thirsk&easingwold Quarterly Royal Mail distribution: 16,700 homes & businesses www.jkanorth.com/thirsk | Summer 2019
InFocus
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THIRSK & EASINGWOLD infocus
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The Clock & Men in Sheds!
We find out about an exciting scheme run in Thirsk and Easingwold (See pages 6 and 18)
Rural Arts
find out about the diverse 20 08 We Summer schedule at Rural Arts!
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06 local news: 08 health: 10 events 12 events 12
local news: FEATURED
The Clock New Initiative FEATURED
Rural Arts this Summer FEATURED
Alternatives to dairy Easingwold Singers concert success Local Events across the area
The Blue Cross
A Summer update from The Blue Cross
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14 garden: 16 local news: 18 local news: 20 infocus 22 feature
Play tourist at home! FEATURED
Sustainable Seating FEATURED
Local business with a big challenge! FEATURED
Blue Cross Update Advertising Details & Index
Welcome to the Summer issue We welcome Summer with an exciting range of local news and events, with a new scheme to help isolation being launched (Pages 6 and 18), as well as updates from Rural Arts, the Blue Cross and Easingwold Singers. Don’t forget, if you have any news, events, updates or stories of local interest, please send them to editorial@jkanorth. com and we’ll do our best to publish them for you. I hope you all enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in Autumn. Best wishes,
T: 01609 777401 www.jkanorth.com
Christine Campbell | Editor
InFocus Magazines are published in good faith and the editors cannot be held responsible in any way for inaccuracies in reports or advertising in reports or advertising that appear in this publication and the views of the contributors may not be the those of the editors. Adverts and advertisers appearing in the InFocus Magazines carry no implied recommendation from the magazine or the publishers. AllPlease rights reserved. All information is mention InFocus infocus correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to press. InFocus Magazines cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.
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Summer Update @ The Clock Our Clock Works Community Re-Use Store in Thirsk Market Place continues to thrive. We accept donations of items in good re-saleable condition including furniture, domestic appliances, bicycles, large baby items such as cots and pushchairs and school uniform. We present these items for sale at low cost for others in our community to re-use them. We also operate a volunteer-led delivery service to homes (in Thirsk, Northallerton, Ripon, Boroughbridge, Bedale, Easingwold and Helmsley areas) as well as a free collection service for large items in high demand such as sofas, beds, fridge-freezers and wardrobes. May also saw the launch of the Clock Works Community Workshop. Based at the Store, the workshop hosts projects offering time for different groups in our community to take part in practical activities and has both a bike workshop and furniture workshop within it. The Men’s Shed project for example runs on Tuesdays at 6-7:30pm and is for males age 18+. It creates a place that promotes positive mental health by providing a space to connect, converse and create. Participants (known as ‘Shedders’) work on practical project such as repair and refurbishment of donated furniture items to sell on in the Re-Use Store.
with a mixture of supported sessions (led by a member of The Clock’s staff) and volunteer-led sessions. Please see our website for more details and how to get involved (www.clockworksyorkshire. org), email us at clockworks@theclock. org or call the Store on 07598 187846 for more information.
Shared Time Shared Time is a project for Over 65s to meet at The Clock and have a chance to socialise, have fun and make new friends. It runs on Tuesdays between 2.30-4.30pm andThursdays between 11-12.30pm. There are games, opportunities to talk and share experiences and hot drinks. If you are interested, or know someone who is interested please get in touch with Ellie on Ellie@theclock.org, ring us on 01845 524 494 or turn up for a session in the Church Hall. Summer Activity Programme coming soon! Please check our website or facebook page for news of our activity programme soon!
The Workshop has a number of other projects up and running and others in development,
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One of our adult members takes part in a training course
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Summer at Rural Arts Soak up creativity and celebrate summer with Rural Arts! Visit us: Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Westgate, Thirsk, YO7 1QS We are open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm (Café closed Mondays)
ARTIST WORKSHOPS
Get inspired at one of our unique workshops ran by friendly and experienced artists. All workshops are suitable for beginners.
