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Quarterly Royal Mail distribution: 15,600 homes & businesses www.jkanorth.com/thirsk | Autumn 2013
InFocus
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inside thirsk & Easingwold infocus
AUTumn
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05 local news 06 new business feature 10 community 10 community 16 out & about 18 finance
Tax Savings for Pensioners Cuba Charity Bike Ride
New businesses & services Autumn Cinema @ The Ritz Thirsk Clock Update Local Events
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22 community 23 community community 24 garden 26 safety 28 infocus 34
What’s on at Rural Arts? Easingwold Players News Blue Cross Update National Trust Gardens Tips on how to stay safe this Autumn Advertiser Index
Welcome to the Autumn issue of Thirsk & Easingwold InFocus. In this issue we look at a wide range of local events and activities across our area including: our regular events listings (p18-19), Rural Arts in Thirsk (p22) and an update from the Easingwold Players (p23). We provide several tips on how to stay safe during the darker Autumn months t: 01609 777401 on page 28. Don’t forget, if you would like to advertise your business with us then please don’t hesitate to contact me. www.jkanorth.com Best wishes as ever, Christine Campbell | Editor
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Tax Savings For Pensioners Low interest rates continue to give problems to pensioners. The over 65s who may be on fixed incomes need to maximise their tax allowances and save money where possible. Last year saw a large increase in the personal allowances for those aged 65 to 74. Because of these large increases they have not been increased in the current tax year although the income limits have. The income limit All these age allowances are subject to an income limit. For 2013/14 this limit is £26,100. Where income does exceed the limit, the higher age allowances reduce for £1 in respect of every £2 of income above the limit, but not so as to reduce the allowance below the ordinary personal allowance for those aged under 65.
Tax planning around the income limit Whilst we have higher personal allowances for those aged 65, sensible tax planning will split income between husband and wife so as to maximise these allowances. For example, if a couple have total joint gross income of £40,000, split £8,000 to the husband and £32,000 to the wife, neither will qualify for the age allowances. This is because the husband’s income is too low and the wife’s income is too far in excess of the income limit so that she has no entitlement to age allowances. If income could be split equally between them, both would be entitled to the higher age allowance. This may not be organised easily if the main source of income is a pension but investment income does provide opportunities for this. Married couple’s allowance The married couple’s allowance is only available to any married couple where at least one spouse was born before 6 April 1935. For 2013/14, the allowance is £7,915 and this provides a tax reduction of 10 per cent of the allowance, maximum tax
Peter Tarren For business planning and tax advice call Peter on: 01609 779400 or email him at: p.tarren@euraaudituk.com or drop in at: 87 South Parade Northallerton DL7 8SJ
relief therefore £791.50. The allowance is also subject to the income limit of £26,100 and where income exceeds this limit it is reduced in the same manner as the age allowances reduce as described above, but in this case it is not reduced below a minimum figure of £3,040. The very wealthy It should not be overlooked that any pensioners who are fortunate enough to have income in excess of £118,880 in 2013/14 will not receive any personal allowances at all. For married couples, there will clearly be significant tax advantages to be achieved by reorganisation of finances where one has income in excess of this figure and the other has income well below the threshold of £100,000. The age requirement To be entitled to the higher age allowances, the claimant must be at or over the required age at some time during the tax year. Therefore a person born on or before 5 April 1948 will be entitled to the age allowance of £10,500 for 2013/14. However it has been announced that anyone born after that date will only receive the basic personal allowance and will never become entitled to the higher age allowances. Tax planning before retirement As income can reduce considerably upon retirement, it can be sensible under the current regime of high personal tax rates to defer investment income until after retirement. There are a number of ways by which this can be achieved and we would be happy to discuss these with you. Alternatively use can be made of life assurance bonds to reduce income and increase allowances.
For advertising please contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | christine@jkanorth.com | www.jkanorth.com
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Local lady riding across Cuba for charity Anne Ash from Bedale will be part of an amazing group of women cycling 400km over 5 days across Cuba in October 2013 to raise money for charity, this is Anne’s’ second challenge as she was part of Cycle Kenya 2012. The Cuba challenge starts at Jibacoa Beach and finishes at Santa Clara, the cycling is both on and off road and will be away from the tourist trails covering 85 to 96 kms per day. Anne is now in serious training mode and can be seen cycling around the local area in preparation for the ride. The charity ride is organised by Women V Cancer and the monies raised will support the following 3 charities - Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action. Anne has to raise a minimum of £2,900 and is paying for her own flights and accommodation so more money will go towards supporting the charities.
If you would like to help:
Please support these charities and sponsor Anne online at www.justgiving.com/AnneAsh56 or contact Anne on 07741013425. If anyone would like to take on a women-only challenge please contact Women V Cancer at www.actionforcharity.co.uk.
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In the Frame & looking forward... TIM AND JO ROBERTS, both of whom are experienced picture framers, are well into their seventh trading year at Spectrum Picture Framing and Gallery in Thirsk. Thanks to their ever growing number of loyal customers, business is booming in their “high tech” on-site Framing Workshop and Gallery.
Nolon Stacey and Sue Howells is ever present in the Gallery. A wonderful range of solid bronze sculpture forms part of their exclusive British made gift range, with Hares being by far the best sellers!
