of dominoes. He took up umpiring when he felt he could no longer play and was one of the first West Riding League umpires to take and pass the ACU&S exams. He and his regular colleague, the late Stuart Ibbotson, became familiar and respected visitors to the West Riding and later Wetherby League grounds. He even
Edna Stephenson 1910 to 2009 Lifelong Hillam resident Edna Stephenson has died in her hundredth year. She was a farmer’s daughter and grew up at Holly Farm, Chapel Street with her brother Leslie Robinson, who Neighbourhood watch - current scams Cricket update - review of the year Gardening - the winter garden Church news Hillam historians Local clubs and groups Eating out - this month visits the Crown Windfarm update - recent events
managed to make it a year round activity by umpiring indoor cricket during the winter. John was a lifelong Methodist, following in the footsteps of his father Clifford, who was the Monk Fryston coalman. After the closure of Monk Fryston Chapel John was a regular at Methodist services in the church hall. Later he attended Burton Salmon Chapel, and stayed mobile with the help of his electric scooter. All this time he was a member of St Wilfrid’s church choir. John, who a couple of years ago celebrated fifty years married to Phyllis, was a former treasurer of Hillam Cricket Club and of the local Methodists. He was a Yorkshire cricket supporter, travelling to Headingley until recently, when he continued to follow the England team on TV. He was the first of three generations in his family who have played cricket for Hillam and was seen regularly at home matches last summer. John was an enthusiast, a lovely man and good company. Many have cause to look back on him with great affection.
farmed there for many years. Edna lived at West View, Betteras Hill Road and then spent many years at Hazeldene, Chapel Street. She died at Hambleton Court. After a service in St Wilfrid’s she was buried in Monk Fryston Cemetery. Birding - Graham Todd’s recent trips. MF school news from Carol Middleton. Rural crime - Police take action. Competition answers. Sport review from Doug Hout. And finally...send us your readers survey and join the 100 Club.
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LOCAL NEWS Congratulations Job well done Faye. Faye Garner of Hillam Gates must be one of Hillam’s longest-serving newspaper deliverers. After five years of early morning duty she has retired from Winterbottom’s employ in order to concentrate on her further studies. In September Faye began a course in hairdressing at Selby College. During her time in service Faye has been in sole charge of Hillam deliveries, distributing 140 papers a week. We leave you to work out her career total for yourself. Her earnings have provided a useful boost to her pocket money. We shall miss her cheerful smile and the sight of her bike trailer rounding the corner. Our good wishes go with her.
Selby Times Community Pride Awards Hillam’s Mike Allison was a runner up in the Volunteer of the Year Section of the Selby Times Community Pride Awards. He arrived at the presentation ceremony, presided over by Look North’s Harry Gration, breathless having just got back from delivering another batch of aid to Belarus. The top award went Jackie Bower who runs the Black Cat Rescue Centre, North Duffield. Voting was conducted on the Internet and by means of mobile text message.
A New Era for the Village Shop and Post Office The Beckwiths, the Kelseys, the Cullens, the Peases and now the Coles, Faye and Kevin, have arrived as new custodians of your village shop. Joan and Kevin would like to thank everyone for their custom, support and in many cases their friendship over the past 12years.
and optimism of our regular shoppers that has helped to maintain our enthusiasm and inspired us through the years. We hope that everyone will give the same level of support to Faye and Kevin and that with a fresh perspective, the shop will continue to go from strength to strength.
We have moved to Ledsham to take early semi-retirement, and even We have enjoyed our time in the shop though we are the wrong side of the tremendously and truly enjoyed being A1, it is not too far to keep us from a central part of a very special seeing our friends. So not goodbye, community. Through the ups and more of an Au Revoir. downs of running a small rural business, it has been the cheerfulness Joan and Kevin Pease
The Cross Keys Gail and Kevin Clarke have left the Cross Keys and moved to Ferrybridge. They have wanted to retire for some time. The lease is back with owners, Enterprise Inns.
became famous for her award winning floral displays, which decorated the pub’s exterior and car park. Kevin has told Hillam News he is very sorry to be leaving.
The Clarke family were at the Cross Keys for eleven years and Gail
It goes without saying Hillam residents are just as disappointed.
White Vans in Burton Salmon
Welcome to Hillam
Selby Enforcement has sent a Planning Contravention Notice to the owner of the field situated on the Hillam side of Burton Salmon Railway Station, where white vans were stored for much of last year. The owner had to answer questions about an alleged breach of planning control. Most of the vans were removed leaving just a couple of delivery vehicles.
Dave and Kate Cockayne moved into Rose Lea House in December. Although Derbyshire born, they’ve spent the last 5 years in the Big Smoke of London and are delighted to be back up North. Both working for the NHS locally, they will be heads down on home improvements, ably supervised by Kitchener, their inquisitive cat.
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HILLAM LIGHTS REPORT
Christmas tree lights: cherry picker wanted Mary Little reports on 2009 Christmas tree lights celebrations n behalf of the Christmas tree lights committee may I wish all Hillam residents a happy and prosperous New Year. We hope that everyone enjoyed the change in the display of lights on the main tree this year. The committee members have agreed to alternate between coloured and white lights every other year but we would welcome any feedback on this or any other suggestions in order to improve the event. However we have come up against a problem with putting up and taking down the main tree lights this year.
Cherry Picker needed We are very grateful to all the people who, in the past, have helped with this difficult job, but we find that we now need someone, hopefully in the village, who has access to a Cherry picker in order to make this difficult job safer, I have made enquiries about the cost of hiring a vehicle but unfortunately it is out of our price range, If there is someone out there who can help with this task the whole community would be eternally grateful.
Community spirit In this time of financial doom and gloom it never fails to amaze me just
how generous so many people are, both financially and with their time. In fact over 60 helpers are involved in order for the event to take place. There are far too many to name, but I would like to thank them all and the committee for their support and hard work throughout the year - to Lee and Lisa from Hillam Hall for donating the selection boxes and to Chris and Malcolm for putting the lights on.
Company Support There are several companies who need a big thank you, one of them being Robinsons, from Castleford, for supplying the trees at cost. Balfour Beatty for supplying the fencing which is so important for the safety of the event. I’m sure you would like me, on your behalf, to thank everyone who is involved in the event which proves that our village community spirit is alive and well.
Enjoyable village event I should like to take this opportunity to say a particular thank you to all the villagers who take part in the 100 club. If it were not for your financial support we would not be able to carry on with this enjoyable village event. Talking of which, there are still a few numbers available if you have forgotten to secure your winning ticket and we desperately
need the money for future improvements, so just get in touch with Karen on 693836 or me on 683372.
Join the committee As an organisation we would like to invite anyone, especially new comers to the village, to come and join the committee. We only have four meetings a year and help out for a couple of hours on the night. So any fresh ideas which would enable us improve the event would be more than welcome, just give me a ring and I will tell you when the next meeting will be held. Well, that’s it folks and all the best for 2010...
Mary Little Tel. No. 683372.
Hillam Christmas tree lights 100 Club The last draw for the 2008/2009 1st - Neil and Val Killingbeck (No. 12) - £20 2nd - Sandra Plows (No. 57) - £10 3rd - Lorrie Burger (No. 78) - £5
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COMMUNITY HEALTH NEWS South Milford Pharmacy Opens South Milford and the surrounding villages will have a new pharmacy opening on 20th January. The pharmacy is based in the brand new building on the South Milford Surgery site. Everything has been fitted out to the highest specification to give a state of the art facility to the community.
community. These will include such things as smoking cessation advice, weight management, emergency contraception and health checks.
general health queries. Peter Tate, the superintendent pharmacist for the pharmacy, said “it is very important that we can offer a wide range of services to the community as well as dispensing their medication. Our ethos is all about promoting good health and interacting with our customers to increase awareness of good health practice so that we can improve the care that everyone receives. I am very much looking forward to working full time in the pharmacy and getting know the local community”
If you want to find out more or would just like to see the new facility please come and visit Peter and his team As well as the dispensing of th prescriptions, the pharmacy will offer A pharmacist will always be on hand from 20 January. to answer questions people may a delivery and collection service, have. The pharmacy can be used by The pharmacy will be open 5 days a over the counter medicines and a anyone irrespective of where they are week, Monday to Friday 8.45am to number of additional services to 6.00pm and until 7.30pm every registered as a patient and will be benefit the health of the local able to help with all prescription and Monday evening.