Embroidered Jessica Grady
Mandalas
with
Sat 15 Jun (10am – 1pm), £40
Raku Ceramics with Fiona Mazza Wed 26 Jun and Wed 10 Jul (10am – 4pm), £135
Find out more and book online at www.ruralarts.org or call 01845 526 536
Drawing with Nature: 10 Jul, £12 Fabric Bug Brooches: 17 Jul, £15 Ceramic Houses: 24 Jul, £18 Floral Paper Wreaths: 31 Jul, £12 Ceramic Autumn Leaf Bowls: 4 Sep, £18 Mixed Media Flowers and Cacti Collage: 11 Sep, £12 Wood Gouache Painting: 18 Sep, £15
WEEKLY WORKSHOPS
Get Hands on with Clay with Fiona Mazza
Stained Glass Suncatchers with David Teece
Tuesdays, 1st Oct – 3rd Dec (10am – 4pm), £350 for 10 weeks
Sat 27 Jul (10am – 4pm), £65
Open Studio with The Arts Collective
Relief Printing with Graham Copping Sat 6 Jul (10am – 4pm), £50
Eco-Printing Silk Scarf with Carol Ann J Allan Sat 10 Aug (10am – 4pm), £55
Cyanotype with Angela Hall Wed 14 Aug (10am – 1pm), £45
Thursdays (Ceramics) and Friday (Printmaking), 10am – 3pm, £12 per session
iPAD WORKSHOPS
Friendly and informative sessions with iPad expert Claire Ford. Sessions are 2 – 4pm and £12.50 each
£4.50, booking essential
EVENTS
A new weekly crafting and storytelling session run by professional theatre makers, Story Craft Theatre.
Fly the Flag
Art Club Thursdays (4-5.15pm), ages 6-16 Saturdays (10 – 11.15am), ages 6-10 Saturdays (11.30am – 1pm), ages 10-18 £6.50 per session. A programme of arts, crafts and digital activities that changes each term to remain appealing and challenging!
Sat 22 Jun, 10am – 4pm, FREE Come along to a day of drop-in workshops exploring the concept of human rights and celebrating artistic freedom.
Gin Masterclass Fri 30 Aug, 7pm £15pp plus a welcome drink A fun and fiery gin tasting led by boutique South East Asian gin brand, Tarsier
PERFORMANCE Comedy at The Courthouse Wed 18 Sep, 7.30pm £10 It’s back! Laugh your socks off to three of Yorkshire’s finest comic talents, hosted by MC Tom Taylor. Headline act: English Comedian of the Year finalist Nina Gilligan.
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE Adult tickets £10, U18s: £8
Filipino Food Feast Sat 31 Aug, 7.30pm £25pp plus a welcome drink Join us for a unique dining experience where guests share traditional Filipino food served on giant banana leaves!
EXHIBITIONS Free exhibitions at Rural Arts are free and open 10am – 4pm
Fly the Flag 28 & 29 Jun An exhibition of community created work to celebrate the 70th Anniversary
Setting up your iPad Sat 7 Sep
Reduction Lino Cutting with Izzy Williamson Sat 31 Aug and Sat 7 Sep (10am – 1pm), £65
TASTE OF…
With all materials included and each workshop suitable for beginners, our Taste Of… sessions give the perfect introduction to a range of artistic styles and techniques. Wednesdays 10.30am12.30pm. Sgraffito Terracotta Plates: 12 Jun, £18 Lino Printing: 19 Jun, £15 Embroidery Flowers and Foliage: 26 Jun, £15
Navigating the Keyboard Sat 14 Sep
Small Island
WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
Thu 27 Jun, 7pm (3hr10m) Based on the prize-winning novel, Small Island embarks on a journey from Jamaica to Britain.
Summer Crafting Sessions
Tuesdays in August, 10.15 – 11.30am £3.50, booking essential Join us each week in August as we create crafts inspired by our favourite nursery rhymes.
All About Eve Fri 5 Jul, 7.30pm (2hr10) Exploring the story of Margo Channing, starring Gillian Anderson and Lily James.
The Lehman Trilogy Thu 25 Jul, 7pm (3hr20m) The story of a family and a company that changed the world. Directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes.
All My Sons Fri 2 Aug, 7.30pm (2hr45m) Sally Field and Bill Pullman star in Arthur Miller’s blistering drama about a success story on the verge of breakdown.
Crafty Tales Quirky Ceramic Vases: 3 Jul, £18
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Tuesdays from September, 10.15 – 11.30am
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of the Declaration of Human Rights
Gordon Wheatley and Stacey Sinclair 10 – 17 Aug The final exhibition for their MA in creative Practice, themes include mental health and different perspectives of nature.