Says Jo, “We never cease to be amazed by the wonderful and varied art work that customers bring in for framing. In addition to the regular watercolours, oils, prints, embroideries, photographs, war medals and sports memorabilia; other framing challenges include; ballet pumps, coins and even African arrows!” “We are also very keen to support young local artists”, explains Tim, “providing advice in terms of presenting their work and how to progress in the business world”.
Spectrum is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm Tuesday to Friday and 9.00am to 4.30pm on Saturday. A Home Consultation Service is available.
As for the country themed Gallery, work from two nationally renowned Artists, Debbie Harris and Debbie Boon, has been introduced for 2013. Work from Angela Davidson, Becky Mair, Peter Dworok, Peter Brook, Nigel Artingstall,
Spectrum Framing and Gallery, 5 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PQ. Telephone: (01845) 527773. www.spectrumframing.co.uk. Email: info@spectrumframing.co.uk Also on Twitter @spectrumframing and Facebook.
For advertising please contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | christine@jkanorth.com | www.jkanorth.com
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Please mention Thirsk & Easingwold InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers
For advertising please contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | christine@jkanorth.com | www.jkanorth.com
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W E N businesses & serovuincdeosur in & ar area
Films NEW! Autumn @ The Ritz Cinema Fri 13th - Thurs 19th Sept
The Heat
Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy US Hit Comedy: Two mismatched FBI agents have to work together to bring down a ruthless drug lord. 1hr 57m - Contains strong language, violence and sex references Fri 20th - Thurs 26th Sept
The Lone Ranger
Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter Western: The legend as seen through the eyes of Native American Tonto as they work together to fight corruption. 2hr 29m - Contains moderate violence and injury detail Fri 27th - Thurs 3rd Oct
Elysium
Matt Damon, Jodie Foster Science Fiction: A dystopian future where the wealthy have deserted an overpopulated earth for a purpose built space station called Elysium. 1hr 49m - Contains strong language, bloody violence & gory images
To feature within this section of the magazine please contact us on: 01609 777401 christine@jkanorth.com
Sat 28th & Sun 29th Oct
Planes
(ONLY weekend matinees) Disney Animation: Dusty the crop duster dreams of competing in an around the world race, but unfortunately he is scared of heights!
Let’s Party! Come on, who doesn’t like to have an excuse to celebrate a special day in the company of friends, family or colleagues? But have you found that sometimes these parties can be spoilt by the stuffy, claustrophobic atmosphere in the room provided by the Hotel? If you have got a function to celebrate but you don’t relish the thought of all the hassle of arranging an expensive hotel venue, then why not let the party come to you? With Highfield Marquees, that’s exactly what we do. We help to make your celebration into a much more personal and intimate affair. Our marquees are suitable for weddings, that special birthday or anniversary, a corporate event or village fete / garden party, Highfield Marquees are based in Ripon, North Yorkshire and offer quality marquee hire at truly affordable rates, right across the UK. Marquees are available to hire every day, 365 days a year. The team can turn your venue into a beautiful place to hold your bespoke event, ensuring it will become a special day that you and your guests will always remember. Highfield Marquees offer a price promise and will beat any like-forlilke genuine quotation, it really is that simple... Marquee hire at honest, affordable prices. .......................................................................................................... For more details contact Highfield Marquees on: 01765 641874 / 07583 140900 / info@highfieldmarquees.co.uk
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The Ultimate Christmas Gift! If you are looking to get the ultimate personalised gift for someone special this Christmas then why not commission your family tree from Footprints To The Past and help your loved one trace their roots. We spoke to Pam Ince from Footprints about the art of Geneology.
“When I’m asked, “Where do you work?” or “What do you do?”, my response always provokes a comment such as “So what do you do exactly” Once I’ve explained then I’m usually bombarded with questions and told all the family tales, rumours etc. Believe me when I say this can happen at a bus stop, cafe, social gathering and even at the hospital when I was having a broken leg put in plaster! It seems everybody wants to know their family history especially since the advent of programmes such as “Who do you think you are”. I have come across so many different things, no two families are identical and I always say “Who do you really think you are? One gentleman told me his family had links with Ireland when it turned out they were actually Dorset farmers. Sometimes I have to drop a bombshell, so to speak, for instance another gentleman asked me to trace his father’s family name which I did until the 1840’s then his great great grandfather disappeared from the face of the earth until I discovered the secret that he was illegitimate and had adopted that name at the age of 36! This poor man had been using a Family name which wasn’t
even his, lucky enough the true name was traced and the family turned out to be smugglers from Kent! Better still was the chap in the Police Force who was descended from three generations of criminals, in my job I learn to be very diplomatic but whatever I find, I am honest with the results, as I say you can choose your friends but not your family! When searching for families I try to use as many sources as I can including GRO records, Wills, Army & Navy records, Parish Registers and many more, leaving no stone unturned. Most people are fascinated with the results, even if they’re descended from a humble labourer, it’s not just about names and dates it’s where these people lived, their family and occupations. Of course having your family researched is a most wonderful gift that you can give or receive as it is completely unique and tailored to you. A gift that no doubt will be passed down the family for years to come and let’s face it, you might never know otherwise - Who you really are!” Contact Pam for more details on: 01482 791155
Meet the new team at Daily Poppins! Daily Poppins now has a new owner in Tim Pollock-Gore. Tim recently took over Northallerton & Thirsk Daily Poppins and he was keen to tell us about his plans for the business. “Daily Poppins is already well established in the Northallerton and Thirsk areas for domestic cleaning but I want to let everyone know that we undertake so much more! We do office cleaning, pre and post letting cleans, holiday let cleans, pre house sale cleans and just a one off when you need a little extra help, a special occasion or even as a gift! We have a fantastic team working here, who take real pride in their work and in making a difference. They are all fully trained, insured and are employed by me. All our staff are fully CRB checked too.”