News from the Practice We are sure everyone will be pleased to know that the building works are now nearly completed. The building was handed over to the surgery on 15th January. We would like to thank everyone, patients and local residents for your tolerance and support over this period. We know it has caused some inconvenience, but hopefully the lovely new building and improved facilities will help to compensate!
Flu Season The seasonal flu vaccinations are well under way, but if you fall into the at risk groups and you haven’t had yours yet please contact the surgery to arrange an appointment.
olds. You will receive a letter from the North Yorkshire PCT inviting you to vaccination if your child falls into this group. Any housebound patients will be vaccinated by the district nurse team and they are collating the lists at present.
Swine Flu – We are currently vaccinating anyone in the at risk If you have any queries relating to groups from ages 6 months upwards. the swine flu vaccination programme Everyone in these groups will receive please contact the surgery a letter inviting them to attend. Stephanie Drury We will shortly be starting Practice Manager vaccination of all 6months to 5 year
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Précis of PC Minutes for the Meeting in December 2009 To read the recent minutes in full, see the village notice board or visit www.hillam-village.co.uk Minutes of previous meeting agreed Chair welcomed and thanked Rev John Hetherington who explained the origins, aims and operation of the Education Foundation Fund. Poor investment income currently means very limited funds are available. Funding generally goes to groups so available funds benefit as many as possible. However, applications will be considered from any source to benefit young persons, in education, less than 25 years of age. Finance C/A £339.20 H/I A/C £4,904.18 Budget and Precept proposals After much discussion, an increase of £5 per Band D property was agreed for 2010/2011. Correspondence In Society of Local Council Clerks subscription £72.00 Payment agreed
SDC Planning – copy of letter sent to landowners at Botany Bay re alleged unauthorised stable block. Copy of letter from Cllr Wright to Hillam Lights re costs of planting the troughs. Hillam light reimbursed costs. Clerk to write thanking them for their support.
Centre. Because of anticipated increased costs generally and probable one off expenses for renovating the War Memorial and refurbishing the gate posts at the cemetery, this was declined. It was agreed, however, that the PC would consider purchasing specific items.
NYCC – advising of BT ‘Adopt a Kiosk Scheme.’ Clerk to write to BT to ascertain if the company intend to disconnect the telephone in Hillam Square. Kiosk will be adopted by the PC in this event.
Correspondence Out NYCC Highways J. Hodgson re parcel of land outside 1 Lilac Oval.
Shire Group of IDB’s advising PC over maintenance of the dykes and advising a letter to NYCC Highways to request maintenance of the culvert. Clerk asked to write to the author of the letter, Mr. I Benn regarding progress/completion of the upgrading of the pumping station on Stocking Lane.
Mr D Cook – Demolition of a single storey section of existing dwelling and replace with part double and part single storey extension. Approved
Mr Styles, 2 Hillam Hall Lane expressing concern over the proposed development of 1 and 2 Ashfield Villas, and the possible increase in flooding of the area . Community Association asking for financial contribution to underpin the core running costs of the Community
Planning Matters Applications received
Mr MH Walton – work on Sycamore Tree at ‘Oak Lodge’ Chapel Street Approved Mr Burke – Erection of pole barn on land off Tom Lane An objection was made by the PC on the grounds that the structure is not necessary and would be intrusive on the environment. Refused
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Précis of PC Minutes for the Meeting in December 2009 Planning Matters, continued from page 6 Mr P Little – Outline application for the erection of a detached dwelling to the rear of 2 Ashfield Villas. The PC accepted the application in principle, but concern was expressed into the possibility of the development exacerbating the flooding problem in the area. Approved in principle Environment A bungalow/mobile home type structure was recently located on land off Fairfield Lane. Cllr Collinson to speak to Cllr C Mackman. Cllr Wright reported various tubs and troughs in the village had been planted up for winter/spring, financed by the Christmas Lights Association. Cllr Humphrey asked, on behalf of the Lights Association, if the lights could remain in the tree to avoid substantial costs removing and re-erecting them. Agreed. Cllr Humphries reported that the footpath on Rose Lea requires cleaning. Cllr Collinson will request action from SDC Street Cleaning.
Cllr Lorriman to discuss with Mr Thompson the best way forward re positioning of the new bridleway/ footpath signs on Dunce Mire Road. Reports Burial Committee Chair reported that the cemetery gateposts are in desperate need of repair due to age and weather damage.
Community Association Cllr Humphreys reported that funding had been discussed. A provision of a skate board park was currently under consideration. Next Meeting The next meeting of Hillam Parish Council is to be held on Wednesday 3rd February 2010 at 7.30pm at Monk Fryston & Hillam Community Centre.
BURTON SALMON METHODIST CHURCH Minister: Rev J Robin E Fox (0113 2877669) Sunday Services 11.15 am, followed by coffee All are welcome Services for February 7th – Rev Robin Fox 14th – Mrs Pam Turner 21st – Joint Service at Kippax Methodist Church, 10.30 am 28th – Songs of Praise Sunday Club 10.00 – 11.00 am, for children aged 3+ years A variety of activities including games, singing, drawing Thursday Coffee Mornings 10.30 – 11.30 am Everyone is welcome to come and join in and have a friendly chat For further information contact Peter Wadsworth (676188)
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COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Divine assistance on Quiz Night The Community Association's Quiz Night was the very first one to be sold out days before the event. To accommodate everyone who wanted to come we had to go to the limit to make room for the 66 competitors. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all and the event raised £550 for Association funds with the winners of the Wise Owl trophy being "Heavens Above," a team representing St Wilfrid's Church. The popularity of this event means that we may have to consider a larger venue for the next occasion. Tony Hudson
Recycling at the Community Centre Income from the recycling bins at the Community Centre over the last year was £688. This is a valuable source of income for Community Association funds. A big thank-you to all who bring their recyclable items to the banks.
Remember the Community Centre is available to hire for private gatherings and parties (contact Becky on 689230). If it’s chairs, tables, marquees, gazebos or even crockery you want to borrow, give Kath Ratcliffe a call on 683590.
SNOW VIEWS Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow… Daniel Daykin - Young Correspondent’s commentary nd so it falls. And falls. And falls. And falls! If you haven’t already worked out what I am talking about, it’s snow. We had a little bit over December, but our hopes of some Christmas Day snow in Hillam were dashed as we were only left with some snow which was left over from late December. However, on January 5th the snow returned again causing over 1000 schools to close across Yorkshire. This caused huge problems, and plenty of ice to be spread around Hillam and Monk Fryston. The snow was 9.3 cm deep in Hillam. This was deep, but nothing compared to some places which had much more. Despite this, many residents had opinions of the snow as it caused many problems with traffic, walking, planned activities and much more as people were stopped from doing what they normally would have done because of the phenomenal amounts of snow spread across the village. I went and spoke to an employee at The Stores in Monk Fryston and she said “The Best Sellers have been bread and milk with people coming in for their essentials.” She added; “People have been coming here instead of driving into Selby because it is dangerous with the roads and people would rather come to a closer place than trail in to town.” From the information I got, it seemed that the shop could have benefited from the snow because of people coming in to the shop. Many people found the snow bad though as it has caused many problems. All of the kids loved the snow and were seen out and about in the village playing in the snow and enjoying themselves in the weather which rarely comes about but provides great entertainment for many. And so it falls. And falls. And falls. And falls! Daniel Daykin
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Hares in the snow - Tony Hudson reports I saw 30 hares in a 15 minute period. They were in groups of 2, 2, and 9,15,2 and there is no chance of double counting! This is the most I have ever seen and obviously the snow helps as they are easier to spot. It shows that the Jumbo Team are having a positive effect so well done. I won't give the locations in case this info gets into the wrong hands! Just to cap off the "wildlife" report this morning we saw a fox trotting across the field at the rear of our house. This is the first time I have seen one so near to our house.