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No Milk Today
A Good Read
Alternatives to Dairy
Don't let the pigeon drive the bus n Mo Willems
What do small children like best in a picture book? If anyone knows, it is Mo Willems, who spent several years as a scriptwriter for ‘Sesame Street’. And here, what he has hit on is that little word beloved of toddlers – ‘NO!’ The premise of the book is simple – and summed up neatly in the title. The reader needs to stop the pigeon driving the bus while the bus driver is away for a few minutes. However, this is a very determined pigeon. On every page he comes up with a good reason why he could, should and must drive that bus. Reading this book aloud is a delight. As you read the pigeon’s increasingly desperate attempts to get behind the wheel, your audience can say – or shout – ‘No!’ at each page, usually accompanied by a great deal of giggling. And parents will recognise the toddler’s range of tactics – from pleading, to sulking, to promises to ‘be your best friend’ – all of which are summarily rejected. With simple drawings and a thoroughly endearing main character, this is ideal to read to pre-school children of any age. The pigeon makes several reappearances in Willems’ other books – ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late’ is probably the next one you will want to seek out, and it is just as much fun. Really.
Cow’s milk is considered dietary staple by many. It’s rich in protein and important vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus and B vitamins. But some people can’t or don’t drink cow’s milk at all due to personal preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies or intolerances. 2–3% of children under the age of three are allergic to cow’s milk although most grow out of it. The allergy can cause a range of symptoms, including rashes, upset tummies and even anaphylaxis. Lactose intolerance is very common. Lactose is a sugar found in cow’s milk. People with lactose intolerance cannot digest this sugar so it stays in the digestive tract causing gas and irritation. Vegans exclude all products from their diet that originate from animals, and some people simply do not like the taste of cow’s milk. So, what is available for those who prefer a non-dairy alternative? Soy Milk – Made with either soybeans or soy protein isolate, and often contains thickeners and vegetable oils. It typically has a mild and creamy flavour. It has a similar nutritional make-up to cow’s milk, and works best in cooking, in coffee and on cereal. Almond Milk (or other nut milks) – This is made with either whole almonds or almond butter and water (cashew, hazelnut and macadamia nut milks are also available). Nut milks have a light texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. They contain fewer calories and fat thank cow’s milk but are also significantly lower in protein and carbohydrates. They can be added to coffee and tea, used on cereal, mixed in smoothies and used as milk in desserts and baked goods. Coconut Milk - Made from water and the white flesh of brown coconuts. It has a creamy texture and a sweet, subtle coconut flavour. It contains less fat than cow’s milk and significantly less protein and carbohydrates. It can be used on cereal and in smoothies and cooking. Oat Milk – Made from a mixture of oats and water. It is high in soluble fibre, which is good for gut health. It is naturally sweet with a mild flavour and can be used in cooking in the same way as cow’s milk. It is also good for use on cereal or in smoothies. Rice Milk - Made from milled white or brown rice and water this is the least likely milk substitute to trigger allergies, which makes it a safe option for those with allergies or intolerances to dairy, gluten, soy or nuts. It is mild in taste and naturally sweet and is nice to drink on its own as well as in smoothies, or in desserts or over cereal. It is not a good choice for children or the elderly because of its low protein content, and it has a high glycaemic index so is not good for diabetics either. There is no one milk substitute that is ideal for everyone. The taste, nutrition and cost of these alternatives can vary considerably, so it is worth taking a while to experiment and find those that work best for you. By Louise Addison
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Out & About
16th June
23rd June
n North Yorkshire County Show Camp Hill Estate Bedale DL8 2LS From 8.00am. North Yorkshire County Show is a traditional agricultural show with Cattle, Sheep, a Poultry, Rabbit and Cavy show, Show Jumping and light horse events including hunter jumping and carriage driving. The main ring has activities all day, in the morning these include Heavy Horse and cattle judging, and an alpaca display and carriage driving. The main acts are the Imps Motorcycle display and Joseph’s racing pigs, (both appear twice). There is a Hound Parade, best dressed heavy horse and riding judging all followed by a grand parade including class winners, classic cars and vintage tractors. The Show jumping and light horse events are in separate rings, start at 8:30 am and continue throughout the day. Other activities include a Farrier Competition, a fun dog show, classic cars, vintage engines and tractors There is a craft and junior marquee with photography, art, flower arranging, and craft competitions, there is a food and separate craft marquees where the best produce and craft work in Yorkshire can be found. Food and drinks of all kinds can be found in the food area and there is a fun fair and other similar facilities. Dogs are welcome provided that they are kept on a lead at all times. Parking is free and payment on the gate can now be made by bank card. www.northyorkshireshow.co.uk ........................................................
n Open Gardens – Copt Hewick 2 – 5pm. 7 village gardens to view, plant sale and delicious homemade teas in the Village Hall. Admission to all gardens £3. Proceeds to the Village Community Fund and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. ........................................................