For more details about Daily Poppins please call your local office on: 01845 469069 / 01609 531109 or call Tim direct on: 07926 993548. Or email: tim.pollock-gore@dailypoppins.cm For advertising please contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | christine@jkanorth.com | www.jkanorth.com
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Wellheeled has moved! After 3 successful years in premises on Kirkgate, Wellheeled owner Jane Jackson has decided to move her business into the heart of Thirsk Market Place. Jane decided to purchase new premises at 49 Market Place, Thirsk (Behind the Old Tourist Information Centre) and rebrand the business as, “Wellheeled Boutique”. She tells us more about these business decisions, “I decided to move the business as the new, larger premises will drastically increase the number of people passing our shop. I am also passionate about continuously striving to bring new and exciting products to my customers and so the larger shop space allows me to expand our ranges. We are even now going to be stocking men’s shoes! We invite all customers, old and new, to come and visit our new shop to see the fantastic ranges we have in stock.”
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Wellheeled Boutique is expanding their customer offering to include: Ladies underwear from Wacoal, dressing gowns and ladies toiletries from The Littlecote Soap Company, Mens shoes from Barkers and Steptronic and new clothing Brands from Spanish Brand Escorpion and Viccio. They are also continuing to stock an extensive range from Inwear,Yaya and Not Your Daughters Jeans. Current brands in store also include: Kennel and Schmenger, Lisa Kay, Gabor, Van Dal, Paul Green, Hogl and Caprice Proprietor Jane Jackson and Manager Frances Swales run Wellheeled Boutique. The pair continue to give a personal customer service and are offering a loyalty scheme to their regular customers.
Wellheeled Boutique 49 Market Place Thirsk, YO7 1HA Tel: 01845 574444
Please mention Thirsk & Easingwold InFocus when contacting any of our advertisers
For advertising please contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | christine@jkanorth.com | www.jkanorth.com
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Risk & Reward According to the British Bankers’ Association, the overall balance on savings held by personal savers is £742.3bn which sounds like a lot of money. To give this some context that much money could buy the 10 biggest UK quoted companies; 336 world class football squads (based on Real Madrid pre Gareth Bale) or £11,653 per person in the UK. Basically a lot of money! The problem with the current savings market is that in real terms (after inflation), the value of your savings is going down in value. So what on the face of it is a risk free asset is not. The current inflation rate is 2.8% and a basic rate tax payer would need to earn 3.5% to keep pace with inflation (4.7% for a higher rate tax payer). The top savings rates available according to moneysavingexpert. com are 1.75% for instant access and 2.03% for a one year fixed rate account. Of course you need to move your money to get the best savings rates and so many people will be getting even poorer rates. The prospect is that rates will stay low over the next few years. The new governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney has said that the base rate is likely to stay at the current level for the next 3 years.
What are the options? It’s all about risk. Under a deposit account where the savings are under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, deposits of £85,000 are guaranteed even if the bank fails which is presumably part of the attraction. One of the better alternatives which have previously been available are index linked savings certificates offered by National Savings and Investments. Unfortunately they are not currently available. Other options will involve risk to the capital invested in exchange for the prospect of better returns. It’s important before considering this option to ensure that enough money is held in cash to cover any short term needs as well as an emergency fund to cover unexpected events.
loans effectively loaning the money in exchange for interest and ultimately a return of capital. There has been a long held concern that a rise in interest rates will mean that these funds will lose value. However, it’s not clear when this will happen and in the meantime, these funds are producing good levels of income. For example, the Fidelity Strategic Bond fund currently has a yield of 3.1% and has returned 5.0% over 1 year, 6.7% per annum over 3 years and 8.9% per annum over 5 years. As you will have read elsewhere past performance is not a guide to future performance but Bond funds can offer an alternative to deposits.
Equity Income Funds Further up the risk scale is equity investment. One category in particular is equity income funds which offer the potential of capital growth as well as income. An example of an equity income fund is the Invesco Perpetual High Income fund which has a yield of 3.6% and has returned 20.71% over 1 year and 15.44% per annum over 3 years and 9.89% per annum over 5 years. Clearly it makes sense to keep money on deposit from an accessibility point of view but in recent years that does mean that the value of your capital has been eroded by inflation. By introducing a degree of risk to your investments, it is possible to expose your money to alternatives which offer the potential of higher returns. Because of the capital risk involved it is normal to have an investment horizon of at least 5 years before looking at these non-deposit options. There are many options and I have just illustrated two of these above. It’s important that any investment into assets with a higher level of risk is carried out in the context of your overall financial circumstances and with professional advice unless you are an experienced investor.