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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Contacts information Anyone with suspicions or information please let the police know on 0845 6060247, or tell Tony Hudson of Neighbourhood Watch and he will pass it on.
Selling door to door
Council Warns of Potential Fraudsters Selby District Council is warning residents about fraudsters who claim to be able to help people with their Council Tax bills and go on to request bank details. A number of instances of this scam have been recorded across the country, with at least one report of a suspect attempt to defraud someone living in the Selby district.
There was an incident on the 10th of December when a number of people, possibly Polish, were selling pictures door to door in Hillam and Monk Fryston. A police response officer was called to Hillside and moved a person out of the area because he did not have a licence to sell door to door.
Residents have been asked for their bank details as part of the scam, after being told that this is linked to over or under-payments of Council Tax and in some cases have also been offered refunds. In the most part, people are being contacted by phone.
Telephone Scam
Selby District Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, Jonathan Lund, said, “We’d never cold call people in this way to ask for personal bank details.
A telephone scam that targets council tax payers, falsely claiming they have won a council tax rebate, has been exposed by the Valuation Office Agency. Households across the country including Selby and York have received calls from persons claiming to be VOA or council officials who tell their victims that they are eligible for thousands of pounds in council tax rebate. These householders are asked to send the caller their credit card or bank account details so the money can be refunded. Other scams ask for a one-off administration fee to process the refund. The vast majority of the time these calls are scams, originating from abroad and designed to convince you to give over personal details such as your bank account number or credit card information. Just hang up Many people have been taken in by these scams, and some have lost their entire life savings. To report any suspicious telephone calls, or if you would like to speak to your local Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team call North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247.
It’s worrying that someone appears to have been contacted here in the Selby district, so I’d urge everyone to be on their guard and not to give personal details following a cold call.”
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A LIFE IN HILLAM - DAN BEDFORD 1995 – A momentous year for Hillam In the Hillam News from Oct-Nov 1995, the Parish Council endorsed planning consent for the demolition of farm buildings at Rose Tree Farm. Permission was granted to Wild Bennett Homes to build ten houses on the site, to be known as Bedford’s Fold. Victor Homes gained approval for the erection of twenty detached houses at Hilltop and Hillside Farm. Mrs V Wilkinson had her outline planning approval at Boundary Farm, Lumby Hill renewed. Arncliffe Homes submitted a planning application for 23 homes on Hillam Hall Lane.
Some people may wonder about the origin of the name for Bedford’s Fold. The obituary of Dan Bedford by Tony Hudson and printed below sheds light on the mystery.
As a young man, Dan worked with his father on the farm and also played cricket occasionally for Hillam, when Hillam and Monk Fryston had their own teams and the rivalry between the villages was intense.
Dan Bedford’s Obituary from the Hillam News January 1999
Those who knew Dan for many years know that in true Yorkshire fashion The death on Saturday 7th of he would speak his mind if he felt November of George Daniel (Dan) that the occasion demanded it. Bedford marked the end of an era. Several young village lads, myself With his passing the family name of included, were often put in their Bedford joins other long gone Hillam place by Dan when, after making a farming family names such as good score or taking a few wickets Ringrose, Gill, Longbottom, he said, ‘Tha’s done alreet lad but Robinson and Holey. tha’ll never be as good as thi dad!’
Dan lived all of his 78 bachelor years in Hillam, most of them spent at Rose Tree Farm in Main Street. All this was in a single issue of Hillam News. The modern history of Some years ago Dan sold the farm and built himself a new home at Hillam had begun. Austfield Lane where he lived until his death. Fortunately his family name lives on in the title of Bedford’s Fold, the name nominated by Hillam Parish Council for the development at Rose Tree Farm.
Spring is just around the corner - we have everything to meet your needs.
He did however on occasion turn up at the cricket field and send down a few balls to young aspiring cricketers. Dan was always proud of his farming background and would often appeared in wellington boots and overcoat tied round the waist with ‘hairy band.’ Yet at weekends Dan was one of the smartest dressers in the village when he partook of a drink (or two) at the British Legion Club, South Milford. Sadly, in recent years old age and memory problems rendered him a somewhat eccentric character. Nevertheless his presence added to the diverse picture of village life and many villagers will miss him, myself included.
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A VIEW FROM THE BOUNDARY JOHN EARLESS (15.11.32 to 7.1.10) It is with great sadness to report that John Earless passed away on 7th January 2010. John was a good man, a loyal servant to the club, the league and to the game of cricket. His presence on match days will be missed. He leaves behind his wife Phyllis and his two sons Malcolm and Richard. For full obituary see page 2 of this issue. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2009 The AGM was held on Tuesday 27th October 2009 at the Crown Inn, Monk Fryston. Chairman Keith Ward opened the meeting by congratulating all teams for a very successful season. Particularly as it had been the first time in the club’s history that a team had been divisional champions. He went on to thank the committee for all their hard work. He also congratulated Mathew Clewlow for winning the League bowling averages award for Division 5. Finally, he thanked Mike Allison, Tonu Vaks and John Withers for producing a superb ground, the best he had seen for many a year. It was agreed by the members that the 1st and 2nd X1woulld enter sides in the Wetherby Cricket League Sunday knockout cups, being The Fred Fleetwood and The Hare Cup respectfully. The 1st X1 would enter a ream in the Senior Evening Cup. NEW PAVILION Finally and at long last Phase 2 has been completed. At 4.45pm on Friday 13th November 2009 the concrete slab which will form the pavilion floor had been completed much to the relief of some very weary volunteers. Judging by the way the weather has been since it was finished just at the right time. Jason Thompson who has been in charge of the build must be congratulated for all his hard work along with Stuart Hoare and Chris McHale Snr and for guiding his trusty band of volunteers, which included Steve Sadler, Tonu Vaks, Will Vaks, Chris McHale jnr., Eddie Hills and John Withers to reaching the completion of Phase 2. Also thanks to Julie Sadler and Lesley
Venables for providing refreshments. Well done Jason. The next phase will be that of building the walls of the pavilion to roof level. This is hoped to be started before the beginning of the cricket season 2010. Once again the appeal goes out for help in building this pavilion, in what ever shape or form it comes in. Contact me Tonu Vaks on 01977 685227 please.