22nd - 23rd June
Brahms German Requiem –
performed Saturday 18th May 2019 at St Oswald’s Church, Sowerby, Thirsk
Another successful concert and a wonderful experience all round. Thanks to all concerned for all the hard work in bringing the concert to fruition and many thanks to our enthusiastic audience. Special thanks to our Musical Director, Ed Venn, the very talented musicians who joined us for the concert, Imogen Creedy (Soprano), John Dunford (Baritone and great supporter of our choir), Gwenno Morgan and Chris Pelly who played the grand piano with such feeling. So many favourable comments already. Annual Dinner next week and then a well earned break until September when we start rehearsing for our Christmas Concert “A Renaissance Christmas” which will be held on Saturday 30th November 2019, 2.30pm at St John the Baptist & All Saints Church, Easingwold. Full details will be provided in the Autumn Edition of In-Focus.
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n Truck Gathering Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart, Blakey Lane, Thirsk, YO7 3AB. Yet again our family show, will showcase some of the best trucks in the country, with plenty of entertainment, food and trade stands on offer. Sat 10am-late, Sun 10am-3pm. Tel: 07801 581882 tickets: on the gate email: ttgthirsk@btinternet.com www.thirsktruckgathering.com ........................................................
6th July
n Summer Concert St Olave’s Church, York. YO30 7BH 8:00pm. Purcell: Music from Dido and Aeneas Berlioz: Nuits d’Ete (soloist Jo Rondel) Schubert: Symphony no 6 in C. Tickets: Full price: £14; Concessions: £13; Students: £5; Academy of St Olave’s www.academyofstolaves.org.uk ........................................................
13th July
n “About the ‘60s Summer Concert By The Mowbray Singers 7.30pm St James’ Green Methodist Church, Thirsk. The Beachboys, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Steeleye Span and other superstar groups connected with the 1960s provide the music for this year’s Mowbray Singers’ summer concert. The choir will perform arrangements of a selection of some of the 60s’ best known popular songs including In My Room, Penny Lane, The Sound of Silence and The Rhythm of Life. They will be accompanied by two pianos played by Helen Proudley and Evelyn Wilson. The Mowbray Singers is a SATB chamber choir of about 30 voices, based in Sowerby and conducted by Trevor Wilson. If you want to know more about us, have a look at our website (www. mowbraysingers.co.uk) and come to the concert! Tickets are £7, (16s and under, free) and are available from White Rose Books, Thirsk, The Thirsk Tourist Information Office, choir members or at the door” ........................................................
Easingwold Town Band’s Summer Bandstand Concerts We will be playing at the bandstand in Easingwold Memorial Park on the following Sunday afternoons, with an interval during which tea, coffee and cake are available. No advance ticket needed, collection on the day. Bring a picnic and enjoy a selection of brass band classics, popular and classical arrangements.
Sunday 7th July 2 - 4pm Sunday 1st September 2 - 4pm
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13th July n A Light In The Darkness St Michael le Belfrey, York, YO1 7EN 7:30pm. A exciting celebration of the power of Light; Poulenc’s stunning Mass in G sits alongside contemporary reflections by Alec Roth, David Briggs and Harry Escott on C16 masterpieces by Byrd, Tallis and White, together with music by Karl Jenkins, Kerry Andrew and Bob Chilcott. Tickets: All: £7.50 www.micklegatesingers.org.uk ........................................................
14th July
n Northallerton Carnival 2019 See p16 for details. ........................................................
16th July
n History Talk The Shed, Aldborough Manor. Friends of Roman Aldborough. ‘The Vindolanda Archaeological Leather Project.’ Dr Elizabeth Greene, Vindolanda Field School & Associate Professor of Roman Archaeologt, Dept of Classical Studies, University of Western Ontario. 7.30pm. Non members welcome, £5.. Tel: 01423 325808 email: secretary@ romanaldborough.co.uk www.romanaldborough.co.uk ........................................................
The Galtres Centre 5th July
n The Forest Of Glatres 7.30pm: Tickets £5.00 including tea and cake. One of the Royal Forests in Medieval times, extending northwards from York. This talk looks at the history of this forest, from as early as the Roman occupation of Eboracum (York), the boundaries in 1300’s, through to its division and enclosure in 1770. Karen Adams is a local historian and archaeologist, she grew up in York and now lives in the East Riding. She started working in archaeology on an excavation in York in the mid 1980’s and by 2000 had moved into the East Riding. Archaeological work has allowed her to
excavate sites of many different periods, from Iron Age to modern, discovering items left behind by the people who lived and worked in those areas generations ago. Talk being held in the lounge no allocated seats available. Tickets. 01347 822472
31st July n Measure For Measure When a young novice nun is compromised by a corrupt official, who offers to save her brother from execution in return for sex, she has no idea where to turn for help. When she threatens to expose him, he tells her no-one will believe her. Shakespeare wrote this play in the early 1600’s, yet it remains astonishingly resonant today. Adults £15. Children 16 & under £13. Tickets. 01347 822472 ........................................................
