Hillam news June july 2015 by Hillam News

The voice of Hillam village. Volume 28 Issue 3 June - July 2015

Celebrity status for angela watson The Hillam News Facebook pages showed that the biggest news story of the month was the introduction of the lollipop crossing in Monk Fryston. The story got over a thousand visits, which was nearly twice as many as the next most visited story - the proposed withdrawal of the bus service through Hillam. Oddly enough when a free bus service was offered there was very little interest. A story about a missing tabby cat got nearly a third more hits than the free bus to the Tour de Yorkshire. We also learn that the Pre-school 2nd hand book stall is likely to get a lot of books because of 231 Facebook viewings. To show that Hillam News listens to its readers we feature many of the most popular Facebook stories in this issue of the printed copy of Hillam News. The number of visits to the Facebook stories last month were as follows, but some stories have just been posted so the number of visits to them are still rising:1070 Angela Watson crossing lady - pictured here 599 Bus service to close 364 Thompson trophy to South Milford captain at Hillam cricket field. 356 Gordon's garden centre café 231 2nd hand books for Pre- School 218 Missing tabby cat (found) 217 Cannon Appeal hearing 155 Tour de Yorkshire free bus 126 Sycamores gypsy case adjourned Hillam News is delighted that there is such a strong, enthusiastic following on Facebook and sees it as a good way to get news out between the publication of the newspaper in printed version– which is delivered free to every home in Hillam.

Also in this issue… Birding: Who saw the Hoopoe in Hillam, or the cuckoo up Common Lane

The story on Facebook - Hillam News announcement From Monday the 27th of April NYCC will be operating a School Crossing Patrol on the A63 adjacent to the Crown Inn. It will be operating between 8:30 to 9am & 3:30 to 4:00pm during school term. Cathy Chambers I noticed a headline (Hillam News April May 2014) about parking at Monk Fryston School. And rightly so. I often drive to school unnecessarily because it's just too horrendous walking and crossing the A63. So the crossing patrol will make a huge difference to people who have to walk from the South Milford end of the village (There are a lot who drive because the walk is too stressful!) Hooray for whoever has taken on this responsibility, you're our hero! Myra James Thank goodness and about time. I agree a permanent crossing is needed. On Saturday when I walked kids and dogs to the park I was terrified of getting them across the road. A 20mph speed limit through the village would help too. Angela Dugdale Should of had this 15yrs ago! Pelican crossing needed as a permeant structure! Cathy Chambers Hallelujah!!! At long last, I hope we manage to keep it. Keep the fight for a permanent crossing though, it's getting noticeably worse crossing there. Terrifying with a 5 and a 7 year old.

Hillam retail park: it looks to be catching on. Café society - we now have local choice, Gordons at Lumby and the Fishing pond café at Birkin.

£34,200: Digging for treasure in Monk Fryston. Who knows what they Plans for 70 new homes in HillamLots more customers for our retailers will find?

Coming soon Beer festival Summer fayre Or the healthy option Cycling for all Walks for all Burton Salmon fit camp

Issue editor - Howard Ferguson Hillam News is financed by advertising and the generosity of contributors, copiers and distributors. If you have an article for publication, please phone David Atkinson on 684577 or email dsa99uk@yahoo.co.uk Advertising enquiries to David Edwards on 682346 or exSite@talktalk.net

www.issuu.com/hillamnews

JOB FOR A WET MONDAY MORNING? Is it time to clear your bookshelves? Monk Fryston Pre School are to run a stall at the Summer Fayre selling second hand books but this depends upon YOU. All they need are the books and this is where you can help. I am sure everyone has books – paperbacks and hardbacks – fiction and non- fiction – children’s books and adult books which have been read and sometimes not read at all we all succumb to buying books with an attractive design or exciting or interesting title but turn out not to be our ‘cup or tea’. Now is the time and opportunity to have a spring clean and make some space for the new ones; maybe to restock at a bargain Summer Fayre price at the Pre School book stall. If you can help, please drop off your book donation at either School Reception or Pre - School (The Church Hall – weekday mornings only – please leave in the box outside the front door), The Post Office or the Community Centre when they are open.

Thank you.

Longheads Lane In November 2013 a Hillam News reader drew attention to the ploughing up of part of Longheads Lane, an ancient route linking Monk Fryston and Lumby. It is only fair to record that the same landowner seems to have relented and the route has been restored. Trees have been planted along part of the ancient track for which credit is due to the farmer.

GETTING FIT - THE BURTON SALMON WAY The No-Fad Guide to Weight Loss The summer weather is approaching fast. Does the thought of wearing shorts at the barbeque filling you with dread? Well fear not. With some really simple changes to your lifestyle you can look and feel great. FILL UP ON FRUIT & VEG. Don’t eat less (if you starve yourself, you will give in to cake) eat more, of the good stuff. That means packing as much fruit and veg into your diet as you can, so there’s no room for bad things. Make veggie-filled salads and soups, swap crisps for carrot sticks dipped in tzatziki, and switch cake for low fat Greek yoghurt with fruit for dessert. SUPERCHARGE YOUR WORKOUTS. There’s no hard and fast route to a super fit physique (sorry!) If you want to see a real difference in your body between now and your holiday, you need to work out at least three times a week. Start with something that can become a habit, such as walking briskly or running for 30 minutes. Then gradually build up the intensity. RAMP UP YOUR MOTIVATION. Dig out a photo of yourself that was taken when you were happy with your body, and another that you can’t bear the sight of. Stick them side-by-side on your fridge: they’ll serve as a daily reminder of what you’re working towards, and will bolster your resolve when temptation calls (e.g. when that Brie starts whispering ‘eat me’….) If you need help getting started contact Jane Halstead at FIT Camp for a free consultation 01977673553 07921689931.

David (Dai) Jones

Architect

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

Phone 01977 685534 Consultation Welcome – Initial Discussion Free

THE BIRDING COLUMN Picking up on where I left off last time, the winter migrants continued their reverse migration northwards, with a group of about 100 Fieldfares “schack-schacking” as they flew over our house on 14th March. Seven Whooper Swans dropped into the fields between Burton Salmon and Hillam in the late afternoon of 21st March, with a further twenty four on the evening of 24th April, alighting in the fields above Burton Salmon flashes, at the back of Stuart Wroe’s house. 20th March was the day of the near total eclipse, and having always wanted to see how this affected birdlife, at around 0930 I found myself strolling along the metalled road that bisects Grimston Park near Tadcaster. As the moon’s shadow advanced across the sun it grew progressively darker; then I felt the temperature drop markedly as the moon reduced the sun to a silver crescent. The first discernible effect on avian life was a mass influx of Wood Pigeons returning to roost, closely followed by large numbers of cackling Jackdaws. All of a sudden, bird song ceased, except for a lone Blackbird echoing its melancholy Evensong. The ubiquitous Common Buzzards, that are so common in that neck of the woods, ceased displaying and returned to their breeding stations. It all went silent for about five minutes before the yaffling of a male Green Woodpecker woke everyone up as it called loudly from a dead branch atop a fine ash tree, its vivid crimson crown reflecting the shafts of light now angling down from the edge of the moon. It was not long before it was joined by a chattering Nuthatch, then eventually flocks of Wood Pigeons once again emerged from their roost. It was an unforgettable experience. We are starting to see Peregrines over the village again this spring, with one over our house on 22nd March, and another on 9th May. I really do wonder if they are nesting on the electricity pylons around here. My first summer migrant was a Chiffchaff that I heard singing in Killingbeck Woods on 23rd March. The Barn Swallows have returned to Rose Lea, and they are already buzzing the local cats. Barn Owls are much in evidence between Hillam and Burton Salmon and I am hoping they continue with their run of successful breeding, after a relatively mild winter. Rob Preston emailed me to say that he had seen five male and three female Tufted Ducks on the brick ponds on 22nd March, an