Year in Senior Cricket Award - Reece Johnson
Finally, Keith Ward explained that the next award for Clubman of the Year was his own personal award and for raising over £4000 at the Sportsman’s Dinner and taking the 1st X1 from Division 5 to Division 4 as champions it would go to Will Vaks. The surprise of the evening came when Steve Sadler Vice-Chairman presented H&MFCC ANNUAL DINNER 2009 This years event was held at Monk Fryston Keith Ward with a cut glass decanter and glasses as recognition of his service to the Hall Hotel and was enjoyed by 61 club and in particular his 16 years as members and guests. Chairman. The guests were then left in the capable The main event of the evening was the hands of DJ Jason to dance the remainder presentation awards for leading averages of the evening away. and players player awards. First, though Keith Ward presented to Will A good night was had by one and all. Vaks 1st X1 Captain the Stan Hudson Cup Don’t forget to keep up to date with club for becoming 5th Division Champions. He matters by visiting the club website at www.hillamandmonkfrystoncc.co.uk also presented Reece Johnson U-15’ Captain The Sundella Shield as Joint Champions. The following officials were elected for Next club presentations were made, and the season 2010:new Chairman Tonu Vaks was asked to President - Keith Ward make the presentations, which were as Vice-President - Harry Birdsall to be follows:added to current list 1st X1 Batting - Nick McMahon Chairman - Tonu Vaks Ave.114.76 1st X1 Batting Runner–up - Rob Edwards Vice-Chairman - Steve Sadler Secretary - Kate Vaks Ave 59.80 Treasurer - John Withers 1st X1 Bowling - Mathew Clewlow Ave. Management Committee - President, 7.03 Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Steve 1st X1 Bowling Runner-up - David Sadler, Will Vaks, Louis Handforth, Venables Ave.7.21 Stuart Hoare and Eliot Lowe 1st X1 Fielding - Jez Petty 1st X1 Captain - Will Vaks 1st X1 Players Player—Rob Edwards 1st X1 Vice-Captain - Rob Edwards 2nd X1 Batting - Adrian Cundy Ave.38.45 2nd X1 Captain - Eric Frankland 2nd X1 Vice-Captain - David Blackburn 2nd X1 Batting Runner-up - Reece Evening League Captain - Eliot Lowe Johnson Ave.19.79 Evening League Vice-Captain - Ian 2nd X1 Bowling - Eric Frankland Patrick Ave.12.05 Selection Committee - Chairman, 2nd X1 Bowling Runner-up - Neil Captains, Vice Captains, Junior Rep, Venables Ave.16.24 Adrian Joynson and Eddie Hills. 2nd X1 Fielding - Luke Frankland Groundsmen - Mike Allison, Tonu Vaks, 2nd X1 Players Player - Eric Frankland John Withers. Evening League Players Player - Ryan Child Welfare - Stuart Hoare Johnson The David Blackburn Junior Player Of The Canteen - Julie Sadler
David (Dai) Jones
Architect
Dip. Arch. RIBA Fletton House The Square HILLAM North Yorkshire LS25 5HE
Phone 01977 685534 Consultation Welcome – Initial Discussion Free
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GARDENING - THE WINTER GARDEN he big question this winter is what will survive the prolonged cold weather. Even when the snow and ice is gone plants will suffer from sitting in the cold, wet earth. My greenhouse has suffered from temperatures of -6 for several nights and I know I will have lost some of my half hardy plants. On the bright side those plants which survive are truly hardy and I can make more use of these in future planting schemes and I will have places to try new plants. Winter visits. I have made use of coloured stems of cornus (dogwood) and willow for many years to brighten up the winter garden and add colour to the range of evergreens and conifers and the winter brown of grasses, these have been lovely and cheerful in December and January. However the brightest stem colour is the rich pinky red of Acer Phoenix which is in a prominent place in the border in my front garden. This can be seen from the house and also from the road. In the summer it is an unremarkable small tree, in the autumn the leaves are a pleasant yellow, but from December to March the trunk and branches are glowing with bright colour. This tree was bought a few years ago from Bluebell Arboretum and nursery in Derbyshire which has a wide collection of trees growing in 9 acres of garden. The arboretum was established in 1992 and features a wide range of unusual trees. Most arboretums are very old with huge trees and It is very helpful to see the size of trees planted 18 years ago; it is long enough to see the true shape and form and know that you can achieve this with patience in 15-20 years. Many people come to seek the advice of the owner, Robert Vernon, and this is a lovely place to visit on an autumn or winter day. For anyone planning trips out the newest winter garden is at Dunham Massey near Altrincham in Cheshire. This is a 7 acre garden open daily and extensively planted last year with trees, shrubs and bulbs to provide interest from December through to April. This could be combined with a visit to nearby Tatton Park whose gardens are worth a visit at any time of the year. Hollies I have several gold variegated hollies in my garden and I have used them extensively this Christmas for decorating the house. Backed by evergreen leaves (prunus or laurel) or conifer branches and studded with branches of berries
from cotoneaster or my crab apple, Malus Profusion, I have hung bunches tied with ribbon from the stairs and propped them over curtain poles, mirrors and light fittings. Now Christmas is over and they are nicely dried out they provide excellent kindling for the fire. I have also used the same holly with red cornus stems and a few fresh or artificial flowers to fill my vases this winter, they last for ages. Holly is the ultimate low maintenance/high value shrub. Buy small plants quite cheaply and choose gold or silver variegation, with or without prickles (without is much more user friendly and nicer to weed under but feels like cheating!). Remember it will eventually get big so allow enough room. Interesting Reading My bedside reading over the last months has been supplemented by the magazine from the Hardy Plant Society from last autumn which I keep dipping into and rereading. It has 80 pages of very interesting articles written by the members about plants they have grown and gardens they have worked in over many years. The articles range from seeing lilies in the wild in America; using half hardy plants while a new border fills out plus some of the very best perennials by Derry Watkins, a passionate nurserywoman; no trouble plants for gardeners who want or need to cut down on labour intensive gardening but still want a beautiful garden, lots of interesting ideas from years of observation and practical experience; and advice on which ‘groundcover plants’ end up as uncontrollable thugs. Plus gardens from the Outer Hebrides, moving from Lincolnshire to France and creating a gold medal display for Chelsea Flower Show. More solid information than a whole year of gardening magazines and an excellent website.
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ST WILFRID’S CHURCH RECTORY REFLECTIONS I met a young man some years ago whose name was Andy. He had been born with severe physical disability and had been struggling through life for some 28 years at the point of our meeting. Now Andy was brought up in a Christian home, but he had never accepted it for himself. He knew all the theory, but saw it very much as a hard religion based on rewards and punishment. He understood it to mean that “If you were a good boy you went to heaven and if you were a bad boy you didn’t”. Then 1995 Andy went on an Alpha Course (a basic introduction to Christianity) which he attended at Banbury Baptist Church in Oxfordshire. As the course proceeded, he told me of how he began to see Christianity from a different perspective – it all began to make sense. One of the consequences of attending the course was that it totally changed his attitude towards his disability. He said, ‘I used to think, “How can there be a God if I am like I am? How dare he make me like I am?” But really, adversity and suffering bring love, compassion and caring, and also sharing and understanding. I have really learned a lot. I’m glad I have got the opportunity to look at things like Jesus did. He suffered. He faced adversity. But look how much he loved. Now I have got to learn to try and be like that. Jesus had changed me from being a victim of circumstances into the son of a King (those were the words he used). I may still be crippled on the outside but I’m no longer crippled on the inside. This is one bubble that’s never going to burst.’ Andy’s new beginning was very real for him. Jesus talks about being “Born Again” and Andy’s experience shows exactly what that means. Being born again means we are a new creation, the old that tied us down and burdened us for so long has gone. We may not be physically crippled or disabled like Andy is, but many of us are mentally and emotionally scarred in some way, carrying bitterness, resentment, anger, hatred or hurt, and in that sense I guess we’re all a victim of circumstance. Soon we will begin to see signs of life breaking through in nature as spring unfolds; a good time perhaps to look a little deeper within ourselves and face the harsh truth that we also need to experience new birth; a new birth which Jesus alone can bring.