Stillington Village Hall 19th July
n Fashion Show 7.30pm. A new venture for Stillington Village Hall – The Complete Clothing Company is hosting a Fashion Show of affordable High Street clothing and accessories. Tickets are £8 each, to include first drink free, text 07484 157759 or at the door, postcode YO61 1JX. Models (of any size) are also needed to showcase the designs for sale, so let us know if you would like to strut your stuff, maybe with a friend?
28th September n Music Hall Evening A diary date in advance - to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the old school becoming our Village Hall, on Saturday 28th September at 7.30pm we are holding a Music Hall evening – dressing up optional – hosted by the cast of Pocket Panto from Wakefield. This should be a fun evening for all, with a little wine and ale to add to the atmosphere.” ........................................................
Please note: the editors cannot be held responsible for any changes to events listed. Please contact event organisers directly. All events correct at time of going to press.
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Play Tourist at Home Have you ever walked around your own area as if you were a tourist? You’d be surprised how much there is to see and how little you probably know about the place you live. We get so bogged down in daily routines that we don’t pay attention to what’s in front of our eyes. Here are five great reasons to explore your own area this summer. A fresh pair of eyes - Take roads and corners you’ve never taken before. Get lost in streets you’ve never been to and see things you never realized were there. You’ll see your area in a new light. A history lesson - You’ve driven or walked by that building, church, or statue thousands of times, but do you know the name of it or the story behind it? Take time to learn about the history and secrets of where you live! Read a book, visit a museum. Gaining a better understanding of an area’s heritage is a good way to learn to appreciate it. Meet New People - Engage in a conversation with a complete stranger while exploring your own town. Coffee shops are good places because the atmosphere is relaxed. Older people often enjoy a chat and may have a wealth of knowledge about the area, especially if they grew up there.
A new perspective - Find the highest building or vantage point and see if you can get a bird’s eye view of your area. For a completely different experience, see if you can do it again at night! Refresh your mind - Playing tourist in your own town can make you reconnect with and appreciate it. A teacher of mine once said, ‘Keep exploring. Keep learning. Stay curious, and you won’t go far wrong.’ By Sarah Davey
Pork & Pineapple Kebabs
A nice take on sweet ‘n’ sour pork, suitable for the barbecue Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 10-15 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients
400g Pork fillet 4 tbsp Light muscovado sugar 60ml Cider vinegar 1 tsp Asian fish sauce ½ Small pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into chunks (or use ready prepped fresh pineapple, drained well) 1 Pepper (any colour), deseeded and cut into squares Spanish onion, chopped into chunks Small bunch coriander, chopped (optional) To serve - Boiled rice or pitta pockets
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Method Cut the pork into cubes. Heat the sugar and vinegar in a pan over a low heat until the sugar melts. Add the fish sauce and cool. Tip in the pork and mix well so that all the cubes are covered in sauce. Heat the barbecue, or a griddle pan or grill. Thread the pork and pineapple onto skewers, alternating pieces with the pepper and Spanish onion. You can use whatever onions you have but Spanish are more delicate in flavour and sweeten nicely when grilled. Barbecue or griddle the skewers for 3-4 mins each side (you may need to cook them for longer if griddling). Serve with rice or slide into pitta pockets
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Join us for a fun family day out! The annual Carnival at Northallerton, held on the Applegarth Park, comes to you this year, on Sunday 14th July .
Hawkes Arty Party, Capt.Jack Sparrow and the VETS4PETS dog competition. This year with their vet to talk to about your pet problems.
The fun starts at 11a.m. and will be formally opened by Rishi Sunak MP at about 11.20am
New attractions this year include a climbing wall and Archaeosoup....learn history the fun way.
The Ambassadors Marching band will be performing on the Town Square at 11a.m. Other characters will be handing out the programmes. On the park we have a mixture of stalls for you to peruse. Mandi and Sara’s Mobile Bar will provide the drinks and we have a mix of sweet and savoury food outlets. This year we have the return of the Diddy Dennis Fire Engine, Ruth
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In the arena, we have a full programme of entertainment inc. Zumba, The Dolls, AJ Academy, Luke Benson, Xpressions, races for children AND adults, and welcoming the exciting TRAILBLAZERS Western Reinactors . As Chairman I would like to say, we are very excited about this years event. We have more to confirm but the programme we have put together is looking like the best yet.