by Graham Todd

excellent record; but I suppose the prize for the most unusual sighting has to go to Chris and Pam Link, with a Hoopoe in and around their garden for about ten days or perhaps even longer, in mid April. I first got to know at about 1800 on 27th April, when Pam phoned to tell me. After picking up “arch- twitcher Wroe”, I headed down to the Links’ place in Burton Salmon, but alas there was no sign of the bird, the wind now howling in from the west; not really ideal conditions for a delicate Hoopoe. The Hoopoe, upupa epops, is a very rare migrant to northern England, is a very striking bird, buffy-orange, with black and white striped broadly rounded wings, a long thin down curved bill, and a crown with an erectile crest described as “like that of an Indian Chief”. The call is a trisyllabic far carrying “oop-oop-oop”, that Pam had heard for several days before the bird first visited their isolated garden. I was really sorry not to have seen it, as it has been a long held desire of mine to see one on my local patch. It was last seen by Pam about 1600 that afternoon before the winds started; turning up again at North Cave wetlands a couple of days later, when it attracted hordes of twitchers. The paddocks, on the right hand side of the track to Bluebell Wood are very good for birds, attracting insectivorous birds that find lots to eat in the horse droppings or churned up by the horses’ hooves. So, after the unfortunate Hoopoe episode, Stuart and I stopped to scan the short-cropped grass, where we found lots of Yellow Wagtails, together with smaller numbers of the black and white Pied Wagtail. It is always worth a check, if you are out down there walking the dog. There is still time for a local rarity to turn up, so keep your eyes open folks!

Graham Todd Hillam Lights 100 Club winners. Congratulations to our winners this month - your prizes will be delivered in the next few days. First prize (£20) - Betty and Les Wright Second prize (£10) - David Knights Third prize (£5) - Andrew and Pam Brown

Open Sun-

£34,200 TO DIG AT MONK FRYSTON HALL Join the big dig in grounds of Monk Fryston Hall Monk Fryston Time Team have received a grant of £34,200.00 for its archaeological excavations in the grounds of the Hall. A busy programme of events runs from June under project manager Ray Newton. The grant comes from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The site has been occupied from the early medieval period, when Benedictine monks from Selby Abbey were awarded the Manor of Fryston until the late Victorian period when the site was remodelled by the Hemsworth Family. Monk Fryston Hall Archaeological Excavation includes Public Open Days and free Taster Days (Place are limited so it is essential to register in advance.) Anyone interested in participating or joining the team please contact Sue Newton, 01977-682084.

A busy summer at Monk Fryston Hall Pre excavation trench scrape June 6th & 7th (Sat and Sunday) Excavation from Monday 15th June to Sunday 9th August Excavation Taster Training Days Sunday 21st June, Saturday 11th July, Saturday 1st August Finds Handling Taster days Thursday 25th June, Sunday 21st July, Friday 7th August Public open days Saturday 27th June, Saturday 18th July, Saturday 8th August More site visits and clear site 10th Aug to 1st September For the Future 2016 - Summer - Big Village Dig in conjunction with Monk Fryston School 2016 - 2017 Development and opening of Display of Excavation Artefacts at Monk Fryston Hall 2017 - Erection of Village Heritage Information Boards 2017 - Permanent Village History Display at the St Wilfrid's

Aerial photos of Hillam Hall and grounds from the 1950’s Aerial photographs taken in 1950 have emerged on an Internet site. Whether they were taken from a Tiger Moth is not clear but the pictures and comments give a fascinating glimpse of our village's recent history. http://linkis.com/org.uk/C2sg4

Who now remembers John Foster, Hillam Cricket Club's first secretary who should have been in the Guinness Book of Records. These comments accompany an aerial view of Hillam Hall, the cricket field and Chapel Street.

•

The gardener of Monk Fryston Hall, John Foster, became the longest serving club secretary in Yorkshire, retiring in the 1970s after setting a record of seventy years’ dedication to cricket. The current joint pitch was established by Harry Lyon of Hillam Hall; the Hillam team was formed in 1911. During WW2 the two village pitches were used for agriculture and by 1945, the Monk Fryston pitch was unavailable, leading to the merger of the two teams and the joint name for the pitch. In 1975 the Lyon family sold the ground to the Club. and from Facebook Steve Watson The Old MF Pitch was down MF Common where Caddicks house is now or so I was lead to believe when we were kids, but that was even before my time. John Foster used to chase us off the Hillam pitch when we used to hold our school summer holiday (late 60's) test matches on it (on the boundary of course) dsa99uk I do know John Foster lived next to the Chequers pub in Monk Fryston and the best way to get a first team place at Hillam CC was to buy him a (double) whisky in the pub.

PRÉCIS - PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES FOR APRIL 2015

Précis of PC minutes April 2015 Minutes of previous meeting accepted By invitation – Imelda Smolinki Ms Smolinki requested information about the PC’s influence over decision making with regard to housing developments and the linked felling of trees and hedgerows. Clerk confirmed that SDC Planning confirmed there was nothing officially registered as yet and at this moment they had no knowledge of any planned housing development . Cllrs agreed to monitor the situation. -Karen Merry Ring Tree discussion. Cllrs agreed that the tree was important to the village, and that all decisions needed to be carefully considered and informed. Cllrs agreed to monitor the situation annually. Mr Venables to advise specifically upon the current safety risk of the tree and the additional impact of the lights on its health and longevity. Karen Merry and the Ringtree Committee will be kept up to date with information received.

Finances Cheques issued at April meeting £2,586.34 £2,453.99 Grant payments agreed last month included in these. C/A (forecast balance) £1,769.10 HI/A £5,207,41

Planning applications and appeals Felling of trees and crown reduction Monk Fryston Cricket Club Creation of hard standing and new vehicular access – Fir House, Hillam Lane No observations to be made by PC Clerk to investigate lack of receipt of information re. planning application for work proposed at Hazeldene. Cannon Appeal Councils response and attendance to be decided next month. Before next meeting. Cllr Wright to produce and circulate brief draft of Ten Acre Planning history for the benefit of new Parish Councillors.

Parish Clerks Action Log – action update Notice board – Cllrs unanimously agreed new bench and notice board looked good. Philip Boothroyd to be thanked for his sign writing contribution. Old bench resiting – Deferred until the new bin has been installed near Hillam Gates Re-nomination forms - passed to clerk for delivery to SDC. Notice of uncontested Election to be posted in notice board Street lighting- Contractor advised no work permit and traffic management need to be arranged through the PC. Contractor asked to take all necessary action independently. Response still awaited. Quotes from three contractors have been requested to take up future lighting repairs. Clerk to contact NYCC with regard to carrying out outstanding repairs. Registering Pub as a Community Asset – Chair confirmed that necessary documentation had been sent to SDC for processing. Approval of Burial Committee terms of reference – approved NYCC Grass Cutting Arrangements for 2015/2016 Confirmation awaited. Section 106 Funding SDC confirmed there were no funds due to the PC from this income steam Attendance at MF PC Meeting (Village Plan) Chair to attend Reports Community Association Committee had applied for a number of short term loans Proposed plans for setting up a Guide Troop were currently on hold Duke of Edinburgh Scheme will be running soon. Cllr Sadler had recently attended a meeting of the Monk Fryston Education Foundation Annual meeting preparation update 19.15 AGM 19.30 Ordinary meeting AOB Cllr Collinson advised that she was waiting for quotes from Selby Drainage board and a villager for carrying out the work. Cllrs agreed to defer asking Cllr Pearson to attend a meeting. Next Meeting 6th May