John
1st Sunday of each month 8am Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 9.30amParish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Family Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 11am Sunday Club in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall (Ages 2-8)
2nd Sunday of each month 9.30amFamily Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 9.30amXSTREAM Kid’s Club at St Mary’s Parish Hall 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6.00pm Evensong at St Mary’s, South Milford
3rd Sunday of each month 8am Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 9.30amParish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 9.30amSunday Club in St Mary’s Parish Hall (Ages 2-8) 11am Family Service St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston
4th Sunday of each month 9.30am Family Service at St Mary’s, South Milford 9.30amXSTREAM Kid’s Club at St Mary’s Parish Hall 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6pm Holy Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford
NEW SUNDAY CLUB The New Sunday Club will begin meeting on 7th of February at 11am in the Church Hall and then on the first Sunday of every month. This is an opportunity for children up to the age of eight to meet with others and have fun as they learn about the Christian faith. If you would like more details about Sunday Club please call Lisa on 685302.
For any queries concerning baptisms, weddings, wedding blessings, renewal of marriage vows or any other matters relating to St Wilfrid’s Church, please contact John at the Rectory (Tel. 01977 680788)
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HILLAM HISTORIANS www.hillam-village.co.uk
As we enter a new year, we are guided in this article by Janus, the two-headed god who looks both backwards to the year just past and forwards to the year ahead. Initially our look backwards: this is to conclude the conversation between Ralph and Dorothy Atkins and Mrs Dorothy Barnett (née Blakey), partially reported in the previous issue, and in which Dorothy told us about her early family life and neighbours, the village services and living conditions in pre-war Hillam. To continue … Some of the games we played as children were skipping and marbles, but my favourite game was to go to the dyke near the Ings on Betteras Hill Road with old pans and dishes to make mud pies. We weren’t allowed to play out on Sundays and, living so close to the Chapel, we were sent to Sunday School regularly. We also used to go on family walks to Brayton Barff or Fairburn Ings. On Saturdays we got our weekly penny to spend and I used to buy two ounces of sweets.
I used to walk to school at Monk Fryston with my older sister. She and my other sister always walked in front and I walked behind with my brother. The headteacher was Mr Hildcote, and Miss Lewis taught the little ones. Miss Worgan and Mr Hildcote taught the other classes. The lessons were sewing, sums, history, geography, learning our tables and reading. We read a lot at home and I could read before I went to school. We had a sports day once a year in a field down the common and we used to practise in the school yard for sports day.
After the war I worked for the local farmers at potato picking, pea pulling, lifting turnips and sugar beet, weeding carrots and picking sprouts and cabbages. When it was very frosty we used to find it very hard until our hands got ‘hot-aches’ – then we could carry on. When we were potato picking we had to empty our baskets into a horse-drawn cart which followed us down the furrows. One misty morning a horse bolted and overturned the cart. I also helped with threshing, throwing the sheaves into the thresher. My sister used to carry sacks of chaff from the field to the fold yard.
I left school when I was fourteen and went to work in service to Mrs Leach at Home Farm. As well as the usual I enjoyed working for Mr Zandbergen domestic jobs I used to take my turn in his market garden, picking in churning the cream to make butter. tomatoes and cucumbers and planting lettuces. I liked pulling rhubarb in the In 1943 I was married to John warm, dark shed. William Barnett in Monk Fryston Church. We had the reception at Having thoroughly enjoyed our look Wordsworth’s Café in Pontefract and back, it’s now time for us to look then lived for five years with my forwards to the year ahead. Our parents at Ashfield Villas before we January meeting is substantially got a house in Church Lane. We lived dominated by planning for 2010. there for forty years and had one Why not come along and join us and daughter, Christine. At the beginning help us decide what our priorities of the war I was working in should be for the coming year? You Ferrybridge at a sweet factory which will be very welcome. closed. I was then sent to Thorp Arch munitions factory where I was put to Our next meetings are on work filling detonators. I biked to Wednesday 27th January, 7.30 pm Burton Salmon to catch the train to at 11 Bedford’s Fold, and the factory. I worked shifts and hated Wednesday 28th April, 7.30 pm at biking in the dark past the quarry on Hillam Nurseries. Further details Hillam Lane, because of the rats. I from Jenny Hoare, 683332 or used to sing to myself as I went home hoarehsandj@btinternet.com. in the dark.
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NEWS FROM CLUBS AND GROUPS Monk Fryston Art Club Hillam News, you are wonderful! Thank you. The hiccup with your printer just before publication of the last issue of The News must have caused you quite a headache, not to mention a certain amount of alarm on our part! We were devastated to think our flyers advertising the Art Club's annual exhibition would arrive through everyone’s door after the event, through absolutely no ones fault! So it is the most enormous THANK YOU we want to express to all the members of The News committee and to all the helpers and those who so kindly delivered the flyers round Hillam and Monk Fryston in what was inclement weather in order that they arrived before the exhibition. We are tremendously grateful.
less cards than usual. This was against the trend for other clubs who have reported less sales than previous years. Of course we love the venue. It is always nice to have an excuse to visit The Hall, particularly at Christmas time. It looked lovely with the decorations and the fires blazing away.
The club opened on the 4th of January and fortunately we had decided on a slow start to the year. However, twenty members managed to turn up but the following week the snow ice and cold temperatures kept all but a few away. On the 18th, we expect a full house for a workshop when the subject will be 'animals'. Our membership has grown during the past The standard of our work seems to get year and we have more members than better with every year that passes but our we've ever had. Limited by space and prices stay the same! We are interested in table surface we have closed the books, selling, obviously, but it is not our main and opened a waiting list. However, if aim. We like to stage a good, comprehen- anyone is interested in joining, please do sive exhibition which shows all aspects of get in touch (01977 682611) and I will fit you in as soon as possible. work done during the year and we enjoy showing it to you all. We enjoy hearing Again, thank you Hillam News for all your comments, your likes and dislikes your help with the flyers. And thank you and particularly your ideas. The rafThe exhibition was an amazing success, to the management of Monk Fryston fle raised £130 for Martin House Chilwhich we feel sure was largely due to dren's Hospice and the lucky winner took Hall for allowing us to hold our exhibition the flyers arriving in time. To our there again. home a fabulous painting by Robert surprise, we sold a few more pictures than Brindley, an artist of international President. last year, more from the browse box but fame. 'Twas a picture we all coveted!!
Jean Dearn
When and Where will the Women be in February? The Women's Group - a reincarnation of Women With Interests group - are starting their year with the January meeting which will be a social evening and include a light hearted quiz, wine and nibbles and a brain storm to produce an activities programme for the coming year.
They included theatre visits( Shampoo and Calendar Girls were strong contenders), open gardens trips, meals out, a Salsa dance night, barbecue and a ghost walk. By the time you read this our plans should be further developed and the schedule for the year established.
Please contact Kath Ratcliffe, tel 683590 or Pauline Forbes tel 685393 to check when and where the next meeting is going to be.
General discussion at the Christmas dinner gave us a few suggestions for consideration regarding the programme.
Friends old and new, and as yet un-met One point to be discussed at our January will be made very welcome. meeting is changing the group’s meeting date to the first Thursday in the month.
It could be much sooner than you think.
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 9 am - 6 pm daily VISITORS WELCOME
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FINE DINING AND PLAYING POKER Eating out with Hillam News The Crown has reopened - again. This time there are grounds for hope that we will get what villagers are desperate for and deserve. Shaun and Helen already run the Hungry Fox in Beal, where they have proved they can successfully deliver. They have made a promising start at Monk Fryston.