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GARDEN VIEW
Sitting Sustainably One of the great pleasures in life has to be sitting outside on a summer evening, glass of wine in hand, gazing in reverie at your precious plot. But what are you sitting on? Is your furniture environmentally friendly? What about that lovely decking, or your garden shed? As gardeners we have a responsibility which extends far beyond our boundary. Trees are vital to the planet. They convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and act as environmental filters, offsetting the effects of pollution. They also provide a habitat for birds and animals. Like many gardeners I take a keen interest in environmental matters so it came as a shock when I read recently that that every year our tiny island imports more unsustainably produced wood than anywhere else in the world! A good proportion of this wood is used to make garden buildings, furniture, fencing and decking. I was thrilled, therefore, to read about the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and their certification programme for sustainable produced and sourced wood? The FSC was founded in 1993, in response to public concern about deforestation. The council devised a woodlabelling scheme which allows a product to be traced right back down the supply chain from the consumer to its source.
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Any product bearing the FSC logo is guaranteed to be from forests which are carefully managed to conserve biodiversity and support local communities. Unfortunately not all garden suppliers stock products which are FSC approved. So we need to demand that they do. The world’s forests are in decline. Some tropical hardwoods are already on the verge of extinction, and temperate forests in the northern hemisphere are also suffering because of unregulated tree-felling. As a gardener and lover of our environment I feel more comfortable knowing that I’m not contributing to the destruction of our planet. If you’re replacing your garden furniture this year, ask to see the FSC certified label. Happy gardening. Q. Is it possible to be environmentally friendly when buying PVC furniture? A. Yes it is. Many companies are now producing furniture made from recycled PVCs. You’re no longer limited to the standard flimsy offerings either. It’s now possible to find sturdy benches and picnic tables. Of course, the advantage of PVC is that it’s completely weatherproof; maintenance-free, and won’t rot, corrode or splinter! By Rachael Leverton
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MEN IN SHEDS Easingwold District Community Care Association (EDCCA), has launched a new Community Initiative in Easingwold for local residents and the surrounding areas. It is called Men in Sheds and will be joining nearly 500 established groups located across the UK who are part of the rapidly expanding Men in Sheds concept. In 2013 there were only 5, so the question is what is this all about and why is it so popular? After retirement or when personal circumstances change it is common to feel a little at a loss and to miss workmates, friendships, relationships and banter. Men is Sheds is all about providing a community space for groups of predominately older men, who would like to re-build social connections. Its aim is to give you the opportunity to enjoy the company of others, talking, sharing, creating and doing something practical. The whole idea is to have a reason to bring people together. Men in Sheds activities are decided by the group. Some groups are involved in D.I.Y,
making, mending and repairing all sorts of items, big and small. Other groups enjoy gardening and managing an allotment where they can grow fruit and vegetables. In Easingwold you can do both. EDCCA has been able to raise the funds needed to develop this project due to the generous support of Easingwold Town Council, Easingwold District Lions and Hambleton District Council for which we are truly grateful. It means we can provide 2 different facilities for you to use, at no cost to yourself: • We have acquired an allotment at Stillington Road and are in the process of building a large shed on the site. • With huge thanks to the management team at Easingwold’s Youth Centre COZIE, you can also use the facilities of this building during the day as the young people usually would not be at the centre until late afternoon. Some men will have skills they can share and some will learn new skills through being involved. Fundamentally it is about enjoying your day with likeminded people and sharing experiences. Men in Sheds Easingwold gives you the opportunity to meet up with others, put the
kettle on and get involved in a whole range of gardening related projects at the allotment and the shed or use your DIY and practical skills at COZIE. Whatever the activity, Men in Sheds is not just about the allotment and the building. It is about the relationships and companionship that develops between the group. To find out more and decide if you would like to get involved do please contact us: Helen Lambert at EDCCA - 01347 822875 or email info@edcca.org.uk
A small farm with a big challenge! The Spilman family are a small mixed farming business, with a big (huge!) diversification challenge on our hands! They have a history of forward thinking and diversification, within their farm heritage, 47 years ago they planted their first strawberries to diversify into PYO. There were few farm shops then, and the concept of pyo and farm shop retail has evolved to be a popular pastime in the last ten years. Last year, Spilmans decided to revisit their farm shop concept (which was a seasonal pop up shop) and expand their customer offer to include a fully stocked farm shop, cafe and play barn business. Spilmans aim is to extend visitors stay whilst on their farm, by offering a great value day out for all the family. Their purpose, is to give people a truly authentic experience. First and foremost, they do not proclaim to be anything other than yorkshire farmers... and everything must be centered around their fabulous setting. They hope to continue to develop and grow their business to become a destination of choice for families, cyclists and the immediate local community. This is a big challenge to their business, as the history