Burton Salmon Parish Council: http://www.burtonsalmonparishcouncil.co.uk South Milford Parish Council: http://www.southmilford.org/

PARISH PONDERINGS Keeping the flag flying

Parish Council AGM and May PC

You may have noticed that the Flag at top of Mill Close is meeting 6th May 2015 changed periodically. We have Mike Allison to thank for that. He has recently changed it to a flag that celebrates VE Day, which is good to see the village marking the 70 year anniversary. AGM The chair gave an address reviewing the achievements of the previous year. Gold painted village furniture All councillors re-elected to continue in the roles they fulfilled the So not only have we got a new bench and notice board, but its previous year. engraving has been gold painted. Thank you to Philip PC meeting Boothroyd for doing this and making the furniture extra special. Because of the unexpected absence of the clerk on election busiPhilip is also our volunteer village litter picker and can often be ness, following brief discussions about seen on a Sunday, sometimes with his son Nicholas, keeping the • the Councils response and representation at the Cannons village clean and tidy. Great job, well done! Appeal hearing, • Making most productive use of the proposed visit of Cricket news Redrow’s representatative to the June meeting. The season is 4 weeks in and frankly colder and more dismal weather couldn’t have happened on Saturdays! Fortunately the first team has had a great start and won all of their matches, Jeremy (Overseas player) is finding the weather quite unlike that of Perth. The second team have struggled more; both with getting a regular team out and then on the performance – however team spirit is good and there’s lots of humour! We’d like to thank our loyal and new supporters for turning out to see the matches; it is great for the players and creates a lovely atmosphere at the club house. The fixture list can be seen on the Village notice board, in the Cross Keys or on the Hillam and Monk Fryston Cricket Club website. By the time this is out we will have held the Big Bash on Sunday May 10th, which was a limited overs 3 team competition. Teams were Ledsham, South Milford and Hillam and Monk Fryston. The competition was to win the Bert Thompson Trophy. Bert was a really keen ‘club’ man and is still missed at the ground. The winning team was South Milford who beat the Hillam/MF team in the Final in the last over. A long and good days cricket by all accounts. Junior cricket is going well on Tuesday evenings with a large turnout and helpful parents. Children, girls and boys, from the ages of 7 upwards are welcome to come along and learn the game, they seem to have a lot of fun! Date for your diaries – Family Fun Day Sunday 12th July. We have previously held this is August but have changed it so that it doesn’t clash with the Bank Holiday. As usual this will be a family focussed day with Barbeque, Teas, activities and games for children and adults. This is key fund raising day for the club so if you could come along and support you will be helping your local club and having a fun day out in a beautiful setting. Perhaps ask your family and friends to the event, bring picnic rugs and chairs and enjoy!

The main May PC meeting was deferred until later in the month.

Bus service under threat of closure Hillam Parish Council have heard that after a change in contract that after 1st June a bus will no longer run through Burton Salmon, Hillam and Monk Fryston. This is a service that runs from Castleford via Pontefract to Sherburn in Elmet and other connections. The Aviva bus service through Hillam Square (as well as Monk Fryston and Burton Salmon) will end on June 1st. It will be replaced by Utopia (42-2) but its nearest stopping point is Battersby's roundabout. This will cause particular concern to residents of Manor Court who regular visit Pontefract Market. For some residents this is their only means of getting to medical services/ shops/libraries and banks. We are told that the North Yorkshire County Council who award the contracts are reviewing the situation but we would like to lobby to ask them to re-consider. If you would like to add your voice, then template letters are on Hillam News Facebook page, one to the County Councillor Chris Pearson and one to Utopia Coaches Ltd who have won the contract. Please add your name, address, date and any comments you wish to make and then post or email. Some printed ones will also be available at the Cross Keys and Monk Fryston Post Office.

Councillor Pearson email is cllr.chris.pearson@northyorks.gov.uk Utopia - utopiacoaches@clara.co.uk Once it’s gone its gone!

Julie Sadler

Hillam Parish Council

CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE GAVIN AITCHISON dines out on some fine and filling pub grub at a country pub THEY know how to grill 'em in Hillam. That's what I learned when I ventured there for lunch. Nine miles west of Selby lies this lovely little village and a homely and bustling pub - and therein, burgers that have to be seen to be believed. By all accounts, The Cross Keys is a pub on the up. Laura Charles took over last August and says she is delighted with how it is progressing. "It had not been doing well," says Laura. "It was not doing very good food. In terms of spending money, we have not done much, but we are providing better service and changed the menu." The menu contains plenty of old classics (fish & chips, bangers & mash, gammon & egg, and the like). There are a handful of more creative alternatives (black pudding, belly pork and chorizo skewers, for example). And then there are the burgers, and it is these imaginative works of art that could put The Cross Keys on the pub-goers' map. "Burgers from around the world," declares the blackboard, above a selection of eight internationally-inspired creations. The French one comes topped with caramelised onions and melted Brie. The Chinese one is a chicken breast spiced with salt and pepper, with sweet chilli sauce and spring onion. The British one includes bacon, sausage, hash brown and fried egg. The list goes on. I suspect, somewhere, there are burger purists who would say a burger isn't a true burger if it needs a wooden skewer running from top to bottom to prevent it collapsing, but I'm not one of them. My wife chose the Moroccan option, a spinach and falafel burger with feta, salad and mayonnaise; I chose the Greek burger, a lamb slab that came with feta, tzatziki, tomato, lettuce, gherkin, onion rings, and a cherry tomato just to top it off. It's hard to inject the wow factor into a burger, but The Cross Keys manage it. Just for good measure, they all come with home-made chips and a side-salad, meaning the ÂŁ10.50 price is decent value. Most would have stopped at that point, stuffed to the gunwales. My sensible wife did so. But the things I do for you, dear reader.... On a blackboard that also included sticky toffee pudding, vanilla cheesecake, Hillam mess and half a dozen other choices, it was their chocolate orange bread and butter pudding that drew me in. Circles of orange and speckles of chocolate were interspersed with the bread. Happy days indeed.

We were the first diners of the day when we arrived just after noon for an early Saturday lunch, but the place was filling up as we left, with a couple of large family groups and a few couples, suggesting a good flow of local custom. "When we first took over, the village really got behind us quickly," says Laura. "They realised we cared and they started local coffee mornings here on Mondays. They also did a fashion show, wreath making and carol singing here before Christmas, so we have had a lot of support." Whatever its past has been, as a first time visitor to The Cross Keys, I was certainly impressed. A "pub is the hub" poster just inside the door, promoting those coffee mornings, was an immediate good sign, suggesting some vibrancy about the place. The hearty greeting from behind the bar was another. And the presence of three real ales was a third, indicating not only that they cared but that they were getting through enough beer to make three handpulls possible. York Brewery's Guzzler, Timothy Taylor's Golden Best and Thwaites's Lancaster Bomber competed for attention alongside the usual selection of big-name lagers on the bar, and Laura says they have invited regulars to request beers they would like to see as well. When they do so, it will likely be via Mel, the day-to-day manager whose warm welcome greeted us. He has been in the industry for nearly 40 years, having started out in 1977 at The Crown, near the old Tetley's Brewery in Leeds before running pubs in Garforth and Mirfield. He thought he had retired but was tempted back by Laura, his daughter, and is loving it. "It's a lovely village, with nice people," he says - and not just because they put him on the front of Hillam News for proposing in the pub on New Year's Eve. "He's new to the village and has become quite a character," says Laura, who splits her time between The Cross Keys and her other pub, The Crooked Billet in Saxton, near Towton. There, apparently, they specialise not in burgers but in giant Yorkshire puddings. Another day out beckons, methinks. Watch this space.