Bond Funds These funds invest in corporate and government
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Update
For many people summer means going on holiday, sorting the garden out after months of neglect or just enjoying the warm weather.
For Thirsk Clock staff summer can mean only one thing, after months of planning, risk assessments, working out transport and logistics, lots of telephone calls and e-mails (not to mention trying to secure the funding) we start to bring all of this together to provide a wide range of summer activities for the young people of Thirsk and surrounding villages to enjoy.
and is replaced by the summer hat. This summer that hat has been worn for various activities including Ice skating, fishing trips, a treasure hunt, a trip to the seaside, all of these activities are interspersed with BBQ,s and cooking sessions held back at Thirsk
This summer saw 21 young people become members. Mason Pearson (13) is a new member. He said, ‘I come to Thirsk Clock because it is a cool place to hang out. What I like about the Clock is that it is a friendly place, all the staff are kind and treat you with respect’. Tom (13) another new member said, ‘I joined the Clock because I’m not going on holiday. It’s really fun and the staff are nice’.
It has long been a misconception that the staff of Thirsk Clock just takes kids to play football or run the youth café for a living. In reality we spend the majority of our days helping young people get through whatever crisis they may be facing at a time in their lives when they are at their most vulnerable. These issues can range from difficult choices to make with regards to education and training, right through to substance misuse and homelessness. Clock HQ. The programme is planned and organised by young people from Thirsk Clock. The main aim is for young people to have fun however the programme is also used to develop young people’s personal skills such as team work and broaden their horizons. Each year staff are shocked when young people tell them they have never seen the sea. This year has also seen us Paintballing, Power boating, Go-Karting canoeing and hill walking. Tim (14) said that taking part in the activities stops me from being bored or hanging around the streets. The staff encourage me to help with the organisation of some activities such as hill walking and the treasure hunt’.
We have qualified and experienced staff on hand to help a young person cope with any issue they may be facing. We could spend eight hours in a particular day working through these problems and hopefully finding a positive outcome by the end of the working day . In summer however, this is not the end of the working day. The problem resolving hat comes off
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new friends along the way, we have also become the saviours of some very grateful parents. This summer Thirsk Clock provided 142 hours of activities for almost 100 young people. ‘This is the 3rd year I have taken part in the activity programme. It gives me the chance to try new things and my favourite activity has been ice skating. I’ve already got some ideas for next year’s programme’. James (17) the summer activity programme gives us activities to look forward to and be excited about before we go back to college in September’.
Dom (14) said ‘I have only just joined the Clock but straight away I was invited to join in the summer activities. I have just moved to the area so it has helped me make new friends and feel settled. It has given me lots of fun things to do and it doesn’t cost a lot of money. I have enjoyed meeting the staff and they have made me feel very welcome. I’ve been on lots of the trips and it has given me the opportunity to try new things such as ice skating’. In fact this year has seen an activity being provided virtually every day of the summer break. During this time we have gathered new members and made some
Inevitably the summer activities come to an end, the kids go back to school and the other hat comes out again, and with it comes the determination that we will make next year’s summer activities even bigger and better than this year. This year’s programme would not have been possible without the grants from the Hedley Foundation and Broadacres Housing Association. We are holding a quiz night at Thirsk Clock on 11th October at 7pm. Funds raised will enable us to carry on delivering services to young people in the area. Please ring Thirsk Clock for more details. Thirsk Clock is situated behind St James Green Church Hall. If you would like to know more about the services that we provide, or you feel that you may like to volunteer some of your time ,please contact Abigail on 01845 524494 or drop us an E-mail at info@ thirskclock.com
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For advertising please contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | christine@jkanorth.com | www.jkanorth.com
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Out & About 17th September
• Chamber of Trade Quiz Night Thirsk Athletic Club: 7pm Ladies of Thirsk Chamber of Trade Quiz night. Teams of up to 4 welcome. 7pm for 7.30pm. £10 per head inc hot supper. Tel: 01845 525030 tickets: Essential, from Luke Millers, Finkle St. ......................................................................................................................
26th September
• Bloomin’ Words Crime Cabaret Evening White Rose Books: 7-9pm Where words flourish’ will be hosted by Radio 4 Stand up Poet, Kate Fox. You are invited to join us for an enjoyable Cabaret featuring a mixture of writers, singers and comedians. 7-9pm. Tel: 01845 524353 www.whiterosebooks.co.uk ......................................................................................................................
26th September
• National Theatre Live presents Othello The Galtres Centre: 7pm Nicholas Hytner’s swan song at The National Theatre receives outstanding reviews as one of the best productions of any Shakespearian play, starring Adrian Lester as Othello and Rory Kinnear as Iago. Lester transforms himself from the cool dignified commander to the rage at Desdemona’s adultery. Kinnear is a less physical actor but his Iago perfectly impersonates the straight forward man whom soldiers would turn to for practical advice. Both men compliment each other. Their talents are brought out by a wonderful production. Adults: £15.00 16 and under £13.00. Box Office Open: Monday-Friday 9.00 am-5.00 pm 01347 822472. ......................................................................................................................