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of the farm shop, is that of a seasonal business that previously has only been open June August for the last 47 years! This requires a whole mindset change from the local community, to remember that Spilmans farm shop and cafe is now open for 9 months of the year and are a local convenience store to them for organic milk, cream & butter, fresh eggs, farm reared meat, preserves, confectionery etc. “We are an excellent example, of a farm that approaches diversification in a proactive way, and not reactive. Our farming future, depends on the diversification of past farming ways, to make farming accessible to the next generation.. We choose to do this by providing an authentic farm shopping environment, a cafe menu that showcases fresh seasonal produce, and a play space that provides a farming themed recreational facility for families, that educates young people about agriculture.” Olivia Spilman. This farming team are passionate about all things farming, the future of farming and how we can influence the younger generation to learn about and enjoy a farming setting. This year they opened their Spilman County Showground Playbarn, which enables families to visit the farm for free and spend time in a rural farming setting. Playing and interacting with each other, role
playing how to be a farmer, looking after and even showing animals! They recently volunteered for the FaceTime a Farmer initiative, to help schools across the country engage with farming from the classroom. This year is the first year they will partake in Open Farm Sunday, when the farm will be open to the public to visit and see behind the scenes on June 21st 2019. Alongside future generations, Spilmans have made a commitment to the planet this year too... to reduce the use of single use plastic this year across the whole of the farm. Their PYO punnets are now plastic free, and made from recycled cardboard. They no longer have any plastic carrier bags, but have our own branded bags for life if customers forget a bag. Their farm shop sells organic milk in glass bottles, hand wrapped organic butter, eco products for the home and much more! They also sell the first tin of peanut butter to hit the market! Spilmans Farm Shop, Cafe & Playbarn ore now open for the 2019 season. Open Tuesday- Sunday 9am- 4pm. Church Farm, Sessay, Thirsk, YO7 3NB
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Summer at the Blue Cross A home for Bailey
realise they are overdoing it when they are having a good time!
Blue Cross always has dogs and cats looking for a loving home. The charity matches pets in their care to new families and pets go to their new homes vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, neutered and behaviour assessed.
Cats may like to sunbathe but those with pale ears and noses are prone to developing skin cancer if they spend too long in the sun. Make sure there is plenty of shade if the like spending time in the garden.
Bailey is a ten-year-old Labrador cross who is looking for a new home where his owners will be around for most of the day because he loves company. He loves going for walks and playing, in return for a treat he has a number of tricks up his sleeve. He would prefer to be the only pet in the home and keep all the attention to himself.
Always have plenty of fresh, clean water available for your pet and if taking your dog on a long journey or on holiday with you make sure they have regular water and toilet stops.
Top tips for pets to have a cool summer Despite warnings by animal welfare charities every year sadly dogs are still left in cars on warm days. Even with windows rolled down, cars effectively act like ovens and within minutes dogs overheat. It’s also a good idea to avoid walking your dog in the middle of the day, take them out in the morning or evening to avoid them overheating. Also monitor their playtime in the summer heat, dogs might not
Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/summer for more advice on protecting pets in warmer weather. To find out more about Bailey, or to make a donation towards his and the other pets care contact the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Thirsk on 0300 777 1540 or thirsk@bluecross.org.uk. Visit at Station Road, Thirsk YO7 3SE. The centre is open from 11.00am to 4.00pm every day except Wednesday when it is closed.
So, you want to be a...VET Veterinary Medicine is a highly competitive field. Every year there are hundreds of applicants for each available place. It is probably one of the most over- subscribed courses in the country.
Be prepared not to get in at the first attempt. You can re-apply and make use of the year to gain experience. Whether it is a first attempt or a retry you need to differentiate yourself for the competition.
You will need excellent A-levels. Most people have chemistry, biology and either physics or maths at Grade A or B. Some universities will accept other subjects if they are impressed with the candidate. You will need to check with individual universities. Many Veterinary schools expect candidates to take a BMAT test (BMAT stands for biomedical admissions test) in order to get into vet school. This is an aptitude test. Go to www.bmat.org.uk for information and sample questions.