Reproduced courtesy of The Press, York. For more beer articles, see @pintsofview

Monk Fryston Art club Gibson Burnett

work at our annual exhibitions and was looking forward to doing so again at a specially enlarged exhibition in celebration of our 25 years. There will be demonstrations and items of interest to children as well as adults, along with home cooked refreshments! Gibby would have enjoyed this and we feel sure would want us to go ahead with the preparations as planned. Consequently we are all working flat out towards putting on the best show ever, for THE SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS on 26th SEPTEMBER at THE VILLAGE HALL, THORPE WILLOUGHBY.

We were all saddened to learn that our oldest member had passed away after a period of illness. Gibby will be greatly missed, not only was he a talented artist but nothing concerning the club was too much trouble for him. Gibby was an enthusiastic member who was generous with his artistic knowledge and was always willing to help and guide others. He was a gentleman who enriched our lives, it was a privilege to have known him. Every member of the club, extends their heartfelt condolences to Rita, Debbie and Charles and their families.

Silver Jubilee The Club celebrates its Silver Jubilee in September. Gibby had been a member from almost it's inception. He keenly exhibited his beautiful

• • • •

Library Coffee Late breakfast Anybody who is anybody in Hillam will be there

During the Summer we have a number of activities and charity events on the calendar and in particular we are looking forward to a club outing to Patchings. Patchings, in Sherwood Forest, is a once a year event and a major show case in the "art world". One sees and samples new products, enjoys demonstrations by well known artists or joins in workshops and comes home inspired! It is the sort of day where one is tempted to spend money! As a club, the one thing we rarely do is paint outside but this Summer, weather permitting, we hope to do more of this. Outside there is a different perspective which we tend to forget when painting from memory or photographs, (which many of us have done all Winter,) and this makes working outside an interesting exercise. We just need a little 'global warming' ! Please make a note of the 26th September, when we hope to welcome you to our bigger and better, exhibition.

Jean Dearn, President.

THE CYCLISTS AND THE WALKERS file.

Stuart writes - I've got an article for the Hillam News. A group of us from the Monk Fryston Cycle Club are taking the challenge of a charity cycle ride circumnavigating North Yorkshire. I don't really want to make a big 'sponsor me' play in Hillam News, instead preferring to share some amusing anecdotes of our preparations of mind, body and bike. This is the first of what will hopefully be three or four instalments.

After the bridge there was another short, sharp hill and sure enough that chain came off. Something else snapped as well. Disgusted he tossed his bike through the pulsating blue air without noticing he had blocked someone’s drive. With almost fateful timing, a car arrived and sat patiently indicating to turn in. Gingerly, we pointed this out and our man grabbed his bike by the scruff of its handlebars and dragged the machine off the road. Unbeknown to him, as he did this the back wheel fell out! He dragged the bike with wheel trailing behind while we tried desperately not to laugh too much.

First, the cycling

Laurel and Hardy couldn’t have done it any better.

It doesn’t always go to plan ! In September 2015 Monk Fryston Cycle Club is embarking on a four day charity fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support and for Epilepsy Action. (See below on how to support us.) The North Yorkshire training camp has already been a cruel experience for some club members. Following an enforced eight-week break, one of our intrepid number returned to the Sunday rides aware that the 350–400 mile planned circuit of the county is going to demand some genuine fitness. Despite feeling the effects of his lay-off during his first Sunday ride out, he came back buoyant the following week. It was to be a painful ride. Twice his chain came off - at particularly awkward points on hills. Twice he stopped, cursed and fixed it and carried on. A missed turn while playing catch-up added to his frustration. Maybe he was recovering his rhythm now. Maybe not. His chain was off again! Out of comradeship other club members encouraged him getting it back on. Some even offered him a push. Sensibly he declined and the chain was quickly restored and he was rolling again. We came to a bridge only to find the road was closed. One at a time, we pulled our bikes on to the footpath and crossed in single

Some days it just doesn’t go according to plan. More news from the training camp in a future issue. Stuart Proctor Monk Fryston Cycle Club

Church Walks Saturday 27th June 2015. Start from Pickering. Leader Ernest Maeer. We welcome you to a pleasant 6 mile walk from Pickering along woodland and field paths, returning on track near the North Yorkshire Moor Railway--ideal for train spotters! There are about half a dozen stiles and one short steep climb, but otherwise east walking. Meet at 10.15am for a 10.30am start in the Eastgate car park, pay and display costing £4.30 for 6 hours. Please bring food and drink for a picnic on-route. Wear suitable clothing for the day. From Monk Fryston take the A162 to Tadcaster, the onto the A64 towards York/Scarborough. After about 30 miles turn left onto the A169 to Pickering. Car park just off the roundabout on reaching the town. Allow about 1hour 15mins.

Saturday 25th July 2015. Start from Marr Leaders Paddy and Stuart A pleasant 7mile walk from Marr to Banburgh, and then to High Melton before returning to Marr. The walk is through woodland and grass tracks with good views, and a watering stop half way round. Meet at 10.15am for a 10.30am start, please bring food and a drink, and wear suitable clothing for the day. From Monk Fryston take the A1[m] south until junction 37,turn towards Barnsley, and Marr is about 1/2 mile. Park on land near the church. Allow about 25 minutes

Saturday 22nd August 2015 Start from Dacre, near Pateley Bridge. Leaders Chris, Pauline and Kath. A 6mile walk, with a Yorkshire Dry Stone wall theme, and also spectacular views. Meet at 10.15am for a 10.30am start, please bring food and a drink, and wear suitable clothing for the day. From Monk Fryston take the A1[m] north to Wetherby, then the B6164 to Knaresborough, and then the B6165 towards Pateley Bridge. Turn left at the "Flying Dutchman" pub at Summerbridge onto the B6451, for 1.5 miles to Dacre. Please note, NOT Dacre Banks. Allow 1[One] hour.

Please contact either Paddy of Stuart on [01977] 684180 if you require more information

REPORT ON THE THOMAS CANNON GYPSY SITE APPEAL What the appeal was about - background

Comments on the case

The simple question is whether gypsies should be able to buy land and settle on it without first obtaining planning permission. This site is to the West of Hillam and is in Green Belt which is designed to prevent the spread of urban development. There are strict rules governing what will and what will not be granted planning permission. It is unlikely that any other resident of Hillam would be able to buy a 10 acre field and then use it for residential purposes and to operate a business from the site. Previous planning applications and appeals had already determined that occupation of the site was in contravention of planning rules and this appeal was against an enforcement notice requiring the family to vacate the site.

We will now have to wait for Mr Belcher, the Planning Inspector to reach his decision. The most likely outcome is an extension to the temporary planning permission. The key issue behind the scenes is the longstanding failure of Selby District Council to provide a specified number of pitches in the District to accommodate a growing traveller population.

The history of the site Caravans were first moved onto the land in September 2009 without first obtaining planning permission. In November 2009 a planning enforcement notice was issued requiring the use of the land, as a traveller site without permission, to cease. This was appealed and in August 2010 the Inspector quashed the enforcement notice and granted temporary planning permission for one year. In July 2011 the appellants applied for planning permission for change of use of the land as a site for 4 caravans and this was approved but for a limited period, expiring on 30th June 2014. This condition was appealed and the appeal dismissed by the Inspector and the Secretary of State. Following that decision Selby District Council issued an enforcement notice requiring the site to be vacated and restored to its former status as agricultural land, which could include grazing land for ponies. The site has continued to be occupied with caravans, leading to this latest appeal hearing which took place on Wednesday 13 May.