28th September
• Herriot Hospice Homecare Charity Ceilidh featuring Blind Panic Sowerby Parochial Church Hall: 7.30pm - 10.30pm Tickets £8 adult, £5 under 16s including pie and pea supper from: 01609 777413 or Herriot Hospice Homecare website. ......................................................................................................................
28th September
• Live Music: Unfinished Business The Crown & Anchor, Sowerby: Music from 9pm Come and join us for another great night of live music, full listings for these regular events at: www.crownandanchorsowerby.co.uk ......................................................................................................................
£40 This space from only
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9th October
• Cinema: Love is All you Need Easingwold Cinema 7.30p.m Pierce Brosnan stars in this film set in Sorrento where Brosnan,a wealthy widower, attends the wedding of his estranged son and falls for the bride’s mother a cancer survivor.. The Italian scenery is magnificent. Adults £5 16 and under £3. Box Office Open Monday-Friday 9.00 am-5.00 pm 01347 822472 The Galtres Centre, Market Place, Easingwold, York ......................................................................................................................
11th October
• Northallerton Silver Band Annual Last Night of the Proms Hambleton Forum, Northallerton: 7.30pm Tickets £6 available from Greensleeves Central Arcade Northallerton or by telephone on: 01609 777272. Event supported by Barclays PLC Northallerton ......................................................................................................................
12th October
• Live Music: Northallerton Woodwind Ensemble & Alverton Brass Yorkshire Suite, Golden Lion Hotel: 7.30pm The Northallerton Woodwind Ensemble with the Alverton Brass will be performing yet another lively concert on Saturday 12th October 2013. Tickets £7 available from the Golden Lion Hotel in September or pay at the door. For further information please ring 07870 278720 or 01609 774158. Visit: www.northallertonwoodwind.com ......................................................................................................................
19th October
• Antiques Vintage Crafts & Collectors Fair Auction Mart: 9:30am - 03:30pm Blakey Lane, Sowerby, North Yorkshire YO7, UK For more details call: 01642 711036 ......................................................................................................................
8th November
Live Music: ‘Huge’ Galtres Centre: 8pm ‘Huge’ The ultimate party band - a 9-piece band formed in 1990, covering a wide range of music. ‘Huge’ appeal to an age range from young children to funky grannies! 8pm. £15 all tickets. Tel: 01347 822472 The Galtres Centre, Market Place, Easingwold, York ...................................................................................................................... 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.
For advertising please contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | christine@jkanorth.com | www.jkanorth.com
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What’s on at Rural Arts this Autumn? The new autumn brochure is out now featuring a great selection of workshops, performances, exhibitions and events for you to choose from.
Workshops
Our creative workshops are designed to give you the chance to try your hand at a new craft or brush up your skills. Suitable for all abilities, they are fun, friendly sessions that result in participants producing a piece of work to take home. Our autumn workshops include: Hand painted tiles (Fri 13th Sept) Observational drawing (Fri 20th Sept), Papercutting (Tue 1st Oct) and Silk screen printing (Tue 5th Nov), all led by artist Angela Hall. Popular collograph artist Hester Cox is running a printmaking evening course (3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th Oct) and Sheila Smith will be teaching basic felt making techniques, also over four weeks (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th Oct). On Saturday 26th October, Jorja Wilkinson is running a textile screen printing workshop and Dionne Swift will lead a freehand machine embroidery session on Saturday 13th November.
We are also running some inspiring Christmas themed workshops during November. Try your hand at making porcelain night lights (Sat 9th Nov, Angela Hall), polymer clay decorations (Thur 21st Nov, Jane Burnley) and glass decorations (Thur 28th Nov, Jane Littlefield).
Rural Arts The Courthouse / Thirsk T:01845 526536 E: Janice@ruralarts.org
programme of creative workshops that are both appealing and challenging. (Three sessions are now available - advance booking is essential). On 26th and 27th October Leeds based ensemble Three Jazz will be leading a Latin Jazz weekend for all those young music enthusiasts out there. Our annual Big Draw activity takes place from Monday 28th October –Saturday 2nd November and with Halloween Biscuit Decorating on Thursday 31st October there’s plenty to get involved in! For times, costs and more info contact t:01845526536/Janice@ruralarts.org/www. ruralarts.org/shop. ...........................................................................
Our autumn activities for children include our popular Saturday morning Art Club. Running in term times only, participants get involved in a
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As always the Courthouse will play host to a wonderful selection of musical treats in the new season. Shows will include:
Claire Ford is running a fantastic selection of sessions relating to the iPad starting with a beginners workshop on Thursday 26th September. To develop your skills why not try iPad Visual Arts (Thur 10th Oct), Photography (Thur 3rd Oct) or Film and Animation (Thur 24th October). Friday 27th September Gill Sandell (Above) (Loosely, Folk) Friday 18th October Boss Caine (Above - right) and Holly Tamar (Loosely, Folk) Friday 29th November Michael Janisch Saturday 30th November O’Hooley & Tidow (Loosely, Folk) For all performances, doors open at 7pm. Tickets £10 (except Roisin Conaty £12) or £17 to include meat/cheese platter (pre booking essential). ........................................................................... All iPad sessions will be held in the evening 6.30pm-9.30pm. If you are interested in photography, why not book on to a workshop (Sat 19th and Sat 26th Oct, 10am-1pm) to learn the basics of using your SLR camera. We can provide cameras if required. For the whole programme and more info contact: www.ruralarts.org/shop/e:janice@ ruralarts.org/t:01845526536 ........................................................................... The gallery and courtroom are set to host an exciting collection of work over the next few months. Entry to all our exhibitions is free.