We attended a preview of the fine dining which is in store for gourmets in the upper room of the pub. Older villagers recalled other occasions when they had been upstairs at the Crown - a cricket dinner when the main course failed to arrive until 10pm, a Christmas Dinner best They may have been persuaded to forgotten and a particularly stodgy give the Crown a new lease of life by meeting of the Chernobyl group. a poker playing Monk Fryston resident, whose better half supervised However on this occasion the the kitchen on the opening night. company was great as was the Tuesday evening at the Crown is service and food. There was a chef poker night and poker is a major in the kitchen and we put the long sport at the Hungry Fox. wait down to teething troubles. In any case we all knew each other and Villagers are crying out for the there was a party atmosphere to welcome of a warm pub and if first enjoy. We politely did not mention impressions are anything to go by, the narrow staircase in need of Shaun, Helen and staff know how to decoration. Was this really the route smile at the customer. our gastronomic delights took or is
there a dumb waiter? Guests enjoyed the steaks and commented favourably on the liver starter. The fish and steak pies could have been better but the mousse sweet was out of this world. One guest probably summed up the situation by insisting that he still believed the upper room should be boarded up. It has distracted so many licensees in the past and fine dining is a very difficult field in which to get started. The Bon Viveur, like Rome, wasn’t built in a day. Better to concentrate, he said, on establishing the best gastropub in the district. A few days later Hillam News team members enjoyed their Christmas Party at the Crown, ordering food from the excellent bar menu. The place was heaving with locals; a clear vote of confidence in Shaun and his team. Incidentally, there have been good reports from other groups which had an excellent buffet for their Christmas celebrations.
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WINDFARM UPDATE Three wind farm applications being processed now by Selby District Council Woodlane - 14 turbines starting 2km from Hillam and dominating the view to the East. Bishopwood - 7 turbines to the North East of Hillam near Hambleton. Cleek Hall - 5 turbines near Barlow just east of Selby. In total 26 turbines which will all be visible from many parts of Hillam and the surrounding area. Because there are so many applications being submitted, Selby District Council have appointed a company with experience in assessing wind farms to review the three applications which were submitted in 2009. We submitted our objection in July, and we know our objection is being considered as part of the review. We do not yet know when the applications will be decided at a planning meeting, and it could still be several months away. Further application at Byram expected soon. In addition we also have other wind farms proposed which would have a major impact on Hillam and the surrounding countryside. Byram - E-on are expected to submit their application for 9 turbines sometime in Spring, maybe as early as March. These turbines will start just 2km to the south of Hillam. Darrington appeal decision expected soon. While a bit further away the Darrington appeal is of interest because we will also be able to see these wind turbines if they are constructed. Wakefield District Council rejected this application, but the developer then appealed to the Secretary of State. The Public Enquiry took place in October and the final decision on this is expected soon.
Government Energy Policy shambles The UK government has approved a huge increase in gas-fired generation capacity as back-up for increased wind power in UK. However, January's cold period with typical calm winter anticyclone conditions has highlighted supply vulnerability. Wind farms, which comprise 5% of UK generating capacity, were providing only 0.2% of electricity at the same time as gas supplies to 96 large industrial users were restricted due to supply constraints. The government has granted rights to the seabed in nine zones to encourage £75 billion investment in a further 32 GWe of new offshore wind farms (to total 40 GWe), and this "biggest expansion of wind energy ever seen in the world" will exacerbate the problem. The National Grid has highlighted the risk, and the UK Carbon Trust has questioned the practicality and cost of the program, which will require generous subsidies. The Energy Intensive Users Group warned that UK reliance on wind backed up by gas raised serious concerns and risked a crisis. Financial Times Jan 2010
Why are wind turbines so large ? There are three reasons • the higher you go, the greater the wind speed. • the higher you go, the more even the wind speed • the larger the rotors the more power they can generate. This means that developers always prefer to use the highest possible industrial turbines with the longest possible blades. Our graph shows an example (based on 10 metres per second at 120 metres height) of how wind speed varies with height over terrain similar to ours. At ground level the wind is reduced by resistance from vegetation and buildings. As height increases there is less wind resistance so wind increases and is more even. Across the rotor height range from 35 metres to 125 metres the wind speed varies between about 8.5metres per sec and 10 metres per sec - an 18% difference and it is this which causes part of the whoomph noise about which local residents often complain. We have superimposed scale drawings of the proposed turbines, a local pylon and a house, look carefully it is very small. Note that 10 metres per second is about 22.5 miles per hour. At this speed the turbine would be producing about half its rated output. In the two weeks during which background noise was measured here the wind speed was below 10 metres per second for most of the time and only reached the 12 metres per second required for full power for about 20 minutes.
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THE BIRDING COLUMN becoming exceedingly cold. I got into the car and drove off to the area of wet rushy bog that I had read about as being a good place to see Shorteared Owls and Hen Harriers in the winter. Luckily for me, a birder from Burnley turned up shortly after I arrived, and he was able to confirm this was the correct place, but by this time it was absolutely freezing!
It’s been a dire last few weeks in terms of the weather, so it should come as no surprise to you to read that my birding activities have been curtailed to just a couple of trips out. In mid November I visited the north bank of the Humber, east of Goole, parking my car just east of the village of Blacktoft, (which is not to be confused with the RSPB reserve of Blacktoft Sands which is on the south bank). There is a lovely walk for about a mile and a half that follows the course of the river eastwards to where the Market Weighton canal joins the Humber. It is here, that one first notices the clouds of birds coming into roost and feed on the muddy banks of the river. There are hundreds of Lapwing, Golden Plover, Widgeon, Teal and an assortment of other water loving birds at most times of the day; but the magic of the place is in winter, and just before dusk. I had previously read about Read’s Island, which is a barren, grassy sort of place, lying opposite the canal outfall, as being the place where Marsh Harriers first started breeding again in Lincolnshire in the early 1990’s. Since then, the population has expanded enormously, with about four pairs breeding at Blacktoft Sands reserve and several others pairs breeding in the vast agricultural lands both south and north of the Humber.
Male Hen Harrier - Circus cyaneus the direction of the Humber Bridge, following the coastline; stacked up like aircraft waiting to land at Heathrow! I lost count eventually, but there must have been at least thirty Marsh Harriers, possibly up to thirty five, circling together before landing at the overnight roost on Read’s Island. It was totally unexpected and a spectacular sight to see all those birds of prey together – and in Britain too!
Before the present cold snap took hold, I drove over to Lancashire, principally to do a 7 mile walk round Stocks Reservoir, that lies just west of Long Preston on the Settle road, below Gisburn Forest, a large area of coniferous upland. There is one of my favourite landscapes, with long views of the rolling, distant hills of Bowland, interspersed with purple grouse moors; but the main attraction for me and other birdwatchers, is that there is lots of glorious birding habitat thereabouts - wet, undrained As darkness crept in, I began to notice grassland abounding with wading Marsh Harriers appearing from every birds in the spring and summer. I point of the compass, but mostly from wasn’t looking for grouse or waders though, as I wanted to explore the surrounding farmland, to try to locate the site of a little known roost of harriers and owls. The walk round Stocks reservoir was good exercise, but of very little interest bird wise, and by the time the sun began to set, it was
A Peregrine Falcon flew over in pursuit of a Lapwing shortly after I arrived, to be joined by another Peregrine a few minutes later. Most people have read about the flying skills and spectacular dives of the Peregrine in pursuit of prey, but this bird must have been a juvenile, as it was totally useless, and the Lapwing escaped its lethal talons. It put on a memorable performance nonetheless, against a perfect azure sky, bordered by pink edged clouds to the west, illuminated by the setting sun. My day was complete, when in the gathering gloom, I spotted three Short-eared Owls hunting the long damp grasses, joined later by a couple of now very rare Hen Harriers, and after a couple of brief pursuits over dry stone wall, the birds all went to roost. There are now about 25 Whooper Swans and about 45 Mute Swans to be seen in the fields between Birkin and West Haddlesey, slap bang in the middle of the site that has been proposed for the Wood Lane Wind Farm. I hope they continue to visit us in our winter, but I cannot see them continuing to do so if the wind farm goes ahead. I wrote the first bit of this article in late December, and now it is 10th January as I hurriedly add this postscript, which is a plea for everyone not to forget to feed the birds in this extreme weather. Even if it is just a few bits of white bread it will do, as House Sparrows seem to prefer unhealthy eating! If you can afford it, Hillam Feeds has a lot of stuff on sale down the road at reasonable prices. Also, remember a bowl of fresh water in the morning and afternoon, as it will quickly ice over in sub zero temperatures.