The appeal The Cannon family, represented by Dr Angus Murdoch, Chartered planner of Murdoch Planning Ltd appealed against the enforcement notice as follows Ground a) That planning permission should be granted for what is alleged in the notice - which reopened the matter that had already been dealt with via the previous appeal which then led to the enforcement notice. Ground g) That the time given to comply with the notice is too short

The hearing It transpires that very recent judicial review decisions have found the Secretary of State’s actions in ‘recovering’ gypsy appeals in the Green Belt to be illegal. They were in breach of the Public Sector Equality Duty. The government are not contesting the decision. Inspector Ellison’s decision which was ‘recovered’ has been tainted by the Secretary of State’s illegal action. There is currently no clarity in law which determines whether the inspector’s decision can be severed from the Secretary of States illegal actions. Thus we are in legal limbo. Additionally, Inspector Ellison’s decision, even if it was eventually judged to be ‘untainted,’ is now out of date. Factors which influenced it, namely the assumption of alternative provision being made by 2014 have not materialised. Given the lack of any alternative provision being offered, the Cannon family’s spokesperson Dr Murdoch indicated his intention to apply on their behalf, for a 2 -year temporary planning permission incorporating the current terms and conditions.

It is reasonable to ask what constitutes a gypsy or traveller and why they have special requirments. During the hearing we were told that Mr Cannon works away from the area and that he had only just moved back with his travelling van. This seems odd given Mr Cannon’s gardening and tree surgery business which is advertised locally. At least it was established at the enquiry that should Selby District Council resolve the issue of providing a specified number of pitches the Cannon family would be prepared to make use of such a site. The question to ask is if you worked away for much of the week, as many people living in Hillam do, would you be able to buy a field and set up residence? Equality has to work both ways.

READERS WRITE BACK VIA FACEBOOK Download challenge I think the Hillam News which reflects your buzzing active communities is amazing and a credit to the spirit in the villages. I enjoy reading about your activities but I can't get the hang of maneuvering around the online version at http://issuu.com/ hillamnews. I must be missing something and I would prefer to download a pdf file to my computer. Best wishes Claire Crossdale

Hillam News responds: Thanks Claire. You have highlighted our predicament. We have a free account with issuu and it does not allow downloads unless the reader gets his own account and logs in - or we pay for a Premium Account ($35 per month). Perhaps we should ask the parish council for a grant! If the publisher has a Premium Account and has enabled downloads on their publication, simply click Share and then the Download button to save the original document file to your computer. Non Premium Account publishers require you to be logged in before you can access the download feature on their publications. In the meantime, if anyone would like a pdf version of Hillam News please do what Claire did and email dsa99uk@yahoo.co.uk and we will send it via Hillam's superfast broadband, but if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet upgraded it might be delayed at your end.

Power cuts - two in one evening. Is it just me or does it seem to be happening quite frequently. Surely they can't be down to the moles?? Ray O'Connor Chris Cole I have been talking to Northern Power Grid about this as well as power variations that I have suffered ever since moving to the village. They installed a power monitor for a week and although our supply for that week was within statutory figures they would be interested in hearing from other residents who have the same issue so that they can prioritise any investigation. If agree, I can pass on your details to my contact. As for power cuts I would just log them as a complaint with your supplier. If they don't get any pain they won't do anything.

Austfield Lane speed limit Hiya, my husband and I enjoy reading your Hillam news editions. We were very interested to read about some proposals for 30mph speed limit on Austfield lane. We moved into the village last May and live on that road and would like to support the idea in any way. Thank you for producing such a good local paper, it has been useful to get to know things in the area!

Rebecca Suaznabar

Our charity was formed in mid 2014 to build on our 15 years of aid deliveries to Belarus.

OUT AND ABOUT The Birkin butcher

Cuckoo up Hillam Common Lane

Not to be outdone by cosmopolitan Hillam, Birkin is not far behind. The Birkin Butcher is a real butcher selling local meat, sausages and bacon. The bacon is highly recommended. The shop is open at weekends on Saturday and Sunday mornings and is located down the track to the side of the church. As an added bonus at the moment the field next to the shop is home to a dozen or so orphan lambs that have great fun running about chasing each other. If you do go please say that you are there after reading about it in Hillam News.

We all know what a cuckoo sounds like, but in recent years it has become increasingly rare to hear it. This year may have broken the pattern because for three days running there has been one up Hillam Common Lane. It might not cause the same excitement in the twitcher community as the Hoopoe that is reported elsewhere in this issue but it is good news all the same.

The other place in Birkin that deserves a visit is the cafĂŠ at the fishing pond. Open most days it serves tea, coffee, cakes and light meals. It is especially popular with cyclists and makes a welcome stop on many of the cycle routes around Hillam.

Dog poo being spread further Dog poo simply will not go away. Just because a track or a path is further from houses in the village and it is not on a pavement it does not mean that it is fair to take your dog there to do its mess and then leave it. Over the last few years it has been a noticeable development that dog owners are taking their pets further from the village to leave their mess. Woodlands Lane and Maspin Moor road have become two favourite places to take packs of dogs to do their business. Even worse than private dog owners the problem is now with us on a commercial scale as companies offering to walk your dog for you are bringing them to tracks and paths around the village. If you use a commercial dog walker make sure you know where they are taking your dog.

Other wildlife is also doing well. Moorhens are busy caring for their first brood and have done reasonably well by not losing any of the three chicks to predators. Moorhens are without doubt one of the most alert birds around and will scuttle for cover even when you look out on them from a great distance. The adult bird usually doing a runner and leaving the chicks to hide among vegetation. This year the swallows have re-occupied the nest over the front door at Maspin House. While they are great to watch and the nest is a spectacular piece of mud engineering it is a mixed blessing having them just a couple of feet above the front door. The other birds doing well this year are Pheasants and Partridge again a mixed blessing because they do make a mess in the garden and eat all the wrong things. However they are not as bad as the moorhens which destroy pond plants by eating them and also by stripping them to build their nests. Overall this does seem to be a good year for wildlife, but as always you get the wildlife that you get, and some of it like moles and pigeons might not be what you want to have in large numbers.

NEWS FROM HILLAM RETAIL PARK New special feature adverts To celebrate recent developments on the Hillam retail park on Austfield Lane Hillam News has decided to break with tradition and offer special feature advertisements at an introductory price of only £48 per year. We are delighted that two of the retailers on the Austfield Lane retail park have jumped at the opportunity. We wish Bert’s Barrow and Sherburn Rubber every success with their ventures.

Latest news from Berts Barrow As you are aware we are passionate about stocking locally sourced & seasonal produce of all kinds. Asparagus is available from now until the middle of June. Grown by Irwin in Cawood for 25 years, did you know it can grow 2 inch in one night? It needs to be picked daily and comes back year on year? Purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower & cabbage from Wakefield, carrots, parsnips and swede from Kellington, cherry tomatoes from Cawood lettuce from Snaith, to name just a few. We are excited to announce we now have artisan bread made by Tomkinson's a family owned bakery based in Mickelfield delivering fresh farmhouse loaves, fraccacia, sliced loaves barms, scones etc. As treat on a Saturday, freshly baked pain au chocolate and croissants. We also have pleasure in introducing :-

from Hull who will be here every Wednesday with fresh fish. 11th May we had children from Monk Fryston School who walked to Berts Barrow as part of their geography work, they all had a scooped Yorvale ice cream that is made on the farm in Acaster Malbis & were all impeccably behaved. It was a real honour that they thought of us as a village landmark. We have up to date news, info, and recipes on our website www.bertsbarrow.co.uk Facebook Berts Barrow / bertsbarrow@yahoo.com / call in to see us Mon -Fri 9-5 Sat 9-4 Sun 10-4 or call 07818415320 / 07857131412

And a couple of small ads Light weight folding child's pushchair (Chicco from Tesco). Used once. £10.00 David Atkinson, Hillam 01977-684577