Workshops for kids
Performances
iPad workshops
Exhibitions
Costs vary, for more information and to book contact t:01845 526536/www.ruralarts.org/ shop/Janice@ruralarts.org. ...........................................................................
October (6.30pm-9.30pm) and Saturday 5th October (10.00am-4.30pm), a great chance to buy a wonderful array of unique handmade gifts created by textile artists from our region. 15th – 18th November “Trace” by Sarah Greenslade. Sarah is a recent graduate of Glasgow School of Art and her work explores the fragility of the human psyche and perception. 18th November – 31st December A wide selection of seasonal gifts - textiles, jewellery, ceramics, prints, cards and gift wrap. ...........................................................................
7th – 30th September “One Life” celebrates the life and work of local artist Naomi Lyth and supports the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Liver Transitional Care Fund. 4th October – 15th November “Common Threads” is a textile themed exhibition featuring a diverse selection of regional artists’ work celebrating the versatility of this wonderful medium. To launch this exhibition we are holding a textiles makers market on Friday 4th
Events
Friday 27th September (10.30am-11.30am) Big Coffee Morning in the café in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support Friday 4th October (6.30pm-9.30pm) Saturday 5th October (10am-4.30pm) Textile Makers Market (see above) Saturday 2nd November (10.00am-4.00pm) “Roses around the Door” (BR events). A variety of stalls offering homewares, retro/vintage inspired items, garden items and more.. Saturday 23rd November (10.00am-4.00pm) Regional artists will be selling a wonderful selection of gifts, ideal for Christmas. Come and choose from ceramics, jewellery, textiles, prints etc. Our gallery, shop and café are open 10.00am4.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Why not call in and enjoy some delicious homemade lunch or have a browse in the shop where we sell high quality handcrafted goods by artists from across our region and beyond. Rural Arts / The Courthouse / Thirsk T:01845 526536/E: Janice@ruralarts.org
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News from the
EASINGWOLD PLAYERS Our next production is “Honk” directed by Abbi and Julian Ollive. With a cast including 30 children, our next production, a show for all the family, features both adults and young people taking the roles of Ida the Mother Duck, The Evil Cat, Greylag the RAF inspired Goose, the Friendly Bullfrog and Beautiful Swan, Penny.All the characters Ugly the Duckling meets when he escapes from the Yorkshire Farmyard. With music ranging from big show numbers with dancing and chorus to touching duets and solos, this show will appeal to all ages from 5to 105! The show will run from Tuesday 19th Nov. to Sat 23 Nov.7.30pm at The Galtres Centre.Tickets £10 adults £5 children under 16. The Galtres Centre Box office open Monday to Friday 9am. to 5pm. Tel: 01347 822472. Theatre Trips We run regular theatre trips with transport from door to door. For more information, contact Ian Hall at lizian@applegarth17.fsnet.co.uk. October 2013 “West Side Story”at Leeds Grand April 2014 “The Lion King” at Bradford Alhambra. May 2014 “War Horse” at Sunderland Empire.
April 2014 Production “Classic Comedies” Read through and auditions in December-date to be announced. Help both backstage and Front of House is needed. The Players are a friendly group and rehearsals take place each Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm. in The Galtres Centre. For further information please feel free to contact the Secretary. Susan Rinaldi- Butcher, 01347 822733.
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Blue Cross Update Blue Cross fundraising activities
Thanks to everyone who came along to our summer fun day in August. It was lovely to see some of the dogs we cared for at the centre looking so happy with their new owners. The day was a great success, despite the showers. We saw over 450 attendees coming along and 100 dogs entering the dog show classes. We raised over £2,400 on the day which was amazing and we are really grateful to our local supporters who came along. We also offered free dog microchipping at the event and were very happy to see 56 dogs come along to be fitted with the special identification device. It is so important for pets to be microchipped as it is the best way to reunite you with them if they become lost. Megan (Above) She is a four-year-old fun Labrador looking for a home where she can continue her training programme. She loves her Don’t forget – if your pet food so has been keen to work for her tasty treats. is microchipped and you move house or your contact details change you must contact the database Firstly, all Blue Cross animals are given a full vet check-up. Making sure to update your records as it doesn’t happen automatically. important vaccinations, flea and worming treatment are all up to date. Blue Cross is a registered charity and we do not receive any government Pets are also neutered before they go to a new home (if old enough for the funding and rely on your support at events like this to continue our vital procedure) to prevent more unwanted litters. Every animal is also carefully assessed to find out what sort of home environment they have been used work to care for pets and find them all loving homes. to, their personality traits and what they would need in their new home. People looking for a new pet are asked to fill out a ‘Homefinder’ form so Why not come along to our next fundraising event? We will be hosting that their lifestyle and type of pet they are looking for can be matched a coffee morning at Northallerton Town Hall on 13 November, between to the pets at the centre and first introductions can be made. Blue Cross 9am and 1pm. Find out more about our work, the homeless pets currently are there for new owners for the rest of the pet’s lifetime if they need any needing new homes and the volunteering opportunities if you have any advice on any aspect of their pet’s behaviour. spare time - both at the centre or how you can help us from home. .............................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................. You can see all the pets needing homes on our Thinking of getting a pet? website: www.bluecross.org.uk. If you would like to find out more please contact the centre in Thirsk on If you are considering taking on a pet please come and see us. We always 0300 777 1540, email thirsk@bluecross.org.uk, or have lots of special cats and dogs who really deserve to be living a healthy join us on Facebook life in a happy home and there are many benefits to taking on a pet from Blue Cross.