Try to gain experience working in a vet practice, on farms assisting with lambing or calving, in dog kennels or at local zoos and animal rescue centres. Mostly you will be cleaning out kennels, feeding animals, making tea etc. It will almost certainly be unpaid. But ask lots of questions, and ask to observe interesting operations etc. Write up interesting cases and experiences as case studies, explain what you learned and submit these along with your application.
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This will prove to the university that you are self-motivated and dedicated, which counts for a lot during the application process. Remember that universities like to take on well-rounded students, so make sure develop hobbies and talents in other areas too. By James Campbell
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Fundraising Talk for Cancer Research Easingwold Friends of Cancer Research UK are pleased to announce a fund raising event to be held on 28th June. This will be an illustrated talk given be Mountaineer and Raconteur John Barry in the Galtres Centre. John is well known in climbing and mountaineering circles. He has agreed to come to help our fund raising efforts as he is the brother of Caroline, one of our committee members. John is a highly experienced mountaineer who has led expeditions in all the seven continents and who can claim first ascents in five of them. Everest, Vinson, Denali, K2,Eiger North Face and a host of other well known mountains all feature on his CV. John started his climbing career as a Royal Marine Commando and became responsible for mountain and Arctic training. After a period as director of the National Mountain Centre he became an author of eight mountaineering books, a training consultant and an expedition leader. He has led many expeditions across the globe including to K2 and Everest and was the first Briton to scale Everest in this millennium. As an author, producer and presenter of television programmes, John has a wealth of tales and great experience in relating them in an inspirational and humorous manner. .................................................. The Galtres Centre Easingwold YO61 3AD Friday 28 June 2019 7:30pm Tickets ÂŁ12.50 from The Galtres Centre. Tel: 01347 822 472
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Index Art & Antiques Granary Picture Framing: p21 Spectrum Framing & Gallery: p3 Attractions & Events Cancer UK Talk: p21 Easingwold Singers: p12 Husthwaite Village Market: p12 Masham Steam Engine Rally: p13 Northallerton BID: p15 Spilmans: p13 Builders & Contractors Design Exteriors: p1 NYG Ltd: p17 Peter Cox Ltd: p17 RCS Contracts: p1 Resin Drives: p24 T. G & H Harper Builders Ltd: p17 Yorkshire Loft Ladders: p23 Business Services Printing.com: p22 Sycamore Storage: p5 Carpets & Flooring Searles Carpets: p1 Children’s Services Hummingbirds Nursery: p10 Cleaning Daily Poppins: p6 Zero Dry Time: p6
Clothing BATA: p19 Dental Clock Tower Dental: p11 Market Place Dentistry: p3 Smile Denture Clinic: p11 Design & Print Printing.com: p22 Elderly Services St. Johns House: p4 Electrical Services Aerial Services York: p5 Electrocare: p22 Handy Andy: p22 Finance & Legal NFU Thirsk: p1 Food & Drink Spilmans: p13 Thirsk Co-Op: p9 Funeral Services Dales of Thirsk Memorials: p24 Furniture Brian Jones Upholstery: p4 Harelooms: p4 Garages Station Autos: p23 Gardens & Outdoors Design Exteriors: p24
RCS Contracts: p1 Resin Drives: p24 Gifts BATA: p19 Granary Picture Framing: p21 Spectrum Framing & Gallery: p3 Hair & Beauty Beauty Within: p3 Healthcare & Wellbeing Clock Tower Dental: p11 Market Place Dentistry: p3 Smile Denture Clinic: p11 Home & Interiors BATA: p19 Brian Jones Upholstery: p4 Court Homemakers: p2 Dales of Thirsk: p24 Dream Doors: p5 Granary Picture Framing: p21 Harelooms: p4 Jody Gray Upholstery: p3 Rooms By Design: p7 Spectrum Framing & Gallery: p3 Kitchen & Bathrooms Court Homemakers: p2 Dales of Thirsk: p24 Dream Doors: p5 Rooms By Design: p7 Machinery Black Dog Machinery: p22
Memorials Dales of Thirsk: p24 Motoring Station Autos: p23 Pet Services Doggy Doos Salon: p21 Property Maintenance Aerial Services York: p5 Design Exteriors: p24 Handy Andy: p22 NYG Ltd: p17 Peter Cox Ltd: p17 RCS Contracts: p1
Resin Drives: p24 T. G & H Harper Builders Ltd: p17 Yorkshire Loft Ladders: p23 Solar Power Peak Power Systems: p17 Sport & Leisure Venture Cycles: p13 Storage Sycamore Storage: p5 Windows NYG Ltd: p17
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