BT cordless phone (single handset). Two years old. £10.00. (Replaced by twin handset model.) David Atkinson, Hillam 01977-684577

Superfast broadband boost As announced in the last issue of Hillam News superfast broadband is now available in Monk Fryston. Rather than using the existing copper telephone line to carry the broadband signal the last mile to your home it will be delivered all the way over fibre. The service is available through the village along the A63 and also down Austfield Lane. Speeds of up to a blistering 330Mbps will be available - with the entry level of 40mbps - which is over 40 times faster than your editor gets down Hillam Common Lane. To get on board with superfast broadband all you have to is order an upgrade from your supplier. If you have any problems or require further information contact superfast north yorkshire via

info@superfastnorthyorkshire.com

15 RECTOR’S RAMBLINGS

ST WILFRID’S CHURCH

You know some people just don’t realise how important goals are - and I’m not talking here about Sergio Aguera, Diego Costa or Harry Kane - although it’s amazing how Kane has improved this season since Pochettino took over at Tottenham in May of last year. But by goals I mean those objectives that we strive after, those targets which we try to reach that give us some sense of meaning and significance in life. A recent survey pointed out that 50% of people don’t know where they’re going in life, another 40% will go in any direction they’re led. The remaining 10% know where they’d like to go, but less than half of them will ever pay the price to get there. The rather esteemed Judge, the Rt Honourable Oliver Wendell Holmes, was travelling to work one day on the train. He’d somehow managed to lose his ticket, and as he searched for it, obviously irritated, the conductor standing by said…

1ST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 8am Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Family Service at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston

“It’s okay, your honour, just mail it in. We all know and trust you.”

2ND SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH

Holmes replied…

9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6.00pm Evensong at St Mary’s, South Milford

“Sir, I’m not worried about finding my ticket for you, I just want to know where I’m going!” You may smile, but goals are what make it possible to know where we are going. The author J C Penney said… “Give me a book keeper with a goal in life and I’ll give you a man who’ll make history. Give me a man without a goal and I’ll give you a book keeper.” What people often fail to realise is that while we’re working on our goals in life, our goals are working on us. And what we get by reaching them isn’t nearly as important as what we become on the way. So what are your goals? Are they clear enough in your own mind? Are they strongly held to enable you to persevere? Are they valuable enough to inspire you to pay the price? If they are, then there’s every probability that you’ll see them fulfilled. Blessings as always

John BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR WEDDINGS AND BAPTISMS FOR 2015 Enquiries to the Rector on 01977 680788 or hetherington556@btinternet.com

3RD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 8am Holy Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 9.30am Family Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Morning Prayer at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston

4TH SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 9.30am Morning Prayer at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6pm Holy Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford

5TH SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH (WHEN ONE OCCURS) 10.30am Benefice Service at either St Wilfrid’s in Monk Fryston or St Mary’s in South Milford – please see the website for further details www.stwilfridandstmary.org

ORDINATION SERVICE AT YORK MINSTER 5TH JULY There is to be an ordination service on 5th of July at 10am in which the Parishes of Monk Fryston (including Hillam and Burton Salmon) and South Milford (including Lumby and Newthorpe) are particularly interested. Ordained on that day will be Neil Woodhall from Monk Fryston, who will be serving his curacy at Selby Abbey, Glyn Diggins from South Milford, who will be serving his curacy at St Michael’s in Malton, and David Johnson from Middlesbrough who will be serving his curacy in the parishes of Monk Fryston and South Milford.

REV DAVID JOHNSON ARRIVES IN THE PARISH The new curate for Monk Fryston Parish, Rev David Johnson, will be preaching for the first time at the 11am service in St Wilfrid’s on Sunday 12th of July. The service will be followed by a lunch. All are welcome at the service, and those attending the lunch should put their names on the list at the back of St Wilfrid’s Church.

GORDON’S GARDEN CENTRE NOW HAS A GREAT CAFE Gordon’s garden centre gets top café ranking on TripAdvisor Gordon has opened a cafe at his Lumby Garden Centre. It is ideal for a quick cup and snack after completing the Hillam News delivery round. It's on TripAdvisor too, attracting top marks all round. Gordon's cafe is easy to get to from the A1(M) but the service and food are rather different from a motorway service station and there's not a barista anywhere to be seen.

From TripAdvisor: This lovely Garden Centre has recently opened a Coffee Shop. Browse the extensive nursery at your leisure, then enjoy a drink and piece of cake in the fantastic cafe. The drinks we had were really nice and the cake was to die for. Hot and cold sandwiches are also on offer, with other choices of food on the menu too. Friendly staff, great service. A brilliant little cafe within the family run garden centre. No large chain prices or mediocre cake and sandwiches. The food and drink offering is lovely with pleasant staff and a relaxing atmosphere. Great prices, great food, great people.

Meanwhile in the garden - top jobs for June and July are:∗ ∗ ∗ ∗

Keep watering newly planted flowers and especially shrubs and trees. Squash lily beetles when seen or spray with systemic insecticide. Deadhead to prolong flowering Cut back early flowering geraniums and pulmonaria to tidy up and prevent seeding

Great range of plants and shrubs Enjoy a coffee and cake while you shop

ELECTION PLEDGE - STOP THE SUBSIDY, NO MORE WIND FARMS Conservative manifesto pledge “We will halt the spread of onshore windfarms Onshore wind now makes a meaningful contribution to our energy mix and has been part of the necessary increase in renewable capacity. Onshore windfarms often fail to win public support, however, and are unable by themselves to provide the firm capacity that a stable energy system requires. As a result, we will end any new public subsidy for them and change the law so that local people have the final say on windfarm applications.” This is a clear statement and it remains to be seen how it will be achieved. The first clue will be in the Queens speech, to be delivered the day after Hillam News is printed. The matter of subsidies for wind farms has caused growing concern because the cost of the subsidy is added to consumers bills. If a turbine receives £200,000 per year in subsidy the money to pay it has to come from somewhere, and that means the consumers. Nigel Adams was a significant voice in the last Parliament calling for the subsidies to be abolished and he has already met with Andrea Leadsom, the new Energy Minister to put the case about how the subsidies can be abolished. While the cuts are unlikely to be retrospective, it will still mean that building more on-shore wind farms is no longer financially attractive. As always it will be a complex matter to change the policy. The strength of the wind industry and its skill at lobbying government should never be underestimated. The wind industry claim that onshore wind is the cheapest source of renewable energy, but within their cost model they never factor in the value of the English countryside, the impact on people who live there or the cost of having other forms of generation permanently on standby for when there is no wind. If you want to add your voice to the call for subsidies to be abolished just send an e-mail to nigel.adams.mp@parliament.uk and say that you think wind farm subsidies should be abolished as soon as possible. If you responded by sending in a card during the election campaign your support will have already been noted.