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Keeping cats and dogs safe this Bonfire Night • Make sure your dog or cat always has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and has access to this place at all times. For example this could be under some furniture or in a cupboard. • During firework seasons, walk dogs during daylight hours and keep cats and dogs indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off. • At nightfall close windows and curtains and put on music to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks. • If your pet shows any signs of fear try to ignore their behaviour. Leave them alone unless they are likely to harm themselves. • Never punish or fuss over your pet when it’s scared as this will only make things worse in the long run. • Make sure your cat or dog is always kept in a safe and secure environment and can’t escape if there’s a sudden noise. Have your pet microchipped in case they do escape.
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Gardens
of the National Trust
I know of no other organisation which has such a range of houses and gardens open to the public as the National Trust. For the sum of £55.50 per year one can obtain free entry into the grounds and houses administered by the Trust. The properties are listed county by county in the Trust’s Handbook, sent to all Members annually. Whether you are at home or on holiday, there will doubtless be a property or two near you. The Home Counties abound with such properties. Polesden Lacey and Claremont gardens in Surrey, and Petworth House and Wakehurst Place in Sussex. Polesden Lacey was once owned by Mrs Ronnie Greville, a Society hostess in Edwardian times, and was where King George VI and his bride Queen Elizabeth spent their honeymoon. It has handsome herbaceous borders and beautiful views. Claremont is the earliest landscape garden in England, worked on by the landscape gardeners Charles Bridgeman and William Kent. It is not far from London, so can be visited from there in an afternoon. It boasts a lake, a turf Amphitheatre and grotto. Petworth house has a large landscape garden designed by Capability Brown and painted by Turner, while Wakehurst Place also in Sussex, is another large landscape garden laid out in the early years of this century by Lord Wakehurst. The gardens of Sissinghurst Castle near Goudhurst in Kent, and Hidcote Manor in the northern part of the Cotswolds, are over visited, and one has to obtain a timed ticket. Sissinghurst, laid out by Vita Sackville West and her husband Harold Nicholson, is a magnificent formal garden divided into a series of ‘rooms’ separated by high yew hedges, each with a separate theme. Amongst them are the cottage garden and white garden, which is filled with white flowers, so that the atmosphere is unreal and dreamlike. I cannot think of anywhere more romantic than the gardens of Scotney Castle, not because of their planting, but because of the romantic stone ruin of the mediaeval castle which acts as a backdrop to the numerous rhododendrons which flower in the spring. This was created by the writer Christopher Hussey during the early years of the last century. The gardens of Hidcote Manor like Sissinghurst, are laid out in a succession of ‘rooms’, each with a separate theme. Here, there is a central walk flanked by hedges, leading to a view of the Bredon Hills, the ‘rooms’ leading off it. They include the bog garden and Mrs Winthrop’s garden. Its creator, an Anglophile American named Major Lawrence Johnston financed expeditions of planthunters such as George Forrest and in return, received a number of new plant introductions from China and Japan, of which one is Primula Forrestii. Because of this there is a plethora of rare plants. Do not linger too long in this wonderful garden for there is another garden next door, Kiftsgate Manor, privately owned and famous for its gigantic Rose ‘Kiftsgate’. In the centre of England near Farringdon, is Buscot Park, laid out by Harold Peto for Lord Farringdon, in the early years of the twentieth century. Here there is a succession of formal pools with sculpture such as the ‘Boy With a Dolphin’ descending to a lake. Leading from the spine of the garden are woodland walks with shrubs beneath deciduous trees. A full afternoon is needed here, as there is much to see. As the garden is on different levels it is not for the fainthearted! Tearing oneself away from this magnificent design concept and travelling down to Somerset is Tintinhull, near Yeovil. Designed by Mrs Reiss in the 1920s, this is another formal garden with tall yew hedges and colourful borders beneath them. An enfilade of ‘rooms’ makes this garden one of formality. If you should find yourself in Wiltshire, near Melksham, there is a gem of a house, as well as a garden, called Great Chalfield Manor. I came across it completely by accident, and have never forgotten it.