Graham Todd
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SCHOOL REPORT Monk Fryston Church of England Primary School will take place most days for all the children. It is a fun and funky addition to our PE and sport curriculum.
he New Year certainly got off to an exciting Parents and children can go online start with freezing to play games and find out more on weather and lots of snow! www.freddyfit.co.uk. BBC visits school We have had an excellent track record of always staying open whatever the weather and the BBC paid us a visit on Tuesday 5th January because we were one of the few North Yorkshire schools to be open. However, the glory was short lived as by lunchtime we were closed. This was because our catering staff had been unable to get to school and we were unable to feed the children. We closed again on the Wednesday but managed to keep everything going for the rest of the week. Now the playground is clear again but full of lumps and bumps as the ice has taken its toll on the tarmac surface – it isn’t icy it’s a tripping hazard – another risk assessment! Freddy Fit Freddy Fit did make it to school through the snow and spent a day introducing our new healthy lifestyle programme to the staff and children. This will start officially next week and consists of an exercise programme similar to aerobics which
We are grateful to Peter Shaw who cleared the playground of snow with his tractor only to find that the playground could not be used for the ice rink – but it has meant that the children can play out this week so it was still well worth doing!
Parents at this school are amazing! Thank you! Skating The PTA organised a very seasonal Ice Skating event at the weekend which was a great success and lots of fun. There were a few initial hiccups when, at 7am on the Saturday morning the skating rink could not be fitted together on the playground due to the ice and low temperatures. After some gentle persuasion (Pete Evans does not give in easily!) the company agreed to set up the ice rink in the school hall. Although there was a delay in starting the event it was well worth it and a credit to all the parents who helped.
Carole Middleton
Appreciation Particular thanks must go to Jo Evans for organising the event and Judith Wainwright for making some amazing food; there were several others, too many to mention individually, who also made sure the day was a great success. I was really impressed with the number of Dads who suddenly appeared at 8.30 on a freezing morning to help get the show on the road.
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RURAL CRIME UPDATE Jumbo success leads to new Rural watch Operation Jumbo was a special Police Operation to clamp down on all forms of rural crime. In a ten day period at the end of November 21 people were arrested and 9 vehicles were seized because they had been used to commit crime. Many of the vehicles stopped were from outside the area and known to be linked to organised rural crime which is on the increase. Tractors are worth more than up-market 4x4’s, and theft of both has been
increasing in the area. There are other attractive items for thieves such as quad bikes and farm machinery. Livestock has also been killed and butchered by poachers. This is all in addition to our ongoing problem of hare coursing and hunting deer with dogs. To combat this type of crime a new Rural Watch scheme is being set up. It will be run on similar lines to the Neighbourhood watch scheme but will be more focussed on farms, stables and farmland. It will have an e-mail update service and a text message service to keep people informed
3 men arrested in Hillam, Range Rover seized. Three occupants of a Range Rover were arrested in Hillam on 17 January after the men had been seen fleeing from a badgers set near to Gateforth. The vehicle had been seen by the Rural watch team on previous occasions and details of the vehicle had already been circulated to members of the scheme. The vehicle was reported when it was seen by a Rural Watch member who was driving round the area where they knew that the badger set was located. We also understand that the men who were arrested were wanted by West Yorkshire police in connection with other serious offences.
and to give information about suspicious activity and vehicles to watch for. To join the scheme you should contact: laura.simpson @northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk There are already 190 registered members of Rural watch and it is their diligence and observational skills which has led directly to the success of Jumbo. While Jumbo led to a record number of arrests, it has not completely solved the problem so other Jumbo operations will be run from time to time. Another will commence shortly.
Fly Tipping on Stocking Lane On the night of 21 January somebody drove a large vehicle down Stocking Lane, Hillam and tipped a large pile of rubbish in the road. The rubbish included an old TV set, a large armchair and also boxes of business papers. It was a large pile and it completely blocked the road close to where it ends. No doubt somebody had been paid for the disposal of the rubbish and rather than taking it to a Council tip they pocketed all the money and chose a road near to Hillam to dump the rubbish. A white Ford Transit tipper truck with a black back had been seen nearby a few days previously. If you have seen anything suspicious please report it to the police who are treating this as a crime. Let us all hope that this is not the start of a new trend in the area.
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THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. Three correct answers were received and the winner’s name was drawn at a recent Hillam News meeting. Congratulations to Marjorie Kelly from Monk Fryston, who received a £10 voucher. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Hillam News Christmas Brain Teaser
Several entrants were stumped by the Readers did better in distinguishing question which linked Ellen between the forms of tennis played in MacArthur and Napoleon Solo. the Wombles’ home town and on a mountain in South Africa. All the Those of a certain age should have answers are below and even if remembered Napoleon Solo, the man several are open to debate, the from U.N.C.L.E. compiler’s decision is final.
Angry people exchange them - crosswords Westminster, Sighs or Tower - bridge Teasy Weasy was good at it - curling A round at Bedlam - crazy golf Cast bones should be doing this - knitting Ellen went this way and Napoleon was - solo 7 s-u-p-e-r-c-i-l-i-o-u-s the insect was saying - spelling bee 8 Octogenarian Abigail - old maid 9 Pelt and hunt - hide and seek 10 Its useful by an open fire - poker 11 A mint in the drink - water polo 12 Associated with Drake, Bryant and sinks - bowls 13 Truants are good at this and fast readers - skipping 14 Lots of this around gardens - fencing 15 Women seldom have it, men never, so they say - patience 16 You need a breaker or a net for this - surfing 17 Sightless and nude, what a chap - blind mans buff 18 Rice and Andrews chequered game - chess 19 Did Elgin roll these around - marbles 20 Maybe a dance with a tenon – all in bits -jigsaws. 21 You can have this in a VW - beetle drive 22 A trug and a dance - basket ball
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35
Former Snickers appeal to Paula - marathon What a very low sphere - base ball Push the demi d - shove ha’penny The mat near to the wedding - rugby union. Put the boats together for another kind of 21 - pontoon A high set by Cape Town - table tennis A squeeze for the gourd - squash Bullies get this going - hockey You get them under doors or from the chemist - draughts A proper game at the Wombles place -lawn tennis. Dog owners do this quite often - walking We hear the builder is killing - bobsleigh A mint -polo
For the uninitiated, U.N.C.L.E. of course stands for United Network Command for Law and Enforcement.
Thank you to the copying and distribution team A lot of people work hard to bring you your free copy of Hillam News six times a year. There are people who write the articles, manage the advertising, edit and proofread. But in the end it is down to those who help with copying and distribution to actually get Hillam News through your letterbox. We hope you will all join us in giving a special thank-you to them all.