Ferrybridge closure I remember as a student in the mid 1960’s when Ferrybridge was being built and the partially finished cooling towers blew down in a gale. Since then the power station, for most of its life, has produced up to 2000MW of electricity by burning coal, brought in initially by barge and then by train. Not necessarily a very clean process but it was highly effective, the plant could produce 2000MW at times of peak demand but on average it produced something around 1500MW. The plant was scheduled to close, because of limits on CO2 emissions imposed by the Climate Change Act, but the closure

has been brought forward because of the damage caused by the fire last summer. It is now only capable of producing 500MW. Even so, 500MW is much greater than the output from the new incinerator - a meagre 68MW. To generate this it will burn up to 570,000 tons of waste, which will all be brought in by road. There is now a proposal for a second incinerator on the Ferrybridge site and this is in addition to two others, which have both now been approved, at Kellingley and Eggborough. The total power from all four incinerators will only be 172 MW, for which about 1.5Million tons of rubbish will be brought in by road. It is hardly green, it will still emit CO2 and it is not going to go very far in making up the shortfall in energy generation resulting from the closure of Ferrybridge. As yet we do not know if it will be as clean as the developer claims it will be. As each old power station is taken out of service the risk of the lights going out increases. It is therefore critical that the new Government carries out a critical review of generating capacity and makes sure that we have enough power generation available, as and when we need it, and not just on windy days. Bishopwood - A new proposal Given the change of Government and the plan to abolish subsidies for on-shore wind farms it came as a surprise to find that another company is working on a new planning application for 7 turbines on the Bishopwood site. The layout is similar to the original 2009 application but one turbine is further to the West at the other side of the East Coast mainline. It remains to be seen if the developer progresses the application. So far they have asked a number of Parish Councils to comment. The 7 turbines would produce an average of only about 5MW, so the wind farm is hardly going to do very much to make up the loss of capacity from Ferrybridge and it would have a major adverse impact by transforming the area into a wind farm landscape. The company behind the proposal is Horizon Power of Spalding and it’s only listed Director is Keith Brooks, who used to be the UK Managing Director for Prowind. Meanwhile the appeal against the refusal by Selby District Council of the original application by Prowind is still pending. The hearing is scheduled for November 2015.

Other wind farms—update • Hook Moor - 5 turbines between Aberford and Sherburn. From the A1M you can now see the construction work on the roads and excavation for the 1000 ton concrete bases.

• Cleek Hall - 5 turbines near Selby, twice as high as the farm turbine seen from the by-pass. Approved, but so far there is no indication of when construction might begin.

Howard Ferguson E-mail: please@stopwoodlanewindfarm.co.uk

PROPERTY - REDROW PLAN FOR 70 HOMES IN HILLAM The Redrow plan

Illegal ponies have gone already

Land being cleared between the Brick Pond and the houses fronting Main Street has been acquired by Redrow who intend building about 70 houses upon it. At this point in time, no planning applications have been submitted, and consequently there is currently no further information in the public domain. Redrow’s out of season radical felling of old hedges and trees has caused substantial concern amongst many conservation minded villagers and these allegedly illegal actions are currently being investigated by both the conservation officer at Selby Council and the police. Redrow have been invited to send a representative to the June Parish Council meeting to share their future plans and intentions with us. We, in turn, invite you to submit any questions you would like to be put to them to our Clerk or any PC member before the end of May, so we can in turn forward them to them. This approach we think, should ensure that their representative will be fully informed about our specific questions and concerns in advance, and thus be able to give accurate and fulsome responses during the meeting, to the questions and concerns raised.

The meeting will be held at the Community Centre on Wednesday 3rd June at 7.30pm. Residents are welcome to attend.

Zoopla—recent property sales 53 Main Street, Monk Fryston £370,000

Mar 2015

Alne Cottage, The Square, Hillam £150,000

Mar 2015

Rose Tree Farm, Main Street, Hillam £350,000 Jan 2015

Horses fly grazing on land between Hillam Brickpond and Lumby Hill have been removed by their owner. One of the landowners had her persistence rewarded when she found the gypsy pony owner at home and served him with a legal notice requiring the animals' removal. - And he complied. Have nesting birds been evicted ? The presence of heavy machinery on the land in April attracted the attention of Hillam wildlife conservationists as contractors began to stub up mature hedges which had previously marked field boundaries. There is a March 1st deadline to complete hedge work in order to protect nesting birds. This may have been an infringement of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and also the European Habitats Directive 1992 relating to nesting birds as well as DEFRA guidance and regulation on management of countryside hedgerows. A known woodpecker nest was not disturbed. One of the landowners pointed out to Hillam News that she had only given permission 'to trim hedges' and that was long before March 1st. Hillam News has been informed that two of the landowners in the area have reached an agreement with Redrows. The builders have taken an option to build 70 houses. This number of houses on this particular area of land is referred to in a 2013 Selby Council document entitled 'Call for Sites'. The recently published Selby Plan envisages between 60 and 70 new houses in the 'designated villages' of Hillam and Monk Fryston to be built between 2015 and 2017. This represents growth of about eight per cent over 12 years. Comments from Facebook Andrew Frith: I wondered what all the noise was. Then I took the dogs and saw they had ripped out hedges. Is it legal to do this at this time of year with all the birds breeding? Imagine the noise when they start building! Not a pleasant site out of my daughter's bedroom window if they build on this land. Shocking news and needs to be stopped. and Bernie Hampton: The building will go head but it's now up to village residents to try and limit the number of houses. Things to consider 1) drainage. The ditch on Betteras Hill cannot cope now with the water that goes into it and every time it rains Selby Drainage are out monitoring. More houses mean more water run off into that drain so potentially flooding to the houses on Betteras hill Road.

SCHOOL REPORT Monk Fryston CE Primary School

Parking clamp down success

We are delighted to have recently opened our newly refurbished library. This has been made possible due to the hard work and dedication of our PTA, staff and parent volunteers. We have been running a fundraising initiative over the last year through events such as the Beer Festival, South Milford Bonfire, and quiz night. This has enabled us to install new shelving, soft seating, group tables, and reading books in our library space. It looks wonderful! We have also installed a new computerised management system that allows children to loan and return books themselves. All this comes at considerable cost, and the first stage of the project has been made possible because the PTA have raised over £12,000 already. We continue to run fundraising activities so that we can further enhance, replace and improve our reading scheme. Our library was officially opened by Hilary Robinson, the published author and radio producer, along with Kristina Verney, Chair of our PTA. We cut a ceremonial ribbon and had a fantastic cake made in the shape of books. Everyone dressed up as book characters to mark the occasion, and we did lots of activities about books. The children love the new space and the books that we have bought. We hope that this will enable us to continue to instil in them a real love of reading so that they appreciate and value books and the treasures that they hold. We really appreciate all the support that we have had to make this project possible and look forward to it supporting the learning of our children for many years to come.

Twelve months ago we held a major initiative to address parking issues around our school. This is a perennial problem and causes disruption to our neighbours and the community, as well as generating risks to safety. In the past we have had numerous complaints and reports of near-misses, including cars driving onto the pavement where small children were walking.

Rick Weights North Yorkshire school holiday dates Summer: Tuesday 21st July – Monday 7th September 2015 Half term: Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October 2015 Christmas: Monday 21st December 2015 – Monday 4th January 2016 Schools may also set additional training days

Hillam Lights - April winners. First prize (£20) - Barbara and David Atkinson Second prize (£10) - John and Andrea Philips Third prize (£5) - Barbara and David Atkinson (yes, again!)

Although we have little control over what happens on the roads, we met with representatives from all councils and the police to identify strategies we could employ to alleviate the issues. A number of initiatives took place in school including creating new signage and a campaign run by children to inform motorists of the hazards of inappropriate parking. Communications were sent on a regular basis to parents reminding them of their duty to park cars considerately, and to walk to school whenever possible. These strategies were effective. In the twelve months previous to the campaign we received at least ten separate complaints about parking. Since the start of the campaign this number was reduced to two. We now have a crossing patrol in place and more children are choosing to walk or come to school on bikes and scooters rather than by car. We continue to monitor the issue carefully, but are generally extremely pleased with the impact that we have had. Of course, we have not eradicated the problem completely. Cars still park on Water Lane (and probably always will, as there are no parking restrictions in this area), and we know that this creates difficulties when overtaking. Significantly, we have noted that parents tend to park badly when there is an event in school such as a class assembly. We have sent our calendar of events to the police so that they can help to monitor the surrounding roads during these times. Our campaign continues. We will maintain our strategies to help reduce problems as much as we are able, and would greatly appreciate your support. Residents can help by phoning the police immediately if they identify a car that has parked unsafely or illegally. If you are visiting our school at any time, please help us by parking your car in a safe and considerate location. We would encourage you to walk to school or park at some distance and walk the rest of the way. Please also make use of our crossing patrol. This has been a long-awaited initiative for our village and we want to really demonstrate that it is worthwhile. Thank you for your support.