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Hestercombe, a large garden in Somerset, is not owned by the National Trust, but so noteworthy that one cannot travel to Somerset without visiting it. This monumental garden, laid out as a series of ‘plats’ in Renaissance style, was originally laid out by Sir Edwin Lutyens while Gertrude Jekyll did the planting. Large drifts of Bergenia codifolia emphasis the formality of the garden. View this garden from the terraces to get the full panorama of the design. If you should find yourself in the north of England do not miss two magnificent gardens, one administered by the National Trust, the other – Wallingtonowned by the Trevelyan family. Cragside, as the name suggests, is laid out on a rocky hillside with paths leading from the house to the valley below. Cragside, built by Lord Armstrong, an armaments manufacturer in the late nineteenth century, was the first house to harness hydro-electric power to create the possibility of having electric light, an important innovation in an age when houses were lit by gas or oil. Wallington is famous for its terraces and a collection of interesting trees and shrubs, is near Morpeth, while another garden in Northumberland – Sizergh Castle – the home of the Strickland family since the fourteenth century, has descending rock gardens on a series of terraces. National Trust gardens are open from spring (usually March or April) to October. Look in the Handbook for details of opening times, and do not forget to wear stout walking shoes! DIANA BASKERVYLE-GLEGG
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Stay Safe
this Autumn
With the days getting darker earlier, now is a good time to think about what you can do to keep yourself and your property safe. Follow our simple crime prevention tips. • Avoid leaving keys and valuables on display near doors or windows. • Always lock windows and doors before you go out or go to bed. • Store bins and gardening equipment securely so they can’t be used to break into
your house. • Lock away valuable garden equipment and secure your shed. • Use timer switches to turn lights on and off if you go away, to give the illusion
someone is home. • Consider fitting intruder alarms, door chains, a spy hole and external lights. • Security mark valuable items and keep receipts somewhere safe. • Always check the ID of cold callers – consider fitting a door chain or spy hole.
Darker evenings - be safe, be seen
With darker mornings and evenings, take extra care when you are out and about on foot or bike. • Stay visible - wear bright, reflective clothing if you’re out walking. • Fit reflectors and lights to your bike - this is a legal requirement. • Keep to busy, well-lit areas. • If you drive, use appropriate lights so you are clearly visible to other road
users. ** Remember, the clocks go back on Sunday 27th October**
Stay Safe this Halloween Halloween is a fun time for some but also a worrying time for others, particularly vulnerable people. If you have young children: • Never let young children go trick or treat-
ing on their own. • Make sure they only visit people known to
your family.
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If you have older children: • Make sure they are not going to be using
alcohol, flour or eggs. • Make it clear, if a ‘no trick or treat’ sign is
displayed, they should leave straightaway. • Advise them to stay in a group and never
go into the home of someone they don’t know. • Make sure they understand they must not
frighten people.
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There are thousands of reasons to advertise with us... Low North Cowton Entercommon
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Boiler & Oil Tank Servicing Johnsons Heating: p6 Oilforce: p33
Builders & Contractors
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Garden / Outdoor Services
Joinery
Entertainment
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Clock Tower Dental: p15 Dust Farm: p13 Printing.com: p13 The Specialists: p14
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Events
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Fashion & Clothing Humphrey & Tilly: p3 Well Heeled: p12
Finance & Legal
Askham Tax & Accountantcy: p32 Coles Solicitors: p1 Eura Audit UK: p5 Mowatt Financial Planning: p14 NFU Thirsk: p1
Firewood
Brian Pask Hardwood Logs: p29 PJ Taylor Forestry: p29
York
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Hair & Beauty
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Healthcare & Wellbeing Clock Tower Dental: p15 Holistic Therapies: p14
Hire
Highfield Marquees: p10 Jacksons Plant Hire: p1 Moss’s Motors: p18 Sutton Village Hall: p19
History
Footprints to the Past: p11
Home & Interiors
Brian Jones Upholstery: p4 Dales of Thirsk: p7 Easingwold Bathrooms: p3
Howdens Joinery: p31 Jason Hammond Joinery: p8
Kitchen & Bathroom Design
Dales of Thirsk: p7 Easingwold Bathrooms: p3 Holme Design: p2 Howdens Joinery: p31 Knaresborough Kitchen Company: p35 Nigel Atkinsons Bathroom Emporium: p5 Pond Cottage of Stillington: p5 Rooms By Design: p9 Treske Ltd: p36
Motoring
Moss’s Motors: p18 Station Autos: p31
Pets & Animals
Skeldale Vets: p7
Plumbing
Johnsons Heating: p6 Oilforce: p33
Property Maintenance
A Turner Electrical: p8 AMR Locksmiths: p28 Cloudy 2 Clear: p33 Handy Andy: p32 Jason Hammond Joinery: p8 The Flat Roof Company: p26 Value Doors: p32
Property Sales
Hunters Easingwold: p2
Safety
North Yorkshire Fire Service: p29 North Yorkshire Road Safety: p30
Socialising
Good Company Yorkshire: p19
Solar Power
Peak Power Systems: p31
Sports & Leisure Northern Angling: p4
Weddings
Bridal Factory Outlet: p15 Highfield Marquees: p10 Lamb Inn Rainton: p17 The Wedding Affair: p18
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Dist: w/c 18th November Copy: 24th October
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