Mike Allison Barbara and David Atkinson Rebecca and Bethany Atkinson Ann Dawson Jane Ford Luke Garner Meg Hall Christine Hardaker The Hill family Kim Humphreys Mary Little Ian Metcalfe Pamela Mountain Andrew Scott Sandra Spink Neil Sutcliffe Donna Tonks Steve Venables Betty and Les Wright
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SPORT– ow the mighty fall…..Congratulations to Leeds United on their recent demolition of bitter rivals Manchester United and the dramatic draw at Spurs. For many Leeds fans the victory at Old Trafford has already produced the result they most wanted. There’s little or no chance that the Whites will win this year’s FA Cup but to put an end to the dreams of their fiercest rivals was simply the icing on the cake. In the cold light of day however, it’s promotion from League 1 that has to be achieved and I’m sure those Leeds fans who celebrated long and hard the other Sunday would gladly trade that result for playing in the Championship next season. As I write Leeds have hit a poor run of league form and the true test for Simon Grayson will be how quickly he can turn that around. One result, however good, does not make a season – playing in a higher league is all they need to focus on for the next four months. Finance questions for Manchester Talking of Manchester United and I can’t help but worry about what lies ahead off the field for that magnificent club in the coming months. When the Glazer family took control five years ago, they did so through taking the club private by
IN-NEWS
...players are living on their past endeavours...
comings over the next couple of years in West Manchester.
Cricket. Ready for the Ashes? England’s cricketers have spent the last three months battling against the South Africans and after an intriguing Test series they have returned home with honours shared. All in all that’s not a bad imposing millions of pounds of debt onto performance but it could so easily have the balance sheet. That decision appears to been a three one defeat which may well be coming home to roost in the sense that have reflected more accurately the gap they are now trying to find alternative between the two teams. Too many forms of funding. For that to happen, England players are living on their past investors will need to see some form of endeavours, none more so than Kevin return. If they manage to secure funding Petersen. The next renewal of the Ashes is for, let’s say, £700m they will have to only ten months away and in the offer some form of interest to those putting intervening period, England need to find a up the funds. To keep things simple let’s mid order batting list which consistently presume they come up with a 7% return on delivers. Hitting 50 or 60 once every four that investment. That will mean they have or five matches is not good enough and the to pay £49m per year even for the debt to top order need to find better quality if they simply ‘stand still’ i.e. not increase. For are to retain the ‘Urn’, down under. any business, that represents a huge challenge and it’s probably only Atlanta Braves worth a punt? Manchester United, out of all the sports My contacts across the pond are talking organisations in the world who could about the forthcoming Baseball season. manage to pull it off. But what happens if The ATLANTA BRAVES are currently they stop being able to fill the ground quoted at around 25-1 to win this year’s every week, as has recently been series and at these odds you only need to evidenced? have a small investment to build a big pay
The only option then will be to sell their assets and what is the main asset of any football club…its players. Don’t be surprised if we see more goings than
day. You have been told….! Yours in sport,
Doug Hout.
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CHURCH WALKS February 27th 2010. Venue- Brayton. We welcome you to a pleasant 6mile walk from Brayton to Thorpe Willoughby, through Brayton Barff to Selby Golf club, then back via Burton Hall and the canal bank. Meet at the car park adjacent to the canal at Brayton Bridge, at 10.15am for a 10.30am start. Please bring food and a drink. March 27th 2010. Venue-Micklefield. We welcome you to a pleasant 6.5 mile walk from Micklefield towards Ledsham via the Wellington and Hundred acre plantations. Then towards Kippax and back passing Peckfield House farm. Meet at 10.15am for a 10.30am start. Entering Micklefield from the south, turn left, immediately prior to the
railway bridge. Park on this road about 200yards down. Please bring food and a drink.
SMALL ADS Only £1.00 per issue please contact David Atkinson on 684577 Turn your unwanted toys into cash!
General. In 2010 we aim to introduce new walks at the following locations in the programme: Bolton Percy, Follifoot, Naburn, Wetherby, Goldsborough, (Nr Knaresborough) and Fridaythorpe, (previously aborted due to bad weather) All walks are on the 4th Saturday in the month, within one hours drive of Monk Fryston/South Milford. Walk duration is about 3.5 hours, and open to all who wish to join us. Any queries please contact Stuart or Paddy on 684180.
About Hillam News The Hillam News is a free newspaper produced by volunteers. We make reasonable endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content but we do not guarantee the accuracy of nor endorse the opinions of third-party contributions including adverts. We publish our material in good faith and strive to comment fairly. If we make a mistake we are willing to correct it when it is pointed out to us. Because the paper is free we do not permit copying for gain but we are happy to grant permission for reproduction.
Hillam News needs you! If you enjoyed this issue and fancy getting involved, why not get in touch? We are always happy to receive articles and currently need help in co-ordinating the content for 3 issues each year, and generally participating in the team effort.
If you feel you would like to be part of this team as a secretary, or to be a member of Hillam News, please contact Bev Jackson by email at bev@jack-son.com.
I buy good quality clean toys: Fisher Price, VTech, etc. Sorry, no soft toys.
Please call Jude on 01757 704971 or on 07706 227742.
GOING NATIVE: Icelandic A dozen vital expressions for travellers hello
halló
(hah-loh)
goodbye
bless
(bless)
please
takk
(tark)
thank you
takk
(tark)
yes
já
(yow, to rhyme with how)
no
nei
(nay)
cheers!
skál!
(scowl)
the bill
reikningurinn
(rayk-ning-űr-in)
toilet
klósettið
(kloh-set-iDH)
I don’t understand English
Ég skil ekki
(egg skill eck-y)
ensku
(en-skü)
Icelandic
íslensku
(ees-len-skü)
In the pronunciation column, the stressed syllable is underlined. The letter ű is pronounced as a French u, and DH as th in mother.
Monk Fryston Mums and Tots Need to get out and about with your little ones? Well, come and join us at Monk Fryston Community Centre. Local mums, dads and childminders meet every Tuesday (term time only) between 9.30 and 11.15 am. We offer a warm welcome to new faces, so why not drop in for a drink and a chat? Our toddler group provides great opportunities for your children to play and learn with others whilst allowing you to meet up with other adults in an informal and relaxed setting. So don’t be shy… Come along and see for yourself!
For more information please contact Becky Gatenby 07894 336386 or Carla Candler 07926 379233
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Readers’ survey - tell us what you think and win £10 What our readers think of the Hillam News really matters to us – we want to hear your views about the paper so that we can make it better. Tell us what you think and (unless you prefer to remain anonymous!) your name will be entered into a free prize draw to win £10. You are welcome to make copies of this survey for other readers to fill in. Send your answers by Monday 1st March to Jenny Hoare, 1 Rose Lea Close or hoarehsandj@btinternet.com – where you can if you wish request an electronic version of the questions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 How much of the Hillam News do you read? ALL, OR ALMOST ALL / MOST OF IT / NOT MUCH – JUST FLICK THROUGH / …….… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 2 Which are your favourite regular articles? …………………………………………………….…. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 3 Which regular articles do you never read? …………………………………………………….….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 4 Which of the advertisers have you used since seeing their advert in the Hillam News? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 5 How often do you recall receiving a copy in the last 12 months? ONCE / TWICE / … TIMES / CAN’T SAY / …………………………………………………..….. 6 If you could change anything about the Hillam News, what would it be? …………………….… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 7 Any other comments? ……………………………………………………………………………..… …………………………………………………………………………………………………….…… …………………………………………………………………………………………………….…… NAME ………………………….…………………………………… AGE IF UNDER 18 …….…… ADDRESS …………………………………………………………………………………………….... …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… TEL …………………EMAIL ……………………………………………………………………....… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..…
HILLAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 100 CLUB 2009/2010 The Hillam Christmas Lights Committee is again running it’s 100-club to fund the Christmas lights and the ‘switch-on’ entertainment. A draw is made on the last Sunday of each month. Prizes are £20, £10 and £5 If you would like to join, please fill in the form and return it to Mary Little (Tel 683372), Karen Everson (Tel 683836) or any committee member. Please enclose £12 cash, or a cheque, made payable to Hillam Ring Tree Lights Club, and post it to 3 Prospect close, Hillam. Your support is greatly appreciated. Many thanks.
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