Rick Weights Headteacher

SUMMER FAYRE

14TH JUNE 2015

COMMUNITY CENTRE & YOUTH GROUP Youth Activity Opportunity In September 2015 the Monk Fryston Community centre will start to host an innovative weekly session for children in the 10 – 13 Age bracket. The new group will offer a range of activities to help with the transition to secondary education and will promote personal development in a fun way.

Monk Fryston and Hillam Youth Group …. Come and join in the fun

The three aspects of the 90 – 120 minute sessions are: Optional Supported homework or study session. This will be an allocated time with appropriate adults to help facilitate the completion of homework or other study. This is not one to one tutoring, it is more akin to a homework club that is run by many schools. Participation in a ‘JASS’ activity and working towards a Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate. JASS is a child centred award scheme that contributes to children’s capacities as successful learners, confident individuals, effective communicators and responsible citizens. It is sometimes known as a junior version of the Duke of Edinburgh’s awards scheme though it is a different charity that administers it. Fun – Group activities with a physical aspect where possible and a lot of reflection time to take stock of the evening and the week. Opportunities for visiting speakers to give a view of the world as perceived by adults are also envisaged. This will be a structured session supported by staff from Mid Yorks Expeditions who also run Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions. The aim is to make this a sustainable part of the community’s life. There will also be two opportunities per year for a weekend residential which will mix learning with enjoyment for the participants. If you would like to register an interest in this scheme please make contact with Ian Turnbull at riturnbull@talktalk.net so that he can supply you with more information as it becomes available.

Volunteers needed to help Monk Fryston and Hillam Youth Club The Youth Club meets every Monday evening at the Community Centre from 6.30 to 8.00 pm, for girls and boys aged 8 to 11 inclusive. Due to our ongoing success we need URGENTLY volunteer helpers every week or if it suits you better on a rota basis to perhaps help out once a month. No experience required. If interested please contact John Leslie (Chair) on 01977 682334 e:mail s.leslie@btinternet.com or Hannah Alderson (Youth Leader) on 01977 682650.e:mail hannahrae84@hotmail.com

YOUTH CLUB

There are still vacancies at the Youth club, especially for girls. Community Centre Over a recent weekend two large plastic bags of lawn cuttings were left alongside the Salvation Army clothes bin in the Community Centre car park. The recycling bins are there to receive glass, tins, tetra packs and paper only. Any other type of refuse must not be left in the bin area as the Community Association is responsible for its removal. Please continue to bring recyclable material to the community centre bins as their contents give a boost to the Association funds when collected and recycled by Selby District Council. Thank you for your cooperation and support. Tony Hudson Community Association President

SPORT - IN - NEWS The last few days in the run-up to writing this column has been dominated by the news that Kevin Pieterson has been told he will not be selected for the England cricket team this summer, despite being previously told that if he scored runs then he will be considered. Having amassed over 350 against Leicestershire in a county championship game in early May, Pieterson may have been forgiven for thinking that would be sufficient however that was not so in the eyes of the selectors who have decided to overlook a person who arguable divides opinion more than Marmite. Pieterson was quick to use his column in the Daily Telegraph to tell the world how disappointed and let down he felt at the actions of those who now run the England Cricket Board including the new Chief Executive Andrew Strauss, who is also a previous playing colleague of Pieterson.

next Olympics in 2016. At the end of the day, the pure amateur ethos of the Olympic ideal was taken away some years ago so why shouldn’t the likes of Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Henrik Stenson play for the right to be crowned Olympic Champion? If Tennis players and Athletes can all take part in the Olympics why can’t golfers, particularly as the sums earned in some of those other sports are at least on a par (another pun!) or higher than the fees earned by the average golfer.

Another football season comes to a close with Chelsea taking the Premier League title leaving the other’s trailing someway behind. The true story is probably told in the fact that when Chelsea meet their nearest challengers, namely both Manchester clubs and Arsenal, they invariably find a way to win or more importantly they seldom lose. Their focus however I find it ironic that Pieterson used words such as then continues to ensure they do not lose in places such as Swansea, Aston Villa or Hull. Compare that with both Arsenal ‘betrayed’ and ‘let down’ to describe his feelings not least and Manchester United who have both picked up nil points because he arguably wrote the book on those emotions when he against Swansea during the season. That means they have to pick decided to trade text messages with the South African opposition up 6 more points than Chelsea in other games simply to ‘stand during a test series which revealed details about his English still’ which is always going to be a huge task. There is little teammates that were, quite frankly, a disgrace. He compounded doubt that Mourinho is the master tactician and an exceptionally that with his divisive approach to the way he conducted himself talented manager. Louis Van Gaal may well make a sterner in the last Ashes series in Australia when his form, one innings challenge next year whilst Arsene Wenger will no doubt remain apart, was not good enough to warrant his place in the team. So stubborn to his philosophy at Arsenal. The real challenge why should Strauss or his fellow selectors take-back a person however for Jose may well come from Manchester City should who has done so much harm to the England dressing room in they dispense with Audrey Roberts (sorry I mean Manuel recent years. The argument is because he is the one truly world Pellegrini). With all the cash Sheikh Mansoor has at his disposal class batsmen who we have in the country. Really? Look at his surely the time is now right to secure the services of the one form in the last two or three years when he’s represented Manager on the planet who would severely test the dominance of England. There is no doubt he can score runs but for each the Blues of Chelsea. Time to head to Germany and bring in Pep hundred there are five or may be ten sub 20 scores, most of Guardiola…… which end with a needless / pointless shot that effectively gives his wicket away. Another reason to question his inclusion is the Yours in Sport place he would take in the batting line-up. I am not saying the England middle order is not without its difficulties but with Balance, Bell and Root all looking in good form, it is difficult to Doug Hought see where he would be included. Pieterson is without doubt a talent who has served England well but he’s also a mature, experienced player who has consciously made certain decisions during his career. In taking the path he has chosen, he has clearly alienated certain individuals including the new CEO of England Cricket and the current England Captain. Those chickens have now come home to roost – time to move on and leave the team to focus on life post Pieterson. The world of golf is now getting into full swing (apologies for the pun!) as the season moves towards the US Open followed by our own Open in July. The game has come to be dominated by multi-million pound tournaments that take place each week predominantly in America where the US PGA tour is the main focus for the leading players. The question has therefore been raised why this sport is due to re-emerge in the

LAST PAGE John Herbert Wake 1914 to 2015

HILLAm Square 1957 with John Wake and his cows - Drawing by Ralph Atkins John Wake lived more or less opposite the late Rosalie Batty, who also passed one hundred. John was born near Hamilton, New Zealand but returned to England with his parents in 1928. They farmed at Ellerton in East Yorkshire. John served in the Home Guard during the war. In 1950 he came to Hall Farm, Hillam with his wife Mary. He kept dairy cows and drove them twice a day through Hillam Square on their way to milking. As a regular church goer he stood out in Chapel Street where all his neighbours were Methodists. His family remember the important part he played in the St Wilfrid's Church garden fete, as organizer of the procession from Monk Fryston Square to Hillam Hall. The service was in St Wilfrid's and burial in Monk Fryston Cemetery.

CLEANER WANTED Monk Fryston & Hillam Community Association require a cleaner once a week to start in July. If interested please contact John Leslie, Facility Manager on 01977 682334 or e:mail s.leslie@btinternet.com.

LOCAL SERVICES To amend or to add to the information below, please phone Jenny Hoare (683332) Service

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